Sustainability and Biodiversity Conservation

A review of turtles' diversity, distribution, conservation, and threats in Pakistan

Amtyaz Safi, Hans-Volker Karl, Roohi Kanwal, Muhammad Usman Ali Hashmi — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This review study is based on the compilation of available information on turtles in Pakistan, including their diversity, distribution, threats, and conservation initiatives across the country. Pakistan has many ecosystems and landscapes that support biodiversity and is home to 15 species of testudines (Tortoises and turtles) belonging to 13 genera and 5 families. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of available records and archives, incorporating field data collected between 2014 and 2024, to document the distribution, threats, and conservation status of chelonians in Pakistan. Therefore, the present study represents an up-to-date, evidence-based report containing information on the occurrence of all turtle and tortoise species in the country.

The role of marital and family sustainability in achieving environmental and social development goals

Bita Bagherifam, Ahmad Sadeghi, Masoud imanian Ardebili — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Social sustainability, as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, relies heavily on the continuity and stability of family life. The present study, employing a causal-comparative approach, seeks to explore the determinants of marital stability among couples with and without children after ten years of shared life, and to highlight the role of these determinants in strengthening the social dimension of sustainable development. The statistical population included couples from districts 5, 9, and 11 of Mashhad city, selected due to their cultural diversity. A total sample of 300 participants was chosen through purposive sampling among couples referring to counseling centers. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with PLS software. Findings revealed that among couples with children, the variable of “childbearing” (0.942) was the strongest determinant of marital stability, emphasizing the crucial role of children in marital resilience. Other significant factors included “economic conditions” (0.812), “social reputation” (0.717), and “family relations” (0.619). In childless couples, the most influential variables were “preference for collective over individual interests” (0.856), “economic factors” (0.811), “mutual interaction” (0.673), “life attitude” (0.543), and “commitment” (0.409). These results indicate that the determinants of family stability not only ensure individual health and well-being but also serve as indicators of social sustainability, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Accordingly, the findings of this research can provide valuable insights for policymakers in strengthening family foundations and enhancing social sustainability within Islamic societies.

Long-term surveys of pond occupancy and seasonal dynamics of the golden Mantella frog from Mangabe-Ranomena-Sahasarotra Reserve

Rodlis Raphali Andriantsimanarilafy, Pierre Razafindraibe, Daudet Andriafidison — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300

We conducted an eight-year monitoring of the golden mantella frog, Mantella aurantiaca, from the Mangabe-Ranomena-Sahasarotra reserve with the objective of assessing its status within the reserve. We surveyed breeding ponds and the adjacent forests to study the evolution of pond occupancy and seasonal movement of the species. A diurnal search was carried out along transects from the breeding ponds and the adjacent forest within this reserve. Animal presence and the number of encountered individuals were recorded. In addition, ponds status based on the impact of threats was also assessed, and they were classified into three categories such as good, intermediate, and bad. Our results indicated that the number of recognized ponds within the reserve increased during the survey period, and ponds occupied by the golden mantella follow the same path. The proportion of pond status changed every year, and we noticed that the number of good ponds increased during the last five years. Sex and age of encountered animals vary between seasons of survey and the topography of the transect. Despite the improvement of its conservation status on the IUCN Red List, the golden mantella is still under pressure from forest destruction and gold mining.

From forest to city: singing pattern of oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) in peri-urban localities of Dehradun, India

Bhawana Masiwal, Suneet Naithani, Anuj Joshi, Sunny Joshi, Tribhuwan Singh — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Bird song is essential for communication, territory defence, and mate attraction, yet it is influenced by environmental factors. This study investigates the singing patterns of the Oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis), examining how urbanization and habitat variation affect vocalization. Systematic field recordings and acoustic analyses were conducted in both forested and urban areas of the Dehradun Forest Division, India. Spectrograms were used to identify song components, frequency ranges, and modifications. Results showed that while the overall singing patterns remained broadly similar between the two habitats—suggesting that the species maintains its core vocal structure despite environmental differences—significant variation was observed in specific acoustic features. Notably, urban populations exhibited higher maximum frequencies compared to their forest counterparts. In addition, a greater number of individuals in urban areas showed variation in song, including the addition and deletion of elements. Urban birds also demonstrated greater song plasticity, likely modifying song components to maintain effective communication in noisier environments.

Pet markets as facades for illicit wildlife trade: a case from Tehran, Iran

Mohammad Amin Ghaffari, Alvand Mohammadalizadegan, Nima Badelu — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines the dynamics of wildlife trade at the Khalij-e-Fars Bird Market in Tehran, Iran. We conducted seven surveys throughout the year in the market and observed 154 species, including 95 native and 59 non-native species, with native species comprising 80% of the trade. Birds were the most commonly traded group, with the European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) and the African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) being the most frequently observed native and non-native species, respectively. Our findings highlight significant challenges related to species conservation, as a considerable portion of native species is experiencing population declines. These issues are exacerbated by regulatory gaps, with 70% of native species not listed under CITES. Additionally, non-native species often command higher prices due to rarity and consumer demand for exotic pets, which further fuels exploitation. The market's dynamics illustrate a complex interplay between supply, demand, and pricing, with seasonal patterns influencing trade activities. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced regulatory frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and local community engagement to combat illegal wildlife trade in Iran. Future research should expand market surveys to obtain a better understanding of trade dynamics, thus informing strategic policy-making and improving enforcement mechanisms.

An assessment of invasive flora diversity and biological spectrum in Nandankanan Biological Park, Odisha, India

Keshari Prasad Mohanty, Sushree Swati Mohanty, Milan Kumar Panda — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity by altering species composition, competing with native flora for nutrition, space, and light, and causing economic losses. This study focuses on documenting invasive plant species diversity in Nandankanan Biological Park, Khordha, Odisha, highlighting the need for conservation efforts. Field surveys were conducted in 2022-23, involving invasive species documentation, herbarium preparation, biological spectrum determination, and soil analysis. A total of 77 invasive plant species, belonging to 70 genera and 30 families, were recorded. Asteraceae emerged as the dominant family with 11 species, followed by Fabaceae (9 species), Poaceae (6 species), Acanthaceae (5 species), and Euphorbiaceae (5 species). Growth habits included 51 herbs, 15 shrubs, 7 climbers, and 4 trees. Among the 77 invasive plant species, 12 species are aquatic, 5 are wild relatives of crop plants, and 17 species possess medicinal properties. Phanerophytes were the most dominant life form (51.94%, 40 species), followed by Chamaephytes (16.88%, 13 species), Cryptophytes (15.58%, 12 species), Therophytes (11.68%, 9 species), and Hemicryptophytes (3.89%, 3 species). Soil analysis revealed that the soil is acidic in nature with low organic carbon. The mean value of organic carbon is 0.54 %, whereas the mean values of Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Sulfur are 47.55 kg/ha, 167.4 kg/ha, and 21.54 ppm, respectively.