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Wikar Z, Ciechanowski M, Zwolicki A. The positive response of small terrestrial and semi-aquatic mammals to beaver damming. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167568. [PMID: 37797774 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem engineers, such as the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber, transform habitats, thereby creating favourable conditions for other species and increasing biodiversity. Multiple studies have revealed that beaver ponds are valuable habitats for invertebrates and vertebrates, including other mammals, but the impact of watercourse damming on the fauna of small terrestrial rodents and shrews has not yet been documented. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of beaver dams and consequent flooding enrich the small mammal assemblage both quantitatively and qualitatively. We live-trapped small mammals at nine beaver-modified sites on 300-metre transects alongside dammed watercourses, starting from the dam through to the pond to the sections with unmodified lotic conditions. The abundance and species richness of trapped small mammals were highest near the dams and declined with distance. Additionally, five out of 12 trapped species significantly decreased their abundance with linear distance along the shoreline from the dam and none revealed the opposite trend. Four species were more abundant on plots subjected to beaver-related inundation (especially Sorex minutus and Micromys minutus), while none were present solely on uninundated plots. Among the semi-aquatic species, two water shrews benefited from beaver activity in different ways. Neomys milleri occurred only in flooded sections, while N. fodiens preferred unmodified sections, but was the most numerous species closer to the dams, as per known patterns of competitive displacement observed in Central Europe. An important factor affecting small mammals, the herbaceous layer cover, appeared to be interdependent with damming. We provide the first unequivocal evidence that the presence of beaver dams facilitate the abundance and diversity of small mammals, presumably due to increased food abundance, availability of shelter and habitat connectivity. Beaver-created wetlands may act as potential refuges for species most susceptible to the consequences of anthropogenic climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Wikar
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Mateusz Ciechanowski
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adrian Zwolicki
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
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Wikar Z, Ciechanowski M. Beaver Dams and Fallen Trees as Ecological Corridors Allowing Movements of Mammals across Water Barriers-A Case Study with the Application of Novel Substrate for Tracking Tunnels. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081302. [PMID: 37106865 PMCID: PMC10135133 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081302] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical obstacles within animal habitats create barriers to individual movements. To cross those barriers, specific corridors are used, some of them created by keystone species such as Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber). Their dams on rivers may also increase habitat connectivity for terrestrial mammals, but the significance of that function has never been quantified. To investigate this, we placed tracking tunnels on beaver dams, fallen trees, and-as a control-on floating rafts. Additionally, we tested kinetic sand as a novel substrate for collecting tracks and found the paws of small mustelids precisely imprinted in that medium, allowing easy identification. However, we needed to lump all shrews and rodents smaller than water voles (Arvicola amphibius) into one category as they can only be detected but not identified. The highest mammalian activity was observed on dams, as they may provide shelter, offering protection from predators during a river crossing or permanent residence, and even the opportunity to hunt invertebrates. Slightly higher diversity was found on logs because of a higher proportion of mustelids, which select exposed locations for scent marking. Our results increase our body of knowledge about the beaver as an ecosystem engineer and provide a novel tool for the monitoring of mammal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Wikar
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Ciechanowski
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
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Losapio G, Genes L, Knight CJ, McFadden TN, Pavan L. Monitoring and modelling the effects of ecosystem engineers on ecosystem functioning. Funct Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gianalberto Losapio
- Department of Biology Stanford University Stanford California USA
- Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
- Department of Biosciences University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - Luísa Genes
- Department of Biology Stanford University Stanford California USA
| | | | - Tyler N. McFadden
- Department of Biology Stanford University Stanford California USA
- College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon USA
| | - Lucas Pavan
- Department of Biology Stanford University Stanford California USA
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Lambert JP, Zhang X, Shi K, Riordan P. The pikas of China: a review of current research priorities and challenges for conservation. Integr Zool 2023; 18:110-128. [PMID: 34937133 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Of the approximately 30 extant species of pika (Ochotona; Ochotonidae; Lagomorpha), at least 23 occur in China. Of these, 8 are endemic, and 3 are classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Research into most Chinese species is scarce, and there is much to learn about basic aspects of their ecology. We reviewed the literature on the 23 Chinese Ochotona species, with the aim of highlighting knowledge gaps and biases in research allocation. Specifically, we identify (1) which pika species receive the most attention from researchers, (2) which topics are the most frequently studied, and (3) how well research satisfies conservation priorities. We covered a total of 879 articles, most of which were written in English or Chinese. Around 75% of all publications focused on the plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae. Seven species were represented by 10 or fewer publications each. Endangered and endemic species were particularly poorly represented. 204 papers treated pikas as a pest, while 13 studied conservation issues. Nine species were considered possible targets for pest control, including some poorly known endemics. We make some recommendations on how research into Chinese Ochotona could be improved, including: (1) recognizing that the current species-level taxonomy may be an ineffective way to prioritize conservation research in Ochotona, (2) directing more research toward threatened and endemic species, subspecies, and populations, (3) researching the ecosystem engineering effects of pikas, (4) collecting basic data on natural history of the many understudied species, and (5) researching threats, including climate change and pest control campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Lambert
- Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Kun Shi
- Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Eco-Bridge Continental, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Philip Riordan
- Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Marwell Wildlife, Winchester, Hampshire, UK
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Piló LB, Calux A, Scherer R, Bernard E. Bats as ecosystem engineers in iron ore caves in the Carajás National Forest, Brazilian Amazonia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0267870. [PMID: 37167295 PMCID: PMC10174506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem engineers are organisms able to modify their environment by changing the distribution of materials and energy, with effects on biotic and abiotic ecosystem components. Several ecosystem engineers are known, but for most of them the mechanisms behind their influence are poorly known. We detail the role of bats as ecosystem engineers in iron ore caves in the Carajás National Forest, Brazilian Amazonia, an area with > 1,500 caves, some holding ~150,000 bats. We analyzed the chemical composition of guano deposits in bat caves, radiocarbon-dated those deposits, and elucidated the chemical mechanisms involved and the role the bat guano has on modifying those caves. The insect-composed guano was rich in organic matter, with high concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide and ferric oxide, plus potassium oxide, calcium and sulfur trioxide. Radiocarbon dating indicated guano deposits between 22,000 and 1,800 years old. The guano pH was mainly acid (from 2.1 to 5.6). Percolating waters in those bat caves were also acid (pH reaching 1.5), with the presence of phosphate, iron, calcium, nitrate and sulfate. Acid solutions due to guano decomposition and possible microbial activity produced various forms of corrosion on the caves´ floor and walls, resulting in their enlargement. Bat caves or caves with evidence of inactive bat colonies had, on average, lengths six times larger, areas five times larger, and volumes five times bigger than the regional average, plus more abundant, diversified and bigger speleothems when compared with other caves. In an example of bioengineering, the long-term presence of bats (> 22,000 years) and the guano deposits they produce, mediated by biological and chemical interactions over millennia, resulted in very unique ecological, evolutionary and geomorphological processes, whose working are just beginning to be better understood by science. However, the current expansion of mineral extraction activities coupled with the loosening of licensing and cave protection rules is a real conservation threat to the bat caves in Carajás. The destruction of those caves would represent an unacceptable loss of both speleological and biological heritage and we urge that, whenever they occur, bat caves and their colonies must be fully protected and left off-limits of mineral extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis B Piló
- Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Allan Calux
- Carstografica-Karst Applied Research Centre, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Enrico Bernard
- Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Koshkina A, Freitag M, Grigoryeva I, Hölzel N, Stirnemann I, Velbert F, Kamp J. Post‐Soviet
fire and grazing regimes govern the abundance of a key ecosystem engineer on the Eurasian steppe, the yellow ground squirrel
Spermophilus fulvus. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alyona Koshkina
- Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Münster Germany
- Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) Astana Kazakhstan
| | - Martin Freitag
- Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Münster Germany
- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation Bonn Germany
| | - Irina Grigoryeva
- Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) Astana Kazakhstan
- Karaganda State University named of E.A. Buketov Karaganda Kazakhstan
| | - Norbert Hölzel
- Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Ingrid Stirnemann
- Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Frederike Velbert
- Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Johannes Kamp
- Department of Conservation Biology University of Göttingen Göttingen Germany
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Valkó O, Kelemen A, Kiss O, Deák B. Patch and matrix characteristics determine the outcome of ecosystem engineering by mole rats in dry grasslands. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14582. [PMID: 36540798 PMCID: PMC9760028 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14582] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Burrowing mammals are important ecosystem engineers, especially in open ecosystems where they create patches that differ from the surrounding matrix in their structure or ecosystem functions. Methods We evaluated the fine-scale effects of a subterranean ecosystem engineer, the Lesser blind mole rat on the vegetation composition of sandy dry grasslands in Hungary. In this model system we tested whether the characteristics of the patch (mound size) and the matrix (total vegetation cover in the undisturbed grassland) influence the structural and functional contrasts between the mounds and the undisturbed grasslands. We sampled the vegetation of 80 mounds and 80 undisturbed grassland plots in four sites, where we recorded the total vegetation cover, and the occurrence and cover of each vascular plant species. We used two proxies to characterise the patches (mounds) and the matrix (undisturbed grassland): we measured the perimeter of the mounds and estimated the total vegetation cover of the undisturbed grasslands. First, we compared the vegetation characteristics of the mounds and the surrounding grasslands with general linear models. Second, we characterised the contrasts between the mounds and the undisturbed grassland by relative response indices (RRIs) of the vegetation characteristics studied in the first step. Results Species composition of the vegetation of the mounds and undisturbed grasslands was well separated in three out of the four study sites. Mounds were characterised by lower vegetation cover, lower cover of perennial graminoids, and higher diversity, and evenness compared to undisturbed grasslands. The contrast in vegetation cover between mounds and undisturbed grasslands increased with decreasing patch size. Increasing vegetation cover in the matrix grasslands increased the contrasts between the mounds and undisturbed grasslands in terms of total cover, perennial graminoid cover, diversity, and evenness. Our results suggest that mole rat mounds provide improved establishment conditions for subordinate species, because they are larger than other types of natural gaps and are characterised by less intense belowground competition. The ecosystem engineering effect, i.e., the contrast between the patches and the matrix was the largest in the more closed grasslands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Valkó
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - András Kelemen
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Vácrátót, Hungary,Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- Institute of Animal Sciences and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Szeged, Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary
| | - Balázs Deák
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Vácrátót, Hungary
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Novais S, Ayala-Sánchez D, Figueroa-Alvarez JA, Aguirre-Jaimes A, García-Franco JG, Quesada M, Hernández-Ortiz V. Burrow builders as ecosystem engineers for pit-building antlions (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae). THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2022; 109:57. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-022-01825-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Lobanov V, Gobet A, Joyce A. Ecosystem-specific microbiota and microbiome databases in the era of big data. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2022; 17:37. [PMID: 35842686 PMCID: PMC9287977 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-022-00433-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of sequencing methods over the past decades has accelerated both the potential scope and depth of microbiota and microbiome studies. Recent developments in the field have been marked by an expansion away from purely categorical studies towards a greater investigation of community functionality. As in-depth genomic and environmental coverage is often distributed unequally across major taxa and ecosystems, it can be difficult to identify or substantiate relationships within microbial communities. Generic databases containing datasets from diverse ecosystems have opened a new era of data accessibility despite costs in terms of data quality and heterogeneity. This challenge is readily embodied in the integration of meta-omics data alongside habitat-specific standards which help contextualise datasets both in terms of sample processing and background within the ecosystem. A special case of large genomic repositories, ecosystem-specific databases (ES-DB's), have emerged to consolidate and better standardise sample processing and analysis protocols around individual ecosystems under study, allowing independent studies to produce comparable datasets. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of this emerging tool for microbial community analysis in relation to current trends in the field. We focus on the factors leading to the formation of ES-DB's, their comparison to traditional microbial databases, the potential for ES-DB integration with meta-omics platforms, as well as inherent limitations in the applicability of ES-DB's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Lobanov
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Alyssa Joyce
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Rodriguez‐Barrera MG, Kühn I, Estrada‐Castillón E, Cord AF. Grassland type and seasonal effects have a bigger influence on plant functional and taxonomical diversity than prairie dog disturbances in semiarid grasslands. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9040. [PMID: 35845363 PMCID: PMC9279056 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Prairie dogs (Cynomys sp.) are considered keystone species and ecosystem engineers for their grazing and burrowing activities (summarized here as disturbances). As climate changes and its variability increases, the mechanisms underlying organisms' interactions with their habitat will likely shift. Understanding the mediating role of prairie dog disturbance on vegetation structure, and its interaction with environmental conditions through time, will increase knowledge on the risks and vulnerability of grasslands.Here, we compared how plant taxonomical diversity, functional diversity metrics, and community-weighted trait means (CWM) respond to prairie dog C. mexicanus disturbance across grassland types and seasons (dry and wet) in a priority conservation semiarid grassland of Northeast Mexico.Our findings suggest that functional metrics and CWM analyses responded to interactions between prairie dog disturbance, grassland type and season, whilst species diversity and cover measures were less sensitive to the role of prairie dog disturbance. We found weak evidence that prairie dog disturbance has a negative effect on vegetation structure, except for minimal effects on C4 and graminoid cover, but which depended mainly on season. Grassland type and season explained most of the effects on plant functional and taxonomic diversity as well as CWM traits. Furthermore, we found that leaf area as well as forb and annual cover increased during the wet season, independent of prairie dog disturbance.Our results provide evidence that grassland type and season have a stronger effect than prairie dog disturbance on the vegetation of this short-grass, water-restricted grassland ecosystem. We argue that focusing solely on disturbance and grazing effects is misleading, and attention is needed on the relationships between vegetation and environmental conditions which will be critical to understand semiarid grassland dynamics under future climate change conditions in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriela Rodriguez‐Barrera
- Chair of Computational Landscape Ecology, Institute of GeographyTechnische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
- Department of Computational Landscape EcologyHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZLeipzigGermany
| | - Ingolf Kühn
- Department of Community EcologyHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZHalleGermany
- Department of Geobotany and Botanic Garden/Institute for BiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | | | - Anna F. Cord
- Chair of Computational Landscape Ecology, Institute of GeographyTechnische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
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Maisey AC, Haslem A, Leonard SWJ, Bennett AF. Differential effects of ecosystem engineering by the superb lyrebird
Menura novaehollandiae
and herbivory by large mammals on floristic regeneration and structure in wet eucalypt forests. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8956. [PMID: 35784040 PMCID: PMC9163197 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem engineers that modify the soil and ground‐layer properties exert a strong influence on vegetation communities in ecosystems worldwide. Understanding the interactions between animal engineers and vegetation is challenging when in the presence of large herbivores, as many vegetation communities are simultaneously affected by both engineering and herbivory. The superb lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae, an ecosystem engineer in wet forests of south‐eastern Australia, extensively modifies litter and soil on the forest floor. The aim of this study was to disentangle the impacts of engineering by lyrebirds and herbivory by large mammals on the composition and structure of ground‐layer vegetation. We carried out a 2‐year, manipulative exclusion experiment in the Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia. We compared three treatments: fenced plots with simulated lyrebird foraging; fenced plots excluding herbivores and lyrebirds; and open controls. This design allowed assessment of the relative impacts of engineering and herbivory on germination rates, seedling density, vegetation cover and structure, and community composition. Engineering by lyrebirds enhanced the germination of seeds in the litter layer. After 2 years, more than double the number of germinants were present in “engineered” than “non‐engineered” plots. Engineering did not affect the density of seedlings, but herbivory had strong detrimental effects. Herbivory also reduced the floristic richness and structural complexity (<0.5 m) of forest vegetation, including the cover of herbs. Neither process altered the floristic composition of the vegetation within the 2‐year study period. Ecosystem engineering by lyrebirds and herbivory by large mammals both influence the structure of forest‐floor vegetation. The twofold increase in seeds stimulated to germinate by engineering may contribute to the evolutionary adaptation of plants by allowing greater phenotypic expression and selection than would otherwise occur. Over long timescales, engineering and herbivory likely combine to maintain a more‐open forest floor conducive to ongoing ecosystem engineering by lyrebirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex C. Maisey
- Department of Environment and Genetics La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
| | - Angie Haslem
- Department of Environment and Genetics La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
| | - Steven W. J. Leonard
- Department of Environment and Genetics La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - Andrew F. Bennett
- Department of Environment and Genetics La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
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Lagendijk DDG, Cueva-Arias D, Van Oosten AR, Berg MP. Impact of three co-occurring physical ecosystem engineers on soil Collembola communities. Oecologia 2022; 198:1085-1096. [PMID: 35391556 PMCID: PMC9056452 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The interplay between organisms with their abiotic environment may have profound effects within ecological networks, but are still poorly understood. Soil physical ecosystem engineers (EEs) modify the abiotic environment, thereby potentially affecting the distribution of other species, such as microarthropods. We focus on three co-occurring physical EEs (i.e. cattle, vegetation, macrodetritivore) known for their profound effect on soil properties (e.g. pore volume, microclimate, litter thickness). We determined their effects on Collembola community composition and life-form strategy (a proxy for vertical distribution in soil) in a European salt marsh. Soil cores were collected in grazed (compacted soil, under short and tall vegetation) and non-grazed areas (decompacted soil, under short and tall vegetation), their pore structure analysed using X-ray computed tomography, after which Collembola were extracted. Collembola species richness was lower in grazed sites, but abundances were not affected by soil compaction or vegetation height. Community composition differed between ungrazed sites with short vegetation and the other treatments, due to a greater dominance of epigeic Collembola and lower abundance of euedaphic species in this treatment. We found that the three co-occurring EEs and their interactions modify the physical environment of soil fauna, particularly through changes in soil porosity and availability of litter. This alters the relative abundance of Collembola life-forms, and thus the community composition within the soil. As Collembola are known to play a crucial role in decomposition processes, these compositional changes in litter and soil layers are expected to affect ecosystem processes and functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D G Lagendijk
- Section Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa.
| | - D Cueva-Arias
- Section Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A R Van Oosten
- Section Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M P Berg
- Section Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Conservation and Community Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Mégevand L, Theuerkauff D, L’Épine C, Hermet S, Corse E, L’Honoré T, Lignot JH, Sucré E. Diluted Seawater and Ammonia-N Tolerance of Two Mangrove Crab Species. New Insights to Understand the Vulnerability of Pristine Islands Ecosystems Organisms. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.839160] [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
Mangrove ecosystems are the primary receptors of anthropogenic pollution in tropical areas. Assessing the vulnerability of these ecosystems can be expressed, among other indicators, by studying the health of ‘ecosystem engineers’. In this study, mangrove forests facing opposing anthropogenic pressures were studied (i) in the uninhabited island of Europa (Mozambique Channel), considered as a pristine ecosystem, and, (ii) on the island of Mayotte, facing regular domestic wastewater discharges. Using an ecophysiological approach, the effects of diluted seawater (DSW) and increased ammonia-N were studied for two fiddler crab species: Gelasimus tetragonon (GT) on the island of Europa and Paraleptuca chlorophthalmus (PC) on the island of Mayotte. Osmoregulation curves and osmoregulatory capacity were determined along with O2 consumption rates after a 96 h exposure period. Histological analyses were also carried out on two important metabolic organs: the hepatopancreas and the posterior gills. Results indicate that both crab species are good hyper-hypo-osmoregulators but only PC can maintain its osmoregulatory capacity when exposed to ammonia-N. Oxygen consumption is increased in GT after 96 h of exposure to ammonia-N but this does not occur in PC. Finally, a thickening of the gill osmoregulatory epithelium was observed after 96 h in PC when exposed to ammonium but not in GT. Therefore, the two species do not have the same tolerance to DSW and increased ammonia-N. PC shows physiological acclimation capacities in order to better manage nitrogenous enrichments. GT did not show the same physiological plasticity when exposed to ammonia-N and could be more at risk by this kind of stress. These results along with those from other studies regarding the effects of domestic effluents on mangrove crabs are discussed. Therefore, the greater vulnerability of organisms occupying pristine ecosystems could induce major changes in mangrove functioning if crabs, that are engineer species of the ecosystem, are about to reduce their bioturbation activity or, even, disappear from the mangrove forests.
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Cameron H, Amor MD, Bellgrove A. Barriers to restoration: Pollution alters nurse effects for an ecosystem engineer. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Cameron
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Warrnambool Victoria Australia
- Centre for Geometric Biology School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Michael D. Amor
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria South Yarra Victoria Australia
- Department of Aquatic Zoology Western Australian Museum Welshpool Western Australia Australia
| | - Alecia Bellgrove
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Warrnambool Victoria Australia
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15
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Corenblit D, Corbara B, Steiger J. Biogeomorphological eco-evolutionary feedback between life and geomorphology: a theoretical framework using fossorial mammals. Naturwissenschaften 2021; 108:55. [PMID: 34661745 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-021-01760-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Engineer organisms not only adapt to pre-existing environmental conditions but also co-construct their physical environment. By doing so, they can subsequently change selection pressures for themselves and other species, as well as change community and ecosystem structures and functions. Focusing on one representative example, i.e., fossorial mammals, we show that geomorphological Earth system components are crucial for understanding and quantifying links between evolutionary and ecosystem dynamics and that feedbacks between geomorphology and engineer organisms constitute a major driver of geomorphological organization on the Earth's surface. We propose a biogeomorphological eco-evolutionary feedback synthesis from the gene to the landscape where eco-evolutionary feedbacks are mediated by the geomorphological dimensions of a niche that are affected by engineer organisms, such as fossorial mammals. Our concept encompasses (i) the initial responses of fossorial mammals to environmental constraints that enhance the evolution of their morphological and biomechanical traits for digging in the soil; (ii) specific adaptations of engineer fossorial mammals (morphological, biomechanical, physiological and behavioural feedback traits for living in burrows) to their constructed geomorphological environment; and (iii) ecological and evolutionary feedbacks diffusing at the community and ecological levels. Such a new perspective in geomorphology may lead to a better conceptualization and analysis of Earth surface processes and landforms as parts of complex adaptive systems in which Darwinian selection processes at lower landscape levels lead to self-organization of higher-level landforms and landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dov Corenblit
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, GEOLAB, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
- Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, 31062, Toulouse, France.
| | - Bruno Corbara
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LMGE, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Johannes Steiger
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, GEOLAB, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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16
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Holthuijzen AMA. Passive Restoration of a Small Mountain Stream in Eastern Oregon. NORTHWEST SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3955/046.095.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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17
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Wagner TC, Uiseb K, Fischer C. Rolling pits of Hartmann's mountain zebra ( Zebra equus hartmannae) increase vegetation diversity and landscape heterogeneity in the Pre-Namib. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:13036-13051. [PMID: 34646451 PMCID: PMC8495834 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsites created by soil-disturbing animals are important landscape elements in arid environments. In the Pre-Namib, dust-bathing behavior of the near-endemic Hartmann's mountain zebra creates unique rolling pits that persist in the landscape. However, the ecohydrological characteristics and the effects of those microsites on the vegetation and on organisms of higher trophic levels are still unknown. In our study, we characterized the soil grain size composition and infiltration properties of rolling pits and reference sites and recorded vegetation and arthropod assemblages during the rainy season of five consecutive years with different amounts of seasonal rainfall. We further used the excess green vegetation index derived from drone imagery to demonstrate the different green up and wilting of pits and references after a rainfall event. In contrast to the surrounding grassland, rolling pits had finer soil with higher nutrient content, collected runoff, showed a higher infiltration, and kept soil moisture longer. Vegetation in the rolling pits was denser, dominated by annual forbs and remained green for longer periods. The denser vegetation resulted in a slightly higher activity density of herbivorous arthropods, which in turn increased the activity density of omnivorous and predatory arthropods. In times of drought, the rolling pits could act as safe sites and refuges for forbs and arthropods. With their rolling pits, Hartmann's mountain zebras act as ecosystem engineers, contributing to the diversity of forb communities and heterogeneity of the landscape in the Pre-Namib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. Wagner
- Restoration EcologySchool of Life SciencesTechnische Universität MünchenFreisingGermany
| | - Kenneth Uiseb
- Directorate of Scientific ServicesNamibia Ministry of Environment, Forestry and TourismWindhoekNamibia
| | - Christina Fischer
- Restoration EcologySchool of Life SciencesTechnische Universität MünchenFreisingGermany
- Faunistics and Wildlife ConservationDepartment of Agriculture, Ecotrophology, and Landscape DevelopmentAnhalt University of Applied SciencesBernburgGermany
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18
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Beca G, Valentine LE, Galetti M, Hobbs RJ. Ecosystem roles and conservation status of bioturbator mammals. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Beca
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley WA6009Australia
| | - Leonie E. Valentine
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley WA6009Australia
| | - Mauro Galetti
- Department of Biology University of Miami Coral Gables FL33146USA
- Departamento de Ecologia Universidade Estadual Paulista Rio Claro SP13506‐900Brazil
| | - Richard J. Hobbs
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley WA6009Australia
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19
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Michael KH, Leonard SWJ, Decker O, Verdon SJ, Gibb H. Testing the effects of ecologically extinct mammals on vegetation in arid Australia: A long‐term experimental approach. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley H. Michael
- Department of Ecology Environment and Evolution and Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Steven W. J. Leonard
- Department of Ecology Environment and Evolution and Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
- Tasmania Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Orsolya Decker
- Department of Ecology Environment and Evolution and Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Simon J. Verdon
- Department of Ecology Environment and Evolution and Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Heloise Gibb
- Department of Ecology Environment and Evolution and Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
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20
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Charles GK, Riginos C, Veblen KE, Kimuyu DM, Young TP. Termite mound cover and abundance respond to herbivore-mediated biotic changes in a Kenyan savanna. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7226-7238. [PMID: 34188808 PMCID: PMC8216887 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7445] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Both termites and large mammalian herbivores (LMH) are savanna ecosystem engineers that have profound impacts on ecosystem structure and function. Both of these savanna engineers modulate many common and shared dietary resources such as woody and herbaceous plant biomass, yet few studies have addressed how they impact one another. In particular, it is unclear how herbivores may influence the abundance of long-lived termite mounds via changes in termite dietary resources such as woody and herbaceous biomass. While it has long been assumed that abundance and areal cover of termite mounds in the landscape remain relatively stable, most data are observational, and few experiments have tested how termite mound patterns may respond to biotic factors such as changes in large herbivore communities. Here, we use a broad tree density gradient and two landscape-scale experimental manipulations-the first a multi-guild large herbivore exclosure experiment (20 years after establishment) and the second a tree removal experiment (8 years after establishment)-to demonstrate that patterns in Odontotermes termite mound abundance and cover are unexpectedly dynamic. Termite mound abundance, but areal cover not significantly, is positively associated with experimentally controlled presence of cattle, but not wild mesoherbivores (15-1,000 kg) or megaherbivores (elephants and giraffes). Herbaceous productivity and tree density, termite dietary resources that are significantly affected by different LMH treatments, are both positive predictors of termite mound abundance. Experimental reductions of tree densities are associated with lower abundances of termite mounds. These results reveal a richly interacting web of relationships among multiple savanna ecosystem engineers and suggest that termite mound abundance and areal cover are intimately tied to herbivore-driven resource availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace K. Charles
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Mpala Research CentreNanyukiKenya
| | - Corinna Riginos
- Mpala Research CentreNanyukiKenya
- The Nature ConservancyLanderWyomingUSA
| | - Kari E. Veblen
- Mpala Research CentreNanyukiKenya
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology CenterUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
| | - Duncan M. Kimuyu
- Mpala Research CentreNanyukiKenya
- Department of Natural Resource ManagementKaratina UniversityKaratinaKenya
| | - Truman P. Young
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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21
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Lowney AM, Thomson RL. Ecological engineering across a temporal gradient: Sociable weaver colonies create year-round animal biodiversity hotspots. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2362-2376. [PMID: 34036578 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Animal distribution in a landscape depends mostly on the availability of resources. This can be facilitated by other species that have positive effects on local species diversity and impact community structure. Species that significantly change resource availability are often termed ecosystem engineers. Identifying these species is key but predicting where they have large or small impacts is an even greater challenge. The stress-gradient hypothesis predicts that the importance of facilitative interactions that shape community structure and function will increase in stressful and harsh environments. In most environments, conditions will fluctuate between harsh and benign periods, yet how the impacts of ecosystem engineers will change in different conditions has received little attention. Monitoring for extended periods will increase the understanding of how engineers may mitigate the extreme differences between changing seasons. We investigated the role of sociable weavers Philetairus socius as ecosystem engineers and examined how the association of species to weaver colonies may vary across a seasonal (temporal) gradient. Sociable weavers build large colonies that are home to hundreds of weaver individuals but also host a wide range of other animal species. We investigated the use of weaver colonies by terrestrial and arboreal vertebrates and birds throughout a calendar year, encompassing harsh and benign periods. We demonstrate that the presence of sociable weaver colonies creates centres of animal activity. Colonies were used by the local Kalahari animal community for foraging, shade, territorial behaviours and roosting sites. Furthermore, animal activity increased with increased primary productivity, but this was not restricted to weaver colonies, suggesting that the importance of colonies does not directionally change across environmental conditions. Our results were not consistent with predictions of the stress-gradient hypothesis across a temporal gradient. We demonstrate the importance of sociable weavers as ecological engineers and the significance of their colonies in structuring the surrounding animal community. Colonies appear to provide a range of different resources for different species. Sociable weaver colonies have large ecological importance to local animal communities and, by mitigating environmental stress, may be increasingly important as human-driven climate change advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Lowney
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Robert L Thomson
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
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22
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Kemp JE, Jensen R, Hall ML, Roshier DA, Kanowski J. Consequences of the reintroduction of regionally extinct mammals for vegetation composition and structure at two established reintroduction sites in semi‐arid Australia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette E. Kemp
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy PO Box 8070 Subiaco East Western Australia6008Australia
| | - Rigel Jensen
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy PO Box 8070 Subiaco East Western Australia6008Australia
| | - Michelle L. Hall
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy PO Box 8070 Subiaco East Western Australia6008Australia
- Bush Heritage Australia Melbourne VictoriaAustralia
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - David A. Roshier
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy PO Box 8070 Subiaco East Western Australia6008Australia
| | - John Kanowski
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy PO Box 8070 Subiaco East Western Australia6008Australia
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23
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Wang D, Nkurunziza V, Barber NA, Zhu H, Wang J. Introduced ecological engineers drive behavioral changes of grasshoppers, consequently linking to its abundance in two grassland plant communities. Oecologia 2021; 195:1007-1018. [PMID: 33625579 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04880-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduced ecosystem engineers are expected to have extensive ecological impacts on a broad range of resident biota by altering the physical-chemical structure of ecosystems. Livestock that are potentially important introduced ecosystem engineers in grassland systems could create and/or modify habitats for native plant-dwelling insects. Yet, there is little knowledge of how insects respond to engineering effects of introduced livestock. To bridge this gap, we tested how domestic sheep affects the behavior and abundance of a native grasshopper Euchorthippus unicolor at both low (11.8 ± 0.4 plant species per plot) and high (19.8 ± 0.5 plant species per plot) diversity sites. Results found grasshoppers shifted their resting and feeding locations from the upper to the intermediate or low layers of vegetation, and fed on more plants species following livestock engineering effects. In the low plant diversity habitats, grazing caused grasshoppers to increase switching frequency, spend more time searching for host plants, and reduce time spent feeding, but had opposite effects on all the three behaviors in the high-diversity habitats. Moreover, grazing engineering effects on behavioral changes of grasshoppers were potentially related to their abundance. Overall, this study highlights native insect species' behavior and abundance in responses to introduced ecological engineers, and suggests that ecosystem engineers of non-native species have strong and important impacts extending beyond their often most obvious and frequently documented direct ecological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deli Wang
- Institute of Grassland Science/School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
| | - Venuste Nkurunziza
- Institute of Grassland Science/School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
| | - Nicholas A Barber
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Hui Zhu
- Institute of Grassland Science/School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China.
| | - Jingting Wang
- Institute of Grassland Science/School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
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24
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Hinde K, Amorim CEG, Brokaw AF, Burt N, Casillas MC, Chen A, Chestnut T, Connors PK, Dasari M, Ditelberg CF, Dietrick J, Drew J, Durgavich L, Easterling B, Henning C, Hilborn A, Karlsson EK, Kissel M, Kobylecky J, Krell J, Lee DN, Lesciotto KM, Lewton KL, Light JE, Martin J, Murphy A, Nickley W, Núñez-de la Mora A, Pellicer O, Pellicer V, Perry AM, Schuttler SG, Stone AC, Tanis B, Weber J, Wilson M, Willcocks E, Anderson CN. March Mammal Madness and the power of narrative in science outreach. eLife 2021; 10:e65066. [PMID: 33616530 PMCID: PMC7899649 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
March Mammal Madness is a science outreach project that, over the course of several weeks in March, reaches hundreds of thousands of people in the United States every year. We combine four approaches to science outreach - gamification, social media platforms, community event(s), and creative products - to run a simulated tournament in which 64 animals compete to become the tournament champion. While the encounters between the animals are hypothetical, the outcomes rely on empirical evidence from the scientific literature. Players select their favored combatants beforehand, and during the tournament scientists translate the academic literature into gripping "play-by-play" narration on social media. To date ~1100 scholarly works, covering almost 400 taxa, have been transformed into science stories. March Mammal Madness is most typically used by high-school educators teaching life sciences, and we estimate that our materials reached ~1% of high-school students in the United States in 2019. Here we document the intentional design, public engagement, and magnitude of reach of the project. We further explain how human psychological and cognitive adaptations for shared experiences, social learning, narrative, and imagery contribute to the widespread use of March Mammal Madness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Hinde
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, the Center for Evolution and Medicine, and the School of Sustainability, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Carlos Eduardo G Amorim
- Department of Biology, California State University NorthridgeNorthridgeUnited States
- Department of Computational Biology, University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Alyson F Brokaw
- Interdisciplinary Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, Texas A&M UniversityCollege StationUnited States
| | - Nicole Burt
- Department of Human Health and Evolutionary Medicine, Cleveland Museum of Natural HistoryClevelandUnited States
| | | | - Albert Chen
- Milner Centre for Evolution, University of BathBathUnited Kingdom
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Tara Chestnut
- National Park ServiceMount Rainier National ParkUnited States
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Patrice K Connors
- Department of Biological Sciences, Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand JunctionUnited States
| | - Mauna Dasari
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre DameNotre DameUnited States
| | | | | | - Josh Drew
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural HistorySyracuseUnited States
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and ForestrySyracuseUnited States
| | - Lara Durgavich
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Anthropology, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Anthropology, Tufts UniversityMedfordUnited States
| | | | | | - Anne Hilborn
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California RiversideRiversideUnited States
| | - Elinor K Karlsson
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Marc Kissel
- Department of Anthropology, Appalachian State UniversityBooneUnited States
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre DameNotre DameUnited States
| | | | - Jason Krell
- Center for Science and Imagination, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | - Danielle N Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsvilleUnited States
| | - Kate M Lesciotto
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsvilleUnited States
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State UniversityState CollegeUnited States
| | - Kristi L Lewton
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Mammalogy, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles CountyLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of MedicineBostonUnited States
| | - Jessica E Light
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, the Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, and the Interdisciplinary Program in Ecology and Evolution, Texas A&M UniversityCollege StationUnited States
| | - Jessica Martin
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | - Asia Murphy
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkUnited States
| | - William Nickley
- Department of Design, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusUnited States
| | | | | | | | - Anali Maughan Perry
- Engagement & Learning Services, ASU Library, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | | | - Anne C Stone
- Human Evolution and Social Change, the Center for Evolution, and Medicine, and the Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | - Brian Tanis
- Department of Biology, Oregon State University-CascadesBendUnited States
| | - Jesse Weber
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Melissa Wilson
- School of Life Sciences and the Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | - Emma Willcocks
- Department of Biology, Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
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Paz C, Öpik M, Bulascoschi L, Bueno CG, Galetti M. Dispersal of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: Evidence and Insights for Ecological Studies. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 81:283-292. [PMID: 32920663 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-020-01582-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dispersal is a critical ecological process that modulates gene flow and contributes to the maintenance of genetic and taxonomic diversity within ecosystems. Despite an increasing global understanding of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal diversity, distribution and prevalence in different biomes, we have largely ignored the main dispersal mechanisms of these organisms. To provide a geographical and scientific overview of the available data, we systematically searched for the direct evidence on the AM fungal dispersal agents (abiotic and biotic) and different propagule types (i.e. spores, extraradical hyphae or colonized root fragments). We show that the available data (37 articles) on AM fungal dispersal originates mostly from North America, from temperate ecosystems, from biotic dispersal agents (small mammals) and AM fungal spores as propagule type. Much lesser evidence exists from South American, Asian and African tropical systems and other dispersers such as large-bodied birds and mammals and non-spore propagule types. We did not find strong evidence that spore size varies across dispersal agents, but wind and large animals seem to be more efficient dispersers. However, the data is still too scarce to draw firm conclusions from this finding. We further discuss and propose critical research questions and potential approaches to advance the understanding of the ecology of AM fungi dispersal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Paz
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Av 24A 1515, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil.
- Department of Botany, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40 Street, 51005, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Maarja Öpik
- Department of Botany, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40 Street, 51005, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Leticia Bulascoschi
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Av 24A 1515, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - C Guillermo Bueno
- Department of Botany, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40 Street, 51005, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mauro Galetti
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Av 24A 1515, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Miami, FL, 33146, USA
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Maisey AC, Haslem A, Leonard SWJ, Bennett AF. Foraging by an avian ecosystem engineer extensively modifies the litter and soil layer in forest ecosystems. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02219. [PMID: 32810887 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2219] [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: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem engineers physically modify their environment, thereby altering habitats for other organisms. Increasingly, "engineers" are recognized as an important focus for conservation and ecological restoration because their actions affect a range of ecosystem processes and thereby influence how ecosystems function. The Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae is proposed as an ecosystem engineer in forests of southeastern Australia due to the volume of soil and litter it turns over when foraging. We measured the seasonal and spatial patterns of foraging by Lyrebirds and the amount of soil displaced in forests in the Central Highlands, Victoria. We tested the effects of foraging on litter, soil nutrients and soil physical properties by using an experimental approach with three treatments: Lyrebird exclusion, Lyrebird exclusion with simulated foraging, and non-exclusion reference plots. Treatments were replicated in three forest types in each of three forest blocks. Lyrebirds foraged extensively in all forest types in all seasons. On average, Lyrebirds displaced 155.7 Mg/ha of litter and soil in a 12-month period. Greater displacement occurred where vegetation complexity (<50 cm height) was low. After two years of Lyrebird exclusion, soil compaction (top 7.5 cm) increased by 37% in exclusion plots compared with baseline measures, while in unfenced plots it decreased by 22%. Litter depth was almost three times greater in fenced than unfenced plots. Soil moisture, pH, and soil nutrients showed no difference between treatments. The enormous extent of litter and soil turned over by the Superb Lyrebird is unparalleled by any other vertebrate soil engineer in terrestrial ecosystems globally. The profound influence of such foraging activity on forest ecosystems is magnified by its year-round pattern and widespread distribution. The disturbance regime that Lyrebirds impose has implications for diverse ecosystem processes including decomposition and nutrient cycling, the composition of litter- and soil-dwelling invertebrate communities, the shaping of ground-layer vegetation patterns, and fire behavior and post-fire ecosystem recovery. Maintaining Lyrebird populations as a key facilitator of ecosystem function is now timely and critical as unprecedented wildfires in eastern Australia in summer 2019-2020 have severely burned ~12 million ha of forest, including ~30% of the geographic range of the Superb Lyrebird.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex C Maisey
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angie Haslem
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven W J Leonard
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, 7001, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andrew F Bennett
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
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Doody JS, Soennichsen KF, James H, McHenry C, Clulow S. Ecosystem engineering by deep-nesting monitor lizards. Ecology 2020; 102:e03271. [PMID: 33336357 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Sean Doody
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida-St. Petersburg Campus, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701, USA
| | - Kari F Soennichsen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Hugh James
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Colin McHenry
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Simon Clulow
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.,Department of Environmental Science and Management, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
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28
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Walker JB, Rinehart SA, White WK, Grosholz ED, Long JD. Local and regional variation in effects of burrowing crabs on plant community structure. Ecology 2020; 102:e03244. [PMID: 33191507 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Burrowing animals can profoundly influence the structure of surrounding communities, as well as the performance of individual species. Changes in the community structure of burrowing animals or plants together with changing abiotic parameters could shift the influence of burrowers on surrounding habitats. For example, prior studies in salt marshes suggest that fiddler crabs stimulate cordgrass production, but leaf-grazing crabs suppress cordgrass production. Unfortunately, testing this prediction and others are impeded because few studies have examined crab impacts on the plant community and across multiple sites, multiple years, or both. This challenges our ability to predict how burrowing animals will influence plant community structure, and when and where these impacts will occur. We manipulated the densities of the dominant burrowing crabs in plant assemblages dominated by Pacific cordgrass (Spartina foliosa) and perennial pickleweed (Sarcocornia pacifica) at three sites in southern California for three years (2016, 2017, 2018). Crab impacts on plant community structure differed among each of our three sites. In contrast to our predictions, (1) leaf-grazing crabs (Pachygrapsus crassipes) had positive effects on cordgrass cover at one site and no effect on cordgrass production at a nearby site in the same marsh and (2) fiddler crabs (Uca crenulata) did not stimulate cordgrass production at another marsh. Because crabs affected traits of cordgrass, but not pickleweed, in the direction consistent with changes in cordgrass cover, we propose that marsh-specific crab effects on community structure were largely mediated through changes in cordgrass, as opposed to pickleweed. Importantly, crabs facilitated cordgrass during marsh-wide cordgrass loss, suggesting that crabs may mitigate environmental stress for this ecologically important plant. Because cordgrass abundance can be a critical measure of marsh functioning and is often a restoration target, we suggest that managing cordgrass populations would benefit from additional information about crab populations and their impacts among years, and among and within marshes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet B Walker
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, California, 92182, USA.,Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Shelby A Rinehart
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91905, Israel
| | - Wendi K White
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, California, 92182, USA
| | - Edwin D Grosholz
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Jeremy D Long
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, California, 92182, USA
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29
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Gibb H, Silvey CJ, Robinson C, L'Hotellier FA, Eldridge DJ. Experimental evidence for ecological cascades following threatened mammal reintroduction. Ecology 2020; 102:e03191. [PMID: 32892373 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Species extinction has reached unprecedented rates globally, and can cause unexpected ecological cascades. Since Europeans arrived in Australia, many endemic mammals have declined or become extinct, but their ecological roles and outcomes of their reintroduction for ecosystems are poorly understood. Using surveys and novel long-term exclusion and disturbance experiments, we tested how digging mammal reintroduction affects predatory invertebrates. Mammal exclusion tended to decrease bare ground. Although scorpion burrow abundance increased with bare ground, mammals also had direct negative effects on scorpions. Increased disturbance alone decreased scorpion abundance, but other mechanisms, such as predation, also contributed to the mammal effect. Despite negative associations between scorpions and spiders, both groups increased and spider composition changed following mammal exclusion. Our long-term research showed that threatened digging mammals drive ecosystem cascades, affecting biota through a variety of pathways. Reintroductions of locally extinct digging mammals can restore ecosystems, but ecosystem cascades may lead to unexpected restructuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloise Gibb
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia.,Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Colin J Silvey
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Chloe Robinson
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | | | - David J Eldridge
- Office of Environment and Heritage, C/O Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
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30
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De Almeida T, Mesléard F, Santonja M, Gros R, Dutoit T, Blight O. Above- and below-ground effects of an ecosystem engineer ant in Mediterranean dry grasslands. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201840. [PMID: 32962550 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Within a local assemblage, ecosystem engineers can have major impacts on population dynamics, community composition and ecosystem functions by transforming or creating new habitats. They act as an ecological filter altering community composition through a set of environmental variables. The impact of ants on their environment has been widely studied, but their multi-component effects (both trophic and non-trophic) have been rarely addressed. We investigated the roles of Messor barbarus, one of the commonest harvester ant species in south-western European Mediterranean grasslands. We analysed soil physico-chemical parameters, above-ground vegetation (e.g. species richness, plant community, micro-local heterogeneity, plant biomass) and above- and below-ground fauna (macrofauna, Collembola, Acari and nematodes). A clear and strong local impact of M. barbarus on soil, vegetation and fauna compartments emerges. The environmental filter is altered by modifications to soil physico-chemical properties, and the biotic filter by changes to plant communities and altered above- and below-ground fauna abundance, occurrence and community structure. The engineering activity of M. barbarus affects not only these separate ecosystem components but also the trophic and non-trophic relationships between them. By altering ecological filters at a local scale, M. barbarus creates habitat heterogeneity that may in turn increase ecological niches in these highly diverse ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- T De Almeida
- Avignon Université, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Avignon, France.,Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles, France
| | - F Mesléard
- Avignon Université, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Avignon, France.,Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles, France
| | - M Santonja
- Avignon Université, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Avignon, France
| | - R Gros
- Avignon Université, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Avignon, France
| | - T Dutoit
- Avignon Université, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Avignon, France
| | - O Blight
- Avignon Université, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Avignon, France
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31
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Foster CN, Banks SC, Cary GJ, Johnson CN, Lindenmayer DB, Valentine LE. Animals as Agents in Fire Regimes. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:346-356. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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32
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Somaweera R, Nifong J, Rosenblatt A, Brien ML, Combrink X, Elsey RM, Grigg G, Magnusson WE, Mazzotti FJ, Pearcy A, Platt SG, Shirley MH, Tellez M, Ploeg J, Webb G, Whitaker R, Webber BL. The ecological importance of crocodylians: towards evidence‐based justification for their conservation. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:936-959. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruchira Somaweera
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity Floreat WA 6014 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - James Nifong
- IFAS‐Fort Lauderdale Research & Education Center, University of Florida Fort Lauderdale FL 33314 USA
| | - Adam Rosenblatt
- University of North Florida 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville FL 32224 USA
| | - Mathew L. Brien
- Queensland Parks and WildlifeDepartment of Environment and Science Cairns QLD 4870 Australia
| | - Xander Combrink
- Department of Nature ConservationTshwane University of Technology Pretoria South Africa
| | - Ruth M. Elsey
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Grand Chenier LA 70643 USA
| | - Gordon Grigg
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Queensland St Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - William E. Magnusson
- Coordenação da Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional da Pesquisas da Amazônia Manaus 69067 Brazil
| | - Frank J. Mazzotti
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and ConservationEverglades Research and Education Center, University of Florida Gainesville FL 32603 USA
| | - Ashley Pearcy
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of BioScienceAarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Steven G. Platt
- Wildlife Conservation Society ‐ Myanmar Program Yangon Myanmar
| | - Matthew H. Shirley
- Tropical Conservation InstituteFlorida International University Miami FL 33181 USA
| | | | - Jan Ploeg
- Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Grahame Webb
- Wildlife Management International Karama NT 0812 Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University Casuarina NT 0810 Australia
| | - Rom Whitaker
- The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust & Centre for Herpetology Mahabalipuram 603104 India
| | - Bruce L. Webber
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity Floreat WA 6014 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute Perth WA 6000 Australia
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33
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Rodrigues TF, Mantellatto AMB, Superina M, Chiarello AG. Ecosystem services provided by armadillos. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1-21. [PMID: 31448491 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Awareness of the natural ecological processes provided by organisms that benefit human well-being has significantly progressed towards the goal of making conservation a mainstream value. Identifying different services and the species that provide them is a vital first step for the management and maintenance of these so-called ecosystem services. Herein, we specifically address the armadillos, which play key functional roles in terrestrial ecosystems, including as ecosystem engineers, predators, and vectors of invertebrates and nutrients, although these roles have often been overlooked. Armadillos can control pests, disperse seeds, and be effective sentinels of potential disease outbreaks or bioindicators of environmental contaminants. They also supply important material (meat, medicines) and non-material (learning, inspiration) contributions all over the Americas. We identify key gaps in the understanding of ecosystem services provided by armadillos and areas for future research required to clarify their functional role in terrestrial ecosystems and the services they supply. Such information will produce powerful arguments for armadillo conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago F Rodrigues
- Applied Ecology Program, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, 13418-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline M B Mantellatto
- Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia, Campus Sosígenes Costa, Porto Seguro, 45810-000, BA, Brazil
| | - Mariella Superina
- Laboratorio de Medicina y Endocrinología de la Fauna Silvestre, IMBECU - CCT CONICET Mendoza, Mendoza, 5500, Argentina
| | - Adriano G Chiarello
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-901, SP, Brazil
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34
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Cross SL, Bateman PW, Cross AT. Restoration goals: Why are fauna still overlooked in the process of recovering functioning ecosystems and what can be done about it? ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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35
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Digging mammal reintroductions reduce termite biomass and alter assemblage composition along an aridity gradient. Oecologia 2019; 191:645-656. [PMID: 31641862 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-019-04517-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Invasions can trigger cascades in ecological communities by altering species interactions. Following the introduction of cats and foxes into Australia, one tenth of Australia's terrestrial mammal species became extinct, due to predation, while many continue to decline. The broader consequences for Australian ecosystems are poorly understood. Soil-dwelling invertebrates are likely to be affected by the loss of fossorial native mammals, which are predators and disturbance agents. Using reintroductions as a model for ecosystems prior to species loss, we tested the hypothesis that mammal reintroduction leads to reduced vegetation cover and altered termite assemblages, including declines in abundance and biomass and changed species composition. We hypothesised that the magnitude of mammal reintroduction effects would diminish with increasing aridity, which affects resource availability. We compared six paired sites inside and outside three reintroduction sanctuaries across an aridity gradient. We sampled termite assemblages using soil trenches and measured habitat availability. Reintroductions were associated with increased bare ground and reduced vegetation, compared with controls. Aridity also had an underlying influence on vegetation cover by limiting water availability. Termite abundance and biomass were lower where mammals were reintroduced and the magnitude of this effect decreased with increasing aridity. Termite abundance was highest under wood, and soil-nesting wood-feeders were most affected inside sanctuaries. Ecological cascades resulting from exotic predator invasions are thus likely to have increased termite biomass and altered termite assemblages, but impacts may be lower in less-productive habitats. Our findings have implications for reserve carrying capacities and understanding of assemblage reconstruction following ecological cascades.
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36
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Nummi P, Liao W, Huet O, Scarpulla E, Sundell J. The beaver facilitates species richness and abundance of terrestrial and semi-aquatic mammals. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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37
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Ross CE, Munro NT, Barton PS, Evans MJ, Gillen J, Macdonald BCT, McIntyre S, Cunningham SA, Manning AD. Effects of digging by a native and introduced ecosystem engineer on soil physical and chemical properties in temperate grassy woodland. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7506. [PMID: 31497393 PMCID: PMC6710926 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Temperate grasslands and woodlands are the focus of extensive restoration efforts worldwide. Reintroduction of locally extinct soil-foraging and burrowing animals has been suggested as a means to restore soil function in these ecosystems. Yet little is known about the physical and chemical effects of digging on soil over time and how these effects differ between species of digging animal, vegetation types or ecosystems. We compared foraging pits of a native reintroduced marsupial, the eastern bettong (Bettongia gaimardi) and that of the exotic European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We simulated pits of these animals and measured pit dimensions and soil chemical properties over a period of 2 years. We showed that bettong and rabbit pits differed in their morphology and longevity, and that pits had a strong moderating effect on soil surface temperatures. Over 75% of the simulated pits were still visible after 2 years, and bettong pits infilled faster than rabbit pits. Bettong pits reduced diurnal temperature range by up to 25 °C compared to the soil surface. We did not find any effects of digging on soil chemistry that were consistent across vegetation types, between bettong and rabbit pits, and with time since digging, which is contrary to studies conducted in arid biomes. Our findings show that animal foraging pits in temperate ecosystems cause physical alteration of the soil surface and microclimatic conditions rather than nutrient changes often observed in arid areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Ross
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Nicola T Munro
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Maldwyn J Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - John Gillen
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Sue McIntyre
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia.,CSIRO, Black Mountain, ACT, Australia
| | - Saul A Cunningham
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Adrian D Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
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38
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Barbosa M, Fernandes GW, Morris RJ. Interaction engineering: Non-trophic effects modify interactions in an insect galler community. J Anim Ecol 2019; 88:1168-1177. [PMID: 31106413 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Theory suggests that non-trophic interactions can be a major mechanism behind community stability and persistence, but community-level empirical data are scarce, particularly for effects on species interactions mediated through changes in the physical environment. Here, we explored how ecosystem engineering effects can feed back to the engineer, not only modulating the engineer's population density (node modulation) but also affecting its interactions with other species (link modulation). Gall induction can be viewed as ecosystem engineering since galls serve as habitat for other species. In a community-level field experiment, we generated treatments with reduced or elevated ecosystem engineering by removing or adding post-emergence galls to different plots of their host plant in the Brazilian Cerrado. We tested the effect of post-emergence galls on the galler, as well as on the galler-parasitoid and galler-aphid interactions. The manipulation of post-emergence galls had little effect on the galler-abundance and survivorship were not affected, and gall volume changed only slightly-but modified interactions involving the galler, parasitoid wasps and inquiline aphids. Aphid inquilines negatively affected density-dependent parasitism rates (interaction modification) likely by killing parasitised galling larvae. Post-emergence galls interfered with aphid inquilinism-likely by the provision of alternative habitat for aphids-and thus interfered with the negative effect of aphids on parasitism (modification of an interaction modification). This work is one of the few studies to demonstrate experimentally the role played by environment-mediated interaction modification at a community level in the field. Moreover, by manipulating a species' ecosystem engineering effect (post-emergence galls) instead of the species itself, we demonstrate the novel result that populations can be regulated by non-trophic effects initiated by their own activities that alter their interaction with other species. This reveals that indirect interactions mediated via the environment offer new pathways of feedback loops for population regulation. Our results indicate that interaction modification has the potential to be a key regulatory mechanism underlying interaction variation in nature, and play a major role in community structure, dynamics and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Barbosa
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Depto. de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - G Wilson Fernandes
- Depto. de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rebecca J Morris
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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39
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Brodie JF, Redford KH, Doak DF. Ecological Function Analysis: Incorporating Species Roles into Conservation. Trends Ecol Evol 2018; 33:840-850. [PMID: 30292431 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Effective conservation strategies must ensure that species remain not just extant, but able to maintain key roles in species interactions and in the maintenance of communities and ecosystems. Such ecological functions, however, have not been well incorporated into management or policy. We present a framework for quantifying ecological function that is complementary to population viability analysis (PVA) and that allows function to be integrated into strategic planning processes. Ecological function analysis (EFA) focuses on preventing secondary extinctions and maintaining ecosystem structure, biogeochemical processes, and resiliency. EFA can use a range of modeling approaches and, because most species interactions are relatively weak, EFA needs to be performed for relatively few species or functions, making it a realistic way to improve conservation management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jedediah F Brodie
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59802, USA; Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59802, USA.
| | - Kent H Redford
- Archipelago Consulting, Portland, ME 04112, USA; Department of Environmental Studies, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA; Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane 4222, Australia
| | - Daniel F Doak
- Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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40
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Valentine LE, Ruthrof KX, Fisher R, Hardy GESJ, Hobbs RJ, Fleming PA. Bioturbation by bandicoots facilitates seedling growth by altering soil properties. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie E. Valentine
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Katinka X. Ruthrof
- School of Veterinary and Life SciencesMurdoch University Perth WA Australia
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKings Park Science Kings Park WA Australia
| | - Rebecca Fisher
- Australian Institute of Marine Science and UWA Oceans Institute Crawley WA Australia
| | | | - Richard J. Hobbs
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
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