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Brydegaard M, Pedales RD, Feng V, Yamoa ASD, Kouakou B, Månefjord H, Wührl L, Pylatiuk C, Amorim DDS, Meier R. Towards global insect biomonitoring with frugal methods. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230103. [PMID: 38705174 PMCID: PMC11070255 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
None of the global targets for protecting nature are currently met, although humanity is critically dependent on biodiversity. A significant issue is the lack of data for most biodiverse regions of the planet where the use of frugal methods for biomonitoring would be particularly important because the available funding for monitoring is insufficient, especially in low-income countries. We here discuss how three approaches to insect biomonitoring (computer vision, lidar, DNA sequences) could be made more frugal and urge that all biomonitoring techniques should be evaluated for global suitability before becoming the default in high-income countries. This requires that techniques popular in high-income countries should undergo a phase of 'innovation through simplification' before they are implemented more broadly. We predict that techniques that acquire raw data at low cost and are suitable for analysis with AI (e.g. images, lidar-signals) will be particularly suitable for global biomonitoring, while techniques that rely heavily on patented technologies may be less promising (e.g. DNA sequences). We conclude the opinion piece by pointing out that the widespread use of AI for data analysis will require a global strategy for providing the necessary computational resources and training. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Brydegaard
- Dept. Physics, Lund University, Sölvegatan 14c, 22362 Lund, Sweden
- Dept. Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, 22362 Lund, Sweden
- Norsk Elektro Optikk, Østensjøveien 34, 0667 Oslo, Norge
- FaunaPhotonics, Støberi Støberigade 14, 2450 København, Denmark
| | - Ronniel D. Pedales
- Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101
- Center for Integrative Biodiversity Discovery, Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Vivian Feng
- Center for Integrative Biodiversity Discovery, Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Assoumou saint-doria Yamoa
- Instrumentation, Imaging and Spectroscopy Laboratory, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Institute, BP1093 Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
| | - Benoit Kouakou
- Instrumentation, Imaging and Spectroscopy Laboratory, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Institute, BP1093 Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
| | - Hampus Månefjord
- Dept. Physics, Lund University, Sölvegatan 14c, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lorenz Wührl
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Christian Pylatiuk
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Dalton de Souza Amorim
- Departamento de Biologia, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Rudolf Meier
- Center for Integrative Biodiversity Discovery, Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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Chowdhury S, Jennions MD, Zalucki MP, Maron M, Watson JEM, Fuller RA. Protected areas and the future of insect conservation. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:85-95. [PMID: 36208964 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic pressures are driving insect declines across the world. Although protected areas (PAs) play a prominent role in safeguarding many vertebrate species from human-induced threats, insects are not widely considered when designing PA systems or building strategies for PA management. We review the effectiveness of PAs for insect conservation and find substantial taxonomic and geographic gaps in knowledge. Most research focuses on the representation of species, and few studies assess threats to insects or the role that effective PA management can play in insect conservation. We propose a four-step research agenda to help ensure that insects are central in efforts to expand the global PA network under the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawan Chowdhury
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Department of Ecosystem Services, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Michael D Jennions
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Myron P Zalucki
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - James E M Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Richard A Fuller
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Anso J, Gasc A, Bourguet E, Desutter‐Grandcolas L, Jourdan H. Crickets as indicators of ecological succession in tropical systems, New Caledonia. Biotropica 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Anso
- CNRS, IRD, IMBE, BPA5 Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ Nouméa Cedex New Caledonia
- CNRS, UMPC, EPHE, UA, Institut de Systématique, Evolution Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités Paris Cedex 05 France
| | - Amandine Gasc
- CNRS, IRD, IMBE, BPA5 Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ Nouméa Cedex New Caledonia
| | - Edouard Bourguet
- CNRS, IRD, IMBE, BPA5 Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ Nouméa Cedex New Caledonia
| | - Laure Desutter‐Grandcolas
- CNRS, UMPC, EPHE, UA, Institut de Systématique, Evolution Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités Paris Cedex 05 France
| | - Hervé Jourdan
- CNRS, IRD, IMBE, BPA5 Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ Nouméa Cedex New Caledonia
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Lopes FJA, Vicente RE, Garlet J. Contribution to knowledge of Amazonian Myrmecofauna: new records for the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 84:e249802. [PMID: 34705948 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.249802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F J A Lopes
- Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Agroecossistemas Amazônicos, Alta Floresta, MT, Brasil
| | - R E Vicente
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Laboratório de Ecologia de Comunidades, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - J Garlet
- Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Agrárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Agroecossistemas Amazônicos, Alta Floresta, MT, Brasil
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Miličić M, Popov S, Branco VV, Cardoso P. Insect threats and conservation through the lens of global experts. Conserv Lett 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marija Miličić
- BioSense Institute – Research Institute for Information Technologies in Biosystems University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Snežana Popov
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Vasco Veiga Branco
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
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A Review of Insect Monitoring Approaches with Special Reference to Radar Techniques. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21041474. [PMID: 33672508 PMCID: PMC7923785 DOI: 10.3390/s21041474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Drastic declines in insect populations are a vital concern worldwide. Despite widespread insect monitoring, the significant gaps in the literature must be addressed. Future monitoring techniques must be systematic and global. Advanced technologies and computer solutions are needed. We provide here a review of relevant works to show the high potential for solving the aforementioned problems. Major historical and modern methods of insect monitoring are considered. All major radar solutions are carefully reviewed. Insect monitoring with radar is a well established technique, but it is still a fast-growing topic. The paper provides an updated classification of insect radar sets. Three main groups of insect radar solutions are distinguished: scanning, vertical-looking, and harmonic. Pulsed radar sets are utilized for all three groups, while frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) systems are applied only for vertical-looking and harmonic insect radar solutions. This work proves the high potential of radar entomology based on the growing research interest, along with the emerging novel setups, compact devices, and data processing approaches. The review exposes promising insect monitoring solutions using compact radar instruments. The proposed compact and resource-effective setups can be very beneficial for systematic insect monitoring.
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Sánchez-Hernández G, Gómez B, Chamé-Vázquez ER, Dávila-Sánchez RA, Rodríguez-López ME, Delgado L. Current status of dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) diversity and conservation in Natural Protected Areas in Chiapas (Mexico). NEOTROPICAL BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e53762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Protected Areas (NPAs) are consider adequate tools for biodiversity conservation. Currently in Mexico there are 182 federal NPAs classified according to their management objectives. Chiapas is the Mexican state with the highest number of decreed NPAs and also allocates one of the largest territorial extensions for its protection. Unlike other taxa, and despite their proven ability to respond to ecosystem changes, the study of dung beetles within Mexican NPAs has been underestimated, as they are not considered as a priority group within their management and conservation programs. Based on the review of information available in publications and database on dung beetles, a list of 112 species and seven subspecies recorded in 16 of the 19 federal NPAs established in Chiapas is presented. The species recorded by each NPA show a significant correlation with the number of publications, but a low percentage of them correspond to studies with systematic samplings and most of the species reported in several of the NPAs come from sporadic records, which prevents the study of several basic and applied aspects of dung beetles in the region. Therefore, studies that extensively analyze the communities of arthropod groups, such as the Scarabaeinae, are necessary to understand their response to changes in the ecosystem at local and regional scale. It is advisable that these insects be included in the previous justifying studies for the designation or establishment of NPAs and, in turn, considered in the biological monitoring programs of these areas for their capacity as a bioindicator group.
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Ovando XM, Miranda MJ, Loyola R, Cuezzo MG. Identifying priority areas for invertebrate conservation using land snails as models. J Nat Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Uncovering the environmental factors that influence diversity patterns of Mediterranean terrestrial Gastropod communities: a useful tool for conservation. Ecol Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-015-1310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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van Wilgen BW, Govender N, Smit IPJ, MacFadyen S. The ongoing development of a pragmatic and adaptive fire management policy in a large African savanna protected area. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2014; 132:358-368. [PMID: 24365711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes recent changes to the fire management policy of the 1.9 million ha Kruger National Park in South Africa. It provides a real-life example of adaptive learning in an environment where understanding is incomplete, but where management nonetheless has to proceed. The previous policy called for the application of fire to meet burnt area targets that were set for administrative subdivisions, and that were assessed at the scale of the entire park. This was problematic because the park is large and heterogeneous, and because sound ecological motivations that could link burning prescriptions to ecological objectives were missing. The new policy divides the park into five fire management zones on the basis of differences in mean annual rainfall, historic fire return periods, and geology. In addition, it proposes fire management actions designed to achieve specified ecological objectives in each zone, and includes fire-regime related thresholds and associated ecological outcomes against which to assess the effectiveness of management. The new policy is an improvement over previous iterations, but several challenges remain. Most important among these would be to continually improve the understanding of the effects of fire, and to develop frameworks for assessing the impacts of fire together with other ecosystem drivers that interact strongly with fire to influence the attainment of ecological objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian W van Wilgen
- CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Navashni Govender
- Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza 1350, South Africa
| | - Izak P J Smit
- Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza 1350, South Africa
| | - Sandra MacFadyen
- Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza 1350, South Africa
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Armstrong AJ, Louw SL. Monitoring of the eggs of the Karkloof blue butterfly, <i>Orachrysops ariadne</i>, for its conservation management. KOEDOE: AFRICAN PROTECTED AREA CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE 2013. [DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v55i1.1150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The Endangered Orachrysops ariadne (Butler 1898) (Karkloof blue butterfly) is endemic to the Endangered Moist Midlands Grassland in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and is extant at four sites. The results from the monitoring of the eggs laid by O. ariadne in a grassland area that is frequently burnt by poor rural people to ensure that palatable grass is available to their livestock, suggested the implementation of management interventions (fencing and firebreak burning) to prevent the local extinction of the butterfly. The number of eggs at the monitoring site declined dramatically between 2002 and 2003 and fluctuated after the management interventions were initiated properly in 2008, but had nearly reached the target number of 250 by 2013. An index count method for the monitoring of O. ariadne eggs at the other three known colonies, where plant invasion rather than uncontrolled burning is a major threat, was developed and shown to be efficient with regard to time relative to the number of eggs sampled. The host ant Camponotus natalensis (F. Smith 1858) (Natal sugar ant) was found to be present in all the host-plant patches at one colony site, indicating that all host-plant patches are likely to be breeding areas for the butterfly. Invasive plant control at and appropriate burning of the habitat of O. ariadne should assist in ensuring the survival of these colonies.Conservation implications: Adaptive monitoring and management of threatened endemic invertebrates and their habitats may be crucial for their continued survival. The development of efficient methods for the monitoring of such species is required where resources are limited, as threats to the species may cause sudden and irreversible declines in population size.
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Simaika JP, Samways MJ. Using dragonflies to monitor and prioritize lotic systems: a South African perspective. ORG DIVERS EVOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-012-0104-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Schoeman CS, Foord SH. A checklist of epigaeic ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from the Marakele National Park, Limpopo, South Africa. KOEDOE: AFRICAN PROTECTED AREA CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v54i1.1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Ant surveys are extensively used to guide conservation decisions and form part of a ‘shopping basket’ of invertebrate taxa proposed for the use in monitoring programmes in South Africa’s national parks. However, very few ant inventories exist for these conservation areas. We report on the first quantitative survey of ants in the Marakele National Park (67 000 ha). Ants were sampled in four habitats, covering both the altitudinal range (1000 m a.s.l. – 2000 m a.s.l.) and three vegetation types in the park. A total of 4847 specimens, representing 29 genera and 104 species, were recorded from pitfall traps over a five-day period. Myrmicinae was the most abundant and diverse subfamily, representing 82% of all ants sampled, followed by the Formicinae subfamily, which represented 18% of the total abundance. The most abundant species were members of the Pheidole megacephala group, Pheidole sculpturata Mayr and members of the Monomorium salomonis group. In general, we found that the less complex habitats supported higher ant diversity. The Marakele National Park contains a quarter of the ant species recorded in South Africa and is a potential hotspot for invertebrate conservation. Conservation implications: The Marakele National Park represents an area of high ant – and therefore invertebrate – diversity. Ant conservation would require attention to each of the vegetation types to maintain complementarity (beta diversity) of the assemblages as well as consideration to the impact of large herbivores, whose presence positively influence ant richness at a site (alpha diversity).
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Roux DJ, Foxcroft LC. The development and application of strategic adaptive management within South African National Parks. KOEDOE: AFRICAN PROTECTED AREA CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE 2011. [DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v53i2.1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Grant RC, Peel MJ, Bezuidenhout H. Evaluating herbivore management outcomes and associated vegetation impacts. KOEDOE: AFRICAN PROTECTED AREA CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE 2011. [DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v53i2.1008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
African savannas are characterised by temporal and spatial fluxes that are linked to fluxes in herbivore populations and vegetation structure and composition. We need to be concerned about these fluxes only when management actions cause the system to shift towards a less desired state. Large herbivores are a key attribute of African savannas and are important for tourism and biodiversity. Large protected areas such as the Kruger National Park (KNP) manage for high biodiversity as the desired state, whilst private protected areas, such as those adjacent to the KNP, generally manage for high income. Biodiversity, sustainability and economic indicators are thus required to flag thresholds of potential concern (TPCs) that may result in a particular set of objectives not being achieved. In large conservation areas such as the KNP, vegetation changes that result from herbivore impact, or lack thereof, affect biodiversity and TPCs are used to indicate unacceptable change leading to a possible loss of biodiversity; in private protected areas the loss of large herbivores is seen as an important indicator of economic loss. Therefore, the first-level indicators aim to evaluate the forage available to sustain grazers without deleteriously affecting the vegetation composition, structure and basal cover. Various approaches to monitoring for these indicators were considered and the importance of the selection of sites that are representative of the intensity of herbivore use is emphasised. The most crucial step in the adaptive management process is the feedback of information to inform management decisions and enable learning. Feedback loops tend to be more efficient where the organisation’s vision is focused on, for example, economic gain, than in larger protected areas, such as the KNP, where the vision to conserve biodiversity is broader and more complex.Conservation implications: In rangeland, optimising herbivore numbers to achieve the management objectives without causing unacceptable or irreversible change in the vegetation is challenging. This manuscript explores different avenues to evaluate herbivore impact and the outcomes of management approaches that may affect vegetation.
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