Wild bees in agricultural landscapes face multiple stressors, including habitat loss and pesticide exposure. As demand for sustainably produced agricultural products increases, it is essential to understand how sustainable practices influence wild bee communities. Bee responses to such practices were assessed across 26 vineyards in Canada over 2 years. Wild bees were sampled alongside vegetation and floral resources to evaluate the effects of cover cropping, mowing frequency, alternate row management, organic farming, and certified sustainable management on bee abundance, diversity, and community composition. Vegetation height between vine rows was the strongest positive predictor of both bee abundance and diversity, while vegetation cover and floral abundance also had positive associations. A higher proportion of flowers from cover crop species was negatively associated with bee abundance, specifically for pan-trap collected bees. Alternate row and organic management had limited effects on bee abundance and diversity, while certified sustainable management showed a slight negative impact on bee diversity, as well as reduced floral richness and vegetation height. Community composition analyses revealed that both the bee communities and flower communities differed between vineyard management types, though the use of cover cropping and alternate row management did not differ between organic, certified sustainable, and conventional sites. These findings suggest that reduced mowing frequency may be an effective strategy for supporting wild bees, while other sustainable practices, such as cover cropping, organic farming, and certified sustainable management, may require enhanced research approaches to detect effects or further refinements to improve their conservation outcomes.

Plantago fengdouensis, a species endemic to China’s Yangtze River Basin, was once presumed extinct in the wild as a result of the complete inundation of its native habitats following the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Historically documented only on two riverine islets in Fengdu and Zhongxian counties of Chongqing, the species was last observed in 2003 before its habitats were permanently submerged, leading to its designation as the first documented herbaceous plant driven to extinction by the dam project. However, in 2023 a previously unknown population of > 200 individuals was discovered in Jiang’an County, Sichuan Province, representing the largest known wild population to date. From January to May 2023, 273 seeds were collected and conservation research was conducted in the botanical greenhouse of Yibin University. The key to the germination of P. fengdouensis seeds lies in the harvest period. Seeds with light brown seed coats that are not fully mature have the highest germination vitality. Through systematic germination trials, optimal conditions were identified as 24 h pretreatment with 1.0% gibberellin under 28 ℃ and 1,500 Lux illumination, achieving an 87.5% germination rate. During May–November 2024, nursery-grown seedlings were transplanted near the wild population, with an initial 89% establishment success and 98.5% survival after 12 months. These results suggest that P. fengdouensis populations can be effectively restored in situ through seed-based propagation, offering a model for conserving other threatened floodplain species.

Assessing extinction risk is important for protecting species, as it is the starting point for conservation efforts. However, in Antarctica, none of the c. 116 species of bryophytes (the main terrestrial plant group) have been assessed. The global Aichi Biodiversity Targets stipulate that countries should have knowledge of the extinction risk of their entire flora. However, the Convention on Biological Diversity does not apply to the area of Antarctic Treaty governance, as Antarctica is not subject to national sovereignty. Recognizing the importance of understanding threats in this remote and ecologically sensitive region, we assessed the extinction risk of the moss Roaldia revoluta (Pylaisiaceae) in Antarctica. As far as we are aware, this is the first extinction risk assessment of a native plant on the Antarctic continent. Additionally, we provide a tool for estimating the number of bryophyte individuals. Our findings indicate R. revoluta should be categorized as Endangered. The species has not been documented in any Antarctic Specially Protected Area, suggesting both weakness in survey effort and a potential gap in conservation action. This study underscores the need for specific measures to mitigate the extinction risk faced by R. revoluta as an exemplar of threats facing Antarctic mosses, and emphasizes the importance of devoting resources to conserving Antarctic flora. This study will encourage further initiatives to investigate the risks facing Antarctic botanical diversity and strengthen support for safeguarding the continent’s biodiversity.

The Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List because of illegal hunting, trafficking and habitat loss across its range. Although previously reported from many parts of Nepal, its presence in Sunsari district has remained unverified. We documented the first photographic evidence of the Chinese pangolin in Sunsari district through a short-term camera-trap survey in Panchakanya forest, a sacred but highly disturbed community forest in the Siwalik foothills. Two camera traps were rotated over 14 nights at selected trails and burrows in January 2025. After 7 nights, a male Chinese pangolin was recorded, confirming the species’ presence for the first time in this district. Field observations indicated abundant foraging signs linked to soft, moist soils supporting ant and termite colonies, aligning with the pangolin’s specialized diet and burrowing habits. This confirmed record increases the number of districts in which the Chinese pangolin has been documented in Nepal to 28. The presence of the Chinese pangolin in a fragmented, disturbed sacred forest highlights both the adaptability of this pangolin and the conservation value of culturally protected community forests outside protected areas.

Live animal programming is one way that zoos and aquariums can connect their visitors to wildlife. At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in California, USA, children aged 7–15 years were assigned to different animal presentation styles as part of their participation in a 3-day summer camp involving ambassador animals. Children were either allowed or not allowed to touch a tortoise being presented to them, following current practices in zoos. We predicted that the ability to touch a tortoise would increase both the desire to conserve tortoises in the wild, as intended, as well as the desire to own a tortoise as a pet, reflecting an unintended descriptive norm. We found no overall effect of allowing children to touch a tortoise on their personal desire to own a tortoise or on making them think others could own them, although participating in the live animal programme at the summer camp reduced older children’s personal desire to own a tortoise and lowered all children’s belief that other people should be able to own tortoises. Across presentation styles, exposure to an ambassador animal encounter increased children’s conservation intent, suggesting that attending a nature-based camp increased their pro-conservation attitudes. Age moderated the effects: touching increased conservation intent and liking among younger children more than older ones, while they still expressed a desire to own tortoises as pets. We discuss the implications of our results for ambassador animal programmes with children.

Policymakers often cite a need to balance, or trade off, the protection and restoration of the natural environment on the one hand, and the extractive use of the environment for economic reasons on the other. This tension is inherent in the goal of ‘sustainable development’, which, despite providing a conceptual basis for Western environmental and conservation law, has also been criticized for legitimizing socio-ecologically destructive practices. This tension comes to the fore in the New Zealand government’s Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, which, to prioritize economic development interests, circumvents prior environmental and conservation law safeguards, as well as constitutional protection for the rights of Indigenous Māori. We undertook a contextual legal analysis of the fast-track legislation, demonstrating how it works to undermine conservation outcomes and Indigenous rights. Our findings hold particular significance for scholarly and policy debates about transnational environmental law, especially the contribution of Indigenous knowledge and law in a multi-level governance context. We argue that centring relationality in environmental law frameworks might help to shift away from binary approaches to environmental law, which trade off economic versus environmental and cultural interests.

Grey Parrots Psittacus erithacus historically have inhabited lowland rainforest, freshwater swamp, mangrove, and wooded savanna across West and Central Africa. Overexploitation for the pet trade and habitat loss have caused significant population declines, leading to their Endangered status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, recent systematic assessments of their conservation status and threats are lacking across significant parts of their range. Between 2018 and 2019, we combined observational surveys along line transects with questionnaires for local residents to explore the distribution, population trends, and threats to Grey Parrots in 28 sites located across the species’ assumed range in Nigeria. During the transect surveys, 253 groups of Grey Parrots were encountered at 19 sites. Of the 228 local residents that were interviewed, over two thirds reported that populations have declined over the last 20 years but reported that declines varied between regions. The prevalence of threats including hunting, poaching of chicks, capture of adults, and logging also varied between regions. Although regions with robust populations had relatively low threat levels, site-level analyses showed no strong link between threat prevalence and population status. Counts at multiple overnight communal roosts also indicated declines. Seasonal variation in local abundance varied between coastal mangrove and inland forest areas suggesting seasonal movements within Nigeria, highlighting the need for a landscape-scale approach to conservation. The study identified key populations and threats as well as baseline data on abundance, providing a basis for the development and implementation of targeted conservation actions and monitoring of Grey Parrots in Nigeria.

Plant viruses cause considerable damage in agriculture through high losses in yield or productivity, and quality of crops. Unfortunately, there are few direct control mechanisms in place for viruses and very few protocols for eliminating them due to the wide diversity of viruses. Some viruses of clonal crops are easily removed through meristem culture, but many others are more intricately associated with the meristematic cells or localized in the plant genome where they pose significant risks to plant health and productivity, thus require eradication. Viruses such as Yam Mosaic Virus (YMV) and Yam Mild Mosaic Virus (YMMV) damage the economic and food security benefits provided by the tropical clonal crops. This report presents an overview of the viral challenges of tropical clonal crops. It also provides information on the state of current knowledge of various sanitation options available against viruses affecting the clonal crops. This report provides a reference to genebanks for early accurate detection and elimination of viruses among in vitro-grown tropical plants which, is a major step towards the improvement of the quality of clonal germplasm stored or distributed by the concerned genebanks. The information brought to light in this report could lead to technical refinement of the existing procedures or creation of new protocols for virus-infected germplasm.

Translocations are a conservation method used to establish or supplement self-sustaining populations. However, research regarding the welfare implications of this strategy is limited, particularly in recipient wild populations. Introductions of captive-born individuals are commonly used to supplement populations of endangered white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), the UK’s only native crayfish species. To determine effects of translocation, both introduced and wild crayfish were marked and PIT-tagged, then monitored through behavioural observations and body condition scoring. We undertook analysis on welfare indicators, comparing resident and captive crayfish, as well as resident crayfish pre- and post-introduction. Our results provide some evidence that translocation events alter behaviour of resident crayfish. We also found some evidence that wild and captive-born crayfish differ in behaviour, with potentially negative welfare implications. By contrast, body condition analysis showed no variation pre- and post-introduction, suggesting that captive-born crayfish can effectively adapt to natural environments. Some behavioural differences were also better explained by other predictors rather than origin of animal. Multiple influences on the behaviour of crayfish were identified, including sex and weather conditions. Moreover, we identified factors which could enhance the welfare of this species in captivity and increase translocation efficacy, such as replicating features of natural environments in hatcheries. We also establish a basis for future research which could enhance conservation and understanding of the species.

Climate change driven by human activity has emerged as a determinant factor in the acceleration of global biodiversity loss, with bird species among the most impacted vertebrate groups. Parrots (family Psittacidae) are particularly vulnerable due to their specialised habitats, strong dependence on forested ecosystems, and additional pressures such as illegal wildlife trade and hunting. This review assesses the current scientific understanding of how climate change affects the biodiversity, distribution, physiology, and conservation status of Psittacidae worldwide. An extensive literature search was conducted covering publications from 2000 to 2022 to synthesise key findings on habitat loss, changing climatic patterns, morphological adaptations, and species resilience. Habitat loss was indicated as the predominant threat, compounded by climate-induced alterations in breeding and foraging behaviours. The review emphasises the need for integrated conservation actions, including habitat restoration, ecological corridors, and community involvement. By identifying research gaps and future directions, this paper contributes to strengthening global strategies for Psittacidae conservation under climate change scenarios.

The Upland Goose Chloephaga picta is a migratory species, with breeding grounds in the grassy wetlands of Patagonia and most of whose wintering grounds are located in cultivated areas of the Argentine Pampas region. Knowing geese food preferences is key, not only for ecological implications but also for their conservation, since the use of cultivated resources has been the cause of the conflict that led to their population decline in the last century. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the botanical composition of the diet of the Upland Geese between breeding and non-breeding seasons, and to evaluate plant group dietary preferences based on environmental availability. Microhistological analysis of faeces was carried out and the contribution of three plant groups to the diet (i.e. grasses, eudicots, and graminoids) was quantified. Eighteen plant species were identified. The diet was dominated by native grasses (Distichlis spp., Hordeum spp., and Bromus setifolius) and graminoids (Eleocharis spp.), with minor contributions of eudicots such as Nitrophila australis and Trifolium repens. A high degree of overlap was found between the breeding and non-breeding seasons (98%), indicating similar diets. Regarding the selection of plant groups, a significant selection of graminoids was observed in both seasons, followed by grasses, indifference to eudicots, and rejection for shrubs. The high proportion of native species used compared with cultivated species (60% vs 10%) underscores the importance of natural habitats with native vegetation. This area appears to be beneficial, as it provides valuable and strategic year-round trophic resources, potentially helping to avoid long migrations. It also underscores the need for further studies on population fluctuations, habitat use, and the detection of potential threats.

The lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris is confined to South America and is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The species was extinct in the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil by the early 20th century but during 2017–2021, 14 individuals from six captive groups were reintroduced through a soft release method in the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve in the Atlantic Forest. The reintroduced population was continually monitored with camera traps during the pre-release acclimatization period and after release. The released tapirs decreased the proportion of diurnal activity but did not decrease daily activity levels. Their activity patterns differed between the acclimatization period and post-release, as well as between the dry and wet seasons, but there was no difference between the activity of males and females. The tapirs modified their activity patterns over the course of the reintroduction period, showing an increasing resemblance to the behaviour of wild populations.

The role of climate change as a driver of local extinctions has rarely been tested using primary distribution data, largely due to the scarcity of such data for many species, especially from historical periods. Santolina etrusca (Asteraceae), an Italian endemic shrub listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Red List of Threatened Species, is a notable exception, as both historical and current distributional data are available for it. In this study, we documented the distribution changes of this species, highlighting the local extinction of populations located in the northernmost and southernmost edges of its historical range during the twentieth century. Direct anthropogenic impacts on land use are unlikely to have been the primary causes of local extinctions, although the absence of historical data prevents us from ruling out past anthropogenic drivers. By analysing the ecological conditions at sites hosting extinct versus extant populations, we identified significant climatic factors that are potentially responsible for this range contraction. Our findings provide empirical evidence of an association between climate change and local extinctions in a Mediterranean plant, suggesting that greater temperature seasonality, continentality and annual temperature range are linked to range contraction.