251
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Piaggio AJ, Segelbacher G, Seddon PJ, Alphey L, Bennett EL, Carlson RH, Friedman RM, Kanavy D, Phelan R, Redford KH, Rosales M, Slobodian L, Wheeler K. Is It Time for Synthetic Biodiversity Conservation? Trends Ecol Evol 2017; 32:97-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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252
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DeMay SM, Becker PA, Rachlow JL, Waits LP. Genetic monitoring of an endangered species recovery: demographic and genetic trends for reintroduced pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis). J Mammal 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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253
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Baur B, Thommen GH, Coray A. Dynamics of Reintroduced Populations of Oedipoda caerulescens (Orthoptera, Acrididae) over 21 Years. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2017; 17:iew102. [PMID: 28042108 PMCID: PMC5270399 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iew102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Conservation programs increasingly involve the reintroduction of animals which otherwise would not recolonize restored habitats. We assessed the long-term success of a project in which the Blue-winged grasshopper, Oedipoda caerulescens (L., 1758), was reintroduced to a nature reserve in Northwestern Switzerland, an alluvial gravel area where the species went extinct in the 1960s. In summer 1995, we released 110 individuals (50 females and 60 males) and 204 individuals (101 females and 103 males) into two restored gravel patches with sparse vegetation. We used a transect count technique to assess the population size of O. caerulescens in the years 1995-2004 and 2015-2016 and recorded the area occupied by the species. At both release sites, the populations persisted and increased significantly in size. Individuals that followed a newly created corridor established four new subpopulations. Seven years after reintroduction, O. caerulescens had reached a high abundance around the release sites and in the four colonized patches, indicating a successful project. At the same time, the dispersal corridor became increasingly overgrown by dense vegetation. Surveys 20 and 21 yr after introduction showed that the abundance of the Blue-winged grasshopper had strongly declined in the established subpopulations and moderately in the original release sites, owing to natural succession of the habitat and lack of disturbances, which reduced the area suitable for the species by 59%. Our study shows that reintroductions are unlikely to succeed without integration of long-term habitat management (in the present case maintenance of open ground).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Baur
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Section of Conservation Biology, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - G Heinrich Thommen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Section of Conservation Biology, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Armin Coray
- Natural History Museum, Augustinergasse 2, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
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254
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255
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Naeem S, Prager C, Weeks B, Varga A, Flynn DFB, Griffin K, Muscarella R, Palmer M, Wood S, Schuster W. Biodiversity as a multidimensional construct: a review, framework and case study of herbivory's impact on plant biodiversity. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:20153005. [PMID: 27928041 PMCID: PMC5204135 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.3005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is inherently multidimensional, encompassing taxonomic, functional, phylogenetic, genetic, landscape and many other elements of variability of life on the Earth. However, this fundamental principle of multidimensionality is rarely applied in research aimed at understanding biodiversity's value to ecosystem functions and the services they provide. This oversight means that our current understanding of the ecological and environmental consequences of biodiversity loss is limited primarily to what unidimensional studies have revealed. To address this issue, we review the literature, develop a conceptual framework for multidimensional biodiversity research based on this review and provide a case study to explore the framework. Our case study specifically examines how herbivory by whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) alters the multidimensional influence of biodiversity on understory plant cover at Black Rock Forest, New York. Using three biodiversity dimensions (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity) to explore our framework, we found that herbivory alters biodiversity's multidimensional influence on plant cover; an effect not observable through a unidimensional approach. Although our review, framework and case study illustrate the advantages of multidimensional over unidimensional approaches, they also illustrate the statistical and empirical challenges such work entails. Meeting these challenges, however, where data and resources permit, will be important if we are to better understand and manage the consequences we face as biodiversity continues to decline in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Naeem
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue MC5557, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Earth Institute Center for Environmental Studies, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Case Prager
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue MC5557, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Brian Weeks
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue MC5557, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Alex Varga
- Earth Institute Center for Environmental Studies, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Dan F B Flynn
- The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Boston, MA 02130, USA
| | - Kevin Griffin
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue MC5557, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Robert Muscarella
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue MC5557, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Matthew Palmer
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue MC5557, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Stephen Wood
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue MC5557, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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256
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Brichieri-Colombi TA, Moehrenschlager A. Alignment of threat, effort, and perceived success in North American conservation translocations. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2016; 30:1159-1172. [PMID: 27119768 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of conservation translocations to mitigate human effects on biodiversity is increasing, but how these efforts are allocated remains unclear. Based on a comprehensive literature review and online author survey, we sought to determine the goals of translocation efforts, whether they focus on species and regions with high threat and likelihood of perceived success, and how success might be improved. We systematically searched the ISI Web of Knowledge and Academic Search Complete databases to determine the species and regions of conservation translocations and found 1863 articles on conservation translocations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean published from 1974 to 2013. We questioned 330 relevant authors to determine the motivation for translocations, how translocations were evaluated, and obstacles encountered. Conservation translocations in North America were geographically widespread (in 21 countries), increased in frequency over time for all animal classes (from 1 in 1974 to 84 in 2013), and included 279 different species. Reintroductions and reinforcements were more common in the United States than in Canada and Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean, and their prevalence was correlated with the number of species at risk at national and state or provincial levels. Translocated species had a higher threat status at state and provincial levels than globally (International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List categorization), suggesting that translocations may have been motivated by regional priorities rather than global risk. Our survey of authors was consistent with these results; most translocations were requested, supported, or funded by government agencies and downlisting species at national or state or provincial levels was the main goal. Nonetheless, downlisting was the least reported measure of success, whereas survival and reproduction of translocated individuals were the most reported. Reported barriers to success included biological factors such as animal mortality and nonbiological factors, such as financial constraints, which were less often considered in the selection of release sites. Our review thus highlights discrepancies between project goals and evaluation criteria and between risk factors considered and obstacles encountered, indicating room to further optimize translocation projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Typhenn A Brichieri-Colombi
- Centre for Conservation Research, Calgary Zoological Society, 1300 Zoo Road, NE, Calgary, AB, T2N 0E7, Canada
| | - Axel Moehrenschlager
- Centre for Conservation Research, Calgary Zoological Society, 1300 Zoo Road, NE, Calgary, AB, T2N 0E7, Canada.
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257
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Galetti M, Pires AS, Brancalion PH, Fernandez FA. Reversing defaunation by trophic rewilding in empty forests. Biotropica 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Galetti
- Departamento de Ecologia; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); 13506-900 Rio Claro São Paulo Brazil
- Department of Bioscience - Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity; Aarhus University; Ny Munkegade 116, Building 1540 318, 8000 Aarhus Denmark
| | - Alexandra S. Pires
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais; Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; 23890-000 Seropédica Brazil
| | - Pedro H.S. Brancalion
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais; Escola Superior de Agricultura ‘Luiz de Queiroz’; Universidade de São Paulo (USP); 13418-900 Piracicaba São Paulo Brazil
| | - Fernando A.S. Fernandez
- Departamento de Ecologia; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; CP 68020 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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258
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Giannini TC, Giulietti AM, Harley RM, Viana PL, Jaffe R, Alves R, Pinto CE, Mota NFO, Caldeira CF, Imperatriz-Fonseca VL, Furtini AE, Siqueira JO. Selecting plant species for practical restoration of degraded lands using a multiple-trait approach. AUSTRAL ECOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tereza C. Giannini
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 Belém Pará Brazil
| | - Ana M. Giulietti
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 Belém Pará Brazil
| | - Raymond M. Harley
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Richmond Surrey UK
- Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi; Belém Pará Brazil
| | | | - Rodolfo Jaffe
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 Belém Pará Brazil
| | - Ronnie Alves
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 Belém Pará Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência da Computação; Universidade Federal do Pará; Belém Pará Brazil
| | - Carlos E. Pinto
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 Belém Pará Brazil
| | - Nara F. O. Mota
- Programa de Capacitação Institucional; Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi; Coordenação de Botânica; Belém Pará Brazil
| | - Cecílio F. Caldeira
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 Belém Pará Brazil
| | | | - Antonio E. Furtini
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 Belém Pará Brazil
| | - Jose O. Siqueira
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 Belém Pará Brazil
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259
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Young HS, McCauley DJ, Galetti M, Dirzo R. Patterns, Causes, and Consequences of Anthropocene Defaunation. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2016. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-112414-054142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Anthropocene defaunation, the global extinction of faunal species and populations and the decline in abundance of individuals within populations, has been predominantly documented in terrestrial ecosystems, but indicators suggest defaunation has been more severe in freshwater ecosystems. Marine defaunation is in a more incipient stage, yet pronounced effects are already apparent and its rapid acceleration seems likely. Defaunation now impacts the planet's wildlife with profound cascading consequences, ranging from local to global coextinctions of interacting species to the loss of ecological services critical for humanity. Slowing defaunation will require aggressively reducing animal overexploitation and habitat destruction; mitigating climate disruption; and stabilizing the impacts of human population growth and uneven resource consumption. Given its omnipresence, defaunation should receive status of major global environmental change and should be addressed with the same urgency as deforestation, pollution, and climatic change. Global action is needed to prevent defaunation's current trajectory from catalyzing the planet's sixth major extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary S. Young
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Douglas J. McCauley
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Mauro Galetti
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), 13506–900 Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Dirzo
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
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260
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Barri FR. Reintroducing Guanaco in the Upper Belt of Central Argentina: Using Population Viability Analysis to Evaluate Extinction Risk and Management Priorities. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164806. [PMID: 27741302 PMCID: PMC5065184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife reintroduction is an increasingly used strategy to reverse anthropocene defaunation. For the purpose of ecosystem restoration, in 2007 the guanaco (Lama guanicoe) was reintroduced to the Quebrada del Condorito National Park, situated in the mountains of central Argentina. With the aim of developing management recommendations, the project included permanently monitoring the population to evaluate its dynamics and the ecological response of the individuals released into the area. Nine years later and after two releases of guanacos (113 individuals in 2007 without and 25 in 2011 with a pre-adaptation period), only 24 individuals, which conform three reproductive groups, and one group of solitary males were settled in the Park. Here I modeled a population viability analysis to evaluate extinction risk, using VORTEX software. Initial population structure, specified age distribution, mortality and reproductive rates, and mate monopolization recorded during field work were used in the model, whereas the remaining used demographic parameters, such as age of first offspring, maximum number of broods per year, mean foaling rate, and length of fecundity period, were taken from the literature. Each of the three different scenarios (without supplementation of individuals, and with a realistic and optimistic supplementation) and two possible catastrophic events (fires and food shortage) covering 100 years was repeated 1000 times. Even though the guanaco reintroduction project can be considered to have been partially successful since its start, the model predicts that the current reintroduced population could be extinct in the next few decades if no reinforcements occur, and that only a continuous supplementation can reach the probability that the population survives over the next 100 years. I conclude that, so far, the current population is at a high risk of extinction if further supplementation of individuals is discontinued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Rafael Barri
- Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), CONICET-UNC and Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, CP 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
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261
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Attard MRG, Wilson LAB, Worthy TH, Scofield P, Johnston P, Parr WCH, Wroe S. Moa diet fits the bill: virtual reconstruction incorporating mummified remains and prediction of biomechanical performance in avian giants. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:rspb.2015.2043. [PMID: 26763698 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The moa (Dinornithiformes) are large to gigantic extinct terrestrial birds of New Zealand. Knowledge about niche partitioning, feeding mode and preference among moa species is limited, hampering palaeoecological reconstruction and evaluation of the impacts of their extinction on remnant native biota, or the viability of exotic species as proposed ecological 'surrogates'. Here we apply three-dimensional finite-element analysis to compare the biomechanical performance of skulls from five of the six moa genera, and two extant ratites, to predict the range of moa feeding behaviours relative to each other and to living relatives. Mechanical performance during biting was compared using simulations of the birds clipping twigs based on muscle reconstruction of mummified moa remains. Other simulated food acquisition strategies included lateral shaking, pullback and dorsoventral movement of the skull. We found evidence for limited overlap in biomechanical performance between the extant emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) and extinct upland moa (Megalapteryx didinus) based on similarities in mandibular stress distribution in two loading cases, but overall our findings suggest that moa species exploited their habitats in different ways, relative to both each other and extant ratites. The broad range of feeding strategies used by moa, as inferred from interspecific differences in biomechanical performance of the skull, provides insight into mechanisms that facilitated high diversities of these avian herbivores in prehistoric New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie R G Attard
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Laura A B Wilson
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Trevor H Worthy
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Paul Scofield
- Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
| | - Peter Johnston
- Department of Anatomy, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - William C H Parr
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
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262
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Nafus MG, Esque TC, Averill-Murray RC, Nussear KE, Swaisgood RR. Habitat drives dispersal and survival of translocated juvenile desert tortoises. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melia G. Nafus
- Institute for Conservation Research; 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido CA USA
| | - Todd C. Esque
- U.S. Geological Survey; Western Ecological Research Center; 160 North Stephanie Street Henderson NV USA
| | - Roy C. Averill-Murray
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Desert Tortoise Recovery Office; 1340 Financial Boulevard #234 Reno NV USA
| | - Kenneth E. Nussear
- Department of Geography; University of Nevada Reno; 1664 N. Virginia Street Reno NV USA
| | - Ronald R. Swaisgood
- Institute for Conservation Research; 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido CA USA
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263
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Waters JM, Grosser S. Managing shifting species: Ancient DNA reveals conservation conundrums in a dynamic world. Bioessays 2016; 38:1177-1184. [PMID: 27586443 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The spread of exotic species represents a major driver of biological change across the planet. While dispersal and colonization are natural biological processes, we suggest that the failure to recognize increasing rates of human-facilitated self-introductions may represent a threat to native lineages. Notably, recent biogeographic analyses have revealed numerous cases of biological range shifts in response to anthropogenic impacts and climate change. In particular, ancient DNA analyses have revealed several cases in which lineages traditionally thought to be long-established "natives" are in fact recent colonizers. Such range expansion events have apparently occurred in response to human-mediated native biodiversity declines and ecosystem change, particularly in recently colonized, isolated ecosystems such as New Zealand. While such events can potentially boost local biodiversity, the spread of exotic lineages may also hasten the decline of indigenous species, so it is essential that conservation managers recognize these rapid biotic shifts..
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefanie Grosser
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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264
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Watts JO, Moore A, Palmer D, Molteno TCA, Recio MR, Seddon PJ. Trial reintroduction of buff weka to an unfenced mainland site in central South Island, New Zealand. AUSTRAL ECOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jim O. Watts
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; PO Box 56 Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
| | - Antoni Moore
- School of Surveying; University of Otago; Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Dawn Palmer
- Natural Solutions for Nature Ltd.; Queenstown New Zealand
| | | | | | - Philip J. Seddon
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; PO Box 56 Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
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265
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Torres RT, Carvalho J, Fonseca C, Serrano E, López-Martín JM. Long-term assessment of roe deer reintroductions in North-East Spain: A case of success. Mamm Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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266
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Integrating Genomic Data Sets for Knowledge Discovery: An Informed Approach to Management of Captive Endangered Species. Int J Genomics 2016; 2016:2374610. [PMID: 27376076 PMCID: PMC4916311 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2374610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Many endangered captive populations exhibit reduced genetic diversity resulting in health issues that impact reproductive fitness and quality of life. Numerous cost effective genomic sequencing and genotyping technologies provide unparalleled opportunity for incorporating genomics knowledge in management of endangered species. Genomic data, such as sequence data, transcriptome data, and genotyping data, provide critical information about a captive population that, when leveraged correctly, can be utilized to maximize population genetic variation while simultaneously reducing unintended introduction or propagation of undesirable phenotypes. Current approaches aimed at managing endangered captive populations utilize species survival plans (SSPs) that rely upon mean kinship estimates to maximize genetic diversity while simultaneously avoiding artificial selection in the breeding program. However, as genomic resources increase for each endangered species, the potential knowledge available for management also increases. Unlike model organisms in which considerable scientific resources are used to experimentally validate genotype-phenotype relationships, endangered species typically lack the necessary sample sizes and economic resources required for such studies. Even so, in the absence of experimentally verified genetic discoveries, genomics data still provides value. In fact, bioinformatics and comparative genomics approaches offer mechanisms for translating these raw genomics data sets into integrated knowledge that enable an informed approach to endangered species management.
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267
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Manlick PJ, Woodford JE, Gilbert JH, Eklund D, Pauli JN. Augmentation Provides Nominal Genetic and Demographic Rescue for an Endangered Carnivore. Conserv Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Manlick
- Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin – Madison 1630 Linden Drive Madison WI 53705 USA
| | - James E. Woodford
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation WI 53707‐7921 USA
| | | | - Daniel Eklund
- USDA Forest Service Chequamegon‐Nicolet National Forest Rhinelander WI 54501 USA
| | - Jonathan N. Pauli
- Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin – Madison 1630 Linden Drive Madison WI 53705 USA
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268
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Russell JC, Jones HP, Armstrong DP, Courchamp F, Kappes PJ, Seddon PJ, Oppel S, Rauzon MJ, Cowan PE, Rocamora G, Genovesi P, Bonnaud E, Keitt BS, Holmes ND, Tershy BR. Importance of lethal control of invasive predators for island conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2016; 30:670-672. [PMID: 26634637 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James C Russell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
- Island Biodiversity & Conservation Center, University of Seychelles, P.O. Box 1348, Anse Royale, Republic of Seychelles.
| | - Holly P Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute for the Study of the Environment, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, U.S.A
| | - Doug P Armstrong
- Wildlife Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Franck Courchamp
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Peter J Kappes
- Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, U.S.A
| | - Philip J Seddon
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Steffen Oppel
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Rauzon
- Geography Department, Laney College, Oakland, CA, 94607, U.S.A
| | - Phil E Cowan
- Landcare Research, P.O. Box 69040, Lincoln, 7640, New Zealand
| | - Gérard Rocamora
- Island Biodiversity & Conservation Center, University of Seychelles, P.O. Box 1348, Anse Royale, Republic of Seychelles
| | - Piero Genovesi
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via V. Brancati 48, Rome, I-00144, Italy
| | - Elsa Bonnaud
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Bradford S Keitt
- Island Conservation, 2161 Delaware Avenue Suite A, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, U.S.A
| | - Nick D Holmes
- Island Conservation, 2161 Delaware Avenue Suite A, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, U.S.A
| | - Bernie R Tershy
- University of California Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, U.S.A
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269
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Jackson CL, Schuster R, Arcese P. Release date influences first‐year site fidelity and survival in captive‐bred Vancouver Island marmots. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cheyney L. Jackson
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences University of British Columbia 2424 Main Mall Vancouver V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Richard Schuster
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences University of British Columbia 2424 Main Mall Vancouver V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Peter Arcese
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences University of British Columbia 2424 Main Mall Vancouver V6T 1Z4 Canada
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270
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Baker AG, Cornelissen P, Bhagwat SA, Vera FWM, Willis KJ. Quantification of population sizes of large herbivores and their long‐term functional role in ecosystems using dung fungal spores. Methods Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ambroise G. Baker
- Oxford Long‐Term Ecology Laboratory Department of Zoology Biodiversity Institute University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3PS UK
- Department of Geography University College London London WC1E 6BT UK
| | | | - Shonil A. Bhagwat
- Department of Geography The Open University Milton Keynes MK7 6AA UK
- School of Geography and the Environment University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3QY UK
| | - Fransciscus W. M. Vera
- University of Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Science NL‐9700 CC Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Katherine J. Willis
- Oxford Long‐Term Ecology Laboratory Department of Zoology Biodiversity Institute University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3PS UK
- University of Bergen, Department of Biology PO Box 7803 N‐5020 Bergen Norway
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Richmond TW9 3AB Surrey UK
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271
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Flanagan SE, Brown MB, Fennessy J, Bolger DT. Use of home range behaviour to assess establishment in translocated giraffes. Afr J Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shea E. Flanagan
- Environmental Studies Program; Dartmouth College; 03755 6182 Steele Hanover NH U.S.A
| | - Michael B. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences; Dartmouth College; 03755 Hanover NH U.S.A
| | | | - Douglas T. Bolger
- Environmental Studies Program; Dartmouth College; 03755 6182 Steele Hanover NH U.S.A
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272
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Demay SM, Becker PA, Waits LP, Johnson TR, Rachlow JL. Consequences for conservation: population density and genetic effects on reproduction of an endangered lagomorph. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:784-795. [PMID: 27411250 DOI: 10.1890/15-0931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding reproduction and mating systems is important for managers tasked with conserving vulnerable species. Genetic tools allow biologists to investigate reproduction and mating systems with high resolution and are particularly useful for species that are otherwise difficult to study in their natural environments. We conducted parentage analyses using 19 nuclear DNA microsatellite loci to assess the influence of population density, genetic diversity, and ancestry on reproduction, and to examine the mating system of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) bred in large naturalized enclosures for the reintroduction and recovery of the endangered distinct population in central Washington, USA. Reproductive output for females and males decreased as population density and individual homozygosity increased. We identified an interaction indicating that male reproductive output decreased as genetic diversity declined at high population densities, but there was no effect at low densities. Males with high amounts (> 50%) of Washington ancestry had higher reproductive output than the other ancestry groups, while reproductive output was decreased for males with high northern Utah/Wyoming ancestry and females with high Oregon/Nevada ancestry. Females and males bred with an average of 3.8 and 3.6 mates per year, respectively, and we found no evidence of positive or negative assortative mating with regards to ancestry. Multiple paternity was confirmed in 81% of litters, and we report the first documented cases of juvenile breeding by pygmy rabbits. This study demonstrates how variation in population density, genetic diversity, and ancestry impact fitness for an endangered species being bred for conservation. Our results advance understanding of basic life history characteristics for a cryptic species that is difficult to study in the wild and provide lessons for managing populations of vulnerable species in captive and free-ranging populations.
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273
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Invasive mammal eradication on islands results in substantial conservation gains. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:4033-8. [PMID: 27001852 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1521179113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
More than US$21 billion is spent annually on biodiversity conservation. Despite their importance for preventing or slowing extinctions and preserving biodiversity, conservation interventions are rarely assessed systematically for their global impact. Islands house a disproportionately higher amount of biodiversity compared with mainlands, much of which is highly threatened with extinction. Indeed, island species make up nearly two-thirds of recent extinctions. Islands therefore are critical targets of conservation. We used an extensive literature and database review paired with expert interviews to estimate the global benefits of an increasingly used conservation action to stem biodiversity loss: eradication of invasive mammals on islands. We found 236 native terrestrial insular faunal species (596 populations) that benefitted through positive demographic and/or distributional responses from 251 eradications of invasive mammals on 181 islands. Seven native species (eight populations) were negatively impacted by invasive mammal eradication. Four threatened species had their International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List extinction-risk categories reduced as a direct result of invasive mammal eradication, and no species moved to a higher extinction-risk category. We predict that 107 highly threatened birds, mammals, and reptiles on the IUCN Red List-6% of all these highly threatened species-likely have benefitted from invasive mammal eradications on islands. Because monitoring of eradication outcomes is sporadic and limited, the impacts of global eradications are likely greater than we report here. Our results highlight the importance of invasive mammal eradication on islands for protecting the world's most imperiled fauna.
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274
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Affiliation(s)
- François Sarrazin
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CESCO, UMR 7204, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jane Lecomte
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France
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275
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Corlett RT. Restoration, Reintroduction, and Rewilding in a Changing World. Trends Ecol Evol 2016; 31:453-462. [PMID: 26987771 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The increasing abandonment of marginal land creates new opportunities for restoration, reintroduction, and rewilding, but what do these terms mean in a rapidly and irreversibly changing world? The 're' prefix means 'back', but it is becoming clear that the traditional use of past ecosystems as targets and criteria for success must be replaced by an orientation towards an uncertain future. Current opinions in restoration and reintroduction biology range from a defense of traditional definitions, with some modifications, to acceptance of more radical responses, including assisted migration, taxon substitution, de-extinction, and genetic modification. Rewilding attempts to minimize sustained intervention, but this hands-off approach is also threatened by rapid environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T Corlett
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China.
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276
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Maxwell SL, Venter O, Jones KR, Watson JEM. Integrating human responses to climate change into conservation vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1355:98-116. [PMID: 26555860 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The impact of climate change on biodiversity is now evident, with the direct impacts of changing temperature and rainfall patterns and increases in the magnitude and frequency of extreme events on species distribution, populations, and overall ecosystem function being increasingly publicized. Changes in the climate system are also affecting human communities, and a range of human responses across terrestrial and marine realms have been witnessed, including altered agricultural activities, shifting fishing efforts, and human migration. Failing to account for the human responses to climate change is likely to compromise climate-smart conservation efforts. Here, we use a well-established conservation planning framework to show how integrating human responses to climate change into both species- and site-based vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans is possible. By explicitly taking into account human responses, conservation practitioners will improve their evaluation of species and ecosystem vulnerability, and will be better able to deliver win-wins for human- and biodiversity-focused climate adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Maxwell
- School of Geography, Planning, and Environmental Management.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Oscar Venter
- University of Northern British Columbia, Ecosystem Science and Management, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - James E M Watson
- School of Geography, Planning, and Environmental Management.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, Bronx, New York
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277
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Boyer S, Case BS, Lefort MC, Waterhouse BR, Wratten SD. Can ecosystem-scale translocations mitigate the impact of climate change on terrestrial biodiversity? Promises, pitfalls, and possibilities: Ecosystem-scale translocations. F1000Res 2016; 5:146. [PMID: 26989475 PMCID: PMC4784018 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.7914.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Because ecological interactions are the first components of the ecosystem to be impacted by climate change, future forms of threatened-species and ecosystem management should aim at conserving complete, functioning communities rather than single charismatic species. A possible way forward is the deployment of ecosystem-scale translocation (EST), where above- and below-ground elements of a functioning terrestrial ecosystem (including vegetation and topsoil) are carefully collected and moved together. Small-scale attempts at such practice have been made for the purpose of ecological restoration. By moving larger subsets of functioning ecosystems from climatically unstable regions to more stable ones, EST could provide a practical means to conserve mature and complex ecosystems threatened by climate change. However, there are a number of challenges associated with EST in the context of climate change mitigation, in particular the choice of donor and receptor sites. With the aim of fostering discussion and debate about the EST concept, we 1) outline the possible promises and pitfalls of EST in mitigating the impact of climate change on terrestrial biodiversity and 2) use a GIS-based approach to illustrate how potential source and receptor sites, where EST could be trialed and evaluated globally, could be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Boyer
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand; The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Bradley S Case
- Department of Informatics and Enabling Technologies, Faculty of Environment, Society and Design, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Marie-Caroline Lefort
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand; The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | | | - Stephen D Wratten
- The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
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278
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Facka AN, Lewis JC, Happe P, Jenkins K, Callas R, Powell RA. Timing of translocation influences birth rate and population dynamics in a forest carnivore. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron N. Facka
- Department of Applied Ecology North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina 27607 USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Lewis
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Olympia Washington 98504 USA
| | - Patricia Happe
- National Park Service Olympic National Park Port Angeles Washington 98362 USA
| | - Kurt Jenkins
- U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center Port Angeles Washington 98362 USA
| | - Richard Callas
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife Redding California 96001 USA
| | - Roger A. Powell
- Department of Applied Ecology North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina 27607 USA
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279
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Di Marco M, Butchart SHM, Visconti P, Buchanan GM, Ficetola GF, Rondinini C. Synergies and trade-offs in achieving global biodiversity targets. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2016; 30:189-195. [PMID: 26041135 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
After their failure to achieve a significant reduction in the global rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, world governments adopted 20 new ambitious Aichi biodiversity targets to be met by 2020. Efforts to achieve one particular target can contribute to achieving others, but different targets may sometimes require conflicting solutions. Consequently, lack of strategic thinking might result, once again, in a failure to achieve global commitments to biodiversity conservation. We illustrate this dilemma by focusing on Aichi Target 11. This target requires an expansion of terrestrial protected area coverage, which could also contribute to reducing the loss of natural habitats (Target 5), reducing human-induced species decline and extinction (Target 12), and maintaining global carbon stocks (Target 15). We considered the potential impact of expanding protected areas to mitigate global deforestation and the consequences for the distribution of suitable habitat for >10,000 species of forest vertebrates (amphibians, birds, and mammals). We first identified places where deforestation might have the highest impact on remaining forests and then identified places where deforestation might have the highest impact on forest vertebrates (considering aggregate suitable habitat for species). Expanding protected areas toward locations with the highest deforestation rates (Target 5) or the highest potential loss of aggregate species' suitable habitat (Target 12) resulted in partially different protected area network configurations (overlapping with each other by about 73%). Moreover, the latter approach contributed to safeguarding about 30% more global carbon stocks than the former. Further investigation of synergies and trade-offs between targets would shed light on these and other complex interactions, such as the interaction between reducing overexploitation of natural resources (Targets 6, 7), controlling invasive alien species (Target 9), and preventing extinctions of native species (Target 12). Synergies between targets must be identified and secured soon and trade-offs must be minimized before the options for co-benefits are reduced by human pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moreno Di Marco
- Global Mammal Assessment Program, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, SapienzaUniversità di Roma, viale dell' Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Piero Visconti
- Microsoft Research Computational Science Laboratory, 21 Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 FB, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme M Buchanan
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, RSPB Scotland, 2 Lochside View, Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh, EH12 9DH, United Kingdom
| | - Gentile F Ficetola
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine (LECA), Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Carlo Rondinini
- Global Mammal Assessment Program, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, SapienzaUniversità di Roma, viale dell' Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
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280
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281
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Swan KD, McPherson JM, Seddon PJ, Moehrenschlager A. Managing Marine Biodiversity: The Rising Diversity and Prevalence of Marine Conservation Translocations. Conserv Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly D. Swan
- Centre for Conservation Research; Calgary Zoological Society; Calgary Canada
| | - Jana M. McPherson
- Centre for Conservation Research; Calgary Zoological Society; Calgary Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences; Simon Fraser University; Burnaby Canada
| | - Philip J. Seddon
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; Dunedin New Zealand
- Bird Section Chair; IUCN Species Survival Commission Reintroduction Specialist Group
| | - Axel Moehrenschlager
- Centre for Conservation Research; Calgary Zoological Society; Calgary Canada
- Chair; IUCN Species Survival Commission Reintroduction Specialist Group
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282
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Bogoni JA, Cherem JJ, Hettwer Giehl EL, Oliveira-Santos LG, de Castilho PV, Picinatto Filho V, Fantacini FM, Tortato MA, Luiz MR, Rizzaro R, Graipel ME. Landscape features lead to shifts in communities of medium- to large-bodied mammals in subtropical Atlantic Forest. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Defaunation is a key ecological issue that has only recently been given sufficient attention. As predicted, evidence so far indicates loss of larger species followed by medium-sized species, leading to cascading effects that propagate throughout entire communities and ecosystems. The Atlantic Forest is among the most important global biodiversity hotspots. These regions have historically been impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation, resulting in landscape changes and negative impacts upon animal communities. This study evaluates community characteristics of medium- and large-sized mammals in subtropical Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil. We gathered data on mammal occurrence using 108 cameras traps located across 8 protected areas. We then tested whether landscape differences impact mammal richness, composition, and community complexity. Specifically, we used a regression tree to evaluate compositional differences as a function of landscape configuration. We analyzed data for 26 species in total, with the number of species per area ranging from 9 to 17. Changes in mammal composition at the landscape scale were most strongly associated with human occupation. Areas with strong human occupation had low species richness, with a predominance of medium-sized omnivores and insectivores species; these conditions led to high defaunation indices. Community complexity was greater in areas with low human occupation, where carnivores (Felidae) were more abundant. Differences in species composition were also linked to altitudinal bands and the ratio of period of time with protected status versus history of land exploitation in a particular area. Analysis of functional groups indicated that intense human occupation had negative effects on larger species, a process that may have impending consequences. Despite defaunation being a serious ecological issue, we assert that taking prompt action may limit or potentially reverse effects of defaunation before the most dramatic changes take place.
Defaunação é uma questão ecológica chave e que só recentemente tem recebido atenção suficiente. Como previsto, as evidências até agora indicam perda de espécies de maior porte, seguida por espécies de médio porte, levando à efeitos em cascata que se propagam em todas as comunidades e ecossistemas. A Mata Atlântica está entre os mais importantes hotspots de biodiversidade mundiais. Essa região tem sido historicamente impactada pela perda e fragmentação de hábitat, resultando em mudanças na paisagem e impactos negativos nas comunidades animais. Este estudo avalia características de comunidades de mamíferos de médio e grande porte na Mata Atlântica subtropical, sul do Brasil. Nós reunimos dados sobre ocorrência de mamíferos utilizando 108 armadilhas fotográficas instaladas em oito áreas protegidas. Em seguida, avaliamos se as diferenças de paisagem impactam a riqueza, composição e a complexidade das comunidades de mamíferos. Especificamente, nós usamos uma análise de árvore de regressão para avaliar as diferenças na composição das comunidades em função da configuração da paisagem. Analisamos dados de 26 espécies no total, com o número de espécies por área variando 9 a 17. As alterações na composição de mamíferos na escala da paisagem foram mais fortemente associadas à ocupação humana. As áreas com maior ocupação humana tiveram baixa riqueza de espécies, com predominância de espécies onívoras e insetívoras de médio porte, e, estas condições geraram índices de defaunação elevados. A complexidade das comunidades foi maior em áreas com baixa ocupação humana, onde carnívoros (Felidae) foram mais frequentes. As diferenças na composição de espécies também foram ligadas às quotas de altitude, assim como à razão entre o período de tempo com estatuto de proteção e o tempo de exploração de cada área. A análise com abordagem de grupos funcionais indicou que a maior ocupação humana teve efeitos negativos sobre as espécies maiores, um processo com consequências negativas iminentes. Apesar da defaunação ser uma importante questão ecológica, nós acreditamos que um conjunto de ações conservacionistas imediatas podem potencialmente limitar ou reverter os efeitos da defaunação antes que mudanças mais dramáticas acontecem.
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283
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Martin-Wintle MS, Shepherdson D, Zhang G, Zhang H, Li D, Zhou X, Li R, Swaisgood RR. Free mate choice enhances conservation breeding in the endangered giant panda. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10125. [PMID: 26670381 PMCID: PMC4682106 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation breeding programmes have become an increasingly important tool to save endangered species, yet despite the allocation of significant resources, efforts to create self-sustaining populations have met with limited success. The iconic giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) embodies the struggles associated with ex situ species conservation. Here we show that behavioural mate preferences in giant pandas predict reproductive outcomes. Giant pandas paired with preferred partners have significantly higher copulation and birth rates. Reproductive rates increase further when both partners show mutual preference for one another. If managers were to incorporate mate preferences more fully into breeding management, the production of giant panda offspring for China's reintroduction programme might be greatly expedited. When extended to the increasing numbers of species dependent on ex situ conservation breeding to avoid extinction, our findings highlight that mate preference and other aspects of informed behavioural management could make the difference between success and failure of these programmes. Ex situ conservation breeding programmes for endangered species are expensive, and not always guaranteed to succeed. Here, Martin-Wintle et al. show that when captive giant pandas are given the opportunity to choose their preferred mate, copulation and birth rates increase significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan S Martin-Wintle
- Division of Applied Animal Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027, USA.,PDXWildlife, 9233 SW Brier Pl., Portland, Oregon 97219, USA.,Biology Department, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Avenue, SRTC rm 246, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA.,Conservation Division, Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon 97221-9704, USA
| | - David Shepherdson
- Biology Department, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Avenue, SRTC rm 246, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA.,Conservation Division, Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon 97221-9704, USA
| | - Guiquan Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Rengui Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Division of Applied Animal Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027, USA
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284
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285
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White TH, de Melo Barros Y, Develey PF, Llerandi-Román IC, Monsegur-Rivera OA, Trujillo-Pinto AM. Improving reintroduction planning and implementation through quantitative SWOT analysis. J Nat Conserv 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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286
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Abstract
An increased understanding of the current and potential future impacts of climate change has significantly influenced conservation in practice in recent years. Climate change has necessitated a shift toward longer planning time horizons, moving baselines, and evolving conservation goals and targets. This shift has resulted in new perspectives on, and changes in, the basic approaches practitioners use to conserve biodiversity. Restoration, spatial planning and reserve selection, connectivity modelling, extinction risk assessment, and species translocations have all been reimagined in the face of climate change. Restoration is being conducted with a new acceptance of uncertainty and an understanding that goals will need to shift through time. New conservation targets, such as geophysical settings and climatic refugia, are being incorporated into conservation plans. Risk assessments have begun to consider the potentially synergistic impacts of climate change and other threats. Assisted colonization has gained acceptance in recent years as a viable and necessary conservation tool. This evolution has paralleled a larger trend in conservation—a shift toward conservation actions that benefit both people and nature. As we look forward, it is clear that more change is on the horizon. To protect biodiversity and essential ecosystem services, conservation will need to anticipate the human response to climate change and to focus not only on resistance and resilience but on transitions to new states and new ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Lawler
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James Watson
- School of Geography, Planning, and Environmental Management, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia; Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Edward Game
- The Nature Conservancy, West End, Queensland, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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287
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Science for a wilder Anthropocene: Synthesis and future directions for trophic rewilding research. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 113:898-906. [PMID: 26504218 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1502556112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophic rewilding is an ecological restoration strategy that uses species introductions to restore top-down trophic interactions and associated trophic cascades to promote self-regulating biodiverse ecosystems. Given the importance of large animals in trophic cascades and their widespread losses and resulting trophic downgrading, it often focuses on restoring functional megafaunas. Trophic rewilding is increasingly being implemented for conservation, but remains controversial. Here, we provide a synthesis of its current scientific basis, highlighting trophic cascades as the key conceptual framework, discussing the main lessons learned from ongoing rewilding projects, systematically reviewing the current literature, and highlighting unintentional rewilding and spontaneous wildlife comebacks as underused sources of information. Together, these lines of evidence show that trophic cascades may be restored via species reintroductions and ecological replacements. It is clear, however, that megafauna effects may be affected by poorly understood trophic complexity effects and interactions with landscape settings, human activities, and other factors. Unfortunately, empirical research on trophic rewilding is still rare, fragmented, and geographically biased, with the literature dominated by essays and opinion pieces. We highlight the need for applied programs to include hypothesis testing and science-based monitoring, and outline priorities for future research, notably assessing the role of trophic complexity, interplay with landscape settings, land use, and climate change, as well as developing the global scope for rewilding and tools to optimize benefits and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Finally, we recommend developing a decision framework for species selection, building on functional and phylogenetic information and with attention to the potential contribution from synthetic biology.
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288
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Affiliation(s)
- P. J. Seddon
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; Dunedin New Zealand
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289
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Houde ALS, Garner SR, Neff BD. Restoring species through reintroductions: strategies for source population selection. Restor Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Lee S. Houde
- Department of Biology; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada
| | - Shawn R. Garner
- Department of Biology; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada
| | - Bryan D. Neff
- Department of Biology; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada
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290
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Perring MP, Standish RJ, Price JN, Craig MD, Erickson TE, Ruthrof KX, Whiteley AS, Valentine LE, Hobbs RJ. Advances in restoration ecology: rising to the challenges of the coming decades. Ecosphere 2015. [DOI: 10.1890/es15-00121.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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291
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Naundrup PJ, Svenning JC. A Geographic Assessment of the Global Scope for Rewilding with Wild-Living Horses (Equus ferus). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132359. [PMID: 26177104 PMCID: PMC4503665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Megafaunas worldwide have been decimated during the late Quaternary. Many extirpated species were keystone species, and their loss likely has had large effects on ecosystems. Therefore, it is increasingly considered how megafaunas can be restored. The horse (Equus ferus) is highly relevant in this context as it was once extremely widespread and, despite severe range contraction, survives in the form of domestic, feral, and originally wild horses. Further, it is a functionally important species, notably due to its ability to graze coarse, abrasive grasses. Here, we used species distribution modelling to link locations of wild-living E. ferus populations to climate to estimate climatically suitable areas for wild-living E. ferus. These models were combined with habitat information and past and present distributions of equid species to identify areas suitable for rewilding with E. ferus. Mean temperature in the coldest quarter, precipitation in the coldest quarter, and precipitation in the driest quarter emerged as the best climatic predictors. The distribution models estimated the climate to be suitable in large parts of the Americas, Eurasia, Africa, and Australia and, combined with habitat mapping, revealed large areas to be suitable for rewilding with horses within its former range, including up to 1.5 million ha within five major rewilding areas in Europe. The widespread occurrence of suitable climates and habitats within E. ferus’ former range together with its important functions cause it to be a key candidate for rewilding in large parts of the world. Successful re-establishment of wild-living horse populations will require handling the complexity of human–horse relations, for example, potential conflicts with ranchers and other agriculturalists or with other conservation aims, perception as a non-native invasive species in some regions, and coverage by legislation for domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Johansen Naundrup
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- * E-mail: (PJN); (J-CS)
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- * E-mail: (PJN); (J-CS)
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292
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Pejchar L. Introduced birds incompletely replace seed dispersal by a native frugivore. AOB PLANTS 2015; 7:plv072. [PMID: 26139183 PMCID: PMC4526755 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plv072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The widespread loss of native species and the introduction of non-native species has important consequences for island ecosystems. Non-native species may or may not functionally replace the role of native species in ecological processes such as seed dispersal. Although the majority of Hawaii's native plants require bird-mediated seed dispersal, only one native frugivore, Omao (Myadestes obscurus), persists in sufficient numbers to fill this functional role. Omao are restricted to less than half their original range, but two introduced frugivores are abundant throughout Hawaii. Given large-scale extinctions on islands, it is important to understand whether introduced birds serve as functional replacements or whether the absence of native frugivores alters plant communities. To assess seed dispersal by native and introduced birds, seed rain, vegetation characteristics, bird diet, density and habitat use were measured at three sites with Omao and three sites without Omao on Hawaii Island. The diet of native and introduced birds overlapped substantially, but Omao dispersed a variety of native species (n = 6) relatively evenly. In contrast, introduced birds dispersed an invasive species and fewer native species (n = 4), and >90 % of seeds dispersed by introduced birds were from two ubiquitous small-seeded species. Seed rain was significantly greater and more species rich at sites with Omao. These findings suggest that patterns of seed dispersal are altered following the local extinction of a native island frugivore. To more directly evaluate the relative roles of native and introduced frugivores in ecological processes, future studies could include reintroducing Omao to a suitable habitat within its historic range, or novel introductions to nearby islands where closely related species are now extinct. In an era of widespread extinction and invasion of island ecosystems, understanding the consequences of novel animal assemblages for processes like seed dispersal will be critical for maintaining diverse and self-regenerating plant communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liba Pejchar
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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293
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Giannini TC, Tambosi LR, Acosta AL, Jaffé R, Saraiva AM, Imperatriz-Fonseca VL, Metzger JP. Safeguarding Ecosystem Services: A Methodological Framework to Buffer the Joint Effect of Habitat Configuration and Climate Change. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129225. [PMID: 26091014 PMCID: PMC4475073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem services provided by mobile agents are increasingly threatened by the loss and modification of natural habitats and by climate change, risking the maintenance of biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and human welfare. Research oriented towards a better understanding of the joint effects of land use and climate change over the provision of specific ecosystem services is therefore essential to safeguard such services. Here we propose a methodological framework, which integrates species distribution forecasts and graph theory to identify key conservation areas, which if protected or restored could improve habitat connectivity and safeguard ecosystem services. We applied the proposed framework to the provision of pollination services by a tropical stingless bee (Melipona quadrifasciata), a key pollinator of native flora from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and important agricultural crops. Based on the current distribution of this bee and that of the plant species used to feed and nest, we projected the joint distribution of bees and plants in the future, considering a moderate climate change scenario (following IPPC). We then used this information, the bee’s flight range, and the current mapping of Atlantic Forest remnants to infer habitat suitability and quantify local and regional habitat connectivity for 2030, 2050 and 2080. Our results revealed north to south and coastal to inland shifts in the pollinator distribution during the next 70 years. Current and future connectivity maps unraveled the most important corridors, which if protected or restored, could facilitate the dispersal and establishment of bees during distribution shifts. Our results also suggest that coffee plantations from eastern São Paulo and southern Minas Gerais States could suffer a pollinator deficit in the future, whereas pollination services seem to be secured in southern Brazil. Landowners and governmental agencies could use this information to implement new land use schemes. Overall, our proposed methodological framework could help design novel conservational and agricultural practices that can be crucial to conserve ecosystem services by buffering the joint effect of habitat configuration and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza C. Giannini
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Bioscience, University of Sao Paulo (USP), R. do Matao 321, 05508–090, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Computation and Digital Systems, Engineering School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto 380, 05508–010, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Vale Institute of Technology Sustainable Development, Rua Boaventura da Silva 955, 66055–090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Leandro R. Tambosi
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Bioscience, University of Sao Paulo (USP), R. do Matao 321, 05508–090, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - André L. Acosta
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Bioscience, University of Sao Paulo (USP), R. do Matao 321, 05508–090, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Jaffé
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Bioscience, University of Sao Paulo (USP), R. do Matao 321, 05508–090, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio M. Saraiva
- Computation and Digital Systems, Engineering School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto 380, 05508–010, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera L. Imperatriz-Fonseca
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Bioscience, University of Sao Paulo (USP), R. do Matao 321, 05508–090, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Vale Institute of Technology Sustainable Development, Rua Boaventura da Silva 955, 66055–090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jean Paul Metzger
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Bioscience, University of Sao Paulo (USP), R. do Matao 321, 05508–090, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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294
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Jarvie S, Senior AM, Adolph SC, Seddon PJ, Cree A. Captive rearing affects growth but not survival in translocated juvenile tuatara. J Zool (1987) 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Jarvie
- Department of Zoology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - A. M. Senior
- Department of Zoology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - S. C. Adolph
- Department of Zoology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
- Department of Biology Harvey Mudd College Claremont CA USA
| | - P. J. Seddon
- Department of Zoology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - A. Cree
- Department of Zoology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
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295
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Gascon C, Brooks T, Contreras-MacBeath T, Heard N, Konstant W, Lamoreux J, Launay F, Maunder M, Mittermeier R, Molur S, Al Mubarak R, Parr M, Rhodin A, Rylands A, Soorae P, Sanderson J, Vié JC. The Importance and Benefits of Species. Curr Biol 2015; 25:R431-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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296
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Fleury M, Silla F, Rodrigues RR, do Couto HT, Galetti M. Seedling fate across different habitats: The effects of herbivory and soil fertility. Basic Appl Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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297
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Tompkins DM, Carver S, Jones ME, Krkošek M, Skerratt LF. Emerging infectious diseases of wildlife: a critical perspective. Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:149-59. [PMID: 25709109 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We review the literature to distinguish reports of vertebrate wildlife disease emergence with sufficient evidence, enabling a robust assessment of emergence drivers. For potentially emerging agents that cannot be confirmed, sufficient data on prior absence (or a prior difference in disease dynamics) are frequently lacking. Improved surveillance, particularly for neglected host taxa, geographical regions and infectious agents, would enable more effective management should emergence occur. Exposure to domestic sources of infection and human-assisted exposure to wild sources were identified as the two main drivers of emergence across host taxa; the domestic source was primary for fish while the wild source was primary for other taxa. There was generally insufficient evidence for major roles of other hypothesized drivers of emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Menna E Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Martin Krkošek
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Lee F Skerratt
- One Health Research Group, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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298
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Anderson LE, Cree A, Towns DR, Nelson NJ. Moving house: long-term dynamics of corticosterone secretion are unaltered in translocated populations of a rare reptile (the tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 3:cov014. [PMID: 27293699 PMCID: PMC4778483 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Translocations are an important conservation tool used to restore at-risk species to their historical range. Unavoidable procedures during translocations, such as habitat disturbance, capture, handling, processing, captivity, transport and release to a novel environment, have the potential to be stressful for most species. In this study, we examined acute and chronic stress (through the measurement of the glucocorticoid corticosterone) in a rare reptile (the tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus). We found that: (i) the acute corticosterone response remains elevated during the initial translocation process but is not amplified by cumulative stressors; and (ii) the long-term dynamics of corticosterone secretion are similar in translocated and source populations. Taken together, our results show that translocated tuatara are generally resistant to cumulative acute stressors and show no hormonal sign of chronic stress. Translocation efforts in tuatara afford the potential to reduce extinction risk and restore natural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E. Anderson
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
- Corresponding author:Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand. Tel: +1 250 551 2884.
| | - Alison Cree
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - David R. Towns
- Ecosystem Development Team, Science and Technical Group, Department of Conservation, Private Bag 68-908 Newton, Auckland 1145, New Zealand
| | - Nicola J. Nelson
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
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299
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Modeling Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Richness Using Landscape Attributes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1155/2015/926526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We used a rapid, repeatable, and inexpensive geographic information system (GIS) approach to predict aquatic macroinvertebrate family richness using the landscape attributes stream gradient, riparian forest cover, and water quality. Stream segments in the Allegheny River basin were classified into eight habitat classes using these three landscape attributes. Biological databases linking macroinvertebrate families with habitat classes were developed using life habits, feeding guilds, and water quality preferences and tolerances for each family. The biological databases provided a link between fauna and habitat enabling estimation of family composition in each habitat class and hence richness predictions for each stream segment. No difference was detected between field collected and modeled predictions of macroinvertebrate families in a pairedt-test. Further, predicted stream gradient, riparian forest cover, and total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and suspended sediment classifications matched observed classifications much more often than by chance alone. High gradient streams with forested riparian zones and good water quality were predicted to have the greatest macroinvertebrate family richness and changes in water quality were predicted to have the greatest impact on richness. Our findings indicate that our model can provide meaningful landscape scale macroinvertebrate family richness predictions from widely available data for use in focusing conservation planning efforts.
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300
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Tabak MA, Poncet S, Passfield K, Goheen JR, Martinez del Rio C. Rat eradication and the resistance and resilience of passerine bird assemblages in the Falkland Islands. J Anim Ecol 2014; 84:755-764. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Tabak
- Department of Zoology and Physiology; University of Wyoming; 1000 E. University Ave Laramie WY 82071 USA
- Program in Ecology; University of Wyoming; 1000 E. University Ave Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Sally Poncet
- Beaver Island LandCare; PO Box 756 Stanley FIQQ IZZ Falkland Islands
| | - Ken Passfield
- Beaver Island LandCare; PO Box 756 Stanley FIQQ IZZ Falkland Islands
| | - Jacob R. Goheen
- Department of Zoology and Physiology; University of Wyoming; 1000 E. University Ave Laramie WY 82071 USA
- Program in Ecology; University of Wyoming; 1000 E. University Ave Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Carlos Martinez del Rio
- Department of Zoology and Physiology; University of Wyoming; 1000 E. University Ave Laramie WY 82071 USA
- Program in Ecology; University of Wyoming; 1000 E. University Ave Laramie WY 82071 USA
- Wyoming Biodiversity Institute; University of Wyoming; 1000 E. University Ave Laramie WY 82071 USA
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