Wildlife Conservation Science

Some farmers in Italy deliberately leave part of their crops unharvested. Not because they forgot. Not because the harvest failed. But because wild animals need food too. These areas are known as colture a perdere. Crops are left standing so deer, wild boar, birds and other wildlife have somewhere to feed and shelter. The idea is simple. Give animals food in the fields. Reduce the pressure on nearby farms. And help limit conflict between wildlife and people. In some regions, farmers may even receive support for setting aside land in this way. The crops are never sold. Never collected. They are grown and left behind on purpose. A small loss for the farmer. But a lifeline for animals searching for food. It may not solve every problem. But it shows that farming and wildlife do not always have to compete. Sometimes, a little land left untouched can make room for both.

Most parks don’t fail because of poor design. They fail because ecology is ignored. A park is not just pathways, lawns, and benches — it is a living system that needs to be designed with water, soil, climate, biodiversity, and human behaviour in mind. Dead plantations? Often a result of poor species selection, wrong soil mixes, or ignoring wind & sunlight patterns. Dry landscapes or waterlogging? Caused by missing contour studies, faulty drainage planning, and zero water-balance analysis. No birds, no shade, no life? Because biodiversity wasn’t considered. Every tree species supports a specific set of insects & birds — and when you plant the wrong species, the entire chain collapses. This is why ecological planning is not optional — it’s the foundation of long-lasting public spaces. As a Landscape Architect & Ecological Planner, my work goes beyond aesthetics: ✔️ Water management & sustainable flow systems ✔️ Soil & geology studies for long-term plant survival ✔️ Climate-responsive design ✔️ Plantation strategy based on biodiversity ✔️ Creating parks, campuses & public spaces that thrive — not just in the first year, but for decades Parks fail when ecology is missing. Parks succeed when science, sustainability, and design work together. Let’s build public spaces that live, breathe, and grow — not fade away. link If you care about sustainability, landscape. #LandscapeArchitecture #EcologicalPlanning #UrbanDesign #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateResponsiveDesign #WaterManagement #BiodiversityMatters #GreenInfrastructure #PublicSpaces #UrbanPlanning #EnvironmentalDesign #ParksAndRecreation #LandscapeArchitect #SustainabilityInDesign #SoilHealth #CityDevelopment #FutureOfCities Landscape Architecture, Ecological Planning, Urban Greens, Sustainable Design, Biodiversity, Water Management, Public Space Development, Climate Responsive Design, Environmental Planning, Park Design Strategy

In the shadow of the Andes, a quiet revolution is unfolding, reports James Hall.   The Queuña forests, once covering vast stretches of the mountains, have dwindled to a mere fraction of their former glory, leaving behind a landscape where biodiversity & water security hang in the balance. This ecological collapse has triggered an unforeseen consequence: wild animals, displaced by deforestation, are edging closer to Indigenous communities, sparking conflict between people & predators. The puma, the Peruvian desert cat, and the Andean cat have found themselves at odds with humans as they encroach on these shrinking habitats. It’s not the cats themselves that are the root of the problem, as biologist Cindy Hurtado notes, but the loss of their prey. As vizcachas & deer vanish, domestic livestock become the next best meal. The impact on local livelihoods has been significant, particularly for the women of the Quechua village Licapa. In this community, where men often leave to find work in the cities, women remain behind, caring for children & shepherding small flocks of alpacas, chickens, and guinea pigs. The loss of these animals to wildcats is not just a matter of inconvenience; it is a direct threat to the family’s income. “We thought [the wildcats] were bad animals,” recalls Alicia Ccaico, reflecting on the hardships that ensued when pumas began preying on their alpacas. The traditional response was predictable: the fewer wildcats, the better. Yet, in Licapa, this entrenched view has begun to shift, thanks to an project driven by Indigenous women, led by Quechua biologist Merinia Mendoza Almeida & cat expert Jim Sanderson. What began as a hesitant experiment has blossomed into a full-fledged movement: Mujeres Quechua por la Conservación. Monthly meetings have become a cornerstone of village life, where over 30 women gather to discuss their experiences, learn about the ecosystem, and explore solutions that balance the needs of both humans & wildlife. These gatherings are more than just conservation efforts; they are spaces of empowerment in a society where women’s voices have often been muted. Simple measures, like fortifying chicken coops, have mitigated conflicts with smaller cats. But tackling the puma problem has required more nuanced strategies, including reducing grazing pressures on the forest. The results have been promising, and the project’s emphasis on Indigenous women has begun to dismantle long-standing patriarchal barriers in the region. As researcher Rocio Morales points out, this project is a rare example of how integrating Indigenous women into conservation can break down social & political barriers. And as Almeida notes, the involvement of children in these activities ensures that the seeds of conservation are already being sown in the next generation. In the highlands of Licapa, where the past & future converge, a new chapter is being written—one where coexistence, rather than conflict, might just be the legacy left behind.

Imagine an olive grove for example. An agricultural set up that can either be a mono plantation constantly 'fighting' nature or a more biodiverse ecosystem looking to collaborate with nature. Example 1: Apply artificial fertilisers that disrupt the microbial-fungal exchange networks that understand and naturally build and balance soil life. The knock on effect is a reducing of natural fertility further and weakening of plant health. Then the the application of herbicides to remove all vegetation, creating bare soil and denude biodiversity that supports natural predators and brings balance. Fungi become imbalanced and more aggressive as nature looks to counteract the poisoning. Perhaps a bit of tilling now as well to help oxide the soil, expose any microbial soil life to harmful UV rays and make compaction and run off worse long term. Next pesticides are used in theory to maintain quality and yield while systematically whipping out most if not all biodiversity and poisoning the host plants. Then fungicidal use is needed to support trees now more susceptible to infections, killing any beneficial fungi that remain. This then leads to a fungi- bacteria imbalance and disease becomes inevitable as the more aggressive pathogens such as gram negative bacteria thrive and cause disease and dieback. When it rains the flood / drought double sided coin comes into play and most water runs off the compacted soil and is lost. Example 2: Soil is kept permanently covered with diverse perennial and annual local grasses and forbs. Soil organic matter is slowly increased. The multi sized roots opening up the soil and aiding de-compaction while root exudates feed the soil biology. Leguminous species collaborate with nitrogen fixing bacteria to create nitrogen banks in the soil. The grasses are cut regularly to help build organic matter. When it rains the majority of the water is held in the soil and is there for slow release. Non use of pesticides allow beneficial biodiversity to set up home and start to create balance. Spiders often being the key to biodiversity balance. Nature's natural predators bring balance. By creating the right conditions for fungal species to proliferate, the fungal - bacterial balance is restored. Aggressive pathogen bacterial species tend to be kept in check and not spread into the realm of disease causing. A bit simplified, but I know which example I would choose for the long term.. #biodiversity #miyawkimethod #ecosystem #ecosystemrestoration #nature #olivetree #olivegrove #nature #naturebasedsolutions #restoration #reforestation #gaia #permaculture #syntropic #biodynamic #organic

South Australia just introduced one of the most ambitious and modern biodiversity laws in the country. This one’s worth paying attention to, for those operating in SA and the rest of the country. What’s in the new law? ✅ Directors’ duties now extend to nature risk under a general duty of care for everyone (businesses, developers, government, individuals) to avoid or minimise harm to biodiversity ✅ A new permitting and impact assessment framework for projects affecting ecosystems or species following the mitigation hierarchy ✅ Protection of critical habitats, backed by science and community consultation ✅ Stronger penalties (up to $500K for companies $250K for individuals) and enforcement powers ✅ A Biodiversity Restoration Fund to invest in nature-positive outcomes ✅ Governance that includes First Nations leadership, scientific committees, and a Biodiversity Council ✅ A State Biodiversity Strategy to guide planning, with regional plans to follow How does this compare to other states? 🔹 NSW has the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, which introduced offsets, threatened species protections and landholder stewardship agreements but it’s been widely criticised for weakening native vegetation laws and enabling biodiversity decline. 🔹 Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 was updated in 2019 but remains largely focused on threatened species listing. Its offset framework is embedded in planning processes but there’s limited real-time accountability. 🔹 At the Federal level, we’re awaiting long-overdue reform of the EPBC Act. While the government has committed to new environmental standards and a federal EPA, roll out has been delayed. South Australia’s Biodiversity Act 2025 stands out for its: - Enforceable duty of care, creating a proactive responsibility to act - Integration of First Nations knowledge, science and policy - Statewide strategy tied to regional planning - Clear path for business: impact, offset, restore, with accountability built in This law places biodiversity risk alongside climate risk in how development, land use, and corporate decisions are made. It moves from reactive conservation to strategic planning, measurable outcomes, and shared responsibility. It’s also a signal of where national regulation is headed. If you're wondering what this means for your organisation, my DMs are open. #NaturePositive #BiodiversityAct2025 #TNFD #ESG #SustainabilityLeadership #RegulatoryChange #AustraliaNatureLaw #sustainability Jada Andersen Adam G. Xylo Systems

🌱 How much carbon is your forest storing? The numbers might surprise you! I’m excited to share insights from my latest carbon sequestration mapping project in the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Using ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine (GEE), and Python, we transformed satellite data into actionable intelligence for climate resilience. Key takeaways: Total Carbon Stored: 12,500 tCO₂ High-Impact Zones: Areas identified for targeted conservation Tools Used: GeoAI, raster analysis, GEE cloud processing By visualizing carbon density across landscapes, we can help policymakers prioritize conservation, track ecosystem health, and support climate action. This project reflects how geospatial technologies are driving environmental solutions. 💬 I’d love to hear from the GIS & environmental community: How are you using geospatial tools for climate resilience? What innovative methods have you applied for carbon mapping or environmental monitoring? Let’s share knowledge and turn data into impact! #GIS #RemoteSensing #GeoAI #CarbonMapping #EnvironmentalMonitoring #ClimateTech #Sustainability #FloodMapping #EarthObservation #GEE #Python #ArcGIS #ClimateAction

Concrete is failing cities. Nature isn’t. As climate risks intensify—from flooding and heat stress to biodiversity loss—landscape architecture is emerging as one of the most effective tools for climate adaptation and ecological repair. Landscapes shape how cities manage water, regulate temperature, restore ecosystems, and support public health. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirms that nature-based solutions can deliver up to 30% of the climate mitigation needed by 2030, while also providing benefits that engineered systems cannot—such as biodiversity restoration, mental health support, and long-term resilience. The Global Climate Design Awards recognize landscape projects that treat land, water, and vegetation as essential climate infrastructure. These designs move beyond beautification to perform real environmental work—cooling cities, managing stormwater, restoring degraded ecosystems, and strengthening community resilience. The nominees below demonstrate how landscapes can function as climate systems in their own right: adaptive, regenerative, and deeply integrated into daily civic life. 🌱 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Sarasota, FL) by OLIN integrates living collections, resilient landscapes, and net-positive design strategies. The campus demonstrates how botanical institutions can function as climate educators and ecological infrastructure simultaneously. 🌾 Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (Kigali, Rwanda) by MASS Design Group reimagines agricultural education through regenerative landscapes. Terraced systems manage water, restore soil health, and anchor learning in ecological stewardship—supporting food security and climate resilience together. 🌳 Bedford Heritage Park by Lemay (Canada) transforms a post-industrial site into a living public ecosystem. Wetlands, native planting, and adaptive reuse reduce flood risk while reconnecting people to land history and biodiversity. Together, these landscapes reveal shared principles: 🔹 Nature-based systems outperform engineered ones 🔹 Water, soil, and vegetation as climate infrastructure 🔹 Public landscapes supporting mental and physical health 🔹 Regeneration embedded in everyday civic life Landscape architecture is no longer simply ornamental. It is essential climate infrastructure—quiet, powerful, and enduring. ♻️ Repost to spread the momentum the Global Climate Design Awards are building for a more sustainable and regenerative planet! 👉 Follow me for sustainability content that helps launch and scale products and companies. Judy Holm.

🌳 Mapping Deforestation Risk with Google Earth Engine: Insights from 30 Years of Satellite Data 🌍 Harnessing the power of Landsat imagery and the JNR Risk Mapping methodology (Verra, 2021), I analyzed forest cover changes in our study area from 1990-2025. Here's what we found: 🔍 Key Findings: 2025 Forest Area: 423,765 Ha (20% decrease since 1990) 1990 Forest Area: 531,321 Ha Annual Deforestation Rate: -0.75% (1990-2025) 🛠 Technical Approach: Multi-Temporal Composites: Combined Landsat 4-9 data with cloud masking Spectral Analysis: Used SWIR-NIR ratio (VI > 0.7) to identify forests Risk Modeling: Created temporal deforestation masks (1990-2005 & 2005-2025) Developed 9x9 kernel convolution for risk propagation Classified risk levels using gradient scaling (0-30) 🌐 Conservation Implications: Red Areas: Historical deforestation hotspots Yellow Zones: Recent loss areas needing monitoring Green Regions: Priority conservation targets This analysis demonstrates how remote sensing can transform environmental management. The risk map helps prioritize interventions and supports carbon stock protection strategies.

What can landscape history tell us about biodiversity? Our new article in Ecology and Evolution led by Nivedita Varma Harisena and with Maarten van Strien demonstrates the importance of historical ecological networks to estimate current beta and gamma diversity. The history of a landscape can help identify spatial patterns in species metacommunity extents that associate better with beta and gamma diversity, which cannot be identified via spatial networks alone. We found this for odonate species in the wetlands of the Swiss plateau based on data of the past 110 years on wetland change (1899-2010). Thus, the history of a landscape contributes significant information, either in terms of habitat ecological similarities or time lagged species dispersal impacts, on the current patterns and processes of species diversity. Such historical habitat networks can be a useful knowledge base for estimating metacommunity spatial extents at a regional scale. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, the method of identifying regional units of similarly interacting habitat patch groups can create a common ground within which collaborations between multiple stakeholders can be fostered to holistically manage landscapes for biodiversity conservation. https://lnkd.in/dGwj7hcC  

New research shows Amazon communities protect 86× more land than they manage. A new study from the University of East Anglia and Instituto Juruá shows just how powerful community-led conservation can be. Across the western Brazilian Amazon, local communities managing fisheries along the Juruá River have protected an area 86 times larger than the lakes they directly manage. Around 15 million hectares of floodplain and forest. By working together to guard oxbow lakes and sustainably harvest arapaima fish, these communities have restored thriving populations of otters, turtles, manatees, and countless other species. And they’ve done it at a fraction of the cost of traditional protected area enforcement. It’s a strong validation of what we see repeatedly at Earthly, nature-based projects led by local communities consistently deliver the highest impact, both for people and the planet. #CommunityConservation #AmazonRainforest #NatureBasedSolutions #LocalLeadership #EcosystemRestoration Reference Study: Nature “Community-based management expands ecosystem protection footprint in Amazonian forests” (s41893-025-01633-6)