Pathways towards a sustainable future envisioned by early-career conservation researchers

Scientists have warned decision-makers about the severe consequences of the global environmental crisis since the 1970s. Yet ecological degradation continues and little has been done to address climate change. We investigated early-career conservation researchers' (ECR) perspectives on, and prioritization of, actions furthering sustainability. We conducted a survey (n = 67) and an interactive workshop (n = 35) for ECR attendees of the 5th European Congress of Conservation Biology (2018). Building on these data and discussions, we identified ongoing and forthcoming advances in conservation science. These include increased transdisciplinarity, science communication, advocacy in conservation, and adoption of a transformation-oriented social–ecological systems approach to research. The respondents and participants had diverse perspectives on how to achieve sustainability. Reformist actions were emphasized as paving the way for more radical changes in the economic system and societal values linked to the environment and inequality. Our findings suggest that achieving sustainability requires a strategy that (1) incorporates the multiplicity of people's views, (2) places a greater value on nature, and (3) encourages systemic transformation across political, social, educational, and economic realms on multiple levels. We introduce a framework for ECRs to inspire their research and practice within conservation science to achieve real change in protecting biological diversity.Additional co-authors: Thijs Fijen, Heather Hemmingmoore, Sara Hocevar, Liam Kendall, Jussi Lampinen, Emma-Liina Marjakangas, Jake M. Martin, Rebekah A. Oomen, Hila Segre, William Sidemo-Holm, André P. Silva, Susanna Huneide Thorbjørnsen, Miquel Torrents-Ticó, Di Zhang, Jasmin Ziemack

Pathways towards a sustainable future envisioned by early-career conservation researchers

Scientists have warned decision-makers about the severe consequences of the global environmental crisis since the 1970s. Yet ecological degradation continues and little has been done to address climate change. We investigated early-career conservation researchers' (ECR) perspectives on, and prioritization of, actions furthering sustainability. We conducted a survey (n = 67) and an interactive workshop (n = 35) for ECR attendees of the 5th European Congress of Conservation Biology (2018). Building on these data and discussions, we identified ongoing and forthcoming advances in conservation science. These include increased transdisciplinarity, science communication, advocacy in conservation, and adoption of a transformation-oriented social–ecological systems approach to research. The respondents and participants had diverse perspectives on how to achieve sustainability. Reformist actions were emphasized as paving the way for more radical changes in the economic system and societal values linked to the environment and inequality. Our findings suggest that achieving sustainability requires a strategy that (1) incorporates the multiplicity of people's views, (2) places a greater value on nature, and (3) encourages systemic transformation across political, social, educational, and economic realms on multiple levels. We introduce a framework for ECRs to inspire their research and practice within conservation science to achieve real change in protecting biological diversity.</p

Conservation values and threats in the Mediterranean North Africa

The Mediterranean basin is the second largest hotspot in the world, the largest of the world’s five Mediterranean-climate regions and the third richest hotspot in the world in terms of plant diversity. Inside this hotspot lies the Mediterranean North Africa subregion which covers parts of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. Like the rest of the Mediterranean basin, this subregion contains an important terrestrial and marine biodiversity and a high level of endemism, due to its unique geomorphological characteristics and evolutionary history. This territory is composed of four types of terrestrial biomes, three freshwater biomes and one marine biome. The floristic diversity is the most outstanding with its huge diversity. Within this territory, we can find three of the ten major areas that serve as centers of plant diversity and endemism for the Mediterranean basin. The fauna is very diverse and is well represented by different groups of vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles and fish). The diversity of terrestrial and marine invertebrates is especially high but still little known. This diversity makes this sub-region one of the most important parts of the Mediterranean basin, e.g., Morocco is the second most speciose country in the Mediterranean basin and with an important level of endemism, 11% for fauna and 25% for flora. Furthermore, many species that are considered as threatened at a global level, or that have become extinct in other parts of the planet, can still be found in North Africa. This diversity of ecosystems and natural resources in North Africa provides countless irreplaceable services for the economy and well-being of the population. Also, most of the active population works in activities directly dependent on these services, like agriculture and stock-raising. Due to the long history of interactions between human activities and ecosystems in this region, a fragile balance has developed over the millennia. Unfortunately, this equilibrium is being constantly disturbed by the evergrowing demands for natural resources pushed by the growing population and the economic development in these five North African countries. This trend is associated with various threats, mainly overharvesting, natural system modification and urbanization. Moreover, the stress on ecosystems is heightened because of the arid conditions in North Africa and the problems related to desertification, in spite of the great capacity of adaptation to aridity developed by several species. Also, the effects of climate change will aggravate the situation in this region. Even though these environmental problems are endangering numerous species and ecosystems in North Africa, the conservation efforts are still facing many obstacles, mainly the fact that nature conservation can still be considered as a secondary priority by decision-makers in comparison to other, more pressing issues, like poverty, health and education. Keywords: Mediterranean, biodiversity, endemismpeerReviewe

Etude intégrative de rongeurs Gerbillinés des zones anthropiséesdu Maroc septentrional : approche morphométrique et moléculaire

Gerbilline rodents represent an important component of the North African and Moroccan mammalian fauna. However, many gaps remain in the understanding of the systematics, distribution, biology, ecology and evolution of certain species. We have targeted in this work a few species of the genera Gerbillus and Meriones captured in northern Morocco and in anthropized areas. We have approached the taxonomy, systematics, phylogeny, biogeography and distribution of these species, with an integrative approach combining the studies of morphology and genetics. The morphological study was based on classic morphometrics using 18 body and cranio-mandibular measurements to carry out descriptive and multivariate statistical analyzes. The genetic study was based on the cytochrome b gene of mitochondrial DNA, which was used in analyzes of genetic diversity and distance, maximum likelihood and haplotype networks. For Gerbillus campestris, a potential agricultural pest, the geographic structuring of six Moroccan populations has produced significant morphological differentiation and high levels of genetic divergence which allow their discrimination into four groups. Concerning the three other species of the genus Gerbillus studied in this work (Gerbillus simoni, Gerbillus henleyi, Gerbillus amoenus), we performed their first genetic characterization in Morocco and we provided additional elements concerning their taxonomy and systematics in North Africa. For the jirds species complex Meriones shawii/grandis, reservoirs of cutaneous leishmaniasis and major agricultural pests, the geographic structure, the morphological differentiation and the genetic divergence that we have obtained support the existence of two distinct species. The precise characterization and reconstruction of the biogeographical history of these species will allow to better understand of the evolution of Gerbillines, conserve the most vulnerable species and put in place more effective control strategies against species harmful to health or agriculture.Les rongeurs Gerbillinés représentent une composante importante de la faune mammalienne nord-africaine et marocaine. Cependant, de nombreuses lacunes subsistent dans la compréhension de la systématique, distribution, biologie, écologie et évolution de certaines espèces. Nous avons ciblé dans ce présent travail quelques espèces des genres Gerbillus et Meriones capturées au Maroc septentrional et dans les zones anthropisées. Nous avons abordé la taxonomie, systématique, phylogénie, biogéographie et distribution de ces espèces, avec une approche intégrative alliant les études de la morphologie et de la génétique. L’étude morphologique s’est basée sur la morphométrie classique en utilisant 18 mensurations corporelles et crânio-mandibulaires pour réaliser des analyses statistiques descriptives et multivariées. L’étude génétique s’est basée sur le gène cytochrome b de l'ADN mitochondrial, qui a été utilisé dans des analyses de diversité et distance génétique, de maximum de vraisemblance et de réseaux d’haplotypes. Pour Gerbillus campestris, ravageur agricole potentiel, la structuration géographique de six populations marocaines a produit une différenciation morphologique importante et des niveaux élevés de divergence génétique qui permettent leur discrimination en quatre groupes. Concernant les trois autres espèces du genre Gerbillus étudiées dans ce travail (Gerbillus simoni, Gerbillus henleyi, Gerbillus amoenus), nous avons réalisé leur première caractérisation génétique au Maroc et nous avons fourni des éléments additionnels concernant leur taxonomie et systématique en Afrique du Nord. Pour le complexe d’espèces de mériones Meriones shawii/grandis, réservoirs de la leishmaniose cutanée et grands ravageurs agricoles, la structuration géographique, la différenciation morphologique et la divergence génétique que nous avons obtenues soutiennent l’existence de deux espèces distinctes. La caractérisation précise et la reconstitution de l’histoire biogéographique de ces espèces permettra de mieux comprendre l’évolution des Gerbillinés, conserver les espèces plus vulnérables et mettre en place des stratégies de lutte plus efficaces contre les espèces nuisibles pour la santé ou l’agriculture

First molecular identification of Gerbillus amoenus (Rodentia, Muridae) in Morocco

International audienceThe taxonomic status of the gerbil Gerbillus amoenus in relation to Gerbillus nanus and the distribution range of these two species in Africa and/or Asia have long been debated and are not yet fully clarified. In our study, we identify two specimens of small gerbils that we captured in two localities of the south of Morocco, using morphometric and/or molecular tools. The body and skull measurements were not able to unambiguously discriminate between three closely related small gerbils (Gerbillus amoenus, Gerbillus nanus and Gerbillus henleyi). However, the cytochrome b gene analysis showed that our two specimens cluster unambiguously with haplotypes of G. amoenus. This represents the first genetic characterization of G. amoenus in Morocco. It confirms, based on mitochondrial DNA, that the previously described species living in Africa is indeed G. amoenus and not G. nanus, the latter species being present strictly in Asia

Biogeographic history of Gerbillus campestris (Rodentia, Muridae) in Morocco as revealed by morphometric and genetic data

International audienc

Notes on the distribution and phylogeography of two rare small Gerbillinae (Rodentia, Muridae) in Morocco: Gerbillus simoni and Gerbillus henleyi

International audienceEven though Gerbillinae rodents represent an important part of the mammalian fauna in North Africa, many gaps remain in our understanding of the distribution, ecology, evolution, and systematics of some lesser known species in this family. We present in this study the most recent findings on two of these species. The first species, Gerbillus simoni Lataste, 1881, is a short-tailed, small gerbil, endemic to North Africa. In Morocco, it is present only in a small area in the northeast, where it has not been caught since 1970. In 2014, we captured a small gerbil in this region that was identified as G. simoni based on morphology and molecular data (cytochrome b gene sequencing). This study represents the first genetic characterization of G. simoni in Morocco and the first one outside Tunisia. Populations from Morocco and Tunisia (mainland and Kerkennah Islands) show very little genetic differentiation. The second species, Gerbillus henleyi de Winton, 1903, is a long-tailed small gerbil that lives in the Sahel and North Africa with an extension to the Middle East. In Morocco, this species was only known in the southwest. Between 2014 and 2015, we have captured four gerbils in the northeast of the country, which were confirmed genetically and morphologically as belonging to this species. This represents an extension of its known distribution of about 370 km to the northeast of the country. These new Moroccan specimens form a distinct lineage. High genetic diversity is observed throughout the geographic range of G. henleyi, suggesting the existence of several cryptic species.Bien que les rongeurs Gerbillinae représentent une part importante de la faune mammalienne d’Afrique du Nord, il subsiste des lacunes dans notre connaissance de leur distribution, écologie, évolution et systématique, notamment en ce qui concerne les espèces les plus petites et les plus rares. Cette étude présente les dernières connaissances sur deux de ces espèces. Ainsi, Gerbillus simoni Lataste, 1881 est une petite gerbille à queue courte endémique d’Afrique du Nord. Au Maroc, elle est présente uniquement dans le Nord-Est du pays, où elle n’avait pas été capturée depuis 1970. Un nouveau spécimen collecté en 2014 a été attribué à G. simoni sur la base de sa morphologie et des données moléculaires (séquençage du cytochrome b). C’est la première caractérisation génétique de l’espèce au Maroc et la première à l’extérieur de la Tunisie. Les populations du Maroc et de la Tunisie (continent et îles de Kerkennah) montrent une différenciation génétique très faible. Une seconde espèce, Gerbillus henleyi de Winton, 1903, est une petite gerbille à longue queue qui vit au Sahel, en Afrique du Nord jusqu’au Moyen-Orient. Au Maroc, cette espèce était connue uniquement du Sud-Ouest. Entre 2014 et 2015, nous avons capturé quatre spécimens dans le Nord-Est du pays, et leur identification est confirmée morphologiquement et génétiquement dans ce travail. Cela représente une extension de l’aire de répartition de cette espèce d’environ 370 km vers le Nord-Est du pays. Ces nouveaux spécimens constituent une lignée distincte. Une forte diversité génétique est observée le long de la distribution géographique de G. henleyi, ce qui suggère l’existence de plusieurs espèces cryptiques

Primera identifcación genética del jerbo de Sundevall Meriones crassus (Rodentia, Muridae) en Marruecos y la hipótesis de extensión de su ámbito de distribución.

International audienceFirst genetic identification of Sundevall's jird Meriones crassus (Rodentia, Muridae) in Morocco and the hypothesis of range extension. Rodents from the subfamily Gerbillinae Gray, 1825, are an important component of small fauna in arid and desertic regions in Africa and Asia. Among this group of rodents, Sundevall's jird, Meriones crassus, is one of the most widespread desert species, found in countries ranging from Morocco to Pakistan. In this study, we sequenced the cytochrome b gene of the mitochondrial DNA in two specimens captured in Morocco, constituting the first genetic identification for this species in the African continent. Molecular identification was complemented and supported with morphological evidence. Additionally, we propose the hypothesis of a northward extension of 250 km of the geographic distribution of Sundevall's jird in Morocco, perhaps indicating the increasing desertification affecting North Africa. Further evidence will be required to test the latter hypothesis

A joint SCB-Europe and SCB-Africa initiative: The 100 questions for biodiversity conservation in Mediterranean North Africa

The Mediterranean region is a hotspot of biodiversity facing numerous environmental threats and socio-economic challenges. Researchers have a key role in providing pragmatic solutions for the conservation of biodiversity, and to this end, they need to be able to answer questions that are of interest to policy makers and land managers. Identifying the most important questions that need to be answered will guide scientific research to address the most pressing issues in a way that optimises nature protection while also meeting societal demands. Carried out jointly by the African and European sections of the Society for Conservation Biology as part of an ongoing exercise taking place in the five regions of the world with Mediterranean-type climates, this study aims to identify one hundred priority research questions that, if answered, could improve the effectiveness of conservation actions targeted at Mediterranean biodiversity in North Africa. Based on an adaptation of the approach developed by William J. Sutherland et al [Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 2, 3, (2011)] that seeks to maximise diversity, inclusiveness and openness, questions are collected in an anonymous way from environmental specialists working in a wide range of institutions (universities, consultancy firms, NGOs, businesses, cooperation agencies etc.) and having expertise in the region (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya or Egypt). Relying on purposive sampling, participants are solicited through a variety of ways, including e-mail invitations, phone calls, meetings in person etc. The consultations are essentially conducted via a form embedded in the project website. Participants are asked to formulate questions that should address important gaps in knowledge and be answerable through a realistic research project (i.e. ideally translatable into an operational scientific hypothesis, with spatial and temporal scales that can reasonably be tackled by a research team). Classified into thematic categories of relevance to conservation (ecological management, agriculture, climate change, governance etc.), submitted questions will be sorted out, grouped by topic, eventually merged and rephrased. Their priority level will be evaluated, compared and ranked, following an iterative process of criteria-based assessment, voting and consensus-based discussions with a committee of experts. Narrowed down to 100 research questions, the final list will be compared with the set obtained from southern Europe, allowing the highlighting of divergence in issues and concerns across both margins of the Mediterranean Sea. This study may serve as a roadmap to aid research and decision-making in a way that is inclusive and comprehensive, reflecting conservation needs from different perspectives, indicating where efforts and resources should be directed, highlighting potential opportunities for enhancement and possibly bringing to light issues that are poorly recognised or newly emerging.peerReviewe

Reduced macadamia nut quality is linked to wetter growing seasons but mitigated at higher elevations

Climate and insect pests are vital variables that affect crop production. Climate change will alter the magnitude and timing of precipitation, but how rainfall and temperature interact to affect insect pest damage in agriculture is poorly understood. Here, we explore the interacting effects of elevation and contrasting weather conditions (a wet vs. dry year) on macadamia nut quality, which is strongly affected by insect pests. For two years, we sampled macadamia nuts at 40 plots, stratified across ten farms along an elevational gradient in subtropical Limpopo province of South Africa. As measures of nut quality, we related total kernel recovery, nut immaturity, and kernel insect damage to precipitation and elevation. Higher rainfall reduced nut quality in all three response variables, while colder temperatures at higher elevations mitigated this effect. Our findings suggest that future warmer temperatures, more intense and wetter rainy seasons could lead to lowered macadamia nut quality even at higher elevations and economic losses to the industry