Ecological Research

This study quantitatively assessed the effects of predation by large birds, which have a significant impact on wetland plant communities that are rapidly declining worldwide, using field surveys and manipulation experiments. Long-term experimental manipulation of the predation by Middendorf’s bean goose, which prey on the subterranean parts of Zazania latifolia and Bolboschoenus fluviatilis, revealed that predation on B. fluviatilis, increases the number of Z. latifolia. It was also shown that the abundance and biodiversity of wetland plant communities were reduced in wetlands where Middendorf’s bean goose were absent. This is important research in considering the conservation of wetlands themselves, and the diversity of their plant communities.

This issue also includes a data article on semi-natural grassland plants.

In addition, Part 2 of Blue carbon dynamics in coastal habitats: Their role in climate change mitigation is published.

Deputy Editor-in-Chief Tomimatsu’s comments: This survey and analysis of community awareness of seagrass ecosystem services for blue carbon conservation in marine protected areas, using Karimunjawa National Park (Indonesia) as a case study, is published as an open access paper. Please introduce the importance of preserving seaweed beds to your students in your lectures using this excellent paper.