Cavity-nesting guilds are diverse communities of organisms that are hierarchically structured around the creation of and competition for tree holes as nest sites. Quantifying these communities as networks of interconnected species, or "nest webs", is a proven and efficient method for identifying important species and interactions within a cavity-nesting guild that can aid the management of these often threatened communities. Yet nest web data does not provide information regarding how natural resource managers are to encourage the support and adoption of conservation behaviors. This dissertation comprises two broad studies: one describing a cavity-nesting guild in central Namibia, and the other exploring methodology for identifying an effective flagship species for local conservation. In chapter 1, I provide background information of my study system and a review of the cavity-nesting and flagship species literature. In chapter 2, I quantify the species and resources within a cavity-nesting guild and create a cavity nest web to depict cavity creation and use in central Namibia. All cavity-nesters depended on sparse, large trees, which likely contributed to limited use of tree species across the guild. Cavity-excavators were of disparate importance for secondary cavity-nesters: important for small- and medium-bodied species but mostly unimportant for large-bodied species who depend more on large trunk hollows. In chapter 3, I describe and compare species-specific cavity resource niches among guild members to explore potential instances of cavity resource partitioning. Use of nest cavities appears to sort out by size among both cavity-excavators and secondary cavity-nesters. Excavators appear to partition cavity substrate spatially by decay class, while spatial partitioning among secondary nesters was largely by cavity type. Most interesting is the apparent temporal partitioning of large excavations among medium- and large-bodied cavity-nesters. In chapter 4, I explore a novel approach to flagship species selection that identified all previously-existing traits for flagship species, numerous traits specific to culture and personal experience, and a dozen new traits that were previously not recognized as potentially important for flagship species. This method shows considerable promise as a tool for investigating preferences for wildlife among broad stakeholders, as well as for engaging local people in wildlife conservation. / Doctor of Philosophy / Holes in trees, or cavities, are important resources for many birds, who use cavities as a safe place for raising young. Cavity-nesting birds are linked together in a cavity "nest web" based on the types of cavities used by each species. Understanding how birds are linked with each other and with certain types of cavities is critical in order to design conservation plans that preserve important community relationships. However, successful conservation also depends on strong support from local people, who are most often the people tasked with implementing the conservation actions. Flagship species can be used to gain support from necessary groups of people for specific conservation missions. This dissertation consists of two broad studies: the first study describes a community of cavity-nesting birds in Namibia, and the second explores a new way to investigate how people connect with wildlife through emotional connections. In chapter 1, I provide background information on my area of research. In chapter 2, I outline the different trees, cavities, and birds at the study site and estimate their abundance in the area. I also create a cavity nest web that illustrates the links between species. Large trees were relatively uncommon, but were important for all birds in the community. Cavities made by other birds, such as woodpeckers, were very important for small- and medium-sized species, but were mostly unimportant for large-sized species. In chapter 3, I compare the tree cavities used by different species, including the types of trees, cavities, and cavity sizes. I also explore multiple ways by which cavity-nesting birds might be dividing cavities between different species. Our most interesting finding was how medium-sized species seem to share cavities in time rather than in space; some species (i.e., small owls and woodpeckers) breed before some larger species that use the same type of cavity. Breeding early may be a way for some species to avoid competition with more competitive species, and may be the first example of this strategy being used by multiple cavity-nesters in a community. In chapter 4, I explore a new method for selecting flagship species. This method uncovered all traits that have been previously recommended for flagship species, as well as many traits specific to culture and personal experience. We also identified a dozen new traits that were previously not considered to be important for flagship species. Our new method is very promising as a tool for investigating preferences for wildlife among broad stakeholders, and for engaging and involving local people in wildlife conservation.

Two major goals of managers of Rubondo Island National Park (Rubondo), Tanzania are to increase the number of international visitors to the Park (and thereby increase revenue generated) and to increase support for the Park among residents of nearby communities. I investigated species preferences among children living around Rubondo and the wildlife viewing preferences of international visitors to Tanzania in an attempt to identify flagship species that Park management could use in marketing and outreach campaigns designed to meet their goals. I also assessed local interest in visiting the Park. As local flagships for Rubondo, the Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) and silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea) appear to have the most potential among the species that I assessed (i.e., fish eagle [Haliaeetus vocifer], Egyptian goose, silver cyprinid, little egret [Egretta garzetta], sitatunga [Tragelaphus speki], genet [Genetta tigrina], monitor lizard [Varanus niloticus], spotted-necked otter [Lutra maculicollis], vervet monkey [Cercopithecus pygerythrus], crocodile [Crocodylus niloticus], hippopotamus [Hippopotamus amphibius], giraffe [Giraffa camelopardalis], and elephant [Loxodanta africana]). However, based on either range or limited aesthetic/behavioral appeal, I considered neither species useful as an international flagship. Among species on Rubondo included in investigations of potential international flagships for the Island (including the chimpanzee [Pan troglodytes], crocodile, elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, vervet monkey, bushbuck, fish eagle, large-spotted genet, goliath heron [Ardea goliath], monitor lizard, sitatunga, and spotted-necked otter), few were concluded to have potential, either because participating visitors had limited "awareness" of and "interest" in viewing the species, local people had strong negative opinions of the species, the animals are not native to the Island, and/or the animals are more easily viewed in more readily-accessible locations. Local people generally had not visited Rubondo but wanted to visit. Not having visited the Park appeared to influence perceptions of the Park, wildlife tourism, and conservation among some participants. Recommendations for local and international marketing and outreach strategies for Rubondo are made based on the outcomes of the aforementioned investigations of local and international species preferences and interest in visiting the Park.

As abelhas são extremamente importantes para a manutenção do serviço ecossistêmico de polinização e, dentre elas, as abelhas da tribo meliponini, merecem atenção pelo ferrão atrofiado e facilidade de manejo em áreas povoadas, além de sua capacidade de produzir mel. As abelhas sem ferrão são cultivadas há séculos por populações tradicionais, e essa atividade, chamada meliponicultura, vem ganhando adeptos no estado de São Paulo nos últimos anos. Utilizando um questionário aplicado a 280 meliponicultores buscamos caracterizar a atividade de meliponicultura no estado de São Paulo, visando colaborar com a regulamentação da atividade de meliponicultura e subsidiar medidas de conservação para as abelhas sem ferrão. Nossos resultados indicam que a meliponicultura passa por um processo de popularização recente, com muitos meliponicultores iniciantes e de alto nível de escolaridade, que tem como principal motivação a conservação das espécies e que praticam atitudes sustentáveis. Os principais problemas percebidos pelos meliponicultores são a utilização de agrotóxicos e os desmatamentos. A ausência de uma legislação estadual e as restrições impostas pela resolução federal CONAMA/346 impedem o desenvolvimento da atividade em uma maior escala, com potencial para a geração de emprego e renda, aliada a conservação das abelhas sem ferrão. Mudanças na legislação vigente, a utilização de instrumentos econômicos para a conservação das abelhas sem ferrão, a adoção de espécies regionais utilizadas como espécies bandeiras, bem como o desenvolvimento de novas técnicas a partir de colaborações entre pesquisadores, empresas e meliponicultores são importantes para o desenvolvimento da meliponicultura, que se demonstra uma atividade ampla, de múltiplos domínios e promotora da sustentabilidade / Bees are extremely important for the maintenance of the ecosystem service of pollination, among them the bees of the tribe meliponini deserve attention because of the atrophied sting and the honey producing capacity. The stingless bees have been cultivated for centuries by traditional populations and this activity called meliponiculture has been gaining adepts in the Brazilian state of São Paulo in recent years. Through a survey applied to 280 meliponists we did a characterization of the meliponiculture activity in the state of São Paulo, aiming to collaborate with the meliponiculture activity regulation and to subsidize conservation policies for the stingless bees. Our results indicate that meliponiculture goes through a recent popularization process, with many beginner meliponists with a high level of schooling, they have as main motivation the conservation of the meliponid species and that they practice sustainable attitudes. The main problems perceived by meliponists are the use of agrochemicals and deforestation. The lack of state-level regulation and the restrictions imposed by the federal resolution CONAMA/ 346 hinder the development of the activity on a larger scale, with potential for employment and income generation, associated with the conservation of stingless bees. Changes in the current regulation, the use of economic instruments for the conservation of stingless bees, the adoption of regional species used as flagship species, and the development of new techniques based on collaborations between researchers, companies and meliponists are important for the development of meliponiculture that demonstrates a broad activity, multiple domains and promoter of sustainability

As abelhas são extremamente importantes para a manutenção do serviço ecossistêmico de polinização e, dentre elas, as abelhas da tribo meliponini, merecem atenção pelo ferrão atrofiado e facilidade de manejo em áreas povoadas, além de sua capacidade de produzir mel. As abelhas sem ferrão são cultivadas há séculos por populações tradicionais, e essa atividade, chamada meliponicultura, vem ganhando adeptos no estado de São Paulo nos últimos anos. Utilizando um questionário aplicado a 280 meliponicultores buscamos caracterizar a atividade de meliponicultura no estado de São Paulo, visando colaborar com a regulamentação da atividade de meliponicultura e subsidiar medidas de conservação para as abelhas sem ferrão. Nossos resultados indicam que a meliponicultura passa por um processo de popularização recente, com muitos meliponicultores iniciantes e de alto nível de escolaridade, que tem como principal motivação a conservação das espécies e que praticam atitudes sustentáveis. Os principais problemas percebidos pelos meliponicultores são a utilização de agrotóxicos e os desmatamentos. A ausência de uma legislação estadual e as restrições impostas pela resolução federal CONAMA/346 impedem o desenvolvimento da atividade em uma maior escala, com potencial para a geração de emprego e renda, aliada a conservação das abelhas sem ferrão. Mudanças na legislação vigente, a utilização de instrumentos econômicos para a conservação das abelhas sem ferrão, a adoção de espécies regionais utilizadas como espécies bandeiras, bem como o desenvolvimento de novas técnicas a partir de colaborações entre pesquisadores, empresas e meliponicultores são importantes para o desenvolvimento da meliponicultura, que se demonstra uma atividade ampla, de múltiplos domínios e promotora da sustentabilidade / Bees are extremely important for the maintenance of the ecosystem service of pollination, among them the bees of the tribe meliponini deserve attention because of the atrophied sting and the honey producing capacity. The stingless bees have been cultivated for centuries by traditional populations and this activity called meliponiculture has been gaining adepts in the Brazilian state of São Paulo in recent years. Through a survey applied to 280 meliponists we did a characterization of the meliponiculture activity in the state of São Paulo, aiming to collaborate with the meliponiculture activity regulation and to subsidize conservation policies for the stingless bees. Our results indicate that meliponiculture goes through a recent popularization process, with many beginner meliponists with a high level of schooling, they have as main motivation the conservation of the meliponid species and that they practice sustainable attitudes. The main problems perceived by meliponists are the use of agrochemicals and deforestation. The lack of state-level regulation and the restrictions imposed by the federal resolution CONAMA/ 346 hinder the development of the activity on a larger scale, with potential for employment and income generation, associated with the conservation of stingless bees. Changes in the current regulation, the use of economic instruments for the conservation of stingless bees, the adoption of regional species used as flagship species, and the development of new techniques based on collaborations between researchers, companies and meliponists are important for the development of meliponiculture that demonstrates a broad activity, multiple domains and promoter of sustainability

The clown loach Chromobotia macracanthus, is a well known species in ornamental fish circuits although the knowledge about it in its wild environment today is limited. The outtake of 50 million juveniles every year may drive the population into a collapse and it might be necessary to breed clown loaches in captivity to lower the pressure in wild stocks. This has not yet been accomplished without hormone treatment. The aim of the present study is to find out if it is possible for C. macracanthus to prepare for spawning in captivity without the use of hormones. The study was set up according to documentation about the wild conditions simulating the migration prior to spawning from greater rivers and swamps to smaller streams upriver. Although the experiment did not result in spawning it is believed that egg production took place according to criteria for identifying sexually mature fish ready to spawn. If so it would have resulted in the fish retaining or reabsorbing the eggs since they were not laid. A surprising result which tells us it would not be unusual with egg production in C. macracanthus in aquariums around the world.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:54:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DaisyCS_DISSERT_1-90.pdf: 4081083 bytes, checksum: 7a6fdd41e7290a342f9160b8cac1f4da (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-04-08 / Facing environmental problems the planet appears several alternative preventive and control on behalf of the equation between development and environmental protection. One of the alternatives implemented in Brazil to conservation of biodiversity was the creation of protected natural areas regulated by the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC). This is an integrated study of the Comunication / Environmental Conservation, which prioritizes social participation as a complementary in the conservation process, the particular case of the Dunas do Natal State Park, the first conservation area in Rio Grande do Norte, for full protection. It takes into account the roles environmental, scientific and Park, which harbors a unique biodiversity, including endemic species and the fact being located in an urban area. It proposes the use of two complementary instruments, such as strategies for conservation. Considering the various individual experiences, it was analyzed the perception that the community is directly related to the Park. From this promoted the democratization of information about the park, its biodiversity and conservation. As another conservation tool, it was suggested the use of a flagship species for the park, or a body chosen symbol for environmental or social reasons, in order to protect and conserve certain natural environments, from the understanding and co -community participation. In this case, as proposed flag Coleodactylus natalensis species, the lizard-the-litter, to be endemic remnants of Atlantic Forest Park as having the type locality, be one of the smallest species of the world, South America's lowest-dependent shadow of the forest, sensitive to human action and therefore very vulnerable. This suggestion finds support in the degree of public acceptance that interacts directly with the Park, as a result of the evaluation of their perceptions. It was further observed in this study that this symbology to be used in order to promote the democratization of the Park and its biodiversity has an identification result, curiosity and probable involvement of the population with the issues of the Park / Diante dos problemas ambientai enfrentados pelo planeta surgem diversas alternativas preventivas e de controle em prol do equacionamento entre o desenvolvimento e a prote??o da natureza. Uma das alternativas implementadas, no Brasil, para a conserva??o da biodiversidade foi a cria??o de ?reas naturais protegidas, regulamentadas pelo Sistema Nacional de Unidades de Conserva??o (SNUC). Este ? um estudo integrado de Comunica??o Social/Conserva??o Ambiental, que prioriza a participa??o social como forma complementar no processo de conserva??o, caso particular do Parque Estadual das Dunas do Natal, primeira Unidade de Conserva??o no Rio Grande do Norte, de prote??o integral. Leva em considera??o os pap?is ambientais, e cient?ficos do Parque, o qual abriga uma biodiversidade ?nica, incluindo endemismo de esp?cie bem como o fato de estar situado em uma ?rea urbana. Prop?em-se a utiliza??o de dois instrumentos complementares, como estrat?gias para a conserva??o. Considerando as v?rias experi?ncias individuais, foi analisada a percep??o da comunidade que se relaciona diretamente com o Parque. A partir desta promoveu-se a democratiza??o da informa??o sobre o Parque, sua biodiversidade e conserva??o. Como outro instrumento de conserva??o, sugeriuse a utiliza??o de uma esp?cie-bandeira para o Parque, ou seja, um organismo s?mbolo escolhido por raz?es ecol?gicas ou sociais, com a finalidade de proteger e conservar determinados ambientes naturais, a partir do entendimento e co-participa??o da comunidade. Nesse caso, prop?s como bandeira a esp?cie Coleodactylus natalensis, o lagarto-do-folhi?o, por ser end?mica de remanescentes de Mata Atl?ntica, ter o Parque como localidade tipo, ser uma das menores esp?cies do mundo, menor da Am?rica do Sul, dependente da sombra da floresta, sens?vel ? a??o antr?pica e, portanto, muito vulner?vel. Essa sugest?o encontra respaldo no grau de aceita??o da popula??o que interage diretamente com o Parque, conforme resultado da avalia??o de suas percep??es. Constatou-se ainda nesse estudo que essa simbologia ao ser utilizada como forma de promover a democratiza??o sobre o Parque e sua biodiversidade apresenta um resultado de identifica??o, curiosidade e prov?vel envolvimento da popula??o com as quest?es do Parque

In this dissertation I propose an ethical framework for "meeting mosses." At first glance, mosses are a tiny type of plants that have been uncritically understood as "primitive plants," to the extent that they are defined by negation as "non-vascular plants." Hence, mosses have been considered as "primitive" relatives of "true" vascular plants. This distortion is linked to the fact that mosses have been overlooked and represented as a radical otherness in Western civilization. To critically examine this distortion of, and injustice toward mosses, I use the methodology of field environmental philosophy within the conceptual framework of biocultural ethics developed by Ricardo Rozzi. I complement these concepts with foundational philosophical work by continental philosophers Martin Buber and Immanuel Levinas, and ethnobotanist and indigenous writer Robin Wall Kimmerer, with emphasis on their discourses of meeting, "face-to-face," otherness, heterogeneity, and alterity. Collectively thinking with these philosophers, I address the possibility of genuinely "meeting mosses," valuing them as such and not merely as a primitive "relative" or "ancestor" of vascular plants. Drawing on several botanists' accounts of plant language and plant wisdom has sharpened my reading of human-moss interactions and enriched my engagement with the heterogeneity and alterity of the Western philosophical tradition. In his book Gardens: An Essay on the Human Condition, Humanist scholar Robert Pogue Harrison argues that care (for plants and life) is the human vocation. Harrison's discussion of the diversity of "gardens" helped me to clarify multi-dimensional human-moss interactions. In terms of content and structure, I organize my analysis based on two central dimensions of human-plant interactions stated in Rozzi's biocultural ethics: biophysical and cultural, particularly, symbolic-linguistic dimensions. I explore the biophysical dimension of biocultural conservation focusing on mosses in a region where they represent the most diverse and abundant type of plants, southwestern South America. In this region, I conducted fieldwork at three reserves in Chile, Senda Darwin Biological Reserve on Chiloe Island, Magallanes National Reserve, and Omora Ethnobotanical Park in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, south of Tierra del Fuego. I investigate the linguistic-cultural dimension, through the scientific binomial nomenclature as well as through the traditional naming by indigenous cultures, particularly in China. Additionally, I examine the arts as an important cultural expression of interacting with mosses that inspires biocultural conservation. I examine the role that the arts play in the education and conservation programs at the Omora Ethnobotanical Park in Chile and Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden in China, as a way to invite students and others to have direct encounters with mosses which lead to hands-on (tactile and place-based) moss conservation. I begin this study with a deliberation of the multiple injustices embedded in contemporary social-ecological-cultural dimensions of global change, and I suggest pathways towards caring for plants and the diversity of life. Caring for mosses is not a one-way human-plant-directed process. By nourishing our physical and cultural lives, we can metaphorically say that mosses "take care" of humans. Once we integrate both "caring for mosses" and being sensitive to the "mosses caring for us," then biocultural conservation moves towards a more reciprocal conviviality. In addition to collectively thinking with other humans, metaphorically I aim to think and feel with the mosses, and therefore I am transformed by them. This is the ultimate meaning of "meeting mosses."