Road infrastructure development and biodiversity conservation are essential for sustainable development. However, many developing countries struggle to balance them. This study examines the impact of road construction in 24 African countries and evaluates strategies for achieving sustainability. Using a case study approach, road construction variables from individual country reports (2024) were quantitatively analyzed alongside Red List Index (RLI) scores from the Yale University's 2024 Environmental Performance Index Report. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were applied to assess the relationship between road development and biodiversity conservation to provide insights into effective mitigation strategies. Results indicate that in 2024, the average RLI score for the 24 African countries was 64.74, with a 10-year mean decline of -2.85. On average, 17,162.21 ha of biodiversity habitats were cleared for road construction, emphasizing the vulnerability of biodiversity. Burkina Faso (95.4), Mali (92.9), and Botswana (92.2) exhibited strong biodiversity health, whereas Kenya (24.9), South Africa (24.4), Uganda (15.7), and Tanzania (0) faced critical challenges. Wildlife crossing was the most significant predictor in lower-income economies (R² = 0.49, p < 0.0001), traffic volume in lower-middle income economies (R² = 0.35, p = 0.0007), and road width in upper-middle income economies (R² = 0.83, p = 0.0054). Habitat clearance exhibited a weak correlation. These findings highlight the crucial role of road construction variables—particularly wildlife crossings, road width, and traffic volume—in biodiversity conservation across income groups. Targeted road planning is required to mitigate biodiversity loss. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on the impact of infrastructure on conservation, policy guidance, and mitigation efforts in developing countries.

This study investigated the distribution and growth performance of Bolboschoenus planiculmis under varying estuarine environmental conditions. We aimed to determine the optimal planting methods and environmental conditions with respect to salinity, soil texture, and tidal regimes on its growth performance. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in B. planiculmis coverage, shrinking to 955,393 m2 in 2024, representing only 38.59% of that compared to 2004. The plant’s survival rate exhibited a clear salinity gradient: 0 ppt (89±8.01%)>5 ppt (64±4.56%)>15 ppt (37±4.25%)>30 ppt (0±0.00%). Planting density significantly influenced growth, with 24 tubers m-2 yielding the highest number of plants per tuber (14.67±0.33). A planting depth of 5 cm proved optimal for tuber germination and growth. Soil texture analysis demonstrated that a lower sand content promoted growth, with the highest density observed in soil containing 10% sand (435±6.96 plants m-2). Tidal influence also played an important role, with areas experiencing regular tidal fluctuations fostering the most successful growth. Planting tubers or young plants with attached tubers in these tidal zones led to the highest survival rates and biomass.

Climate change and human activities have significantly threatened plant diversity in Nigeria, leading to the imminent extinction of plant genetic resources (PGR). The collected and conserved PGR are insufficient to slow the rate of diversity loss. To address this challenge, plant breeders have initiated various improvement programs aimed at utilizing available PGR to enhance plant resilience against the severity of climate change. Despite these efforts, several limiting factors hinder the sustainable conservation of PGR in Nigeria. The lack of up-to-date information on PGR in Nigeria restricts our understanding of crop diversity. This review explores these constraints and outlines the diverse strategies employed by relevant research institutes over the years to conserve PGR. It also evaluates both in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts in the country. Collaborations and interactions between research institutes in Nigeria focused on managing PGR are highlighted. Establishing more ex-situ fields across all ecological zones of Nigeria is emphasized as a crucial step to enhance effective conservation measures. Additional recommendations are provided to encourage the conservation and sustainable production of PGR in Nigeria.

본 논문은 다양한 역사문화 자원이 공존하고 있는 서울 호암산성의 역사적 가치를 살리 고 더욱 많은 시민이 찾을 수 있는 문화유산으로 발돋움하기 위한 향후 정비 방향과 활용 방 안을 모색해 본 것이다. 우선, 정비 방향으로는 우선 성곽에 대한 정밀지표조사를 통한 현황 자료 확보와 성벽과 문지에 대한 학술발굴조사의 필요성에 대해 언급하였다. 그리고 호암산성 역사문화길 조성 및 정비에 관한 의견과 함께 QR코드를 넣은 안내판 설치를 통해 현장에서도 유적에 대한 정 보를 쉽게 파악할 수 있어야 함을 주장하였다. 또한 호암산성 아래로 지나가는 현재의 서울 둘레길 외에 호암산성을 지나갈 수 있도록 하는 새로운 둘레길 코스 개발이 필요함을 언급 하였다. 그리고 현재 발굴조사가 진행되고 있는 제2우물지 및 주변 건물지에 대한 정비 복 원이 필요함을 주장하였다. 또한 녹조 현상이 발생하고 있는 한우물에 대해서도 재정비가 필요하며, 호암산성에 상징적인 사인물을 설치함으로써 포토 스팟을 조성하는 방안을 제안 하였다. 그리고 활용 방안으로는 산성의 접근성 강화를 위한 주차장 마련, 산성의 역사적 가치와 발굴조사 성과 등을 알리고 탐방객의 편의를 위한 방문자센터의 필요성에 대해 언급하였다. 또한 청사초롱 엘리베이터가 설치된 외부 연결통로의 환경 개선과 함께 호암산성을 알릴 수 있는 공간으로 꾸밀 것을 제안하였다. 이 밖에도 금천구 교육나눔협동조합에서 시행하였거 나 시행하고 있는 우리고장 국가유산 활용사업 활성화 및 지역문화유산교육 활성화 사업을 통해 보다 많은 사람들이 호암산성을 알 수 있도록 해야 함을 주장하였다. 그리고 그와 동시 에 호암산성과 관련된 여러 스토리텔링 개발이 필요하며, 홍보 및 탐방객 만족도 향상을 위 한 문화유산 전문해설사 제도를 적극적으로 운영할 필요가 있음을 제시하였다.

This study presents a fine scale distribution of the endangered species, Odontobutis obscura, through field surveys and literature reviews. Using the mark-recapture method, the population size in major habitats was determined. Field surveys conducted on 18 streams in Geoje Island revealed that the O. obscura was only found in the main streams and tributaries of the Sanyang, Gucheon, and Buchun Streams, which are part of the Sanyang Stream watershed. The O. obscura exhibited relative abundances ranging from 0.5% to 35.3% at different locations, with certain spots showing higher relative abundances (18.8% to 35.3%), indicating major habitat areas. A review of six literature studies confirmed the presence of the O. obscura, although there were differences in occurrence status depending on the purpose, scope, and duration of the studies. Combining the results of field and literature surveys, it was found that the O. obscura inhabits the main and tributary streams of the Sanyang, Gucheon, and Buchun Streams, from the upper to lower reaches. Currently, the O. obscura population in the Sanyang Stream watershed maintains a stable habitat, but its limited distribution range suggests potential issues such as genetic diversity deficiency in the long term. The population size of the O. obscura was confirmed at two specific locations, with densities of 0.5 to 1.5 individuals per m2. The average movement distance from the release point was 13.1 m, indicating the limited mobility characteristic of ambush predators. Understanding the distribution and population size of endangered species is the first step towards their conservation and protection. Based on this information, further research could significantly contribute to the conservation of the O. obscura.

This study aims to systematically investigate the insect diversity within the distinct coastal grassland and mountain habitats of East Busan, Busan Metropolitan City. The objective is to gather foundational data that will inform natural environment conservation plans and contribute to policy formulation. Employing a comprehensive collection approach, we utilized trapping nets, pitfall traps, and flying insect traps to capture a broad spectrum of insect species. The investigation identified a rich diversity of 132 species across 9 orders and 52 families. Coleoptera emerged as the most prevalent order with 13 families and 41 species, followed by Diptera with 8 families and 24 species, and Lepidoptera with 9 families and 21 species. To assess the biodiversity and structure of these communities by habitat type, we applied several biodiversity indices: the Shannon-Wiener index (H'), Margalef index (R), and Pielou evenness index. Coastal grasslands exhibited an H' of 3.153, R of 11.08, and a Pielou evenness of 0.371; coastal mountains showed an H' of 2.922, R of 13.02, and a Pielou evenness of 0.202. These metrics reveal no significant differences in diversity and evenness between the two habitats. The endangered Copris tripartitus was notably observed in coastal grasslands, alongside 20 species classified as Least Concern (LC) in the National Red List across both habitats. The comparative analysis of biodiversity and evenness levels across coastal grassland and mountain areas highlights the ecological significance of both habitats in supporting a diverse insect fauna. The detection of endangered and LC species within these areas emphasizes the critical need for ongoing monitoring and the development of effective conservation strategies tailored to protect Busan's coastal ecosystems. The findings underscore the necessity of conducting periodic surveys to monitor faunal changes and inform conservation efforts actively. By ensuring the continued protection of insect diversity, these efforts will play a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological integrity of coastal areas, thereby supporting broader environmental conservation objectives.

Valgus Kolbe, 1909 is a small genus of Cetoniinae, with 20 described species worldwide. In Korea, only one species, Valgus koreanus Sawada, have been recorded. Species of this genus have been known that they are commonly associated with termite colonies. They feed on the wall of termite burrows in logs or standing dead trees. In this study, we report a new species of this genus, Valgus gwangneungensis sp. nov.. We provide a key to the species of Valgus, description of the new species and photographs of habitus and male aedeagus.

The hyperdiverse beetle family Carabidae is one of the largest families of Coleoptera. Nearly 10% of described carabid species are classified in the tribe Pterostichini or tribes historically closely associated with Pterostichini. Beetles in these groups are found worldwide and in habitats from ocean beaches to high-elevation glacial edges. Pterostichines are often abundant and local species richness can be exceptionally high. I will present an overview of the diversity, biogeography, and current phylogenetic arrangement of the included taxa. I will discuss some of the many amazing aspects of the group’s natural history including cases of mate marking during copulation, secondary sexual characters, mate guarding, burrow construction, maternal care for eggs and larvae, and apparent stridulatory structures. I will introduce the Australian trichosternus group and discuss the conservation status of these imperiled beetles and how fundamental taxonomic science led to gaining protection for some species. I will make the case that taxonomy has a unique role among the life sciences to explore, describe, classify, and provide an understanding of the diversity of life, at and above the species level, focusing on individual characters, and within the context of evolutionary history.