WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 21-27 April 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 6
Boonstra, R., C. J. Krebs and D. G. Reid (In Press). "Studying small mammal population dynamics: Advice to consider and pitfalls to avoid - a 60-year overview." Canadian Journal of Zoology. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2024-0191
Abstract: We consider what we and others have learned and the mistakes that we have made in the last 60 years of research on small mammal population dynamics. We consider all mammals < 5 kg as small mammals, covering more than 3200 species including among others, mice, voles, lemmings, gerbils, guinea pigs, muskrats, shrews, squirrels, and hares, but not bats, in ecosystems globally. We start by emphasizing the necessity of posing a good question and what that means scientifically on one or more species or populations of small mammals. We consider the study design, the choice of the study area, the methods of population estimation, the necessity of measuring demographic parameters on births, deaths, and movements, the limitations of enclosure experiments, the problems faced by field experiments to test specific hypotheses, and the need to acquire social licence. By being self-critical we hope to encourage a new round of studies of small mammal populations that will avoid pitfalls, illuminate hypotheses not yet tested properly, and forge new directions.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 6
Cray, C., J. Soto, M. Hyatt, E. Christiansen, K. Lyons and J. Wyffels (In Press). "Capillary zone and agarose plasma protein electrophoresis in the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus)." Frontiers in Veterinary Science 12, e1580744. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1580744
Abstract: Protein electrophoresis is a tool used in the health assessments of non-mammalian vertebrates.In elasmobranchs, agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) has been described in various species and a newer method called capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) has been developed and implemented in the undulate skate (Raja undulata) and nursehound shark (Scyliorhinus stellaris). The study goals were to implement AGE and CZE methods on plasma samples from the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) and examine differences in resolution as well as to calculate reference intervals (RI). Plasma was obtained from aquarium sharks (n = 23) and freeranging sharks (n=62) sampled during field research conducted from 2017-2023. As with previous reports, CZE was found to provide superior resolution with definition of two major globulin migrating fractions compared to AGE. Overall, the alpha and beta migrating fractions were well correlated between the methods (r = 0.92, 0.89, respectively, p < 0.0001). The correlation for the gamma fraction was weaker (r = 0.42, p = 0.002) as the CZE fraction was lower in concentration versus AGE. There were minor, but significant, differences between the concentration of some of the fractions in samples from sharks under managed care versus freeranging animals which necessitated the production of two sets of RI. In total, this information may help in further studies to address the applicability of these tools in the management of this species under human care as well as in health assessments of free-ranging sharks.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 6
García-Núñez, C., F. Rada, A. Quevedo-Rojas, ... and E. Vilanova (2025). "A multi-scale ecological approach for the conservation and restoration of Venezuelan Andean cloud forests". In N. Clerici, Ed., Conservation of Andean Forests, 127-157. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-80805-0_6
Abstract: The Andean eco-region of South America is one of the most prominent biodiversity hotspots in the world, which can be attributed to the multiplicity of heterogeneous environments largely driven by a complex of latitudinal and altitudinal gradients. An important feature of this landscape is the presence of the diverse and structurally complex Andean cloud forests (ACFs), which are fundamental in the provision of ecosystem services, mainly linked to water provision and regulation and protection against erosion, ability to absorb and store a substantial amount of carbon in the form of soil organic matter (SOM) and plant biomass, and high levels of biodiversity and endemism. In this chapter, we focus on the Venezuelan Andes to review an important body of work on how these ecosystems function and their current conservation state. We also explore how this accumulated knowledge can provide guidelines for conservation, restoration and adaptation planning. We reviewed ecological studies conducted at different spatial scales, from the landscape to plant levels, to describe the main structural and functional characteristics of the Andean cloud forests in Venezuela. Andean cloud forests in Venezuela are well represented in the protected area system of the country, mainly National Parks. Despite deforestation rates being relatively stable and low (0.1% per year) in recent years, a great proportion of this area is distributed within a mosaic of small fragments (often <10 ha) with strong edge effects from the surrounding grassland matrix. In general, the small forest patches tend to be dominated by species described as early successional colonizers of gaps. Studies of ecosystem processes have shown that replacing forests with pastures limits the ability to regulate water flows, diminishing fog catchment, soil water storage and deep drainage. Long-term forest dynamics studies show how elevation and low temperatures are key drivers of a “slow dynamics” and therefore relatively low turnover rates, also implying a slow rate of recovery from disturbances. Recent investigations on shade tolerance of cloud forest tree species and their associated ecophysiological properties, showed a great potential for the planning of restoration practices based on a functional approach.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 6
Langstroth, R. P., M. Herrera, G. Callapa, ... and R. B. Wallace (2025). "First records of Tropidurus madeiramamore Carvalho, Paredero, Villalobos-Chaves, Ferreira, Rodrigues & Curcio, 2024 (Squamata, Tropiduridae) from Bolivia." Check List 21(2), 467-474. https://doi.org/10.15560/21.2.467
Abstract: This note reports the first country records of Tropidurus madeiramamore Carvalho, Paredero, Villalobos-Chaves, Ferreira, Rodrigues & Curcio, 2024 for Bolivia, all northern Beni Department, extending the range by some 300 km to the west of earlier records, clarifying the status of specimens previously reported in the literature as Tropidurus oreadicus Rodrigues, 1987, and providing comments on the biogeographic and conservation values of the Amazonian savannas of the Beni.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 6
Lehnert, M., A. Tejedor, M. Kessler, W. D. Rodríguez Duque and L. F. Giraldo Gallego (2025). "A reassessment of the Neotropical Cyathea pungens complex (Cyatheaceae) " European Journal of Taxonomy 988, 1-57. https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.988.2883
Abstract: Cyathea pungens, a widespread Neotropical scaly tree fern, is reassessed taxonomically. Based on extensive field observations in South America and the Caribbean, and comparative studies of herbarium specimens and online resources, we define C. pungens as a mainly Amazonian species that extends into the Caribbean but neither beyond west of the Andes nor into the Brazilian Mata Atlantica. Records from west of the Colombian Cordillera Oriental belong to other species, which differ slightly but consistently in the laminar indument (i.e., abundance and color of bullate squamules, and presence of hairs variable vs constant) and prevailing pinnule shape (with only obtuse tips vs acute and obtuse tips). The weak differences in the specimens are generally corroborated by different appearances in the field (i.e., shape of the blades, and number of pinnae) and preferred elevational ranges. The distributions of C. pungens and C. oblonga overlap in the area of the Guyana shield, but C. oblonga is also found along the Caribbean coast and northern lowlands of Colombia and Venezuela. Both species are rarely found above 1000 m and are largely replaced in the mountains by C. klotzschiana (Colombian Cordillera Oriental, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Venezuelan coastal ranges) and C. pastazensis (Colombian Cordillera Central and Occidental as well as eastern Andean slopes of Ecuador). To this group further belongs C. dombeyi from the Andes of Peru and Bolivia, and the reinstated C. pycnocarpa and C. floribunda from Peru and Bolivia. Several additional species are tentatively placed in this group: the northern Andean C. squamata, the Guayanan C. neblinae, Brazilian C. praecincta and Andean C. werffii.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 6
Vela-Vargas, I. M., R. Soto Jose, S. M. G. Kibria Abu, et al. (In Press). "Perception clouding reality? Interactions and opportunities for Andean bear conservation in Colombia." Human Dimensions of Wildlife. https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2025.2497283
Abstract: Habitat loss due to human production practices is one of the main threats that promote negative interactions between humans and Andean bears. These interactions affect the economic incomes of ranchers and generate negative perceptions toward the species, which can lead to retaliatory killings. We aim to characterize conflict drivers, assess perceptions, and evaluate willingness to accept hypothetical conservation scenarios for Andean bears in the eastern range of Colombia. A total of 145 interviews were made, with a positive response rate of 84%. Declining participation was because of negative past experiences. Driver of negative interactions was the lack of cattle surveillance. Ranchers preferred developing conservation projects not paying for the loss of cattle, showing a higher willingness to accept conservation projects that include their knowledge of livestock practices. Identification of drivers of negative human-wildlife interactions and the generation of potential management scenarios are a priority for the facilitation of coexistence between humans and Andean bears.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 14-20 April 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 12
Arnal, A., R. E. Gozlan, N. Charbonnel, ..., C. Walzer et al. (2025). "Leveraging small biodiversity reserves to prevent zoonotic disease: Insights from dilution effect and pathogen adaptation theories." Disease Biology, Genetics, and Socioecology 1(2), e6. https://doi.org/10.53941/dbgs.2025.100006
Abstract: In today’s landscape of zoonotic pathogen outbreaks, the dilution effect theory, i.e., the theory that greater biodiversity can help curb pathogen transmission among wildlife, has gained significant attention. However, the positive link between animal diversity and pathogen richness urges us to apply this concept with caution. It is crucial to explore how conservation biology can safeguard human health by preventing the emergence of zoonotic diseases. By investigating the implications of conservation strategies on animal communities and pathogen transmission as well as the adaptive capabilities of pathogens, we propose that biodiversity conservation based on small reserves can effectively reduce pathogen spread in wildlife, provided certain measurable conditions are met. Given the urgent need to tackle both zoonoses disease emergence and biodiversity loss, these interventions should be prioritized and implemented without delay.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 12
Caulkett, N. and C. Walzer (2025). "Wild sheep and goats." In G. West, D. Heard and N. Caulkett, Eds., Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia, Third Edition, 1147-1154. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119539278.ch55
Abstract: Helicopter darting and free-range stalking of animals are the major methods used to facilitate drug delivery in wild sheep and goats. Like all other ungulates, sheep and goats are prone to ruminal tympany and regurgitation during anesthesia. Wild sheep and goats often inhabit mountainous terrain. Capture work in this type of terrain must be carefully planned to avoid trauma to the animal during induction of anesthesia. Sheep and goats are prone to hypoxemia during anesthesia, particularly if alpha-2 agonists have been used as part of the anesthetic protocol. Hyperthermia is another potential complication that may be encountered during capture and anesthesia. It is difficult to prevent ruminal tympany or regurgitation in free-ranging animals. Maintenance in sternal recumbency may help to prevent or treat ruminal tympany. Blood pressure monitoring should be considered if the animal is to be maintained with volatile anesthesia.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 12
Collins, T., K. Jog, S. Plön and G. Braulik (2025). "Atlantic and Indian Ocean humpback dolphins Sousa teuszii (Kükenthal, 1892) and S. plumbea (Cuvier, 1829)." In T. A. Jefferson, Ed., Ridgway & Harrison's Handbook of Marine Mammals Volume 1: Coastal Dolphins and Porpoises, 109-154. Cambridge, MA: Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-13746-4.00004-4
Abstract: This chapter provides comprehensive reviews of Atlantic humpback dolphins (Sousa teuszii) and Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea). Major themes of the chapter include taxonomy, systematics, ecology, morphometrics, genetics and physiology, as well as issues relevant to their conservation and management. It builds on the first edition of the Handbook, with considerably more information becoming available for both species in the intervening period, including the taxonomic revision of S. plumbea as a distinct species separate from the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (S. chinensis). Both species have very wide ranges, with the Atlantic humpback dolphin occurring exclusively along the Atlantic coasts of Africa from Morocco to Angola, and the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin occurs along the coasts of the Indian Ocean from False Bay in South Africa to Sri Lanka, incorporating the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea and many islands. Both species also occur exclusively in a range of tidally dynamic shallow water habitats, typically within the 20m isobath and within a few kilometres of shore. While the two species broadly share many ecological and physiological characteristics, they are significantly distinct in many other ways, including in terms of genetics, morphometrics, behaviour and diets. The nearshore niches of both species make them extremely vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures, and available data indicate that their modern population sizes are small, and that in many areas they are either declining or absent. Major threats include fisheries bycatches and coastal development across much of their ranges, with other poorly studied threats like pollution likely contributing to their decline. In some areas these species are also utilised for food by growing coastal populations. Management actions will need to be sustained across decades in order to conserve both species.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 12
Finch, A., N. M. Vora, L. Hassan, C. Walzer et al. (In Press). "The promise and compromise of the WHO Pandemic Agreement for spillover prevention and One Health." The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00632-4
Abstract: As scientists, health professionals, and lawyers engaged in reducing pandemic spillover risks, we recognise the urgent need for, and immense potential of, a robust international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. However, a critical challenge remains in balancing the need for ambitious prevention measures with the practical realities of implementation, particularly given resource constraints.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 12
Kock, R., A. Fine, A. Caron, ..., M. Pruvot, E. Shiilegdamba et al. (2025). "PPR infection crossing between domestic and wild hoofed mammals: Does this matter for virus eradication?" In M. Munir and M. Abubakar, Eds., Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus, 99-127. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82214-8_6
Abstract: The epidemiological role of wildlife in peste des petits ruminants (PPR) has been recently confirmed by (1) emerging evidence for infection and epidemics in wild populations, especially following spillover of virus from domestic to wild species at the wildlife and livestock interface; (2) extensive evidence for PPR-induced pathology in wildlife species; and (3) spread of virus across landscapes independently of livestock. However, the pathogenesis of the virus in wildlife species and risk factors for disease remain poorly understood, whilst its impact on wildlife populations should not be underestimated and adds justification for its eradication. Nowadays, with a few exceptions, susceptible wildlife species mostly occur in remnant small populations, surviving in protected areas or remote isolated pockets, amounting to rarely more than tens of thousands of individuals, a situation that contrasts with the ubiquitous abundant domestic sheep and goat populations which occur in billions. In the context of an appropriate intensive small ruminant vaccination programme, infected wildlife should therefore not prevent the elimination of the virus from ecosystems. Exceptionally, some wildlife populations might provide an alternative transmission pathway for the virus to, and between, small domestic ruminants and potentially be part of the maintenance community for the virus (i.e. PPR episystems). In these cases, wildlife may be required to be incorporated more specifically into strategies for eradication using approaches that limit impacts on wildlife species conservation. In fact, wildlife and perhaps some atypical domestic animal hosts will provide useful sentinels during the process of eradication and should be a part of surveillance activities for PPR, enhancing the process to elimination. Before this can be done effectively, validated test protocols for identifying PPR antibodies in the sera of wildlife and atypical domestic host species need to be established. Whether the situation will be similar to rinderpest, where wildlife disease was not controlled and burned out in the absence of virus spillover from livestock, remains uncertain, whilst evidence is building to support this hypothesis. Eradication campaigns should move as rapidly as possible along the pathway for both reasons of livestock economy and conservation of biodiversity.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 12
Mama, K. R. and C. Walzer (2025). "Camelids." In G. West, D. Heard and N. Caulkett, Eds., Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia, Third edition, 1055-1068. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119539278.ch50
Abstract: This chapter provides information relevant to the anesthetic management of camelids so as to maximize chances of a favorable outcome. Fasting prior to general anesthesia is recommended to minimize regurgitation, aspiration, and bloating. Intravenous catheterization and endotracheal intubation have historically been considered challenging in camelids. The most common site for venous access in camelids is the jugular vein. Regional and general anesthetic techniques may be used in camelids. Although the occasional patient may have a violent recovery, in general, camelids recover well from anesthesia. While efficacy of local and regional anesthetic techniques is reported in camelids, there is very little published regarding benefits or side effects of systemically administered analgesics in these animals. Monitoring anesthetic depth in camelids can be challenging as they maintain ocular reflexes at seemingly all planes of anesthesia. As with monitoring, supportive care should be related to the patient's needs, with some exceptions.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 12
Paredes, R., S. J. Insley, S. Luque and P. Korstalo (2025). "Thick-Billed Murres Uria lomvia at Cape Parry, Northwest Territories: Core-use areas, morphometrics and chick diets." Marine Ornithology 53(1), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.53.1.1631
Abstract: Cape Parry is home to the only colony of Thick-billed Murres Uria lomvia in the western Canadian Arctic, but ecological information for this small, isolated population is lacking. To address this information gap, we investigated the spatial distribution, diving behaviour, diet, and morphometrics of male and female Cape Parry Thick-billed Murres during the breeding season. We tracked 23 chick-rearing adults (seven females and 16 males) using Global Positioning System (GPS) tags with depth sensors (2021) and collected chick diet data (2021, 2022) using observations and photos. Cape Parry murres foraged relatively close to the colony (4.5 ± 3.3 km) and mostly within the marine boundaries of the Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (ANMPA). Core-use foraging areas (50% utilization distribution [UD] of dive locations) and diving depths (up to 70 m) coincided with the relatively shallow waters near Cape Parry. There was no difference between sexes in foraging locations, but there was a clear difference between sexes in foraging times, as has been reported in other studies. Dive bouts at night, mostly performed by males, consisted of more frequent, shallower dives compared with daylight diving. Dive bout duration and calculation of murre diving efficacy suggest foraging effort (“time spent feeding”) was similar between day and night. Adults delivered fish up to 142 mm in length to their chicks, with a majority (81%‒90%) consisting of pelagic Arctic Cod Boreogadus saida, benthic Daubed Shanny Leptoclinus maculatus, and benthic Sandlance Ammodytes spp., with a higher proportion of Artic Cod delivered in 2022 compared to 2021. Morphometric measurements placed Cape Parry females closer to Atlantic than Pacific colonies, and Cape Parry males were positioned between the two geographic groups. In summary, this study provides the first spatial and foraging ecology data for the Cape Parry population of Thick-billed Murres, which is crucial for management and evaluating the adequacy of the ANMPA in supporting this species.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 8 of 12
Plot, V., V. Estrade, J. Martin, T. Rostaing, T. Collins, and V. Dulau (2025). “Assessing marine traffic and related pressures and threats to cetacean populations to support vessel management in the Mascarene Important Marine Mammal Area.” Marine Policy 176, e106632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106632
Abstract: The global growth of marine traffic, among many growing anthropogenic threats, is of particular concern for marine mammals. Assessing the co-occurrence of marine traffic and cetacean distributions provide useful information for understanding the spatial extent and level of pressures and threats posed by vessels. Regional and local marine traffic is increasing within the territorial waters of Réunion Island, included in the Mascarenes Important Marine Mammal Area. This study provides the first description of the spatial distribution of vessels within these waters using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and provides an assessment of the pressures and threats vessels may pose to five cetacean species (the spinner dolphin, the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, the common bottlenose dolphin, the pantropical spotted dolphin and the humpback whale). We found that vessels occurred in all Réunion waters and identified two highly-used shipping corridors on either side of the island. Our results highlighted areas of potential threats from marine traffic for each of the five species. These areas mostly mirrored their preferential core habitats, which raises concerns, especially for the resident and most vulnerable species. Given the increase in marine traffic in the western Indian Ocean region, this study provides additional information in support of an ongoing French initiative to implement an “Area to Be Avoided” in Réunion waters, in order to improve safety and security while also benefiting to cetacean conservation.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 9 of 12
Sullivan, M. J. P., O. L. Phillips, D. Galbraith, ..., E. Vilanova et al. (2025). "Variation in wood density across South American tropical forests." Nature Communications 16(1), e2351. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56175-4
Abstract: Wood density is a critical control on tree biomass, so poor understanding of its spatial variation can lead to large and systematic errors in forest biomass estimates and carbon maps. The need to understand how and why wood density varies is especially critical in tropical America where forests have exceptional species diversity and spatial turnover in composition. As tree identity and forest composition are challenging to estimate remotely, ground surveys are essential to know the wood density of trees, whether measured directly or inferred from their identity. Here, we assemble an extensive dataset of variation in wood density across the most forested and tree-diverse continent, examine how it relates to spatial and environmental variables, and use these relationships to predict spatial variation in wood density over tropical and sub-tropical South America. Our analysis refines previously identified east-west Amazon gradients in wood density, improves them by revealing fine-scale variation, and extends predictions into Andean, dry, and Atlantic forests. The results halve biomass prediction errors compared to a naïve scenario with no knowledge of spatial variation in wood density. Our findings will help improve remote sensing-based estimates of aboveground biomass carbon stocks across tropical South America.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 10 of 12
Trabue, Sarah G., Melinda L. Rekdahl, Carissa D. King-Nolan and Howard C. Rosenbaum (2025). "New York timeshare: Staggered habitat use of small cetaceans in the New York–New Jersey Harbour estuary." Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 35(4), e70115. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70115
Abstract: Sympatric species that occupy similar niches use a variety of strategies to minimise competitive exclusion. Bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises are both small cetaceans that occur in coastal areas and, in many areas where there is overlap, have been shown to use the habitat in different ways or at different times. In the New York–New Jersey Harbour Estuary (NY–NJ Harbour Estuary), bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises are found seasonally. We used passive acoustic monitoring to compare the acoustic presence of dolphins and porpoises from October 2018 to October 2020 in the NY–NJ Harbour Estuary, which revealed spatiotemporal differences in habitat use between the two species. The peak in acoustic presence for bottlenose dolphins occurred during summer and autumn, while porpoises were primarily detected during winter and spring. Porpoises were more acoustically active during the daytime, with some variability across months, while dolphins were consistently more active at night. Generally, dolphins were more commonly detected than porpoises, but porpoises were detected more often in the Upper Bay where bottlenose dolphin detections were rare. Dolphins and porpoises were more acoustically active around ebb and slack tides, respectively. Establishing baselines for species occurrence and identifying possible ecological influences on spatiotemporal patterns is important and time-sensitive given current and forthcoming anthropogenic activities, including activities related to offshore wind development.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 11 of 12
Walzer, C. (2025). "Nondomestic equids." In G. West, D. Heard and N. Caulkett, Eds., Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia, Third edition, 965-976. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119539278.ch45
Abstract: The Equidae family encompasses the zebras, asses, and horses. The anatomy and physiology of the wild equids is similar to that of their domesticated counterparts. When long-term sedation is required, as during a transport process, this is best achieved using one of the long-acting neuroleptics. This group of drugs can be used to reduce anxiety and stress during long-distance translocation, and for reintroduction into novel enclosures and habitats. The agent of choice for wild equid immobilization and anesthesia is the potent opiate etorphine. The opiates interact in the central nervous system with stereo-specific and satuarble receptors. Although not currently available, carfentanil has been extensively studied as an immobilizing agent for nondomestic equids. Thiafentanil is a potential alternative to carfentanil and etorphine in situations where etorphine is difficult to obtain.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 12 of 12
zu Ermgassen, P. S. E., T. A. Worthington, J. R. Gair, ..., A. S. Lobo et al. (2025). "Mangroves support an estimated annual abundance of over 700 billion juvenile fish and invertebrates." Communications Earth & Environment 6(1), e299. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02229-w
Abstract: Mangroves are a critical habitat that provide a suite of ecosystem services and support livelihoods. Here we undertook a global analysis to model the density and abundance of 37 commercially important juvenile fish and juvenile and resident invertebrates that are known to extensively use mangroves, by fitting expert-identified drivers of density to fish and invertebrate density data from published field studies. The numerical model predicted high densities throughout parts of Southeast and South Asia, the northern coast of South America, the Red Sea, and the Caribbean and Central America. Application of our model globally estimates that mangroves support an annual abundance of over 700 billion juvenile fish and invertebrates. While abundance at the early life-history stage does not directly equate to potential economic or biomass gains, this estimate indicates the critical role of mangroves globally in supporting fish and fisheries, and further builds the case for their conservation and restoration.
Grey Literature Citations
Grey Literature Citation 1 of 3
Jang, N., S. Tablada, M. Vasquez, G. Surya, V. Rathbone, K. Jones and P. Elsen (2025). Climate Risk Profile: Belize. Winnipeg, Canada: International Institute for Sustainable Development, Wildlife Conservation Society and World Wide Fund for Nature. https://doi.org/10.19121/2025.Report.51664
Grey Literature Citation 2 of 3
Mander, Ü., J. Pärn, M. Espenberg, ..., D. Brugière et al. (2025). Greenhouse gas fluxes and microbiome in a peatland forest and peaty savanna in Epena, Republic of the Congo. EGU General Assembly 2025. Vienna, Austria: European Geosciences Union. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-7308
Grey Literature Citation 3 of 3
Vergara-Rodríguez, K., O. Heredia, C. Contreras, M. Glave, P. Naccarato and R. O. Rojas (2025). Infraestructura Sostenible en el Perú: Retos y Oportunidades para su Planificación. Lima, Peru: The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society, Peru and Grupo de Análisis para el Desarrollo (GRADE). https://library.wcs.org/en-us/Scientific-Research/Research-Publications/Publications-Library/ctl/view/mid/40093/pubid/DMX5165700000.aspx
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 7-13 April 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 4
Campagna, C., R. Condit, M. Ferrari, J. Campagna, ..., V. Falabella and M. N. Lewis (Early View). "Predicting population consequences of an epidemic of high pathogenicity avian influenza on southern elephant seals." Marine Mammal Science, e70009. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70009
Abstract: The colony of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at Península Valdés (Argentina) grew by 0.9% from 2000 to 2022, reaching a population of 18,000 reproductive females. In 2023, an epidemic of the High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1 virus led to the death of almost all pups and an unknown number of adults. We tested five scenarios that included complete pup mortality along with varying levels of adult mortality and reduced fertility. Newborn mortality had the smallest impact on the future population due to high natural mortality. Consequences of pup deaths will not appear until 2027, when those lost pups would have first reproduced. Scenarios including mature female mortality had more severe and immediate consequences, with a reduction in the breeding population in 2024 predicted to match the flu death rate. It took about 10 years for the population to readjust to the 2022 age distribution. In scenarios including adult mortality, it will take decades for the population to return to the 2022 level. The 2023 epidemic may thus reverse the conservation status of a population previously having no threats to continued growth.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 4
Detoeuf, D., E. de Lange, H. Ibbett, …, H. E. Kretser, …, and L. L. Choo (2025). “Gap analysis of social science resources for conservation practice.” Conservation Biology 39(2), e14463. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14463
Abstract: Conservation is an inherently social process—people collectively endeavor to enact conservation. Yet, in conservation social science, research methodologies, training, and competency are less common than in natural sciences. Globally, formal education and training in the social sciences are often unavailable or inaccessible to conservation practitioners, and nonformal education may help fill this gap. To identify potential opportunities, we implemented a global survey of practitioners to identify their knowledge gaps and social science training needs and conducted a gap analysis of available social science training resources. We compiled 449 resources, including 266 English-language and 183 non-English-languages resources into an open-access online database hosted by the Conservation Social Science Partnership. Resources were categorized as communication, data collection, ethics and human rights, intervention, impact evaluation, or analysis. Most resources were open access (90%) and half were specific to conservation practice. Survey responses (n = 90) revealed demand for help with data analyses, research ethics, and human rights considerations. We found a need for organization leaders to prioritize social sciences in conservation, greater diversity of accessible training resources in alternate mediums and languages, resources tailored to conservation contexts, and additional ethics and human rights and data analysis resources.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 4
Eversole, C. B., L. R. Rivas, R. L. Powell and R. B. Wallace (2025). "Westernmost range boundary and first records of Dryophylax hypoconia (Cope, 1860) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) from Bolivia." Check List 21(2), 413-419. https://doi.org/10.15560/21.2.413
Abstract: We present the first records of Dryophylax hypoconia (Cope, 1860) from Bolivia and discuss its range in South America. These are currently the westernmost records of this species and extends the known western range by ~900 km from the nearest known range boundary. There is a lack of information for D. hypoconia in the scientific literature, which is largely due to limited sampling across South America and taxonomic uncertainties within this taxon. Our report contributes to the distributional knowledge of this species and summarizes available data from the Bolivian portion of its range.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 4
Salom, A., L. Borrelli, D. Testoni, D. P. Ramos, A. R. Rey and F. Biganzoli (In Press). "Forage selection overlap between co-occurring introduced ungulates: Insights for conservation management of a Sub-Antarctic Island." Mammalian Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-025-00488-w
Abstract: The presence of exotic herbivores can have detrimental effects on insular ecosystems because it usually involves the introduction of a previously absent functional group. Understanding feeding behavior is crucial to manage potential impacts, as it provides valuable information on which species may be most susceptible to the actions of these herbivores. We estimated diet selection of introduced red deer (Cervus elaphus) and goats (Capra hircus) in western Isla de los Estados, Argentina. We conducted floristic surveys to assess plant composition and forage availability at the landscape level. We evaluated the diet of both ungulates through microhistological analysis of feces during two spring-summer seasons. Overall, we detected 44 plant taxa in their feces, representing 67.7% of the plant richness detected in the field. Diet composition was similar between species, including a wide range of vascular plants and two groups of non-vascular plants, though both were dominated by a few species of shrubs and forbs. Nonetheless, both species select grasses, predominantly found in marine tussock grasslands, and trees mainly found as seedlings and sapling in forests and stunted trees in wetlands. Our results suggest that the introduced species exhibit overlapping forage selection, possibly having negative synergic effects on forest and grassland regeneration. This is concerning as these grasslands are of great importance for seabirds’ reproduction. Our findings provide valuable information to develop management plans for the conservation of this unique island ecosystem.
Grey Literature Citations
Grey Literature Citation 1 of 2
Agnese, J.-F. (2025). Inventaire des Poissons du Lac Télé. Brazzaville, Congo: Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo. https://doi.org/10.19121/2025.Report.51634
Grey Literature Citation 2 of 2
Romani, T., B. Madzoke, V. Bomono, L. Tono and A. Dhingo (2025). Analyse du Rendement de la Chasse aux Crocodiles Nains dans Deux Villages de la Réserve Communautaire Du Lac Télé - Enquête 2024. Brazzaville, Congo: Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo. https://doi.org/10.19121/2025.Report.51643
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 31 March-6 April 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 5
Al-Husna, S., M. Wiriya and A. E. Mongga (2025). "Conservation science in Indonesia: Protecting the endangered species of the archipelago." Indonesia Discourse 2(1), 85-106. https://doi.org/10.15294/indi.v2i1.23036
Abstract: This study explores the field of conservation science in Indonesia, focusing on the protection of endangered species across the nation’s vast archipelago. As one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Indonesia faces immense challenges in conserving its unique flora and fauna, many of which are threatened by habitat loss, illegal poaching, and the effects of climate change. The research investigates the current conservation strategies employed in Indonesia, including efforts to establish protected areas, engage local communities, and enforce anti-poaching laws. Findings highlight the successes and limitations of these strategies, with some species seeing positive outcomes from concerted conservation efforts, while others continue to decline despite these interventions. Key challenges identified include inadequate funding, insufficient local engagement, and the ongoing conflict between development and conservation priorities. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive evaluation of Indonesia’s conservation landscape, considering both ecological and socio-political factors that influence conservation outcomes. Given Indonesia’s critical role in global biodiversity preservation, this research is timely and vital for informing future conservation policies and strategies. The study contributes to the broader discourse on biodiversity conservation by offering recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts, such as strengthening community-based initiatives, improving law enforcement, and fostering international collaboration to protect endangered species in Indonesia.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 5
Lynam, A. J., D. T. Cronin, S. Wich, ..., O. Torrico, V. Reyes, K. Sophalrachana et al. (In Press). "The rising tide of conservation technology: Empowering the fight against poaching and unsustainable wildlife harvest." Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 13, e1527976. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2025.1527976
Abstract: Market-driven poaching and unsustainable wildlife harvest has emerged as a significant driver of population decline for many species of plants and animals with Asian and African elephants, rhinos, parrots and pangolins among the higher profile species now threatened with extinction. Here we explore the emerging role of conservation technology in combating illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade, showcasing how innovative tools are revolutionizing the detection and disruption of wildlife trade with a focus on those that are available to frontline staff working to prevent poaching and trafficking from source sites. We consider the diverse array of technologies being deployed, from open-source software platforms, AI and mobile apps to cutting-edge hardware including camera traps, acoustic sensors, and remote sensing tools. These tools empower rangers, park staff, wildlife and fisheries inspectors, customs officials, police, and conservation practitioners with unprecedented capabilities to monitor threatened wildlife, detect illegal and unsustainable harvest activities, gather evidence, and support law enforcement interventions.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 5
McClanahan, T. R., J. K. Kosgei and A. T. Humphries (2025). "Fisheries sustainability eroded by lost catch proportionality in a coral reef seascape." Sustainability 17(6), e2671. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062671
Abstract: Coral reef and their ecological services of food production and shoreline protection are threatened by unsustainable use. To better understand their status, multiple approaches to estimating fisheries sustainability were compared, namely fisheries-independent stock biomass and recovery rates, fisheries-dependent landed catches, balanced harvest and gear use metrics, and fish length measurements. A community biomass recovery was established over a 45-year no-fishing stock recovery time series from seven fisheries reserves and compared to catch- and length-based estimates of sustainability. The logistic production rates (r = 0.09 ± 0.06 95% confidence interval (CI)) and maximum equilibrium total biomass (~150 ± 30 tons/km2) indicated a broad range of potential maximum sustainable yields, with a likely range of 1.1 to 3.9 (95% CI; mean = 3.8) tons/km2/year. In contrast, the mean annual linear biomass growth rates in reserves were lower but less variable than logistic surplus production estimates, ranging from 2.1 to 3.5 (mean = 2.8 tons/km2/year). Realized catches at landing sites were lower still, ranging from 1.43 to 1.52 (mean = 1.48 ± 0.2 tons/km2/y). Differences between production estimates and capture were largely attributable to changes in taxonomic composition and an imbalance in the estimated proportionality of production potential versus actual capture rates. Lost potential capture was likely due to differences in the vulnerability of taxa to fishing and a lack of compensatory increased production among fishing-resistant taxa. Large proportional losses of catch were measured among snappers, unicorn fish, sweetlips, goatfish, and soldierfish, while smaller proportional gains in the catch samples were found among resident herbivorous rabbitfish, parrotfish, and groupers. Many of these declining taxa have vulnerable schooling life histories that are likely to require special habitat and reserve characteristics. Evaluations of sustainability from length measurements found 17 or 7% of total and 12% of caught species had sample sizes minimally sufficient for evaluation (>30 individuals from 413 catches, 2284 captured individuals composed of 144 species) of length and spawning metrics of sustainability. Seven of these species met length-based and three met spawning potential ratio thresholds for sustainability. Consequently, length-based evaluations had poor species coverage and therefore we were unable to evaluate the sustainability of the larger fish community. Recommendations for future research include a better understanding of the consequences of variability in spillover and proportionality of production potential for sustainability. Management recommendations are to focus management on the recovery of species abundant in unfished locations but not contributing to fisheries yield.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 5
Nicholson, S., T. Aebischer, T. Asfaw, ..., L. Hunter, A. Laguardia et al. (2025). "Panthera leo (Green Status assessment)." The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species e.T15951A1595120251. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-2.RLTS.T15951A266696959.en
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 5
Sherpa, D. Y. (2025). "Challenging hegemonic water governance: Ontological plurality in Sikkim, India". In S. Leguizamon Grant, F. Mantz and M. Frame, Eds., Grassroots Responses to Extractivism: Case Studies from Around the World. New York: Bloomsbury Academic.
Prepublication Citations
Prepublication Citation 1 of 1
Wessling, E. G., L. Samuni, K. Koops, ... and C. Sanz (Prepublication). “Pathways from theory to practice: Applying animal cultures to conservation.” OSF Preprints. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/gpszb_v1
Abstract: Wildlife conservation has traditionally focused on the maintenance of population size, genetic diversity or habitat protection, with successes measured by stability or growth of population estimates, decrease in rates of population decline, and reduction of threats. However, the importance of preserving animal cultures and behavioral diversity is gaining traction, as they can contribute to the resilience and long-term survivability of species, with some socially learned behaviors likely promoting a species’ adaptive potential. Despite advances in both practices and policies within this domain, there are persistent practical questions about how cultural behaviors are relevant to the implementation of species conservation. Therefore, we propose a conceptual framework to facilitate the integration of animal culture into conservation management. First, as goals that provide overall direction for conservation efforts. Second, as targets that are identified as the specific units of focus to meet a conservation goal, including specific cultural behaviors or variants, the socio-ecological conditions that support them, behavioral diversity, and processes that sustain behavioral diversity within and across populations. Third, as tools that scientists and practitioners may employ to conserve targets or more generally to serve a conservation purpose related to a broader goal. We assess different targets and tools for their strengths and limitations in different conservation contexts, offering not a prescriptive solution, but rather a toolkit for applying this theoretical framework. To articulate these nuances, we demonstrate how such a multidimensional approach is actionable by providing examples from the conservation of the most well documented cultural species, the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). Preserving cultures and their diversity can significantly enhance conservation initiatives, particularly when aligned with efforts to empower local communities and promote more holistic conservation approaches. However, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to applying animal cultures to conservation, practitioners must carefully consider the nuances of their chosen goals and targets within their specific conservation contexts. This may involve determining if behaviors need to be cultural to warrant attention and if targeting cultural diversity might be more suitable to achieving their conservation goals. Ultimately, the toolkit we offer represents a major step forward in bridging cultural research and conservation practice, allowing practitioners to collaboratively navigate the appropriate paths towards an actionable framework for their taxon.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 24-30 March 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 9
Akash, M., T. Zakir, T. Saniat, A. Dheer and A. Srivathsa (2025). "No country for small cats: Systematic analysis of media-reported incidents unravel a troubled scenario for the fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus in Bangladesh." Global Ecology and Conservation 59, e03505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03505
Abstract: Several recent commentaries by conservationists underscore the inadequacy of scholarly investigations on the ecology and conservation of non-apex carnivores. This bias spells multi-arrayed challenges for carnivores living in anthropized landscapes. The globally Vulnerable fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) living across human-dominated South Asian wetlands exemplify this problem. Bangladesh, a densely populated, tenuous place for human-wildlife coexistence, constitutes ∼ 30 % of the fishing cat’s known distribution range. Based on systematic surveys of media reports (n = 361; 2005–2021), we implemented a novel application of predictive modeling to map fishing cat presence, and hotspots of human–fishing cat negative interactions across Bangladesh. The distribution of fishing cats was best explained by the extent of wetlands and dry-season precipitation. Negative interactions were associated with patchy mosaics of wetlands, croplands, and road networks. Around 47 % of the reported negative interactions were triggered by mere sightings of the cat and 26 % involved transactional costs. Chase-and-capture of the ‘problem’ animal ensued in > 50 % of reported cases; 26 % mentioned the use of traps or other gears. From 31 % of reports, we recorded 160 fishing cat mortality incidents, but no human fatalities. Our results show that around one-third of Bangladesh likely has breeding fishing cat populations; > 95 % of these regions are outside Protected Areas. We recommend formulating an action plan to strategize a redressal policy, enhance public perception of coexistence, and increase conservation units. We suggest applying this case study to other fishing cat range countries, or other carnivores in the Global South, where data deficiency and lack of systematic large-scale assessments often hinder conservation interventions.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 9
Bartlett, S. L., T. A. Seimon, B. L. Raphael, N. Lewis, B. R. Nightingale and B. Zarate (In Press). "Adenoviruses in wild bog turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) of the Northeastern USA." Journal of Wildlife Diseases. https://doi.org/10.7589/JWD-D-24-00112
Abstract: Bog turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) are critically endangered semiaquatic turtles inhabiting fens and bogs along the east coast of the US. Threats to their survival include habitat loss from development, roads, altered hydrology, ecological succession, proliferation of invasive plants, poaching, and infectious disease. In response to an increase in bog turtle mortality and concerns about their health, we assessed bog turtle health and pathogen prevalence across five states—New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland—between 2014 and 2022. Adenoviruses, specifically barthadenovirus, or atadenoviruses, siadenoviruses, and testadenoviruses, have been associated with infection and disease in chelonians. To determine whether adenoviruses were present in free-ranging bog turtle populations, we tested archived choanal-cloacal swabs by PCR. Overall, 26 (49%) of 53 pooled samples collected between 2014 and 2018 and 9 (30%) of 30 samples collected in 2022 were positive for adenovirus. The DNA sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed at least four distinct and novel lineages: Glyptemys adenovirus 1 (a testadenovirus first detected in Delaware and New Jersey in 2014 and in New York and Pennsylvania in 2016), Glyptemys adenovirus 2 (a testadenovirus detected in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in 2014), Glyptemys adenovirus 3 (an unclassified adenovirus detected in New Jersey in 2016), and Glyptemys adenovirus 4 (a siadenovirus detected in Maryland in 2016). None of these adenoviruses were associated with clinical signs or disease; however, knowledge of which pathogenic organisms are circulating in the bog turtle populations can inform decisions on monitoring, species recovery efforts, and captive breeding programs.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 9
Longo, M., M. Keller, L. M. Kueppers, ..., E. Rangel Pinagé et al. (In Press). "Degradation and deforestation increase the sensitivity of the Amazon Forest to climate extremes." Environmental Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/adc58c
Abstract: About 40% of the Brazilian Amazon has been deforested or suffered changes in forest structure through degradation (selective logging, fires, and fragmentation). The impact of forest degradation on the forest’s sensitivity to climate extremes has not been fully explored because of a lack of data and the complex interplay of forest structure and climate drivers. Here, we combined forest structure data from 541 airborne lidar transects (375 ha each) across the Brazilian Amazon with the Ecosystem Demography Model (ED2). We explore the forest’s functional response to near-present (1981-2019) climate extremes under observed forest structure from lidar (Control) and two forest structure change scenarios: (1) forest recovery by excluding all future deforestation and degradation (Recovery) and (2) expansion of selective logging and deforestation (Degradation). Using the Control simulation, we found a close and positive association between local forest aboveground biomass and the predicted gross primary productivity (GPP) and evapotranspiration (ET). Moreover, both GPP and ET respond negatively to extremes in vapor pressure deficit and downwelling shortwave irradiance in degraded forests in Eastern and Southern Amazon, indicating high sensitivity to droughts. Locally high-biomass forest patches showed little or no negative response of GPP and ET to extreme drought conditions whereas low-biomass forest patches in the same locations—typically degraded forest canopies—responded negatively to higher moisture stress. The results from the Recovery scenario showed similar results to simulations with observed structure; however, under the Degradation scenario, low-biomass forest patches became more abundant, resulting in more regions where GPP and ET are negatively impacted by hot drought conditions according to the ED2 model. Our results suggest that local forest structure is a critical determinant of an ecosystem’s response to climate variability, and that the loss of canopy trees in the Amazon through forest degradation could increase and expand forest vulnerability to droughts.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 9
McNeil, C., N. Divi, C. T. Bargeron Iv, ..., L. Keatts, ..., D. Montecino-Latorre, S. Olson et al. (2025). "Data parameters from participatory surveillance systems in human, animal, and environmental health from around the globe: Descriptive analysis." JMIR Public Health Surveillance 11, e55356. https://doi.org/10.2196/55356
Abstract: Background: Emerging pathogens and zoonotic spillover highlight the need for One Health surveillance to detect outbreaks as early as possible. Participatory surveillance empowers communities to collect data at the source on the health of animals, people, and the environment. Technological advances increase the use and scope of these systems. This initiative sought to collate information from active participatory surveillance systems to better understand parameters collected across the One Health spectrum. Objective: This study aims to develop a compendium of One Health data parameters by examining participatory surveillance systems active in 2023. The expected outcomes of the compendium were to pinpoint specific parameters related to human, animal, and environmental health collected globally by participatory surveillance systems and to detail how each parameter is collected. The compendium was designed to help understand which parameters are currently collected and serve as a reference for future systems and for data standardization initiatives. Methods: Contacts associated with the 60 systems identified through the One Health Participatory Surveillance System Map were invited by email to provide specific data parameters, methodologies used for data collection, and parameter-specific considerations. Information was received from 38 (63%) active systems. Data were compiled into a searchable spreadsheet-based compendium organized into 5 sections: general, livestock, wildlife, environmental, and human parameters. An advisory group comprising experts in One Health participatory surveillance reviewed the collected parameters, refined the compendium structure, and contributed to the descriptive analysis. Results: A comprehensive compendium of data parameters from a diverse array of single-sector and multisector participatory surveillance systems was collated and reviewed. The compendium includes parameters from 38 systems used in Africa (n=3, 8%), Asia (n=9, 24%), Europe (n=12, 32%), Australia (n=3, 8%), and the Americas (n=12, 32%). Almost one-third of the systems (n=11, 29%) collect data across multiple sectors. Many (n=17, 45%) focus solely on human health. Variations in data collection techniques were observed for commonly used parameters, such as demographics and clinical signs or symptoms. Most human health systems collected parameters from a cohort of users tracking their own health over time, whereas many wildlife and environmental systems incorporated event-based parameters. Conclusions: Several participatory surveillance systems have already adopted a One Health approach, enhancing traditional surveillance by identifying shared health threats among animals, people, and the environment. The compendium reveals substantial variation in how parameters are collected, underscoring the need for further work in system interoperability and data standards to allow for timely data sharing across systems during outbreaks. Parameters collated from across the One Health spectrum represent a valuable resource for informing the development of future systems and identifying opportunities to expand existing systems for multisector surveillance.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 9
O’Corry-Crowe, G., M. Ghazal, M. Gillespie, ..., L. Storrie and C. A. Watt (2025). "Use of tusks by narwhals, Monodon monoceros, in foraging, exploratory, and play behavior." Frontiers in Marine Science 12, e1518605. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1518605
Abstract: Despite the universal fascination with the tusk of the narwhal, the function of this long, spiraled tooth is still debated, primarily because few people have observed how narwhals (Monodon monoceros) use their tusks in the wild. Using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), we recorded previously unreported interactions between multiple narwhals, Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) in Canada’s High Arctic. Narwhals were recorded chasing char and using their tusks to hit, manipulate and influence the behavior of fish. Differences in tusk use likely reflected differences in behavioral intent with some actions associated with prey capture and others with exploration and likely play. Kleptoparasitic behavior by gulls when narwhals pursued char near the surface substantially reduced prey capture for narwhals. Associative and interactive behaviors among narwhals were linked to the ecological context including fish density and gull behavior. Some interactions appeared competitive in nature while others may have been communicative and affiliative. This study revealed that narwhals can use their tusks to investigate and manipulate objects, including prey, and deliver sufficient force with their tusks to stun and possibly kill fish. The speed and agility of char combined with kleptoparasitic behavior of gulls indicate that char may be a challenging species to predate while aspects of the narwhals’ actions may include social learning and exploration of a novel prey species, and are the first reported evidence of likely play, specifically exploratory-object play, in narwhals.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 9
Olarte-Castillo, X. A., A. B. Schlecht, P. P. Calle and G. R. Whittaker (2025). "An outbreak of canine coronavirus type 2 in captive snow leopards (Panthera uncia) demonstrates a possible role for felids as mixing vessels for alphacoronaviruses." IJID One Health 7, e100057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijidoh.2025.100057
Abstract: Objectives: Alphacoronavirus-1 comprises a set of viruses that are highly recombinogenic, including feline coronavirus (FCoV) type 2 (FCoV-2), a recombinant genotype of FCoV type 1, and canine coronavirus type 2 (CCoV-2). To understand the origin of novel recombinant variants, it is crucial to identify hosts susceptible to multiple alphacoronaviruses. The receptor for FCoV-2 and CCoV-2 is aminopeptidase N (APN), with the APN of the domestic cat allowing entry of FCoV-2 and CCoV-2. However, natural infection with CCoV-2 has been reported exclusively in canids. Methods: We investigated an outbreak of CCoV-2 in captive snow leopards (Panthera uncia). We assessed the genetic diversity of the APN of five wild Asian felid species to evaluate their susceptibility to CCoV-2 and FCoV-2. Results: The whole genome of CCoV-2 was sequenced from the feces of the snow leopards. It is closely related to pathogenic variants reported in domestic dogs in the United States and Europe. The APN of the wild felids is highly similar to the APN of the domestic cat. Conclusions: This study provides the first genetic evidence of CCoV-2 infection in a felid and predicts that wild felids may be susceptible to FCoV-2 and CCoV-2. Therefore, felids may play a central role in the emergence of recombinant alphacoronavirus.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 9
Rivas, L. R., R. B. Wallace and G. Callapa (2025). "Herpetofauna of the Great Tectonic Lakes of Exaltación, Beni Department, Bolivia." Reptiles & Amphibians 32(1), e21437. https://doi.org/10.17161/randa.v32i1.21473
Abstract: The Great Tectonic Lakes of Exaltación is a little-explored region of the Beni Department in Bolivia. During a multidisciplinary scientific expedition, we documented the herpetofauna of this part of the floodplains of the Llanos de Moxos and the Cerrado, confirming the presence of 25 amphibian species (Anura) and 40 reptilian species (Testudines, Crocodylia, and Squamata), and estimated species richness of 30 amphibians and 56 reptilian species for the region. Most reported species have wide distributions in the lowlands, except for Leptodactylus cf. gracilis, a species with a restricted distribution in the southern ecoregions of Bolivia. Two threatened turtle species (Podocnemis unifilis and Chelonoidis denticulatus) categorized as Vulnerable were present, as well as other larger reptilian species such as the Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger) and the Spectacled Caiman (Caiman yacare). / Resumen.—Los Grandes Lagos Tectónicos de Exaltación son una región poco explorada del departamento de Beni en Bolivia con poco conocimiento sobre anfibios y reptiles. Durante una expedición científica multidisciplinaria documentamos la herpetofauna de esta parte de la región llanuras inundables de los Llanos de Moxos y el Cerrado, confirmando la presencia de 25 especies de anfibios (Anura) y 40 especies de reptiles (Testudines, Crocodylia y Squamata), y estimando una riqueza de 30 especies de anfibios y 56 de reptiles para la región. La mayoría de las especies reportadas tienen una amplia distribución en las tierras bajas, excepto Leptodactylus cf. gracilis, especie con distribución restringida a las ecorregiones al sur de Bolivia. Se hallaron dos especies de tortugas amenazadas (Podocnemis unifilis y Chelonoidis denticulatus) categorizadas como Vulnerables, así como otras especies de reptiles de mayor tamaño como el caimán negro (Melanosuchus niger) y el caimán de anteojos (Caiman yacare)
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 8 of 9
Yunoki, T., A. R. Echeverria, R. B. Cholima, G. Miranda and F. A. Moreno (2025). "Ichthyofauna (Osteichthyes, Actinopterygii) from tributaries of the Beni and Mamoré rivers in the Llanos de Moxos wetland of the Bolivian Amazon." Check List 21(2), 318-346. https://doi.org/10.15560/21.2.318
Abstract: We conducted ichthyological surveys in the Biata, Geneshuaya, Benicito, and Yata Rivers, as well as Dos Naciones Lagoon. We recorded 182 species, including new records for Bolivia, such as Jupiaba citrina Zanata & Ohara, 2009, Moenkhausia melogramma Eigenmann, 1908, Spinipterus cf. acsi Akama & Ferraris, 2011, Tatia cf. gyrina (Eigenmann & Allen, 1942), Cetopsidium orientale (Vari, Ferraris & Keith, 2003), Nemuroglanis cf. furcatus Ribeiro, Pedroza & Rapp Py‑Daniel, 2011, and Batrochoglanis melanurus Shibatta & Pavanelli, 2005. Most of these species, reported for the first time in Bolivia, were previously collected in black‑clear water streams located in the Upper Amazon and/or the lowlands around the Guiana Shield and Brazilian Shield, far from the study area.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 9 of 9
Zhuo, Y., M. Wang, S. Koirala, ..., A. M. Rajabi, ..., S. P. Faryabi, S. Michel, S. Ostrowski et al. (2025). "Considering plant-ungulate interaction contribute to maximizing conservation efficiency under climate change." Global Ecology and Conservation 59, e03536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03536
Abstract: Climate change poses a major threat to biodiversity, thus understanding how these impacts manifest, and how they might be mitigated is a major priority for conservation biologists. Yet understanding the impacts is complex, due to the nuanced impacts on species directly, as well as resources they depend on. In this study, we examined how biotic interactions, specifically plant availability, effects the distribution patterns of an ungulate, i.e., Marco Polo sheep (Ovis ammon polii). Our findings suggest that plant availability is a major predictor of the sheep's range. The species distribution models (SDMs) incorporating biotic interactions, i.e., plant availability, increases accuracy in predicting the underlying implications of climate change on ungulates compared to models that exclude these interactions. Our results reveal discrepancies in ungulate spatial distribution patterns, with future suitable habitat contraction being less pronounced when incorporating biotic variables than without biotic variables (27 % vs. 33 %). Therefore, ignoring biotic interaction may overestimate the impacts of climate change, resulting in the inefficient allocation of scarce conservation resources. Additionally, our results indicate the importance of protected areas (PAs) as important climatic refugia, though less than half of the range is currently within PAs. This study emphasizes the non-negligible role of biotic interactions in forecasting the geographical distribution of ungulates, which has critical implications for the future of wildlife conservation.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 17-23 March 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 8
Aguirre-Gutiérrez, J., S. Díaz, S. W. Rifai, ..., E. Vilanova Torre et al. (2025). "Tropical forests in the Americas are changing too slowly to track climate change." Science 387(6738), e5414. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adl5414
Abstract: Understanding the capacity of forests to adapt to climate change is of pivotal importance for conservation science, yet this is still widely unknown. This knowledge gap is particularly acute in high-biodiversity tropical forests. Here, we examined how tropical forests of the Americas have shifted community trait composition in recent decades as a response to changes in climate. Based on historical trait-climate relationships, we found that, overall, the studied functional traits show shifts of less than 8% of what would be expected given the observed changes in climate. However, the recruit assemblage shows shifts of 21% relative to climate change expectation. The most diverse forests on Earth are changing in functional trait composition but at a rate that is fundamentally insufficient to track climate change.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 8
Atmeh, K., C. Bonenfant, J.-M. Gaillard, ..., B. Buuveibaatar et al. (2025). "Neonatal antipredator tactics shape female movement patterns in large herbivores." Nature Ecology & Evolution 9(1), 142-152. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02565-8
Abstract: Caring for newborn offspring hampers resource acquisition of mammalian females, curbing their ability to meet the high energy expenditure of early lactation. Newborns are particularly vulnerable, and, among the large herbivores, ungulates have evolved a continuum of neonatal antipredator tactics, ranging from immobile hider (such as roe deer fawns or impala calves) to highly mobile follower offspring (such as reindeer calves or chamois kids). How these tactics constrain female movements around parturition is unknown, particularly within the current context of increasing habitat fragmentation and earlier plant phenology caused by global warming. Here, using a comparative analysis across 54 populations of 23 species of large herbivores from 5 ungulate families (Bovidae, Cervidae, Equidae, Antilocapridae and Giraffidae), we show that mothers adjust their movements to variation in resource productivity and heterogeneity according to their offspring’s neonatal tactic. Mothers with hider offspring are unable to exploit environments where the variability of resources occurs at a broad scale, which might alter resource allocation compared with mothers with follower offspring. Our findings reveal that the overlooked neonatal tactic plays a key role for predicting how species are coping with environmental variation.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 8
Baker, T. R., S. Adu-Bredu, K. Affum-Baffoe, ..., C. Ewango, ..., M. Leal, ..., J.-R. Makana, ..., J. Mukinzi, ..., R. Zagt et al. (2025). "Large range sizes link fast life histories with high species richness across wet tropical tree floras." Scientific Reports 15(1), e4695. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-84367-3
Abstract: Understanding how the traits of lineages are related to diversification is key for elucidating the origin of variation in species richness. Here, we test whether traits are related to species richness among lineages of trees from all major biogeographical settings of the lowland wet tropics. We explore whether variation in mortality rate, breeding system and maximum diameter are related to species richness, either directly or via associations with range size, among 463 genera that contain wet tropical forest trees. For Amazonian genera, we also explore whether traits are related to species richness via variation among genera in mean species-level range size. Lineages with higher mortality rates—faster life-history strategies—have larger ranges in all biogeographic settings and have higher mean species-level range sizes in Amazonia. These lineages also have smaller maximum diameters and, in the Americas, contain dioecious species. In turn, lineages with greater overall range size have higher species richness. Our results show that fast life-history strategies influence species richness in all biogeographic settings because lineages with these ecological strategies have greater range sizes. These links suggest that dispersal has been a key process in the evolution of the tropical forest flora.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 8
Bauld, J., D. Lehmann, L. F. Bussière, ..., R. Musgrave and K. A. Abernethy (2025). "Rare long-term data reveal the seasonal dietary plasticity of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) in response to fruiting tree phenology." American Journal of Primatology 87(3), e70012. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.70012
Abstract: Understanding primate dietary plasticity provides insights into trait evolution and resilience to environmental change. Here, we investigate the feeding ecology of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), a species that forms groups of close to 1000 individuals, which presumably impacts feeding ecology by creating exceptionally high feeding competition. Mandrills are also threatened by habitat loss and climate change, and a full understanding of their dietary plasticity is essential to ongoing conservation efforts. Evidence suggests that mandrills are generalist feeders and consume a wide variety of resources to compensate for shortfalls in fruit availability. However, a lack of long-term data on fruit production within the mandrill geographic range means that it is unknown whether the flexible feeding strategies observed previously are stable over multiple years. We combined two rare data sets comprising 8 years of fecal collection and fruit availability to assess the dietary flexibility of mandrills in Lopé National Park, Gabon. We found fruit to be the most frequently consumed resource and fruit consumption covaried positively with fruit availability, peaking during periods of fruit abundance. Mandrill dietary diversity increased during periods of fruit scarcity, through greater consumption of animal prey, leaves, seeds, and other plant fibers. These results demonstrate that mandrills are primarily frugivorous, but that they are also highly flexible feeders, able to respond to temporal variation in fruit production over several annual cycles. In addition, we found that mandrills varied in the extent to which they preferred different fruit taxa. Lipid-rich oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fruits were by far the most frequently consumed resource and may constitute a staple resource for mandrills in the study site. Our multiyear study provides robust evidence for generalist feeding behavior by mandrills, which may be driven by extreme group sizes or past environmental fluctuations and provide resilience to future environmental change.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 8
Ma, L., C. Weissenbacher-Lang, A. Latinne et al. (In Press). "Evolving spectrum of Pneumocystis host specificity, genetic diversity, and evolution." FEMS Microbiology Reviews 49, fuaf006. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuaf006
Abstract: Following over a century’s worth of research, our understanding of Pneumocystis has significantly expanded in various facets, spanning from its fundamental biology to its impacts on animal and human health. Its significance in public health has been underscored by its inclusion in the 2022 WHO fungal priority pathogens list. We present this review to summarize pivotal advancements in Pneumocystis epidemiology, host specificity, genetic diversity and evolution. Following a concise discussion of Pneumocystis species classification and divergence at the species and strain levels, we devoted the main focus to the following aspects: the epidemiological characteristics of Pneumocystis across nearly 260 mammal species, the increasing recognition of coinfection involving multiple Pneumocystis species in the same host species, the diminishing host specificity of Pneumocystis among closely related host species, and the intriguingly discordant evolution of certain Pneumocystis species with their host species. A comprehensive understanding of host specificity, genetic diversity, and evolution of Pneumocystis can provide important insights into pathogenic mechanisms and transmission modes. This, in turn, holds the potential to facilitate the development of innovative strategies for the prevention and control of Pneumocystis infection.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 8
Martin, G., K. Austin, T. Lark et al. (2025). "Tracking cropland transitions: A comparative analysis of U.S. land cover change data." PLOS ONE 20(3), e0313880. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0313880
Abstract: There are a growing number of land cover data available for the conterminous United States, supporting various applications ranging from biofuel regulatory decisions to habitat conservation assessments. These datasets vary in their source information, frequency of data collection and reporting, land class definitions, categorical detail, and spatial scale and time intervals of representation. These differences limit direct comparison, contribute to disagreements among studies, confuse stakeholders, and hamper our ability to confidently report key land cover trends in the U.S. Here we assess changes in cropland derived from the Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP) dataset from the U.S. Geological Survey and compare them with analyses of three established land cover datasets across the coterminous U.S. from 2008-2017: (1) the National Resources Inventory (NRI), (2) a dataset Lark et al. 2020 derived from the Cropland Data Layer (CDL), and (3) a dataset from Potapov et al. 2022. LCMAP reports more stable cropland and less stable noncropland in all comparisons, likely due to its more expansive definition of cropland which includes managed grasslands (pasture and hay). Despite these differences, net cropland expansion from all four datasets was comparable (5.18-6.33 million acres), although the geographic extent and type of conversion differed. LCMAP projected the largest cropland expansion in the southern Great Plains, whereas other datasets projected the largest expansion in the northwestern and central Midwest. Most of the pixel-level disagreements (86%) between LCMAP and Lark et al. 2020 were due to definitional differences among datasets, whereas the remainder (14%) were from a variety of causes. Cropland expansion in the LCMAP likely reflects conversions of more natural areas, whereas cropland expansion in other data sources also captures conversion of managed pasture to cropland. The particular research question considered (e.g., habitat versus soil carbon) should influence which data source is more appropriate.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 8
ter Steege, H., L. Poorter, J. Aguirre-Gutiérrez, ..., E. V. Torre et al. (2025). "Functional composition of the Amazonian tree flora and forests." Communications Biology 8(1), e355. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-07768-8
Abstract: Plants cope with the environment by displaying large phenotypic variation. Two spectra of global plant form and function have been identified: a size spectrum from small to tall species with increasing stem tissue density, leaf size, and seed mass; a leaf economics spectrum reflecting slow to fast returns on investments in leaf nutrients and carbon. When species assemble to communities it is assumed that these spectra are filtered by the environment to produce community level functional composition. It is unknown what are the main drivers for community functional composition in a large area such as Amazonia. We use 13 functional traits, including wood density, seed mass, leaf characteristics, breeding system, nectar production, fruit type, and root characteristics of 812 tree genera (5211 species), and find that they describe two main axes found at the global scale. At community level, the first axis captures not only the ‘fast-slow spectrum’, but also most size-related traits. Climate and disturbance explain a minor part of this variance compared to soil fertility. Forests on poor soils differ largely in terms of trait values from those on rich soils. Trait composition and soil fertility exert a strong influence on forest functioning: biomass and relative biomass production.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 8 of 8
Xu, C. C. Y., V. Fugère, N. Barbosa da Costa et al. (2025). "Pre-exposure to stress reduces loss of community and genetic diversity following severe environmental disturbance." Current Biology 35(5), 1061-1073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2025.01.037
Abstract: Environmental stress caused by anthropogenic impacts is increasing worldwide. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary consequences for biodiversity will be crucial for our ability to respond effectively. Historical exposure to environmental stress is expected to select for resistant species, shifting community composition toward more stress-tolerant taxa. Concurrent with this species sorting process, genotypes within resistant taxa that have the highest relative fitness under severe stress are expected to increase in frequency, leading to evolutionary adaptation. However, empirical demonstrations of these dual ecological and evolutionary processes in natural communities are rare. Here, we provide evidence for simultaneous species sorting and evolutionary adaptation across multiple species within a natural freshwater bacterial community. Using a two-phase stressor experimental design (acidification pre-exposure followed by severe acidification) in aquatic mesocosms, we show that pre-exposed communities were more resistant than naive communities to taxonomic loss when faced with severe acid stress. However, after sustained severe acidification, taxonomic richness of both pre-exposed and naive communities eventually converged. All communities experiencing severe acidification became dominated by an acidophilic bacterium, Acidiphilium rubrum, but this species retained greater genetic diversity and followed distinct evolutionary trajectories in pre-exposed relative to naive communities. These patterns were shared across other acidophilic species, providing repeated evidence for the impact of pre-exposure on evolutionary outcomes despite the convergence of community profiles. Our results underscore the need to consider both ecological and evolutionary processes to accurately predict the responses of natural communities to environmental change.
Prepublication Citations
Prepublication Citation 1 of 1
Xu, C. C. Y., V. Fugère, N. Barbosa da Costa et al. (Prepublication). “Pre-exposure to stress reduces loss of community and genetic diversity following severe environmental disturbance.” bioRxiv. http://doi.org/10.1101/2024.10.11.617827
Abstract: Environmental stress caused by anthropogenic impacts is increasing worldwide. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary consequences for biodiversity will be crucial for our ability to respond effectively. Historical exposure to environmental stress is expected to select for resistant species, shifting community composition towards more stress-tolerant taxa. Concurrent with this species sorting process, genotypes within resistant taxa that have the highest relative fitness under severe stress are expected to increase in frequency, leading to evolutionary adaptation. However, empirical demonstrations of these dual ecological and evolutionary processes in natural communities are lacking. Here, we provide the first evidence for simultaneous species sorting and evolutionary adaptation across multiple species within a natural freshwater bacterial community. Using a two-phase stressor experimental design (acidification pre-exposure followed by severe acidification) in aquatic mesocosms, we show that pre-exposed communities were more resistant than naïve communities to taxonomic loss when faced with severe acid stress. However, after sustained severe acidification, taxonomic richness of both pre-exposed and naïve communities eventually converged. All communities experiencing severe acidification became dominated by an acidophilic bacterium, Acidiphilium rubrum, but this species retained greater genetic diversity and followed distinct evolutionary trajectories in pre-exposed relative to naïve communities. These patterns were shared across other acidophilic species, providing repeated evidence for the impact of pre-exposure on evolutionary outcomes despite the convergence of community profiles. Our results underscore the need to consider both ecological and evolutionary processes to accurately predict the responses of natural communities to environmental change.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 10-16 March 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 8
Barnes, M. L., S. Sutcliffe, I. Muly, N. Muthiga, S. Wanyonyi et al. (2025). "Agency, social networks, and adaptation to environmental change." Global Environmental Change 92, e102983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2025.102983
Abstract: Environmental change is escalating across the globe, threatening the livelihoods and wellbeing of millions of people. Substantial effort and resources have been committed at a global scale to support adaptation projects in affected communities to confront these changes. Yet not everyone has equal capabilities to adapt, guide adaptation decisions, and contribute to envisioning alternative futures. Drawing on theories of agency, social networks, and adaptation and employing a unique time-series dataset including 653 individuals across five Kenyan coastal communities, here we examine how agency over adaptation decisions is socially differentiated and the disparities that exist regarding who is able to bolster their level of agency over time. Our results show that involvement in local environmental decision-making processes, where adaptation to environmental change is negotiated, is strongly associated with feelings of effective power. Yet this power is largely concentrated among older individuals, community leaders, those with greater assets, and those with social ties to leaders – pointing to existing social hierarchies and resource differentials that drive adaptation decisions. The only significant predictor of changes in agency over time was network exposure: individuals with direct contact with those who were actively involved in environmental decision-making (individual agency) were likely to become more involved themselves; yet contact with passively involved partners (proxy agency) led to decreases in agency over time. Our results suggest a dynamic ripple effect in agency through social networks, suggesting that social networks can both catalyse and inhibit perceptions of effective power over adaptation decisions through participation in environmental decision-making. Our findings underscore the importance of social networks in enabling and constraining agency, highlight the role of leadership and power dynamics in environmental decision-making and locally led adaptation, and provide a foundation for future research on fostering inclusive and just adaptation.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 8
Buuveibaatar, B., B. Sanjaa, K.-E. Bayarsaikhan, B. Galtbalt, B. Chuluunbat, B. Yura, A. Yunden, N. Batdorj, T. Gantumur and J. S. Alexander (First View). "Khulan Conservation Day officially designated in Mongolia." Oryx. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605325000080
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 8
Honorio Coronado, E. N., J. Grández Rios, J. del Águila Pasquel, ..., E. Isasi-Catalá, J. Gutierrez-Sotelo, ..., D. Escobedo Guerra et al. (In Press). "Long-term interventions by conservation and development projects support successful recovery of tropical peatlands in Amazonia." People and Nature. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70024
Abstract: Rural communities in Amazonia rely on harvesting Mauritia flexuosa fruit, a dominant peatland palm, for their subsistence and income. However, these palms are felled to harvest the fruits, which has led to reduced resource availability due to the pressure exerted by the increasing fruit demand. As a result, climbing has been proposed as a means to harvest the fruits sustainably. However, the long-term ecological and socio-economic impacts of climbing, rather than felling, palms remain unknown. We evaluate whether M. flexuosa populations and fruit production in managed peatland palm swamps have recovered within two rural communities in Peru where climbing to harvest palm fruits was adopted between 1999 and 2002. Since then, these communities have been supported by conservation and development projects. We conducted interviews with community members to assess perceptions of change since the introduction of climbing and carried out forest inventories to estimate changes in two socio-economic indicators (volume of harvested M. flexuosa fruits and income) and three ecological indicators (pole stem density of M. flexuosa, seedling and sapling density, and the sex ratio of adult palms). Our results reveal that the adoption of climbing has improved the health of the forest stands and incomes in both rural communities. Recovery of M. flexuosa populations was supported by local perceptions of increases in stand productivity, improved values of most indicators within managed stands compared to reference data from unmanaged stands in the region, and continuous recovery of degraded stands over time following the adoption of climbing by both communities. Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate how long-term conservation and development initiatives can lead to successful outcomes for rural communities and peatland ecosystems. However, urgent adoption of sustainable harvesting techniques, such as the palm climbing in our study, is needed across Amazonia to safeguard the ecological integrity of peatlands, below carbon storage, and livelihoods. This transition will require long-term collaboration among different stakeholders, affordable management plans, and fair prices for sustainable management for peatland resources.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 8
Leung, M. and D. Reid (2025). "Reducing risks to native pollinators by introduced bees: A review of Canada’s legislation with recommendations for Yukon Territory." Biology 14, e282 https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14030282
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 8
Ostridge, H. J., C. Fontsere, E. Lizano, ..., D. Kujirakwinja, ..., C. Sanz et al. (2025). "Local genetic adaptation to habitat in wild chimpanzees." Science 387(6730), e7954. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adn7954
Abstract: How populations adapt to their environment is a fundamental question in biology. Yet, we know surprisingly little about this process, especially for endangered species, such as nonhuman great apes. Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, are particularly notable because they inhabit diverse habitats, from rainforest to woodland-savannah. Whether genetic adaptation facilitates such habitat diversity remains unknown, despite it having wide implications for evolutionary biology and conservation. By using newly sequenced exomes from 828 wild chimpanzees (388 postfiltering), we found evidence of fine-scale genetic adaptation to habitat, with signatures of positive selection in forest chimpanzees in the same genes underlying adaptation to malaria in humans. This work demonstrates the power of noninvasive samples to reveal genetic adaptations in endangered populations and highlights the importance of adaptive genetic diversity for chimpanzees. Adaptation to different environments can include responding to a myriad of pressures, from diseases to differences in water abundance. Of the great apes, chimpanzees are most similar to humans in that they inhabit a range of environments from savannahs to rainforests. Ostridge et al. sequenced exomes from 388 chimpanzees using fecal samples to investigate how selection has acted on these animals. Signatures of selection differed by environment, with forest-dwelling chimpanzee populations bearing variants in genes associated with disease resistance. This study demonstrates the utility of environmentally collected DNA in an endangered species and provides insights into adaptation in our closest living relative.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 8
Pauwels, O. S. G. and F. Sandrin "Too late to bug out: Successful predation by hydrocyrius (belostomatidae) on the Afrotropical aquatic snake Grayia smithii (colubridae)." Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society 60, 31-32.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 8
Shively, K. A., E. M. Reese, J. I. Ransom et al. (In Press). "Metabarcoding reveals striking dietary variation in a reintroduced mesocarnivore." Journal of Mammalogy, gyaf018. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaf018
Abstract: Carnivore populations are often limited by prey availability, so knowledge of their foraging ecology is required for successful recovery efforts. Limited availability of energy-efficient, or optimal, prey can be a key determinant of the conservation status of mesocarnivores—thus investigating diet habits during reintroduction efforts can provide insights into the trajectory of a reestablishing population. The reintroduction of fishers (Pekania pennanti) in Washington state, United States, offers an opportunity to assess diet variation across reintroduction areas using high-resolution DNA metabarcoding methods. We assessed Fisher diet in 2 reintroduction sites in the Cascade Mountains of Washington (the South Cascades and the North Cascades) where fishers performed differently across multiple metrics used to measure initial reintroduction success. We had the rare opportunity to test correlations between metabarcoding relative read abundance and prey biomass consumption while fishers were fed a known diet while in captivity. We found a moderately positive, though highly variable, correlation (r = 0.47) between approximate biomass consumption of food items and relative read abundance within individual diet samples; however, we detected a strong, though statistically insignificant, correlation between relative read abundance and prey biomass when looking at the relative importance of prey groups in aggregated diet profiles (r = 0.72). We collected 300 Fisher scats and gastrointestinal tracts using telemetry and scat detection dog teams to characterize diet profiles. We found strong, positive correlations between relative read abundance and frequency of occurrence metabarcoding summaries. Hares and rabbits (Lepus americanus and Sylvilagus floridanus) were the most prevalent prey in both populations (North Cascades = 17%, South Cascades = 68%), but there were significant compositional differences between diets of the reintroduced populations. South Cascades fishers had limited prey diversity (n = 19 taxa), whereas 71 taxa were represented in the North Cascades Fisher diet. The diet composition of fishers in the South Cascades was akin to populations in the central and eastern United States, where range expansions are facilitated by access to optimally sized (>250 g) prey. In contrast, the diverse diet of North Cascades fishers was more similar to populations at the southernmost extent of their range (Oregon and California), where optimally sized prey is scarce and population recovery is stunted. The surprisingly high levels of dietary variation among adjacent reintroduction sites highlight the utility of diet studies in evaluating whether translocated populations are obtaining adequate resources to support population establishment and thus informing subsequent management interventions.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 8 of 8
Zec, S. H., M. Miller, C. Hollinger, L. Croft, M. Goldman, K. D'Andrea, J. E. Moody, C. McCann and S. L. Bartlett (2025). "Cardiac assessments and implantable loop recorder placement in three male geladas (Theropithecus gelada)." Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 56(1), 175-183. https://doi.org/10.1638/2024-0044
Abstract: Cardiac disease is a common cause of mortality in many primates housed in zoological settings. At the Bronx Zoo, between 2007 and 2018, there were ten incidences of sudden cardiac death in adult male geladas (Theropithecus gelada), none of which showed premonitory signs. Due to concerns of occult cardiac disease and fatal arrhythmogenic events, complete cardiac examinations were performed in three clinically normal, adult male geladas. Examinations included thoracic radiographs, transthoracic echocardiograms (echo), 12-lead ECG, and continuous ECG monitoring using an Implantable Loop Recorder (Reveal LINQTM Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN 55432, USA). Serum lipid profiles, vitamin E concentration, cardiac troponin I isoform (cTnI), and complete blood work were also performed. Wireless downloads from the implantable loop recorders were obtained intermittently for up to 2.5 years after placement. One male had an elevated cTnI level (210 ng/L), reduced ejection fraction (46%), and multiple episodes of supraventricular tachycardia and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Due to the abnormalities on ECG and echo, he was treated with metoprolol and lisinopril. Treatment was continued for nearly two years, until the animal had sudden cardiac death secondary to sustained ventricular fibrillation, which was confirmed by postmortem download of the loop recorder data and correlated with histologic evidence of cardiomyopathy. Implantable loop recorders greatly enhance the ability to diagnose and treat arrhythmias in primates and understand the mechanisms behind sudden cardiac deaths. Further studies are needed to establish cTnI, echocardiogram, and electrocardiogram reference ranges for this species, as well as appropriate treatment protocols.
Prepublication Citations
Prepublication Citation 1 of 1
Darras, K.F.A., R. Rountree, S. Van Wilgenburg, …, W. Halliday et al. (Prepublication). “Worldwide soundscapes: A synthesis of passive acoustic monitoring across realms.” bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.10.588860
Abstract: Aim: The urgency for remote, reliable, and scalable biodiversity monitoring amidst mounting human pressures on ecosystems has sparked worldwide interest in Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM), which can track life underwater and on land. However, we lack a unified methodology to report this sampling effort and a comprehensive overview of PAM coverage to gauge its potential as a global research and monitoring tool. To remediate this, we created the Worldwide Soundscapes project, a collaborative network and growing database comprising metadata from 409 datasets across all realms (terrestrial, marine, freshwater, and subterranean).Location Worldwide, 12 200 sites, all ecosystems. Time period: 1991 to present. Major taxa studied: All soniferous taxa. Methods: We synthesise sampling coverage across spatial, temporal, and ecological scales using metadata describing sampling locations, deployment schedules, focal taxa, and recording parameters. We explore global trends in biological, anthropogenic, and geophysical sounds based on 168 recordings from twelve ecosystems across all realms. Results: Terrestrial sampling is spatially denser (45 sites/Mkm2) than aquatic sampling (0.3 and 1.8 sites/Mkm2 in oceans and fresh water) with only two subterranean datasets. Although diel and lunar cycles are well-covered in all realms, only marine datasets (56%) comprehensively sample all seasons. Across twelve ecosystems, biological sounds show contrasting diel patterns, decline with distance from the equator and negatively correlate with anthropogenic sounds. Main conclusions: PAM can inform macroecology studies as well as global conservation and phenology syntheses, but representation can be improved by expanding terrestrial taxonomic scope, sampling coverage in the high seas and subterranean ecosystems, and spatio-temporal replication in freshwater habitats. Overall, this global PAM network holds promise to support global biodiversity research and monitoring efforts.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 3-9 March 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 8
Brugiere, D., L. Chirio and J.-F. Agnèse (First View). [Conservation News] "New surveys reveal high biodiversity of Lake Télé, Congo." Oryx. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605324001601
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 8
Chuluunbat, B., N. Batbayar, B. Buuveibaatar et al. (In Press). "Seasons of sustenance: Unveiling the dietary patterns of Mongolian saiga and livestock." Mammalian Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-025-00482-2
Abstract: Understanding dietary habits of animals is crucial for conservation, particularly for endangered species such as the Mongolian saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica), which coexists with livestock year-round in the Great Lakes Depressions of western Mongolia. This study aims to investigate the dietary composition of Mongolian saiga, and livestock, and assess their seasonal dietary overlap. Microhistological analysis was conducted on feces samples from Mongolian saiga (n = 124) and livestock (n = 476) collected in spring, summer, autumn, and winter of 2023–2024. Saiga diets comprised 48 plant species from 21 genera, while livestock diets varied by species: goats consumed 37 species from 18 genera, sheep 36 from 18, camels 28 from 13, and horses 23 from 11. Saiga exhibited mixed feeding habits (25–75% grasses), whereas sheep, goats, and camels were primarily browsers (< 25% grasses), and horses were grazers (> 75% grasses). The saiga’s diet showed greater species richness, dietary diversity, and niche breadth compared to livestock, likely due to their free-ranging behavior, while livestock diets are managed by herders. Among ruminants (saiga, sheep, and goats), dietary overlap was greater than with pseudo and non-ruminants (camels and horses), reflecting similarities in digestive systems. Overlap between saiga and livestock was highest in spring and autumn, aligning with herders’ seasonal movement patterns. The saiga's adaptive ability to utilize a diverse range of plant resources, which helps in reducing dietary overlap and competition with livestock, provides critical insights for conserving this endangered population as less likely to compete with livestock on diet.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 8
Emogor, C. A., M. A. Burgman, N. Cash et al. (In Press). "Crediting non-author contributors in scientific publishing." Nature Human Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02123-7
Abstract: Scientific publications often benefit from diverse contributions that go uncredited owing to a lack of guidelines for recognizing non-author contributors. We propose ‘extended research credits’ — a standardized, tiered system (modelled after the attribution style of the film industry) to highlight hidden labour in research.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 8
Olarte-Castillo, X. A., A. B. Schlecht, P. P. Calle and G. R. Whittaker (In Press). "An outbreak of canine coronavirus type 2 in captive snow leopards (Panthera uncia) demonstrates a possible role for felids as mixing vessels for alphacoronaviruses." IJID One Health, e100057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijidoh.2025.100057
Abstract: Objectives Alphacoronavirus-1 comprises a set of viruses that are highly recombinogenic, including feline coronavirus type 2 (FCoV-2), a recombinant genotype of feline coronavirus type 1 (FCoV-1) and canine coronavirus type 2 (CCoV-2). To understand the origin of novel recombinant variants, it is crucial to identify hosts susceptible to multiple alphacoronaviruses. The receptor for FCoV-2 and CCoV-2 is aminopeptidase N (APN), with the APN of the domestic cat allowing entry of FCoV-2 and CCoV-2. However, natural infection with CCoV-2 has been reported exclusively in canids. Methods We investigated an outbreak of CCoV-2 in captive snow leopards (Panthera uncia). We assessed the genetic diversity of the APN of five wild Asian felid species to evaluate their susceptibility to CCoV-2 and FCoV-2. Results The whole genome of CCoV-2 was sequenced from the feces of the snow leopards. It is closely related to pathogenic variants reported in domestic dogs in the U.S. and Europe. The APN of the wild felids is highly similar to the APN of the domestic cat. Conclusions This study provides the first genetic evidence of CCoV-2 infection in a felid and predicts that wild felids may be susceptible to FCoV-2 and CCoV-2. Therefore, felids may play a central role in the emergence of recombinant alphacoronavirus.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 8
Salerno, J., R. Warrier, S. W. Breck, N. H. Carter, J. Berger et al. (2025). "Beneficial spillover effects of antipredation interventions support human–carnivore coexistence." Conservation Letters 18(2), e13085. https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.13085
Abstract: Reducing human–wildlife conflict is critical for global biodiversity conservation and supporting livelihoods in landscapes where people and wildlife co-occur. Interventions intended to reduce conflicts and their negative outcomes are diverse and widespread, yet there is often a dearth of empirical evidence regarding effectiveness, particularly at appropriate spatiotemporal scales. We investigate an underappreciated question relevant to large carnivore–livestock systems globally regarding spillover effects of anti-conflict interventions: Do fortified livestock enclosures modify carnivore predation on livestock for neighbors who lack such interventions? We use ca. 25,000 monthly reports from agropastoralists in an East African landscape critical for large carnivore conservation. Results from Bayesian multilevel statistical models demonstrate robust effects of fortified livestock enclosures in reducing reported predation not only in target households, but also in neighboring households that lack such fortification—a beneficial spillover effect. Results provide empirical evidence for policy and practice regarding tools to reduce large carnivore conflicts while pointing to the important role of complex-systems processes in determining coexistence outcomes.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 8
Sanchez-Martinez, P., K. G. Dexter, F. C. Draper, ..., E. Vilanova Torre et al. (2025). "Phylogenetic conservatism in the relationship between functional and demographic characteristics in Amazon tree taxa." Functional Ecology 39(1), 181-198. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14700
Abstract: 1. Leaf and wood functional traits of trees are related to growth, reproduction, and survival, but the degree of phylogenetic conservatism in these relationships is largely unknown. In this study, we describe the variability of strategies involving leaf, wood and demographic characteristics for tree genera distributed across the Amazon Region, and quantify phylogenetic signal for the characteristics and their relationships. 2. Leaf and wood traits are aligned with demographic variables along two main axes of variation. The first axis represents the coordination of leaf traits describing resource uptake and use, wood density, seed mass, and survival. The second axis represents the coordination between size and growth. Both axes show strong phylogenetic signal, suggesting a constrained evolution influenced by ancestral values, yet the second axis also has an additional, substantial portion of its variation that is driven by functional correlations unrelated to phylogeny, suggesting simultaneously higher evolutionary lability and coordination. 3. Synthesis. Our results suggest that life history strategies of tropical trees are generally phylogenetically conserved, but that tree lineages may have some capability of responding to environmental changes by modulating their growth and size. Overall, we provide the largest-scale synopsis of functional characteristics of Amazonian trees, showing substantial nuance in the evolutionary patterns of individual characteristics and their relationships.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 8
Sinclair, S. J., K. Batpurev, C. Liu, O. Avirmed, ... and K. Olson (In Press). "Certifying the sustainability of herding practices in Mongolia." Nature Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-025-01511-1
Abstract: Certification schemes for agriculture aim to incentivize sustainable land management. To be credible, they need robust metrics to assess the practices of producers. We demonstrate an approach for evaluating practice, which is repeatable and explicitly representative of stakeholders. We apply it to nomadic pastoralism in Mongolia, where livestock overgrazing is of concern. Our approach uses judgements from stakeholders about the sustainability of hypothetical but realistic herding scenarios. From these, we create models to predict sustainability scores. These can be applied as tools to assess the actual practices of herders. We use two judgement datasets: one representing producers’ judgements, another a subset that also conforms to the environmental expectations of the certifier. The differences must be negotiated when we choose evaluation methods. The approach could be used for any production system, provided variables are devised that summarize practice and appropriate stakeholders are available to judge the sustainability of different practices.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 8 of 8
Zafimahatradraibe, J. A., L. N. J. Ranaivomanana, C. Rakotomahazo, B. Randriamanantsoa et al. (2025). "Authority, capacity, and power to govern: Three marine protected areas co-managed by resource users and non-governmental organizations." Marine Policy 177, e106647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106647
Abstract: In Madagascar, when national government agencies lack the resources to govern Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), management may be legally transferred to local entities for co-management by community members and national or international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We used the Natural Resource Governance Tool to quantify the governance effectiveness of three MPAs under this co-management model in Madagascar based on the critical attributes of authority, capacity, and power. We found that the governance groups of an MPA in the southwest, an area of intense fishing pressure on coral reefs, possess moderate to low capabilities for marine resource management with respect to authority (0.567), capacity (0.638), and power (0.49), indicating some success but also room for improvement. In contrast, governance capacity was notably deficient in two MPAs in the northwest, as reflected by their low authority, negative capacity scores, and insufficient power. Next, we used the Regulation Based Classification System to assess MPAs protection level. We found that while MPAs feature multiple zones based on allowed uses, the areas designated for extractive use are at risk due to exploitative activities and recurrent violation of regulations, suggesting that rules’ enforcement only provide moderate protection. The primary contributing factor to these infractions was the inadequate enforcement of regulations by the governance groups. Overall, the effectiveness of local MPA governance in Madagascar is variable but weak under the co-management frameworks studied here, with significant improvements needed in governance capacity. We suggest that each stakeholder should be responsible for carrying out activities that align with their primary missions and match their competencies, but that local community governance groups should remain the foundation of management.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 24 February-2 March 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 9
Acevedo Cendales, L. D., N. E. Matta and V. E. Pereira Bengoa (2024). "[Editorial] Recomendación 1: Importancia del nexo biodiversidad y salud para los planes y estrategias nacionales de biodiversidad: Priorización de la prevención primaria en salud / [Editorial] Recommendation 1: Importance of the biodiversity and health nexus for national biodiversity plans and strategies: Prioritization of primary health prevention." Acta Biológica Colombiana 29(3), 6-10. https://doi.org/10.15446/abc.v29n3.117008
Abstract: El concepto “Una salud” (One Health), resume una idea conocida desde hace más de un siglo: la salud humana, animal y de los ecosistemas están interconectadas y son interdependientes (Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal [OMSA], 2024). Las especies silvestres albergan una amplia diversidad de agentes patógenos, a los que el ser humano puede ser susceptible. Sin embargo, es fundamental considerar que los patógenos humanos representan solo una pequeña fracción de la diversidad de parásitos del mundo (Balloux and van Dorp, 2017). Es importante abordar urgentemente los impulsores de la pérdida de diversidad biológica a fin de reducir los riesgos para la salud, como lo sugiere el Marco Mundial de Biodiversidad de Kunming-Montreal (Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, 2024). Las actividades humanas han cruzado barreras naturales de manera insostenible, invadiendo áreas silvestres o extrayendo especímenes para consumo, comercio (mascotas), o como productos derivados o manufacturados, situaciones que facilitan riesgo de contacto inseguro entre animales y seres humanos. La caza para diferentes propósitos suele estar asociada con actividades de tala, durante las cuales se corre el riesgo de contacto directo con los animales y con artrópodos vectores de patógenos (Eve et al., 2000). De manera similar la minería, facilita eventos indirectos y nuevas infecciones (Ellwanger et al., 2020). Estas intervenciones en los hábitats alteran la dinámica e interacciones naturales de las especies silvestres y su entorno, aumentando el contacto directo con el ser humano e incrementando la probabilidad de transmisión de enfermedades zoonóticas. / The concept of “One Health” summarizes an idea that has been known for more than a century: human, animal and ecosystem health are interconnected and interdependent (World Organization for Animal Health [OIE], 2024). Wild species harbor a wide diversity of pathogens, to which humans may be susceptible. However, it is critical to consider that human pathogens represent only a small fraction of the world's parasite diversity (Balloux and van Dorp, 2017). It is important to urgently address the drivers of biodiversity loss in order to reduce health risks, as suggested by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, 2024). Human activities have crossed natural barriers in an unsustainable manner, invading wild areas or extracting specimens for consumption, trade (pets), or as derived or manufactured products, situations that facilitate the risk of unsafe contact between animals and humans. Hunting for different purposes is often associated with logging activities, during which there is a risk of direct contact with animals and arthropod vectors of pathogens (Eve et al., 2000). Similarly, mining facilitates indirect events and new infections (Ellwanger et al., 2020). These habitat interventions alter the dynamics and natural interactions of wild species and their environment, increasing direct contact with humans and increasing the likelihood of zoonotic disease transmission.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 9
Chiaverini, L., D. W. Macdonald, A. J. Hearn, ..., P. P. Kyaw, M. S. Luskin, A. Rasphone et al. (In Press). "Identifying gaps in the conservation of small wild cats of Southeast Asia." Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-025-03029-6
Abstract: Southeast Asia hosts more felid species than any other region and, although smaller (< 30 kg) felids have important ecological roles, regional conservation has mainly focused on a few charismatic big cats. Information on the ecology and conservation status of small felids is often lacking or geographically limited. We used empirically derived scale-optimized models for seven species in three regions of Southeast Asia (mainland, Borneo and Sumatra) to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing protected areas network in preserving suitable habitats, and to map suitable areas lacking protection. Finally, we assessed whether small felids are good proxies of broader regional terrestrial biodiversity. On the mainland, the largest and most suitable habitats occurred in the Northern Forest Complex of Myanmar and in the region between Eastern Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. In these areas we also highlighted the most important protected areas. In Borneo, the most suitable habitats occurred in the central highlands and in the protected areas of Sabah. In Sumatra, the strongholds of habitat suitability were the Barisan Mountains, in the western extent of the island, and were highly concentrated within existing protected areas. We also found that the aggregated habitat suitability for small felids was correlated more strongly to terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity than was any single felid species individually, suggesting that areas that are suitable for multiple felid species have an association with high overall biodiversity. Overall, our assessment of the distribution of small felids in Southeast Asia highlights the fundamental importance of protected areas for biodiversity conservation, given that most species were highly associated with protected areas and regions with large extents of forest. Our results are a clarion call to expand the extent, and improve the conservation management, of protected areas in the remaining core habitat areas for multiple species in Southeast Asia, and to work to enhance and protect connectivity between them to ensure long-term demographic and genetic exchange among the region’s remaining wildlife populations.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 9
Devarajan, K., M. Fidino, Z. J. Farris, ..., R. Garcia-Anleu, ..., D. Miquelle, ..., A. Reebin et al. (2025). "When the wild things are: Defining mammalian diel activity and plasticity." Science Advances 11(9), eado3843. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado3843
Abstract: Circadian rhythms are a mechanism by which species adapt to environmental variability and fundamental to understanding species behavior. However, we lack data and a standardized framework to accurately assess and compare temporal activity for species during rapid ecological change. Through a global network representing 38 countries, we leveraged 8.9 million mammalian observations to create a library of 14,587 standardized diel activity estimates for 445 species. We found that less than half the species? estimates were in agreement with diel classifications from the reference literature and that species commonly used more than one diel classification. Species diel activity was highly plastic when exposed to anthropogenic change. Furthermore, body size and distributional extent were strongly associated with whether a species is diurnal or nocturnal. Our findings provide essential knowledge of species behavior in an era of rapid global change and suggest the need for a new, quantitative framework that defines diel activity logically and consistently while capturing species plasticity. Many species of mammals worldwide are highly plastic in their timing of diel activity, which has unknown fitness consequences.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 9
Hadi, A. N., U. Mardhiah, S. S. Suryometaram, S. Hussein, ..., O. R. Puspita, Tarmizi, E. E. Rumapea, E. Ramadiyanta, Giyanto, J. Supriatna, M. J. Imansyah, D. N. Adhiasto, W. Marthy, J. Susyafrianto and N. Andayani (2025). "Evaluating the efficacy of an integrated law enforcement approach to safeguarding Sumatran tigers and their prey." Journal of Environmental Management 378, e124759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124759
Abstract: Protected areas face immense pressure for their resources and the space that they occupy. To protect them and their wildlife, management approaches such as ranger patrols and measures to counter wildlife trafficking across the broader landscape have been implemented, despite integration of both approaches remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate such implementation in one of Asia's most significant protected area landscapes. This was done by analysing 1) an adaptive ranger patrolling strategy to reduce tiger (Panthera tigris) and ungulate prey poaching rates; 2) a government-civil society partnership to reduce tiger trafficking in adjoining rural and urban areas; and 3) tiger and prey population trends in response to these interventions. From 2015 to 2019, five ranger teams conducted 457 anti-poaching foot patrols, covering 10,963 km and removing 780 snares commonly encountered in accessible lowland. Over the years, snare occupancy did not change but detection was found to increase. From 2010 to 2019, law enforcement responded to 26 tiger trafficking cases with earlier cases mainly prosecuted using administrative sanctions. After 2013, most received penal sanctions with significant increases in fines levied. Camera trapping from 2010 to 2020 revealed a likely stable tiger population with high turnover of individual tigers. Only one male captured on all three sampling occasions and one adult female captured on two occasions. From 2010 to 2020, three tiger prey species (muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), serow (Capricornis sumatraensis), and pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina)) remained widespread during the study, whereas wild boar (Sus scrofa) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) remain localised. Despite effective snare removals and arrests, the threat of poaching persists, suggesting that patrolling in at-risk areas needs to be coupled with new, persuasive, and more targeted approaches, while ensuring sustainable funding for these interventions.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 9
López-Casas, S., L. Ávila-Vargas, N. Jiménez and J. González-Obando (2024). "[Editorial] Recomendación 4: Priorizar la salud de los ecosistemas acuáticos para garantizar la salud humana y de la biodiversidad / [Editorial] Recommendation 4: Prioritize the health of aquatic ecosystems to ensure human and biodiversity health." Acta Biológica Colombiana 29(3), 22-25. https://doi.org/10.15446/abc.v29n3.117023
Abstract: El enfoque de Una Salud es un modelo holístico que integra la salud humana, animal y ambiental. Desde su inclusión en 2004, se ha reconocido que problemas como la contaminación, el cambio climático y la deforestación no solo afectan a las personas, sino también a los animales, reflejando un deterioro ambiental (Zinsstag et al., 2015). Hoy en día, enfermedades zoonóticas, resistencia antimicrobiana y daños ambientales urgen la implementación de este enfoque multidisciplinario, que fomenta la colaboración entre salud humana, animal y ambiental (Hermesh et al., 2019). Esta interconexión es especialmente relevante para los ecosistemas acuáticos continentales (ríos, lagos, acuíferos y humedales) que ocupan menos del 2 % de la superficie terrestre y contienen menos del 0,01 % del agua, pero albergan el 12 % de las especies conocidas y un tercio de los vertebrados. Estos ecosistemas brindan servicios esenciales para la naturaleza y la sociedad. Sin embargo, los humedales están desapareciendo tres veces más rápido que los bosques, y las poblaciones de vertebrados acuáticos han disminuido más del doble que las terrestres o marinas. En los últimos 50 años, se ha perdido el 83 % de sus especies y el 30 % de los ecosistemas, lo que pone en riesgo el suministro de agua, alimentos y bienestar económico. / The One Health approach is a holistic model that integrates human, animal and environmental health. Since its inclusion in 2004, it has been recognized that problems such as pollution, climate change and deforestation not only affect people, but also animals, reflecting environmental deterioration (Zinsstag et al., 2015). Today, zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and environmental damage urge the implementation of this multidisciplinary approach, which fosters collaboration between human, animal and environmental health (Hermesh et al., 2019). This interconnectedness is particularly relevant for inland aquatic ecosystems (rivers, lakes, aquifers, and wetlands) that occupy less than 2% of the earth's surface and contain less than 0.01% of the water, but are home to 12% of known species and one-third of vertebrates. These ecosystems provide essential services to nature and society. However, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, and aquatic vertebrate populations have declined more than twice as fast as terrestrial or marine vertebrate populations. In the last 50 years, 83% of their species and 30% of ecosystems have been lost, jeopardizing water supply, food and economic well-being.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 9
Maleko, P., K. Sinhaseni, J. Khamaye, ..., M. Robards and J. C. Slaght (2025). "Threats to shorebirds, particularly spotted greenshank Tringa guttifer, along the Inner Gulf of Thailand." Wader Study 131(3), 180-189. https://doi.org/10.18194/WS.00354
Abstract: In order to support rare species, we need to understand the threats to them. To identify the threats faced by non-breeding Spotted (Nordmann's) Greenshank Tringa guttifer we visited coastal sites throughout the Gulf of Thailand. The Inner Gulf of Thailand supports approximately 20–30% of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway global population of 1,500–2,000 Spotted Greenshanks. Identifying the specific threats they face in this area is therefore critical to develop measures to prevent further decline. We assessed the conservation situation at four ‘hotspots’ for Spotted Greenshank, areas supporting >1% of the global population. We identified three major threats: habitat loss, disturbance, and illegal netting. Each of these threats require place-based management interventions if long-term conservation of Spotted Greenshank, and other EAAF waterbirds, is to be accomplished.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 9
Maron, M., A. von Hase, F. Quétier et al. (In Press). "Biodiversity offsets, their effectiveness and their role in a nature positive future." Nature Reviews Biodiversity. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44358-025-00023-2
Abstract: Biodiversity offsetting is a mechanism for addressing the impacts of development projects on biodiversity, but the practice remains controversial and its effectiveness generally poor. In the context of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the emergence of new approaches for mitigating damage, we need to learn from the past. In this Review, we explore biodiversity offsetting, its effectiveness and its future prospects, especially in relation to ‘nature positive’ goals. Offsets often fall short of their stated goal: to achieve at least no net loss of affected biodiversity. However, such failures are prominent because offsets have more explicit quantitative objectives than most other conservation approaches, whose effectiveness is also variable. These clear objectives provide the potential for the transparency that alternative approaches to addressing negative human impacts on biodiversity lack. Unfortunately, promising alternatives are scarce, so offsetting and offset-like mechanisms remain a necessary component of strategies to halt and reverse nature loss. However, improving their performance is essential. No quick and easy solution exists; instead, upholding best practice principles and rigorous implementation — including in the face of challenges from opposing narratives and interest groups — remains key.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 8 of 9
Mo, L., T. W. Crowther, D. S. Maynard, ..., B. Swanepoel et al. (2024). "The global distribution and drivers of wood density and their impact on forest carbon stocks." Nature Ecology & Evolution 8(12), 2195-2212. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02564-9
Abstract: The density of wood is a key indicator of the carbon investment strategies of trees, impacting productivity and carbon storage. Despite its importance, the global variation in wood density and its environmental controls remain poorly understood, preventing accurate predictions of global forest carbon stocks. Here we analyse information from 1.1 million forest inventory plots alongside wood density data from 10,703 tree species to create a spatially explicit understanding of the global wood density distribution and its drivers. Our findings reveal a pronounced latitudinal gradient, with wood in tropical forests being up to 30% denser than that in boreal forests. In both angiosperms and gymnosperms, hydrothermal conditions represented by annual mean temperature and soil moisture emerged as the primary factors influencing the variation in wood density globally. This indicates similar environmental filters and evolutionary adaptations among distinct plant groups, underscoring the essential role of abiotic factors in determining wood density in forest ecosystems. Additionally, our study highlights the prominent role of disturbance, such as human modification and fire risk, in influencing wood density at more local scales. Factoring in the spatial variation of wood density notably changes the estimates of forest carbon stocks, leading to differences of up to 21% within biomes. Therefore, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of terrestrial biomass distribution and how environmental changes and disturbances impact forest ecosystems.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 9 of 9
Webster, K. L., M. Strack, N. Balliston, ..., L. Harris, ..., A. Kirkwood et al. (2025). "Data and knowledge needs for improving science and policy for peatlands in Canada in a changing world: Insights from Global Peatlands Initiative Workshop, June 2023." FACETS 10, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1139/facets-2024-0142
Abstract: Knowledge and data on the current function, future threats, and benefits of peatlands in Canada are required to support evidence-based decision-making to ensure they continue to provide critical ecosystem services. This is particularly relevant for Canada, given the large expanse of relatively intact peatland area. There is a need, not only to standardize protocols, but also to prioritize types of information and knowledge that can best meet conservation and management goals. This was the challenge posed to the participants of the Global Peatlands Initiative workshop in June 2023 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Participants were composed of researchers using primarily Western science approaches that use peatland data for carbon accounting, policy or sustainable land use, reclamation/restoration, conservation, wildlife, and water resources applications. For seven peatland data categories (hydrometeorological and environmental sensing; peat coring and depth; greenhouse gas monitoring; biodiversity; vegetation, woody debris, and litter; Traditional Knowledge; water quality), three priority measurements were identified and recommendations for their collection were discussed. The key recommendations from the workshop were to (1) create standardized, yet flexible protocols; (2) coordinate field data collection where possible; (3) weave more Traditional Knowledge into understanding of peatlands; (4) create an atlas of existing peatland information; (5) scope opportunities to create a network of peatland “super sites”.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 10-23 February 2025 [2 weeks]
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 14
Austin, K. G., P. R. Elsen, E. N. H. Coronado, A. DeGemmis, A. V. Gallego-Sala, L. Harris, H. E. Kretser, ... and D. Zarin (2025). "Mismatch between global importance of peatlands and the extent of their protection." Conservation Letters 18(1), e13080. https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.13080
Abstract: Global peatlands store more carbon than all the world's forests biomass on just 3% of the planet's land surface. Failure to address mounting threats to peatland ecosystems will jeopardize critical climate targets and exacerbate biodiversity loss. Our analysis reveals that 17% of peatlands are protected globally—substantially less than many other high-value ecosystems. Just 11% percent of boreal and 27% of temperate and tropical peatlands are protected, while Indigenous peoples' lands encompass at least another one-quarter of peatlands globally. Peatlands in protected areas and Indigenous peoples' lands generally face lower human pressure than outside those areas. Yet, almost half of temperate and tropical peatlands in protected areas still experience medium to high human pressure. Country submissions of Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework could help catalyze actions and secure funding for peatland conservation, including support for the Indigenous stewardship that is critical to protect many of the world's highest priority peatland areas.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 14
Carrera, M. and L. Baquero (2025). "A historical checklist of the orchid flora (Orchidaceae) of Quito, Ecuador." Check List 21(1), 222-241. https://doi.org/10.15560/21.1.222
Abstract: We compile a species inventory of orchid species collected at Quito, Ecuador, between 1790 and 2018 and compare it with the orchid species observed in the field between 2018 and 2021. Historical herbarium records include 52 orchid species in Quito. During our field campaigns, we found 29 of these previously collected species in herbaria and an additional 11 species which we newly report from Quito, bringing the total number of orchid species in Quito to 63 species. However, we were unable to find 23 species during our field campaigns. Our study shows that even in one of the largest Ecuadorian cities, several orchid species are still present, and among them, species not previously reported. Urgent conservation actions are needed in urban areas to preserve urban diversity and native ecosystems in Quito.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 14
de la Torre, J. A., K. Duchez and J. Radachowsky (2025). "Characterization and extent of illegal trade in jaguars and other felid species via social media in Mexico." Animal Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.70001
Abstract: The widespread use of online platforms and social media has undoubtedly facilitated the expansion of the illegal wildlife trade into global markets. Given the increase of evidence of jaguar (Panthera onca) trade through online platforms in Mexico, our objective was to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of online trade of jaguar and other wild felid parts. Our study focused on researching four main aspects related to the online trade of wild felids. First, we evaluated the scale of the online trade of jaguars and other wild felid species in Mexico. Second, we explored the locations where this activity is taking place and potential routes used for trade. Third, we analyzed the use given to the felid's parts. Finally, we estimated the potential number of animals traded through online platforms. We found 713 posts that included elements of wild felids trade in Mexico, with 60 locations and 157 users. Nine species were identified, including five native species to Mexico and four non-native species. Our findings strongly assert that the trade of jaguars and other wild felid species parts through online platforms poses an imminent threat to these species. Data collected indicate that the online trade of these species has evolved into a widespread activity that is not solely opportunistic or locally focused. This suggests the existence of a more complex network in which online platforms facilitate communication between traders in Mexico and potential buyers in other countries. Online illegal trade of wild felids in Mexico was estimated to have involved at least ~$2,000,000 USD over the last 10 years. It is crucial to encourage local authorities to implement online platform monitoring and develop intervention strategies to prevent this activity from reaching unsustainable levels that could significantly impact the wild populations of these species.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 14
Girkin, N. T., H. V. Cooper, A. S. Johnston, M. Ledger, G. R. M. Niamba et al. (In Press). "The temperature dependence of greenhouse gas production from central African savannah soils." Geoderma Regional, e00934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geodrs.2025.e00934
Abstract: Savannahs cover 20 % of the global land surface, but there have been few studies of greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics from savannah soils. Here, we assess potential turnover of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from surface (0–10 cm) and subsurface (20–30 cm) soils from two contrasting tropical savannah sites in the Republic of Congo, Central Africa, under dry (40 % water-filled-pore-space, WFPS) and wet (70 % WFPS) conditions. Under baseline conditions (25 °C), we found soils were sources of CO2 and N2O, but a sink for CH4. Assessment the temperature response of GHG fluxes between 20 and 35 °C revealed variable temperature dependences. That is, CO2 fluxes showed a strong temperature response, whereas the temperature response of N2O fluxes was only significant in dry conditions and no significant temperature response of CH4 fluxes was observed. The temperature quotient (Q10) of soil respiration increased from 1.58 ± 0.004 to 1.92 ± 0.006 at sites with lower soil organic carbon contents. The relative increase in N2O with CO2 fluxes across temperatures was significantly influenced by moisture conditions at both sites. No temperature or soil moisture response was observed for CH4 fluxes, collectively implying divergent GHG responses to changing climatic conditions. Using Rock-Eval pyrolysis we assessed the organic chemistry of all soil types, which indicated contrasting degrees of stability of carbon sources between sites and with depth which, alongside significant differences in a range of other soil parameters (including organic matter content, total carbon, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity, and pH), which may account for site-specific differences in baseline GHG emissions. Taken together our results are amongst the first measures of GHG temperature sensitivity of tropical savannah soils and demonstrate that soil CO2 emissions are more sensitive to warming and changes in moisture than the emissions of other GHGs, although relatively low compared to responses reported for soils from other tropical ecosystems. This implies that GHG fluxes form savannah soils in the region may be at least partially resilient to climate-induced soil warming compared to other ecosystems.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 14
Holler, S., K. R. Hall, B. Rayfield, G. Zapata-Ríos, D. Kübler, O. Conrad, O. Schmitz, C. Bonannella, T. Hengl, J. Böhner, S. Günter and M. Lippe (2025). "Ubi es, room to roam? Extension of the LPB-RAP model capabilities for potential habitat analysis." Ecological Modelling 501, e111005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2024.111005
Abstract: The Anthropocene presents challenges for preserving and restoring ecosystems in human-altered landscapes. Policy development and landscape planning must consider long-term developments to maintain and restore functional ecosystems, ideally by using wildlife umbrella species as proxies. Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) aims to support both environmental and human well-being. However, the impact of FLR on wildlife umbrella species and their movement potential should be assessed in its potential magnitude for effective conservation. For this purpose, we introduce the LPB-RAP model expanded for potential habitat analysis in smallholder-dominated forest landscapes. It focuses on ecosystem fragmentation and landscape connectivity using Circuit Theory-based methods. LPB-RAP, based on a Monte Carlo framework, enables comprehensive habitat analysis for different SSP-RCP and policy scenarios with a broad analysis spectrum for anthropo- and biosphere aspects. It simulates dichotomous landscapes with and without potential FLR for consideration in long-term planning horizons. As an implementation example serves Ecuador's Esmeraldas province, using the Jaguar (Panthera onca) as a target umbrella species within an SSP2-RCP4.5 narrative. The simulation period covers 2018 to 2100 in annual and hectare resolution. The years 2024 and 2070 were chosen as probing dates for the extended habitat analysis. Results indicate that an agroforestry-based FLR scenario to increase forest cover while benefiting forest ecosystems and people would only marginally improve the movement potential for female Jaguars due to their avoidance of human-disturbed areas. Additional measures, including habitat corridors, are needed to enhance movement potential amidst increasing habitat fragmentation and loss, including stakeholders of all scales.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 14
Htike, M. H., T. K. Fuller, H. Naing, S. Htun and C. R. Griffin (2024). "Exploring ecological and human influences on sun bear distribution in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, northern Myanmar." Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 72, 424-437. https://doi.org/10.26107/RBZ-2024-0031
Abstract: Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) occur in various habitat types, ranging from dense natural forests to degraded forests and agricultural lands, such as oil palm plantations. Yet, the species population is declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and other threats, and the species is classified as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In Myanmar, where the species’ distribution is not well known, we conducted dry-season surveys using 120 camera-trap stations in a portion of the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS) in northern Myanmar between 2016 and 2019 to identify the factors influencing sun bear distribution. From a total of 15,315 trap nights, we obtained 47 independent photo events of sun bears (0.31 captures/100 trap nights) at 9–16% of the stations. We analysed 12 factors that could potentially influence sun bear occupancy and detection probability. Sun bear occupancy increased as distance from patrol stations increased, but it was not affected by distance to roads. Sun bear detection probability increased when the probabilities of tigers (Panthera tigris), poachers, and field team presence were higher, but it was not affected by trespasser presence. Overall, our study did a poor job in identifying the ecological factors affecting sun bear occupancy in HWS. Instead, it highlighted several anthropogenic variables whose influences on sun bear distribution were counterintuitive. Further, many of our results contrasted with reports from other sun bear studies. Sun bears and other wildlife may be experiencing extremely low levels of human harassment and harvest in our study area. Thus, they may not be as sensitive to anthropogenic factors as reported elsewhere.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 14
Kau, M., B. V. Weckworth, S. Li, ..., G. B. Schaller et al. (2025). "Umbrella, keystone, or flagship? An integrated framework for identifying effective surrogate species." Biological Conservation 303, e111025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111025
Abstract: The global biodiversity crisis demands targeted conservation strategies that maximize impact despite limited resources. Surrogate species approaches, particularly using umbrella, keystone, and flagship species, offer practical targets for conservation planning that may indirectly benefit ecosystems. However, selecting target species is often hindered by conceptual ambiguities and inconsistent methodologies. To address these challenges, we present an integrative framework that systematically identifies effective surrogate species through Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) combined with big data. Our framework quantifies each species' conservation potential using three indices: an Umbrella index, a Keystone index, and a Flagship index. The Umbrella index assesses habitat overlap using Area of Habitat (AOH) data, the Keystone index is calculated through a network analysis of predator-prey relationships, and the Flagship index analyzes public interest via Google Trends and Baidu Index. These indices are integrated into a composite Effectiveness index using the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) model, with sensitivity analysis to evaluate the robustness of species rankings. We applied this framework to Three-River-Source National Park in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Our results identified the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) as the most effective surrogate species among mammals, ranking first in both the Flagship and Keystone indices, and tenth in the Umbrella index, leading to its top position in the composite Effectiveness index. This data-driven, transparent approach enhances objectivity in surrogate species selection, promising more strategic and impactful biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 8 of 14
Long, B., I. Exploitasia, R. Mahmud, ..., S. M. Brook et al. (2025). "Conservation of the Javan rhinoceros: Lessons from Indonesia and Vietnam.” In M. Melletti, B. Talukdar and D. Balfour, Eds., Rhinos of the World: Ecology, Conservation and Management, 333-349. Cham: Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-67169-2_13
Abstract: The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) was historically found across a large proportion of Asia from Java to northeast India. By the 1990s, it was restricted to only two locations: Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia and what is now Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam. These two populations took vastly different trajectories over the last 30 years, with the Indonesia population growing and the Vietnam population becoming extirpated. The conservation actions taken for both populations and the species’ conservation needs are presented.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 9 of 14
Mejía-Falla, P. A., A. F. Navia, D. Cardeñosa and J. Tavera (2025). "New species of the genus Hypanus (Dasyatidae) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean." Ichthyology & Herpetology 113(1), 44-60. https://doi.org/10.1643/i2024010
Abstract: A new species of stingray belonging to the genus Hypanus is described in this study based on data collected in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) region of Colombia. This new species stands out within the genus by its unique spade-shaped disc with a width-to-length ratio ranging from 1.0 to 1.1, whereas its obtuse snout extends 29–30% of the disc width (DW). This species also stands out due to its large size (125 cm DW). Notably, it has three distinctive rows of enlarged denticles on its mid-scapular area, with the central row extending back to the caudal sting. Additionally, it possesses a long tail that measures 2.2–2.5 times the DW, tapering smoothly. Molecular data also revealed significant differences between this new species and its congeners using COI. The phylogenetic analysis recovered Hypanus rubioi, new species, as the sister species to the western Atlantic Longnose Stingray H. guttatus, with an uncorrected genetic distance of 2.27 to 2.94%. The preliminary ecological niche modeling further indicates that this newly described species is likely associated with coastal regions in the ETP, ranging from central Mexico to northern Peru, with backlight and salinity as the most influential variables. These findings contribute to our understanding of the biodiversity within the genus Hypanus and the ecological distribution of this novel species in the ETP. / Se describe una nueva raya del género Hypanus del Pacífico oriental tropical (POT) a partir de material colectado en el Pacífico de Colombia. La nueva especie es única dentro del género por ser de gran tamaño (125 cm de ancho de disco [AD]) con un disco romboidal en forma de pala, su anchura 1,0 a 1,1 veces su longitud, un hocico obtuso, rostro prolongado de punta extendida, 29–30% en AD, tres filas de dentículos agrandados en la parte media de la escapula, la hilera central se extiende hacia atrás hasta el aguijón caudal, cola larga, 2,2–2,5 veces el AD, estrechándose suavemente. Se diferencia de todos sus congéneres también por diferencias moleculares del gen COI. El análisis filogenético encontró que Hypanus rubioi sp. nov. es la especie hermana de la raya laya látigo hocicona del Atlántico occidental H. guttatus, con una distancia genética no corregida de (2,27 a 2,94%). El modelado preliminar del nicho ecológico indica además que esta especie recién descrita está probablemente asociada a regiones costeras del POT, que abarcan desde el centro de México hasta el norte de Perú y donde la luz de fondo y la salinidad fueron las variables con mayor influencia en el resultado. Estos resultados contribuyen a nuestra comprensión de la biodiversidad dentro del género Hypanus y la distribución ecológica de esta nueva especie en el POT.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 10 of 14
Padang, K., Nuruliawati, Z. Afifah, M. I. Andriansyah, A. A. D. Putri, N. Hafizoh, I. Hermawati, A. I. Muktamarianti, S. Yulianti, N. W. Handayani and S. Mardiah (In Press). "Online illegal wildlife trade in Indonesia: Strengthening the regulatory framework and law enforcement." Oryx. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605323001667
Abstract: E-commerce applications have significantly changed how people transact with each other. This includes digital advances that drive illegal wildlife trade. In Indonesia, the Conservation Act of 1990 was enacted before the internet revolution and does not, therefore, adequately cover online illegal wildlife trade. In this study we identified wildlife traded illegally through advertisements published by five large national e-commerce companies and one social media platform operating in Indonesia, using 39 keywords. We also analysed data on wildlife cybercrime court case outcomes, associated criminal networks and their modus operandi. Over 12 months, we found 996 advertisements for wildlife and wildlife products, including of 45 nationally protected species, from 421 accounts. Amongst the six platforms monitored, Facebook Marketplace had the highest illegal wildlife trade traffic. We found that those prosecuted for online illegal wildlife trade were given low sentences. Our analysis of wildlife legislation, focus group discussions and expert interviews showed that the Government of Indonesia Trade Law (2014) and Law on Electronic Information and Transactions (2008) cannot be used to prosecute online illegal wildlife trade cases because these laws do not acknowledge regulations for protected species. Our study emphasizes the urgency of revising the Conservation Act and changing the definition of trade to include advertisements of protected species. We recommend development of screening tools for advertisements and accounts on e-commerce platforms, review of community/user guidelines to prohibit trade of protected species, and strengthening the approach of combining multi-context laws with stakeholder cooperation to prosecute online illegal wildlife trade cases.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 11 of 14
Petters, J. and F. Bauer (2024). "Territorial behavior in female spiny lava lizard, Tropidurus spinulosus (Cope, 1862) in Cerro Arco, district of Tobatí (Dept. of Cordillera, Paraguay)." Boletín de la Asociación Herpetológica Española 35(2), 31-37. https://www.herpetologica.org/BAHE/35_2/BAHE_35-2[H_3533].pdf
Abstract: Este estudio reporta una observación fortuita del comportamiento territorial y encuentros agonísticos entre dos hembras de Tropidurus spinulosus en Cerro Arco, Paraguay. La observación, que duró aproximadamente 90 minutos, reveló una compleja exhibición de comunicación visual, que incluía balanceo de la cabeza, flexiones y distensión de la región gular. Las hembras se involucraron en secuencias repetidas de patrones motores y visuales, incluyendo mordeduras y persecuciones, con una hembra finalmente dominando a la otra y desplazándola del área. Los comportamientos observados son consistentes con los reportados en otras especies de Tropidurus y resaltan la importancia de la defensa territorial en las hembras. Este estudio contribuye al conocimiento limitado sobre los patrones de comportamiento de T. spinulosus, particularmente en lo que respecta a las interacciones hembra-hembra, y subraya la necesidad de más investigación sobre la ecología del comportamiento de esta especie. Los hallazgos de este estudio pueden informar los esfuerzos de conservación y resaltar la importancia de evaluaciones rápidas de la biodiversidad para comprender mejor los patrones de comportamiento normales y anormales en las especies silvestres.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 12 of 14
Romero-Muñoz, A., B. Bleyhl, A. Benítez-López, ..., L. Villalba et al. (2025). "Hunting and habitat destruction drive widespread functional declines of top predators in a global deforestation hotspot." Diversity and Distributions 31(2), e70003. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70003
Abstract: Aim: We investigated the effects of habitat destruction and hunting on the functional decline of top predators, specifically jaguar and puma, in the Gran Chaco. Location: The 1.1 million km2 South American Gran Chaco. Methods: We used spatially explicit, individual-based models for jaguars and pumas, incorporating detailed information on habitat suitability and hunting pressure. We parameterized our models with literature data and calibrated them through a Delphi expert-elicitation process. We simulated population trajectories under a hypothetical, threat-free, baseline versus different threat scenarios. Results: Under combined threats of hunting and habitat loss, jaguar and puma populations declined by 88% and 80%, respectively, compared to range contractions of 48% and 35%, respectively. Both species remained regionally viable, particularly due to large protected areas, which acted as population sources but were surrounded by strong sinks. We observed a widespread weakening of the top carnivore guild function, with at least one species extirpated across 67% of the Chaco and strong declines (> 80%; considered here as functional loss) for both species concurrently across 61% of their area of historical co-occurrence. Hunting was a much stronger driver of population declines (88% and 77% for jaguars and pumas, respectively) compared to habitat destruction (26% and 22%). Main Conclusions: Large predators play key functional roles in ecosystems. Our findings reveal that these functions can be lost over vast areas due to the combined effects of habitat destruction and hunting, with functional loss extending far beyond the areas of species' extirpation. Very large protected areas, like Kaa-Iya in Bolivia, are crucial for maintaining viable populations of top predators, highlighting the pressing need for increased protection and connectivity in the Chaco to prevent further trophic downgrading. More generally, our research underscores the value of spatially detailed, mechanistic models for disentangling the complex dynamics of multiple threats on ecological functioning at broad scales.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 13 of 14
Wilhelm, C. S., A. Desvars-Larrive and C. Walzer (2025). "Mixed-method analysis of published national one health strategic plans." iScience 28(2), e111803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.111803
Abstract: In this article, we used a mixed analytical framework to assess existing National One Health Strategic Plans (NOHSPs) and evaluate their alignment with recognized One Health principles. Eight NOHSPs were examined following a qualitative content analysis and key One Health characteristics were identified. Quantitative text analysis was performed to assess unigrams and bigrams frequencies across the NOHSPs. Network analysis was conducted to explore the conceptual relationships surrounding the term "health" in each document. Results revealed varying levels of alignment with contemporary One Health principles. Notably, while all plans recognized the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and environmental health, specific actions were inconsistently anticipated. Additionally, disparities in addressing issues such as climate change, anthropogenic drivers, and non-communicable diseases were evident. Overall, the study offers insights into the strengths and gaps in existing NOHSPs. Moreover, it provides a flexible analytical framework to guide stakeholders in developing and evaluating future One Health initiatives.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 14 of 14
Woods, M. B., W. D. Halliday, S. Balshine and F. Juanes (2025). "Boat noise reduces vocalization rate and alters vocal characteristics in wild plainfin midshipman fish." Marine Pollution Bulletin 212, e117563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117563
Abstract: Anthropogenic noise pollution has been accelerating at an alarming rate, greatly altering aquatic soundscapes. Animals use various mechanisms to avoid acoustic masking in noisy environments, including altering calling rates or the frequency (pitch) of their vocalizations or increasing the amplitude (loudness) of their vocalizations (i.e., exhibiting the Lombard effect), but few studies have examined this vocal plasticity in fishes. We tested the effects of in situ motorboat noise on the agonistic and mating vocalizations of nesting plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus), and found that midshipman fish reduce and alter their vocalizations in the presence of boat noise. During boat noise, fish produced four times fewer agonistic vocalizations compared to ambient control periods. The fish also increased the frequency of mating hums and the amplitude of grunts and growls during boat noise. This study is the first to experimentally demonstrate the Lombard effect in fishes using real motorboat noise.
Grey Literature Citations
Grey Literature Citation 1 of 6
Marka Cololo Copacabana Antaquilla (2024). Sumanu. Plan de Vida de las Markas Agua Blanca, Cololo, Copacabana, Antaquilla y Puyo Puyo de Nación Pukina. Resumen Ejecutivo. La Paz, Bolivia: Marka Cololo Copacabana Antaquilla and Wildlife Conservation Society, Bolivia. https://library.wcs.org/en-us/Scientific-Research/Research-Publications/Publications-Library/ctl/view/mid/40093/pubid/DMX5150500000.aspx
Grey Literature Citation 2 of 6
Kennedy, T. J., O. Dufourneaud, M. P. Castillo et al. (2024). Ocean Decade Manual for Non-Governmental Organizations. The Ocean Decade Series no. 54. Paris: UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000392198
Grey Literature Citation 3 of 6
Wallace, R. B., A. Reinaga, J. Groenendijk, ..., G. Ayala, ..., G. Zapata-Ríos et al. (2025). Assessing an Aquatic Icon: A Range Wide Priority Setting Exercise for the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). La Paz, Bolivia: Wildlife Conservation Society. https://doi.org/10.19121/2024.Report.51079
Abstract: This book represents the result of a Range-Wide Priority Setting (RWPS) Exercise applied to assess the distribution and conservation status of the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) across its range. For this exercise, an in-person workshop was held in 2018 in Puerto Maldonado, Peru, bringing together a group of specialists to organize all available information on the species, currently dispersed across different sources, and translate it into a conservation strategy. One of the outcomes of this exercise is the definition of Giant Otter Priority Conservation Units (GOPCUs), considering threats, distribution, relative abundance, and other potentially important factors. Thus, the GOPCUs represent specific sites for long-term conservation investment in giant otters, as well as studies and population monitoring on behavior, reproduction, and distribution. This giant otter RWPS book is organized into 17 chapters: an introduction chapter, then a chapter covering general knowledge about the species, followed by a chapter which presents the methodology applied. The next twelve chapters summarize information about giant otters and report on the exercise conducted for each of the countries of current and historical species occurrence, and the final two chapters address, respectively, the results, and the discussion, as well as recommendations related to the RWPS exercise. We hope that this RWPS document will guide the actions and strategies for giant otter conservation more efficiently and effectively among all key stakeholders involved.
Grey Literature Citation 4 of 6
Wallace, R. B., A. Reinaga, J. Groenendijk, ..., G. Ayala, ..., G. Zapata-Ríos et al. (2025). Avaliando um Ícone Aquático: Um Exercício de Definição de Prioridades ao Longo da Distribuição da Ariranha (Pteronura brasiliensis): Wildlife Conservation Society. https://doi.org/10.19121/2024.Report.51128
Abstract: Este livro representa o resultado de um exercício de Definição de Prioridades ao Longo da Distribuição aplicado para avaliar a distribuição e estado de conservação da ariranha (Pteronura brasiliensis) em toda sua distribuição. Para esse exercício, uma oficina presencial foi realizada em 2018 em Puerto Maldonado, Peru, reunindo um grupo de especialistas para organizar toda a informação disponível sobre a espécie, atualmente dispersa em diversas fontes, e traduzir essa informação em uma estratégia de conservação. Um dos resultados deste exercício é a definição de Unidades de Conservação Prioritárias para a Ariranha (UCPA) considerando ameaças, distribuição, abundância relativa e outros fatores potencialmente importantes. Assim, as UCPAs representam sítios específicos para investimento em conservação de ariranhas a longo prazo, bem como estudos e monitoramento de população sobre comportamento, reprodução e distribuição. Este livro de Definição de Prioridades da Ariranha está organizado em 17 capítulos: um capítulo introdutório é seguido por um capítulo revisando o conhecimento geral sobre a espécie e um terceiro que apresenta a metodologia aplicada. Os próximos 12 capítulos resumem a informação sobre ariranhas e reportam sobre o exercício conduzido para cada um dos países de ocorrência atual ou histórica; os dois capítulos finais apresentam, respectivamente, os resultados e a discussão, assim como recomendações relativas ao exercício de Definição de Prioridades. Esperamos que esse documento oriente as ações e estratégias para a conservação de ariranhas mais eficiente e efetivamente entre todos os atores envolvidos.
Grey Literature Citation 5 of 6
Wallace, R. B., A. Reinaga, J. Groenendijk, ..., G. Ayala, ..., G. Zapata-Ríos et al. (2025). Evaluación de un Icono Acuático: Un Ejercicio de Establecimiento de Prioridades para la Nutria Gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis): W. C. Society. https://doi.org/10.19121/2024.Report.51125
Abstract: Este libro representa el resultado de un Ejercicio de Establecimiento de Prioridades en el Área de Distribución (RWPS, por sus siglas en inglés), para evaluar la distribución y el estado de conservación de la nutria gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis) en toda su área de distribución. Para este ejercicio, se realizó un taller presencial, en 2018, en Puerto Maldonado, Perú, que reunió a un grupo de especialistas para organizar toda la información disponible sobre la especie, que hasta el momento se encontraba dispersa en diferentes fuentes, y transformarla en una estrategia de conservación. Uno de los resultados de este ejercicio ha sido la definición de Unidades Prioritarias de Conservación de la Nutria Gigante (UPCNG), considerando las amenazas, su distribución, abundancia relativa y otros factores potencialmente importantes. Así, las UPCNG representan sitios específicos para realizar inversiones de conservación a largo plazo en nutrias gigantes, así como estudios y el monitoreo poblacional sobre comportamiento, reproducción y distribución. El libro está organizado en 17 capítulos: un capítulo de introducción, le sigue otro de conocimientos generales sobre la especie, seguido de otro en el que se presenta la metodología aplicada. Los doce capítulos siguientes resumen la información sobre la nutria gigante e informan sobre el ejercicio realizado para cada uno de los países de presencia actual e histórica de la especie. Los dos últimos capítulos abordan, respectivamente, los resultados y la discusión, así como las recomendaciones relacionadas con el ejercicio de RWPS. Esperamos que este documento guíe las acciones y estrategias de conservación de la nutria gigante, de manera más eficiente y efectiva, entre todos los actores clave involucrados.
Grey Literature Citation 6 of 6
Wildlife Conservation Society, Bolivia, Consejo Indígena del Pueblo Tacana (CIPTA), Consejo Regional Tsimane’ Mosetene (CRTM), Marka Cololo Copacabana Antaquilla – Nación Pukina (MCCA-NP), Central Indígena del Pueblo Leco de Apolo (CIPLA), Organización del Pueblo Indígena Mosetén (OPIM), Pueblo Indígena San José de Uchupiamonas (PI-SJU), Capitanía del Pueblo Indígena Araona (CAPIA), Comunidades Indígenas Tacanas del Río Madre de Dios (CITRMD), Pueblo Indígena Leco y Comunidades Originarias de Larecaja (PILCOL), and Comunidad Ese Ejja Eyiyoquibo (CEEE) (2024). Memoria: Encuentro de Jóvenes Indígenas del Paisaje Madidi. La Paz, Bolivia: Wildlife Conservation Society, Bolivia. https://library.wcs.org/en-us/Scientific-Research/Research-Publications/Publications-Library/ctl/view/mid/40093/pubid/DMX5150200000.aspx
Abstract: El 11, 12 y 13 de julio de 2024, se desarrolló, en la localidad de Huajchilla, el Encuentro de Jóvenes Indígenas del Paisaje Madidi, que tuvo como objetivo establecer una red de liderazgo, comunicación y difusión de los jóvenes de pueblos indígenas del paisaje Madidi, a partir de la evaluación de los resultados de los proyectos: “Bosques para Nuestro Futuro” y “Contando Nuestra Propia Historia”. El primero financiado por The National Geographic Society y el segundo por el Fondo de WCS para Socios Locales (LCPF), en coordinación con la Central de Pueblos Indígenas de La Paz (CPILAP).
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 3-9 February 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 6
Ayebare, S., N. A. Gilbert, A. J. Plumptre, S. Nampindo and E. F. Zipkin (2025). "Improving population analysis using indirect count data: A case study of chimpanzees and elephants." Ecosphere 16(2), e70150. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70150
Abstract: Estimating spatiotemporal patterns of population density is a primary objective of wildlife monitoring programs. However, estimating density is challenging for species that are elusive and/or occur in habitats with limited visibility. In such situations, indirect measures (e.g., nests, dung) can serve as proxies for counts of individuals. Scientists have developed approaches to estimate population density using these “indirect count” data, although current methods do not adequately account for variation in sign production and spatial patterns of animal density. In this study, we describe a modified hierarchical distance sampling model that maximizes the information content of indirect count data using Bayesian inference. We apply our model to assess the status of chimpanzee and elephant populations using counts of nests and dung, respectively, which were collected along transects in 2007 and 2021 in western Uganda. Compared with conventional methods, our modeling framework produced more precise estimates of covariate effects on expected animal density by accounting for both long-term and recent variations in animal abundance and enabled the estimation of the number of days that animal signs remained visible. We estimated a 0.98 probability that chimpanzee density in the region had declined by at least 10% and a 0.99 probability that elephant density had increased by 50% from 2007 to 2021. We recommend applying our modified hierarchical distance sampling model in the analysis of indirect count data to account for spatial variation in animal density, assess population change between survey periods, estimate the decay rate of animal signs, and obtain more precise density estimates than achievable with traditional methods.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 6
Diamant, S., C. Bosio, J. Rambahiniarison, ..., R. Bennett et al. (In Press). "Occurrence of mobulid rays in Northwest Madagascar." Environmental Biology of Fishes. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-025-01674-y
Abstract: The waters around Nosy Be in northwest Madagascar are well-known for the occurrence of large planktivores, such as whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and Omura’s whales (Balaenoptera omurai). Between 2016 and 2022, sighting data on mobulid rays were opportunistically collected during tourism activities. Additional sources, including citizen science submissions, tourism operator reports, and social media records, were used to compile sightings of three mobulid ray species. A total of 255 encounters were documented, with Mobula mobular (n = 165) being the most common, followed by M. birostris (n = 60) and M. kuhlii (n = 30). Notably, the absence of confirmed M. alfredi records since 2015 suggests a potential local decline. This study highlights Nosy Be as a habitat for mobulid rays and emphasises the necessity for further species monitoring, ongoing identification of potential threats, and management initiatives aiming at reducing mortality from gillnet fishing.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 6
Gorné, L. D., J. Aguirre-Gutiérrez, F. C. Souza, ..., E. Vilanova et al. (Early View). "Use and misuse of trait imputation in ecology: The problem of using out-of-context imputed values." Ecography, e07520. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.07520
Abstract: Despite the progress in the measurement and accessibility of plant trait information, acquiring sufficiently complete data from enough species to answer broad-scale questions in plant functional ecology and biogeography remains challenging. A common way to overcome this challenge is by imputation, or ‘gap-filling' of trait values. This has proven appropriate when focusing on the overall patterns emerging from the database being imputed. However, some applications force the imputation procedure out of its original scope, using imputed values independently from the imputation context, and specific trait values for a given species are used as input for computing new variables. We tested the performance of three widely used imputation methods (Bayesian hierarchical probabilistic matrix factorization, multiple imputation by chained equations with predictive mean matching, and Rphylopars) on a database of tropical tree and shrub traits. By applying a leave-one-out procedure, we assessed the accuracy and precision of the imputed values and found that out-of-context use of imputed values may bias the estimation of different variables. We also found that low redundancy (i.e. low predictability of a new value on the basis of existing values) in the dataset, not uncommon for empirical datasets, is likely the main cause of low accuracy and precision in the imputed values. We therefore suggest the use of a leave-one-out procedure to test the quality of the imputed values before any out-of-context application of the imputed values, and make practical recommendations to avoid the misuse of imputation procedures. Furthermore, we recommend not publishing gap-filled datasets, publishing instead only the empirical data, together with the imputation method applied and the corresponding script to reproduce the imputation. This will help avoid the spread of imputed data, whose accuracy, precision, and source are difficult to assess and track, into the public domain.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 6
Keatts, L., A. Ondzie, M. Perrin, M. Cournarie and S. H. Olson (2024). "A wildlife mortality monitoring network that promotes human and wildlife health". One Health Case Studies: Practical Applications of the Transdisciplinary Approach. S. Cork and J. Lindenmayer. Wallingford, England: CABI. 58-67. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781800629523.0000
Abstract: Known for its considerable human mortality rate, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) requires swift outbreak detection. It is similarly deadly for great apes. During an outbreak of Ebola in the Republic of Congo in 2005, the human mortality rate was over 80% and an estimated 5000 great apes died. In partnership with the government, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) worked with hunters, forest communities, and rangers to set up an early warning system for EVD by monitoring wildlife health. The system monitors and samples wildlife carcasses through a network of thousands of hunters covering more than 30,000 sq. km in northern Congo, where 60% of the world’s gorillas live, and promotes best practices in risk reduction for communities reliant on bushmeat for protein. Setting up the system involved three stages – establishing a wildlife mortality reporting network by building trust with communities, encouraging hunters to report observations and engaging necessary stakeholders; building capacity for rapid and safe carcass sampling in response to reports; and developing rapid diagnostics and reporting of results back to communities in conjunction with reinforcing awareness of health risks of eating carcasses. Staff were trained across the remote region in safe sampling techniques, and capacity developed for ebolavirus testing in-country, reducing time-to-results from weeks to minutes thanks to carcass-side testing with a Biomeme portable unit. This network monitors and protects the health of both wildlife and humans, particularly vital in a region with limited resources and accessibility to healthcare and where communities are reliant on bushmeat for protein.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 6
López-Casas, S., C. Rogeliz, V. Atencio-Garcia, C. Moreno-Arias, D. Arenas, K. Rivera-Coley and L. F. Jimenez-Segura (In Press). "Spawning grounds model for neotropical potamodromous fishes: Conservation and management implications." Frontiers in Environmental Science 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2025.1425804
Abstract: Freshwater fish migrations are an important natural process. All South American main river basins have potamodromous fish that migrate upstream to spawn. These species withstand fisheries, therefore are socially, economically, and ecologically important. Hydropower is the most important source of low-carbon energy in South America, where, in turn, the most diverse and endemic riverine fish fauna inhabits. Nevertheless, hydropower development does not consider spawning areas nor cumulative impacts in fish migratory routes at a macro-basin scale in their Environmental Impact Assessments. To show the potential use of early planning tools at macro-basin scale to ensure that freshwater ecosystems remain functional in supporting fish migrations, a distribution model of potential spawning areas of migratory fish species was built, using the Magdalena basin in Colombia as a case study. Methods: Potential spawning areas for 15 migratory fish species were estimated using ichthyoplankton sampling records, embryonic and larval time development, water velocity and average flow times estimations. Spawning distribution grounds, analyzed for species diversity and richness, were overlaid with the national hydropower projects portfolio to estimate the potential loss of reproduction areas due to hydropower dam development. Our basin-wide model calculated spawning areas for all of the species identified in the ichthyoplankton samples, using available data on larval and embryonic development times. Our model estimated the potential impacts of projected hydropower development in the basin and revealed spawning grounds encompassing 11,370 km of rivers, spanning Strahler orders three to eight, which represented 11.2% of the entire river network. These areas overlapped with 80 hydropower projects (56.7% of the total), with a projected 45.0% loss in reproduction areas for potamodromous species. Conclusions: Management measures to promote freshwater fish species conservation must avoid river fragmentation and critical habitat loss, whilst promoting habitat connectivity. Our model provides a solution for data-limited basins to analyze fragmentation impacts from hydropower dam development. It supports science-based decision-making for choosing dams configurations that minimize impacts (connectivity and reproductive habitat loss), whilst ensuring that rivers continue to support migratory fish for better conservation and food security outcomes.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 6
Shajahan, N., W. D. Halliday, D. R. Barclay, ... and S. J. Insley (2025). "Wind-driven ambient noise characteristics in the Western Canadian arctic." JASA Express Letters 5(2), e026001. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0035591
Abstract: An analysis of ambient noise data collected from seven locations in the western Canadian Arctic at varying depths (30–350 m) during ice-free seasons over a period of five years (2018–2022) has been conducted. The measured noise level correlates well with wind speed after the removal of contaminated (sources other than wind) noise data. The characteristics of wind noise are predicted by fitting a multi-parameter empirical model to data. Results from the model are compared with existing empirical wind noise models and validated using data collected from one of the measurement locations.
Grey Literature Citations
Grey Literature Citation 1 of 2
Arias, P., A. Balcazar, A. F. Carvalho, M. da Silva, ..., D. Morales, Y. Murillo, Y. Olivera, D. Paiva, M. Penagos, V. Rocha, A. S. Rojas, C. Ribadeneira, P. Torres and R. Vento (2024). Análisis Regional Sobre Regulaciones Nacionales, Capacidades Institucionales y Mecanismos de Coordinación Relacionado al Control del Comercio Ilegal de Fauna Silvestre en Aeropuertos de Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Brasil y Bolivia. Quito, Ecuador: Programa Contra el Tráfico de Vida Silvestre and Wildlife Conservation Society, Andes-Amazonía-Orinoquía. https://library.wcs.org/en-us/Scientific-Research/Research-Publications/Publications-Library/ctl/view/mid/40093/pubid/DMX5149700000.aspx
Grey Literature Citation 2 of 2
Jaramillo Botero, A. M. (2024). Guía de Aves Reserva Natural Riomanso. Cali, Colombia: Reserva Natural Riomanso, Wildlife Conservation Society, Colombia, and Más Biomas SAS. https://doi.org/10.19121/2024.Report.51492
Abstract: La Guía de aves de la Reserva Natural Riomanso es el resultado de un esfuerzo de conservación liderado por la sociedad civil, que evidencia los logros alcanzados al proteger este territorio. La cartilla documenta la diversidad de avifauna de la reserva y resalta los beneficios de su gestión bajo los criterios de Otras Medidas Efectivas de Conservación Basadas en Áreas (OMEC). Este material no solo es una herramienta para la educación y divulgación, sino también un testimonio del papel clave de las iniciativas privadas y comunitarias en la conservación de la biodiversidad en Colombia.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 27 January-2 February 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 11
Alders, R., T. C. Mettenleiter,…, C. Walzer et al. (Lancet-PPATS Commission on Prevention of Viral Spillover)(2024). "Draft of WHO Pandemic Agreement plays down primary prevention." The Lancet 403(10426), 525-526. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00066-7
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 11
Ardiantiono, N. J. Deere, D. J. I. Seaman, U. Mamat Rahmat, E. Ramadiyanta, M. I. Lubis, ..., D. Melvern, Tarmizi et al. (2025). "Improved cost-effectiveness of species monitoring programs through data integration." Current Biology 35(2), 391-397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.11.051
Abstract: Conservation initiatives strive for reliable and cost-effective species monitoring.1,2,3 However, resource constraints mean management decisions are overly reliant on data derived from single methodologies, resulting in taxonomic or geographic biases.4 We introduce a data integration framework to optimize species monitoring in terms of spatial representation, the reliability of biodiversity metrics, and the cost of implementation, focusing on tigers and their principal prey (sambar deer and wild pigs). We combined information from unstructured ranger patrols, systematic sign transects, and camera traps in Sumatra?s largest remaining tropical forest and used integrated community occupancy models to analyze this multifaceted dataset in a unified way. Data integration improved the precision of species occupancy estimates by 14%?42%, enhanced the accuracy of species inferences, expanded the spatial scope of inference to the landscape level, and cut operational costs up to 51-fold. Our framework demonstrates the underappreciated value of integrating unstructured observations with monitoring data derived from traditional wildlife surveys.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 11
Beltrán-Saavedra, L. F., D. A. Arteaga-Voigt and G. E. Poquechoque-Buezo (2025). "First morphological and genetic report of the hard tick, Amblyomma tigrinum (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Andean cat, Leopardus jacobita / Primer registro morfológico y genético de la garrapata dura, Amblyomma tigrinum (Acari: Ixodidae) en el gato andino, Leopardus jacobita." Therya Notes 6(1), 17-21. https://doi.org/10.12933/therya_notes-25-192
Abstract: The Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita Cornalia 1865) is one of the rarest feline species in the world and one of the most threatened in America, where no ixodofauna are known to parasitize these small cats. Here describe the morphological and genetic findings of hard tick specimens in an Andean cat. Four hard tick specimens (2 females and 2 males) were collected from an Andean cat in the locality of Patacamaya, Department of La Paz, Bolivia. DNA was extracted using 1 or 2 of the tick legs, causing minimal damage to the specimens. Morphological and genetic characteristics corresponded to Amblyomma trigrinum, with an identity percentage of 99.43 %. This research is the first morphological and genetic report of adult hard ticks of the species A. tigrinum parasitizing an Andean cat, extending the distribution of this tick to the Bolivian biogeographic region of high mountains and the Altiplano in the La Paz department, and emphasizes the circulation of this zoonotic parasite in the country. / El gato andino (Leopardus jacobita Cornalia 1865) es una de las especies felinas más raras del mundo y de las más amenazadas de América, además de no conocerse la ixodofauna que parasita a estos pequeños felinos. Aquí se describen morfológica y genéticamente ejemplares de garrapatas duras en un gato andino. Se recolectaron 4 especímenes de garrapatas duras (2 hembras y 2 machos) de 1 gato andino de la localidad de Patacamaya en el departamento de La Paz, Bolivia. Los ejemplares fueron identificados por sus características morfológicas y genéticas. El ADN se extrajo utilizando 1 o 2 patas de las garrapatas con un daño mínimo a los ejemplares. Las características morfológicas y genéticas correspondieron a Amblyomma trigrinum, con un porcentaje de identidad del 99.43 %. Esta investigación constituye el primer reporte morfológico y genético de garrapatas duras en estado adulto de la especie A. tigrinum parasitando a un gato andino, ampliando la distribución de esta garrapata a la región biogeográfica boliviana de alta montaña y altiplano en el departamento de La Paz, y enfatiza la circulación de este parásito zoonótico en el país.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 11
Desvars-Larrive, A., W. Ruppitsch, S. Lepuschitz, M. P. Szostak, J. Spergser, A. T. Feßler, S. Schwarz, S. Monecke, R. Ehricht, C. Walzer and I. Loncaric (2024). "Résistance aux antibiotiques en milieu urbain: Le rat surmulot comme sentinelle? / Antibiotic resistance in the urban environment: The brown rat as sentinel?" Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France 177, e71094. https://doi.org/10.3406/bavf.2024.71094
Abstract: Le rôle des rats bruns urbains en tant que porteurs de bactéries résistantes aux antimicrobiens a été peu étudié. Notre étude visait à évaluer la prévalence de la résistance aux antimicrobiens chez les rats urbains sur deux sites densément peuplés de Vienne en Autriche. De 2016 à 2017, nous avons échantillonné l'intestin et le nasopharynx de 62 rats bruns. La culture et la caractérisation des isolats ont été réalisées à l'aide d'une combinaison de techniques microbiologiques et génétiques. Nous avons mis en évidence, chez 9/62 rats, huit souches d'Escherichia coli multirésistantes ainsi que deux souches d'Enterobacter xiangfangensis ST114 (complexe Enterobacter cloacae) productrices de New Delhi métallo-β-lactamase, présentant une résistance étendue aux antibiotiques. De plus, 44 staphylocoques résistants à la méticilline, appartenant à sept espèces, ont été identifiés chez 37 rats. Notre étude démontre le rôle potentiel des rats urbains comme réservoir de bactéries multirésistantes et l'importance des mesures de contrôle des rongeurs en ville. / Despite their ubiquitous presence, the role of urban brown rats as carriers of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has received limited attention. Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among urban rats at two densely populated locations in Vienna, Austria. During 2016-2017, we captured and sampled the intestine and nasopharynx of 62 brown rats. Culture and subsequent characterisation of the isolates and their antimicrobial profiles were conducted using a combination of microbiological and genetic techniques. Overall, in 9/62 rats, we evidenced the presence of eight multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains and two extensively drug-resistant New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacter xiangfangensis ST114 (Enterobacter cloacae complex) strains. Furthermore, 44 methicillin-resistant staphylococci were identified in 37 rats, representing seven distinct staphylococcal species. Our study underscores the potential of urban brown rats as reservoir of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the importance of effective rodent control measures to ensure public health in urban settings.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 11
International Tree Mortality Network (including E. Vilanova) (Early View). "Towards a global understanding of tree mortality." New Phytologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.20407
Abstract: Summary Rates of tree mortality are increasing globally, with implications for forests and climate. Yet, how and why these trends vary globally remain unknown. Developing a comprehensive assessment of global tree mortality will require systematically integrating data from ground-based long-term forest monitoring with large-scale remote sensing. We surveyed the metadata from 466?865 forest monitoring plots across 89 countries and five continents using questionnaires and discuss the potential to use these to estimate tree mortality trends globally. Our survey shows that the area monitored has increased steadily since 1960, but we also identify many regions with limited ground-based information on tree mortality. The integration of existing ground-based forest inventories with remote sensing and modelling can potentially fill those gaps, but this requires development of technical solutions and agreements that enable seamless flows of information from the field to global assessments of tree mortality. A truly global monitoring effort should promote fair and equitable collaborations, transferring funding to and empowering scientists from less wealthy regions. Increasing interest in forests as a natural climate solution, the advancement of new technologies and world-wide connectivity means that now a global monitoring system of tree mortality is not just urgently needed but also possible.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 11
Njana, M. A. (2025). "Ecological significance of protected areas in the tropical mountains of Eastern Africa." Ecological Indicators 170, e113010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2024.113010
Abstract: Protected areas (PAs) are a tool and strategy for achieving multiple forest management objectives. This study employed ecological indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of PAs in tropical mountains of Eastern Africa. The study also assessed the performance of existing height-diameter allometries and developed new height-diameter allometries. The study was conducted in the Eastern Arc Mountains (EAMs) located in East Africa. Fifty percent of all recorded tree species were exclusively concentrated in the PAs category I. Tree dimensions and species diversity were also outstandingly higher in the PA category I than in the PA category IV and other land uses. The species-specific structure of the tree population in the PA category I was an inverse J-shape, which implies a large number of trees in smaller diameter classes and tree frequencies decrease as diameter classes increase. However, this was not the case for the PA category IV and other land uses. Furthermore, carbon storage varied statistically significantly between PA categories and between PAs and other land uses where PA category I had disproportionally higher carbon storage. The study also highlights that carbon pools are either affected positively or negatively by ecological and physical factors. The newly developed height-diameter allometries out-performed the existing allometries hence improving the prediction of tree height and biomass in the EAMs. The bottom line of this study is that the PAs in tropical mountains in Eastern Africa and beyond are critical in the conservation of tree species and have net positive effects on forest structure, carbon storage and other ecosystem services. However, at a minimum effectiveness of PAs is dependent on optimal supply of management resources, conservation action planning and successful execution of conservation action plans. The study also provides policy and management recommendations.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 11
Platt, S. G., S. Boutxakittilah, R. N. van Zalinge and L. McCaskill (2024). "Progress towards restoring a viable population of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile to the Xe Champhone Wetlands in Lao PDR (2023-2024)." Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 43(4), 18-24. https://www.iucncsg.org/pages/Publications.html
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 8 of 11
Rainwater, T. R., R. Singh, S. L. Bock, P. M. Wilkinson, S. G. Platt, B. Song and C. M. Bodinof Jachowski (In Press). "Nest attendance by American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in coastal South Carolina." Herpetologica. https://doi.org/10.1655/Herpetologica-D-23-00037
Abstract: Among the Crocodylia, maternal females of most species are known to attend their nests during the egg incubation period. However, the ecological and environmental factors driving nest attendance in these reptiles remain poorly understood. In 2019, we conducted a study in coastal South Carolina, USA, to examine temporal patterns of nest attendance by American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), investigate the site and environmental factors influencing nest attendance, and characterize behaviors exhibited by attending females. We used automated game cameras to monitor American Alligator nests throughout the incubation period and collected a suite of physical and environmental measurements at nest sites and associated habitat. Female attendance was modeled using generalized linear mixed-effects models with a binomial error distribution. Overall, nest attendance occurred for only a brief portion (1%) of the nesting period. The primary factors influencing nest attendance were day since oviposition, time of day, rainfall, and distance of nests to nearest water, with most attendance occurring during the first week postoviposition, at the end of incubation preceding hatchling emergence, at nighttime, shortly following rain events, and when nests were closer to water. Salinity of nearest water exhibited a weak effect, with the probability of nest attendance slightly decreasing as salinity increased. Maternal females exhibited four primary behaviors associated with nest attendance: crawling on the nest (16.2%), guarding the nest from a distance (62.2%), defending the nest (2.5%), and opening the nest and transporting young to water (19.0%), although temporal and behavioral patterns of nest attendance varied among individual females. At 8 (80%) of 10 nests predated by Raccoons (Procyon lotor), the maternal female returned and attempted to repair the nest. Nest defense by female American Alligators was low relative to the number of nest visits by egg and hatchling predators and other mammals. Collectively, our study reveals both environmental and nest site–level factors influence female nest attendance and, more broadly, demonstrates the importance of spatial and temporal scales of observation in studies of crocodilian maternal care.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 9 of 11
Septiadi, L., I. H. Basyir, F. W. Pratama, R. Priyono, Z. A. Bayu, Marwanto, F. Surahmat and R. A. Surya (2025). "Range extension and first morphological data of the elusive Brooks’ Nose-horned Lizard, Harpesaurus brooksi (Parker, 1924), from the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra." Herpetology Notes 18(1), 71-91. https://www.biotaxa.org/hn/article/view/85207
Abstract: Sumatra, an island with a rich yet incompletely documented herpetofauna, continues to yield new discoveries, emphasising the significant potential for uncovering poorly known species. Here we report on the discovery of elusive and poorly known Brooks’ Nose-horned Lizards (Harpesaurus brooksi) and a range extension from the southwest–southern part of Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatera landscape. We utilised data from various surveys over the past decades, social media posts, websites, and field surveys that showed lizards were mainly found on the northern part of Bengkulu near Kerinci Seblat National Park and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Based on confirmed photographic evidence, we report 10 sightings of H. brooksi in 2007, 2014, 2023 and 2024, including the discovery of a both male and female individuals and shape variation of rostral appendages that had never been previously reported in detail. These findings extend the distributional range and yield morphological and ecological information of Brooks’ Nose-horned Lizard, highlighting the diversity that has been overlooked in this region.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 10 of 11
Unwin, S., B. Ssebide and C. Walzer (2024). "Managing ape health: Informing interventions". In A. Lanjouw, H. Rainer and A. White, Eds., State of the Apes: Disease, Health and Ape Conservation. Volume 5, 108-141. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press and Arcus Foundation. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009071727.005
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 11 of 11
White, K. S., B. Cadsand, S. D. Côté, ... and J. Berger (2025). "Mountain sentinels in a changing world: Review and conservation implications of weather and climate effects on mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus)." Global Ecology and Conservation 57, e03364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03364
Abstract: Climate change is occurring at an accelerated rate in high-elevation alpine and mountain ecosystems. Cold-adapted, mountain species are at risk due to forecasted change and knowledge is needed to respond to current and future conservation challenges. Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are an iconic species of North American mountain cultures and landscapes, and due to specialized adaptations for life in cold, mountainous environments they are particularly sensitive to changes in weather and climate. As sentinels of change in alpine ecosystems, the study of mountain goats offers insight into the ecological effects and conservation challenges associated with climate change in these sensitive and biodiverse environments. Here, we synthesize existing knowledge about how climate change is expected to influence environmental conditions experienced by mountain goats and associated mechanistic changes to behavior, nutritional ecology, demography, health, and interspecific interactions. In many instances, climate change effects are likely to be negative and additive to existing threats (such as human disturbance, hunting, disease, predation) though benefits are expected in some cases. Changes in climate and mountain environments will necessitate re-examination and modification of population monitoring, management, and conservation strategies. Specifically, spatiotemporal (and other) aspects of monitoring and management may need to be adjusted to accommodate emerging and novel conservation challenges. Yet, key data and knowledge gaps remain and should be addressed to advance conservation and decision-making capabilities. For mountain goats and similarly climate-sensitive alpine herbivores, effective conservation will ultimately benefit from collaborations among diverse networks guided by well-planned, strategic visions focused on common ground – namely the resiliency and persistence of culturally and ecologically significant mountain species and the alpine environment they inhabit.
Grey Literature Citations
Bertelsen, M., C. Walzer and M. Clauss (2024). The most dangerous creature in the zoo is the veterinarian. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians 2024 Joint Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Grey Literature Citation 2 of 6
Gruetzmacher, K., C. Pettan-Brewer, E. R. Patel, M. Kinnaird, A. Greenwood, B. Meuse, C. Walzer and M. Nail (2024). A multidimensional approach to reduce health risks in wildlife trade. 8th World One Health Congress, Cape Town, South Africa.
Grey Literature Citation 3 of 6
Stephen, C., S. Knauf, C. Crodáin and C. Walzer (2024). A framework to implement evidence-based interventions to reduce health risks in the wildlife trade. European Wildlife Disease Association 2024 Conference. Stralsund, Germany: European Wildlife Disease Association.
Grey Literature Citation 4 of 6
Walzer, C. (2024). From surveillance to action: Unleashing the power of wildlife health for conservation. 15th European Wildlife Disease Conference: Challenges and Opportunities for the Surveillance and Management of Wildlife. Stralsund, Germany: European Wildlife Disease Association. https://ewda.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/EWDA-Network-Meeting-2024-Abstract-Booklet-FINAL.pdf
Grey Literature Citation 5 of 6
Walzer, C., C. Gray and S. H. Olson (2024). Bridging gaps in pandemic prevention: The vital role of philanthropy in global health resilience. 8th World One Health Congress, Cape Town, South Africa.
Grey Literature Citation 6 of 6
Wilhelm, C., A. Desvars-Larrive and C. Walzer (2024). Mixed-method analysis of published national One Health strategic plans. European Wildlife Disease Association 2024 Conference. Stralsund, Germany: European Wildlife Disease Association.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 20-26 January 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 7
Carroll, K. A., A. M. Pidgeon, P. Elsen, L. Farwell and V. C. Radeloff (2025). "Biodiversity metric selection and their applications for spatial conservation planning." Diversity and Distributions 31(1), e13952. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13952
Abstract: Aim: On-the-ground conservation efforts require managers to balance various and sometimes conflicting conservation goals. For instance, areas important for conserving threatened and endangered species may have little spatial agreement with high functional redundancy. Using prioritisation tools can further complicate conservation prioritisations if conflicting diversity metrics identify different high-priority areas. We compared five community-level diversity metrics for birds across the conterminous US to identify how much agreement existed between each before and after using a prioritisation framework. Location: Contiguous US. Methods: We examined spatial agreement among metrics before (a priori) and after (a posteriori) prioritisation using integer linear programming. We compared a posteriori outputs for 10% and 30% conservation goals. We also assessed data layer correlation and agreement (i.e., overlap) a priori and a posteriori. Results: As expected, the a priori diversity metrics were poorly to moderately correlated (median = 0.31, range = 0.11–0.71), but all a posteriori solutions had areas of agreement. Accordingly, our a posteriori metrics identified different areas as high priority for conservation, none aligning well with the current protected areas (mean = 13%–15% agreement). However, the a posteriori approach allowed us to include a continuity constraint (identify adjacent important pixels) and easily find areas of high-priority agreement. Main Conclusions: Metric agreement depended on a priori or a posteriori evaluation, highlighting managers' challenges when deciding where and how to enact conservation. Given these challenges, a posteriori solutions best support multiple-objective, complex and large planning conservation problems. Importantly, all of our a posteriori maps agreed in areas, suggesting aggregates of several metrics could instill certainty in decision-making if prioritisation solutions were obtained at different times. Overall, our results underscore the critical importance of generating maps and metrics useful for on-the-ground management, carefully selecting biodiversity metrics that best reflect conservation goals and employing prioritisation software for generating conservation solutions.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 7
Cooksey, K., J. Funkhouser, C. Sanz, J. Marie Massamba, T. Fabrice Ebombi, P. Teberd, G. Abea, G. Mbebouti, K. Judson, S. Brogan et al. (2025). "The extent of western lowland gorilla social relationships within and between groups." PLoS ONE 20(1), e0316598. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316598
Abstract: The nature of western lowland gorilla social relationships within and between groups is largely understudied, partly due to the challenges of monitoring associations between individuals who live in neighboring groups. In this study, we examined the social relationships of four western lowland gorilla groups in the Ndoki landscape of northern Republic of Congo. To do so, we compiled all-occurrence social interaction and silverback nearest neighbor social networks from data collected during daily group follows conducted over several years. We observed a total of 5,923 dyadic all-occurrence social interactions (1,350 ± 489 per group, 138 intergroup interactions) and 54,989 dyadic silverback nearest neighbor associations (13,747 ± 3,963 observations per group, 105 nearest neighbor observations of intergroup partners during group scans). For all groups, we found that males were more social than females, younger individuals were more social than older gorillas, and slightly greater rates of social behaviors were observed during periods of higher fruit availability. While there was a considerable amount of interindividual variation in social behavior, the network of social interactions demonstrated a large extent of social relationships within and between groups. Additionally, we performed simulated network removals to assess the impact on social dynamics. Across all groups and the total population, the removal of blackback and immature individuals markedly decreased the number of intra- and intergroup relationships (>60% decrease). The documented extent of western lowland gorilla social relationships has direct implications for the conservation of species with multi-level social dynamics. Gaining clarity on the ways in which western lowland gorilla groups naturally occur in the wild, not only provides a greater understanding for their conservation, but also offers insights for managing their social dynamics within captive environments.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 7
Jarquín-Díaz, V. H., A. Dayaram, E. S. Soilemetzidou, ..., B. Buuveibaatar, P. Kaczensky, C. Walzer et al. (2025). "Unraveling the distinctive gut microbiome of khulans (Equus hemionus hemionus) in comparison to their drinking water and closely related equids." Scientific Reports 15(1), e2767. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87216-z
Abstract: The microbial composition of host-associated microbiomes is influenced by co-evolutionary interactions, host genetics, domestication, and the environment. This study investigates the contribution of environmental microbiota from freshwater bodies to the gastrointestinal microbiomes of wild khulans (Equus hemionus hemionus, n = 21) and compares them with those of captive khulans (n = 12) and other equids—Przewalski’s horse (n = 82) and domestic horse (n = 26). Using PacBio technology and the LotuS pipeline for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyze microbial diversity and conduct differential abundance, alpha, and beta diversity analyses. Results indicate limited microbial sharing between wild khulans and their waterhole environments, suggesting minimal environmental influence on their gut microbiomes and low levels of water contamination by khulans. Wild khulans exhibit greater microbial diversity and richness compared to captive ones, likely due to adaptations to the harsh nutritional conditions of the Gobi desert. Conversely, captive khulans show reduced microbial diversity, potentially affected by dietary changes during captivity. These findings highlight the significant impact of environment and lifestyle on the gut microbiomes of equids.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 7
Mayer, G. B., R. H. A. d. Freitas, P. Charvet, ..., M. C. Palacio, ... and J. M. Cuevas (In Press). "Environmental and spatial modeling of the critically endangered sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus, in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean." Environmental Biology of Fishes. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-025-01670-2
Abstract: The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) is a critically endangered species, whose spatial ecology in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean remains poorly understood. This study is the first regional attempt to elucidate the habitat conditions linked to the distribution and occurrence of this migratory coastal shark, using the largest regional dataset for the Southwest Atlantic. An ensemble of species distribution models was applied to assess various environmental predictors of habitat suitability for C. taurus. Our occurrence data was obtained throughout the species’ distribution range along Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. These data were compiled mainly from artisanal and recreational fishing records, and are linked to research, reporting efforts and projects. Results indicated that bathymetry, bottom temperature, primary productivity, and salinity were important environmental factors linked to the species occurrence and suitable habitats. These factors were mainly associated with coastal and estuarine habitats. Areas with high suitability for C. taurus were identified in Northern Argentina, the entirety of the La Plata River estuarine mouth and extended shelf, between Uruguay and Southern Brazil, and Southeast Brazil, indicating these subregions as priority areas for the species’ conservation. Ensemble forecasting projections showed a habitat suitability retraction in colder months for southern latitudes. Our study also gathered novel insights on the species' biology and occurrence from unpublished data.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 7
Saggese, M. D., S. L. Deem, H. Ferreyra, ... and M. M. Uhart (2025). "Health assessment of three species of free-living raptors inhabiting a pampas agroecosystem in Central Argentina." Journal of Raptor Research 59(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.3356/jrr2425
Abstract: The Pampas Grasslands ecoregion of central Argentina has been dramatically transformed since the arrival of agriculture in the late 18th century. Currently, <10% of this ecosystem remains in its native state and <1% is protected. At least 14 species of Accipitriformes, four Falconiformes, and four Strigiformes are found in the Pampas agroecosystems. We investigated the health status of three raptor species inhabiting the Pampas agroecosystems of Melincué, Santa Fe province, central Argentina: 13 Roadside Hawks (Rupornis magnirostris), 17 Chimango Caracaras (Milvago chimango), and 21 Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia). Our goal was to assess the physical condition and the prevalence of exposure to parasites and common avian pathogens of free-living raptors. All birds were caught with bal-chatri traps and were in good body condition except two Burrowing Owls. All three species exhibited a low prevalence of exposure for Salmonella Pullorum/Gallinarum, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Bacillus anthracis, and Chlamydia spp. Prevalence of chewing lice (Mallophaga) was 28.6% for Burrowing Owls and 5.9% for Chimango Caracara. Hemoparasites (Haemoproteus spp.) were found only in Chimango Caracaras, with a prevalence of 21.4%. Based on physical findings, low prevalence of exposure to common avian pathogens, and hematology and biochemistry results within normal limits based on published literature, raptors in our study appeared to be in overall good health condition in 2000–2001. Although not exempt from being exposed to some pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, our results support the hypothesis that, in Pampas agroecosystems, these raptor species have a relatively low exposure to common avian pathogens and this could contribute to their success in these modified habitats. Given this dataset is now more than two decades old, we recommend follow-up studies to re-evaluate the health status of these and other raptor species currently inhabiting the Pampas agroecosystems of central Argentina. / La ecorregión de los pastizales pampeanos del centro de Argentina ha sido transformada drásticamente desde la llegada de la agricultura a fines del siglo XVIII. Actualmente, menos del 10% de este ecosistema permanece en su estado nativo y menos del 1% está protegido. Al menos 14 especies de Accipitriformes, cuatro especies de Falconiformes y cuatro especies de Estrigiformes se encuentran actualmente en los agroecosistemas pampeanos. Investigamos el estado de salud de tres especies de rapaces que habitan en los agroecosistemas pampeanos de Melincué, provincia de Santa Fe, centro de Argentina: 13 Rupornis magnirostris, 17 Milvago chimango y 21 Athene cunicularia. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la condición física y la prevalencia de exposición a parásitos y patógenos aviares comunes de rapaces de vida libre. Todas las aves fueron capturadas con trampas bal-chatri y estaban en buena condición física, excepto por dos Athene cunicularia. Las tres especies exhibieron una baja prevalencia de exposición a Salmonella Pullorum/Gallinarum, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Bacillus anthracis y Chlamydia spp. La prevalencia de piojos masticadores (Mallophaga) fue del 28,6% para Athene cunicularia y del 5,9% para Milvago chimango. Solo se encontró hemoparásitos (Haemoproteus spp.) en Milvago chimango, con una prevalencia del 21,4%. Sobre la base de los hallazgos físicos, la baja prevalencia de exposición a patógenos aviares comunes y los resultados de hematología y bioquímica dentro de los límites normales, basados en la literatura publicada, las aves rapaces de nuestro estudio parecían estar en buenas condiciones de salud en 2000–2001. Aunque no estuvieron exentas de estar expuestos a algunos microorganismos patógenos y no patógenos, nuestros resultados apoyan la hipótesis de que en los agroecosistemas pampeanos estas especies de rapaces tienen una exposición relativamente baja a patógenos aviares comunes. Eso podría contribuir a su éxito en estos hábitats modificados. Dado que este conjunto de datos tiene más de dos décadas de antigüedad, recomendamos realizar estudios de seguimiento para reevaluar el estado de salud de estas y otras especies de aves rapaces que actualmente habitan en los agroecosistemas pampeanos del centro de Argentina.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 7
Turcios-Casco, M. A., E. Scott, B. Vásquez, ... and B. P. Padilla (In Press). "Renewed hope: Indigenous knowledge and practices protect a vulnerable salamander in southern Muskitia, Honduras." Biodiversity. https://doi.org/10.1080/14888386.2025.2451054
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 7
von Holdt, B. M., D. T. Blumstein, J. Berger and C. Carroll (In Press). "Species recovery as a half empty process: The case against ignoring social ecology for gray wolf recovery." BioScience, biae134. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biae134
Abstract: The criteria used to assess recovery under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) often fall short when considering social, group-living species. To illustrate this, we use recent insights on sociality in gray wolves to highlight how such definitional failures in implementing the ESA limit the efficacy of recovery efforts for species with complex societal arrays. The loss of conspecifics in social species has an enhanced impact on demographic viability that is not captured by estimates of population abundance. The reproductive skew in social species reduces effective population size and exacerbates threats to genetic health of populations. For group-living species such as wolves, it is critical that regulations consider sociality in recovery guidelines. Biological processes that include social behavior and group structure need to be more fully considered for the ESA to effectively reflect biological reality. Until regulations and policy include language that incorporates these considerations, the species we try to protect will lose.
Grey Literature Citations
Grey Literature Citation 1 of 5
Goessens, A., Y. Murillo, S. Fumey, N. Doak, A. Madope, J. Guernier, C. Plowman, J. Weatherly-Singh, M. Wieland, S. Raj, P. Wallace and S. Roberton (2024). Implementing EU Support to Tackle Wildlife Trafficking: Examples from the Field. Brussels: Wildlife Conservation Society. https://library.wcs.org/en-us/Scientific-Research/Research-Publications/Publications-Library/ctl/view/mid/40093/pubid/DMX5137300000.aspx
Grey Literature Citation 2 of 5
Gutiérrez-Chacón, C., J. J. Mueses-Cisneros, A. F. Carvalho and V. H. González (2025). Marco Regulatorio para la Meliponicultura en Latinoamérica: Aspectos Clave y Extractos Relevantes. Wildlife Conservation Society. https://doi.org/10.19121/2025.Report.51384
Abstract: La cría de abejas nativas sin aguijón, conocida como meliponicultura, es una práctica antigua en las Américas que ha crecido en popularidad. Tiene varios propósitos, como educación, investigación y la obtención de productos como miel y polen. Existen alrededor de 500 especies de estas abejas en todo el mundo, siendo más comunes en las regiones tropicales. El aumento en la meliponicultura se debe a la conservación de la biodiversidad y la demanda de productos. Sin embargo, también hay preocupaciones sobre riesgos para las abejas y ecosistemas. La regulación de esta actividad depende de las leyes locales, aunque muchos países carecen de normativas específicas. Este documento tiene como objetivos recopilar normativas existentes en Latinoamérica y ofrecer reflexiones sobre regulaciones.
Grey Literature Citation 3 of 5
Lovett, K., C. Hallyburton, J. L. Richard and J. Andrews (2024). Robust Black Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps rufiventris) and Mexican Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus) AZA Species Survival Plan Signature Programs Population and Breeding and Transfer Plan. Chicago, IL: AZA Population Management Center. https://library.wcs.org/en-us/Scientific-Research/Research-Publications/Publications-Library/ctl/view/mid/40093/pubid/DMX5139000000.aspx
Grey Literature Citation 4 of 5
van Vliet, N., J. E. Fa, H. Vanthomme, ..., F. Sandrin et al. (2025). Community-based monitoring in the context of sustainable wildlife management and biodiversity conservation in tropical countries. Rome: FAO, CIFOR-ICRAF, CIRAD and Wildlife Conservation Society. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3214en
Abstract: This document is addressed to communities and their partners, and features eight main key lessons learned that emerge from the implementation of community-based monitoring in the context of wildlife management and biodiversity conservation, across 15 countries in Africa, the Guyana Shield and the Pacific Region in which the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme is implemented. The examples involve diverse forms of community-based monitoring and include different ecosystems (forests, savannahs, wetlands) and taxonomic groups (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish). We further provide a more focused description of five case studies, including the multitaxa community-based monitoring process implemented by community wildlife and fisheries committees in the Rupununi (Guyana), the human-wildlife coexistence monitoring programme implemented by communities in Mucheni Community Conservancy (Zimbabwe), the co-managed monitoring system implemented for sustainable hunting around Lastoursville (Gabon), and the citizen science process implemented in communities around the Dja Reserve (Cameroon) to monitor and alert emergence of zoonotic diseases and the community-based monitoring system implemented in Namibia in the context of community-based conservancies (Namibia).
Grey Literature Citation 5 of 5
Villalba, L., F. Bauer, B. Ortiz and Y. Ramos (2024). Identificación de Señales de Ataques de Carnívoros. Asuncion, Paraguay: Wildlife Conservation Society, Paraguay. https://library.wcs.org/en-us/Scientific-Research/Research-Publications/Publications-Library/ctl/view/mid/40093/pubid/DMX5138700000.aspx
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 13-19 January 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 6
Funkhouser, J. A., H. Boostrom, H. Hellmuth, ..., W. Mayoukou, S. Ndassoba, C. Singono, C. Abedine, C. E. Ayina, ... and C. Sanz (2025). "Chimpanzee activity and behavioral diversity extends across 24 hours in both captive and wild settings." American Journal of Primatology 87(1), e23729. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23729
Abstract: Studying nocturnal behavior is crucial for understanding the full scope of a species' behavioral flexibility so as to inform the conservation of wild populations and the care of captive individuals. However, this aspect of primate behavior is understudied, especially in great apes, which exhibit some of the widest documented behavioral diversity and flexibility. Our investigation is among the first to systematically compare the 24 h activity patterns and behavioral activities of captive chimpanzees (Saint Louis Zoo, USA) with those of wild chimpanzees (three sites across the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in the Republic of Congo) and a published data set of the nocturnal behavior of all chimpanzee subspecies. Furthermore, we examined the influence of human activity and changes to the group's composition on the activity patterns and nocturnal behaviors of the zoo-living chimpanzees. Our results reveal that the zoo-living chimpanzees exhibit significantly different activity patterns compared to their wild counterparts, with increased nocturnal activity (particularly in the early morning) and more observations of feeding and social behaviors at night. Additionally, the absence of human visitors and a change in the group's composition were found to influence these activity patterns. These findings underscore the importance of integrating more holistic approaches to captive primate care and wild primate conservation. This study also highlights the immense potential of implementing remote monitoring technology, such as video camera traps, across contexts. Such data that extend across contexts benefit not only the captive and wild great apes but also provide opportunities for caregivers, conservation managers, and students who are involved in these collaborative initiatives.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 6
González-Maya, J. F., C. H. Cáceres-Martínez, A. Acevedo Rincón and I. Mauricio Vela-Vargas (2025). "A true highlander hermit: Human density and distance to natural cover negatively affect habitat selection by Andean bear." Journal for Nature Conservation 84, e126833. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126833
Abstract: Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the largest mammal species of the Tropical Andes, although in Colombia, information about habitat selection of the species is scarce. Here we present the first systematic effort for understanding Andean bear landscape selection in Tamá Massif between Venezuela and Colombia. Our study aimed to understand how Andean bears select certain habitat types and the influence of human and landscape variables over use probabilities in a mixed natural-intervened matrix. Between June 2012 and May 2015, we surveyed the Colombian side of the Tamá Massif, around Tamá National Natural Park (TNNP), using repeated line transects inside and outside of the TNNP. Distance to towns and roads, human density, distance to natural covers, distance to protected areas, distance to rivers, and elevation, explained site selection. Both elevation and human density were the most important variables, affecting positively (higher elevations) and negatively (higher human density) bear presence, respectively. Our results highlight that Paramo habitats are selected over other types of ecosystems for the species. Our resource selection approach provides clues on how bears use space and serves as the basis for long-term monitoring to understand what cues drive Andean bears to select habitats, bringing new tools for the management of the species in Colombia and Venezuela.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 6
Heilpern, S. A., A. S. Flecker, S. López-Casas, P. B. McIntyre, L. Moya et al. (2025). "Accessible, low-mercury, and nutritious fishes provide win-wins for conservation and public health." One Earth 8(1), e101174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.12.010
Abstract: Fisheries nourish billions globally, but overfishing and mercury contamination threaten aquatic biodiversity and public health. These benefits and risks of fish consumption are often siloed in consumer advisories, which tend to emphasize the risks of mercury exposure and could lead to adverse public health consequences in fisheries-dependent geographies where other nutritionally adequate foods are inaccessible. Here, we use nutrient and mercury content, price, and abundance information for 59 fishery species from the Amazon River and find that many nutrient-rich species also have low mercury content, are common, and have ecological traits conferring resilience to overexploitation. These species include many small and low-trophic-positioned species, including a diversity of characins that are common in markets across the region but not generally highly valued by consumers. Ultimately, considering these benefits and risks of fish consumption together offers promise for aligning biodiversity conservation goals within wild food systems.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 6
Stacy, E. M., M. D. Robards, T. S. Jung et al. (In Press). "Comparing microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms to evaluate genetic structure and diversity in wolverines (Gulo gulo) across Alaska and western Canada." Journal of Mammalogy, gyae151. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae151
Abstract: The Wolverine (Gulo gulo) is a cold-adapted species of conservation interest because it is sensitive to human development, disturbance, exploitation, and climate warming. Wolverine populations have been studied across much of their distributional range to evaluate patterns of genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow. Little population structure has been detected in northwestern North America with microsatellite loci, but low genomic diversity in wolverines may limit detection of genetic differences in this highly vagile species. Here, we genotyped a relatively large sample of wolverines from across Alaska (US) and adjacent Yukon (Canada) with 12 microsatellite loci (n = 501) and 4,222 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; n = 201) identified using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing. We compared the relative ability of our microsatellite and SNP datasets to evaluate population genetic structure, genetic diversity, differentiation, and isolation by distance (IBD). We predicted that the SNP dataset would detect a higher degree of genetic structure and provide more significant support for IBD. We found evidence for multiple genetic clusters, including genetic distinctiveness of wolverines in southeast Alaska and on the Kenai Peninsula. The SNP dataset detected additional genetic clusters that align largely with ecoregions, and the SNP dataset showed stronger evidence of IBD, while the 2 datasets were generally consistent in estimates of genetic diversity and differentiation among regional groups. Our results highlight the importance of genomic methods to assess gene flow in wolverines. Identifying population genetic structure allows an assessment of the potential impacts of conservation threats and is an important precursor for designing population monitoring programs.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 6
Thomas, A. S., S. Mangubhai, K. C. Radway, M. Fox, S. D. Jupiter, W. Lalavanua et al. (In Press). "Impact of severe tropical Cyclone Winston on fisheries-dependent communities in Fiji." Environmental Development, e101137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101137
Abstract: Coastal communities in the south Pacific are vulnerable to cyclones which are projected to increase in intensity due to climate change. We conducted a study 2‒3 months after a Category 5 tropical cyclone passed through Fiji in 2016 to examine socio-economic impacts from the cyclone and the changes to livelihood strategies of fisheries-dependent communities. Key informant interviews were done in 154 Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) coastal villages across six provinces. Questions focused on changes to participation in and rankings of different fisheries and livelihoods, as well as dietary changes and impacts to fishing gear and infrastructure. We found that the affected villages had not returned to many of their pre-cyclone livelihoods, and many villages had stopped fishing altogether. Instead, in the short-term communities coped through livelihood reprioritisation, and a high reliance on external aid (e.g. food packages). The heterogeneity of livelihood strategies, the diversity of species targeted and lack of specialised gear requirements suggested many fisheries can serve as a buffer to natural hazards and external shocks for vulnerable coastal communities. Gender also had an influence on the experienced effects of Cyclone Winston and coping strategies. Women had fewer changes to their fisheries activities post-cyclone and were less likely to have stopped fishing at the time of the survey, as they harvest from a wider diversity of habitats, glean and use low technology gear such as hand nets, and hooks and lines. Understanding how communities are impacted by intense cyclones through a gender lens can help local people better prepare for and mitigate impacts to their livelihoods, while also providing valuable information to assist authorities with their disaster preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 6
Zhu, Y., J. A. Britnell, J. Shi, B. Buuveibaatar and S. Shultz (2025). "Anthropogenic pressures lead to different patterns of niche contraction and protected area cover in three species Procapra gazelles on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Mongolia." Diversity and Distributions 31(1), e13949. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13949
Abstract: Aim: Anthropogenic threats often lead to range contraction towards the margins of a species historic niche, resulting in increased extinction risk. Here, we investigate niche characteristics of current and historic populations to evaluate changes in ‘Area of Niche’ (AON) following range loss from different levels of anthropogenic threats three congeneric Asian gazelle species are facing: Przewalski's (Procapra przewalskii), Tibetan (P. picticaudata) and Mongolian gazelles (P. gutturosa). Location: Tibet, Qinghai and Mongolia. Methods: We collated range maps for historic and contemporary distributions of Przewalski's, Tibetan and Mongolian gazelles and created 3-dimensional hypervolume and convex hull niche models using environmental variables from the Worldclim dataset (v2) together with topographic information from SRTM elevation data from historic and contemporary Area of Habitat maps and evaluated changes over time. We calculated Area of Niche (AON) maps by projecting a scaled Mahalanobis distance from the historic niche centroid of each grid cell onto each species' historic range. Finally, we evaluated how the protected area network overlaps with historic niche characteristics. Results: The endangered Przewalski's gazelle has lost almost all its range and niche, with remaining populations at niche peripheries. In contrast, the near-threatened Tibetan and least-concern Mongolian gazelles have lost less range and niche and contracted towards their historic niche centre. Protected areas for each species were biased towards the ecological margins of their historic ranges, which can result in sub-optimal conservation strategies. Main Conclusions: This study uses niche modelling to evaluate changes in Area of Niche (AON) occupied by a species that has undergone range contraction. We highlight that species most affected by anthropogenic threats are most vulnerable to niche shift and contraction. These species are also vulnerable to a mismatch between the protected area network and species historic niche space. We advocate that conservation strategies should include niche dynamics as an indicator of the species risk.
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 6-12 January 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 8
Balza, U., N. A. Lois, K. J. Harrington, ..., A. Raya-Rey and S. G. Ceballos (Early View). "Glacial history and ecological restrictions shape island-scale genetic structure and demography in the southernmost bird of prey." Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.15083
Abstract: Aim: To understand the influence of Andean uplifts and glacial cycles on South American biodiversity, we delve into the population genetics and evolutionary history of a unique subantarctic island raptor specialised in exploiting marine food webs. Location: Islands in Tierra del Fuego and Malvinas/Falklands. Time period: Last glacial period to the present. Taxon: Phalcoboenus australis. Methods: We used RAD sequencing to assess genetic diversity, population structure and to model demographic history through descriptive and hypothesis-based evolutionary methods. Results: We found evidence of two independent lineages: one inhabiting the Fuegian archipelago and the other one occurring in the Islas Malvinas/Falkland Islands, with the latter presenting higher genetic diversity and evidence of finer-scale population structure. The best supported demographic scenario places the divergence time of these lineages during the last glacial period (ca. 50,000 years ago), with the occurrence of gene flow during the first 27,000 years after their divergence. Recent demographic modelling supports the general pattern of increasing genetic variability as landmasses were uncovered following the glacial period (i.e., the Fuegian archipelago) in contrast with a decrease in genetic diversity associated to island fragmentation (i.e., in the Islas Malvinas/Falkland Islands). Main Conclusions: We propose that post-glacial sea level rise and the subsequent isolation across the submerging Patagonian Shelf have driven population fragmentation and recent genetic structure in this species. Our findings advocate for recognising the two identified divergent lineages as distinct conservation units. We highlight the intricate interplay of ecological factors, glacial cycles and population dynamics in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of this unique and threatened raptor species in southern South America.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 8
Ingram, D. J., G. Z. L. Froese, D. Carroll, P. C. Bürkner, F. Maisels, ..., H. G. Ekodeck, C. A. Emogor, ..., G. D. Ngohouani, F. Sandrin, ..., L. Vanegas et al. (In Press). "Regional patterns of wild animal hunting in African tropical forests." Nature Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01494-5
Abstract: Wildlife contributes to the diets, livelihoods and socio-cultural activities of people worldwide; however, unsustainable hunting is a major pressure on wildlife. Regional assessments of the factors associated with hunting offtakes are needed to understand the scale and patterns of wildlife exploitation relevant for policy. We synthesized 83 studies across West and Central Africa to identify the factors associated with variation in offtake. Our models suggest that offtake per hunter per day is greater for hunters who sell a greater proportion of their offtake; among non-hunter-gatherers; and in areas that have better forest condition, are closer to protected areas and are less accessible from towns. We present evidence that trade and gun hunting have increased since 1991 and that areas more accessible from towns and with worse forest condition may be depleted of larger-bodied wildlife. Given the complex factors associated with regional hunting patterns, context-specific hunting management is key to achieving a sustainable future.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 3 of 8
Knowles, T., N. Stevens, E. E. Amoako, ..., L. Dziba et al. (In Press). "Viability and desirability of financing conservation in Africa through fire management." Nature Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01490-9
Abstract: Adopting early dry season fires in African conservation areas has been proposed as ecologically desired and a means of generating sufficient carbon revenues for their management. We interrogate available peer-reviewed information on the ecology and biogeochemistry of fire in Africa to offer an informed perspective on the full implications of the proposal. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence that a shift to early dry season fires will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, that resultant biodiversity and ecosystem service outcomes may not be desired, and that adopting a single burning regime limits the use of fire to achieve a diverse range of goals.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 4 of 8
Mast, A., D. Gill, G. N. Ahmadia, E. S. Darling et al. (2025). "Shared governance increases marine protected area effectiveness." PLoS ONE 20(1), e0315896. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0315896
Abstract: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely used to conserve and manage coastal resources. Protected areas are governed by a variety of institutional arrangements, yet little is known concerning the relative performance of different governance approaches. This research draws upon a unique dataset that combines details on the reported International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) governance categories of 217 global MPAs and their ecological outcomes to compare the performance of alternative governance arrangements. We find that MPAs with shared governance arrangements, where management authority is shared among multiple government and non-government actors, are 98% more likely to have higher fish biomass than MPAs governed by state agencies (i.e., primarily government) alone (mean effect size and 95% C.I = 0.32 ± 0.31). We also find higher biomass in older MPAs, those in countries with higher gross domestic product (GDP), and those with a higher proportion of no-take area. With targets to protect 30% of our oceans driving new commitments to expand MPA coverage globally, our results suggest that multi-stakeholder participation and collaboration facilitated by shared and decentralized governance arrangements can play an important role in achieving conservation outcomes.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 5 of 8
Sadovy de Mitcheson, Y., A. Batibasaga, C. E. R. Hatten and S. Mangubhai (Early View). "From local knowledge and science to policy: Lessons learned from Fiji's valuable grouper fisheries." Journal of Fish Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.16041
Abstract: Pacific Island communities are heavily dependent on fisheries for subsistence and livelihoods. Yet, despite their importance, coastal fisheries are poorly managed and commercial pressures increasingly threaten them. Groupers (Epinephelidae) are exceptionally vulnerable to overexploitation due to aspects of their biology while their economic value makes them a prime target for commerce. Fiji has a significant grouper fishery and is a useful case study to assess a data-poor, economically valuable sector to evaluate management measures, options, and needs. Data from multiple sources over three decades were integrated with original research involving fisher interviews, market surveys, stock assessments, and underwater census to assess the status of the country's grouper fishery. Catch rates are declining and trade now includes a high percentage of immature groupers, with aggregating species (mainly Epinephelus polyphekadion, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, Plectropomus areolatus, Plectropomus leopardus) particularly at risk. Estimated annual grouper landings are increasing and now exceed 1000 mt. There is an urgent need to update Fiji's grouper size limits which are grossly inadequate. To build public support and increase awareness, government and nongovernmental organizations should invest in the national 4FJ Fish Smart campaign. Key management recommendations for groupers are (1) improved spatial and temporal protection of spawning aggregations and (2) increased minimum-size restrictions for capture and sale. Findings apply broadly to valuable and vulnerable coastal fin-fisheries in reef ecosystems across many Pacific Island countries and highlight the importance of using multiple data sources and approaches to understand and manage important data-poor fisheries.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 6 of 8
Sayre, R., C. Frye, S. Breyer, P. R. Roehrdanz, P. R. Elsen et al. (2025). "Potential 2050 distributions of World Terrestrial Ecosystems from projections of changes in World Climate Regions and Global Land Cover." Global Ecology and Conservation 57, e03370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03370
Abstract: The urgency to address ecosystem loss is paramount, as both land use change and climate change will continue to rapidly alter and degrade natural ecosystems and reduce the many services they provide. To support conservation actions that mitigate impacts from these dual threats, we have developed potential World Terrestrial Ecosystem (WTE) distributions for 2050 following IPCC best practice guidelines. This projection of ecosystem distributions builds on the previously released 2015 WTEs, a snapshot of the distribution and conservation status of 431 terrestrial ecosystem types defined as distinct combinations of 18 global climate regions, 4 global landform classes, and 8 global vegetation/land cover classes. Extending that work herein, we modeled the potential 2050 WTE distributions based on projections of five CMIP6 general circulation models (GCMs) and one global land cover change model, determined for three shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios. The climate region modeling included projections for 2050 for both mean annual temperature and mean annual aridity. Model agreement for changes to WTEs was generally high, particularly for temperature projections. Widespread changes in ecosystem classes due to shifts in climate settings and/or land cover between 2015 and 2050 were projected, with both the magnitude and specific geography of projected change largely governed by the SSP scenario. For the three SSP scenarios (sustainable development, regional rivalry, and fossil-fueled development), geographic changes in climate setting (temperature, aridity, or both) and/or changes in vegetation/land cover are projected for 29 %, 36 %, and 39 % of Earth’s terrestrial surface, respectively. These changes occur in areas where 31 %, 36 %, and 41 % of the global population lives. Projected changes in ecosystem distributions related to temperature change are approximately an order of magnitude greater than for aridity change. By offering insight into potential ecosystem changes, this new resource is intended to facilitate conservation planning and priority setting aimed at improved conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 7 of 8
Shivakumar, S., V. Athreya, N. Yardi et al. (In Press). "Charting risk pathways of leopard attacks on people: A decision tree approach." Human Dimensions of Wildlife. https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2024.2449420
Abstract: The often-under-researched aspect of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is the socio-cultural factors affecting a community’s experience of HWC. In this study, we examine the risk of leopard attacks in North India where ~ 3 fatal leopard attacks occur on people per year. We used a mixed method approach to weigh the risks of a person experiencing a leopard attack in Himachal Pradesh (HP) across parallel scenarios by (a) calculating the most probable pathway of experiencing a high-impact (death/grievous injury) outcome due to leopard attacks (b) documenting perception of leopard attacks. In HP, 344 people experienced leopard attacks and most attacks (75%) were non-predatory. Few (12%) attacks on adolescents (<15 years) were predatory. We found mentions of intangible impacts in more than half of the interviews. This mixed method analysis, grounded on local voices of experience, could be utilized by researchers and managers to navigate complex scenarios in human-carnivore shared spaces.
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 8 of 8
Wang, X., G. Bocksberger, M. Arandjelovic, ..., C. Cipoletta, ..., E. Dilambaka, ..., A. Dunn, ..., I. Imong, ..., F. Mulindahabi, ..., P. Niyigaba, ..., C. Sanz et al. (2024). "Strontium isoscape of sub-Saharan Africa allows tracing origins of victims of the transatlantic slave trade." Nature Communications 15(1), e10891. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55256-0
Abstract: Strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analysis with reference to strontium isotope landscapes (Sr isoscapes) allows reconstructing mobility and migration in archaeology, ecology, and forensics. However, despite the vast potential of research involving 87Sr/86Sr analysis particularly in Africa, Sr isoscapes remain unavailable for the largest parts of the continent. Here, we measure the 87Sr/86Sr ratios in 778 environmental samples from 24 African countries and combine this data with published data to model a bioavailable Sr isoscape for sub-Saharan Africa using random forest regression. We demonstrate the efficacy of this Sr isoscape, in combination with other lines of evidence, to trace the African roots of individuals from historic slavery contexts, particularly those with highly radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ratios uncommon in the African Diaspora. Our study provides an extensive African 87Sr/86Sr dataset which includes scientifically marginalized regions of Africa, with significant implications for the archaeology of the transatlantic slave trade, wildlife ecology, conservation, and forensics.
Grey Literature
Grey Literature Citations 1 of 2
da Silva Loayza, M., D. E. Maldonado Velarde, M. Viscarra and C. Flores Turdera (2024). Felinos de Bolivia. Segunda edición. La Paz, Bolivia: Wildlife Conservation Society, Bolivia. https://library.wcs.org/en-us/Scientific-Research/Research-Publications/Publications-Library/ctl/view/mid/40093/pubid/DMX5125700000.aspx
Grey Literature Citations 2 of 2
Wildlife Conservation Society (2024). Reporte de Noticias Sobre el Comercio Ilegal de Fauna Silvestre en Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia y Brasil (Estados Acre y Amazonas). Enero de 2020 a Junio de 2023. Programa Contra el Tráfico de Vida Silvestre (CTVS) and Wildlife Conservation Society, Andes-Amazonía-Orinoquía (AAO). https://library.wcs.org/en-us/Scientific-Research/Research-Publications/Publications-Library/ctl/view/mid/40093/pubid/DMX5123300000.aspx
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WCS-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS, 30 December 2024-5 January 2025
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citations
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 1 of 2
Lizcano, D. J. (2024). "[Book Review] A Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of South America / Una Guía de Campo de los Mamíferos Grandes de América del Sur." Mammalogy Notes 10(2), e495. https://doi.org/10.47603/mano.v10n2.495
Peer-Reviewed Literature Citation 2 of 2
Tsang, T. P. N., A. A. A. De Santis, G. Armas-Quiñonez, ..., C. Gutiérrez-Chacón et al. (2025). "Land use change consistently reduces α- but not β- and γ-diversity of bees." Global Change Biology 31(1), e70006. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70006
Abstract: Land use change threatens global biodiversity and compromises ecosystem functions, including pollination and food production. Reduced taxonomic α-diversity is often reported under land use change, yet the impacts could be different at larger spatial scales (i.e., γ-diversity), either due to reduced β-diversity amplifying diversity loss or increased β-diversity dampening diversity loss. Additionally, studies often focus on taxonomic diversity, while other important biodiversity components, including phylogenetic diversity, can exhibit differential responses. Here, we evaluated how agricultural and urban land use alters the taxonomic and phylogenetic α-, β-, and γ-diversity of an important pollinator taxon—bees. Using a multicontinental dataset of 3117 bee assemblages from 157 studies, we found that taxonomic α-diversity was reduced by 16%–18% in both agricultural and urban habitats relative to natural habitats. Phylogenetic α-diversity was decreased by 11%–12% in agricultural and urban habitats. Compared with natural habitats, taxonomic and phylogenetic β-diversity increased by 11% and 6% in urban habitats, respectively, but exhibited no systematic change in agricultural habitats. We detected a 22% decline in taxonomic γ-diversity and a 17% decline in phylogenetic γ-diversity in agricultural habitats, but γ-diversity of urban habitats was not significantly different from natural habitats. These findings highlight the threat of agricultural expansions to large-scale bee diversity due to systematic γ-diversity decline. In addition, while both urbanization and agriculture lead to consistent declines in α-diversity, their impacts on β- or γ-diversity vary, highlighting the need to study the effects of land use change at multiple scales.
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