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Davoli M, Svenning JC. Future changes in society and climate may strongly shape wild large-herbivore faunas across Europe. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230334. [PMID: 38583466 PMCID: PMC10999261 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Restoring wild communities of large herbivores is critical for the conservation of biodiverse ecosystems, but environmental changes in the twenty-first century could drastically affect the availability of habitats. We projected future habitat dynamics for 18 wild large herbivores in Europe and the relative future potential patterns of species richness and assemblage mean body weight considering four alternative scenarios of socioeconomic development in human society and greenhouse gas emissions (SSP1-RCP2.6, SSP2-RCP4.5, SSP3-RCP7.0, SSP5-RCP8.5). Under SSP1-RCP2.6, corresponding to a transition towards sustainable development, we found stable habitat suitability for most species and overall stable assemblage mean body weight compared to the present, with an average increase in species richness (in 2100: 3.03 ± 1.55 compared to today's 2.25 ± 1.31 species/area). The other scenarios are generally unfavourable for the conservation of wild large herbivores, although under the SSP5-RCP8.5 scenario there would be increase in species richness and assemblage mean body weight in some southern regions (e.g. + 62.86 kg mean body weight in Balkans/Greece). Our results suggest that a shift towards a sustainable socioeconomic development would overall provide the best prospect of our maintaining or even increasing the diversity of wild herbivore assemblages in Europe, thereby promoting trophic complexity and the potential to restore functioning and self-regulating ecosystems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological novelty and planetary stewardship: biodiversity dynamics in a transforming biosphere'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Davoli
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO) & Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Brivio F, Apollonio M, Anderwald P, Filli F, Bassano B, Bertolucci C, Grignolio S. Seeking temporal refugia to heat stress: increasing nocturnal activity despite predation risk. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20231587. [PMID: 38228177 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Flexibility in activity timing may enable organisms to quickly adapt to environmental changes. Under global warming, diurnally adapted endotherms may achieve a better energy balance by shifting their activity towards cooler nocturnal hours. However, this shift may expose animals to new or increased environmental challenges (e.g. increased predation risk, reduced foraging efficiency). We analysed a large dataset of activity data from 47 ibex (Capra ibex) in two protected areas, characterized by varying levels of predation risk (presence versus absence of the wolf-Canis lupus). We found that ibex increased nocturnal activity following warmer days and during brighter nights. Despite the considerable sexual dimorphism typical of this species and the consequent different predation-risk perception, males and females demonstrated consistent responses to heat in both predator-present and predator-absent areas. This supports the hypothesis that shifting activity towards nighttime may be a common strategy adopted by diurnal endotherms in response to global warming. As nowadays different pressures are pushing mammals towards nocturnality, our findings emphasize the urgent need to integrate knowledge of temporal behavioural modifications into management and conservation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Brivio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, via Vienna 2, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Marco Apollonio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, via Vienna 2, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | | | | | - Bruno Bassano
- Gran Paradiso National Park, Via Pio VII 9, Torino 10135, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bertolucci
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, via Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Stefano Grignolio
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, via Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
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3
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Britnell JA, Kerley GIH, Antwis R, Shultz S. A grazer's niche edge is associated with increasing diet diversity and poor population performance. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14357. [PMID: 38193626 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The core-periphery hypothesis predicts niche cores should be associated with greater survivorship, reproductive output and population performance rates than marginal habitats at niche edges. However, there is very little empirical evidence of whether niche centrality influences population trends in animals. Using the Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) as a model system, we evaluated whether niche centrality is associated with population trends, resource availability and diet across a core-periphery gradient. Population growth rates and density progressively declined towards niche peripheries. Niche peripheries were resource-poor and Cape mountain zebra consumed more phylogenetically diverse diets dominated by non-grass families. In core habitats they consumed grass-rich diets and female reproductive success was higher. This combination of spatial niche modelling and functional ecology provides a novel evaluation of how bottom-up resource limitation can shape species distributions, population resilience and range change and can guide conservation management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Britnell
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Upton-by-Chester, UK
| | - G I H Kerley
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | | | - S Shultz
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Bergman J, Pedersen RØ, Lundgren EJ, Lemoine RT, Monsarrat S, Pearce EA, Schierup MH, Svenning JC. Worldwide Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene population declines in extant megafauna are associated with Homo sapiens expansion rather than climate change. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7679. [PMID: 37996436 PMCID: PMC10667484 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide extinction of megafauna during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene is evident from the fossil record, with dominant theories suggesting a climate, human or combined impact cause. Consequently, two disparate scenarios are possible for the surviving megafauna during this time period - they could have declined due to similar pressures, or increased in population size due to reductions in competition or other biotic pressures. We therefore infer population histories of 139 extant megafauna species using genomic data which reveal population declines in 91% of species throughout the Quaternary period, with larger species experiencing the strongest decreases. Declines become ubiquitous 32-76 kya across all landmasses, a pattern better explained by worldwide Homo sapiens expansion than by changes in climate. We estimate that, in consequence, total megafauna abundance, biomass, and energy turnover decreased by 92-95% over the past 50,000 years, implying major human-driven ecosystem restructuring at a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Bergman
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus Ø Pedersen
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Erick J Lundgren
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rhys T Lemoine
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sophie Monsarrat
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Rewilding Europe, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elena A Pearce
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mikkel H Schierup
- Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Dhami B, Adhikari B, Panthi S, Neupane B. Predicting suitable habitat of swamp deer ( Rucervus duvaucelii) across the Western Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16639. [PMID: 37274642 PMCID: PMC10238933 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, intensifying human impact and the deterioration of natural habitats have severely restricted the global distribution of large herbivores. Rucervus duvaucelii, commonly recognized as the swamp deer, is a habitat-specialist endemic large herbivore of the Indian Subcontinent. It is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and listed in CITES Appendix I due to a steep decline in its population, which is primarily due to anthropogenic causes. In Nepal, the last remaining population of this species is confined to limited pocket areas within the western Terai Arc Landscape. We explored potential habitat for swamp deer across this landscape using species distribution modelling through the MaxEnt algorithm by using 173 field-verified presence points alongside six anthropogenic, four topographic, and four vegetation-related variables. Our study found that out of the total study area (9207 km2), only 6% (590 km2) was suitable for swamp deer. Approximately 45% of suitable habitat was incorporated within protected areas, with Shuklaphanta National Park harboring the largest habitat patch. The suitability of habitat was discovered to be positively associated with low-elevation areas, areas near water sources, and areas far from settlements, implying the need to conserve water sources and minimize the extension of anthropogenic pressure for their long-term conservation. Additionally, we suggest the implications of a swamp deer-centric conservation strategy, with an emphasis on increasing connectivity through the corridors and landscape-level population connectivity through trans-boundary conservation initiatives between Nepal and India. Moreover, considering large herbivores' high vulnerability to extinction, similar researche incorporating anthropogenic factors is of the utmost importance to produce vital information on habitat suitability for conserving other regionally and globally endemic, habitat-specialized herbivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijaya Dhami
- Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Kaski, 33700, Nepal
| | - Binaya Adhikari
- Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Kaski, 33700, Nepal
- Pokhara Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center, Kaski, 33700, Nepal
| | - Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Forest, Environment and Soil Conservation, Gandaki, 33700, Nepal
| | - Bijaya Neupane
- Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Kaski, 33700, Nepal
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Ji C, Li HD, Xiao W, Xu K, Ren Y, Li H, Wang P, Fan M, Huang X, Xiao Z. Fine-Scale Interactions between Leopard Cats and Their Potential Prey with Contrasting Diel Activities in a Livestock-Dominated Nature Reserve. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081296. [PMID: 37106859 PMCID: PMC10135257 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat use and the temporal activities of wildlife can be largely modified by livestock encroachment. Therefore, identifying the potential impacts of livestock on the predator-prey interactions could provide essential information for wildlife conservation and management. From May to October 2017, we used camera trapping technology to investigate fine-scale spatiotemporal interactions in a predator-prey system with the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) as a common mesopredator, and its prey with contrasting activity patterns (i.e., nocturnal rats and diurnal squirrels) in a livestock-dominated nature reserve in Northern China. We found that the prey species showed different habitat preferences with the leopard cats. The nocturnal rats had strong positive effects on the site-use of the leopard cats, while the influence of livestock on the diurnal squirrels' site-use changed from strong positive effects to weak effects as the livestock disturbance increased. The temporal overlap between the leopard cats and the nocturnal rats was almost four times that of the leopard cats and the diurnal squirrels, regardless of the livestock disturbance. Our study demonstrated that the fine-scale spatiotemporal use patterns of the leopard cats were consistent and highly correlated with the nocturnal rats under livestock disturbance. We suggest that appropriate restrictions on livestock disturbance should be implemented by reserve managers to reduce the threat to wildlife and achieve multi-species coexistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengpeng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hai-Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wenhong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingfeng Ren
- National Yugong Foresty of Jiyuan City, Jiyuan 454650, China
| | - Hongyun Li
- National Yugong Foresty of Jiyuan City, Jiyuan 454650, China
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- National Yugong Foresty of Jiyuan City, Jiyuan 454650, China
| | - Mingliang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoqun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhishu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Efficacy of Management Efforts to Reduce Food-Related Dingo-Human Interactions and Conflict on K'gari (Fraser Island), Australia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020204. [PMID: 36670744 PMCID: PMC9855082 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans and dingoes (Canis familiaris (dingo)) share the environment of K'gari, and conflict inevitably occurs between the two species, particularly over food. Dingo attacks on humans have occurred, and some have been serious and even fatal in outcome. Wildlife feeding may cause animals to develop unnatural and potentially dangerous behaviours towards conspecifics and humans on a relatively frequent basis. Food-based attraction has been implicated in the development of human-directed aggression in the dingo population of K'gari. Supplemental feeding, whether intentional or accidental, alters wildlife foraging behaviours and may have consequences at the population and ecosystem levels. Management strategies such as education programs, prohibition of inappropriate human behaviours (compliance) and fencing of garbage dumps have each been implemented to stop the intentional or inadvertent feeding of dingoes by people. However, there has been no formal assessment of the effectiveness of these interventions at reducing food-related dingo-human incidents over time. We collated and analysed 7791 unique reports of dingo-human interactions on K'gari between 1990 and 2020, inclusive of 1307 food-related reports, including the severity of these interactions. These data showed clear seasonal peaks in the percentage of food-related dingo-human interactions, corresponding with biologically significant breeding periods in autumn and weaning and dispersing in spring. Trends in serious food-related incidents remained stable overtime. Less serious food-related incidents declined, suggesting that management efforts were successful. However, these efforts appear to have reached the limits of their effectiveness. Further innovations are required to reduce serious incidents involving the relatively few dingoes and people still experiencing conflict, and thereby provide protection to both species on K'gari.
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8
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Funk SM, Nkono J, Lushimba A, Fa JE, Williams D. Determining baselines and trends of Eastern chimpanzees and forest elephants in a Central African protected area after civil strife. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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9
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Using camera trap bycatch data to assess habitat use and the influence of human activity on African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Kasungu National Park, Malawi. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00330-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAfrican elephants (Loxodonta africana) are increasingly exposed to high levels of human disturbance and are threatened by poaching and human–elephant conflict. As anthropogenic pressures continue to increase, both inside and outside protected areas, understanding elephant behavioural responses to human activity is required for future conservation management. Here, we use bycatch data from camera trap surveys to provide inferences on elephant habitat use and temporal activity in Kasungu National Park (KNP), Malawi. The KNP elephant population has declined by ~ 95% since the late 1970s, primarily because of intensive poaching, and information on elephant ecology and behaviour can assist in the species’ recovery. Using occupancy modelling, we show that proximity to water is the primary driver of elephant habitat use in KNP, with sites closer to water having a positive effect on elephant site use. Our occupancy results suggest that elephants do not avoid sites of higher human activity, while results from temporal activity models show that elephants avoid peak times of human activity and exhibit primarily nocturnal behaviour when using the KNP road network. As key park infrastructure is located near permanent water sources, elephant spatiotemporal behaviour may represent a trade-off between resource utilisation and anthropogenic-risk factors, with temporal partitioning used to reduce encounter rates. Increased law enforcement activity around permanent water sources could help to protect the KNP elephant population during the dry season. Our findings highlight that camera trap bycatch data can be a useful tool for the conservation management of threatened species beyond the initial scope of research.
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Chammem M, Seri H, Bastos R, Santos M, Vicente J, Khorchani T, Cabral JA. Habitat selection and foraging preference of the endangered addax ( Addax nasomaculatus) in a fenced wildlife reserve within its historic range: insights for supporting effective reintroduction. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2022.2115859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Chammem
- Laboratoire d’Elevage et de la Faune Sauvage, IRA-Médenine, Médenine, Tunisia
| | - Hicham Seri
- Laboratoire d’Elevage et de la Faune Sauvage, IRA-Médenine, Médenine, Tunisia
| | - Rita Bastos
- CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro) and Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Santos
- CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro) and Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Laboratory of Fluvial and Terrestrial Ecology, Innovation and Development Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, Buriticupu, Brazil
| | - Joana Vicente
- Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (InBIO-CIBIO), Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Touhami Khorchani
- Laboratoire d’Elevage et de la Faune Sauvage, IRA-Médenine, Médenine, Tunisia
| | - João Alexandre Cabral
- CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro) and Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Laboratory of Fluvial and Terrestrial Ecology, Innovation and Development Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
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Ali A, Uz Zaman I, Omer T, Ahmad S, López‐Bao JV. Negative interactions between humans and Asiatic black bears (
Ursus thibetanus
) in northern Pakistan. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Zoology Department Government Degree College, Akbarpura Nowshera Pakistan
- Peshawar Zoo, Wildlife Department Peshawar Pakistan
| | | | - Talha Omer
- Department of Statistics and Computer Science University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore Pakistan
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Carnivores Conservation Lab, Department of Zoology Quaid I Azam University Islamabad Pakistan
| | - José Vicente López‐Bao
- Biodiversity Research Institute (CSIC – Oviedo University – Principality of Asturias) Oviedo University Mieres Spain
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12
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Neupane D, Baral S, Risch TS, Campos-Arceiz A. Broad scale functional connectivity for Asian elephants in the Nepal-India transboundary region. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:115921. [PMID: 35987056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Nepal-India transboundary region hosts one of Asia's most complex large mammal assemblages, including a small (but growing) population of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). These elephants occur in four widespread and geographically disjunct subpopulations, and some of them undergo seasonal transboundary movements. We conducted a broad-scale evaluation of the amount and quality of elephant habitat available in the region and of functional landscape connectivity between and within subpopulations using Maxent, circuit theory, and least-cost path analysis. Habitat suitability was highly influenced by abiotic geographical factors (altitude and precipitation) and less by ecological factors (habitat heterogeneity, plant productivity) and human disturbance (distance to settlements). The region had a relatively small amount of high and optimal suitability habitat (12.6% out of 93,700 km2) but all subpopulations seem to be far from carrying capacity, suggesting ample potential for further population growth. Landscape connectivity was higher between and within the west and far-west subpopulations, which should be considered a single subpopulation. The central and ea st subpopulations, however, had low to very low between-subpopulation connectivity. Conservation priorities include maintaining the current connectivity in the west subpopulation and across the border in the east, and protecting high-quality habitats in eastern Nepal. Restoring connectivity between the central and other subpopulations is possible if the number of elephants continues growing, and it should be a long-term conservation aspiration. Maintaining and enhancing landscape connectivity in this region requires transboundary cooperation and coordination between Nepali and Indian authorities. If successful, it will bring considerable benefits for the conservation of elephants and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Neupane
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China; Resources Himalaya Foundation, Nayabato, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Suraj Baral
- Resources Himalaya Foundation, Nayabato, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Thomas S Risch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USA; Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, State University, AR, 72467, USA
| | - Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China.
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Community attitudes towards Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) and their prey species in Yanbian, Jilin province, a region of northeast China where tigers are returning. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276554. [PMID: 36301816 PMCID: PMC9612539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Community attitudes towards large carnivores are of central importance to their conservation in human-dominated landscapes. In this study, we evaluate community attitudes and perceptions towards the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) and bears (Ursus thibetanus and Ursus arctos), as well as their prey species, namely sika deer (Cervus nippon), roe deer and wild boar (Sus scrofa), in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin province, northeast China. We surveyed 139 households and found that community members' perceptions of large carnivores and their prey species were influenced by their predominant economic activities; their prior interactions with wildlife; their household income level; and whether they were either long-term residents of Yanbian or had migrated to the region from elsewhere in China. We recorded fairly neutral attitudes towards large carnivores among the communities we surveyed, but strongly negative attitudes were shown towards wild boar, particularly where respondents had lost agricultural products to crop raiding by wild boar. We recommend conservation stakeholders in northeast China utilise this finding to encourage support for large carnivore recovery and conservation by targeting messaging around the importance of the tiger as a key predator of wild boar in the ecosystem. Furthermore, our findings suggest that government provided compensation paid for cattle lost to large carnivore predation (notably, by tigers) may be helping to reduce animosity from cattle owners towards large carnivores. However, we also highlight that compensation for loss of livestock is therefore performing a useful role in mitigating human-wildlife conflict, that there are potentially unintended consequences of the current compensation program, for example it fails to dissuade livestock grazing in protected areas.
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Gil-Sánchez JM, Rodríguez-Caro RC, Moleón M, Martínez-Pastor MC, León-Ortega M, Eguía S, Graciá E, Botella F, Sánchez-Zapata JA, Martínez-Fernández J, Esteve-Selma MA, Giménez A. Predation impact on threatened spur-thighed tortoises by golden eagles when main prey is scarce. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17843. [PMID: 36284169 PMCID: PMC9596414 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22288-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A reduction in adult survival in long-living species may compromise population growth rates. The spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is a long-lived reptile that is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), whose breeding habitats overlap that of tortoises, may predate them by dropping them onto rocks and breaking their carapaces. In SE Spain, the number of golden eagles has increased in the last decades and the abundance of their main prey (i.e., rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus) has decreased. Our aims were to 1) describe the role of tortoises in golden eagles' diet, and 2) estimate the predation impact of golden eagles on tortoises in eagles' territories and in the regional tortoise population. We collected regurgitated pellets and prey remains under eagle nests and roosts, and obtained information on tortoise abundance and population structure and rabbit abundance. We found that tortoises were an alternative prey to rabbits, so that eagles shifted to the former where the latter were scarce. The average predation rate on tortoises was very low at the two studied scales. However, eagles showed a marked selection for adult female tortoises, which led the tortoise sex ratio to be biased towards males in those eagle territories with higher tortoise predation. Whether this may compromise the spur-thighed tortoise long-term population viability locally deserves further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Gil-Sánchez
- grid.4489.10000000121678994Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Avda. de Fuente Nueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Roberto C. Rodríguez-Caro
- grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Zoology, Oxford University, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ UK ,grid.5268.90000 0001 2168 1800Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, Carr. de San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - Marcos Moleón
- grid.4489.10000000121678994Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Avda. de Fuente Nueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María C. Martínez-Pastor
- grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Mario León-Ortega
- Ulula Asociation: Nocturnal Bird Monitoring, C/Herreras y Moreras. 12, 30110 Churra, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sergio Eguía
- MENDIJOB, S.L., c/Rambla, 22, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eva Graciá
- grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain ,grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Carretera de Beniel Km 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
| | - Francisco Botella
- grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain ,grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Carretera de Beniel Km 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
| | - José A. Sánchez-Zapata
- grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain ,grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Carretera de Beniel Km 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
| | | | - M. A. Esteve-Selma
- grid.10586.3a0000 0001 2287 8496Department of Ecology and Hydrology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - A. Giménez
- grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain ,grid.26811.3c0000 0001 0586 4893Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Carretera de Beniel Km 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
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de la Torre JA, Cheah C, Lechner AM, Wong EP, Tuuga A, Saaban S, Goossens B, Campos‐Arceiz A. Sundaic elephants prefer habitats on the periphery of protected areas. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Antonio de la Torre
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences & Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Mengla China
- Programa Jaguares de la Selva Maya Bioconciencia A.C. Ciudad de Mexico Mexico
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
| | - Cheryl Cheah
- WWF‐Malaysia Centre Point Complex Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
| | - Alex M. Lechner
- Urban Transformations Hub Monash University Indonesia The Breeze BSD City Indonesia
| | - Ee Phin Wong
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
- Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
| | | | - Salman Saaban
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Benoit Goossens
- Sabah Wildlife Department Wisma MUIS Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
- Organisms and Environment Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff UK
- Danau Girang Field Centre c/o Sabah Wildlife Department Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
| | - Ahimsa Campos‐Arceiz
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences & Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Mengla China
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
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Di Blanco YE, Quiroga VA, Desbiez AL, Insaurralde A, Di Bitetti MS. High dependence on protected areas by the endangered giant armadillo in Argentina. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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17
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Fedyń I, Przepióra F, Sobociński W, Wyka J, Ciach M. Eurasian beaver - A semi-aquatic ecosystem engineer rearranges the assemblage of terrestrial mammals in winter. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154919. [PMID: 35364166 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing awareness of the ecosystem engineering services provided by recovering populations of Eurasian beaver. By modifying aquatic environments, this species has a significant, positive influence on biodiversity. Beaver activity affects not only aquatic ecosystems but also terrestrial habitats and organisms. Our study compares and evaluates the species richness and activity of terrestrial mammals in winter at beaver ponds (N = 65) and randomly-selected reference sites along nearby watercourses unmodified by beavers (N = 65) in Poland (central Europe). Mammal assemblages were investigated near pond/watercourse edges, and also at some distance from them. The species richness of mammal and numbers of their tracks were respectively 25% and 33% greater on the beaver than on the reference sites. The higher species richness on beaver sites extended to areas 40-60 m distant from ponds, devoid any signs of beaver activity. Twenty-three mammal species were recorded on beaver sites (mean species richness 3.8 ± 1.6 SD), and 20 on reference ones (3.0 ± 1.5 SD). The numbers of tracks of grey wolf, least weasel and European polecat were higher on beaver than reference sites. Mammal species richness and activity were related to the existence of beaver ponds, but were also correlated with the numbers of snags and coverage of grass, bramble and coniferous saplings in neighbouring terrestrial habitats. Large and small carnivores occurred more frequently and were more active on beaver sites. The frequencies of occurrence of mesocarnivores, mesoherbivores and small herbivores were correlated with habitat characteristics, regardless of whether beavers were present or not. Our results highlight the fact that both pond creation and the habitat changes resulting from the presence of beavers rearrange the occurrence and activity of the terrestrial mammal assemblage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Fedyń
- Department of Forest Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture, al. 29 Listopada 46, 31-425 Kraków, Poland
| | - Fabian Przepióra
- Department of Forest Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture, al. 29 Listopada 46, 31-425 Kraków, Poland
| | - Wojciech Sobociński
- Institute of Biology, University of Bialystok, ul. Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Jakub Wyka
- Department of Forest Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture, al. 29 Listopada 46, 31-425 Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Ciach
- Department of Forest Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture, al. 29 Listopada 46, 31-425 Kraków, Poland.
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Danoff-Burg JA, Ocañas AR. Individual and community-level impacts of the unarmed all-women Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit. Zoo Biol 2022; 41:479-490. [PMID: 35652415 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In a conservation setting where escalating tension has been the norm, the unarmed primarily female-composed Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit (BMAPU) in South Africa are a successful counterpoint in that they have decimated poaching using only diplomacy and patrols. We sought to understand if the BMAPU is achieving its secondary goal of influencing support for conservation and wildlife among the nearby populace via community-based conservation actions including outreach and environmental education. We also determined the impact that the program has on the Mambas themselves. Using a mixed-methods survey we conducted structured in-person interviews with 120 community members from four communities where the women of the BMAPU live, and among all the women that were on active duty in the BMAPU at the time of the surveys. We found that all participants in the BMAPU program reported improved self and community perception of their societal role as financial providers, as well as their sense of agency and self-efficacy, relative to before becoming rangers. We also found that having BMAPU rangers living in the communities by itself did not contribute to community-level support for wildlife conservation or protected areas. However, one community with both a large-scale children's conservation education program and an equitable distribution of financial benefits paid by the nearby conservation concessionaires was significantly more supportive of wildlife conservation and protected areas than the other three. Further research to parse the relative contributions of the two contributing factors of education and financial benefit would help clarify their relative contributions. From this study, we conclude that a combination of child-focused conservation education programs and equitable distribution of financial benefits leads to increased community support for wildlife, conservation, and protected natural areas, and decreases support for poaching.
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Mkonyi FJ. An integrated approach for the management of human-carnivore conflict: a review of conflict management interventions in Tanzania. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00255-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hoffmann CF, Pilfold NW, Ruppert KA, Letoluai A, Lenguya L, Limo I, Montgomery RA. The Integral Nature of Encounter Rate in Predicting Livestock Depredation Risk. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.808043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnivore depredation of livestock is one of the primary drivers of human-carnivore conflict globally, threatening the well-being of livestock owners, and fueling large carnivore population declines. Interventions designed to reduce carnivore depredation typically center around predictions of depredation risk. However, these spatial risk models tend to be informed by data depicting the number of livestock attacked by carnivores. Importantly, such models omit key stages in the predation sequence which are required to predict predation risk, or in this case depredation risk. Applying the classic predation risk model defined by Lima and Dill demonstrates that depredation risk is dependent upon quantifying the rates at which carnivores encounter livestock before attacking. However, encounter rate is challenging to estimate, necessitating novel data collection systems. We developed and applied such a system to quantify carnivore-livestock encounters at livestock corrals (i.e., bomas) across a 9-month period in Central Kenya. Concurrently, we monitored the number of livestock attacked by carnivores at these bomas. We calculated carnivore-livestock encounter rates, attack rates, and depredation risk at the boma. We detected 1,383 instances in which carnivores encountered livestock at the bomas. However, we only recorded seven attacks. We found that the encounter rate and attack rate for spotted hyenas were almost six and three times higher than that for any other species, respectively. Consequently, spotted hyenas posed the greatest depredation risk for livestock at the boma. We argue that better understanding of carnivore-livestock encounter rates is necessary for effective prediction and mitigation of carnivore depredation of livestock.
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21
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Borg BL, Schirokauer DW. The Role of Weather and Long-Term Prey Dynamics as Drivers of Wolf Population Dynamics in a Multi-Prey System. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.791161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As climate change accelerates in northern latitudes, there is an increasing need to understand the role of climate in influencing predator-prey systems. We investigated wolf population dynamics and numerical response in Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska, United States from 1986 to 2016 under a long-term range of varying climatic conditions and in the context of prey vulnerability, abundance, and population structure using an integrated population modeling approach. We found that wolf natality, or the number of wolves added to packs, increased with higher caribou population size, calf:cow ratio, and hare numbers, responding to a 1-year lag. Apparent survival increased in years with higher calf:cow ratios and cumulative snowfall in the prior winter, indicators of a vulnerable prey base. Thus, indices of prey abundance and vulnerability led to responses in wolf demographics, but we did not find that the wolf population responded numerically. During recent caribou and moose population increases wolf natality increased yet wolf population size declined. The decline in wolf population size is attributed to fewer packs in recent years with a few very large packs as opposed to several packs of comparable size. Our results suggest that territoriality can play a vital role in our study area on regulating population growth. These results provide a baseline comparison of wolf responses to climatic and prey variability in an area with relatively low levels of human disturbance, a rare feature in wolf habitat worldwide.
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Abstract
Abstract
Carnivore population declines are a time-sensitive global challenge in which mitigating decreasing populations requires alignment of applied practice and research priorities. However, large carnivore conservation is hindered by gaps among research, conservation practice and policy formation. One potential driver of this research–implementation gap is research bias towards charismatic species. Using depredation of livestock by large carnivores in sub-Saharan Africa as a case study, we examined whether taxonomic bias could be detected and explored the potential effects of such a bias on the research–implementation gap. Via a literature review, we compared the central large carnivore species in research to the species identified as the primary livestock depredator. We detected a substantial misalignment between these factors for two species. Spotted hyaenas Crocuta crocuta were the most common depredator of livestock (58.5% of studies), but were described as a central species among only 20.7% of the studies. In comparison, African lions Panthera leo were the most common central species (45% of studies) but were the primary depredator in just 24.4% of studies. Such patterns suggest that taxonomic bias is prevalent within this research. Although spotted hyaenas may depredate livestock most often, their low charisma in comparison to sympatric species such as the African lion and leopard Panthera pardus may be limiting research-informed conservation efforts for them. Efforts to mitigate human-carnivore conflict designed for one species may not be applicable to another co-occurring species, and thus, taxonomic bias could undermine the efficacy of interventions built to reduce livestock depredation by carnivores.
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Bhandari S, Crego RD, Stabach JA. Spatial segregation between wild ungulates and livestock outside protected areas in the lowlands of Nepal. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263122. [PMID: 35085356 PMCID: PMC8794147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how wildlife interacts with human activities across non-protected areas are critical for conservation. This is especially true for ungulates that inhabit human-dominated landscapes outside the protected area system in Nepal, where wildlife often coexists with livestock. Here we investigated how elevation, agricultural land, distance from roads, and the relative abundance of livestock (goats, sheep, cow and buffalo) influenced wild ungulate chital (Axis axis), nilgai (Boselaphustrago camelus), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and sambar (Rusa unicolor) abundance and occurrence. We counted all individuals of wild ungulates and livestock along 35 transects conducted between November 2017 and March 2018 in community forests of Bara and Rautahat distracts in the lowlands of Nepal. We assessed abundance and occurrence relation to covariates using Generalized Linear Models. We found that livestock outnumbered wild ungulates 6.6 to 1. Wild boar was the most abundant wild ungulate, followed by nilgai, chital, and sambar. Elevation and livestock abundance were the most important covariates affecting the overall abundance of wild ungulates and the distribution of each individual ungulate species. Our results suggest spatial segregation between wild ungulates, which occur mainly on high grounds (> 300 m.a.s.l.), and livestock that concentrate across low ground habitats (< 300 m.a.s.l.). Our results provide a critical first step to inform conservation in community forest areas of Nepal, where wildlife interacts with people and their livestock. Finding better strategies to allow the coexistence of ungulates with people and their livestock is imperative if they are to persist into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramiro D. Crego
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Conservation Ecology Center, Front Royal, VA, United States of America
| | - Jared A. Stabach
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Conservation Ecology Center, Front Royal, VA, United States of America
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Durant SM, Marino A, Linnell JDC, Oriol-Cotterill A, Dloniak S, Dolrenry S, Funston P, Groom RJ, Hanssen L, Horgan J, Ikanda D, Ipavec A, Kissui B, Lichtenfeld L, McNutt JW, Mitchell N, Naro E, Samna A, Yirga G. Fostering Coexistence Between People and Large Carnivores in Africa: Using a Theory of Change to Identify Pathways to Impact and Their Underlying Assumptions. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.698631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coexistence with large carnivores poses challenges to human well-being, livelihoods, development, resource management, and policy. Even where people and carnivores have historically coexisted, traditional patterns of behavior toward large carnivores may be disrupted by wider processes of economic, social, political, and climate change. Conservation interventions have typically focused on changing behaviors of those living alongside large carnivores to promote sustainable practices. While these interventions remain important, their success is inextricably linked to broader socio-political contexts, including natural resource governance and equitable distribution of conservation-linked costs and benefits. In this context we propose a Theory of Change to identify logical pathways of action through which coexistence with large carnivores can be enhanced. We focus on Africa's dryland landscapes, known for their diverse guild of large carnivores that remain relatively widespread across the continent. We review the literature to understand coexistence and its challenges; explain our Theory of Change, including expected outcomes and pathways to impact; and discuss how our model could be implemented and operationalized. Our analysis draws on the experience of coauthors, who are scientists and practitioners, and on literature from conservation, political ecology, and anthropology to explore the challenges, local realities, and place-based conditions under which expected outcomes succeed or fail. Three pathways to impact were identified: (a) putting in place good governance harmonized across geographic scales; (b) addressing coexistence at the landscape level; and (c) reducing costs and increasing benefits of sharing a landscape with large carnivores. Coordinated conservation across the extensive, and potentially transboundary, landscapes needed by large carnivores requires harmonization of top-down approaches with bottom-up community-based conservation. We propose adaptive co-management approaches combined with processes for active community engagement and informed consent as useful dynamic mechanisms for navigating through this contested space, while enabling adaptation to climate change. Success depends on strengthening underlying enabling conditions, including governance, capacity, local empowerment, effective monitoring, and sustainable financial support. Implementing the Theory of Change requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation to inform adaptation and build confidence in the model. Overall, the model provides a flexible and practical framework that can be adapted to dynamic local socio-ecological contexts.
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Zárrate Charry DA, González-Maya JF, Arias-Alzate A, Jiménez-Alvarado JS, Reyes Arias JD, Armenteras D, Betts MG. Connectivity conservation at the crossroads: protected areas versus payments for ecosystem services in conserving connectivity for Colombian carnivores. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:201154. [PMID: 35242340 PMCID: PMC8753149 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Protected areas (PAs) constitute one of the main tools for global landscape conservation. Recently, payments for environmental services (PES) have attracted interest from national and regional governments and are becoming one of the leading conservation policy instruments in tropical countries. However, the degree to which areas designated for PES overlap with areas that are critical for maintaining species' landscape connectivity is rarely evaluated. We estimated habitat distributions and connectivity for 16 of the 22 mammalian carnivores occurring in the Caribbean region of Colombia, and identified the overlap between existing PAs and areas identified as being important for connectivity for these species. We also evaluated the potential impact of creation of new PAs versus new PES areas on conserving connectivity for carnivores. Our results show that PAs cover only a minor percentage of the total area that is important for maintaining connectivity ( x = 26.8 % ± 20.2 s . d . ). On the other hand, PES, if implemented extensively, could contribute substantially to mammalian carnivores' connectivity ( x = 45.4 % ± 12.8 s . d . ). However, in a more realistic scenario with limited conservation investment in which fewer areas are set aside, a strategy based on implementing new PAs seems superior to PES. We argue that prioritizing designation of new PAs will be the most efficient means through which to maintain connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A. Zárrate Charry
- Forest Biodiversity Research Network, Department of Forest Ecosystems and society, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Proyecto de Conservación de Aguas y Tierras, ProCAT Colombia/Internacional, Calle 97ª #10-67, Of. 202, Bogotá, Colombia
- Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza WWF Colombia. Cra. 10a #69 A-44, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José F. González-Maya
- Proyecto de Conservación de Aguas y Tierras, ProCAT Colombia/Internacional, Calle 97ª #10-67, Of. 202, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés Arias-Alzate
- Facultad de Ciencias y Biotecnología, Universidad CES. Cl. 10a #22-04, Medellín, Colombia
| | - J. Sebastián Jiménez-Alvarado
- Proyecto de Conservación de Aguas y Tierras, ProCAT Colombia/Internacional, Calle 97ª #10-67, Of. 202, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jessica Dayanh Reyes Arias
- Proyecto de Conservación de Aguas y Tierras, ProCAT Colombia/Internacional, Calle 97ª #10-67, Of. 202, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Dolors Armenteras
- Grupo de Ecología del Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas ECOLMOD, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Matthew G. Betts
- Forest Biodiversity Research Network, Department of Forest Ecosystems and society, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Niemiller KDK, Davis MA, Niemiller ML. Addressing ‘biodiversity naivety’ through project-based learning using iNaturalist. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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27
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Predicting intention to hunt protected wildlife: a case study of Bewick's swan in the European Russian Arctic. ORYX 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605320000435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Illegal killing of wildlife is a major conservation issue that, to be addressed effectively, requires insight into the drivers of human behaviour. Here we adapt an established socio-psychological model, the theory of planned behaviour, to explore reasons for hunting the Endangered Bewick's swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii in the European Russian Arctic, using responses from hunters to a questionnaire survey. Wider ecological, legal, recreational and economic motivations were also explored. Of 236 hunters who participated overall, 14% harboured intentions to hunt Bewick's swan. Behavioural intention was predicted by all components of the theory of planned behaviour, specifically: hunters' attitude towards the behaviour, perceived behavioural control (i.e. perceived capability of being able to perform the behaviour) and their subjective norms (perception of social expectations). The inclusion of attitude towards protective laws and descriptive norm (perception of whether other people perform the behaviour) increased the model's predictive power. Understanding attitudes towards protective laws can help guide the design of conservation measures that reduce non-compliance. We conclude that conservation interventions should target the socio-psychological conditions that influence hunters' attitudes, social norms and perceived behavioural control. These may include activities that build trust, encourage support for conservation, generate social pressure against poaching, use motivations to prompt change and strengthen peoples' confidence to act. This approach could be applied to inform the effective design, prioritization and targeting of interventions that improve compliance and reduce the illegal killing of wildlife.
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Brito JC, Del Barrio G, Stellmes M, Pleguezuelos JM, Saarinen J. Drivers of change and conservation needs for vertebrates in drylands: an assessment from global scale to Sahara-Sahel wetlands. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2021.1991496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J. C. Brito
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - G. Del Barrio
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC), Ctra. Sacramento sn, La Cañada, Spain
| | - M. Stellmes
- Institute of Geographical Sciences, Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - J. M. Pleguezuelos
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Spain
| | - J. Saarinen
- Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Finland
- School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
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Viollaz JS, Thompson ST, Petrossian GA. When Human-Wildlife Conflict Turns Deadly: Comparing the Situational Factors That Drive Retaliatory Leopard Killings in South Africa. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113281. [PMID: 34828012 PMCID: PMC8614444 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To better understand why retaliatory leopard killings caused by human-wildlife conflict happen in rural farming communities in South Africa and how to prevent them, this study interviewed conservationists, officials, and farmers living in a small village in the Western Cape Province. The respondents described four main problems that led to these killings: (1) the government’s response to the problem of human-leopard conflict is slow and unwilling; (2) this response was not effective; (3) there were inadequate resources to correctly respond to these killings; and (4) there was a lack of laws and their application as well as strong distrust between everyone involved, making it even harder to deal with the problem. Local community members had various innovative ideas that can be implemented to better handle the problem of human-leopard conflict in their region, which are highlighted in this article. Coupled with the criminological techniques proposed in this research, the problem of human-leopard conflict can be significantly reduced with local ideas and resources, in both the region and in other parts of the world that suffer from similar problems. Abstract Retaliatory killings caused by human-wildlife conflict have a significant impact on the survival of leopards. This study explores the reasons for retaliatory killings of leopards by interviewing community members in a small village in South Africa that experienced high incidences of human–leopard conflict. The semi-structured interviews focused on the reasons why retaliatory leopard killings occurred and how to best mitigate the situational factors that triggered these killings. Respondents cited four main problems that fueled these killings: the government’s response to human–leopard conflict was slow and unwilling; this response involved inefficient methods; there were inadequate resources to respond to these killings; and there was a clear lack of laws or their application. Local stakeholders provided a range of innovative strategies to reduce human-leopard conflict and retaliatory killings. While all parties expressed different reasons why these solutions were or were not effective, their conclusions were often similar. The distrust that existed between the parties prevented them from recognizing or accepting their common ground. Based on existing human–wildlife conflict mitigation techniques and solutions identified by local stakeholders, this article explores how criminological techniques, including situational crime prevention, can help identify and frame effective interventions to reduce the number of illegal leopard killings driven by human-wildlife conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie S. Viollaz
- Wildlife Crime Research Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime, P.O. Box 600, Wagramer Strasse 5, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara T. Thompson
- Doctoral Candidate, School of Criminal Justice, Rutgers-Newark University, 123 Washington Street, 5th, Floor Newark, NJ 07102-3026, USA;
| | - Gohar A. Petrossian
- Associate Professor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 West Street, 59th, New York, NY 10019, USA;
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30
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Marino A, Ciucci P, Redpath SM, Ricci S, Young J, Salvatori V. Broadening the toolset for stakeholder engagement to explore consensus over wolf management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 296:113125. [PMID: 34246898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Facilitating coexistence between people and large carnivores is critical for large carnivore conservation in human-dominated landscapes, when their presence impacts negatively on human interests. Such situations will often require novel ways of mediating between different values, worldviews and opinions about how carnivores should be managed. We report on such a process in an agricultural area of recent wolf recovery in central Italy where unsolved social tensions over wolf presence have radicalized opinions on either side of the wolf debate, resulting in a stalemate. Where previous mitigation policies based on top-down damage compensation have failed, we tested the potential for applying a participatory approach to engage different stakeholder groups in a dialogue aimed at sharing a deep understanding of the problem and co-creating potential solutions. We based our approach on the theory of meta-consensus, using a decision support tool known as Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Over the course of three months, we carried out five workshops with stakeholder representatives from farming, hunting and environmental associations, and one biologist. Stakeholders shared several objectives and agreed over many management interventions, including the management of free-ranging dogs, the implementation of damage prevention measures, and a damage compensation system suitable for farmers. The process facilitated agreement over actions aimed at improving relations between stakeholders and enhancing the state of knowledge on the issues at stake. Most importantly, we recorded positive social and relationship outcomes from the workshops, and observed a willingness from participants to engage in further discussions over disputed management preferences. Overall, we found MCDA to be a useful tool for laying the groundwork for further participatory and deliberative processes on wolf management. However, challenges ahead included the involvement of a larger number of representatives of different social sectors, and a simplification of the methodology which some participants found too complicated and time consuming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Marino
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.
| | - Paolo Ciucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", La Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Roma, RM, Italy.
| | - Stephen M Redpath
- Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen. Zoology Building, Tillydrone Ave, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK.
| | - Simone Ricci
- Istituto di Ecologia Applicata di Roma, Via B. Eustachio 10, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Juliette Young
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK; Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, INRAE, Univ. Bourgogne, Univ. Bourgogne, Franche-Comté, F-21000, Dijon, France.
| | - Valeria Salvatori
- Istituto di Ecologia Applicata di Roma, Via B. Eustachio 10, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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31
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Nanni AS, Giordano AJ, Nielsen CK, Lucherini M. Local forest proportion and proximity to large forest patches are important for native mammal conservation in Dry Chaco agroecosystems. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. S. Nanni
- Instituto de Ecología Regional (UNT‐CONICET) Residencia Universitaria Horco Molle Tucumán Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de Tucumán San Miguel de Tucumán Tucumán Argentina
| | - A. J. Giordano
- S.P.E.C.I.E.S. – The Society for the Preservation of Endangered Carnivores and their International Ecological Study Ventura CA USA
| | - C. K. Nielsen
- Department of Forestry Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory Southern Illinois University Carbondale IL USA
| | - M. Lucherini
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR‐CONICET) Bahía Blanca Argentina
- GECM, Lab. De Fisiología Animal Departamento de Biología Bioquímica y Farmacia Universidad Nacional del Sur Bahía Blanca Argentina
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32
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Sargent R, Deere NJ, McGowan PJ, Bunnefeld N, Pfeifer M. Room to roam for African lions
Panthera leo
: a review of the key drivers of lion habitat use and implications for conservation. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sargent
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Ridley Building 2 Newcastle upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
| | - Nicolas J. Deere
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Marlowe Building CanterburyCT2 7NRUK
| | - Philip J.K. McGowan
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Ridley Building 2 Newcastle upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
| | - Nils Bunnefeld
- Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Stirling StirlingFK9 4LAUK
| | - Marion Pfeifer
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Ridley Building 2 Newcastle upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
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Janík T, Peters W, Šálek M, Romportl D, Jirků M, Engleder T, Ernst M, Neudert J, Heurich M. The declining occurrence of moose ( Alces alces) at the southernmost edge of its range raise conservation concerns. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5468-5483. [PMID: 34026021 PMCID: PMC8131793 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The border region between Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany harbors the most south-western occurrence of moose in continental Europe. The population originated in Poland, where moose survived, immigrated from former Soviet Union or were reintroduced after the Second World War expanded west- and southwards. In recent years, the distribution of the nonetheless small Central European population seems to have declined, necessitating an evaluation of its current status. In this study, existing datasets of moose observations from 1958 to 2019 collected in the three countries were combined to create a database totaling 771 records (observations and deaths). The database was then used to analyze the following: (a) changes in moose distribution, (b) the most important mortality factors, and (c) the availability of suitable habitat as determined using a maximum entropy approach. The results showed a progressive increase in the number of moose observations after 1958, with peaks in the 1990s and around 2010, followed by a relatively steep drop after 2013. Mortality within the moose population was mostly due to human interactions, including 13 deadly wildlife-vehicle collisions, particularly on minor roads, and four animals that were either legally culled or poached. Our habitat model suggested that higher altitudes (ca. 700-1,000 m a.s.l.), especially those offering wetlands, broad-leaved forests and natural grasslands, are the preferred habitats of moose whereas steep slopes and areas of human activity are avoided. The habitat model also revealed the availability of large core areas of suitable habitat beyond the current distribution, suggesting that habitat was not the limiting factor explaining the moose distribution in the study area. Our findings call for immediate transboundary conservation measures to sustain the moose population, such as those aimed at preventing wildlife-vehicle collisions and illegal killings. Infrastructure planning and development activities must take into account the habitat requirements of moose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Janík
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Physical Geography and GeoecologyCharles UniversityPrahaCzechia
- Department of Spatial EcologySilva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental GardeningPrůhoniceCzechia
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park MonitoringBavarian Forest National ParkGrafenauGermany
| | - Wibke Peters
- Bavarian State Institute of ForestryFreisingGermany
| | - Martin Šálek
- Czech Academy of SciencesInstitute of Vertebrate BiologyBrnoCzechia
- Faculty of Environmental SciencesCzech University of Life Sciences PraguePrahaCzechia
| | - Dušan Romportl
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Physical Geography and GeoecologyCharles UniversityPrahaCzechia
- Department of Spatial EcologySilva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental GardeningPrůhoniceCzechia
| | - Miloslav Jirků
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of SciencesInstitute of ParasitologyČeské BudějoviceCzechia
| | | | - Martin Ernst
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood TechnologyDepartment of Forest Protection and Wildlife ManagementMendel University in BrnoBrnoCzechia
| | - Jiří Neudert
- Administration of Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area and Biospheric ReservationTřeboňCzechia
| | - Marco Heurich
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park MonitoringBavarian Forest National ParkGrafenauGermany
- Faculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesChair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Inland Norway University of Applied ScienceInstitute for Forest and Wildlife ManagementKoppangNorway
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34
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Are Large Carnivores the Real Issue? Solutions for Improving Conflict Management through Stakeholder Participation. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13084482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Social conflicts around large carnivores are increasing in Europe, often associated to the species expansion into human-modified and agricultural landscapes. Large carnivores can be seen as an added value by some but as a source of difficulties by others, depending on different values, attitudes, livelihoods, and everyday activities. Therefore, the effective involvement of the different interest groups is important to identify and shape tailored solutions that can potentially be implemented, complementing top-down approaches that might, on their own, result in lack of implementation and buy-in. To improve dialogue in conflictual situations, as part of a European project promoted by the European Parliament, we assessed the practical implementation of participatory processes in three sample areas in Europe where wolves and bears have recently been increasingly impacting human activities. Our results demonstrate that collaboration among different and generally contrasting groups is possible. Even in situations where large-carnivore impacts were seen as unsatisfactorily managed for many years, people were still willing and eager to be involved in alternative discussion processes hoping this would lead to concrete solutions. An important and common highlight among the three study areas was that all the management interventions agreed upon shared the general scope of improving the conditions of the groups most impacted by large carnivores. The process showed the importance of building trust and supporting dialogue for knowledge co-production and mitigation of conflicts between stakeholders and that controversial environmental issues have the potential to trigger a meaningful dialogue about broader societal issues. The direct involvement and support of competent authorities, as well as the upscaling of this process at larger administrative and social scales, remain important challenges.
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35
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He F, Langhans SD, Zarfl C, Wanke R, Tockner K, Jähnig SC. Combined effects of life-history traits and human impact on extinction risk of freshwater megafauna. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:643-653. [PMID: 32671869 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Megafauna species are intrinsically vulnerable to human impact. Freshwater megafauna (i.e., freshwater animals ≥30 kg, including fishes, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) are subject to intensive and increasing threats. Thirty-four species are listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Red List of Threatened Species, the assessments for which are an important basis for conservation actions but remain incomplete for 49 (24%) freshwater megafauna species. Consequently, the window of opportunity for protecting these species could be missed. Identifying the factors that predispose freshwater megafauna to extinction can help predict their extinction risk and facilitate more effective and proactive conservation actions. Thus, we collated 8 life-history traits for 206 freshwater megafauna species. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine the relationships between extinction risk based on the IUCN Red List categories and the combined effect of multiple traits, as well as the effect of human impact on these relationships for 157 classified species. The most parsimonious model included human impact and traits related to species' recovery potential including life span, age at maturity, and fecundity. Applying the most parsimonious model to 49 unclassified species predicted that 17 of them are threatened. Accounting for model predictions together with IUCN Red List assessments, 50% of all freshwater megafauna species are considered threatened. The Amazon and Yangtze basins emerged as global diversity hotspots of threatened freshwater megafauna, in addition to existing hotspots, including the Ganges-Brahmaputra and Mekong basins and the Caspian Sea region. Assessment and monitoring of those species predicted to be threatened are needed, especially in the Amazon and Yangtze basins. Investigation of life-history traits and trends in population and distribution, regulation of overexploitation, maintaining river connectivity, implementing protected areas focusing on freshwater ecosystems, and integrated basin management are required to protect threatened freshwater megafauna in diversity hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengzhi He
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, Berlin, 12587, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, Berlin, 14195, Germany
- School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Simone D Langhans
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, Berlin, 12587, Germany
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- BC3 - Basque Centre for Climate Change, Sede Building 1, Leioa, 48904, Spain
| | - Christiane Zarfl
- Center for Applied Geosciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Hölderlinstr. 12, Tübingen, 72074, Germany
| | - Roland Wanke
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, Berlin, 12587, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - Klement Tockner
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, Berlin, 12587, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, Berlin, 14195, Germany
- Austrian Science Fund (FWF), Sensengasse 1, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Sonja C Jähnig
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, Berlin, 12587, Germany
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Goswami VR, Vasudev D, Joshi B, Hait P, Sharma P. Coupled effects of climatic forcing and the human footprint on wildlife movement and space use in a dynamic floodplain landscape. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:144000. [PMID: 33338787 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With climate change, terrestrial fauna in riparian floodplain ecosystems must adapt to a predicted increase in frequency and magnitude of fluvial perturbations. Seasonal migration to seek refuge from floodwaters represents a central adaptation strategy, but may entail risky navigation of anthropogenic spaces in heterogeneous landscapes. Here, we demonstrate the opportunities and constraints large-bodied mammalian herbivores face during an adaptive response of obligatory flood-driven refuge migration, across a human-dominated environment. Our study system, centred around a productive protected area--Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Northeast India--on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, is home to an abundance of large herbivores that undertake seasonal migrations in response to floods. We contrast species distribution data during a major flood event with those from the dry season to illustrate season-specific movement and space use decisions of large herbivores ranging in body mass from the 3000-kg Asian elephant Elephas maximus to the 20-kg muntjac Muntiacus muntjak. In the dry season, most large herbivores--a majority of which are endangered and threatened by anthropogenic pressures--avoided areas with a strong human footprint, while preferring spaces with high land-use diversity. During the floods, such species were pushed out of inundated habitats within the protected area, and they chose to move through woodlands and areas under bamboo cover on private lands, as they migrated to forested refugia on higher ground. Our results show how seasonal environmental constraints shaped by floods determine the internal motivation of animals to risk traversing a human-dominated space to seek refuge, which contextually defines how animals view and navigate the landscape. Such insights underscore the importance of dynamic and adaptive planning, and participatory conservation efforts, to facilitate connectivity in the changing environment and climate of the present Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun R Goswami
- Conservation Initiatives, Guwahati 781022, Assam, India; Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru 560042, Karnataka, India.
| | - Divya Vasudev
- Conservation Initiatives, Guwahati 781022, Assam, India; Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru 560042, Karnataka, India; Wildlife Conservation Trust, Mumbai 400021, Maharashtra, India
| | - Bhavendu Joshi
- Conservation Initiatives, Guwahati 781022, Assam, India; Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru 560042, Karnataka, India
| | - Prity Hait
- Conservation Initiatives, Guwahati 781022, Assam, India; Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru 560042, Karnataka, India
| | - Pragyan Sharma
- Conservation Initiatives, Guwahati 781022, Assam, India; Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru 560042, Karnataka, India
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37
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Mahmood T, Vu TT, Campos-Arceiz A, Akrim F, Andleeb S, Farooq M, Hamid A, Munawar N, Waseem M, Hussain A, Fatima H, Khan MR, Mahmood S. Historical and current distribution ranges and loss of mega-herbivores and carnivores of Asia. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10738. [PMID: 33628635 PMCID: PMC7894109 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem functioning is dependent a lot on large mammals, which are, however, vulnerable and facing extinction risks due to human impacts mainly. Megafauna of Asia has been declining for a long, not only in numbers but also in their distribution ranges. In the current study, we collected information on past and current occurrence and distribution records of Asia’s megafauna species. We reconstructed the historical distribution ranges of the six herbivores and four carnivores for comparison with their present ranges, to quantify spatially explicit levels of mega-defaunation. Results revealed that historically the selected megafauna species were more widely distributed than at current. Severe range contraction was observed for the Asiatic lion, three rhino species, Asian elephant, tigers, and tapirs. Defaunation maps generated have revealed the vanishing of megafauna from parts of the East, Southeast, and Southwest Asia, even some protected Areas losing up to eight out of ten megafaunal species. These defaunation maps can help develop future conservation policies, to save the remaining distribution ranges of large mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Mahmood
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.,School of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tuong Thuy Vu
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.,Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.,Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xishuangbanna, China
| | - Faraz Akrim
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.,Department of Zoology, University of Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Shaista Andleeb
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Hamid
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Nadeem Munawar
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Waseem
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Abid Hussain
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Hira Fatima
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Raza Khan
- Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Mahmood
- Department of Zoology, Hazara University, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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38
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de la Torre JA, Wong EP, Lechner AM, Zulaikha N, Zawawi A, Abdul‐Patah P, Saaban S, Goossens B, Campos‐Arceiz A. There will be conflict – agricultural landscapes are prime, rather than marginal, habitats for Asian elephants. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. A. de la Torre
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih, Selangor Malaysia
- Programa Jaguares de la Selva Maya Bioconciencia A.C Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - E. P. Wong
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih, Selangor Malaysia
- Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih, Selangor Malaysia
| | - A. M. Lechner
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih, Selangor Malaysia
- Lincoln Centre for Water and Planetary Health School of Geography University of Lincoln Brayford Pool Lincoln Lincolnshire LN6 7TS UK
| | - N. Zulaikha
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih, Selangor Malaysia
- Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih, Selangor Malaysia
| | - A. Zawawi
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - P. Abdul‐Patah
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - S. Saaban
- Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - B. Goossens
- Organisms and Environment Division Cardiff School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff UK
- Danau Girang Field Centre Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia
- Sabah Wildlife Department Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia
- Sustainable Places Research Institute Cardiff University Cardiff UK
| | - A. Campos‐Arceiz
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih, Selangor Malaysia
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences Nay Pyi Taw Myanmar
- Center for Integrative Conservation Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden Chinese Academy of Sciences XTBG Menglun Yunnan China
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39
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Tan WH, Hii A, Solana‐Mena A, Wong EP, Loke VPW, Tan ASL, Kromann‐Clausen A, Hii N, bin Pura P, bin Tunil MT, A/L Din S, Chin CF, Campos‐Arceiz A. Long‐term monitoring of seed dispersal by Asian elephants in a Sundaland rainforest. Biotropica 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Harn Tan
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Adeline Hii
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Alicia Solana‐Mena
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Ee Phin Wong
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
- Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
| | - Vivienne P. W. Loke
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Ange S. L. Tan
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Anders Kromann‐Clausen
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Ning Hii
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Param bin Pura
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Tauhid bin Tunil
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Sudin A/L Din
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Chiew Foan Chin
- School of Biosciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
| | - Ahimsa Campos‐Arceiz
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences The University of Nottingham Malaysia Kajang Malaysia
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences Nay Pyi Taw Myanmar
- Center for Integrative Conservation Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of Sciences Mengla China
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40
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Lundgren EJ, Schowanek SD, Rowan J, Middleton O, Pedersen RØ, Wallach AD, Ramp D, Davis M, Sandom CJ, Svenning JC. Functional traits of the world's late Quaternary large-bodied avian and mammalian herbivores. Sci Data 2021; 8:17. [PMID: 33473149 PMCID: PMC7817692 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-020-00788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prehistoric and recent extinctions of large-bodied terrestrial herbivores had significant and lasting impacts on Earth's ecosystems due to the loss of their distinct trait combinations. The world's surviving large-bodied avian and mammalian herbivores remain among the most threatened taxa. As such, a greater understanding of the ecological impacts of large herbivore losses is increasingly important. However, comprehensive and ecologically-relevant trait datasets for extinct and extant herbivores are lacking. Here, we present HerbiTraits, a comprehensive functional trait dataset for all late Quaternary terrestrial avian and mammalian herbivores ≥10 kg (545 species). HerbiTraits includes key traits that influence how herbivores interact with ecosystems, namely body mass, diet, fermentation type, habitat use, and limb morphology. Trait data were compiled from 557 sources and comprise the best available knowledge on late Quaternary large-bodied herbivores. HerbiTraits provides a tool for the analysis of herbivore functional diversity both past and present and its effects on Earth's ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick J Lundgren
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Simon D Schowanek
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - John Rowan
- Department of Anthropology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
| | - Owen Middleton
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Sussex, UK
| | - Rasmus Ø Pedersen
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Arian D Wallach
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Matt Davis
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA
| | | | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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41
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Communication hubs of an asocial cat are the source of a human-carnivore conflict and key to its solution. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:33325-33333. [PMID: 33288693 PMCID: PMC7776775 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002487117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cheetah is a prominent example for human–carnivore conflicts and mitigation challenges. Its global population suffered a substantial decline throughout its range. Here, we present an in-depth and new understanding of the socio-spatial organization of the cheetah. We show that cheetahs maintain a network of communication hubs distributed in a regular pattern across the landscape, not contiguous with each other and separated by a surrounding matrix. Cheetahs spend a substantial amount of their time in these hubs, resulting in high local cheetah activity, which represents a high local predation risk for livestock. Implementing this knowledge, farmers were able to reduce livestock losses by 86%. Human–wildlife conflicts occur worldwide. Although many nonlethal mitigation solutions are available, they rarely use the behavioral ecology of the conflict species to derive effective and long-lasting solutions. Here, we use a long-term study with 106 GPS-collared free-ranging cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to demonstrate how new insights into the socio-spatial organization of this species provide the key for such a solution. GPS-collared territory holders marked and defended communication hubs (CHs) in the core area of their territories. The CHs/territories were distributed in a regular pattern across the landscape such that they were not contiguous with each other but separated by a surrounding matrix. They were kept in this way by successive territory holders, thus maintaining this overdispersed distribution. The CHs were also visited by nonterritorial cheetah males and females for information exchange, thus forming hotspots of cheetah activity and presence. We hypothesized that the CHs pose an increased predation risk to young calves for cattle farmers in Namibia. In an experimental approach, farmers shifted cattle herds away from the CHs during the calving season. This drastically reduced their calf losses by cheetahs because cheetahs did not follow the herds but instead preyed on naturally occurring local wildlife prey in the CHs. This implies that in the cheetah system, there are “problem areas,” the CHs, rather than “problem individuals.” The incorporation of the behavioral ecology of conflict species opens promising areas to search for solutions in other conflict species with nonhomogenous space use.
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42
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Reconsidering the role of the built environment in human–wildlife interactions. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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43
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44
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Assessment of endemic northern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) distribution and identification of priority conservation areas through modeling and field surveys across north India. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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45
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Tobajas J, Ruiz-Aguilera MJ, López-Bao JV, Ferreras P, Mateo R. The effectiveness of conditioned aversion in wolves: Insights from experimental tests. Behav Processes 2020; 181:104259. [PMID: 33011270 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that conditioned food aversion (CFA) could be a potential non-lethal intervention by which to deter attacks on livestock by large carnivores. CFA occurs when an animal associates the characteristics of a food with an illness, thus rejecting that food in subsequent encounters. CFA can be associated with an artificial odour during conditioning. Despite the debate surrounding the use of this intervention, more studies evaluating the effectiveness of CFA are necessary. We experimentally evaluated the potential of microgranulated levamisole + a vanilla odour cue to induce CFA in captive Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus). Four out of the five wolves treated showed an aversion to the meat for a minimum of one month after conditioning. The microgranulated presentation masked the flavour and smell of the levamisole but increased its volume, which may have facilitated its detection by the wolves. We also observed that the strength of the odour played an important role in the aversion extinction. The use of microgranulated levamisole + an odour cue has the potential to be used as an intervention by which to induce aversive conditioning in wolves in the wild, although rigorous field tests are required. We discuss the potential of CFA to deter attacks on livestock by large carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Tobajas
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | | | | | - Pablo Ferreras
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
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46
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Tan AS, de la Torre JA, Wong EP, Thuppil V, Campos-Arceiz A. Factors affecting urban and rural tolerance towards conflict-prone endangered megafauna in Peninsular Malaysia. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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47
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Chapron G, López-Bao JV. The place of nature in conservation conflicts. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:795-802. [PMID: 32406544 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Conservation conflicts are gaining importance in contemporary conservation scholarship such that conservation may have entered a conflict hype. We attempted to uncover and deconstruct the normative assumptions behind such studies by raising several questions: what are conservation conflicts, what justifies the attention they receive, do conservation-conflict studies limit wildlife conservation, is scientific knowledge stacked against wildlife in conservation conflicts, do conservation-conflict studies adopt a specific view of democracy, can laws be used to force conservation outcomes, why is flexibility needed in managing conservation conflicts, can conservation conflicts be managed by promoting tolerance, and who needs to compromise in conservation conflicts? We suggest that many of the intellectual premises in the field may defang conservation and prevent it from truly addressing the current conservation crisis as it accelerates. By framing conservation conflicts as conflicts between people about wildlife or nature, the field insidiously transfers guilt, whereby human activities are no longer blamed for causing species decline and extinctions but conservation is instead blamed for causing social conflicts. When the focus is on mitigating social conflicts without limiting in any powerful way human activities damaging to nature, conservation-conflict studies risk keeping conservation within the limits of human activities, instead of keeping human activities within the limits of nature. For conservation to successfully stop the biodiversity crisis, we suggest the alternative goal of recognizing nature's right to existence to maintenance of ecological functions and evolutionary processes. Nature being a rights bearer or legal person would imply its needs must be explicitly taken into account in conflict adjudication. If, even in conservation, nature's interests come second to human interests, it may be no surprise that conservation cannot succeed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Chapron
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 73091, Riddarhyttan, Sweden
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48
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Treves A, Santiago-Ávila FJ. Myths and assumptions about human-wildlife conflict and coexistence. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:811-818. [PMID: 32406969 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent extinctions often resulted from humans retaliating against wildlife that threatened people's interests or were perceived to threaten current or future interests. Today's subfield of human-wildlife conflict and coexistence (HWCC) grew out of an original anthropocentric concern with such real or perceived threats and then, starting in the mid-1990s, with protecting valued species from people. Recent work in ethics and law has shifted priorities toward coexistence between people and wild animals. To spur scientific progress and more effective practice, we examined 4 widespread assumptions about HWCC that need to be tested rigorously: scientists are neutral and objective about HWCC; current participatory, consensus-based decisions provide just and fair means to overcome challenges in HWCC; wildlife threats to human interests are getting worse; and wildlife damage to human interests is additive to other sources of damage. The first 2 assumptions are clearly testable, but if they are entangled can become a wicked problem and may need debunking as myths if they cannot be disentangled. Some assumptions have seldom or never been tested and those that have been tested appear dubious, yet the use of the assumptions continues in the practice and scholarship of HWCC. We call for tests of assumptions and debunking of myths in the scholarship of HWCC. Adherence to the principles of scientific integrity and application of standards of evidence can help advance our call. We also call for practitioners and interest groups to improve the constitutive process prior to decision making about wildlife. We predict these steps will hasten scientific progress toward evidence-based interventions and improve the fairness, ethics, and legality of coexistence strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Treves
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, U.S.A
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49
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Loss of protozoan and metazoan intestinal symbiont biodiversity in wild primates living in unprotected forests. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10917. [PMID: 32616818 PMCID: PMC7331812 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67959-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In light of the current biodiversity crisis, investigating the human impact on non-human primate gut biology is important to understanding the ecological significance of gut community dynamics across changing habitats and its role in conservation. Using traditional coproscopic parasitological techniques, we compared the gastrointestinal protozoan and metazoan symbiont richness of two primates: the Udzungwa red colobus (Procolobus gordonorum) and the yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus). These species live sympatrically in both protected and unprotected forests within the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania with distinct ecological adaptations and diets. Our results showed that terrestrial and omnivorous yellow baboons had 2 (95% CI 1.47–2.73) and 3.78 (2.62–5.46) times higher gut symbiont richness (both including and excluding rare protozoans) compared to the arboreal and leaf-eating Udzungwa red colobus in unprotected and protected forest, respectively. We also found a consistent depletion of symbiont richness in red colobus living in the unprotected forest fragment compared to the continuous protected forests [the latter having 1.97 times (95% CI 1.33–2.92) higher richness], but not in yellow baboons. Richness reduction was particularly evident in the Udzungwa red colobus monkeys, confirming the pattern we reported previously for gut bacterial communities. This study demonstrates the impact of human activities even on the microbiodiversity of the intestinal tract of this species. Against the background of rapid global change and habitat degradation, and given the health benefits of intact gut communities, the decrease in natural gut symbionts reported here is worrying. Further study of these communities should form an essential part of the conservation framework.
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50
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Veldhuis MP, Hofmeester TR, Balme G, Druce DJ, Pitman RT, Cromsigt JPGM. Predation risk constrains herbivores' adaptive capacity to warming. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:1069-1074. [PMID: 32483322 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1218-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Global warming compels larger endothermic animals to adapt either physiologically or behaviourally to avoid thermal stress, especially in tropical ecosystems. Their adaptive responses may however be compromised by other constraints, such as predation risk or starvation. Using an exceptional camera-trap dataset spanning 32 protected areas across southern Africa, we find that intermediate-sized herbivores (100-550 kg) switch activity to hotter times of the day when exposed to predation by lions. These herbivores face a tight window for foraging activity being exposed to nocturnal predation and to heat during the day, suggesting a trade-off between predation risk and thermoregulation mediated by body size. These findings stress the importance of incorporating trophic interactions into climate change predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel P Veldhuis
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands. .,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA. .,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Tim R Hofmeester
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Guy Balme
- Panthera, New York, NY, USA.,Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Dave J Druce
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Cascades, South Africa.,School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa
| | - Ross T Pitman
- Panthera, New York, NY, USA.,Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Joris P G M Cromsigt
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.,Environmental Sciences Group, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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