Journal•ISSN: 1745-1590
International Journal of Biodiversity Science & Management
Taylor & Francis
About: International Journal of Biodiversity Science & Management is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): National park & Biodiversity. It has an ISSN identifier of 1745-1590. Over the lifetime, 129 publications have been published receiving 1963 citations.
Papers
More filters
TL;DR: The results from focus group discussions in The Netherlands, Germany and Scotland show that members of the general public use very rich and complex social representations of biodiversity to argue for particular approaches to biodiversity management as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Lack of public support for, and protest against, biodiversity management measures have often been explained by the apparently inadequate knowledge of biodiversity in the general public. In stark contrast to this assumption of public ignorance, our results from focus group discussions in The Netherlands, Germany and Scotland show that members of the general public use very rich and complex social representations of biodiversity to argue for particular approaches to biodiversity management. Within these representations, we identified important components, such as (i) the functions and benefits associated with biodiversity, (ii) attributes and values connected to nature, and (iii) views on the relationships between humans and nature. Notions within these components varied across individuals and groups and were closely linked to their views on biodiversity management in general and specific management measures in particular. This study illustrates how a better understanding of these representations and their ...
131 citations
TL;DR: Himachal Pradesh, in the Indian Himalaya, has a rich diversity of medicinal plants, which are widely used and many different plant parts are used for the treatment of various ailments.
Abstract: Himachal Pradesh, in the Indian Himalaya, has a rich diversity of medicinal plants, which are widely used. This paper brings together existing information with the results from recent field surveys. A total of 643 species of medicinal plants are identified; many different plant parts are used for the treatment of various ailments. The number of medicinal plant species decreased with increasing altitude. The plants are classified according to nativeness, endemism, and rarity, and prioritized for cultivation. Existing strategies for in-situ and ex-situ conservation, cultivation and propagation are reviewed and a range of actions for cooperative implementation by all stakeholders are suggested.
103 citations
TL;DR: In this article, distribution patterns and traditional uses of medicinal plant species were studied in the high-altitude cold desert of India (Indian trans-Himalaya), with the help of indigenous medical practitioners (locally called amchis).
Abstract: Distribution patterns and traditional uses of medicinal plant species were studied in the high-altitude cold desert of India (Indian trans-Himalaya), with the help of indigenous medical practitioners (locally called amchis). Unstructured and semi-structured questionnaire surveys were conducted with 83 amchis living in Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti. To study the distribution pattern of medicinal plants, 70 sub-localities were surveyed and grouped into 8 broad localities. A total of 335 medicinal plant species were recorded, of which 45 were rare and endangered. The main plant part used in preparing medicine was the leaf, followed by the flower, root, shoot, seed and fruit. The distribution pattern of the medicinal plants was, generally, localized because most (27%) were restricted to marshy and moist areas, followed by dry scrub (13%), rocks (12%), boulders (10%) and undulating land or alpine meadows (9%). Within the study area, the highest numbers of rare and medicinal plants were found in the Pin valley, follo...
93 citations
TL;DR: In South Africa, following decades of apartheid, which included racially-based land dispossessions, the post-apartheid government has implemented a land reform programme, which allows people to re-claim the land they were forcefully removed from.
Abstract: In South Africa, following decades of apartheid, which included racially-based land dispossessions, the post-apartheid government has implemented a land reform programme, which allows people to re-claim the land they were forcefully removed from. Many of these land claims are targeting conservation areas, and this has resulted in the conservation and land reform sectors often coming into conflict. The paper analyzes current experiences in South Africa with regard to land reform in conservation areas, and, through the use of case studies, explores synergies and tensions, which currently exist between these two seemingly disparate objectives. The paper concludes that South Africa has achieved minimal success in reconciling these objectives. First, the divergent goals of the land and conservation sectors result in conflicts, which often lead to delays in the process of resolving land issues. Second, the joint management model used in South Africa to resolve land claims in protected areas appears unsuitable g...
87 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue for an ecological basis for the use of fire and seek to open a debate by briefly reviewing the main controls on fire risk in upland areas and discussing existing management and its challenges with regards to three case studies: traditionally managed moorland, forestry and peatland soils.
Abstract: Prescribed and wild fires play a significant role in the ecology of upland areas; changes in the frequency and intensity of both can have significant effects on biodiversity and ecosystem function Whilst the way we manage fire in the future will depend on desired outcomes, the risk of wildfires and the suitability of conditions for prescribed burning will depend on climate, land-use and environmental change Changes in relative fire risk and hazard therefore need to be carefully considered when setting management policy Fire has long been used as a management tool in the uplands of the UK but there has been little formal support or training, and emphasis has been placed on traditional knowledge While there is pressure in some quarters for a reduction in the use of fire, prescribed burning can be used to protect biodiversity assets and reach a range of management objectives Large areas of old heather excluded from rotational burning pose a significant fire hazard Wildfires in such areas will be more intense and severe, and more likely to ignite peat, causing considerable environmental damage and releasing large quantities of carbon We argue for an ecological basis for the use of fire and seek to open a debate by briefly reviewing the main controls on fire risk in upland areas and discussing existing management and its challenges with regards to three case studies: traditionally managed moorland, forestry and peatland soils We make recommendations for future management and suggest significant challenges exist for managers and researchers that need to be dealt with urgently
74 citations