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dc.contributor.authorSievers, M
dc.contributor.authorChowdhury, MR
dc.contributor.authorAdame, MF
dc.contributor.authorBhadury, P
dc.contributor.authorBhargava, R
dc.contributor.authorBuelow, C
dc.contributor.authorFriess, DA
dc.contributor.authorGhosh, A
dc.contributor.authorHayes, MA
dc.contributor.authorMcClure, EC
dc.contributor.authorPearson, RM
dc.contributor.authorTurschwell, MP
dc.contributor.authorWorthington, TA
dc.contributor.authorConnolly, RM
dc.date.accessioned2023-10-27T02:56:53Z
dc.date.available2023-10-27T02:56:53Z
dc.date.issued2020
dc.identifier.issn0006-3207
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108751
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10072/400371
dc.description.abstractAccurately evaluating ecosystem status is vital for effective conservation. The Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the global standard for assessing the risk of ecosystem collapse. Such tools are particularly needed for large, dynamic ecosystem complexes, such as the Indian Sundarbans mangrove forest. This ecosystem supports unique biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions, but like many mangrove forests around the world is facing substantial pressure from a range of human activities. Holistic, standardised and quantitative environment risk assessment frameworks are essential here, because previous assessments have either been qualitative in nature, or have generally considered single threats in isolation. We review these threats and utilise the RLE framework to quantitatively assess the risk of ecosystem collapse. Historical clearing and diminishing fish populations drove a status of Endangered (range: Vulnerable to Endangered), and ongoing threats including climate change and reduced freshwater supply may further impact this ecosystem. However, considering recent change, the outlook is more optimistic. Mangrove extent has stabilised, and analysis of mangrove condition highlights that only a small proportion of the forest is degraded. Using the RLE provides an authoritative avenue for further protection and recognition of the issues facing this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also identify knowledge and data gaps in the Sundarbans that are likely common to coastal systems globally. By articulating these and presenting opportunities and recommendations, we aim to further the conservation goals of the IUCN and the implementation of its new assessment framework.
dc.description.peerreviewedYes
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.relation.ispartofpagefrom108751
dc.relation.ispartofjournalBiological Conservation
dc.relation.ispartofvolume251
dc.subject.fieldofresearchEnvironmental sciences
dc.subject.fieldofresearchBiological sciences
dc.subject.fieldofresearchAgricultural, veterinary and food sciences
dc.subject.fieldofresearchEcology
dc.subject.fieldofresearchZoology
dc.subject.fieldofresearchEnvironmental management
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode41
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode31
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode30
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode3103
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode3109
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode4104
dc.titleIndian Sundarbans mangrove forest considered endangered under Red List of Ecosystems, but there is cause for optimism
dc.typeJournal article
dc.type.descriptionC1 - Articles
dcterms.bibliographicCitationSievers, M; Chowdhury, MR; Adame, MF; Bhadury, P; Bhargava, R; Buelow, C; Friess, DA; Ghosh, A; Hayes, MA; McClure, EC; Pearson, RM; Turschwell, MP; Worthington, TA; Connolly, RM, Indian Sundarbans mangrove forest considered endangered under Red List of Ecosystems, but there is cause for optimism, Biological Conservation, 2020, 251, pp. 108751
dcterms.licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.date.updated2020-12-18T03:04:48Z
dc.description.versionAccepted Manuscript (AM)
gro.rights.copyright© 2020. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
gro.hasfulltextFull Text
gro.griffith.authorConnolly, Rod M.
gro.griffith.authorAdame Vivanco, Fernanda
gro.griffith.authorSievers, Michael K.
gro.griffith.authorBuelow, Christina A.


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