Conservation MDPI

14/08/2026

🌱Flowing Towards Restoration: Cissus verticillata Phytoremediation Potential for Quebrada Juan Mendez in San Juan, Puerto Rico

https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7159/5/4/69

Keywords: ; ; ; lead;

🧐Abstract: The detrimental effects of anthropogenic pollution are often magnified across ecosystems due to the interconnected nature of land, rivers, and oceans. Phytoremediation is an accessible technique that leverages the ability of plants to absorb and sequester pollutants and can potentially mitigate contaminants entering the ocean. It is a cost-effective and minimally invasive alternative to traditional water treatment methods. This study investigates the potential of the grapevine species Cissus verticillata (L.), a native plant from Puerto Rico, to be used in the phytoremediation of a creek in a highly urbanized site impacted by contaminated runoff due to heavy rainfall and sanitary waters. A mesocosm experiment was conducted using distilled water mixed with nutrients and known concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) salts to assess whether C. verticillata could accumulate heavy metals in its tissues. Results showed that C. verticillata successfully absorbed heavy metals, with removal efficiencies of 80.13% (±0.16 SE) for Pb and 44% (±1 SE) for Cd. Results indicated a translocation factor

The detrimental effects of anthropogenic pollution are often magnified across ecosystems due to the interconnected nature of land, rivers, and oceans. Phytoremediation is an accessible technique that leverages the ability of plants to absorb and sequester pollutants and can potentially mitigate cont...

14/08/2026

🎉 We are excited to announce that the final program for IOCEA 2026 is now available on the conference website!

We invite you to explore the full program, discover the exciting speakers selected, and start planning your conference experience.

📅 Check out the program on our website: https://sciforum.net/event/IOCEA2026/program-overview

Registration remains open until 27 August. Don’t miss the chance to join us for an amazing conference!

🔗 Register for FREE at: https://sciforum.net/registration/IOCEA2026/tickets

13/08/2026

🔖Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research on Sugarcane Production and Its Effects on Biodiversity: Trends, Critical Points, and Knowledge Gaps

https://reurl.cc/VnLaXR

Keywords: sugarcane; biodiversity; environmental impact; bibliometric analysis; conservation; research trends

🧐Abstract: The rising global demand for renewable energy and the urgency of mitigating climate change have positioned biofuels, particularly sugarcane ethanol, at the forefront of sustainability and conservation debates. Although promoted as a renewable alternative, sugarcane cultivation can cause habitat loss, biodiversity decline, soil degradation, and water contamination. This study presents a bibliometric assessment of 217 publications addressing the biodiversity impacts of sugarcane production, based on searches in the Web of Science Core Collection for papers published between 1998 and 2023. Using the bibliometrix package in R, we identified key publication trends, collaboration networks, and thematic structures. Between 1998 and 2006, no studies were returned by our searches, after which research activity increased substantially, peaking in 2021. Brazil, the world’s largest sugarcane producer, was the most frequent contributor to scientific output, while other major sugarcane producers, such as Thailand and India, showed limited engagement. Thematic mapping of the studies returned by our searches revealed three clusters: (1) cross-cutting themes linking sugarcane, biodiversity, and sustainability; (2) niche themes on pest and soil dynamics; and (3) emerging themes on the ecological role of bats in sugarcane landscapes. Overall, the findings highlight the growing academic engagement in reconciling bioenergy development with biodiversity conservation.

The rising global demand for renewable energy and the urgency of mitigating climate change have positioned biofuels, particularly sugarcane ethanol, at the forefront of sustainability and conservation debates. Although promoted as a renewable alternative, sugarcane cultivation can cause habitat loss...

12/08/2026

🌱Asexual Propagation of Juniperus phoenicea L. by Shoot Cuttings: A Contribution to the Conservation of the Species

https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7159/5/4/84

Keywords: ; terminal cuttings; ; propagation system;

🧐Abstract: Juniper formations are valuable habitats for fauna and flora and play an important role in protecting the ecosystem, where they grow, from erosion and degradation. Juniper habitats are included in the European Directive 92/43. Juniperus phoenicea is of great ecological importance in Mediterranean areas, as it is often among the only species that can survive under extremely unfavorable conditions. Along with other species, it forms the habitat 2250* “Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.” Habitat 2250* is a priority habitat, and today, it is under threat due to several factors such as coastal erosion, forest fires, etc. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate the factors that affect the rooting of J. phoenicea shoot cuttings collected from plants growing in their natural habitat. Specifically, the effects of the cutting collection season and the different concentrations (0, 3, 6, and 12 g·L−1) of the plant growth regulator K-IBA (indole-3-butyric acid potassium salt) on the rooting of J. phoenicea shoot cuttings in two propagation systems (mist and fog) were investigated. The shoot cuttings of J. phoenicea rooted in high percentages reaching more than 90%. The factors studied played an important role, and significant differences in the rooting ability of cuttings were found, as well as in the number and length of roots. For the optimal results, cuttings should be collected in winter and treated with 6 g·L−1 K-IBA under a mist system or in summer with 3 g·L−1 K-IBA under a fog system. The results of the present study can be used to make up a basic step for conservation and restoration efforts and for sustainable exploitation strategies for this valuable phytogenetic resource.

Juniper formations are valuable habitats for fauna and flora and play an important role in protecting the ecosystem, where they grow, from erosion and degradation. Juniper habitats are included in the European Directive 92/43. Juniperus phoenicea is of great ecological importance in Mediterranean ar...

11/08/2026

🦭Mediterranean Monk Seal Recent Findings and New Insights from Lebanese Coastal Waters

https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7159/6/1/28

Keywords: ; ; ; Levantine region;

🧐Abstract: Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) sightings along the Lebanese coast were recorded between 2020 and 2025. This study aims to provide insights into the consistency of monk seal presence, their habitat use, and their feeding behaviour in the studied area. The research relied on photographic and video materials gathered from social media reports, as well as contributions from local fishers and divers. A total of 43 sightings were recorded, with photo-identification possible for 34 of these. The study confirmed the presence of at least three distinct individuals, including one adult female frequently utilizing marine caves in Amchit and Rawsheh. Video recordings of feeding behaviour revealed prey species such as grey mullet and octopus, which are also targeted by local fisheries, suggesting potential conflicts between the seals and the fishing sector. This study emphasizes the need for a more systematic, long-term monitoring approach, including the use of infrared cameras, to identify suitable habitats and more accurately assess seal presence. The research further recommends a region-wide effort to understand monk seal movements within the Levantine Basin and to support broader conservation initiatives for the species.

Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) sightings along the Lebanese coast were recorded between 2020 and 2025. This study aims to provide insights into the consistency of monk seal presence, their habitat use, and their feeding behaviour in the studied area. The research relied on photographic....

10/08/2026

🦇Notes on Winter Bat Mortality, Hibernation Preferences, and the Demographic Structure of Deceased Individuals from One of Europe’s Largest Bat Colonies

https://reurl.cc/DYX0Q5

Keywords: Chiroptera; Miniopterus schreibersii; age; unusual mortality events

Abstract: Understanding the drivers of population dynamics in long-lived, slow reproducing species such as bats is critical for conservation, particularly during vulnerable life history stages like hibernation. We reviewed winter mortality records from more than 109 monitored hibernacula in Bulgaria. We found that unusual mortality events (UME > 7 individuals) were recorded at only four sites, involving carcasses from at least five species, indicating that such events are uncommon and likely under-detected due to uneven survey effort. Because the conditions under which bats hibernate can shape vulnerability to stressors, we used available long-term survey data to outline species-specific hibernation preferences as a first step toward identifying ecological settings that may influence winter mortality risk. Across Bulgaria, species exhibited distinct preferences for hibernacula: most bats selected humid, low-altitude caves, whereas others occupied colder, high-elevation roosts. Roost temperatures and altitudes differed significantly among species, with Miniopterus schreibersii using the broadest range of conditions, yet neither variable explained variation in colony size. We further analysed the age structure of deceased Miniopterus schreibersii (Bonaparte, 1837) from Bulgaria’s largest hibernation colony following mortality events in winter 2022. Carcasses spanned a wide range of age classes, yet younger individuals predominated, consistent with the idea that early-life mortality represents a key demographic filter in bats. These findings emphasise the need for consistent mortality monitoring in bats, using standardised protocols that account for detection biases, scavenger removal, and site-specific variation. Such efforts are essential for clarifying the roles of environmental extremes, disease, and human disturbance in winter mortality.

Understanding the drivers of population dynamics in long-lived, slow reproducing species such as bats is critical for conservation, particularly during vulnerable life history stages like hibernation. We reviewed winter mortality records from more than 109 monitored hibernacula in Bulgaria. We found...

10/08/2026

✨ Welcome Prof. Dr. Paul E. Roundy at IOCEA 2026 ✨

✨ Welcome Prof. Dr. Paul E. Roundy at IOCEA 2026 ✨

We are delighted to announce Prof. Dr. Paul E. Roundy from University at Albany, USA as Session Chair for Session 3. Climate Dynamics, Variability and Change at the 1st International Online Conference on Earth Science (IOCEA 2026).

Dr. Roundy’s research focuses on tropical atmospheric and oceanic waves, their interactions with one another and with deep atmospheric moist convection, and how these processes influence global weather and climate. His research emphasizes the analysis of observations to understand how convectively coupled waves and intraseasonal oscillations modulate tropical cyclogenesis and the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

We are honored to welcome Prof. Roundy to IOCEA 2026!

🗓️ 2–4 September 2026 | Online (CEST)

🔗 Register for FREE at: https://sciforum.net/registration/IOCEA2026/tickets

📑 Find out more details about this event: https://sciforum.net/event/IOCEA2026/program-overview

07/08/2026

🦁Human–Puma Conflict in the Dry Chaco: Species’ Occupancy and Ranchers’ Perception Before and After the Creation of a Protected Area

https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7159/5/4/78

Keywords: predation; ; protected natural areas; occupancy; ranchers’ perceptions

🧐Abstract: Although the creation of protected areas helps to protect biodiversity, it does not necessarily contribute to the reduction in some conflicts, such as livestock predation by large carnivores. We evaluated the presence of puma (Puma concolor) in a large ranch converted into a National Park and in surrounding rancher areas in the Dry Chaco of Argentina. Two years after livestock removal from the protected area, puma occupancy was associated with wild prey richness, which was greater in the park than in the neighboring ranches, and was negatively related to livestock presence. We also evaluated ranchers’ perceptions of puma presence and their tolerance to livestock predation. Ranchers showed a negative perception of puma presence and a low tolerance to livestock predation. Therefore, this study suggests that, while the creation of a protected area can improve both predator and prey densities, successful mitigation of human–predator conflict requires further strategies and interventions, like economic compensation and environmental education programs.

Although the creation of protected areas helps to protect biodiversity, it does not necessarily contribute to the reduction in some conflicts, such as livestock predation by large carnivores. We evaluated the presence of puma (Puma concolor) in a large ranch converted into a National Park and in sur...

06/08/2026

🌊Citizen Science as a Tool in the Biomonitoring of Freshwater Ecosystems Using Aquatic Insects

https://reurl.cc/mz3mml

Keywords: participatory biomonitoring; aquatic macroinvertebrates; citizen engagement; taxonomic studies

🧐Abstract: Anthropogenic pressures and climate change have increasingly affected biodiversity and ecosystem services, particularly in freshwater ecosystems, which are among the most sensitive and vulnerable environments. Citizen science has emerged as a promising approach to expand ecological knowledge and strengthen biomonitoring efforts, mitigating the limitations of conventional research in scale, cost, and speed. This study presents a global bibliometric analysis of citizen science applied to freshwater biomonitoring using aquatic insects. A total of 153 articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, published between 2002 and 2025, were analyzed. Results reveal a marked increase in publications since 2010, concentrated mainly in the Global North, especially the United States (37.51%) and Germany (14.42%). The most frequent taxa were Odonata (25.58%) and Diptera (25.19%), with studies focusing primarily on species (70.59%) level, and adult stage (69%). Participants were mainly from the general public (70%) and naturalists (12%), predominantly under contributory models (98%). Reported challenges involved taxonomic limitations (28%) and citizen science engagement (28%). Despite these constraints, the findings highlight the growing relevance of citizen science as a complementary tool for aquatic biomonitoring, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches, taxonomic training, and participatory strategies in biodiversity conservation.

Anthropogenic pressures and climate change have increasingly affected biodiversity and ecosystem services, particularly in freshwater ecosystems, which are among the most sensitive and vulnerable environments. Citizen science has emerged as a promising approach to expand ecological knowledge and str...

06/08/2026

🌍 The program for the 1st International Online Conference on Earth Science (IOCEA 2026) is now available!

🌍 The program for the 1st International Online Conference on Earth Science (IOCEA 2026) is now available!

Taking place online from 2–4 September 2026, the conference will bring together researchers and experts to discuss key developments across Earth science, including:

🔹 AI and Big Data in Earth Science
🔹 Coastal and Ocean Systems
🔹 Climate Dynamics and Change
🔹 Hydrology, Hydro-AI, and Water Resources
🔹 Natural Hazards and Risk
🔹 Landscapes and Geoheritage
🔹 Air Quality and Climate Pollutants
🔹 Geothermal Resources and the Energy Transition

🔗 Explore the full program and plan the sessions you would like to attend:

https://sciforum.net/event/IOCEA2026/program-overview

📑 Registration link: https://sciforum.net/registration/IOCEA2026/tickets

Participation is free, and registration is open until 27 August 2026.

We look forward to welcoming you online!