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Lloyd-Jones LR, Bravington MV, Armstrong KN, Lawrence E, Feutry P, Todd CM, Dorrestein A, Welbergen JA, Martin JM, Rose K, Hall J, Phalen DN, Peters I, Baylis SM, Macgregor NA, Westcott DA. Close-kin mark-recapture informs critically endangered terrestrial mammal status. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12512. [PMID: 37532795 PMCID: PMC10397353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38639-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable information on population size is fundamental to the management of threatened species. For wild species, mark-recapture methods are a cornerstone of abundance estimation. Here, we show the first application of the close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) method to a terrestrial species of high conservation value; the Christmas Island flying-fox (CIFF). The CIFF is the island's last remaining native terrestrial mammal and was recently listed as critically endangered. CKMR is a powerful tool for estimating the demographic parameters central to CIFF management and circumvents the complications arising from the species' cryptic nature, mobility, and difficult-to-survey habitat. To this end, we used genetic data from 450 CIFFs captured between 2015 and 2019 to detect kin pairs. We implemented a novel CKMR model that estimates sex-specific abundance, trend, and mortality and accommodates observations from the kin-pair distribution of male reproductive skew and mate persistence. CKMR estimated CIFF total adult female abundance to be approximately 2050 individuals (95% CI (950, 4300)). We showed that on average only 23% of the adult male population contributed to annual reproduction and strong evidence for between-year mate fidelity, an observation not previously quantified for a Pteropus species in the wild. Critically, our population estimates provide the most robust understanding of the status of this critically endangered population, informing immediate and future conservation initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke R Lloyd-Jones
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Data61, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Mark V Bravington
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Data61, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Kyle N Armstrong
- Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Emma Lawrence
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Data61, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Pierre Feutry
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Christopher M Todd
- The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, Australia
| | - Annabel Dorrestein
- The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin A Welbergen
- The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, Australia
| | - John M Martin
- The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, Australia
- Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - Jane Hall
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - David N Phalen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Isabel Peters
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Shane M Baylis
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Macgregor
- Parks Australia, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, Kent, UK
| | - David A Westcott
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Atherton, QLD, 4883, Australia
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2
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Oedin M, Brescia F, Vidal E, Millon A. Make flying-fox hunting sustainable again: Comparing expected demographic effectiveness and hunters' acceptance of more restrictive regulations. AMBIO 2022; 51:1078-1089. [PMID: 34628603 PMCID: PMC8847530 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01630-x] [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: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hunting is a major threat to many species of wildlife. However, managing hunting systems to ensure their sustainability requires a thorough demographic knowledge about the impact of hunting. Here we develop a framework integrating ecological, modelling and sociological data to achieve a sustainability assessment of flying-fox hunting in New Caledonia and assess the relative merits of alternative management policies. Using age-specific stochastic population models, we found that the current annual hunting rate [5.5-8.5%] is likely to lead to a severe decline (- 79%) of Pteropus populations over the next 30 years. However, a majority of hunters surveyed (60%) were willing to soften their practices, offering an opportunity for adaptive management. Recurrent temporary hunting ban (at least 1 year out of 2) in combination with protected areas (≥ 25%) appears as the most effective and most accepted management option. Our integrative approach appears to be a promising method for ensuring that traditional hunting systems can remain sustainable in a rapidly changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Oedin
- Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien (IAC), Equipe ARBOREAL (AgricultuRe BiOdiveRsité Et vALorisation), Port-Laguerre, BP 73, 98890 Païta, New Caledonia
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Centre IRD Nouméa - BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Bât. Villemin, Technopôle Arbois-Méditerranée, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Fabrice Brescia
- Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien (IAC), Equipe ARBOREAL (AgricultuRe BiOdiveRsité Et vALorisation), Port-Laguerre, BP 73, 98890 Païta, New Caledonia
| | - Eric Vidal
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Centre IRD Nouméa - BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
- UMR Entropie (IRD, Université de La Réunion, CNRS), Labex-Corail, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 101 Promenade R. Laroque, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - Alexandre Millon
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Bât. Villemin, Technopôle Arbois-Méditerranée, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France
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3
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Lee CY, Yang CCS. Biology, Ecology, and Management of the Invasive Longlegged Ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 67:43-63. [PMID: 34587457 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-033121-102332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The longlegged ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) is one of the most damaging invasive tramp ants globally. It is generally found between latitudes 27°N and 27°S in Asia, although it has been introduced to other continents. Its native range remains debatable, but it is believed to be in Southeast Asia. Anoplolepis gracilipes invasion has many serious ecological consequences, especially for native invertebrate, vertebrate, and plant communities, altering ecosystem dynamics and functions. We examine and synthesize the literature about this species' origin and distribution, impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, biology and ecology, chemical control, and potential biocontrol agents. We highlight emerging research needs on the origin and invasion history of this species, its reproductive mode, its relationship with myrmecophiles, and its host-microbial interactions, and we discuss future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chow-Yang Lee
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA;
| | - Chin-Cheng Scotty Yang
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA;
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An insight into the quality of sacred groves – an island habitat – using leaf-litter ants as an indicator in a context of urbanization. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467421000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSacred groves (SGs) of India are islets of forests providing ecosystem and spiritual services to man. Studies suggest that SGs are deteriorating on their quality due to urbanization, invasive species, land-use change, and religious modernization. We explored diversity, community, and abundance of overall and different functional groups of litter ants, including Anoplolepis gracilipes – an invasive ant – on paired SG-neighbouring home garden (HG) sites in rural and urban landscape to (a) assess the quality of SGs and (b) examine whether the variation in ant community of the two habitats was predicted by urbanization and abundance of A. gracilipes. We considered species and local contribution to β-diversity to identify species and sites crucial for conservation of sites. Abundance and richness of overall ants, proportional trap incidence of species, and abundance of A. gracilipes were similar on SG and HG, but species diversity and abundance of certain ant functional groups were higher on SG. Ant community of SG was different from HG, but was not affected by urbanization. A. gracilipes and rural SGs contributed the most to β diversity. A. gracilipes gave little pressure on native ant community. The study concludes that SGs, despite invaded by A. gracilipes, have potential for conserving biodiversity.
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Aziz SA, McConkey KR, Tanalgo K, Sritongchuay T, Low MR, Yong JY, Mildenstein TL, Nuevo-Diego CE, Lim VC, Racey PA. The Critical Importance of Old World Fruit Bats for Healthy Ecosystems and Economies. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.641411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive documentation of the ecological and economic importance of Old World fruit bats (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) and the many threats they face from humans, negative attitudes towards pteropodids have persisted, fuelled by perceptions of bats as being pests and undesirable neighbours. Such long-term negativity towards bats is now further exacerbated by more recent disease-related concerns, particularly associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic. There remains an urgent need to investigate and highlight the positive and beneficial aspects of bats across the Old World. While previous reviews have summarised these extensively, numerous new studies conducted over the last 36 years have provided further valuable data and insights which warrant an updated review. Here we synthesise research on pteropodid-plant interactions, comprising diet, ecological roles, and ecosystem services, conducted during 1985-2020. We uncovered a total of 311 studies covering 75 out of the known 201 pteropodid species (37%), conducted in 47 countries. The majority of studies documented diet (52% of all studies; 67 pteropodid species), followed by foraging movement (49%; 50 pteropodid species), with fewer studies directly investigating the roles played by pteropodids in seed dispersal (24%; 41 pteropodid species), pollination (14%; 19 pteropodid species), and conflict with fruit growers (12%; 11 pteropodid species). Pteropodids were recorded feeding on 1072 plant species from 493 genera and 148 families, with fruits comprising the majority of plant parts consumed, followed by flowers/nectar/pollen, leaves, and other miscellaneous parts. Sixteen pteropodid species have been confirmed to act as pollinators for a total of 21 plant species, and 29 pteropodid species have been confirmed to act as seed dispersers for a total of 311 plant species. Anthropogenic threats disrupting bat-plant interactions in the Old World include hunting, direct persecution, habitat loss/disturbance, invasive species, and climate change, leading to ecosystem-level repercussions. We identify notable research gaps and important research priorities to support conservation action for pteropodids.
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Oedin M, Brescia F, Millon A, Murphy BP, Palmas P, Woinarski JC, Vidal E. Cats
Felis catus
as a threat to bats worldwide: a review of the evidence. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Malik Oedin
- Institut Agronomique Néo‐Calédonien (IAC) Equipe ARBOREAL (AgricultuRe BiOdiveRsité Et vALorisation) BP 73, Portlaguerre Païta Province Sud98890New Caledonia
- Aix Marseille Université Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE) CNRS, IRD Avignon Université Technopôle Arbois‐Méditerranée, Bât. Villemin, BP 80 Aix‐en‐Provence Aix en Provence13090France
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE) CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Centre IRD Nouméa ‐ BPA5 Aix Marseille Université Nouméa Cedex98848Nouvelle‐Calédonie
| | - Fabrice Brescia
- Institut Agronomique Néo‐Calédonien (IAC) Equipe ARBOREAL (AgricultuRe BiOdiveRsité Et vALorisation) BP 73, Portlaguerre Païta Province Sud98890New Caledonia
| | - Alexandre Millon
- Aix Marseille Université Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE) CNRS, IRD Avignon Université Technopôle Arbois‐Méditerranée, Bât. Villemin, BP 80 Aix‐en‐Provence Aix en Provence13090France
| | - Brett P. Murphy
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina NT0909Australia
| | - Pauline Palmas
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE) CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Centre IRD Nouméa ‐ BPA5 Aix Marseille Université Nouméa Cedex98848Nouvelle‐Calédonie
- Université de la Polynésie Française Ifremer, ILM, IRD, EIO UMR 241, BP 52998713 Papeete Faaa98702Polynésie Française
| | - John C.Z. Woinarski
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina NT0909Australia
| | - Eric Vidal
- UMR ENTROPIE (IRD, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie, Ifremer) Centre IRD Nouméa ‐ BP A5 Cedex98848New Caledonia
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7
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Response behaviour of native lizards and invading wall lizard to interspecific scent: implications for invasion success. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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8
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Oedin M, Brescia F, Boissenin M, Vidal E, Cassan JJ, Hurlin JC, Millon A. Monitoring hunted species of cultural significance: Estimates of trends, population sizes and harvesting rates of flying-fox (Pteropus sp.) in New Caledonia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224466. [PMID: 31891573 PMCID: PMC6938311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing population trends and their underlying factors is critical to propose efficient conservation actions. This assessment can be particularly challenging when dealing with highly mobile, shy and nocturnal animals such as flying-foxes. Here we investigated the dynamics of hunted populations of Pteropus ornatus and P. tonganus in the Northern Province of New Caledonia. First, an ethno-ecological survey involving 219 local experts identified 494 flying-fox roosts. Current status was assessed for 379 of them, among which 125 were no longer occupied, representing a loss of 33% over ca. 40 years. Second, species-specific counts conducted at 35 roosts, and a sample of animals killed by hunters, revealed that the endemic species, P. ornatus, was dominant (68.5%). Between 2010 and 2016, 30 roosts were counted annually during the pre-parturition period. Roosts size averaged 1,425 ± 2,151 individuals (N = 180 counts) and showed high among-year variations (roost-specific CV = 37-162%). If we recorded significant inter-annual variation, we did not detect a significant decline over the 7-yr period, although one roost went possibly extinct. Population size of the two species combined was estimated at 338,000-859,000 individuals distributed over ca. 400 roosts in the Northern Province. Flying-foxes are popular game species and constitute traditional food for all communities of New Caledonia. Annual bags derived from a food survey allowed us to estimate harvesting rates at 5-14%. Such a level of harvesting for species with a 'slow' demography, the occurrence of poaching and illegal trade, suggest the current species use might not be sustainable and further investigations are critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Oedin
- Institut Agronomique Néo-Calédonien (IAC), Equipe ARBOREAL (AgricultuRe BiOdiveRsité Et vALorisation) BP, Païta, Nouvelle-Calédonie
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Centre IRD Nouméa, Nouvelle-Calédonie
| | - Fabrice Brescia
- Institut Agronomique Néo-Calédonien (IAC), Equipe ARBOREAL (AgricultuRe BiOdiveRsité Et vALorisation) BP, Païta, Nouvelle-Calédonie
| | - Mélanie Boissenin
- Institut Agronomique Néo-Calédonien (IAC), Equipe ARBOREAL (AgricultuRe BiOdiveRsité Et vALorisation) BP, Païta, Nouvelle-Calédonie
| | - Eric Vidal
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Centre IRD Nouméa, Nouvelle-Calédonie
- UMR Entropie (IRD, Université de La Réunion, CNRS), Labex-Corail, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Nouvelle-Calédonie
| | - Jean-Jérôme Cassan
- Province Nord, Direction du Développement Economique et de l’Environnement, Service impact environnemental et conservation (DDEE), Service impact environnemental & conservation, Koné, Nouvelle-Calédonie
| | - Jean-Claude Hurlin
- Institut Agronomique Néo-Calédonien (IAC), Equipe ARBOREAL (AgricultuRe BiOdiveRsité Et vALorisation) BP, Païta, Nouvelle-Calédonie
| | - Alexandre Millon
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Technopôle Arbois-Méditerranée, Aix-en-Provence, France
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