International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

About: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources is a nonprofit organization based out in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Biodiversity & Population. The organization has 1317 authors who have published 1870 publications receiving 97588 citations.

Whakamanahia Te mātauranga o te Māori: empowering Māori knowledge to support Aotearoa’s aquatic biological heritage

Abstract: As Aotearoa New Zealand grapples with developing solutions to complex issues surrounding its unique freshwater and marine biological heritage, there is a growing recognition that mātauranga Māori c...

African development corridors intersect key protected areas

Abstract: [Extract] Unprecedented growth of mining and agriculture in Africa is encroaching on remaining habitats. Mining in Africa frequently occurs in proximity to protected areas (PAs), more than in other world regions (Duran, Rauch & Gaston, 2013), and at least 23 African PAs have been degazetted or downgraded as a result (Edwards et al., 2014). Even natural World Heritage Sites, the global pinnacle of conservation, suffer mining and oil/gas exploration and exploitation across 31 sites and 18 African countries (WWF, 2015), again more than other world regions (WWF, 2016). The anticipated expansion of transport 'development corridors' related to infrastructure and resource development could impact the ecological integrity of many other PAs as roads and rails link producers with refineries and ports over vast distances (Weng et al.,2013).

Breeding Centers, Private Ranches, and Genomics for Creating Sustainable Wildlife Populations.

Abstract: Human-induced changes to environments are causing species declines. Beyond preserving habitat (in situ), insurance (ex situ) populations are essential to prevent species extinctions. The Conservation Centers for Species Survival (C2S2) is leveraging space of breeding centers and private ranches to produce "source populations"-genetically diverse reservoirs that also support research and reintroductions. The initial focus is on four African antelopes. C2S2 has developed a program, the Source Population Alliance, that emphasizes animals living in spacious, naturalistic conditions in greater numbers than can be accommodated by urban zoos. Simulation modeling demonstrates how herds can rapidly increase population abundance and retain genetic diversity. Advances in genomics and resulting DNA data allow monitoring of genetic diversity and parentage as well as refined decision-making. This approach, neither pure in situ nor ex situ, but rather "sorta situ", is an innovative way of linking public and private sector resources to ensure that endangered species survive.

IUCN, National Parks, and Protected Areas: Priorities for Action

Abstract: In order to ensure that the full range of species and natural ecosystems continue to form part of the human habitat, national parks and other types of protected areas must be better designed and managed than is usually the case at present. While IUCN has a long history of involvement in protected areas, often in cooperation with UNESCO, the World Wildlife Fund, and UNEP, the World National Parks Congress (held in Bali, Indonesia, during 11–22 October 1982) marked a major turning-point in promoting protected areas as part of the social and economic development process. In this approach, the Congress provided ways and means for the philosophy of the World Conservation Strategy (1980) to be put into action on the ground.

What can crop stable isotopes ever do for us? An experimental perspective on using cereal carbon stable isotope values for reconstructing water availability in semi-arid and arid environments

Abstract: This study re-assesses and refines the use of crop carbon stable isotopes (Δ13C) to reconstruct past water availability. Durum wheat, six-row barley, and sorghum were experimentally grown at three crop growing stations in Jordan for up to three years under five different irrigation regimes: 0% (rainfall only), 40%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of the crops’ optimum water requirements. Results show large variation in carbon stable isotopes for crops that received similar amounts of water, either as absolute water input or as percentage of crop requirements. We conclude that C3 crop carbon stable isotope composition can therefore be best interpreted in terms of extremely high values showing an abundance of water versus low values indicating water-stress. Values in between these extremes are problematic and best interpreted in conjunction with other proxies. C4 crop isotopes were not found to be useful for the reconstruction of water availability.