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Gilbert NA, Kolbe SR, Eyster HN, Grinde AR. Can internal range structure predict range shifts? J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 39221576 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14168] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Poleward and uphill range shifts are a common-but variable-response to climate change. We lack understanding regarding this interspecific variation; for example, functional traits show weak or mixed ability to predict range shifts. Characteristics of species' ranges may enhance prediction of range shifts. However, the explanatory power of many range characteristics-especially within-range abundance patterns-remains untested. Here, we introduce a hypothesis framework for predicting range-limit population trends and range shifts from the internal structure of the geographic range, specifically range edge hardness, defined as abundance within range edges relative to the whole range. The inertia hypothesis predicts that high edge abundance facilitates expansions along the leading range edge but creates inertia (either more individuals must disperse or perish) at the trailing range edge such that the trailing edge recedes slowly. In contrast, the limitation hypothesis suggests that hard range edges are the signature of strong limits (e.g. biotic interactions) that force faster contraction of the trailing edge but block expansions at the leading edge of the range. Using a long-term avian monitoring dataset from northern Minnesota, USA, we estimated population trends for 35 trailing-edge species and 18 leading-edge species and modelled their population trends as a function of range edge hardness derived from eBird data. We found limited evidence of associations between range edge hardness and range-limit population trends. Trailing-edge species with harder range edges were slightly more likely to be declining, demonstrating weak support for the limitation hypothesis. In contrast, leading-edge species with harder range edges were slightly more likely to be increasing, demonstrating weak support for the inertia hypothesis. These opposing results for the leading and trailing range edges might suggest that different mechanisms underpin range expansions and contractions, respectively. As data and state-of-the-art modelling efforts continue to proliferate, we will be ever better equipped to map abundance patterns within species' ranges, offering opportunities to anticipate range shifts through the lens of the geographic range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil A Gilbert
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen R Kolbe
- Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Harold N Eyster
- Department of Plant Biology and Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
- The Nature Conservancy, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Alexis R Grinde
- Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
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2
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Prescott SL. Planetary health: A new approach to healing the Anthropocene. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024:S1081-1206(24)00526-X. [PMID: 39173905 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch reflecting the large-scale impact of human activity on the Earth's natural systems. This era is also characterized by other significant threats to ecologic well-being that are less evident in the sedimentary records. Extensive environmental changes with industrialization and urbanization have also contributed to declining biodiversity and microbial dysbiosis in essential ecosystems-the original and foundational lifeforms that continue to sustain virtually all ecosystems today, including our own. These changes, along with numerous other social and ecologic disruptions at all scales are implicated in the rising rates of physical and mental ill-health, particularly the immune dysregulation and noncommunicable diseases that characterize the Anthropocene. This narrative review considers how urgent structural changes in how we live are essential to the future of human health and the flourishing of all life on Earth. It explores planetary health as a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field and social movement aimed at addressing these interconnected global challenges through integrated ecologic approaches. Planetary health considers not only the vital biophysical "planetary boundaries" required to support human flourishing, but also the upstream social, political, and economic ecosystems that support (or undermine) well-being at all scales. The value systems and the worldviews that have contributed to our global challenges are a central consideration in the planetary health agenda- emphasizing the imperative to address structural inequalities, injustices, and the social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of unrealized human potential. Promoting these inner assets is essential to human flourishing and fostering the cultural capacities necessary to ensure sustainable planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- Medical School, University of Western Australia; Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland; Planetary Health Network, Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland.
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3
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Clark M, Hamad HM, Andrews J, Hillis V, Mulder MB. Effects of perceptions of forest change and intergroup competition on community-based conservation behaviors. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14259. [PMID: 38571448 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14259] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Approximately one quarter of the earth's population directly harvests natural resources to meet their daily needs. These individuals are disproportionately required to alter their behaviors in response to increasing climatic variability and global biodiversity loss. Much of the ever-ambitious global conservation agenda relies on the voluntary uptake of conservation behaviors in such populations. Thus, it is critical to understand how such individuals perceive environmental change and use conservation practices as a tool to protect their well-being. We developed a participatory mapping activity to elicit spatially explicit perceptions of forest change and its drivers across 43 mangrove-dependent communities in Pemba, Tanzania. We administered this activity along with a questionnaire regarding conservation preferences and behaviors to 423 individuals across those 43 communities. We analyzed these data with a set of Bayesian hierarchical statistical models. Perceived cover loss in 50% of a community's mangrove area drove individuals to decrease proposed limits on fuelwood bundles from 2.74 (forest perceived as intact) to 2.37 if participants believed resultant gains in mangrove cover would not be stolen by outsiders. Conversely, individuals who believed their community mangrove forests were at high risk of theft loosened their proposed harvest limits from 1.26 to 2.75 bundles of fuelwood in response to the same perceived forest decline. High rates of intergroup competition and mangrove loss were thus driving a self-reinforcing increase in unsustainable harvesting preferences in community forests in this system. This finding demonstrates a mechanism by which increasing environmental decline may cause communities to forgo conservation practices, rather than adopt them, as is often assumed in much community-based conservation planning. However, we also found that when effective boundaries were present, individuals were willing to limit their own harvests to stem such perceived decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Clark
- Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Haji Masoud Hamad
- Department of Forestry, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Wete, Tanzania
| | - Jeffrey Andrews
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vicken Hillis
- Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Monique Borgerhoff Mulder
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Evolutionary Wing, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of bristol, Bristol, UK
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4
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Riva F, Koper N, Fahrig L. Overcoming confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1411-1424. [PMID: 38477434 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic habitat loss is widely recognized as a primary environmental concern. By contrast, debates on the effects of habitat fragmentation persist. To facilitate overcoming these debates, here we: (i) review the state of the literature on habitat fragmentation, finding widespread confusion and stigma; (ii) identify consequences of this for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management; and (iii) suggest ways in which research can move forward to resolve these problems. Confusion is evident from the 25 most-cited fragmentation articles published between 2017 and 2021. These articles use five distinct concepts of habitat fragmentation, only one of which clearly distinguishes habitat fragmentation from habitat area and other factors ('fragmentation per se'). Stigmatization is evident from our new findings that fragmentation papers are more charged with negative sentiments when compared to papers from other subfields in the environmental sciences, and that fragmentation papers with more negative sentiments are cited more. While most empirical studies of habitat fragmentation per se find neutral or positive effects on species and biodiversity outcomes, which implies that small habitat patches have a high cumulative value, confusion and stigma in reporting and discussing such results have led to suboptimal habitat protection policy. For example, government agencies, conservation organizations, and land trusts impose minimum habitat patch sizes on habitat protection. Given the high cumulative value of small patches, such policies mean that many opportunities for conservation are being missed. Our review highlights the importance of reducing confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research. To this end, we propose implementing study designs in which multiple sample landscapes are selected across independent gradients of habitat amount and fragmentation, measured as patch density. We show that such designs are possible for forest habitat across Earth's biomes. As such study designs are adopted, and as language becomes more precise, we expect that confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research will dissipate. We also expect important breakthroughs in understanding the situations where effects of habitat fragmentation per se are neutral, positive, or negative, and the reasons for these differences. Ultimately this will improve efficacy of area-based conservation policies, to the benefit of biodiversity and people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Riva
- Environmental Geography Department, Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1111, 1081, HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicola Koper
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, British Columbia, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Lenore Fahrig
- Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
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5
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Lamb CT, Williams S, Boutin S, Bridger M, Cichowski D, Cornhill K, DeMars C, Dickie M, Ernst B, Ford A, Gillingham MP, Greene L, Heard DC, Hebblewhite M, Hervieux D, Klaczek M, McLellan BN, McNay RS, Neufeld L, Nobert B, Nowak JJ, Pelletier A, Reid A, Roberts AM, Russell M, Seip D, Seip C, Shores C, Steenweg R, White S, Wittmer HU, Wong M, Zimmerman KL, Serrouya R. Effectiveness of population-based recovery actions for threatened southern mountain caribou. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024; 34:e2965. [PMID: 38629596 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2965] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Habitat loss is affecting many species, including the southern mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) population in western North America. Over the last half century, this threatened caribou population's range and abundance have dramatically contracted. An integrated population model was used to analyze 51 years (1973-2023) of demographic data from 40 southern mountain caribou subpopulations to assess the effectiveness of population-based recovery actions at increasing population growth. Reducing potential limiting factors on threatened caribou populations offered a rare opportunity to identify the causes of decline and assess methods of recovery. Southern mountain caribou abundance declined by 51% between 1991 and 2023, and 37% of subpopulations were functionally extirpated. Wolf reduction was the only recovery action that consistently increased population growth when applied in isolation, and combinations of wolf reductions with maternal penning or supplemental feeding provided rapid growth but were applied to only four subpopulations. As of 2023, recovery actions have increased the abundance of southern mountain caribou by 52%, compared to a simulation with no interventions. When predation pressure was reduced, rapid population growth was observed, even under contemporary climate change and high levels of habitat loss. Unless predation is reduced, caribou subpopulations will continue to be extirpated well before habitat conservation and restoration can become effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton T Lamb
- Wildlife Science Center, Biodiversity Pathways, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sara Williams
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Stan Boutin
- Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Bridger
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Kristina Cornhill
- Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Craig DeMars
- Wildlife Science Center, Biodiversity Pathways, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melanie Dickie
- Wildlife Science Center, Biodiversity Pathways, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bevan Ernst
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Adam Ford
- Wildlife Science Center, Biodiversity Pathways, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael P Gillingham
- Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laura Greene
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Douglas C Heard
- Tithonus Wildlife Research, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Dave Hervieux
- Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mike Klaczek
- Ministry of Forests, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bruce N McLellan
- International Union for the Conservation of Nature Bear Specialist Group, D'Arcy, British Columbia, Canada
| | - R Scott McNay
- Wildlife Infometrics Inc., Mackenzie, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Barry Nobert
- Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Agnès Pelletier
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aaron Reid
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Roberts
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mike Russell
- Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dale Seip
- Ministry of Environment, Government of British Columbia, Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Caroline Seip
- Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carolyn Shores
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robin Steenweg
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shane White
- Ministry of Forests, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Heiko U Wittmer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mark Wong
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kathryn L Zimmerman
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert Serrouya
- Wildlife Science Center, Biodiversity Pathways, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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6
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Fellner A, Bresgen N, Fefer M, Liu J, Plaetzer K. Fly into the light: eliminating Drosophila melanogaster with chlorophyllin-based Photodynamic Inactivation. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:1155-1166. [PMID: 38739325 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00583-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Fruit flies spoil crops in agricultural settings. As conventional pesticides may generate negative off-target effects on humans or the environment, existing treatment methods need eco-friendly and safe alternatives. Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) is based on the photosensitizer-mediated and light-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species in targets. We here explore the potential of PDI for the control of fruit fly pests. Drosophila melanogaster serves as well-established model organism in this study. Two distinct experimental approaches are presented: the feed assay, in which fruit flies are provided with sodium magnesium chlorophyllin (Chl, approved as food additive E140) along with sucrose (3%) as their food, and the spray assay, where the photosensitizer is sprayed onto the insects. We show that PDI based on Chl can induce moribundity rates of Drosophila melanogaster of more than 99% with 5 mM Chl and LED illumination (395 nm, 8 h incubation in the dark, radiant exposure 78.9 J/cm2) with the feed assay. If the radiant exposure is doubled to 157.8 J/cm2, 88% of insects are killed by PDI based on 1 mM Chl. The photoactive compound is also effective if presented on strawberries without addition of sucrose with somewhat lower moribundity (71% at 5 mM Chl). Spraying Chl onto insects is less effective than feeding the photosensitizer: 5 mM Chl resulted in 79.5% moribundity (drug to light interval 8 h, radiant exposure 78.9 J/cm2), but if 5 h of sun light (532 J/cm2) and overnight (14 h) dark incubation is used for activation of Chl, more than 95% of insects are killed. As conclusion, Chl serves as effective photoinsecticide against Drosophila melanogaster if a drug to light interval of 8 h is maintained. Feeding the photoactive compound together with sucrose is more effective than spraying it onto insects and increasing the radiant exposure allows for lowering the photosensitizer concentration. Photodynamic Inactivation might therefore represent an eco-friendly addition to the farmers armamentarium against (semi-transparent) insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fellner
- Laboratory of Photodynamic Inactivation of Microorganisms, Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Bresgen
- Workgroup Stress Physiology, Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Fefer
- Suncor AgroScience, 2489 North Sheridan Way, Mississauga, ON, L5K1A8, Canada
| | - Jun Liu
- Suncor AgroScience, 2489 North Sheridan Way, Mississauga, ON, L5K1A8, Canada
| | - Kristjan Plaetzer
- Laboratory of Photodynamic Inactivation of Microorganisms, Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, Salzburg, Austria.
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7
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Dickie M, Serrouya R, Becker M, DeMars C, Noonan MJ, Steenweg R, Boutin S, Ford AT. Habitat alteration or climate: What drives the densities of an invading ungulate? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17286. [PMID: 38660810 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic habitat alteration and climate change are two well-known contributors to biodiversity loss through changes to species distribution and abundance; yet, disentangling the effects of these two factors is often hindered by their inherent confound across both space and time. We leveraged a contrast in habitat alteration associated with the jurisdictional boundary between two Canadian provinces to evaluate the relative effects of spatial variation in habitat alteration and climate on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) densities. White-tailed deer are an invading ungulate across much of North America, whose expansion into Canada's boreal forest is implicated in the decline of boreal caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), a species listed as Threatened in Canada. We estimated white-tailed deer densities using 300 remote cameras across 12 replicated 50 km2 landscapes over 5 years. White-tailed deer densities were significantly lower in areas where winter severity was higher. For example, predicted deer densities declined from 1.83 to 0.35 deer/km2 when winter severity increased from the lowest value to the median value. There was a tendency for densities to increase with increasing habitat alteration; however, the magnitude of this effect was approximately half that of climate. Our findings suggest that climate is the primary driver of white-tailed deer populations; however, understanding the mechanisms underpinning this relationship requires further study of over-winter survival and fecundity. Long-term monitoring at the invasion front is needed to evaluate the drivers of abundance over time, particularly given the unpredictability of climate change and increasing prevalence of extreme weather events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Dickie
- Wildlife Science Centre, Biodiversity Pathways, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert Serrouya
- Wildlife Science Centre, Biodiversity Pathways, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marcus Becker
- Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Craig DeMars
- Wildlife Science Centre, Biodiversity Pathways, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael J Noonan
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Okanagan Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Math, Physics, and Statistics, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robin Steenweg
- Canadian Wildlife Service - Pacific Region, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stan Boutin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Adam T Ford
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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8
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Siddique MT, García Molinos J. Risk from future climate change to Pakistan's protected area network: A composite analysis for hotspot identification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:169948. [PMID: 38211866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169948] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
As climate change becomes a primary driver of global ecosystem deterioration and biodiversity loss, protected areas (PAs) are posed to play a crucial conservation role. At a global scale, 17 % of land is currently covered by PAs; a figure expected to reach 30 % by 2030 under the UN post-2020 global biodiversity framework. However, focusing only on the percent coverage of PAs without assessing their efficacy may not accomplish the intended conservation goals. Here, we present the first assessment of the risk from climate change to existing PAs and non-protected lands across Pakistan by combining data on the local exposure and vulnerability of 409 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians to multidimensional changes in climate by mid (2040-2060) and late (2061-2080) century under two climate emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). We find that between 7 % (2050 RCP4.5) and 19 % (2080 RCP8.5) of the current network of PAs, mostly located in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country, are projected to be under future extreme risk (i.e., highly exposed areas containing highly vulnerable communities). Importantly, hotspots of risk within these PAs are projected to significantly expand over time and with increasing severity of the scenario. In contrast, PAs in the northern part of the country are projected to remain under moderate to low risk. Results are subject to variability across the country reflecting interesting differences in climate change exposure and species vulnerability between protected and non-protected lands. Importantly, significantly lower level of risks from future climate change are projected for PAs than non-protected lands across emission scenarios and periods suggesting potential candidate areas for the future expansion of the country's PA network. Our analysis provides novel insights that can help inform conservation decisions and management at a time when the country is investing in ambitious efforts to expand its network of protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Taimur Siddique
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, N10W5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan 060-0810
| | - Jorge García Molinos
- Arctic Research Center, Hokkaido University, N21W11, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan 001-0021.
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9
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Iwińska K, Wirowska M, Borowski Z, Boratyński Z, Solecki P, Ciesielski M, Boratyński JS. Energy allocation is revealed while behavioural performance persists after fire disturbance. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247114. [PMID: 38323432 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic physiology and animal behaviour are often considered to be linked, positively or negatively, according to either the performance or allocation models. Performance seems to predominate over allocation in natural systems, but the constraining environmental context may reveal allocation limitations to energetically expensive behaviours. Habitat disturbance, such as the large-scale fire that burnt wetlands of Biebrza National Park (NE Poland), degrades natural ecosystems. It arguably reduces food and shelter availability, modifies predator-prey interactions, and poses a direct threat for animal survival, such as that of the wetland specialist root vole Microtus oeconomus. We hypothesized that fire disturbance induces physiology-behaviour co-expression, as a consequence of changed environmental context. We repeatedly measured maintenance and exercise metabolism, and behavioural responses to the open field, in a root voles from post-fire and unburnt locations. Highly repeatable maintenance metabolism and distance moved during behavioural tests correlated positively, but relatively labile exercise metabolism did not covary with behaviour. At the same time, voles from a post-fire habitat had higher maintenance metabolism and moved shorter distances than voles from unburnt areas. We conclude there is a prevalence of the performance mechanism, but simultaneous manifestation of context-dependent allocation constraints of the physiology-behaviour covariation after disturbance. The last occurs at the within-individual level, indicating the significance of behavioural plasticity in the context of environmental disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Iwińska
- University of Białystok Doctoral School in Exact and Natural Sciences, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Martyna Wirowska
- Adam Mickiewicz University, Department of Systematic Zoology, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Zbyszek Boratyński
- BIOPOLIS, CIBIO/InBio, Research Center in Biodiversity & Genetic Resources, University of Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Paweł Solecki
- Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Jan S Boratyński
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 17-230 Białowieża, Poland
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10
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Morris AB, Visger CJ, Fox SJ, Scalf C, Fleming S, Call G. Defining Populations and Predicting Future Suitable Niche Space in the Geographically Disjunct, Narrowly Endemic Leafy Prairie-Clover ( Dalea foliosa; Fabaceae). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:495. [PMID: 38498467 PMCID: PMC10891826 DOI: 10.3390/plants13040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Conservation actions for rare species are often based on estimates of population size and number, which are challenging to capture in natural systems. Instead, many definitions of populations rely on arbitrarily defined distances between occurrences, which is not necessarily biologically meaningful despite having utility from a conservation management perspective. Here, we introduce a case study using the narrowly endemic and highly geographically disjunct leafy prairie-clover (Dalea foliosa), for which we use nuclear microsatellite loci to assess the current delimitations of populations and management units across its entire known range. We model future potential suitable niche space for the species to assess how currently defined populations could fare under predicted changes in climate over the next 50 years. Our results indicate that genetic variation within the species is extremely limited, particularly so in the distal portions of its range (Illinois and Alabama). Within the core of its range (Tennessee), genetic structure is not consistent with populations as currently defined. Our models indicate that predicted suitable niche space may only marginally overlap with the geology associated with this species (limestone glades and dolomite prairies) by 2070. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the extent to which populations are ecologically adapted to local environments and what role this could play in future translocation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B. Morris
- Department of Biology, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA;
- Independent Researcher, San Antonio, TX 78247, USA;
| | - Clayton J. Visger
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA;
| | - Skyler J. Fox
- Department of Biology, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA;
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA
| | | | - Sunny Fleming
- Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), Redlands, CA 92373, USA;
| | - Geoff Call
- Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cookeville, TN 38501, USA;
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11
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Kati V, Kassara C, Panagos P, Tampouratzi L, Gotsis D, Tzortzakaki O, Petridou M, Psaralexi M, Sidiropoulos L, Vasilakis D, Zakkak S, Galani A, Mpoukas N. The overlooked threat of land take from wind energy infrastructures: Quantification, drivers and policy gaps. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119340. [PMID: 37875053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119340] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Wind harnessing is a fast-developing and cost-effective Renewable Energy Source, but the land impacts of wind power stations are often overlooked or underestimated. We digitized land take, i.e., the generation of artificial land, derived from 90 wind power stations in Greece constructed between 2002 and 2020 (1.2 GW). We found substantial land take impacts of 7729 m2/MW (3.5 m2/MWh) of new artificial land, 148 m/MW of new roads and 174 m/MW of widened roads on average. Models showed that the number and size of wind turbines, the absence of other existing infrastructures and the elevational difference across new access roads increased artificial land generation. The elevational difference across new and widened access roads also increased their length. New wind power stations in Greece are planned to be installed at higher elevations and in terrains facing higher risks for soil erosion and soil biodiversity. The general tendency in the European Union is to sit fewer wind power stations in mountainous and forested land. Still, this pattern is inversed in several countries, particularly in Southern Europe. After screening 29 policy and legal documents, we found that land take is indirectly inferred in the global policy but more directly in the European policy through five non-legally binding documents and three Directives. However, the current European energy policies seem to conflict with nature conservation policies, risking land take acceleration. The study provides insights for reducing land take when planning and constructing wind power stations. We underline the need for better quantification of land take and its integration in the complex process of sustainable spatial planning of investments.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kati
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - C Kassara
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - P Panagos
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, (VA), Italy
| | - L Tampouratzi
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - D Gotsis
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - O Tzortzakaki
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - M Petridou
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - M Psaralexi
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - L Sidiropoulos
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - D Vasilakis
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - S Zakkak
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece; Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency, Athens, Greece
| | - A Galani
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - N Mpoukas
- University of Ioannina, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
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12
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Kifle Z, Assefa WW, Moges A. Human-hippo conflicts around Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve, Ethiopia: Vulnerability of hippopotamus in human-dominated landscape. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291802. [PMID: 37796939 PMCID: PMC10553267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the demand of the human population for more land, water, and other natural resources from wildlife habitats is increasing all over the world. Such intense human pressure results in conflict with wildlife and the impacts affect both parties negatively. The human-hippo conflict poses a serious problem for both local farmers' livelihoods and hippo conservation. To date, the extent of human-hippo conflict is poorly documented in Ethiopia. Specifically, the extent of human-hippo conflicts around Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve (LTBR) is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the extent of human-hippo conflict, and possible mitigation measures proposed by the local people around LTBR, Ethiopia. We conducted a questionnaire interview with the household head, the household head's wife, or other adults ≥ 18 years old. All respondents reported that crop damage was the main cause of human-hippo conflict around LTBR. Livestock grazing competition (17.4%) and human attack (19.5%) were also sources of conflicts in the region. Respondents claimed that hippos destroyed crops including maize (Zea mays), teff (Eragrostis teff), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), and rice (Oryza sativa). Most (91.2%) respondents claimed that the severity of crop damage caused by hippos was high in the region. Most respondents (range 90 to 93%) complained about high crop damage suggesting that hippos be eliminated from the region. Local people estimated that the population sizes of hippos comprise an average of 243 individuals; however, we counted 122 hippos during our boat survey in the area. The result of this study showed that human-hippo conflicts cause negative effects on both farmers' livelihood and hippo conservation in the region. To mitigate human-hippo conflict, we suggest that proper land use zonation systems around key areas, broad awareness creation among local people, and alternative crop production should be promoted around the LTBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewdu Kifle
- Bahir Dar University, College of Science, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Amera Moges
- Bahir Dar University, College of Science, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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13
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Riva F, Fahrig L. Obstruction of biodiversity conservation by minimum patch size criteria. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14092. [PMID: 37021385 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14092] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Minimum patch size criteria for habitat protection reflect the conservation principle that a single large (SL) patch of habitat has higher biodiversity than several small (SS) patches of the same total area (SL > SS). Nonetheless, this principle is often incorrect, and biodiversity conservation requires placing more emphasis on protection of large numbers of small patches (SS > SL). We used a global database reporting the abundances of species across hundreds of patches to assess the SL > SS principle in systems where small patches are much smaller than the typical minimum patch size criteria applied for biodiversity conservation (i.e., ∼85% of patches <100 ha). The 76 metacommunities we examined included 4401 species in 1190 patches. From each metacommunity, we resampled species-area accumulation curves to evaluate how biodiversity responded to habitat existing as a few large patches or as many small patches. Counter to the SL > SS principle and consistent with previous syntheses, species richness accumulated more rapidly when adding several small patches (45.2% SS > SL vs. 19.9% SL > SS) to reach the same cumulative area, even for the very small patches in our data set. Responses of taxa to habitat fragmentation differed, which suggests that when a given total area of habitat is to be protected, overall biodiversity conservation will be most effective if that habitat is composed of as many small patches as possible, plus a few large ones. Because minimum patch size criteria often require larger patches than the small patches we examined, our results suggest that such criteria hinder efforts to protect biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Riva
- Spatial Ecology Group, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lenore Fahrig
- Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Schäfer RB, Jackson M, Juvigny-Khenafou N, Osakpolor SE, Posthuma L, Schneeweiss A, Spaak J, Vinebrooke R. Chemical Mixtures and Multiple Stressors: Same but Different? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:1915-1936. [PMID: 37036219 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystems are strongly influenced by multiple anthropogenic stressors, including a wide range of chemicals and their mixtures. Studies on the effects of multiple stressors have largely focussed on nonchemical stressors, whereas studies on chemical mixtures have largely ignored other stressors. However, both research areas face similar challenges and require similar tools and methods to predict the joint effects of chemicals or nonchemical stressors, and frameworks to integrate multiple chemical and nonchemical stressors are missing. We provide an overview of the research paradigms, tools, and methods commonly used in multiple stressor and chemical mixture research and discuss potential domains of cross-fertilization and joint challenges. First, we compare the general paradigms of ecotoxicology and (applied) ecology to explain the historical divide. Subsequently, we compare methods and approaches for the identification of interactions, stressor characterization, and designing experiments. We suggest that both multiple stressor and chemical mixture research are too focused on interactions and would benefit from integration regarding null model selection. Stressor characterization is typically more costly for chemical mixtures. While for chemical mixtures comprehensive classification systems at suborganismal level have been developed, recent classification systems for multiple stressors account for environmental context. Both research areas suffer from rather simplified experimental designs that focus on only a limited number of stressors, chemicals, and treatments. We discuss concepts that can guide more realistic designs capturing spatiotemporal stressor dynamics. We suggest that process-based and data-driven models are particularly promising to tackle the challenge of prediction of effects of chemical mixtures and nonchemical stressors on (meta-)communities and (meta-)food webs. We propose a framework to integrate the assessment of effects for multiple stressors and chemical mixtures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1915-1936. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf B Schäfer
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Univerität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | | | - Noel Juvigny-Khenafou
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Univerität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Stephen E Osakpolor
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Univerität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Leo Posthuma
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Schneeweiss
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Univerität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Jürg Spaak
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Univerität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Rolf Vinebrooke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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15
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Geary WL, Tulloch AIT, Ritchie EG, Doherty TS, Nimmo DG, Maxwell MA, Wayne AF. Identifying historical and future global change drivers that place species recovery at risk. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:2953-2967. [PMID: 36864646 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem management in the face of global change requires understanding how co-occurring threats affect species and communities. Such an understanding allows for effective management strategies to be identified and implemented. An important component of this is differentiating between factors that are within (e.g. invasive predators) or outside (e.g. drought, large wildfires) of a local manager's control. In the global biodiversity hotspot of south-western Australia, small- and medium-sized mammal species are severely affected by anthropogenic threats and environmental disturbances, including invasive predators, fire, and declining rainfall. However, the relative importance of different drivers has not been quantified. We used data from a long-term monitoring program to fit Bayesian state-space models that estimated spatial and temporal changes in the relative abundance of four threatened mammal species: the woylie (Bettongia penicillata), chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii), koomal (Trichosurus vulpecula) and quenda (Isoodon fusciventor). We then use Bayesian structural equation modelling to identify the direct and indirect drivers of population changes, and scenario analysis to forecast population responses to future environmental change. We found that habitat loss or conversion and reduced primary productivity (caused by rainfall declines) had greater effects on species' spatial and temporal population change than the range of fire and invasive predator (the red fox Vulpes vulpes) management actions observed in the study area. Scenario analysis revealed that a greater extent of severe fire and further rainfall declines predicted under climate change, operating in concert are likely to further reduce the abundance of these species, but may be mitigated partially by invasive predator control. Considering both historical and future drivers of population change is necessary to identify the factors that risk species recovery. Given that both anthropogenic pressures and environmental disturbances can undermine conservation efforts, managers must consider how the relative benefit of conservation actions will be shaped by ongoing global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Geary
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Biodiversity Division, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ayesha I T Tulloch
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim S Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Gulbali Institute, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Albury, Australia
| | - Marika A Maxwell
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Manjimup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Adrian F Wayne
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Manjimup, Western Australia, Australia
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16
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Haq SM, Waheed M, Ahmad R, Bussmann RW, Arshad F, Khan AM, Casini R, Alataway A, Dewidar AZ, Elansary HO. Climate Change and Human Activities, the Significant Dynamic Drivers of Himalayan Goral Distribution ( Naemorhedus goral). BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040610. [PMID: 37106810 PMCID: PMC10135808 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of large ungulates is more often negatively impacted by the changing climate, especially global warming and species with limited distributional zones. While developing conservation action plans for the threatened species such as the Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral Hardwicke 1825; a mountain goat that mostly inhabits rocky cliffs), it is imperative to comprehend how future distributions might vary based on predicted climate change. In this work, MaxEnt modeling was employed to assess the habitat suitability of the target species under varying climate scenarios. Such studies have provided highly useful information but to date no such research work has been conducted that considers this endemic animal species of the Himalayas. A total of 81 species presence points, 19 bioclimatic and 3 topographic variables were employed in the species distribution modeling (SDM), and MaxEnt calibration and optimization were performed to select the best candidate model. For predicted climate scenarios, the future data is drawn from SSPs 245 and SSPs 585 of the 2050s and 2070s. Out of total 20 variables, annual precipitation, elevation, precipitation of driest month, slope aspect, minimum temperature of coldest month, slope, precipitation of warmest quarter, and temperature annual range (in order) were detected as the most influential drivers. A high accuracy value (AUC-ROC > 0.9) was observed for all the predicted scenarios. The habitat suitability of the targeted species might expand (about 3.7 to 13%) under all the future climate change scenarios. The same is evident according to local residents as species which are locally considered extinct in most of the area, might be shifting northwards along the elevation gradient away from human settlements. This study recommends additional research is conducted to prevent potential population collapses, and to identify other possible causes of local extinction events. Our findings will aid in formulating conservation plans for the Himalayan goral in a changing climate and serve as a basis for future monitoring of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiekh Marifatul Haq
- Department of Ethnobotany, Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Muhammad Waheed
- Department of Botany, University of Okara, Okara 56300, Pakistan
| | - Riyaz Ahmad
- National Center for Wildlife, Riyadh 11575, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rainer W Bussmann
- Department of Ethnobotany, Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia
- Department of Botany, Institute of Life Sciences, State Museum of Natural History, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Fahim Arshad
- Department of Botany, University of Okara, Okara 56300, Pakistan
| | - Arshad Mahmood Khan
- Department of Botany, Government Hashmat Ali Islamia Associate College Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan
- Department of Botany, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan
| | - Ryan Casini
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Abed Alataway
- Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water Chair, Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Z Dewidar
- Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water Chair, Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hosam O Elansary
- Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water Chair, Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Plant Production Department, College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Monge O, Maggini I, Schulze CH, Dullinger S, Fusani L. Physiologically vulnerable or resilient? Tropical birds, global warming, and redistributions. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9985. [PMID: 37082319 PMCID: PMC10111238 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9985] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical species are considered to be more threatened by climate change than those of other world regions. This increased sensitivity to warming is thought to stem from the assumptions of low physiological capacity to withstand temperature fluctuations and already living near their limits of heat tolerance under current climatic conditions. For birds, despite thorough documentation of community-level rearrangements, such as biotic attrition and elevational shifts, there is no consistent evidence of direct physiological sensitivity to warming. In this review, we provide an integrative outlook into the physiological response of tropical birds to thermal variation and their capacity to cope with warming. In short, evidence from the literature suggests that the assumed physiological sensitivity to warming attributed to tropical biotas does not seem to be a fundamental characteristic of tropical birds. Tropical birds do possess the physiological capacities to deal with fluctuating temperatures, including high-elevation species, and are prepared to withstand elevated levels of heat, even those living in hot and arid environments. However, there are still many unaddressed points that hinder a more complete understanding of the response of tropical birds to warming, such as cooling capacities when exposed to combined gradients of heat and humidity, the response of montane species to heat, and thermoregulation under increased levels of microclimatic stress in disturbed ecosystems. Further research into how populations and species from different ecological contexts handle warming will increase our understanding of current and future community rearrangements in tropical birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Monge
- Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of ViennaDjerassiplatz 11030ViennaAustria
| | - Ivan Maggini
- Konrad‐Lorenz Institute of EthologyUniversity of Veterinary MedicineSavoyenstrasse 1a1160ViennaAustria
| | - Christian H. Schulze
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity ResearchUniversity of ViennaRennweg 141030ViennaAustria
| | - Stefan Dullinger
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity ResearchUniversity of ViennaRennweg 141030ViennaAustria
| | - Leonida Fusani
- Konrad‐Lorenz Institute of EthologyUniversity of Veterinary MedicineSavoyenstrasse 1a1160ViennaAustria
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive BiologyUniversity of ViennaAlthanstrasse 141090ViennaAustria
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18
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Navedo JG, Piersma T. Do 50‐year‐old Ramsar criteria still do the best possible job? A plea for broadened scientific underpinning of the global protection of wetlands and migratory waterbirds. Conserv Lett 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juan G. Navedo
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE) Santiago Chile
- Bird Ecology Lab, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas Universidad Austral de Chile Valdivia Chile
- Área de Zoología Universidad de Extremadura Badajoz Spain
- BirdEyes, Centre for Global Ecological Change at the Faculties of Science & Engineering and Campus Fryslân University of Groningen Leeuwarden The Netherlands
| | - Theunis Piersma
- BirdEyes, Centre for Global Ecological Change at the Faculties of Science & Engineering and Campus Fryslân University of Groningen Leeuwarden The Netherlands
- Rudi Drent Chair in Global Flyway Ecology Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- Department of Coastal Systems NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research Den Burg The Netherlands
- Center for East Asian–Australasian Flyway Studies, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation Beijing Forestry University Beijing China
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19
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Zhang X, Ci X, Hu J, Bai Y, Thornhill AH, Conran JG, Li J. Riparian areas as a conservation priority under climate change. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159879. [PMID: 36334670 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159879] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Identifying climatic refugia is important for long-term conservation planning under climate change. Riparian areas have the potential to provide climatic refugia for wildlife, but literature remains limited, especially for plants. This study was conducted with the purpose of identifying climatic refugia of plant biodiversity in the portion of the Mekong River Basin located in Xishuangbanna, China. We first predicted the current and future (2050s and 2070s) potential distribution of 50 threatened woody species in Xishuangbanna by using an ensemble of small models, then stacked the predictions for individual species to derive spatial biodiversity patterns within each 10 × 10 km grid cell. We then identified the top 17 % of the areas for spatial biodiversity patterns as biodiversity hotspots, with climatic refugia defined as areas that remained as biodiversity hotspots over time. Stepwise regression and linear correlation were applied to analyze the environmental correlations with spatial biodiversity patterns and the relationships between climatic refugia and river distribution, respectively. Our results showed potential upward and northward shifts in threatened woody species, with range contractions and expansions predicted. The spatial biodiversity patterns shift from southeast to northwest, and were influenced by temperature, precipitation, and elevation heterogeneity. Climatic refugia under climate change were related closely to river distribution in Xishuangbanna, with riparian areas identified that could provide climatic refugia. These refugial zones are recommended as priority conservation areas for mitigating the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. Our study confirmed that riparian areas could act as climatic refugia for plants and emphasizes the conservation prioritization of riparian areas within river basins for protecting biodiversity under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Plant Phylogenetics and Conservation Group, Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiuqin Ci
- Plant Phylogenetics and Conservation Group, Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, China.
| | - Jianlin Hu
- Plant Phylogenetics and Conservation Group, Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, China; Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla 666303, China; Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Southeast Asia Biodiversity Conservation, Menglun, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Andrew H Thornhill
- The University of Adelaide, School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; State Herbarium of South Australia, Botanic Garden and State Herbarium, Department for Environment and Water, Hackney Road, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - John G Conran
- The University of Adelaide, School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Jie Li
- Plant Phylogenetics and Conservation Group, Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, China.
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20
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Riva F, Fahrig L. Landscape-scale habitat fragmentation is positively related to biodiversity, despite patch-scale ecosystem decay. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:268-277. [PMID: 36468190 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Positive effects of habitat patch size on biodiversity are often extrapolated to infer negative effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity at landscape scales. However, such cross-scale extrapolations typically fail. A recent, landmark, patch-scale analysis (Chase et al., 2020, Nature 584, 238-243) demonstrates positive patch size effects on biodiversity, that is, 'ecosystem decay' in small patches. Other authors have already extrapolated this result to infer negative fragmentation effects, that is, higher biodiversity in a few large than many small patches of the same cumulative habitat area. We test whether this extrapolation is valid. We find that landscape-scale patterns are opposite to their analogous patch-scale patterns: for sets of patches with equal total habitat area, species richness and evenness decrease with increasing mean size of the patches comprising that area, even when considering only species of conservation concern. Preserving small habitat patches will, therefore, be key to sustain biodiversity amidst ongoing environmental crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Riva
- Spatial Ecology Group, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lenore Fahrig
- Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Caro T, Berger J, Rowe Z, Dobson A. Now is not tomorrow. Conserv Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Caro
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol UK
- Center for Population Biology University of California Davis California USA
| | - Joel Berger
- Department of FWC Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
- Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
| | - Zeke Rowe
- Faculty of Science, Department of Ecological Science Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Andy Dobson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Princeton University Princeton New Jersey USA
- Santa Fe Institute Santa Fe New Mexico USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Panama City Panama
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Berger J, Biel M, Hayes FP. Species conflict at Earth’s edges – Contests, climate, and coveted resources. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.991714] [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
Direct conflict between species is an infrequently witnessed biological phenomenon. Potential drivers of such contests can include climate change, especially at Earth’s high elevation and latitudinal extremes where temperatures warm 2–5 times faster than elsewhere and hydro-geomorphic processes such as glacial recession and soil erosion affect species access to abiotic resources. We addressed a component of this broader issue by empirical assessments of mammalian conflict over access to four abiotic resources – minerals, water, snow, and shade – by annotation of past studies and by empirical data collection. Evidence for Nearctic and Palearctic mammals indicates that when desert waters are in short supply, contests intensify, generally favoring larger species regardless of their status as native or exotic. Our empirical data indicate that contests between two large and approximately similarly-sized mammals – mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) – along a 2,500 km gradient at three high-altitude (above tree-line) sites in the Rocky Mountains of North America, result in striking asymmetries; goats dominated > 95% of interactions. Despite far fewer observations of encounters to access shade or snow patches, an increasingly prominent dialog needs to be held about rarely explored biological phenomena where less is known than we might otherwise presume, whether induced by climate or increasing anthropological alteration because of underpinnings to understand community structure and conservation planning. Observations on the frequency and intensity by which individuals escalate behavior to access abiotic resources remains an underappreciated arena to help identify the proximate importance of scarcity in the natural environment. Notwithstanding Darwin’s prediction some 165 years ago that populations in extreme environments (high-latitude, high-altitude) are more likely to be impacted by abiotic variables than biotic, conflict between species may be reflective of climate degradation coupled with the changing nature of coveted resources.
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van Houdt S, Traill LW. A synthesis of human conflict with an African megaherbivore; the common hippopotamus. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.954722] [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
The common hippopotamus is an extant African megaherbivore that is relatively understudied by scientists and underfunded by conservation organisations. Conflict with people, however, is a major concern given the danger that hippos pose to human life. Moreover, very little is known about human–hippo conflict (HHC), and experimental fieldwork on mitigation methods has hardly been conducted. Here we conduct an exhaustive review of the primary and grey literature outlining how the conflict between people and hippos arises, the impacts of conflict on both human communities and hippo populations, and all known intervention measures. Our review highlights the effectiveness of barriers around crops, riparian buffer zones (that exclude cattle and crop planting), and payments for environmental services as tools to mitigate HHC. This study also highlights the knowledge gaps in HHC research, particularly the spatial scale of HHC, the lack of field experimental research on deterrents, and a paucity of knowledge on outcomes of projected climate change and HHC.
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Palmeirim AF, Emer C, Benchimol M, Storck-Tonon D, Bueno AS, Peres CA. Emergent properties of species-habitat networks in an insular forest landscape. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm0397. [PMID: 36026453 PMCID: PMC9417167 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm0397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Deforestation and fragmentation are pervasive drivers of biodiversity loss, but how they scale up to entire landscapes remains poorly understood. Here, we apply species-habitat networks based on species co-occurrences to test the effects of insular fragmentation on multiple taxa-medium-large mammals, small nonvolant mammals, lizards, understory birds, frogs, dung beetles, orchid bees, and trees-across 22 forest islands and three continuous forest sites within a river-damming quasi-experimental landscape in Central Amazonia. Widespread, nonrandom local species extinctions were translated into highly nested networks of low connectance and modularity. Networks' robustness considering the sequential removal of large-to-small sites was generally low; between 5% (dung beetles) and 50% (orchid bees) of species persisted when retaining only <10 ha of islands. In turn, larger sites and body size were the main attributes structuring the networks. Our results raise the prospects that insular forest fragmentation results in simplified species-habitat networks, with distinct taxa persistence to habitat loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carine Emer
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Juruá, Rua das Papoulas, 97 Manaus, Brazil
| | - Maíra Benchimol
- Laboratório de Ecologia Aplicada à Conservação, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Danielle Storck-Tonon
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ambiente e Sistemas de Produção Agrícola (PPGASP), Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Tangará da Serra, Brazil
| | - Anderson S. Bueno
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Farroupilha, Júlio de Castilhos, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos A. Peres
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Instituto Juruá, Rua das Papoulas, 97 Manaus, Brazil
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Saeed M, Rais M, Akram A, Williams MR, Kellner KF, Hashsham SA, Davis DR. Development and validation of an eDNA protocol for monitoring endemic Asian spiny frogs in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5624. [PMID: 35379841 PMCID: PMC8979970 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09084-1] [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: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife monitoring programs are instrumental for the assessment of species, habitat status, and for the management of factors affecting them. This is particularly important for species found in freshwater ecosystems, such as amphibians, as they have higher estimated extinction rates than terrestrial species. We developed and validated two species-specific environmental DNA (eDNA) protocols and applied them in the field to detect the Hazara Torrent Frog (Allopaa hazarensis) and Murree Hills Frog (Nanorana vicina). Additionally, we compared eDNA surveys with visual encounter surveys and estimated site occupancy. eDNA surveys resulted in higher occurrence probabilities for both A. hazarensis and N. vicina than for visual encounter surveys. Detection probability using eDNA was greater for both species, particularly for A. hazarensis. The top-ranked detection model for visual encounter surveys included effects of both year and temperature on both species, and the top-ranked occupancy model included effects of elevation and year. The top-ranked detection model for eDNA data was the null model, and the top-ranked occupancy model included effects of elevation, year, and wetland type. To our knowledge, this is the first time an eDNA survey has been used to monitor amphibian species in the Himalayan region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saeed
- Herpetology Lab, Department of Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry, Range Management and Wildlife, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, 46000, Pakistan. .,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Muhammad Rais
- Herpetology Lab, Department of Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry, Range Management and Wildlife, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, 46000, Pakistan.
| | - Ayesha Akram
- Herpetology Lab, Department of Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry, Range Management and Wildlife, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Maggie R Williams
- School of Engineering and Technology, Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Kenneth F Kellner
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Syed A Hashsham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Center for Microbial Ecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Drew R Davis
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Science, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA.,Biodiversity Collections, Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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