Material Flow Analysis (MFA) is a key tool in the circular bioeconomy, providing insight into the flow of materials within a system. Its use in the wood-based value chain is increasingly recognized and provides valuable information for policy making. However, to the best of our knowledge, this topic has never been systematically reviewed. To fill this gap, this study developed a systematic literature review of MFA research in the wood-based value chain. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were identified via databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar and analyzed in detail to identify and deepen different approaches to MFA with reference to its conceptualization, scope, and methodological implementation. Based on our review we categorized various MFA models based on their scale and scope, revealing significant diversity in methodological terms and data requirements. The results emphasize the existing MFA approaches often face limitations due to inconsistent data quality and lack of detailed product-level analyses. This research provides practical insights on improving data collection methods, such as standardizing input datasets and incorporating economic and social indicators, to enhance the reliability of MFA studies. It also provides guidelines for implementing MFA models aligned with circular economy principles, integrating both traditional and emerging wood products streams. These insights offer valuable directions for future research aimed at more accurately capturing the complexities of wood flows, promoting better resource management, and supporting policy formulation in the bioeconomy sector. The findings of this review underscore the importance of adopting holistic and integrated methodologies that incorporate new bio-based materials and circular economy principles, ensuring that MFA continues to be an effective tool for advancing sustainable resource management in the forest sector.

The increased pressures generated by human activities in form of climate change and habitat fragmentation have caused serious threats for Sindh ibex (Capra aegagrus blythii). Balochistan, recognized as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change in Pakistan, has limited data on the distribution and population status of this species. To address this gap, our study aims to assess the spatial and temporal distribution and population trend of Sindh ibex in the Khuzdar and Lasbela districts of Balochistan. The study covered an area of approximately 45,123.97 km². It involved a double-observer survey at ten sites from 2019 to 2022, using the BBRecapture package in the R programming language to estimate ibex population trend and dispersion. We provided a comprehensive update of the species geographic range, along with estimates of its current abundance and population trends. Over the course of four years, the ibex population fluctuated. The ibexes detected dropped from 720 (male to female ratio 1:1.21) and 710 (male to female ratio 1:1.08) in 2019 and 2020, respectively, to 550 (male to female ratio 1:1.35) and 548 (male to female ratio 1:1.09). Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the population trends, gender ratios, habitat preferences, and density of Sindh ibex in Balochistan over the four-year period. These findings contribute significantly to the baseline data on the species ecology and will further help in the conservation of these species at local scale.

Livestock herding is a vital practice in Balochistan, contributing to the economy and culture. The livestock sector is significant in Balochistan, providing 20% of the national stock. Large predators and their prey species, including livestock, have coexisted in these mountainous landscapes for centuries. The aim of the present research is to investigate the impacts of livestock depredation by large predators on livelihoods and predator conservation in two districts of Balochistan, Pakistan. A human–carnivore conflict survey was conducted from July to September 2019, collecting data from 311 residents in a selected study area. Large predators in the study area preyed on a total of 876 livestock during a one-year period, including 560 goats, 292 sheep, 19 cows, and 5 donkeys. The gray wolf is the leading predator, responsible for 66.3% of livestock depredation, followed by the caracal (24.3%), Asiatic jackal (8.9%), and striped hyena (0.6%). The total economic loss was USD 78,694. Overall, 80% of respondents had a negative perception of wolves compared to 24.4% for caracals. Only 20.6% of respondents knew about the importance of conserving carnivores. Livestock depredation by carnivores in the study area created a negative perception of these animals among people. There is a lack of awareness about the importance of conserving carnivore species and their role in the ecosystem. This lack of understanding has ultimately led to detrimental effects on predator populations. It is imperative to raise awareness among people about the ecological significance of carnivores through community meetings, seminars in educational institutions, and providing basic education to herders about effective livestock guarding practices.

The Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar Gray, 1830) is experiencing population decline due to overexploitation for eggs, meat, and recreational hunting. This study investigated its reproductive patterns and threats within the Swat scrub forest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Ten sampling sites were monitored during the breeding season (March–June) to record mating calls, nesting locations, clutch sizes, and hatching success. Additionally, structured questionnaires were administered to local residents to assess the range and severity of threats to the partridge population. The findings revealed a distinct breeding pattern, with male vocalizations initiating the season, followed by pair formation and nest building. Peak nesting activity occurred in April, with females laying clutches of 20–25 eggs in nests on inclined terrains dominated by Dodonaea viscosa vegetation. The study documented a high average hatching success rate of approximately 86.96%. However, the partridge population faces significant threats, primarily from illegal hunting and poaching, followed by habitat degradation. This research highlights the vulnerability of the Chukar partridge despite its high reproductive potential and underscores the need for effective conservation measures to safeguard this regionally significant bird species.

This study examined the effects of elevation gradients on on soil and plant stoichiometry and heavy metals distribution in Mixed Coniferous Forests (MCF) and Oak Forests (OF). Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) were significantly higher at the 10 cm soil depth at elevation EL-2, followed by EL-3, in both forests; whereas the lowest values were observed at EL-1. MCF exhibited significantly higher SOC, TN, and TP concentrations than OF. Similarly, leaf carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations were highest EL-2. In oak forests, leaf carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations reached 458.4 mg kg ⁻ ¹, 4.42 mg kg ⁻ ¹, and 2.54 mg kg ⁻ ¹, respectively. The Corresponding values in MCF were 472 mg kg ⁻ ¹, 16.1 mg kg ⁻ ¹, and 1.9 mg kg ⁻ ¹, respectively, indicating greater nutrient accumulation at the mid-elevation site (EL-2). The leaf C:N ratio was significantly higher at EL-2, whereas the C:P and N:P ratios did not differ significantly among elevations. A similar pattern was observed in branches, bark, and litter. At EL-2 site, soil nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) concentrations at the 10 cm soil depth were significantly lower in MCF than in OF. Conversely, plant tissues in MCF exhibited higher concentrations of Ni, Pb, zinc (Zn), Cd, Cu, and Fe than those in OF at EL-1. Soil and plant stoichiometry are fundamental components of ecosystem functioning and nutrient cycling, and elevation gradients also play a critical role in regulating these processes. These findings offer valuable insights for developing sustainable forest management strategies that aim to mitigate heavy metal pollution in high-altitude ecosystems.