Despite the ongoing challenges posed by megafires in Brazil, significant progress has been made from such events. Key advancements include a better scientific understanding of fire dynamics, innovative public policies, and the implementation of effective integrated fire management (IFM) practices. These efforts have led to reduced wildfire frequency and intensity, improved biodiversity, and strengthened interinstitutional collaboration.

Wolves (Canis lupus), as apex predators, play a pivotal role in regulating ecosystems by controlling prey populations and maintaining biodiversity. Historically, wolves occupied a wide range across China, including high-altitude areas in northwest Yunnan. However, human activities, such as habitat loss and persecution, have led to local extirpations in these previously occupied regions. Recent camera trap surveys conducted in Shangri-La National Park recorded wolf activity in subalpine coniferous forests at elevations ranging from 3670 to 3870 m between 2022 and 2024, providing direct evidence of their presence in northwestern Yunnan. This rediscovery highlights the ecological significance of protected areas and the need for long-term biodiversity monitoring to conserve apex predators.

Body size is often strongly linked to species abundance and range size. Although Bergman's rule, which relates body size to climate, has been extensively studied, the implications of this rule for conservation remain unclear. Climate warming may reduce the habitat area of some large-bodied species at higher latitudes or altitudes, where they need large ranges to survive, and may also cause some larger-bodied species to shrink, as there is no critical need for them to remain large in order to preserve heat in very cold conditions. Under such circumstances, Bergmann's rule may offer some insights regarding species extinction, as body size is related to other critical traits, such as generation time, especially for species that follow the “rule.” Here, we explore the potential applications of Bergmann's rule in species conservation, using the IUCN's (2022) Red List and species' body size as a reference. Although a greater number of larger birds and mammals (endothermic species) are threatened, a higher proportion of smaller reptiles and amphibians (ectothermic species) face endangerment. Threatened species show stronger body size–range size relationships and are more restricted in monotypic genera. We discuss how Bergmann's rule might be considered in future long-term species conservation planning within the broad context of climate change, human impacts, and species invasions.

This study explores the integration of nature-based education (NBE) into educational frameworks aimed at green and low-carbon development. Although interest in NBE is increasing, research on its alignment with the country's climate goals, especially in relation to curriculum development and pedagogical strategies, remains limited. To address this gap, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, drawing on studies from databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI. Keywords including “nature-based education,” “experiential learning,” “place-based education,” “biophilic design,” and “ecological civilization” were used to ensure broad coverage of relevant research. The selected studies were categorized and analyzed to evaluate the applications, findings, and challenges of NBE across various theoretical frameworks. The efficacy of nature schools in enhancing sustainability education and carbon literacy was also assessed. These schools employ place-based, immersive, and multidisciplinary methods to engage students in practical experiences that deepen their understanding of carbon cycles and sustainable behaviors. The findings demonstrate that NBE curricula significantly improve environmental awareness and foster student participation in carbon reduction initiatives, thereby contributing to national climate goals. However, barriers such as inadequate teacher training, limited financial resources, and inflexible curricula hinder broader implementation. This review underscores the vital role of education in meeting green and low-carbon development objectives and calls for policy reforms to support the development of future sustainability elites.

Agricultural intensification is considered detrimental to many bird species in Europe and North America; however, little is known about how birds use these landscapes in South Asia, including in Nepal, where agricultural lands remain less intensified and more heterogeneous. Compared to resident species, research on migratory land bird species is notably limited. This includes the Critically Endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola), once abundant but now on the brink of extinction due to illegal trapping and trade, particularly along its migratory routes and wintering sites. We studied the wintering distribution sites, population, and fine-scale habitat use of the Yellow-breasted Bunting across Nepal to support their population recovery and guide habitat conservation efforts. Between 2015 and 2023, we documented 85 presence records of Yellow-breasted Buntings in 22 districts, with most sightings occurring outside protected areas and in agricultural lands. The population count for 2022/2023 was 2120—a roughly 43% increase from the previous year. Fine-scale habitat data showed that most sightings were in agricultural lands (79%), followed by grasslands (14%), with fewer records occurring in wetlands (7%). Yellow-breasted Buntings feed in a range of farmland conditions, including standing crops and fallow fields, and roost mainly in agricultural areas dominated by sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) or in grasses such as Saccharum spontaneum and Phragmites karka found in grassland and wetland habitats. Our model identified the combination of crop cover and grass height as the strongest predictor of Yellow-breasted Bunting abundance. Our study highlights the conservation potential of agricultural lands for highly threatened species and emphasizes the importance of effective habitat management and farmer engagement.

As one of 17 Gekko species known from Vietnam, the Golden gecko—G. badenii, a species endemic to the South of Vietnam, was discovered in Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh Province. The species is one of the most popular reptiles in local communities and media as a specialty food. The species is also subject of international trade. However, detailed information on the species' population status and potential threats are lacking. Day and night excursions were carried out along 15 transects on Ba Den Mountain. A total of 883 geckos were captured by the research team and local hunters during 45 survey hours, with an average capture rate of about 20 individuals per hour and a person. The density of G. badenii was calculated at up to 450 individuals per square kilometer, indicating a relatively high abundance in suitable habitats. Furthermore, we investigated local and international use and trade in the species for food consumption and as pet. According to our interviews with hunters, a single hunter may be able to capture approximately 1500 to 3000 individuals per month. Based on reported reduced capture yields of local hunters, a decline in abundance of 40% to 60% in the species' type locality is assumed in recent times. Large quantities of specimens are sold at restaurants as specialty and offered for sale online as food. Regarding the pet trade, the LEMIS data documented the import of more than 11,000 live individuals of G. badenii into the United States from 2018 to 2023, with a majority of wild caught individuals originating from Vietnam. Online investigations recorded the presence of G. badenii on 28 websites of pet shops advertised for the commercial sale in the United States and several European countries. Together with habitat fragmentation and degradation (e.g., due to road construction, tourism and forest fires), the wild population of G. badenii has declined sharply and will presumably continue to decline in the future, even facing the risk of extirpation at its type locality. Thus, concrete conservation measures are highly essential to protect the wild population of G. badenii in Ba Den Mountain.

Emphasizing self-efficacy in nature education holds significant potential for achieving long-term conservation goals, such as fostering conservation support and engagement. However, the effect of nature education on children's self-efficacy is rarely evaluated, and there is a lack of clarity and evidence on how course design influences its development. Here, we evaluated the effect of nature education on children's course-developed self-efficacy using a mixed-methods design involving a wildlife-based education program implemented in 10 rural elementary schools across six provinces in China. Results indicated that the program significantly increased students' course-developed self-efficacy in learning about nature and personal development, as evidenced by a comparison between the “course” group (N = 403) and a “control” group (N = 132). Using linear mixed models, we found that course-developed self-efficacy also contributed to pro-nature intentions and behaviors, with self-efficacy being a more important predictor of the latter. Moreover, the qualitative data identified seven key pathways through which the course may enhance children's self-efficacy: positive reinforcement, teamwork, skill development, self-expression, role modeling, knowledge expansion, and a supportive atmosphere. We propose that self-efficacy is a crucial outcome of nature education and offer guidelines for maximizing its impact on future generations in rural China.

Herein, we improve the knowledge about Burmese terrestrial reptile diversity and its distribution with focus on threatened and endemic species providing recommendations for improved conservation measures. Out of the 212 assessed species, 20% are Burmese endemics. Of those, almost 10% are microendemics that have only been reported from one specific locality and almost 40% are regional endemics, some with very restricted distributions, which are particularly threatened. Almost 25% of all assessed species are listed as threatened or potentially threatened in the IUCN Red List. In endemics, this number increases to 50.0%. The richness of all terrestrial reptile species is consistently high, and their distribution is mostly even across Myanmar with exceptions in the northern coastal regions and in the central dry zone reaching down to the lowlands in the southern part above Mon State and Tanintharyi Region. Threatened taxa are similarly distributed but with peaks in the western Mizoram–Manipur–Kachin rain forests, Kayah–Karen montane rain forest, and in the Tenesserim–South Thailand semi-evergreen rain forest. Endemism is generally even across the country with peaks in the east and south. Analysis of protected areas revealed that the majority of all species extant in Myanmar may occur in at least one protected area, but 10% are only covered by one single protected area, while in threatened and potentially threatened categories 25.0% of the taxa have been reported exclusively from outside protected areas. In endemic species this number increases to more than 30%. CITES lists 16.0% of all species, most of them in Appendix II. According to the ZIMS database, almost 50% of all threatened and potentially threatened terrestrial reptiles are represented in zoos, with breeding successes in the last 12 months for 60%. The vast majority of 88% of all Burmese endemic species are not kept in ex situ populations, suggesting that the implementation of the One Plan Approach proposed by the IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) needs to be improved to protect the unique herpetofauna. A list of the most threatened species in need of conservation actions is provided.

To ensure the survival of threatened species, identifying biodiversity hotspots is essential for determining where and how conservation should be prioritized. Sri Lanka along with Western Ghats of India is a global biodiversity hotspot, with reptiles among its most threatened taxa. Agamid lizards in Sri Lanka are both threatened and evolutionarily distinct, with 19 of 22 species endemic to the island. We assessed the distribution of 14 threatened agamid lizard species using Species Distribution Modeling (SDM). The generated distribution maps were used to identify highly diverse target areas for agamid conservation, both within and outside protected areas. We assigned conservation priority ranks for species using different criteria such as IUCN status, the number of occurrence records, and the size of the estimated range. Our results indicated that agamid hotspots are primarily concentrated in the wet zone of Sri Lanka; specifically, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, and the Knuckles Mountain Range emerged as high priority conservation targets. Although all species targeted in our SDM had some portion of their range within protected areas, over 40% of high-priority agamid habitats remain unprotected. We advocate for the expanded use of SDM for hotspot identification and conservation planning, particularly for threatened and endangered species with poorly documented population status and geographic distribution.

Preferences for animal species may influence public engagement in conservation efforts. However, urban residents often have limited opportunities to learn about and connect emotionally with a wide range of wildlife. Zoos can help bridge this gap, with enclosures and interpretive systems playing a key role in fostering understanding and positive attitudes towards animals. At present, little is known about how the characteristics of enclosures and interpretive systems work together to influence visitors' learning about wildlife. Over a 12-month period, we assessed the features of enclosures and interpretive facilities at Guangzhou Zoo, China, and captured visitors' wildlife preferences before and after their visits using an open-ended question. By examining how these features and the overall zoo experience influenced changes in preferences, we aimed to evaluate the zoo's potential for conservation education. Our results showed that zoo visits significantly impacted visitors' wildlife preferences, increasing their fondness for a broader range of species and fostering a greater affinity for relatively unpopular species or taxa. Importantly, the interaction between the number of interpretive signs and three other factors—enclosure size, enclosure type, and the interactivity of interpretive facilities—emerged as key determinants of these preference changes. This study provides valuable insights into improving the design of zoo enclosures and interpretive facilities to support conservation education.

Conflicts between people and wildlife, often termed human–wildlife conflicts, are a global issue that can require complex solutions. However, another significant, frequently overlooked cause for concern within this context is the conflicts that can arise between stakeholders with varying interests, perspectives or goals regarding wildlife management and conservation. Such human–human conflicts can hamper the success of wildlife conservation initiatives outside protected areas. These conflicts frequently serve as proxies for the underlying socioeconomic and political tensions between stakeholders with divergent wildlife management goals. Using a social constructionist approach and a qualitative case study, this study investigates how diverse stakeholders—namely, agriculturalists, conservationists, foragers and safari operators—in Chapoto Ward, northern Zimbabwe, construct images of each other during conflicts over wildlife management. The findings reveal that stakeholder groups socially constructed one another as powerful outsiders, ignorant and inconsiderate, habitat destroyers and poachers, and uncaring, greedy and selfish. These social constructions were driven by differing agendas, beliefs, priorities and values regarding wildlife management, competing land-use activities, and socioeconomic and political interests. This study recommends that wildlife managers develop an objective understanding of the competing constructions of each stakeholder group and incorporate these insights into wildlife management policy and conflict resolution processes.

Many human populations rely on natural remedies for health and healing, with traditional medicinal plants playing a vital role in diverse ethnolinguistic cultures and contributing to biodiversity conservation. Research and conservation efforts to integrate traditional knowledge into healthcare are vital for preserving this heritage and for promoting sustainable healthcare in the Philippines. However, many of these systems are increasingly threatened by rapid environmental changes. In this study, we performed a nationwide synthesis to understand the diversity, distribution, and relationship of traditional plant use among various ethnolinguistic groups. We identified at least 796 plant species from 160 families and 65 orders that were utilised by 34 ethnolinguistic groups to treat 25 disease types. Our findings revealed a strong relationship between linguistically similar groups, indicating that geographical proximity, linguistic background, shared cultural practices, and environmental factors collectively influence medicinal plant use patterns among different groups. Furthermore, we developed the Species Use Priority Importance (SUPRIM) indicator to assess the priority level of plant species based on their use among ethnolinguistic groups and disease types. Factors such as the availability of healthcare facilities, proximity to roads, educational facilities, and tree density were significantly associated with higher SUPRIM indicator values. We posit that, despite modernisation and rapid development in the Philippines, the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their environment continues to shape the value of medicinal plant species within communities. Our findings further highlight the need for conservation efforts in indigenous lands that prioritise cultural protection and integrate ecological sustainability.

Rethinking traditional animal names and their referents throughout history is important for understanding indigenous knowledge of wildlife, defining the role of animals in traditional cultures, and potentially promoting the conservation of species. The character yòu (狖) was the name of a nonhuman primate in ancient China. To date, yòu has been considered a gibbon (Nomascus spp.), a snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus spp.), or a François' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi). To better understand its original identity, I analyzed additional evidence to revisit the ideas and referents associated with yòu. Overall, identifying yòu as François' langurs is more consistent with historical archives. Historical records reveal that Fraznçois' langurs were widely distributed across South China in earlier periods. However, the species has since become extirpated from most of its primary habitats in the country. Reintroducing captive individuals into areas where François’ langurs were once found may be a key conservation strategy for restoring locally extinct populations and safeguarding this endangered species in the future.

Bees and butterflies are generally viewed positively in society, whereas other insects, such as wasps or flies, are often underappreciated despite their essential ecological roles. As biodiversity loss continues to pose a major challenge for humankind, it necessitates a re-evaluation of these biases to support the protection of biodiversity as a whole. With large language model (LLM) chatbots becoming increasingly integrated into daily life for information dissemination and education purposes, understanding their inherent biases is vital. In this study, we tested 10 popular Western LLM chatbots using simple prompts to assess how they portray bees and wasps. Butterflies, moths, flies, and mosquitoes were also included for comparison to evaluate broader societal perceptions. Our results show that bees and butterflies are indeed depicted positively by the LLM chatbots and moths somewhat positively, while wasps, flies, and mosquitoes are associated with more negative portrayals. We found that LLMs mirror prevailing human biases toward different insect groups and their perceived importance in nature conservation. Moreover, we demonstrate that LLM chatbots tend to oversimplify insect diversity by predominantly restricting “bees” to honeybees and “wasps” to yellowjackets, thereby neglecting the broader biodiversity that includes wild bees and parasitoid wasps. The chatbots also appeared to favor Nearctic species when recommending conservation priorities. By highlighting these biases and discussing their implications, our research underscores the importance of nuanced science communication and expert involvement in decision-making for nature conservation. Addressing such biases is essential to prevent the reinforcement of public misconceptions and to promote the protection of ecologically indispensable yet less popular insect groups.