Special sections
Each issue of Oryx features a special section of articles on a particular theme, one of which is illustrated on the journal cover. You can find the special sections of our most recent issues below.
Conservation in Indonesia
In the July 2024 issue, the editorial and nine articles, all authored by Indonesian researchers, examine a broad range of contemporary issues in biodiversity conservation research in Indonesia.
The lead article examines bird diversity in the forests and coconut farms of Sulawesi, where one of the indicator species of forest is the endemic and spectacularly coloured Sulawesi dwarf kingfisher Ceyx fallax, pictured on the issue cover.
Herpetofauna conservation
The May 2024 issue examines a range of topics and species in herpetofauna conservation, including human–crocodile interactions, marine and freshwater turtles, the harlequin frog and the gharial.
In the lead article, Oskyrko et al. carried out a comprehensive survey of reptile distribution in Odesa Oblast, south-west Ukraine. The new compilation of 662 records includes 14 native and four introduced reptiles, including previously unreported localities for some species.
Primate conservation
The March 2024 issue includes a special section on primate conservation, featuring lemurs, langurs lorises and more. In the editorial, Oklander et al. discuss the plight of primates worldwide, and how locally-led, collaborative conservation is key to securing the future of our closest living relatives.
In the lead article, Rafanoharana et al. project forest cover in Madagascar's protected areas, providing hope that forest blocks will remain large enough to allow lemurs to persist to 2050, potentially allowing time to implement effective conservation measures.
Wildlife trade
The January 2024 issue features a special section on wildlife trade. The editorial and eight articles demonstrate the breadth of research being carried out on this topic and highlight the importance of the domestic wildlife trade.
In the lead article, Tasse Taboue et al. provide insights into local perceptions, hunting & export of the Goliath frog, an iconic but Endangered species threatened by overexploitation in Cameroon. In the editorial, Melissa Arias et al. discuss the role of domestic wildlife markets in the illegal wildlife trade.
Pangolin conservation
The November 2023 issue features a special section on pangolin conservation. With camera-trap studies in Kenya, Uganda and Cameroon, and research analysing the trade of pangolins in Nepal and Cameroon, these articles are a vital contribution to efforts to conserve these endearing but highly threatened scaly mammals.
In the lead article, Difouo et al. recorded a camera-trap image of the elusive black-bellied pangolin in Cameroon—possibly the first published in the peer-reviewed literature. In the editorial, Matthew Shirley et al. discuss how pangolins, in many ways, epitomize the complexities of conservation.
Assessment, Planning, Action
The September 2023 special section features 10 articles on work carried out by SSC members, published through our partnership with the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and covering a breadth of topics from green turtle nesting in the South Pacific to population monitoring of the Critically Endangered hangul deer in Kashmir.
In the lead article, Steve Goodman provides updated estimates of species diversity in the biodiversity hotspot of Madagascar, highlighting an increase in the number of Malagasy researchers undertaking field studies and the progress made in understanding and protecting the country’s marine and terrestrial biodiversity over the past 2 decades.
Human-wildlife interactions
The July 2023 issue features a special section on human–wildlife interactions. Whether it be elephants damaging agricultural areas in Sri Lanka, crocodile attacks on people in Zimbabwe or farmers’ nets causing the deaths of flying foxes in Japan, the articles in this section highlight the increasing frequency of and challenges caused by interactions between wildlife and people worldwide. The Editorial, by Sillero-Zubiri et al., emphasizes the need to manage solutions to human–wildlife interactions on a case-by-case basis.
In the lead article, Smith et al. examine emerging threats from the increasing reliance of polar bears on anthropogenic food, a growing conservation and management issue across the Arctic.
Human rights and conservation
The May 2023 special section on human rights and conservation comprises eight articles written jointly by Indigenous and non-Indigenous authors. Topics include legal battles over rights, the use of participatory video to mediate dialogue and the value of collaboration and mutual respect between international researchers, Indigenous scientists and NGOs.
In the lead article, Baka author Timothée Emini and colleagues from the Forest Peoples Programme describe how an Indigenous-led listening event in Cameroon has helped conservation decision-makers better understand the effects of their decisions.
Marine conservation
Our March 2023 issue has a special focus on marine conservation, with four articles about Fauna & Flora and local partners’ marine conservation work in Myanmar, Turkey, Cabo Verde and Cambodia.
The lead article by Saydam et al. documents the first construction of an artificial ledge in a cave for Endangered monk seals, with camera-trap images evidencing the use of this ledge by a juvenile seal. In the Editorial, Church et al. emphasize the importance of putting communities at the heart of marine conservation.
Reptile conservation
Our January 2023 issue features a special section on reptile conservation, with articles focused on various species of lizards, turtles and snakes! Our accompanying Briefly section also includes recent news on reptile conservation.
The lead article and cover feature by Lynn and Roberts highlights the importance of understanding the language used by online reptile traders to help to track patterns in the illegal trade.
Writing for conservation
From acoustic surveys informing population estimates of Critically Endangered frog species, to arboreal camera traps giving a glimpse into the forest canopy, the Writing for conservation special section in the November 2022 issue of Oryx covers a breadth of research topics and approaches. As outlined in the accompanying Editorial by Stuart Paterson & Martin Fisher, the collection of 10 articles in this section are all authored by at least one participant of the Writing for Conservation workshops offered jointly by the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) and the Oryx editorial team. The issue’s cover image is inspired by Avila et al.’s study using acoustic data and sightings to determine the potential distribution of sperm whales in the Colombian Caribbean Sea.
Capacity for conservation
Our September 2022 special section on Capacity for conservation, is the culmination of the Capacity for Conservation Conference held in the UK in 2019. Our accompanying Briefly section also includes news from around the world on capacity building.
The lead article asks how should conservation be professionalized? The authors offer a new definition that characterizes conservation professionals as practitioners who act as essential links between conservation action and conservation knowledge and policy, and provide seven recommendations for building a more effective, inclusive and representative profession.
Felid conservation
Our July 2022 issue shines a spotlight on felid conservation, with articles on cheetahs, leopards, lions, jaguars and more! Our accompanying Briefly section also includes recent news on felid conservation.
The lead article and cover feature by Walker et al. highlights the importance of pre- and post-release management for optimizing survival of rehabilitated and released wild-born, captive-raised cheetahs.
Ungulate conservation
Our May 2022 issue shines a spotlight on ungulate conservation, with articles on saiga, hog deer, Baird’s tapir, Kashmir musk deer and more! Our accompanying Briefly section features recent news on ungulate conservation.
The lead article and cover feature by Tamrat et al. reports on population estimates, genetic variability and competition with livestock of Swayne’s hartebeest in Ethiopia.
Bird conservation
From the protection of migratory birds in coastal wetlands and the hunting of Bewick’s swan, to the trade of parrots in Singapore and Venezuela, our March 2022 issue highlights conservation research on birds.
The lead article and cover feature by Yong et al. investigates the future of South-east Asia’s intertidal wetlands, a vital habitat for waterbirds.
Conservation on islands
From Bermuda to Cabo Verde, Hawaii and Comoros, the special section of our January 2022 issue highlights conservation research on islands, including articles on trees, snails, birds, reptiles, bats & more!
The lead article, 'Body size, sex and high philopatry influence the use of agricultural land by Galapagos giant tortoises', examines patterns of space use by two Critically Endangered Galapagos tortoise species, Chelonoidis porteri (pictured on the cover) and Chelonoidis donfaustoi, on farms on Santa Cruz Island.
Gender and conservation
Our November 2021 issue’s special section on gender and conservation explores a wide range of topics, from women’s relationships with sacred forests or wildlife crime, to the benefits and costs of integrating gender into conservation projects and natural resource management, and much more!
The lead article by Goldman et al. investigates women’s stories and knowledge of wildlife and conservation practice in northern Tanzania and South India.