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Abstract
Humanity has triggered the sixth mass extinction episode since the beginning of the Phanerozoic. The complexity of this extinction crisis is centred on the intersection of two complex adaptive systems: human culture and ecosystem functioning, although the significance of this intersection is not properly appreciated. Human beings are part of biodiversity and elements in a global ecosystem. Civilization, and perhaps even the fate of our species, is utterly dependent on that ecosystem's proper functioning, which society is increasingly degrading. The crisis seems rooted in three factors. First, relatively few people globally are aware of its existence. Second, most people who are, and even many scientists, assume incorrectly that the problem is primarily one of the disappearance of species, when it is the existential threat of myriad population extinctions. Third, while concerned scientists know there are many individual and collective steps that must be taken to slow population extinction rates, some are not willing to advocate the one fundamental, necessary, 'simple' cure, that is, reducing the scale of the human enterprise. We argue that compassionate shrinkage of the human population by further encouraging lower birth rates while reducing both inequity and aggregate wasteful consumption-that is, an end to growthmania-will be required. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological complexity and the biosphere: the next 30 years'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Dirzo
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gerardo Ceballos
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Paul R Ehrlich
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Rivero M, de la Torre JA, Camacho G, Naranjo EJ, Tobler MW, Jordan CA, Medellín RA, Reyna-hurtado R. Tapirs in trouble: estimating Baird's tapir densities in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico. ORYX. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605320001076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Spatial capture–recapture models have been widely used to estimate densities of species where individuals can be uniquely identified, but alternatives have been developed for estimation of densities for unmarked populations. In this study we used camera-trap records from 2018 to estimate densities of a species that does not always have individually identifiable marks, Baird's tapir Tapirus bairdii, in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, southern Mexico. We compared the performance of the spatial capture–recapture model with spatial mark–resight and random encounter models. The density of Baird's tapir did not differ significantly between the three models. The estimate of density was highest using the random encounter model (26/100 km2, 95% CI 12–41) and lowest using the capture–recapture model (8/100 km2, 95% CI 4–16). The estimate from the spatial mark–resight model was 10/100 km2 (95% CI 8–14), which had the lowest coefficient of variation, indicating a higher precision than with the other models. Using a second set of camera-trap data, collected in 2015–2016, we created occupancy models and extrapolated density to areas with potential occupancy of Baird's tapir, to generate a population estimate for the whole Sierra Madre de Chiapas. Our findings indicate the need to strengthen, and possibly expand, the protected areas of southern Mexico and to develop an action plan to ensure the conservation of Baird's tapir.
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Rojas-jiménez J, Brenes-mora E, Alcázar-garcía P, Arguedas-porras R, Barquero-calvo E. Pansusceptible Escherichia coli isolates obtained from faeces of free-ranging Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) suggests a low selective pressure for resistance determinants in the northwestern region of the Talamanca Mountain Range, Costa Rica. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2019; 16:140-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Botello F, Romero-calderón AG, Sánchez-hernández J, Hernández O, López-villegas G, Sánchez-cordero V. Densidad poblacional del tapir centroamericano (Tapirella bairdii) en bosque mesófilo de montaña en Totontepec Villa de Morelos, Oaxaca, México. REV MEX BIODIVERS 2017; 88:918-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmb.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Schank CJ, Cove MV, Kelly MJ, Mendoza E, O'Farrill G, Reyna-Hurtado R, Meyer N, Jordan CA, González-Maya JF, Lizcano DJ, Moreno R, Dobbins MT, Montalvo V, Sáenz-Bolaños C, Jimenez EC, Estrada N, Cruz Díaz JC, Saenz J, Spínola M, Carver A, Fort J, Nielsen CK, Botello F, Pozo Montuy G, Rivero M, de la Torre JA, Brenes-Mora E, Godínez-Gómez O, Wood MA, Gilbert J, Miller JA. Using a novel model approach to assess the distribution and conservation status of the endangered Baird's tapir. DIVERS DISTRIB 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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MacLaren JA, Nauwelaerts S. A three-dimensional morphometric analysis of upper forelimb morphology in the enigmatic tapir (Perissodactyla: Tapirus) hints at subtle variations in locomotor ecology. J Morphol 2016; 277:1469-1485. [PMID: 27519626 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Forelimb morphology is an indicator for terrestrial locomotor ecology. The limb morphology of the enigmatic tapir (Perissodactyla: Tapirus) has often been compared to that of basal perissodactyls, despite the lack of quantitative studies comparing forelimb variation in modern tapirs. Here, we present a quantitative assessment of tapir upper forelimb osteology using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics to test whether the four modern tapir species are monomorphic in their forelimb skeleton. The shape of the upper forelimb bones across four species (T. indicus; T. bairdii; T. terrestris; T. pinchaque) was investigated. Bones were laser scanned to capture surface morphology and 3D landmark analysis was used to quantify shape. Discriminant function analyses were performed to reveal features which could be used for interspecific discrimination. Overall our results show that the appendicular skeleton contains notable interspecific differences. We demonstrate that upper forelimb bones can be used to discriminate between species (>91% accuracy), with the scapula proving the most diagnostic bone (100% accuracy). Features that most successfully discriminate between the four species include the placement of the cranial angle of the scapula, depth of the humeral condyle, and the caudal deflection of the olecranon. Previous studies comparing the limbs of T. indicus and T. terrestris are corroborated by our quantitative findings. Moreover, the mountain tapir T. pinchaque consistently exhibited the greatest divergence in morphology from the other three species. Despite previous studies describing tapirs as functionally mediportal in their locomotor style, we find osteological evidence suggesting a spectrum of locomotor adaptations in the tapirs. We conclude that modern tapir forelimbs are neither monomorphic nor are tapirs as conserved in their locomotor habits as previously described. J. Morphol. 277:1469-1485, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie A MacLaren
- Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Building D, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein, Wilrijk, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Nauwelaerts
- Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Building D, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein, Wilrijk, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
- Centre for Research and Conservation, Koninklijke Maatschappij Voor Dierkunde (KMDA), Koningin Astridplein 26, Antwerp, 2018, Belgium
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Lavariega Nolasco MC, Briones-Salas M, Mazas-Teodocio A, Durán-Medina E. Ecology and local knowledge of the Baird's tapir (Tapirella bairdii) in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, Mexico. Integr Zool 2016; 11:361-74. [PMID: 26749520 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
As well as being of global cultural importance (from local tribal folklore to being an iconic species for conservation), the tapir plays an important role in its ecosystem as a herbivore and seed disperser. However, the ecology and ethnozoology of the endangered Baird's tapir in the north of Oaxaca, Mexico is poorly understood. We used camera traps to estimate its relative abundance and density and to describe the activity patterns of the northernmost population of Baird's tapir in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca. Local knowledge concerning the tapir was also documented, along with the conservation strategies undertaken by the 2 indigenous communities that own the land where the study site is located. Only adult tapirs were photographed, and these were active 14 h per day, but were mainly nocturnal and crepuscular. The estimated relative abundance (12.99 ± 2.24 events/1000 camera days) and density values (0.07-0.24 individuals/km(2) ) were both similar to those found in another site in Mexico located within a protected area. Semi-structured interviews revealed that people have a basic understanding of the eating habits, activity and main predators of the tapir. There were reports of hunting, although not among those respondents who regularly consume bush meat. Thus, the relative abundance and density estimates of tapir at the study site could be related to the favorable condition of the forest and the absence of hunting and consumption of tapir meat. Fortunately, the local people are conducting initiatives promoting the conservation of this ungulate and its habitat that combine to constitute a regional trend of habitat and wildlife protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario César Lavariega Nolasco
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Integral Development, Oaxaca Unit, National Polytechnic Institute, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Miguel Briones-Salas
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Integral Development, Oaxaca Unit, National Polytechnic Institute, Oaxaca, Mexico.
| | - Amado Mazas-Teodocio
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Integral Development, Oaxaca Unit, National Polytechnic Institute, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Elvira Durán-Medina
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Integral Development, Oaxaca Unit, National Polytechnic Institute, Oaxaca, Mexico
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González-Maya JF, Víquez-R LR, Belant JL, Ceballos G. Effectiveness of protected areas for representing species and populations of terrestrial mammals in Costa Rica. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124480. [PMID: 25970293 PMCID: PMC4430271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Costa Rica has one of the greatest percentages (26%) of protected land in the world. The National Protected Areas System (NPAS) of Costa Rica was established in 1976 and currently includes >190 protected areas within seven different protection categories. The effectiveness of the NPAS to represent species, populations, and areas with high species richness has not been properly evaluated. Such evaluations are fundamental to understand what is necessary to strengthen the NPAS and better protect biodiversity. We present a novel assessment of NPAS effectiveness in protecting mammal species. We compiled the geographical ranges of all terrestrial Costa Rican mammals then determined species lists for all protected areas and the estimated proportion of each species’ geographic range protected. We also classified mammal species according to their conservation status using the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. We found almost complete representation of mammal species (98.5%) in protected areas, but low relative coverage (28.3% on average) of their geographic ranges in Costa Rica and 25% of the species were classified as underprotected according to a priori representation targets. Interestingly, many species-rich areas are not protected, and at least 43% of cells covering the entire country are not included in protected areas. Though protected areas in Costa Rica represent species richness well, strategic planning for future protected areas to improve species complementarity and range protection is necessary. Our results can help to define sites where new protected areas can have a greater impact on mammal conservation, both in terms of species richness and range protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- José F. González-Maya
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04318, México D. F., México
- Proyecto de Conservación de Aguas y Tierras, ProCAT Colombia/Internacional, Carrera 13 No. 96-82 Of. 205, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail:
| | - Luis R. Víquez-R
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04318, México D. F., México
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Carnivore Ecology Laboratory, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University, 39759, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Gerardo Ceballos
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04318, México D. F., México
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González-Maya JF, Schipper J, Castañeda F. A long term inventory of medium and large mammals with camera-traps in Las Tablas Protected Zone, Costa Rica. MaNo 2014. [DOI: 10.47603/manovol1n1.15-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Large mammals are a critical component of tropical ecosystems, especially for the tropics (Terborgh 1988, Cardillo et al. 2005). Nevertheless, is not until recently that with the emergence and widespread use of non-invasive techniques such as camera-traps, that we are getting a large amount ofinformation on medium and large-size mammal assemblages.
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Gonçalves DA Silva A, Campos-Arceiz A, Zavada MS. On tapir ecology, evolution and conservation: what we know and future perspectives-part I. Integr Zool 2012; 7:329-330. [PMID: 23253364 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Gonçalves DA Silva
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University Clayton Campus Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaSchool of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus Semenyih, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University Clayton Campus Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaSchool of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus Semenyih, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Michael S Zavada
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University Clayton Campus Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaSchool of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus Semenyih, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
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