RESTORE’s Post

The following statistics comes from a comprehensive report that is the result of over a thousand scientists research. This report follows another that I posted that finds since 1970 wildlife has decreased by 69% world wide. The IUCN Red List now includes 166,061 species, of which 46,337 are threatened with extinction. “Today, we are releasing the global assessment of the world’s trees on the IUCN Red List, which shows that more than one in three tree species are threatened with extinction. Trees are essential to support life on Earth through their vital role in ecosystems, and millions of people depend upon them for their lives and livelihoods. As the IUCN Red List celebrates 60 years of impact, this assessment highlights its importance as a barometer of life, but also, crucially, as a unique tool guiding action to reverse the decline of nature,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General. For the first time, the majority of the world’s trees have been listed on the IUCN Red List, revealing that at least 16,425 of the 47,282 species assessed are at risk of extinction. Trees now account for over one quarter of species on the IUCN Red List, and the number of threatened trees is more than double the number of all threatened birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians combined. Tree species are at risk of extinction in 192 countries around the world. “This comprehensive assessment presents the first global picture of the conservation status of trees, which enables us to make better informed conservation decisions and take action to protect trees where it is urgently needed,” said Dr Malin Rivers, Global Tree Assessment lead at Botanic Gardens Conservation International, a Red List Partner. “The work is a global effort, with over 1,000 tree experts involved. We need to continue to work together to scale up local, national and international tree conservation action to support people and the planet.” The highest proportion of threatened trees is found on islands. Island trees are at particularly high risk due to deforestation for urban development and agriculture at all scales, as well as invasive species, pests and diseases. Climate change is increasingly threatening trees, especially in the tropics, through sea-level rise and stronger, more frequent storms. Addressing the threats that trees face, habitat protection and restoration, as well as ex situ conservation through seed banks and botanic garden collections are critical to prevent extinctions on islands and worldwide. Community action has already led to positive outcomes from the Juan Fernández islands to Cuba, from Madagascar to Fiji. In South America – home to the greatest diversity of trees in the world – 3,356 out of 13,668 assessed species are at risk of extinction. Innovative approaches are needed to protect the high number of tree species in the region, where forest clearance for crop farming and livestock ranching are the largest threats.

The case of the missing wolves: How “shifting baseline syndrome” sabotages wildlife restoration https://lnkd.in/gKMMKXks Gray wolves once roamed freely across most of North America, with packs ranging from the Arctic tundra as far south as Mexico. Now, thanks to conservation programs and the gray wolf is making a tentative comeback in some parts of its historic range. But so-called “wolf hatred” has proven hard to overcome in many parts of the United States, and continued clashes between wildlife biologists and policymakers suggest that the future of the species is far from certain. The eradication of gray wolves throughout the western United States caused them to vanish from the region’s national parks, where they once played an integral role in the food chain. Although these parks are often thought of as “the crown jewels of American wilderness,” the team writes, the absence of these apex predators means that they are now “shadows of their supposed ecological integrity.” They add that, following the removal of gray wolves, elk populations in Yellowstone, Olympic, and Wind Cave National Parks surged to historic highs—causing long-term damage to plant communities through overgrazing. The loss of wolves also allowed coyotes and other predators to flourish, further disrupting the ecosystem. Out of 96 total studies published between 1955 and 2021, only 36 mentioned the historical presence of wolves or other large carnivores. By failing to consider how the loss of such animals might have impacted the region’s ecosystems, the study authors say, the majority of those studies may have overlooked fundamental ecological changes—with potentially devastating consequences for conservation. “Studying an altered ecosystem without recognizing how or why the system has changed over time because of the absence of a large predator,” they explain, is akin to “diagnosing a sick patient without a baseline health exam.” The findings highlight the dangers of a phenomenon known as “shifting baseline syndrome,” in which people’s perception of what a healthy, normal environment looks like gradually changes over time. Because those of us alive today don’t remember what the natural world looked like before we were born, we tend to accept as normal what previous generations would have considered shockingly degraded—a sort of collective amnesia that leads people, for instance, to underestimate how much more wildlife there used to be. As study author William Ripple explains in a statement, the fact that so much ecological research ignores the historical presence of gray wolves in national parks “underscores the potential impact of shifting baselines on our understanding of plant community succession, animal community dynamics, and ecosystem functions."

Zarri and Benzel found that the more closely non-target species’ habitat overlaps with target species, such as sage grouse, the more benefits other species reap. Sage grouse and many other species rely on healthy sagebrush habitat. Habitat managers refer to “umbrella species” as an important concept for habitat overlap. Ecologists first proposed the concept of umbrella species as a way to manage ecosystems and protect the needs of many species by focusing on protecting the needs of just one species—this species’ needs encapsulate many others, like an overarching umbrella. This strategy simplifies management and monitoring efforts, helping conservationists create a more significant influence with fewer resources. Ecosystems are very complex, so focusing on just a few species can make conservation planning more practical. https://lnkd.in/gkGtwQjE

"A new study suggests the reintroduction of beavers to Scotland could boost biodiversity." I think we've gone beyond "suggest," haven't we? At this point we know beyond a reasonable doubt that beavers are a keystone species with the power to change landscapes and thus tremendously boost the biodiversity of both flora and fauna. This study takes a closer look at the relationship between beaver activity and deer. As beavers gnaw down trees, two thirds of those trees produce new and more abundant shoots - as the article reports, this when the beaver cuts down willows, what then happens is similar to what happens with traditional tree coppicing, an age-old human practice. Now, if you're a deer, you'll be loving that abundance of new shoots. While that deer presence, the trampling and seeding, has its benefits - Scotland has simply far too many deer for two reasons - one because there are no natural predators (they've all been hunted to extinction) and two because hunting estates measure their wealth by numbers of deer - so, the more they have, the better they THINK it is. There's no way around it - to arrive at a healthy equilibrium, predators like the lynx need to be returned to Scotland (thank you David Hetherington and many others equally passionate about the lynx for all of their advocacy). But even before that happens, hunting estates need to be reevaluated, their worth needs to be reconsidered - they should be measured not by numbers of deer, but by the biodiversity-health of their lands. And finally, no way around it, until natural predators are roaming the land again, deer numbers need to be reduced ... else some of the beaver potential will never have a chance to come to fruition. #rewilding #rewilderweekly Trees for Life Cairngorms National Park Authority Cain Blythe David Hetherington Alan Watson Featherstone Peter Cairns Paul Murray Sharon Lashley DipRSA Env, DipDEA

Why Local Research Matters for Platypus Conservation in Queensland I embarked on a PhD in platypus conservation as the next step in advancing research on platypus populations in Queensland, which lacks consistent, long-term studies. After my honour’s year, that laid the foundations for my understanding of platypus, I began volunteering with Wildlife Queensland in 2016. There, I contributed to developing what has become a decade-long eDNA monitoring project in southeast Queensland. My PhD journey was messy, with several stops and starts but I was able to publish my first experimental chapter as a research note, based on the first five years of eDNA data. This study revealed alarming results, with several waterways where platypuses were historically present, detected no DNA evidence, even after repeat annual surveys. While the paper wasn’t perfect in rigorous data, it triggered action in some local councils, and they began prioritising platypus conservation and committing to longitudinal eDNA surveys. I couldn’t be more chuffed that my research is actually being used to create some change! I then used the eDNA data to model platypus occupancy based on habitat variables, framing the analysis around the Urban Stream Syndrome. Using habitat variables with environmental data such as topographic wetness, rainfall, and temperature, we identified the top factors influencing platypus presence. Unsurprisingly, the variables influencing platypus occurrence were topographic wetness and coarse organic matter, relating to their need for water connectivity and food resources (coarse oganic matter is habitat and food for their prey items). I then delved into genetic landscape modelling. Despite the challenges of trapping (only 19 captured platypuses), I supplemented genetic samples with deceased specimens, to total 30 individuals. This analysis examined how climate, topography, and vegetation shape platypus gene flow in urban landscapes. As expected, water connectivity, driven by topographic wetness and rainfall, along with vegetation cover, emerged as critical factors for platypus movement and gene flow. It’s not complicated! All wildlife need habitat and connectivity to survive and thrive. We have 40+ years of platypus research from Victoria and New South Wales, yet it seems local conservation efforts are delayed without locally conducted research. Local research for local conservation outcomes is essential to build the evidence that drives action in our own backyards. I can only hope that this catalyst continues like a ripple effect throughout the rest of Queensland, as we still have a long way to go! Next steps: 1. State-wide eDNA survey (it’s been over 20 years since the last Qld platypus census), 2. Upgrade conservation status. All three chapters have now finally been published! See comment for links.

Elephants in Africa are keystone species crucial for ecosystem balance. They shape the environment by creating open grasslands and spreading seeds through their dung. Their presence benefits various species by creating waterholes and mud wallows. In KwaZulu Natal, restricted movements due to fences can lead to ecosystem degradation and human-elephant conflicts. The conservation challenge lies in balancing elephant movements with ecosystem protection to promote human-elephant coexistence and mitigate threats like poaching and habitat loss. KwaZulu Natal boasts a particularly rich biodiversity in terms of flora including unique grasses, aloes, and wildflowers. The diverse plant life sustains a variety of other wildlife species, providing food and habitats. The ecosystem's stability relies on abundant vegetation trophic levels, supporting a wide range of wildlife including primates, birds, and bats. The biodiversity of Zululand is exceptional, with unique wildlife or all shapes and sizes thriving in thickets and forests. Bees play a crucial role as pollinators, but their populations are declining globally. Conservation efforts, like those by Elephants Alive, demonstrate how bees can thrive in indigenous environments, promoting biodiversity. By strategically placing beehives, elephants are deterred from damaging vegetation due to their fear of bees. Save the Elephants' research shows elephants avoid areas with disturbed honeybees, using a unique vocalisation to warn others. This knowledge provides a human-elephant conflict mitigation strategy to protect crops. Free Spirit Bees for Conservation is an initiative in Zululand promoting human-elephant coexistence by integrating an understanding of bees, trees, and elephants. The goal is to create harmony in the ecosystem while benefiting the community through income from honey and beeswax. By expanding beekeeping efforts, the initiative offers opportunities for livelihood creation, conservation education, and upskilling. This innovative conservation approach seeks to redefine elephant conservation in Zululand while addressing broader conservation challenges in the region. Free Spirit Bees for Conservation was born from my passion for both elephant and botany conservation together with a proactive problem-solving approach. Having spent my whole wildlife conservation career in Zululand, I grasp the complexities of conservation here. As a happy beekeeper and apiary conservationist, I am excited about the potential of establishing bees-for-conservation projects across my home province. #beesforconservation #biodiversitymatters #apiaryconservation #humanwildlifecoexistence

Exciting news for conservation efforts! Species360’s ZIMS data, contributed by over 1,300 global institutions, has been integrated into the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This integration marks a significant step in visualizing the 'One Plan Approach' to conservation, aligning efforts across in situ and ex situ domains to safeguard threatened species. The inclusion of ex-situ data from zoos and aquariums (unclear if this includes botanical gardens through Hortis, another Species360 database) in the Red List provides a comprehensive overview of species populations in the wild and in human care, ultimately contributing to their long-term survival. This collaboration underscores the critical role zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and wildlife institutions can play in biodiversity conservation. #Conservation #Biodiversity #OnePlanApproach

I recently had the privilege of encountering a Plains Wanderer during a monitoring exercise. Once widespread across south-eastern Australia, this critically endangered species is now confined to isolated pockets of remnant habitat in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. True to its name, the Plains Wanderer roams open plains, typically found in native grasslands and saltbush ecosystems. Historically, monitoring these elusive birds involved nocturnal spotlighting and walking transects through suitable habitat. In recent times the use of acoustic recorders are used to identify areas the Plains Wanderer are utilising. Monitoring this species helps to inform how the Plains Wanderer utilises its habitat. https://lnkd.in/gXgEF2AM The Plains Wanderer is listed as critically endangered in Australia and it is estimated that there are 500 birds remaining in the wild. It faces significant threats, including habitat loss and degradation from agriculture, predation by introduced species, and the impacts of climate change, such as prolonged droughts and flooding. However, there is hope. The Plains Wanderer, which belongs to its own unique taxonomic family, is the focus of a dedicated national recovery team comprised of government bodies, non-government organisations, and private landholders. Key conservation efforts include a collaborative breeding program, as well as protection and management of its remaining habitat. Several zoos across Australia are playing a crucial role in the breeding program, which aims to maintain genetic diversity, provide insurance against extinction, and bolster wild populations through reintroductions. A recent trial release of eight radio-tracked birds is underway, with lessons learned informing future release programs. https://lnkd.in/gkqS8rnZ Private and not-for-profit landholders are also contributing by placing conservation covenants on land where Plains Wanderers have been recorded. These covenants, which remain on the land title in perpetuity, protect the habitat from cultivation and ensure sustainable management practices that will support the species' long-term survival. See "Farmer's sanctuary helps protect critically endangered plains-wanderer - ABC News". I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in the recovery program for the Plains Wanderer. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders give us hope that we can secure a future for this remarkable species.

The IUCN Red List has grown with every update since its inception 60 years ago. It now includes 166,061 species, with 46,337 threatened with extinction. It is fitting that for the 60th anniversary of the Red List, most of the world’s trees have joined this invaluable list of species. The update earlier this week reveals that at least 16,425 of the 47,282 tree species assessed are at risk of extinction. Tree species now account for over 25% of species on the IUCN Red List, and the number of threatened trees is more than double that of all threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined. The threat to tree species is global, with species at risk of extinction in 192 countries worldwide. “As the IUCN Red List celebrates 60 years of impact, this assessment highlights its importance as a barometer of life, but also, crucially, as a unique tool guiding action to reverse the decline of nature.”  -Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General.

Last week I had the pleasure of listening to Prof Graeme Samuel AC at the EIANZ Offsets Conference discuss his recent review of the EPBC Act. 2 points resonated with me - the importance of compliance & of consistency in assessment – Prof Samuel said the latter would be assisted by the publishing of previous case rulings, similar to the practice of the ATO. It brought to mind 2 EPBC Act interactions I had some years ago that illustrate the importance of both. Case 1: A small landowner clears ~0.5 ha rainforest regrowth on the outskirts of a small town in north Qld. He has his Qld approvals for a small rural-res devt but he wasn’t aware of the EPBC Act. A neighbour objects & calls Canberra, who slap a stop-work order on him, visit the site & declare he must undertake an EPBC referral due to potential impacts to a small group of endangered frog species & the southern cassowary. After addressing these issues & spending well over $150,000 in consulting fees, & after >1 yr delay, he got his approval from Canberra & cleared ~2 ha. Case 2: 3 years later & <2 km away, developer 2 cleared nearly 40 ha of identical vegetation. However, he did it quickly, out of public gaze & by the time a complaint was made the deed was done. This clearing was in vegetation mapped non-remnant (a govt. mistake – it was remnant quality) so was legal under the Veg Mgt Act. Again, this developer didn't know about the EPBC Act (the highly paid planner he engaged did but it seems didn’t think it worth mentioning). In this case I estimated it highly likely ~5-10% of habitat for an endangered frog species had been cleared (its actually listed as critically endangered by the IUCN). The trees certainly contained numerous females of this species & given it's a highly endemic species death & habitat loss was likely significant. The Canberra compliance team who attended had 0 ecologists & no ecological understanding. Still, I braced for bad news. After all, they had cleared 80x more than Case 1! The anti-climax was thunderous. No EPBC referral required. "Next time, just make sure you put in better sediment and erosion measures". Development one were compelled to spend >$150,000 to clear 2ha. Within a few years in the same area a 2nd developer cleared 40ha, killed a lot of frogs & got precisely…no penalty. The messages from these woeful examples of public administration of federal law are obvious: ·        Compliance teams investigating ecological offences MUST include experienced ecologists. ·        Inconsistency in decision-making is grossly unfair, and can have spectacularly negative consequences for threatened species & the public. ·        Ecologists MUST be involved in decision-making in relation to EPBC Act assessments & compliance. ·        And if I was cynical (not me), that when it comes to the EPBC Act it is much better to sin & wait for...nothing than it is to ask for permission first. #eianz #nboc24 #offsets24 #epbcact #dcceew