Conservation value of small reserves

The importance of large reserves has been long maintained in the scientific literature, often leading to dismissal of the conservation potential of small reserves. However, over half the global protected-area inventory is composed of protected areas that are <100 ha, and the median size of added protected area is decreasing. Studies of the conservation value of small reserves and fragments of natural area are relatively uncommon in the literature. We reviewed SCOPUS and WOK for studies on small reserve and fragment contributions to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, and fifty-eight taxon-specific studies were included in the review. Small reserves harbored substantial portions (upward of 50%) of regional species diversity for many taxa (birds, plants, amphibians, and small mammals) and even some endemic, specialist bird species. Unfortunately, small reserves and fragments almost always harbored more generalist and exotic species than large reserves. Community composition depended on habitat quality, surrounding land use (agricultural vs. urban), and reserve and fragment size, which presents opportunities for management and improvement. Small reserves also provided ecosystem services, such as pollination and biological pest control, and cultural services, such as recreation and improved human health. Limitations associated with small reserves, such as extinction debt and support of area-sensitive species, necessitate a complement of larger reserves. However, we argue that small reserves can make viable and significant contributions to conservation goals directly as habitat and indirectly by increasing landscape connectivity and quality to the benefit of large reserves. To effectively conserve biodiversity for future generations in landscapes fragmented by human development, small reserves and fragments must be included in conservation planning.     

RIPARIAN ZONE CLASSIFICATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF STREAM WATER QUALITY AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH1

ABSTRACT: Riparian zones perform a variety of biophysical functions that can be managed to reduce the effects of land use on instream habitat and water quality. However, the functions and human uses of riparian zones vary with biophysical factors such as landform, vegetation, and position along the stream continuum. These variations mean that “one size fits all” approaches to riparian management can be ineffective for reducing land use impacts. Thus riparian management planning at the watershed scale requires a framework that can consider spatial differences in riparian functions and human uses We describe a pilot riparian zone classification developed to provide such a framework for riparian management in two diverse river systems in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Ten classes of riparian zones were identified that differed sufficiently in their biophysical features to require different management. Generic “first steps” and “best practical” riparian management recommendations and associated costs were developed for each riparian class. The classification aims to not only improve our understanding of the effectiveness of riparian zone management as a watershed management tool among water managers and land owners, but to also provide a basis for deciding on management actions.     

The role of psychology in determining human–predator conflict across southern Kenya

Conflict between people and carnivores can lead to the widespread killing of predators in retaliation for livestock loss and is a major threat to predator populations. In Kenya, a large, rural, pastoralist population comes into regular conflict with predators, which persist across southern Kenya. We explored the social and psychological backdrop to livestock management practices in this area in a process designed to be easy to use and suitable for use across large areas for the study of conflict and transboundary implementation of wildlife conflict reduction measures, focusing on community involvement and needs. We carried out fully structured interviews of livestock managers with a survey tool that examined how social and psychological factors may influence livestock management behavior. We compared survey responses on 3 sites across the study area, resulting in 723 usable responses. Efficacy of individuals’ livestock management varied between and within communities. This variation was partially explained by normative and control beliefs regarding livestock management. Individual livestock managers’ self-reported management issues were often an accurate reflection of their practical management difficulties. Psychological norms, control beliefs, and attitudes differed among sites, and these differences partially explained patterns associated with conflict (i.e., variation in livestock management behavior). Thus, we conclude that a one-size-fits-all approach to improving livestock management and reducing human–predator conflict is not suitable.     

Filling the gap: A comparative analysis of stormwater utility fees and stormwater program budgets in the Puget Sound watershed

Stormwater utility fees (SUFs) are one way to fill the growing gap between stormwater management needs and available funding. However, there is a lack of data on the overall role they play in stormwater program budgets. This paper presents an evaluation of SUFs across multiple jurisdictions to understand their contributions to overall revenue, the uses of revenue, and the extent to which ratemaking is equitable within and between jurisdictions. We compiled data on SUFs for 124 jurisdictions and program budgets for 80 jurisdictions to describe the composition of revenues and influence of municipal stormwater permit status. We also calculated SUFs applied to individual parcels in 11 jurisdictions to assess two equity outcomes: proportionality and affordability. Results indicate that SUF revenue contributed 91% of the $537.7 million in total 2019 stormwater program operational revenue. There was enormous variation among jurisdictions in annual SUF revenue per capita ($17–328), per housing unit ($42–1007), and on an area-normalized basis (<$0.01–2.70 per ft² impervious surface). SUFs in some cities were large enough to burden low-income households, and the way they are billed may preclude assistance for renters. In the context of escalating costs driven in part by new regulatory requirements, these results illustrate the tension between achieving full cost recovery for stormwater services and ensuring prices are affordable for ratepayers.     

Emissions from Carbureted and Timed Port Fuel Injected Engines

A comparison was made between the exhaust emission characteristics of a popular make car when equipped with the stock carburetor and when equipped with a timed-port fuel injection system. A brief optimization study was made to adjust the spark timing and fuel flow characteristics to minimize emissions. Performance and economy were compared between the fuel injected and carbureted versions. Emission measurements of CO, CO₂, and hydrocarbon were made in road tests by proportional sampling and through the California Cycle by continuous nondispersive infra red instrumentation.     

Market reactions to Australian boutique resource investor presentations

This paper examines the market reactions to 817 investor presentations by 326 Australian resource firms and finds evidence suggesting these events are informative. Furthermore, the positive returns do not reverse over the following 15 days, which contrasts with previous investor presentation research. However, consistent with the prior literature, extended long run cumulative abnormal returns are not significantly different from zero. This paper also documents stronger reactions to first time presenting firms, presentations that are announced to the market and firms exhibiting at the Africa Downunder and Excellence in Oil & Gas conferences. There are also stronger reactions for firms with lower ownership concentration. Examining boutique resource firm investor presentations adds to the existing disclosure and dissemination literature due to the presence of relatively high information asymmetry in the extractive industries, a unique setting, which contrasts with previous studies.     

Effects of H2O2 on growth,metabolic activity and membrane integrity in three strains of Microcystis aeruginosa

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The application of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a management tool to control Microcystis blooms has become increasingly popular due to its short...     

Shoaling fish can size-assort by chemical cues alone

Animals that form groups are typically assorted by phenotype. For example, fish shoals are notably composed of closely size-matched individuals, yet the sensory mechanisms that promote this behaviour have not been fully determined. Here, we show that two freshwater shoaling fish species, three-spined stickleback and banded killifish, have a greater preference for the chemical cues of conspecifics that are the same size as themselves than for those of larger or smaller conspecifics. We suggest that this ability to determine their own size relative to conspecifics may be based on chemical self-referencing. This provides a novel insight to the mechanisms underlying a widespread phenomenon in social behaviour, and provides further evidence of the crucial role played by chemical cues in structuring the interactions of fishes.     

Environmental aspect of energy transition and urbanization in the OPEC member states

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - More than any other nations, the crude oil–exporting countries and especially the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are...