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Wittayarat M, Kiatsomboon S, Kupthammasan N, Tipkantha W, Yimprasert S, Thongphakdee A, Panyaboriban S. Detection of Protein Biomarkers Relevant to Sperm Characteristics and Fertility in Semen in Three Wild Felidae: The Flat-Headed Cat ( Prionailurus planiceps), Fishing Cat ( Prionailurus viverrinus), and Asiatic Golden Cat ( Catopuma temminckii). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1027. [PMID: 38612267 PMCID: PMC11011130 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective wild cat conservation programs with assisted reproductive technologies are being developed in different parts of the world. The flat-headed cat, fishing cat, and Asiatic golden cat are three species among nine wild Felidae in Thailand that are in need of urgent conservation efforts. Here, we assessed routine sperm characteristics and we report the detection of protein biomarkers related to the fertilization process, IZUMO1 and the CRISP family, and apoptotic markers, active or cleaved caspase-3, in semen samples collected from these wild cats. IZUMO1 was located in the equatorial segment of the sperm head, which is the region involved in gamete interaction. The highest levels of IZUMO1 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma of the flat-headed cat, as determined by immunoblotting. CRISP2, a sperm-egg fusion assisting protein, and CRISP3 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma, and the highest levels were observed in the fishing cat. Positive correlations between certain semen parameters and IZUMO1, CRISP2, and CRISP3 expression were also demonstrated. Cleaved caspase-3 was found in all sperm samples in all three species and was associated with an increase in DNA fragmentation and a decrease in certain semen characteristics such as motility, viability, and intact acrosomes. Our results suggest that the analysis of IZUMO1, the CRISP family, and cleaved caspase-3, along with the routine sperm characteristics, may allow for better success in breeding management in wild Felidae, particularly in the flat-headed cat and the fishing cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manita Wittayarat
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (M.W.); (N.K.)
| | - Supalak Kiatsomboon
- Animal Conservation and Research Institute, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand; (S.K.); (W.T.)
| | - Navapol Kupthammasan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (M.W.); (N.K.)
| | - Wanlaya Tipkantha
- Animal Conservation and Research Institute, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand; (S.K.); (W.T.)
| | - Surasak Yimprasert
- Songkhla Zoo, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Songkhla 90000, Thailand;
| | - Ampika Thongphakdee
- Animal Conservation and Research Institute, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand; (S.K.); (W.T.)
| | - Saritvich Panyaboriban
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (M.W.); (N.K.)
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de Oliveira TG, Fox-Rosales LA, Ramírez-Fernández JD, Cepeda-Duque JC, Zug R, Sanchez-Lalinde C, Oliveira MJR, Marinho PHD, Bonilla-Sánchez A, Marques MC, Cassaro K, Moreno R, Rumiz D, Peters FB, Ortega J, Cavalcanti G, Mooring MS, Blankenship SR, Brenes-Mora E, Dias D, Mazim FD, Eizirik E, Diehl JL, Marques RV, Ribeiro ACC, Cruz RA, Pasa E, Meira LPC, Pereira A, Ferreira GB, de Pinho FF, Sena LMM, de Morais VR, Ribeiro Luiz M, Moura VEC, Favarini MO, Leal KPG, Wagner PGC, Dos Santos MC, Sanderson J, Araújo EP, Rodrigues FHG. Ecological modeling, biogeography, and phenotypic analyses setting the tiger cats' hyperdimensional niches reveal a new species. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2395. [PMID: 38287072 PMCID: PMC10825201 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52379-8] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, the tiger-cat species complex was split into Leopardus tigrinus and Leopardus guttulus, along with other proposed schemes. We performed a detailed analysis integrating ecological modeling, biogeography, and phenotype of the four originally recognized subspecies-tigrinus, oncilla, pardinoides, guttulus-and presented a new multidimensional niche depiction of the species. Species distribution models used > 1400 records from museums and photographs, all checked for species accuracy. Morphological data were obtained from institutional/personal archives. Spotting patterns were established by integrating museum and photographic/camera-trap records. Principal component analysis showed three clearly distinct groups, with the Central American specimens (oncilla) clustering entirely within those of the Andes, namely the pardinoides group of the cloud forests of the southern Central-American and Andean mountain chains (clouded tiger-cat); the tigrinus group of the savannas of the Guiana Shield and central/northeastern Brazil (savanna tiger-cat); and the guttulus group in the lowland forests of the Atlantic Forest domain (Atlantic Forest tiger-cat). This scheme is supported by recent genetic analyses. All species displayed different spotting patterns, with some significant differences in body measurements/proportions. The new distribution presented alarming reductions from the historic range of - 50.4% to - 68.2%. This multidimensional approach revealed a new species of the elusive and threatened tiger-cat complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeu G de Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão (UEMA), Campus Paulo VI, Av. Lourenço Vieira da Silva 1000, Jardim São Cristóvão, São Luís, Maranhão, 65055-310, Brazil.
- Instituto Pro-Carnívoros, Atibaia, SP, Brazil.
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo da Vida Silvestre -ECMVS, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Lester A Fox-Rosales
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - José D Ramírez-Fernández
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Oncilla Conservation, Costa Rica Wildlife Foundation, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Rebecca Zug
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Catalina Sanchez-Lalinde
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Onca Fundación para el Estudio de la Diversidad, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Marcelo J R Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo da Vida Silvestre -ECMVS, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Instituto Biotrópicos, Diamantina, MG, Brazil
| | - Paulo H D Marinho
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Alejandra Bonilla-Sánchez
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mara C Marques
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Zoológico de São Paulo Zoo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Moreno
- Fundación Yaguará Panamá, Ciudad del Saber/Panama City, Panama
| | - Damián Rumiz
- Noel Kempff Mercado Natural History Museum, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
| | - Felipe B Peters
- Instituto Pro-Carnívoros, Atibaia, SP, Brazil
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Josué Ortega
- Fundación Yaguará Panamá, Ciudad del Saber/Panama City, Panama
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa Ancon, Panama
| | | | - Michael S Mooring
- Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Quetzal Education & Research Center (QERC), San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica
| | | | | | - Douglas Dias
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo da Vida Silvestre -ECMVS, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- SETEG- Soluções Geológicas e Ambientais, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Fábio D Mazim
- Instituto Pro-Carnívoros, Atibaia, SP, Brazil
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Ka'aguy Consultoria Ambiental, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Eizirik
- Instituto Pro-Carnívoros, Atibaia, SP, Brazil
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jaime L Diehl
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Carolina C Ribeiro
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Emanuelle Pasa
- Cruzeiro do Sul Consultoria Ambiental Ltda., Ivoti, RS, Brazil
| | - Lyse P C Meira
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Bioconsultoria Ambiental Ltda., Caetité, BA, Brazil
| | - Alex Pereira
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Bioconsultoria Ambiental Ltda., Caetité, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Liana M M Sena
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo da Vida Silvestre -ECMVS, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Micheli Ribeiro Luiz
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Instituto Felinos do Aguaí, Siderópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Vitor E C Moura
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Marina O Favarini
- Instituto Pro-Carnívoros, Atibaia, SP, Brazil
- Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Karla P G Leal
- Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | - Paulo G C Wagner
- Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres CETAS, IBAMA-RS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - James Sanderson
- Re:wild, Austin, TX, USA
- Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation, Corrales, NM, USA
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Dhami B, Adhikari B, Panthi S, Neupane B. Predicting suitable habitat of swamp deer ( Rucervus duvaucelii) across the Western Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16639. [PMID: 37274642 PMCID: PMC10238933 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, intensifying human impact and the deterioration of natural habitats have severely restricted the global distribution of large herbivores. Rucervus duvaucelii, commonly recognized as the swamp deer, is a habitat-specialist endemic large herbivore of the Indian Subcontinent. It is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and listed in CITES Appendix I due to a steep decline in its population, which is primarily due to anthropogenic causes. In Nepal, the last remaining population of this species is confined to limited pocket areas within the western Terai Arc Landscape. We explored potential habitat for swamp deer across this landscape using species distribution modelling through the MaxEnt algorithm by using 173 field-verified presence points alongside six anthropogenic, four topographic, and four vegetation-related variables. Our study found that out of the total study area (9207 km2), only 6% (590 km2) was suitable for swamp deer. Approximately 45% of suitable habitat was incorporated within protected areas, with Shuklaphanta National Park harboring the largest habitat patch. The suitability of habitat was discovered to be positively associated with low-elevation areas, areas near water sources, and areas far from settlements, implying the need to conserve water sources and minimize the extension of anthropogenic pressure for their long-term conservation. Additionally, we suggest the implications of a swamp deer-centric conservation strategy, with an emphasis on increasing connectivity through the corridors and landscape-level population connectivity through trans-boundary conservation initiatives between Nepal and India. Moreover, considering large herbivores' high vulnerability to extinction, similar researche incorporating anthropogenic factors is of the utmost importance to produce vital information on habitat suitability for conserving other regionally and globally endemic, habitat-specialized herbivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijaya Dhami
- Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Kaski, 33700, Nepal
| | - Binaya Adhikari
- Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Kaski, 33700, Nepal
- Pokhara Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center, Kaski, 33700, Nepal
| | - Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Forest, Environment and Soil Conservation, Gandaki, 33700, Nepal
| | - Bijaya Neupane
- Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Kaski, 33700, Nepal
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Yachmennikova A, Zhu S, Kotlov I, Sandlersky R, Yi Q, Rozhnov V. Is the Lesser Khingan Suitable for the Amur Tiger Restoration? Perspectives with the Current State of the Habitat and Prey Base. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010155. [PMID: 36611763 PMCID: PMC9818025 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris) has a status of being endangered on the world's IUCN red list. The northwestern part of its range is situated in Russia and China, where tigers were exterminated by humans in the 1950-1970s. To restore tiger population within a historical range, an estimation of the habitat suitability is firstly needed. The Lesser Khingan mountains (Heilongjiang) was analyzed. Habitat types were mapped by satellite images analysis and field proven. The potential habitats of the main tiger's prey species (wild boar (Sus scrofa), roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), and red deer (Cervus elaphus xanthopygus) were also assessed. Maximum entropy and linear discriminant analysis methods were applied and compared for species distribution modeling (SDM). Species distribution maps were used to design an ecological network. The fragmentation of habitat patches was evaluated by spatial ecological metrics. The habitat patches with the best metrics were assigned as cores for the ecological network, which were connected by calculated corridors. The least cost distance method (based on distance to roads and settlements) was used. The recovery of the Amur tiger in habitats of China's Lesser Khingan is shown to be possible. Types of habitats were calculated as natural corridors for moving tigers. They are mainly located at the forests' edges and characterized with various canopy structures and high variability in the tree species composition. Three potential transboundary corridors are described: (a) foothills and low mountains of the northern Lesser Khingan; (b) connection between the southeast Lesser Khingan and the western part of the Wandashan mountain system; and (c) corridor within foothills and low mountains of the eastern part of Lesser Khingan. It is recommended to establish protected areas for the important tiger core habitats, and the main optimal ways for their migrations are described during the current investigation. Moreover, it is necessary to implement habitat recovery activities for key areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Yachmennikova
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky, 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-916-396-7019
| | - Shibing Zhu
- Institute of Natural Resources and Ecology, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ivan Kotlov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky, 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
- National Research University—Higher School of Economics (HSE University), 20 Myasnitskaya Ulitsa, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Robert Sandlersky
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky, 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
- National Research University—Higher School of Economics (HSE University), 20 Myasnitskaya Ulitsa, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Qu Yi
- Institute of Natural Resources and Ecology, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Viatcheslav Rozhnov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky, 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
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González-Bernal A, Rojas-Soto O, Martínez-Meyer E. Climatic comparison of the gray wolf ( Canis lupus) subspecies in North America using niche-based distribution models and its implications for conservation programs. J Mammal 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The gray wolf, Canis lupus, once inhabited much of the northern hemisphere worldwide; however, persecution drove its populations almost to extinction. In North America, diverse conservation programs have been implemented in the last decades to recover its populations in the wild, many of them guided by the historical distribution of the gray wolf subspecies. Over time, several authors have proposed different subspecies classifications. Nevertheless, most of them are mutually inconsistent regarding the number and distribution of subspecies, creating controversy when implementing conservation programs. This study used niche-based distribution models and cluster analysis to explore the bioclimatic profiles of C. lupus across North America and compare them with different subspecies classifications to identify environmental correlatives that support the proposed designations. Our cluster analysis results indicate that the optimal number of climatic groups was five, designated as Northern, Eastern, Western, Coastal, and Southern groups, with transitional overlap boundaries located at their peripheries, indicating climatic gradients between them and supporting the idea of intergrading zones. The geographic ranges of these groups mismatched to a different extent with all subspecies delimitations. In general, the boundaries of putative subspecies did not match the climatic patterns of North America. Our results may contribute to the recovery programs underway for this carnivore by identifying suitable areas for the release of individuals from specific lineages. New approaches to characterizing the intraspecific variation of the gray wolf should include all evidence available, including genetic, morphological, and ecological information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro González-Bernal
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico , Mexico City 04510 , Mexico
| | - Octavio Rojas-Soto
- Laboratorio de Bioclimatología, Instituto de Ecología A.C. , km 2.5 Carretera Antigua a Coatepec, Xalapa, Veracruz 91070 , Mexico
| | - Enrique Martínez-Meyer
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico , Mexico City 04510 , Mexico
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Ecology, occurrence and distribution of wild felids in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. ORYX 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605321001484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Sarawak is the largest state in the megadiverse country of Malaysia. Its rich biodiversity is threatened by land-use change and hunting, with mammalian carnivores particularly affected. Data on the ecology, occurrence and distribution of small carnivores are crucial to inform their effective conservation, but no large-scale assessments have previously been conducted in Sarawak. Here we examine the status of the five species of felids in Sarawak based on data from camera-trap studies over 17 years (May 2003–February 2021) across 31 study areas, including protected areas of various sizes, production forests and forest matrix within oil palm plantations. Felids were detected at 39% of 845 camera stations. The marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata and Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi had higher probabilities of occurrence in protected than unprotected areas, and vice versa for the leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis and bay cat Catopuma badia. The marbled and bay cats were mostly diurnal, and the leopard cat was predominantly nocturnal; activity patterns did not substantively differ between protected and unprotected sites. The probabilities of occurrence of marbled and bay cats increased with greater distance from roads. The leopard cat and flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps were more likely, and the clouded leopard less likely, to occur near rivers. Flat-headed cats preferred peat swamp forest, bay cats lowland forest, and marbled cats and clouded leopards occurred in both lowland and montane forest. Felids may tolerate higher elevations to avoid anthropogenic disturbance; therefore, it is critical to preserve lowland and mid-elevation habitats that provide refugia from climate change and the destruction of lowland habitat.
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Zhao Q, Mi Z, Lu C, Zhang X, Chen L, Wang S, Niu J, Wang Z. Predicting potential distribution of
Ziziphus spinosa
(Bunge) H.H. Hu ex F.H. Chen in China under climate change scenarios. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8629. [PMID: 35222979 PMCID: PMC8855015 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ziziphus spinosa (Bunge) H.H. Hu ex F.H. Chen is a woody plant species of the family Rhamnaceae (order Rhamnales) that possesses high nutritional and medicinal value. Predicting the effects of climate change on the distribution of Z. spinosa is of great significance for the investigation, protection, and exploitation of this germplasm resource. For this study, optimized maximum entropy models were employed to predict the distribution patterns and changes of its present (1970–2000) and future (2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) potential suitable regions in China under multiple climate scenarios (SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0 & SSP5‐8.5). The results revealed that the total area of the present potential suitable region for Z. spinosa is 162.60 × 104 km2, which accounts for 16.94% of China's territory. Within this area, the regions having low, medium, and high suitability were 80.14 × 104 km2, 81.50 × 104 km2, and 0.96 × 104 km2, respectively, with the high suitability regions being distributed primarily in Shanxi, Hebei, and Beijing Provinces. Except for SSP‐1‐2.6‐2070s, SSP‐5‐8.5‐2070s, and SSP‐5‐8.5‐2090s, the suitable areas for Z. spinosa in the future increased to different degrees. Meanwhile, considering the distribution of Z. spinosa during different periods and under different climate scenarios, our study predicted that the low impact areas of Z. spinosa were mainly restricted to Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and Jilin Provinces. The results of core distributional shifts showed that, except for SSP1‐2.6, the center of the potential suitable region of Z. spinosa exhibited a trend of gradually shifting to the northwest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University) The Ministry of Education Xi’an China
- College of Life Sciences Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
| | - Ze‐Yuan Mi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University) The Ministry of Education Xi’an China
- College of Life Sciences Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
| | - Chan Lu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University) The Ministry of Education Xi’an China
- College of Life Sciences Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
| | - Xin‐Fei Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University) The Ministry of Education Xi’an China
- College of Life Sciences Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
| | - Li‐Jun Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University) The Ministry of Education Xi’an China
- College of Life Sciences Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
| | - Shi‐Qiang Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University) The Ministry of Education Xi’an China
- College of Life Sciences Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
| | - Jun‐Feng Niu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University) The Ministry of Education Xi’an China
- College of Life Sciences Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
| | - Zhe‐Zhi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University) The Ministry of Education Xi’an China
- College of Life Sciences Shaanxi Normal University Xi’an China
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Can distribution modeling inform rare and endangered species monitoring in Mediterranean islands? ECOL INFORM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2021.101434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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9
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First records of the flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps on the Kampar Peninsula, Sumatra, Indonesia. ORYX 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605321000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps is one of the rarest small felids, with little known about its distribution, population status or habitat requirements, largely because of the few records of the species. We report here 11 detections of this Endangered species, recorded during 4 years of camera-trap surveys in a peat-swamp forest on the Kampar Peninsula, Riau province, Sumatra. These are the first records of this species on the Kampar Peninsula, in an area of c. 1,300 km2 of peat-swamp forest comprising four adjacent Ecosystem Restoration Concession licences. All records were near water bodies (mean distance 351 m) in lowland peat-swamp forest. These findings add to the existing knowledge of the species' distribution in Sumatra and confirm its presence in these peat-swamp forests. To inform species conservation management planning for the Kampar Peninsula, further research on this species is required.
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Araújo LD, Peters FB, Mazim FD, Favarini MO, L. C. Corrêa L, Tirelli FP. Modeling ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) distribution in the southern limits in Brazil. STUDIES ON NEOTROPICAL FAUNA AND ENVIRONMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/01650521.2021.1961472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo D. Araújo
- Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Luiz L. C. Corrêa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ambiente e Desenvolvimento, Universidade do Vale do Taquari, Lajeado, Brasil
| | - Flávia P. Tirelli
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, São Paulo, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
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Chan KO, Grismer LL. Integrating spatial, phylogenetic, and threat assessment data from frogs and lizards to identify areas for conservation priorities in Peninsular Malaysia. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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12
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Nottingham S, Pelletier TA. The impact of climate change on western Plethodon salamanders' distribution. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:9370-9384. [PMID: 34306628 PMCID: PMC8293714 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Given that salamanders have experienced large shifts in their distributions over time, we determined how each species of Plethodon in the Pacific Northwest would respond to climate change. We incorporated several greenhouse scenarios both on a species-by-species basis, and also using phylogenetic groups, with the aim to determine the best course of action in managing land area to conserve diversity in this group. LOCATION Pacific Northwest of the United States (northern CA, OR, WA, ID, and MT). MAJOR TAXA STUDIED Western Plethodon salamanders. METHODS Species distribution models were estimated using MaxEnt for the current time period and for several future climate scenarios using bioclimatic data layers. We used several methods to quantify the change in habitat suitability over time from the models. We explored aspects of the climate layers to determine whether we can expect a concerted response to climate change due to similarity in ecological niche or independent responses that could be harder to manage. RESULTS The distribution of western Plethodon salamander species is strongly influenced by precipitation and less so by temperature. Species responses to climate change resulted in both increases and decreases in predicted suitable habitat, though most species ranges do not contract, especially when taken as a phylogenetic group. MAIN CONCLUSIONS While some established habitats may become more or less climatically suitable, the overall distribution of species in this group is unlikely to be significantly affected. Clades of Plethodon species are unlikely to be in danger of extirpation despite the possibility that individual species may be threatened as a result of limited distributions. Grouping species into lineages with similar geographic ranges can be a viable method of determining conservation needs. More biotic and dispersal information is needed to determine the true impact that changes in climate will have on the distribution of Plethodon species.
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Identifying habitat and understanding movement resistance for the Endangered Bornean banteng Bos javanicus lowi in Sabah, Malaysia. ORYX 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605318001126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHabitat prioritization and corridor restoration are important steps for reconnecting fragmented habitats and species populations, and spatial modelling approaches are useful in identifying suitable habitat for elusive tropical rainforest mammals. The Endangered Bornean banteng Bos javanicus lowi, a wild bovid endemic to Borneo, occurs in habitat that is highly fragmented as a result of extensive agricultural expansion. Based on the species’ historical distribution in Sabah (Malaysia), we conducted camera-trap surveys in 14 forest reserves during 2011–2016. To assess suitable habitat for the banteng we used a presence-only maximum entropy (MaxEnt) approach with 11 spatial predictors, including climate, infrastructure, land cover and land use, and topography variables. We performed a least-cost path analysis using Linkage Mapper, to understand the resistance to movement through the landscape. The surveys comprised a total of 44,251 nights of camera trapping. We recorded banteng presence in 11 forest reserves. Key spatial predictors deemed to be important in predicting suitable habitat included soil associations (52.6%), distance to intact and logged forests (11.8%), precipitation in the driest quarter (10.8%), distance to agro-forest and regenerating forest (5.7%), and distance to oil palm plantations (5.1%). Circa 11% of Sabah had suitable habitat (7,719 km2), of which 12.2% was in protected forests, 60.4% was in production forests and 27.4% was in other areas. The least-cost path model predicted 21 linkages and a relatively high movement resistance between core habitats. Our models provide information about key habitat and movement resistance for bantengs through the landscape, which is crucial for constructive conservation strategies and land-use planning.
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Assessment of endemic northern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) distribution and identification of priority conservation areas through modeling and field surveys across north India. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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15
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Closely related species show species-specific environmental responses and different spatial conservation needs: Prionailurus cats in the Indian subcontinent. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18705. [PMID: 33127966 PMCID: PMC7599212 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74684-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Phylogenetically closely related species are often assumed to have similar responses to environmental conditions, but species-specific responses have also been described. These two scenarios may have different conservation implications. We tested these two hypotheses for Prionailurus cats (P. rubiginosus, P. bengalensis, P. viverrinus) in the Indian subcontinent and show its implications on species current protected area coverage and climatic suitability trends through time. We fitted ecological niche models with current environmental conditions and calculated niche overlap. In addition, we developed a model for the Jungle Cat Felis chaus to compare species responses and niche overlap estimates within Prionailurus with those for a related sympatric small cat species. Then we estimated the proportion of current suitable environment covered by protected area and projected climatic models from past (last interglacial) to future (2070; RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) conditions to show implications on population management and conservation. The hypothesis of a similar response and niche overlap among closely related species is not supported. Protected area coverage was lowest for P. viverrinus (mean = 0.071, SD = 0.012) and highest for P. bengalensis (mean = 0.088, SD = 0.006). In addition, the proportion of the subcontinent with suitable climate varied through time and was species-specific. For P. bengalensis, climatic suitability shrunk since at least the mid-Holocene, a trend that can be intensified by human-induced climate warming. Concerning P. viverrinus, most predictions show stable future climatic suitability, but a few indicated potential loss. Climatic suitability for P. rubiginous was predicted to remain stable but the species exhibited a negative association with intensive agriculture. Similar responses to environmental change by phylogenetically closely related species should not be assumed and have implications on protected area coverage and natural trends of species climatic suitability over time. This should be taken into account during conservation and management actions.
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Assessing the habitat use, suitability and activity pattern of the rusty-spotted cat Prionailurus rubiginosus in Kanha Tiger Reserve, India. MAMMALIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2019-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The rusty-spotted cat Prionailurus rubiginosus is the smallest wildcat in the world, endemic to India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Although new occurrence records have recently been reported from different geographic localities in India and Nepal, there is still a lack of information on its biology and habitat use that are required for its conservation planning. Herein, we report results from systematic, long-term (2014–2018) camera trapping in Kanha Tiger Reserve, India, to evaluate the habitat use, suitability and activity pattern of the rusty-spotted cat and model its local distribution with habitat and anthropogenic covariates. Thick canopied forest and rugged terrain were found to be extensively used and preferred by the rusty-spotted cat. It was also recorded in the multiple-use buffer zone forests in close proximity to agriculture. The species is nocturnal and its activity seems to coincide with its major prey. The guiding philosophy of tiger reserves in India is to use the tiger as an umbrella species for biodiversity conservation, and often these reserves are intensively managed to enhance tiger and prey populations. This approach, however, may not cater to the requirements of other less charismatic sympatric species, and those of the rusty-spotted cat also need to be considered for its continued survival.
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Dorji D, Jambay, Ju Lian Chong, Dorji T. Habitat preference and current distribution of Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla L. 1758) in Dorokha Dungkhag, Samtse, southern Bhutan. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2020. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.5839.12.11.16424-16433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chinese Pangolin (CP), Manis pentadactyla L. is one of the two pangolin species recorded in Bhutan. Not many studies, however, were carried out on the species in Bhutan. The present study was carried out to assess the habitat preference and current distribution of CP, Manis pentadactyla in Dorokha Dungkhag, Samtse from January to March 2017. Belt transect method consisting of 100 x 100 m each was used to assess the habitat preference and estimate burrow density, coupled with an extensive search of indirect signs of pangolin presence (burrows, scat, footprint, scales, scratches) was utilized to determine the current distribution of the CP. Modelling of habitat was carried out using QGIS and Maxent. A total of 181 burrows were recorded from 48 plots with burrow density of 0.104 per hectare. These were mostly distributed in the habitat dominated by needlework trees (Schima wallichii), evergreen broadleaf (Castanopsis hytrix) and shrubs (Viburnum species). The preferred habitat of the CP was recorded to range from an altitude of 1,300–1,700 m, with highest feeding activities recorded within the periphery of cardamom plantation and adjacent forested area. A higher burrow density was recorded in humid soils, with high termite presence, and in the vicinity of human settlements. Habitat modelling revealed that 23.57km2 of the study area was highly suitable and 37.88km2 was a suitable habitat for the species. Similar studies are suggested to be carried out in other parts of Bhutan in different seasons to better understand the species and its distribution in the country.
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Atzeni L, Cushman SA, Bai D, Wang J, Chen P, Shi K, Riordan P. Meta-replication, sampling bias, and multi-scale model selection: A case study on snow leopard ( Panthera uncia) in western China. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:7686-7712. [PMID: 32760557 PMCID: PMC7391562 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Replicated multiple scale species distribution models (SDMs) have become increasingly important to identify the correct variables determining species distribution and their influences on ecological responses. This study explores multi-scale habitat relationships of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in two study areas on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of western China. Our primary objectives were to evaluate the degree to which snow leopard habitat relationships, expressed by predictors, scales of response, and magnitude of effects, were consistent across study areas or locally landcape-specific. We coupled univariate scale optimization and the maximum entropy algorithm to produce multivariate SDMs, inferring the relative suitability for the species by ensembling top performing models. We optimized the SDMs based on average omission rate across the top models and ensembles' overlap with a simulated reference model. Comparison of SDMs in the two study areas highlighted landscape-specific responses to limiting factors. These were dependent on the effects of the hydrological network, anthropogenic features, topographic complexity, and the heterogeneity of the landcover patch mosaic. Overall, even accounting for specific local differences, we found general landscape attributes associated with snow leopard ecological requirements, consisting of a positive association with uplands and ridges, aggregated low-contrast landscapes, and large extents of grassy and herbaceous vegetation. As a means to evaluate the performance of two bias correction methods, we explored their effects on three datasets showing a range of bias intensities. The performance of corrections depends on the bias intensity; however, density kernels offered a reliable correction strategy under all circumstances. This study reveals the multi-scale response of snow leopards to environmental attributes and confirms the role of meta-replicated study designs for the identification of spatially varying limiting factors. Furthermore, this study makes important contributions to the ongoing discussion about the best approaches for sampling bias correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Atzeni
- Wildlife InstituteSchool of Ecology and Nature ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
| | | | - Defeng Bai
- Wildlife InstituteSchool of Ecology and Nature ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jun Wang
- Wildlife InstituteSchool of Ecology and Nature ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Pengju Chen
- Wildlife InstituteSchool of Ecology and Nature ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kun Shi
- Wildlife InstituteSchool of Ecology and Nature ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
- Eco‐Bridge ContinentalBeijingChina
| | - Philip Riordan
- Wildlife InstituteSchool of Ecology and Nature ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
- Marwell WildlifeWinchesterUK
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Herrando-Moraira S, Vitales D, Nualart N, Gómez-Bellver C, Ibáñez N, Massó S, Cachón-Ferrero P, González-Gutiérrez PA, Guillot D, Herrera I, Shaw D, Stinca A, Wang Z, López-Pujol J. Global distribution patterns and niche modelling of the invasive Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae). Sci Rep 2020; 10:3143. [PMID: 32081991 PMCID: PMC7035272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60079-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive alien species are currently considered one of the main threats to global biodiversity. One of the most rapidly expanding invasive plants in recent times is Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae), an artificial hybrid created in the 1930s in the United States by experimental crossings between K. daigremontiana and K. tubiflora, two species endemic to Madagascar. Thanks to its large colonizing capacity (mainly derived from the production of asexual plantlets), K. × houghtonii soon escaped from cultivation and quickly spread in many parts of the world. However, its actual range is not well known due to the lack of a formal description until recent times (2006) and its strong morphological resemblance with one of its parentals (K. daigremontiana). The present study was aimed, in the first instance, to delimit the present distribution area of K. × houghtonii at the global scale by gathering and validating all its occurrences and to track its colonization history. Currently, K. × houghtonii can be found on all continents except Antarctica, although it did not reach a global distribution until the 2000s. Its potential distribution, estimated with MaxEnt modelling software, is mainly centered in subtropical regions, from 20° to 40° of both northern and southern latitudes, mostly in areas with a high anthropogenic activity. Unexpectedly, concomitant to a poleward migration, future niche models suggest a considerable reduction of its range by up to one-third compared to the present, which might be related with the Crassulaceaean Acid Metabolism (CAM) of K. × houghtonii. Further research may shed light as to whether a decrease in potential habitats constitutes a general pattern for Crassulaceae and CAM plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Herrando-Moraira
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniel Vitales
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Neus Nualart
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carlos Gómez-Bellver
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Neus Ibáñez
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sergi Massó
- Systematics and Evolution of Vascular Plants, Unit of Botany, Faculty of Biosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pilar Cachón-Ferrero
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Daniel Guillot
- Hortax, Cultivated Plant Taxonomy Group, 46118, Serra, Spain
| | - Ileana Herrera
- Universidad Espíritu Santo, Escuela de Ciencias Ambientales, 091650, Samborondón, Ecuador
- Department of Botany, National Institute of Biodiversity (INABIO), 170501, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Daniel Shaw
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, LL57 2UW, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Adriano Stinca
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jordi López-Pujol
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Mohd-Azlan J, Thaqifah SJ. New records of the Flat-headed Cat Prionailurus planiceps (Vigors & Horsfield, 1827) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in western Sarawak, Malaysia. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2020. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.5105.12.2.15238-15243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Endangered Flat-headed Cat is threatened due to loss of lowland and wetland habitats. Its elusive nature and low density occurrence make field sampling difficult. Compilation of records from both camera trapping and direct observation can provide important updates to its current distribution in Sarawak. In western Sarawak, the Flat-headed Cat was recorded in Maludam National Park, in Ulu Sebuyau National Park and at Sarawak River, which are the first confirmed records. The Flat-headed Cat appears to inhabit swamp forest in pristine protected areas as well as near human settlements. The conservation of peat swamp forests is crucial for its long-term persistence.
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Zanin M, Neves BDS. Current felid (Carnivora: Felidae) distribution, spatial bias, and occurrence predictability: testing the reliability of a global dataset for macroecological studies. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2019.103488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abidin KZ, Lihan T, Taher TM, Nazri N, Zaini IHA, Mansor MS, Topani R, Nor SM. Predicting Potential Conflict Areas of the Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) in Peninsular Malaysia Using Maximum Entropy Model. MAMMAL STUDY 2019. [DOI: 10.3106/ms2018-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kamaruddin Z. Abidin
- School of Environmental Science & Natural Resources, Faculty of Science & Technology, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tukimat Lihan
- School of Environmental Science & Natural Resources, Faculty of Science & Technology, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Taherah M. Taher
- School of Environmental Science & Natural Resources, Faculty of Science & Technology, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nabilah Nazri
- School of Environmental Science & Natural Resources, Faculty of Science & Technology, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izzat-Husna Ahmad Zaini
- School of Environmental Science & Natural Resources, Faculty of Science & Technology, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Saiful Mansor
- School of Environmental Science & Natural Resources, Faculty of Science & Technology, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rahmat Topani
- Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shukor Md. Nor
- School of Environmental Science & Natural Resources, Faculty of Science & Technology, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Bosch M, Herrando-Moraira S, Hoyo AD, López-Pujol J, Massó S, Rosselló JA, Simon J, Blanché C. New conservation viewpoints when plants are viewed at one level higher. Integration of phylogeographic structure, niche modeling and genetic diversity in conservation planning of W Mediterranean larkspurs. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Watts SM, McCarthy TM, Namgail T. Modelling potential habitat for snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Ladakh, India. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211509. [PMID: 30695083 PMCID: PMC6350993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The snow leopard Panthera uncia is an elusive species inhabiting some of the most remote and inaccessible tracts of Central and South Asia. It is difficult to determine its distribution and density pattern, which are crucial for developing conservation strategies. Several techniques for species detection combining camera traps with remote sensing and geographic information systems have been developed to model the habitat of such cryptic and low-density species in challenging terrains. Utilising presence-only data from camera traps and direct observations, alongside six environmental variables (elevation, aspect, ruggedness, distance to water, land cover, and prey habitat suitability), we assessed snow leopard habitat suitability across Ladakh in northern India. This is the first study to model snow leopard distribution both in India and utilising direct observation data. Results suggested that elevation and ruggedness are the two most influential environmental variables for snow leopard habitat suitability, with highly suitable habitat having an elevation range of 2,800 m to 4,600 m and ruggedness of 450 m to 1,800 m. Our habitat suitability map estimated approximately 12% of Ladakh's geographical area (c. 90,000 km2) as highly suitable and 18% as medium suitability. We found that 62.5% of recorded livestock depredation along with over half of all livestock corrals (54%) and homestays (58%) occurred within highly suitable snow leopard habitat. Our habitat suitability model can be used to assist in allocation of conservation resources by targeting construction of livestock corrals to areas of high habitat suitability and promoting ecotourism programs in villages in highly suitable snow leopard habitat.
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Bai DF, Chen PJ, Atzeni L, Cering L, Li Q, Shi K. Assessment of habitat suitability of the snow leopard ( Panthera uncia) in Qomolangma National Nature Reserve based on MaxEnt modeling. Zool Res 2018; 39:373-386. [PMID: 29872029 PMCID: PMC6085764 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2018.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat evaluation constitutes an important and fundamental step in the management of wildlife populations and conservation policy planning. Geographic information system (GIS) and species presence data provide the means by which such evaluation can be done. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) is widely used in habitat suitability modeling due to its power of accuracy and additional descriptive properties. To survey snow leopard populations in Qomolangma (Mt. Everest, QNNR) National Nature Reserve, Tibet, China, we pooled 127 pugmarks, 415 scrape marks, and 127 non-invasive identifications of the animal along line transects and recorded 87 occurrences through camera traps from 2014-2017. We adopted the MaxEnt model to generate a map highlighting the extent of suitable snow leopard habitat in QNNR. Results showed that the accuracy of the MaxEnt model was excellent (mean AUC=0.921). Precipitation in the driest quarter, ruggedness, elevation, maximum temperature of the warmest month, and annual mean temperature were the main environmental factors influencing habitat suitability for snow leopards, with contribution rates of 20.0%, 14.4%, 13.3%, 8.7%, and 8.2% respectively. The suitable habitat area extended for 7001.93 km2, representing 22.72% of the whole reserve. The regions bordering Nepal were the main suitable snow leopard habitats and consisted of three separate habitat patches. Our findings revealed that precipitation, temperature conditions, ruggedness, and elevations of around 4000 m influenced snow leopard preferences at the landscape level in QNNR. We advocate further research and cooperation with Nepal to evaluate habitat connectivity and to explore possible proxies of population isolation among these patches. Furthermore, evaluation of subdivisions within the protection zones of QNNR is necessary to improve conservation strategies and enhance protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Feng Bai
- Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; E-mail:.,Everest Snow Leopard Conservation Center, Rikaze Tibet 857000, China
| | - Peng-Ju Chen
- Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; E-mail:
| | - Luciano Atzeni
- Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; E-mail:
| | - Lhaba Cering
- Qomolangma National Nature Reserve Administration, Rikaze Tibet 857000, China
| | - Qian Li
- Everest Snow Leopard Conservation Center, Rikaze Tibet 857000, China
| | - Kun Shi
- Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; E-mail:.,Eco-Bridge Continental, Beijing 100085, China
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Hearn AJ, Cushman SA, Ross J, Goossens B, Hunter LTB, Macdonald DW. Spatio-temporal ecology of sympatric felids on Borneo. Evidence for resource partitioning? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200828. [PMID: 30028844 PMCID: PMC6054408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Niche differentiation, the partitioning of resources along one or more axes of a species' niche hyper-volume, is widely recognised as an important mechanism for sympatric species to reduce interspecific competition and predation risk, and thus facilitate co-existence. Resource partitioning may be facilitated by behavioural differentiation along three main niche dimensions: habitat, food and time. In this study, we investigate the extent to which these mechanisms can explain the coexistence of an assemblage of five sympatric felids in Borneo. Using multi-scale logistic regression, we show that Bornean felids exhibit differences in both their broad and fine-scale habitat use. We calculate temporal activity patterns and overlap between these species, and present evidence for temporal separation within this felid guild. Lastly, we conducted an all-subsets logistic regression to predict the occurrence of each felid species as a function of the co-occurrence of a large number of other species and showed that Bornean felids co-occurred with a range of other species, some of which could be candidate prey. Our study reveals apparent resource partitioning within the Bornean felid assemblage, operating along all three niche dimension axes. These results provide new insights into the ecology of these species and the broader community in which they live and also provide important information for conservation planning for this guild of predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Hearn
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Samuel A. Cushman
- US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Joanna Ross
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Benoit Goossens
- Danau Girang Field Centre, c/o Sabah Wildlife Department, Wisma Muis, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Sabah Wildlife Department, Wisma Muis, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Organisms and Environment Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Amstislavsky S, Brusentsev E, Kizilova E, Mokrousova V, Kozhevnikova V, Abramova T, Rozhkova I, Naidenko S. Sperm cryopreservation in the Far-Eastern wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus). Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1219-1226. [PMID: 29968363 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Far-Eastern wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is a rare and poorly investigated nondomestic felid species. An attempt of freezing and cryopreserving Far-Eastern wildcat spermatozoa in CaniPlus Freeze (CPF) medium is reported. Sperm was collected by electroejaculation from five adult Far-Eastern wildcat captive-born males. Epididymal spermatozoa from five adult randomly bred domestic cat males were used as a reference. The viability of frozen-thawed spermatozoa evaluated by double staining with SYBR Green I and PI followed by the subsequent confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was 38.2% ± 3.0% for the domestic cat and 38.0% ± 10.2% for the Far-Eastern wildcat. The motility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa was 30.8% ± 9.8% for the domestic cat and 33.7% ± 15.1% for the Far-Eastern wildcat. Sperm morphology was assessed by light microscopy. The total percentage of normal spermatozoa after freezing and thawing was 51.9 ± 5.9 for the domestic cat and 55.0% ± 6.4% for the Far-Eastern wildcat. Defects of flagella were the most frequently observed abnormalities in both species (32.2% ± 4.8% and 30.8% ± 4.4% of all reported anomalies for the domestic cat and Far-Eastern wildcat, respectively). Domestic cat epididymal and Far-Eastern ejaculatory spermatozoa fertilized in vitro-matured oocytes of the domestic cat (30.0% ± 5.5% and 35.5% ± 15.0%, respectively). Taken together, these results suggest that the freezing of Far-Eastern wildcat spermatozoa with CPF medium is a suitable method for Felidae cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Amstislavsky
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Eugeny Brusentsev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena Kizilova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentina Mokrousova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valeria Kozhevnikova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tatyana Abramova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Irina Rozhkova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergey Naidenko
- A.N.Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Singh M, Tokola T, Hou Z, Notarnicola C. Remote sensing-based landscape indicators for the evaluation of threatened-bird habitats in a tropical forest. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:4552-4567. [PMID: 28690786 PMCID: PMC5496523 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian species persistence in a forest patch is strongly related to the degree of isolation and size of a forest patch and the vegetation structure within a patch and its matrix are important predictors of bird habitat suitability. A combination of space‐borne optical (Landsat), ALOS‐PALSAR (radar), and airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data was used for assessing variation in forest structure across forest patches that had undergone different levels of forest degradation in a logged forest—agricultural landscape in Southern Laos. The efficacy of different remote sensing (RS) data sources in distinguishing forest patches that had different seizes, configurations, and vegetation structure was examined. These data were found to be sensitive to the varying levels of degradation of the different patch categories. Additionally, the role of local scale forest structure variables (characterized using the different RS data and patch area) and landscape variables (characterized by distance from different forest patches) in influencing habitat preferences of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red listed birds found in the study area was examined. A machine learning algorithm, MaxEnt, was used in conjunction with these data and field collected geographical locations of the avian species to identify the factors influencing habitat preference of the different bird species and their suitable habitats. Results show that distance from different forest patches played a more important role in influencing habitat suitability for the different avian species than local scale factors related to vegetation structure and health. In addition to distance from forest patches, LiDAR‐derived forest structure and Landsat‐derived spectral variables were important determinants of avian habitat preference. The models derived using MaxEnt were used to create an overall habitat suitability map (HSM) which mapped the most suitable habitat patches for sustaining all the avian species. This work also provides insight that retention of forest patches, including degraded and isolated forest patches in addition to large contiguous forest patches, can facilitate bird species retention within tropical agricultural landscapes. It also demonstrates the effective use of RS data in distinguishing between forests that have undergone varying levels of degradation and identifying the habitat preferences of different bird species. Practical conservation management planning endeavors can use such data for both landscape scale monitoring and habitat mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timo Tokola
- School of Forest Sciences University of Eastern Finland Joensuu Finland
| | - Zhengyang Hou
- Department of Geography and Geographical Information Science University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign IL USA
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29
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Threatened but understudied: supporting conservation by understanding the genetic structure of the flat-headed cat. CONSERV GENET 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-0990-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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30
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Improving Seasonal Land Cover Maps of Poyang Lake Area in China by Taking into Account Logical Transitions. ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/ijgi5090165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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31
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Wachter GA, Papadopoulou A, Muster C, Arthofer W, Knowles LL, Steiner FM, Schlick-Steiner BC. Glacial refugia, recolonization patterns and diversification forces in Alpine-endemicMegabunusharvestmen. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:2904-19. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor A. Wachter
- Molecular Ecology Group; Institute of Ecology; University of Innsbruck; Technikerstraße 25 6020 Innsbruck Austria
| | - Anna Papadopoulou
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Museum of Zoology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI 48109-1079 USA
- Department of Integrative Ecology; Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC); 41092 Seville Spain
| | - Christoph Muster
- Zoological Institute and Museum; University of Greifswald; Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Straße 11/12 17487 Greifswald Germany
| | - Wolfgang Arthofer
- Molecular Ecology Group; Institute of Ecology; University of Innsbruck; Technikerstraße 25 6020 Innsbruck Austria
| | - L. Lacey Knowles
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Museum of Zoology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI 48109-1079 USA
| | - Florian M. Steiner
- Molecular Ecology Group; Institute of Ecology; University of Innsbruck; Technikerstraße 25 6020 Innsbruck Austria
| | - Birgit C. Schlick-Steiner
- Molecular Ecology Group; Institute of Ecology; University of Innsbruck; Technikerstraße 25 6020 Innsbruck Austria
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32
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Cuyckens GAE, Pereira JA, Trigo TC, Da Silva M, Gonçalves L, Huaranca JC, Bou Pérez N, Cartes JL, Eizirik E. Refined assessment of the geographic distribution of Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi
) (Mammalia: Felidae) in the Neotropics. J Zool (1987) 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. A. E. Cuyckens
- Centro de Estudios Territoriales Ambientales y Sociales (CETAS); San Salvador de Jujuy Argentina
| | - J. A. Pereira
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Argentina
- División Mastozoología-Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘Bernardino Rivadavia’; Ciudad de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - T. C. Trigo
- Museu de Ciências Naturais; Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul - FZB; Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - M. Da Silva
- Unidad de Manejo y Conservación de Fauna; Instituto de Ecología; Universidad Mayor de San Andrés; La Paz Bolivia
| | - L. Gonçalves
- Faculdade de Biociências; PUCRS; Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - J. C. Huaranca
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Genética; Universidad Mayor de San Simón; Cochabamba Bolivia
- Alianza Gato Andino; Bolivia
| | - N. Bou Pérez
- Genética de la Conservación; Departamento de Biodiversidad y Genética; Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE); Montevideo Uruguay
| | - J. L. Cartes
- Proyecto Paraguay Biodiversidad; Itaipú Binacional; Asunción Paraguay
| | - E. Eizirik
- Faculdade de Biociências; PUCRS; Porto Alegre Brazil
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33
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The relationship between climate, diseases of domestic animals and human-carnivore conflicts. Basic Appl Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Geary M, Fielding AH, McGowan PJK, Marsden SJ. Scenario-Led Habitat Modelling of Land Use Change Impacts on Key Species. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142477. [PMID: 26569604 PMCID: PMC4646449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate predictions of the impacts of future land use change on species of conservation concern can help to inform policy-makers and improve conservation measures. If predictions are spatially explicit, predicted consequences of likely land use changes could be accessible to land managers at a scale relevant to their working landscape. We introduce a method, based on open source software, which integrates habitat suitability modelling with scenario-building, and illustrate its use by investigating the effects of alternative land use change scenarios on landscape suitability for black grouse Tetrao tetrix. Expert opinion was used to construct five near-future (twenty years) scenarios for the 800 km2 study site in upland Scotland. For each scenario, the cover of different land use types was altered by 5-30% from 20 random starting locations and changes in habitat suitability assessed by projecting a MaxEnt suitability model onto each simulated landscape. A scenario converting grazed land to moorland and open forestry was the most beneficial for black grouse, and 'increased grazing' (the opposite conversion) the most detrimental. Positioning of new landscape blocks was shown to be important in some situations. Increasing the area of open-canopy forestry caused a proportional decrease in suitability, but suitability gains for the 'reduced grazing' scenario were nonlinear. 'Scenario-led' landscape simulation models can be applied in assessments of the impacts of land use change both on individual species and also on diversity and community measures, or ecosystem services. A next step would be to include landscape configuration more explicitly in the simulation models, both to make them more realistic, and to examine the effects of habitat placement more thoroughly. In this example, the recommended policy would be incentives on grazing reduction to benefit black grouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Geary
- Division of Biology & Conservation Ecology, School of Science & the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Alan H. Fielding
- Division of Biology & Conservation Ecology, School of Science & the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Philip J. K. McGowan
- World Pheasant Association, Newcastle University Biology Field Station, Close House Estate, Heddon-on-the-Wall, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J. Marsden
- Division of Biology & Conservation Ecology, School of Science & the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Struebig MJ, Fischer M, Gaveau DLA, Meijaard E, Wich SA, Gonner C, Sykes R, Wilting A, Kramer-Schadt S. Anticipated climate and land-cover changes reveal refuge areas for Borneo's orang-utans. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2015; 21:2891-2904. [PMID: 25559092 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Habitat loss and climate change pose a double jeopardy for many threatened taxa, making the identification of optimal habitat for the future a conservation priority. Using a case study of the endangered Bornean orang-utan, we identify environmental refuges by integrating bioclimatic models with projected deforestation and oil-palm agriculture suitability from the 1950s to 2080s. We coupled a maximum entropy algorithm with information on habitat needs to predict suitable habitat for the present day and 1950s. We then projected to the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s in models incorporating only land-cover change, climate change or both processes combined. For future climate, we incorporated projections from four model and emission scenario combinations. For future land cover, we developed spatial deforestation predictions from 10 years of satellite data. Refuges were delineated as suitable forested habitats identified by all models that were also unsuitable for oil palm - a major threat to tropical biodiversity. Our analyses indicate that in 2010 up to 260,000 km(2) of Borneo was suitable habitat within the core orang-utan range; an 18-24% reduction since the 1950s. Land-cover models predicted further decline of 15-30% by the 2080s. Although habitat extent under future climate conditions varied among projections, there was majority consensus, particularly in north-eastern and western regions. Across projections habitat loss due to climate change alone averaged 63% by 2080, but 74% when also considering land-cover change. Refuge areas amounted to 2000-42,000 km(2) depending on thresholds used, with 900-17,000 km(2) outside the current species range. We demonstrate that efforts to halt deforestation could mediate some orang-utan habitat loss, but further decline of the most suitable areas is to be expected given projected changes to climate. Protected refuge areas could therefore become increasingly important for ongoing translocation efforts. We present an approach to help identify such areas for highly threatened species given environmental changes expected this century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Struebig
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Manuela Fischer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Forestry and Ecosystem Science, University of Melbourne, Creswick, Vic., 3366, Australia
| | - David L A Gaveau
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), P.O. Box 0113 BOCBD, Bogor, 16000, Indonesia
| | - Erik Meijaard
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), P.O. Box 0113 BOCBD, Bogor, 16000, Indonesia
- Borneo Futures, People and Nature Consulting International, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Serge A Wich
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Catherine Gonner
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Rachel Sykes
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Andreas Wilting
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kramer-Schadt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
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36
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Wang HH, Wonkka CL, Treglia ML, Grant WE, Smeins FE, Rogers WE. Species distribution modelling for conservation of an endangered endemic orchid. AOB PLANTS 2015; 7:plv039. [PMID: 25900746 PMCID: PMC4463238 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plv039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Concerns regarding the long-term viability of threatened and endangered plant species are increasingly warranted given the potential impacts of climate change and habitat fragmentation on unstable and isolated populations. Orchidaceae is the largest and most diverse family of flowering plants, but it is currently facing unprecedented risks of extinction. Despite substantial conservation emphasis on rare orchids, populations continue to decline. Spiranthes parksii (Navasota ladies' tresses) is a federally and state-listed endangered terrestrial orchid endemic to central Texas. Hence, we aimed to identify potential factors influencing the distribution of the species, quantify the relative importance of each factor and determine suitable habitat for future surveys and targeted conservation efforts. We analysed several geo-referenced variables describing climatic conditions and landscape features to identify potential factors influencing the likelihood of occurrence of S. parksii using boosted regression trees. Our model classified 97 % of the cells correctly with regard to species presence and absence, and indicated that probability of existence was correlated with climatic conditions and landscape features. The most influential variables were mean annual precipitation, mean elevation, mean annual minimum temperature and mean annual maximum temperature. The most likely suitable range for S. parksii was the eastern portions of Leon and Madison Counties, the southern portion of Brazos County, a portion of northern Grimes County and along the borders between Burleson and Washington Counties. Our model can assist in the development of an integrated conservation strategy through: (i) focussing future survey and research efforts on areas with a high likelihood of occurrence, (ii) aiding in selection of areas for conservation and restoration and (iii) framing future research questions including those necessary for predicting responses to climate change. Our model could also incorporate new information on S. parksii as it becomes available to improve prediction accuracy, and our methodology could be adapted to develop distribution maps for other rare species of conservation concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Hsuan Wang
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Carissa L Wonkka
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA Present address: Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Michael L Treglia
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, Applied Biodiversity Science Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA Present address: Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - William E Grant
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Fred E Smeins
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - William E Rogers
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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37
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Jennings AP, Naim M, Advento AD, Aryawan AAK, Ps S, Caliman JP, Verwilghen A, Veron G. Diversity and occupancy of small carnivores within oil palm plantations in central Sumatra, Indonesia. MAMMAL RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-015-0217-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Sunarto S, Kelly MJ, Parakkasi K, Hutajulu MB. Cat coexistence in central Sumatra: ecological characteristics, spatial and temporal overlap, and implications for management. J Zool (1987) 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Sunarto
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation; Virginia Tech; Blacksburg VA USA
- WWF; Jakarta Indonesia
| | - M. J. Kelly
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation; Virginia Tech; Blacksburg VA USA
| | | | - M. B. Hutajulu
- Balai Besar Konservasi Sumberdaya Alam Riau; Pekanbaru Indonesia
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Struebig MJ, Wilting A, Gaveau DLA, Meijaard E, Smith RJ, Fischer M, Metcalfe K, Kramer-Schadt S. Targeted conservation to safeguard a biodiversity hotspot from climate and land-cover change. Curr Biol 2015; 25:372-378. [PMID: 25619764 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.11.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Responses of biodiversity to changes in both land cover and climate are recognized [1] but still poorly understood [2]. This poses significant challenges for spatial planning as species could shift, contract, expand, or maintain their range inside or outside protected areas [2-4]. We examine this problem in Borneo, a global biodiversity hotspot [5], using spatial prioritization analyses that maximize species conservation under multiple environmental-change forecasts. Climate projections indicate that 11%-36% of Bornean mammal species will lose ≥ 30% of their habitat by 2080, and suitable ecological conditions will shift upslope for 23%-46%. Deforestation exacerbates this process, increasing the proportion of species facing comparable habitat loss to 30%-49%, a 2-fold increase on historical trends. Accommodating these distributional changes will require conserving land outside existing protected areas, but this may be less than anticipated from models incorporating deforestation alone because some species will colonize high-elevation reserves. Our results demonstrate the increasing importance of upland reserves and that relatively small additions (16,000-28,000 km(2)) to the current conservation estate could provide substantial benefits to biodiversity facing changes to land cover and climate. On Borneo, much of this land is under forestry jurisdiction, warranting targeted conservation partnerships to safeguard biodiversity in an era of global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Struebig
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NR, UK; School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Andreas Wilting
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - David L A Gaveau
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), P.O. Box 0113 BOCBD, Bogor 16000, Indonesia
| | - Erik Meijaard
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), P.O. Box 0113 BOCBD, Bogor 16000, Indonesia; Borneo Futures, People and Nature Consulting International, Country Woods House 306, Jl. WR Supratman, Pondok Ranji-Rengas, Ciputat, Jakarta 15412, Indonesia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Smith
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Manuela Fischer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristian Metcalfe
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NR, UK; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
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McCarthy JL, Wibisono HT, McCarthy KP, Fuller TK, Andayani N. Assessing the distribution and habitat use of four felid species in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia. Glob Ecol Conserv 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Jennings AP, Veron G. Predicted distributions, niche comparisons, and conservation status of the spotted linsang (Prionodon pardicolor) and banded linsang (Prionodon linsang). MAMMAL RES 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-014-0204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Assessing the distribution of a Vulnerable felid species: threats from human land use and climate change to the kodkod Leopardus guigna. ORYX 2014. [DOI: 10.1017/s003060531300135x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractClimate change and habitat fragmentation are considered key pressures on biodiversity, and mammalian carnivores with a limited geographical distribution are particularly vulnerable. The kodkod Leopardus guigna, a small felid endemic to the temperate forests of southern Chile and Argentina, has the smallest geographical range of any New World felid. Although the species occurs in protected areas in both countries, it is not known how well these areas protect the kodkod either currently or under climate change scenarios. We used species distribution models and spatial analyses to assess the distribution of the kodkod, examining the effects of changes in human land use and future climate change. We also assessed the species’ present representation in protected areas and in light of climate change scenarios. We found that the kodkod has already lost 5.5% of its range as a result of human land use, particularly in central areas of its distribution with intermediate habitat suitability. Climate change, together with human land use, will affect 40% of the kodkod's present potential distribution by the year 2050. Currently, 12.5% of the species’ potential distribution lies in protected areas and this will increase to 14% in the future. This increase does not, however, mean an increase in protected habitat but rather a reduction of the species' total potential range; a relatively larger percentage will be protected in Argentina than in Chile but the species is more susceptible to extinction in Argentina and the Chilean Matorral.
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Gomez JJ, Túnez JI, Fracassi N, Cassini MH. Habitat suitability and anthropogenic correlates of Neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis) distribution. J Mammal 2014. [DOI: 10.1644/13-mamm-a-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Basher Z, Bowden DA, Costello MJ. Diversity and distribution of deep-sea shrimps in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103195. [PMID: 25051333 PMCID: PMC4106907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although decapod crustaceans are widespread in the oceans, only Natantia (shrimps) are common in the Antarctic. Because remoteness, depth and ice cover restrict sampling in the South Ocean, species distribution modelling is a useful tool for evaluating distributions. We used physical specimen and towed camera data to describe the diversity and distribution of shrimps in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. Eight shrimp species were recorded: Chorismus antarcticus; Notocrangon antarcticus; Nematocarcinus lanceopes; Dendrobranchiata; Pasiphaea scotiae; Pasiphaea cf. ledoyeri; Petalidium sp., and a new species of Lebbeus. For the two most common species, N. antarcticus and N. lanceopes, we used maximum entropy modelling, based on records of 60 specimens and over 1130 observations across 23 sites in depths from 269 m to 3433 m, to predict distributions in relation to environmental variables. Two independent sets of environmental data layers at 0.05° and 0.5° resolution respectively, showed how spatial resolution affected the model. Chorismus antarcticus and N. antarcticus were found only on the continental shelf and upper slopes, while N. lanceopes, Lebbeus n. sp., Dendrobranchiata, Petalidium sp., Pasiphaea cf. ledoyeri, and Pasiphaea scotiae were found on the slopes, seamounts and abyssal plain. The environmental variables that contributed most to models for N. antarcticus were depth, chlorophyll-a concentration, temperature, and salinity, and for N. lanceopes were depth, ice concentration, seabed slope/rugosity, and temperature. The relative ranking, but not the composition of these variables changed in models using different spatial resolutions, and the predicted extent of suitable habitat was smaller in models using the finer-scale environmental layers. Our modelling indicated that shrimps were widespread throughout the Ross Sea region and were thus likely to play important functional role in the ecosystem, and that the spatial resolution of data needs to be considered both in the use of species distribution models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeenatul Basher
- Institute of Marine Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - David A. Bowden
- Coasts and Oceans Centre, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mark J. Costello
- Institute of Marine Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Beckmann M, Václavík T, Manceur AM, Šprtová L, von Wehrden H, Welk E, Cord AF. glUV: a global UV-B radiation data set for macroecological studies. Methods Ecol Evol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Beckmann
- Department of Computational Landscape Ecology; UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research; Permoserstraße 15 04318 Leipzig Germany
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden; Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg; Am Kirchtor 1 06108 Halle Germany
| | - Tomáš Václavík
- Department of Computational Landscape Ecology; UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research; Permoserstraße 15 04318 Leipzig Germany
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences; Faculty of Science; Palacký University Olomouc; tř. Svobody 26 77146 Olomouc Czech Republic
| | - Ameur M. Manceur
- Department of Computational Landscape Ecology; UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research; Permoserstraße 15 04318 Leipzig Germany
- Department of Community Ecology; UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research; Theodor-Lieser-Str 4, 06120 Halle Germany
| | - Lenka Šprtová
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences; Faculty of Science; Palacký University Olomouc; tř. Svobody 26 77146 Olomouc Czech Republic
- Schwestern von Betlehem; Kloster Maria im Paradies; 5621 St. Veit im Pongau Austria
| | - Henrik von Wehrden
- Institute of Ecology/Faculty of Sustainability; Leuphana University Lüneburg; Scharnhorststr. 1 21335 Lüneburg Germany
- Center for Methods; Leuphana University Lüneburg; Scharnhorststr. 1 21335 Lüneburg Germany
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology; Savoyen Strasse 1 Vienna 1160 Austria
| | - Erik Welk
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden; Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg; Am Kirchtor 1 06108 Halle Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig; Deutscher Platz 5d 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Anna F. Cord
- Department of Computational Landscape Ecology; UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research; Permoserstraße 15 04318 Leipzig Germany
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Cord AF, Klein D, Mora F, Dech S. Comparing the suitability of classified land cover data and remote sensing variables for modeling distribution patterns of plants. Ecol Modell 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Tantipisanuh N, Gale GA, Pollino C. Bayesian networks for habitat suitability modeling: a potential tool for conservation planning with scarce resources. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2014; 24:1705-1718. [PMID: 29210232 DOI: 10.1890/13-1882.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bayesian networks (BN) have been increasingly used for habitat suitability modeling of threatened species due to their potential to construct robust models with limited survey data. However, previous applications of this approach have only occurred in countries where human and budget resources are highly available, but the highest concentrations of threatened vertebrates globally are located in the tropics where resources are much more limited. We assessed the effectiveness of Bayesian networks in generating habitat suitability models in Thailand, a biodiversity-rich country where the knowledge base is typically sparse for a wide range of threatened species. The Bayesian network approach was used to generate habitat suitability maps for 52 threatened vertebrate species in Thailand, using a range of evidence types, from relatively well-documented species with good local knowledge to poorly documented species, with few local experts. Published information and expert knowledge were used to define habitat requirements. Focal species were categorized into 22 groups based on known habitat preferences, and then habitat suitability models were constructed with outcomes represented spatially. Models had a consistent structure with three major components: potential habitat, known range, and threat level. Model classification sensitivity was tested using presence-only field data for 21 species. Habitat models for 12 species were relatively sensitive (>70% congruency between observed and predicted locations), three were moderately congruent, and six were poor. Classification sensitivity tended to be high for bird models and moderate for mammals, whereas sensitivity for reptiles was low, presumably reflecting the relatively poor knowledge base for reptiles in the region. Bayesian network models show significant potential for biodiversity-rich regions with scarce resources, although they require further refinement and testing. It is possible that one detailed ecological study is sufficient to develop a model with reasonable sensitivity, but BN models for species groups with no quantitative data continue to be problematic.
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Kalle R, Ramesh T, Qureshi Q, Sankar K. Predicting the distribution pattern of small carnivores in response to environmental factors in the Western Ghats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79295. [PMID: 24244470 PMCID: PMC3828364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their secretive habits, predicting the pattern of spatial distribution of small carnivores has been typically challenging, yet for conservation management it is essential to understand the association between this group of animals and environmental factors. We applied maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt) to build distribution models and identify environmental predictors including bioclimatic variables, forest and land cover type, topography, vegetation index and anthropogenic variables for six small carnivore species in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Species occurrence records were collated from camera-traps and vehicle transects during the years 2010 and 2011. We used the average training gain from forty model runs for each species to select the best set of predictors. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic plot (ROC) ranged from 0.81 to 0.93 for the training data and 0.72 to 0.87 for the test data. In habitat models for F. chaus, P. hermaphroditus, and H. smithii “distance to village” and precipitation of the warmest quarter emerged as some of the most important variables. “Distance to village” and aspect were important for V. indica while “distance to village” and precipitation of the coldest quarter were significant for H. vitticollis. “Distance to village”, precipitation of the warmest quarter and land cover were influential variables in the distribution of H. edwardsii. The map of predicted probabilities of occurrence showed potentially suitable habitats accounting for 46 km2 of the reserve for F. chaus, 62 km2 for V. indica, 30 km2 for P. hermaphroditus, 63 km2 for H. vitticollis, 45 km2 for H. smithii and 28 km2 for H. edwardsii. Habitat heterogeneity driven by the east-west climatic gradient was correlated with the spatial distribution of small carnivores. This study exemplifies the usefulness of modeling small carnivore distribution to prioritize and direct conservation planning for habitat specialists in southern India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riddhika Kalle
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Qamar Qureshi
- Department of Landscape Ecology, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kalyanasundaram Sankar
- Department of Habitat Ecology, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India
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Wearn OR, Rowcliffe JM, Carbone C, Bernard H, Ewers RM. Assessing the status of wild felids in a highly-disturbed commercial forest reserve in Borneo and the implications for camera trap survey design. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77598. [PMID: 24223717 PMCID: PMC3817192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferation of camera-trapping studies has led to a spate of extensions in the known distributions of many wild cat species, not least in Borneo. However, we still do not have a clear picture of the spatial patterns of felid abundance in Southeast Asia, particularly with respect to the large areas of highly-disturbed habitat. An important obstacle to increasing the usefulness of camera trap data is the widespread practice of setting cameras at non-random locations. Non-random deployment interacts with non-random space-use by animals, causing biases in our inferences about relative abundance from detection frequencies alone. This may be a particular problem if surveys do not adequately sample the full range of habitat features present in a study region. Using camera-trapping records and incidental sightings from the Kalabakan Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, we aimed to assess the relative abundance of felid species in highly-disturbed forest, as well as investigate felid space-use and the potential for biases resulting from non-random sampling. Although the area has been intensively logged over three decades, it was found to still retain the full complement of Bornean felids, including the bay cat Pardofelis badia, a poorly known Bornean endemic. Camera-trapping using strictly random locations detected four of the five Bornean felid species and revealed inter- and intra-specific differences in space-use. We compare our results with an extensive dataset of >1,200 felid records from previous camera-trapping studies and show that the relative abundance of the bay cat, in particular, may have previously been underestimated due to the use of non-random survey locations. Further surveys for this species using random locations will be crucial in determining its conservation status. We advocate the more wide-spread use of random survey locations in future camera-trapping surveys in order to increase the robustness and generality of inferences that can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R. Wearn
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, United Kingdom
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Chris Carbone
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Bernard
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Robert M. Ewers
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, United Kingdom
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Shcheglovitova M, Anderson RP. Estimating optimal complexity for ecological niche models: A jackknife approach for species with small sample sizes. Ecol Modell 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2013.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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