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Browne RK, Luo Q, Wang P, Mansour N, Kaurova SA, Gakhova EN, Shishova NV, Uteshev VK, Kramarova LI, Venu G, Vaissi S, Taheri-Khas Z, Heshmatzad P, Bagaturov MF, Janzen P, Naranjo RE, Swegen A, Strand J, McGinnity D, Dunce I. Ecological Civilisation and Amphibian Sustainability through Reproduction Biotechnologies, Biobanking, and Conservation Breeding Programs (RBCs). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1455. [PMID: 38791672 PMCID: PMC11117272 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Intergenerational justice entitles the maximum retention of Earth's biodiversity. The 2022 United Nations COP 15, "Ecological Civilisation: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth", is committed to protecting 30% of Earth's terrestrial environments and, through COP 28, to mitigate the effects of the climate catastrophe on the biosphere. We focused this review on three core themes: the need and potential of reproduction biotechnologies, biobanks, and conservation breeding programs (RBCs) to satisfy sustainability goals; the technical state and current application of RBCs; and how to achieve the future potentials of RBCs in a rapidly evolving environmental and cultural landscape. RBCs include the hormonal stimulation of reproduction, the collection and storage of sperm and oocytes, and artificial fertilisation. Emerging technologies promise the perpetuation of species solely from biobanked biomaterials stored for perpetuity. Despite significant global declines and extinctions of amphibians, and predictions of a disastrous future for most biodiversity, practical support for amphibian RBCs remains limited mainly to a few limited projects in wealthy Western countries. We discuss the potential of amphibian RBCs to perpetuate amphibian diversity and prevent extinctions within multipolar geopolitical, cultural, and economic frameworks. We argue that a democratic, globally inclusive organisation is needed to focus RBCs on regions with the highest amphibian diversity. Prioritisation should include regional and international collaborations, community engagement, and support for RBC facilities ranging from zoos and other institutions to those of private carers. We tabulate a standard terminology for field programs associated with RBCs for publication and media consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qinghua Luo
- School of Biological Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China; (Q.L.); (P.W.)
- College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China
| | - Pei Wang
- School of Biological Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China; (Q.L.); (P.W.)
- College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China
| | - Nabil Mansour
- Fujairah Research Centre (FRC), Al-Hilal Tower 3003, Fujairah P.O. Box 666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Svetlana A. Kaurova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.N.G.); (N.V.S.); (V.K.U.)
| | - Edith N. Gakhova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.N.G.); (N.V.S.); (V.K.U.)
| | - Natalia V. Shishova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.N.G.); (N.V.S.); (V.K.U.)
| | - Victor K. Uteshev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.N.G.); (N.V.S.); (V.K.U.)
| | - Ludmila I. Kramarova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
| | - Govindappa Venu
- Centre for Applied Genetics, Department of Zoology, Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore University, Bengaluru 560056, India;
- Evolving Phylo Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Somaye Vaissi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah 57146, Iran; (S.V.); (Z.T.-K.)
| | - Zeynab Taheri-Khas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah 57146, Iran; (S.V.); (Z.T.-K.)
| | - Pouria Heshmatzad
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan 49138, Iran;
| | - Mikhail F. Bagaturov
- IUCN/SSC/Athens Institute for Education and Research/Zoological Institute RAS, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia;
| | - Peter Janzen
- Verband Deutscher Zoodirectoren/Justus-von-Liebig-Schule, 47166 Duisburg, Germany;
| | - Renato E. Naranjo
- Centro Jambatu de Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios, Fundación Jambatu, Giovanni, Farina 566 y Baltra, San Rafael, Quito 171102, Ecuador;
| | - Aleona Swegen
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia;
| | - Julie Strand
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Alle 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark;
| | - Dale McGinnity
- Ectotherm Department, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Nashville, TN 37211, USA;
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2
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Downie AT, Wu NC, Cramp RL, Franklin CE. Sublethal consequences of ultraviolet radiation exposure on vertebrates: Synthesis through meta-analysis. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:6620-6634. [PMID: 37366045 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is a natural daytime stressor for vertebrates in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. UVR effects on the physiology of vertebrates manifest at the cellular level, but have bottom-up effects at the tissue level and on whole-animal performance and behaviours. Climate change and habitat loss (i.e. loss of shelter from UVR) could interact with and exacerbate the genotoxic and cytotoxic impacts of UVR on vertebrates. Therefore, it is important to understand the range and magnitude of effects that UVR can have on a diversity of physiological metrics, and how these may be shaped by taxa, life stage or geographical range in the major vertebrate groups. Using a meta-analytical approach, we used 895 observations from 47 different vertebrate species (fish, amphibian, reptile and bird), and 51 physiological metrics (i.e. cellular, tissue and whole-animal metrics), across 73 independent studies, to elucidate the general patterns of UVR effects on vertebrate physiology. We found that while UVR's impacts on vertebrates are generally negative, fish and amphibians were the most susceptible taxa, adult and larvae were the most susceptible life stages, and animals inhabiting temperate and tropical latitudes were the most susceptible to UVR stress. This information is critical to further our understanding of the adaptive capacity of vulnerable taxon to UVR stress, and the wide-spread sublethal physiological effects of UVR on vertebrates, such as DNA damage and cellular stress, which may translate up to impaired growth and locomotor performance. These impairments to individual fitness highlighted by our study may potentially cause disruptions at the ecosystem scale, especially if the effects of this pervasive diurnal stressor are exacerbated by climate change and reduced refuge due to habitat loss and degradation. Therefore, conservation of habitats that provide refuge to UVR stress will be critical to mitigate stress from this pervasive daytime stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T Downie
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas C Wu
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Cramp
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig E Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Cohen JM, Fink D, Zuckerberg B. Spatial and seasonal variation in thermal sensitivity within North American bird species. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231398. [PMID: 37935364 PMCID: PMC10645114 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Responses of wildlife to climate change are typically quantified at the species level, but physiological evidence suggests significant intraspecific variation in thermal sensitivity given adaptation to local environments and plasticity required to adjust to seasonal environments. Spatial and temporal variation in thermal responses may carry important implications for climate change vulnerability; for instance, sensitivity to extreme weather may increase in specific regions or seasons. Here, we leverage high-resolution observational data from eBird to understand regional and seasonal variation in thermal sensitivity for 21 bird species. Across their ranges, most birds demonstrated regional and seasonal variation in both thermal peak and range, or the temperature and range of temperatures when observations peaked. Some birds demonstrated constant thermal peaks or ranges across their geographical distributions, while others varied according to local and current environmental conditions. Across species, birds typically demonstrated either geographical or seasonal adaptation to climate. Local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity are likely important but neglected aspects of organismal responses to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M. Cohen
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and
- Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Daniel Fink
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Benjamin Zuckerberg
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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4
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Seebacher F, Narayan E, Rummer JL, Tomlinson S, Cooke SJ. How can physiology best contribute to wildlife conservation in a warming world? CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad038. [PMID: 37287992 PMCID: PMC10243909 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Global warming is now predicted to exceed 1.5°C by 2033 and 2°C by the end of the 21st century. This level of warming and the associated environmental variability are already increasing pressure on natural and human systems. Here we emphasize the role of physiology in the light of the latest assessment of climate warming by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We describe how physiology can contribute to contemporary conservation programmes. We focus on thermal responses of animals, but we acknowledge that the impacts of climate change are much broader phylogenetically and environmentally. A physiological contribution would encompass environmental monitoring, coupled with measuring individual sensitivities to temperature change and upscaling these to ecosystem level. The latest version of the widely accepted Conservation Standards designed by the Conservation Measures Partnership includes several explicit climate change considerations. We argue that physiology has a unique role to play in addressing these considerations. Moreover, physiology can be incorporated by institutions and organizations that range from international bodies to national governments and to local communities, and in doing so, it brings a mechanistic approach to conservation and the management of biological resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Seebacher
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences A08, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Edward Narayan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD4072, Australia
| | - Jodie L Rummer
- College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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Pandey HP, Aryal K, Aryal S, Maraseni TN. Understanding local ecosystem dynamics in three provinces of the lowlands of Nepal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161501. [PMID: 36626996 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Incidences of failure of sustainable ecosystem management policies, especially in the developing world are partly attributable due to a lack of political will and inadequate understanding of ecosystem dynamics (ED) at the local levels. In this study, we endeavor to comprehend the dynamics of two ecosystems - forest and agriculture - by employing a resource-friendly participatory approach based on stake-taking the experiences of indigenous and forest-dependent local stakeholders in three lowland provinces of Nepal and is guided by the theory of socio-ecological concept. An in-depth survey (n = 136) was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (n = 9), and focus group discussions (n = 4) for data generation, and generalized linear models were used to test whether understanding of ED is uniform across the socio-ecological landscape. We identified that various attributes of forests and agricultural ecosystems have altered substantially earlier than 30 years (hereafter, earlier decade) relative to the present (hereafter, later decade). Apart from the natural processes including anthropogenic and climatic factors, technological innovations played a significant role in altering ecosystems in the later decade. Understanding of ED among forest-dependent stakeholders significantly varied with respect to gender, occupation, age group, gender-based water fetching responsibility, and water-fetching duration, however, no significant correlation was observed with their level of education across the landscape. The studied ecosystem attributes significantly correlate with water regime changes, signifying that water-centric ecosystem management is crucial. The attributes that observed significant dynamics in the forest ecosystem include changes in forest cover, structure and species composition, the severity of invasive species, wildfires, water regimes, and abundance and behavioral changes in mammals and avifauna. The alteration of crop cultivation and harvesting season which results in a decrease in yield, increased use of chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides), an increase in fallow land, and the proliferation of hybrid variety cultivation in the later decade are significant disparities in the dynamics of the agriculture ecosystem. To withstand the accelerated ED, stakeholders adopt various strategies, however, these strategies are either obtained from unsustainable sources entail high costs and technology, or are detrimental to the ecosystems. In relation, we present specific examples of ecosystem attributes that have significantly experienced changes in the later decade compared to the earlier decades along with plausible future pathways for policy decisions sustaining and stewardship of dynamic ecosystems across the socio-ecological landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Prasad Pandey
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu; University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba 4350, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Kishor Aryal
- Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment, Sudurpaschim Province, Dhangadhi, Nepal; University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba 4350, Queensland, Australia
| | - Suman Aryal
- University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba 4350, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tek Narayan Maraseni
- University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba 4350, Queensland, Australia; Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
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6
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Thompson LM, Thurman LL, Cook CN, Beever EA, Sgrò CM, Battles A, Botero CA, Gross JE, Hall KR, Hendry AP, Hoffmann AA, Hoving C, LeDee OE, Mengelt C, Nicotra AB, Niver RA, Pérez‐Jvostov F, Quiñones RM, Schuurman GW, Schwartz MK, Szymanski J, Whiteley A. Connecting research and practice to enhance the evolutionary potential of species under climate change. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Thompson
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Climate Adaptation Science Center and the University of Tennessee Knoxville Tennessee USA
| | | | - Carly N. Cook
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Australia
| | - Erik A. Beever
- USGS, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center and Montana State University Bozeman Montana USA
| | - Carla M. Sgrò
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Australia
| | | | | | - John E. Gross
- National Park Service (NPS) Climate Change Response Program Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Olivia E. LeDee
- USGS, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Saint Paul Minnesota USA
| | | | | | - Robyn A. Niver
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Branch of Listing and Policy Support Bailey's Crossroads Virginia USA
| | | | - Rebecca M. Quiñones
- Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Westborough Massachusetts USA
| | - Gregor W. Schuurman
- National Park Service (NPS) Climate Change Response Program Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Michael K. Schwartz
- U.S. Forest Service, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation Missoula Montana USA
| | - Jennifer Szymanski
- USFWS, Branch of SSA Science Support, Division of Endangered Species Onalaska Wisconsin USA
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Palik BJ, Clark PW, D'Amato AW, Swanston C, Nagel L. Operationalizing forest‐assisted migration in the context of climate change adaptation: Examples from the eastern
USA. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Palik
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station Grand Rapids Minnesota USA
| | - Peter W. Clark
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont Burlington Vermont USA
| | - Anthony W. D'Amato
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont Burlington Vermont USA
| | - Chris Swanston
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station Houghton Michigan USA
| | - Linda Nagel
- College of Natural Resources Utah State University Logan Utah USA
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Hofmeister E, Ruhs EC, Fortini LB, Hopkins MC, Jones L, Lafferty KD, Sleeman J, LeDee O. Future Directions to Manage Wildlife Health in a Changing Climate. ECOHEALTH 2022; 19:329-334. [PMID: 35759113 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-022-01604-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hofmeister
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI, 53711, USA.
| | | | - Lucas Berio Fortini
- U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Islands Ecological Research Center, Inouye Regional Center, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI, 96818, USA
| | - M Camille Hopkins
- U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA, 20192, USA
| | - Lee Jones
- USFWS-Natural Resource Program Center, 10 E. Babcock, Rm 105, Bozeman, MT, 59715, USA
| | - Kevin D Lafferty
- Marine Science Institute, U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center, University of California, 805, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Jonathan Sleeman
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Olivia LeDee
- U.S. Geological Survey, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, 1956 Buford Ave. St, Paul, MN, 55108, USA
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Handler SD, Ledee OE, Hoving CL, Zuckerberg B, Swanston CW. A menu of climate change adaptation actions for terrestrial wildlife management. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D. Handler
- USDA Forest Service and Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science 410 MacInnes Drive Houghton MI 49931 USA
| | - Olivia E. Ledee
- U.S. Geological Survey, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center 1992 Folwell Ave St. Paul MN 55116 USA
| | | | - Benjamin Zuckerberg
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison 1620 Linden Drive Madison WI 53705 USA
| | - Christopher W. Swanston
- USDA Forest Service and Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science 410 MacInnes Drive Houghton MI 49931 USA
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Anthropogenic food: an emerging threat to polar bears. ORYX 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605322000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Supplemental food from anthropogenic sources is a source of conflict with humans for many wildlife species. Food-seeking behaviours by black bears Ursus americanus and brown bears Ursus arctos can lead to property damage, human injury and mortality of the offending bears. Such conflicts are a well-known conservation management issue wherever people live in bear habitats. In contrast, the use of anthropogenic foods by the polar bear Ursus maritimus is less common historically but is a growing conservation and management issue across the Arctic. Here we present six case studies that illustrate how negative food-related interactions between humans and polar bears can become either chronic or ephemeral and unpredictable. Our examination suggests that attractants are an increasing problem, exacerbated by climate change-driven sea-ice losses that cause increased use of terrestrial habitats by bears. Growing human populations and increased human visitation increase the likelihood of human–polar bear conflict. Efforts to reduce food conditioning in polar bears include attractant management, proactive planning and adequate resources for northern communities to reduce conflicts and improve human safety. Permanent removal of unsecured sources of nutrition, to reduce food conditioning, should begin immediately at the local level as this will help to reduce polar bear mortality.
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11
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Lavrik M. Current Conservation Regimes and the Road to Laws on Assisted Migration. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 69:1186-1201. [PMID: 35353228 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01629-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The negative impact of climate change on biodiversity will continue to escalate rapidly. While some species will naturally migrate to more suitable areas or adapt to the new climatic environmental conditions in different fashions, for others doing so may prove to be problematic or impossible. Against this backdrop, scientists and environmentalists have proposed implementing plans for Assisted Migration (AM)-meaning the translocation of plants and animals to areas outside their natural habitats to conserve their species under the new emerging climatic conditions. This article seeks to identify legal approaches towards AM considering not only possible benefits from using this tool but also a necessity to minimize related risks. With regard to its stated purpose, this article also compares legal and policy documents relevant to AM issues from the United States, Australia, and the European Union. In conclusion, we have found, and this article shows, that while existing legal and policy documents leave room for manoeuvreing in regard to climate-related translocations and even sometimes explicitly mention AM as a possible tool for conservation, there exists a need for the further development of concrete legal mechanisms and their balancing with the predominant ideas and goals brought about by the necessity to protect native biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksim Lavrik
- School of Law, Research Institute of Environmental Law, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Thurman LL, Gross JE, Mengelt C, Beever EA, Thompson LM, Schuurman GW, Hoving CL, Olden JD. Applying assessments of adaptive capacity to inform natural-resource management in a changing climate. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13838. [PMID: 34622995 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive capacity (AC)-the ability of a species to cope with or accommodate climate change-is a critical determinant of species vulnerability. Using information on species' AC in conservation planning is key to ensuring successful outcomes. We identified connections between a list of species' attributes (e.g., traits, population metrics, and behaviors) that were recently proposed for assessing species' AC and management actions that may enhance AC for species at risk of extinction. Management actions were identified based on evidence from the literature, a review of actions used in other climate adaptation guidance, and our collective experience in diverse fields of global-change ecology and climate adaptation. Selected management actions support the general AC pathways of persist in place or shift in space, in response to contemporary climate change. Some actions, such as genetic manipulations, can be used to directly alter the ability of species to cope with climate change, whereas other actions can indirectly enhance AC by addressing ecological or anthropogenic constraints on the expression of a species' innate abilities to adapt. Ours is the first synthesis of potential management actions directly linked to AC. Focusing on AC attributes helps improve understanding of how and why aspects of climate are affecting organisms, as well as the mechanisms by which management interventions affect a species' AC and climate change vulnerability. Adaptive-capacity-informed climate adaptation is needed to build connections among the causes of vulnerability, AC, and proposed management actions that can facilitate AC and reduce vulnerability in support of evolving conservation paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey L Thurman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - John E Gross
- National Park Service, Climate Change Response Program, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Claudia Mengelt
- U.S. Geological Survey, Land Management Research Program, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Erik A Beever
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Laura M Thompson
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Climate Adaptation Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gregor W Schuurman
- National Park Service, Climate Change Response Program, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Julian D Olden
- School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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13
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Miller BW, Schuurman GW, Symstad AJ, Runyon AN, Robb BC. Conservation under uncertainty: Innovations in participatory climate change scenario planning from U.S. national parks. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brian W. Miller
- U.S. Geological Survey North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Gregor W. Schuurman
- U.S. National Park Service Climate Change Response Program Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Amy J. Symstad
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Hot Springs South Dakota USA
| | - Amber N. Runyon
- U.S. National Park Service Climate Change Response Program Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Brecken C. Robb
- Contractor to U.S. Geological Survey North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
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Robertson EP, Tanner EP, Elmore RD, Fuhlendorf SD, Mays JD, Knutson J, Weir JR, Loss SR. Fire management alters the thermal landscape and provides multi-scale thermal options for a terrestrial turtle facing a changing climate. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:782-796. [PMID: 34741780 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As effects of climate change intensify, there is a growing need to understand the thermal properties of landscapes and their influence on wildlife. A key thermal property of landscapes is vegetation structure and composition. Management approaches can alter vegetation and consequently the thermal landscape, potentially resulting in underappreciated consequences for wildlife thermoregulation. Consideration of spatial scale can clarify how management overlaid onto existing vegetation patterns affects thermal properties of landscapes relevant to wildlife. We examined effects of temperature, fire management, and vegetation structure on multi-scale habitat selection of an ectothermic vertebrate (the turtle Terrapene carolina triunguis) in the Great Plains of the central United States by linking time-since-fire data from 18 experimental burn plots to turtle telemetry locations and thermal and vegetation height data. Within three 60-ha experimental landscapes, each containing six 10-ha sub-blocks that are periodically burned, we found that turtles select time-since-fire gradients differently depending on maximum daily ambient temperature. At moderate temperatures, turtles selected sub-blocks with recent (<1 year) time-since-fire, but during relatively hot and cool conditions, they selected sub-blocks with later (2-3 year) time-since-fire that provided thermal buffering compared with recently burned sub-blocks. Within 10-ha sub-blocks, turtles selected locations with taller vegetation during warmer conditions that provided thermal buffering. Thermal performance curves revealed that turtle activity declined as temperatures exceeded ~24-29°C, and on "heat days" (≥29°C) 73% of turtles were inactive compared with 37% on non-heat days, emphasizing that thermal extremes may lead to opportunity costs (i.e., foregone benefits turtles could otherwise accrue if active). Our results indicate that management approaches that promote a mosaic of vegetation heights, like spatiotemporally dynamic fire, can provide thermal refuges at multiple spatial scales and thus be an actionable way to provide wildlife with multiple thermal options in the context of ongoing and future climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen P Robertson
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
- South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Evan P Tanner
- Department of Rangeland and Wildlife Science, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas, USA
| | - R Dwayne Elmore
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Samuel D Fuhlendorf
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jonathan D Mays
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jennifer Knutson
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - John R Weir
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Scott R Loss
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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15
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Pant G, Maraseni T, Apan A, Allen BL. Identifying and prioritising climate change adaptation actions for greater one-horned rhinoceros ( Rhinoceros unicornis) conservation in Nepal. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12795. [PMID: 35047240 PMCID: PMC8757373 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change has started impacting species, ecosystems, genetic diversity within species, and ecological interactions and is thus a serious threat to conserving biodiversity globally. In the absence of adequate adaptation measures, biodiversity may continue to decline, and many species will possibly become extinct. Given that global temperature continues to increase, climate change adaptation has emerged as an overarching framework for conservation planning. We identified both ongoing and probable climate change adaptation actions for greater one-horned rhinoceros conservation in Nepal through a combination of literature review, key informant surveys (n = 53), focus group discussions (n = 37) and expert consultation (n = 9), and prioritised the identified adaptation actions through stakeholder consultation (n = 17). The majority of key informants (>80%) reported that climate change has been impacting rhinoceros, and more than 65% of them believe that rhinoceros habitat suitability in Nepal has been shifting westwards. Despite these perceived risks, climate change impacts have not been incorporated well into formal conservation planning for rhinoceros. Out of 20 identified adaptation actions under nine adaptation strategies, identifying and protecting climate refugia, restoring the existing habitats through wetland and grassland management, creating artificial highlands in floodplains to provide rhinoceros with refuge during severe floods, and translocating them to other suitable habitats received higher priority. These adaptation actions may contribute to reducing the vulnerability of rhinoceros to the likely impacts of climate change. This study is the first of its kind in Nepal and is expected to provide a guideline to align ongoing conservation measures into climate change adaptation planning for rhinoceros. Further, we emphasise the need to integrating likely climate change impacts while planning for rhinoceros conservation and initiating experimental research and monitoring programs to better inform adaptation planning in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Pant
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Singhadurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
- University of Southern Queensland, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tek Maraseni
- University of Southern Queensland, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
- University of Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Armando Apan
- University of Southern Queensland, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
- University of the Philippines Diliman, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, Quezon City, Phillippines
| | - Benjamin L. Allen
- University of Southern Queensland, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
- Nelson Mandela University, Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
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16
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Magness DR, Hoang L, Belote RT, Brennan J, Carr W, Stuart Chapin F, Clifford K, Morrison W, Morton JM, Sofaer HR. Management Foundations for Navigating Ecological Transformation by Resisting, Accepting, or Directing Social–Ecological Change. Bioscience 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Despite striking global change, management to ensure healthy landscapes and sustained natural resources has tended to set objectives on the basis of the historical range of variability in stationary ecosystems. Many social–ecological systems are moving into novel conditions that can result in ecological transformation. We present four foundations to enable a transition to future-oriented conservation and management that increases capacity to manage change. The foundations are to identify plausible social–ecological trajectories, to apply upstream and deliberate engagement and decision-making with stakeholders, to formulate management pathways to desired futures, and to consider a portfolio approach to manage risk and account for multiple preferences across space and time. We use the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska as a case study to illustrate how the four foundations address common land management challenges for navigating transformation and deciding when, where, and how to resist, accept, or direct social–ecological change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn R Magness
- US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Soldotna, Alaska, United States
| | - Linh Hoang
- US Forest Service's Northern Region, Missoula, Montana, United States
| | | | - Jean Brennan
- USFWS and is now the climate adaptation coordinator for the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, Three Rivers, California, United States
| | - Wylie Carr
- National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
| | - F Stuart Chapin
- University of Alaska's Institute of Arctic Biology, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
| | | | - Wendy Morrison
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Silver Springs, Maryland, United States
| | - John M Morton
- USFWS and is now vice president of the Alaska Wildlife Alliance, Anchorage, Alaska, United States
| | - Helen R Sofaer
- USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawaii National Park, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
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17
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Cook CN, Beever EA, Thurman LL, Thompson LM, Gross JE, Whiteley AR, Nicotra AB, Szymanski JA, Botero CA, Hall KR, Hoffmann AA, Schuurman GW, Sgrò CM. Supporting the adaptive capacity of species through more effective knowledge exchange with conservation practitioners. Evol Appl 2021; 14:1969-1979. [PMID: 34429742 PMCID: PMC8372063 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an imperative for conservation practitioners to help biodiversity adapt to accelerating environmental change. Evolutionary biologists are well-positioned to inform the development of evidence-based management strategies that support the adaptive capacity of species and ecosystems. Conservation practitioners increasingly accept that management practices must accommodate rapid environmental change, but harbour concerns about how to apply recommended changes to their management contexts. Given the interest from both conservation practitioners and evolutionary biologists in adjusting management practices, we believe there is an opportunity to accelerate the required changes by promoting closer collaboration between these two groups. We highlight how evolutionary biologists can harness lessons from other disciplines about how to foster effective knowledge exchange to make a substantive contribution to the development of effective conservation practices. These lessons include the following: (1) recognizing why practitioners do and do not use scientific evidence; (2) building an evidence base that will influence management decisions; (3) translating theory into a format that conservation practitioners can use to inform management practices; and (4) developing strategies for effective knowledge exchange. Although efforts will be required on both sides, we believe there are rewards for both practitioners and evolutionary biologists, not least of which is fostering practices to help support the long-term persistence of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly N. Cook
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Erik A. Beever
- Northern Rocky Mountain Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyBozemanMTUSA
- Department of EcologyMontana State UniversityBozemanMTUSA
| | - Lindsey L. Thurman
- Northwest Climate Adaptation Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyCorvallisORUSA
| | - Laura M. Thompson
- National Climate Adaptation Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyRestonVAUSA
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife and FisheriesUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleTNUSA
| | - John E. Gross
- Climate Change Response ProgramU.S. National Park ServiceFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Andrew R. Whiteley
- Wildlife Biology ProgramDepartment of Ecosystem and Conservation SciencesFranke College of Forestry and ConservationUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
| | - Adrienne B. Nicotra
- Division of Ecology and EvolutionResearch School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Ary A. Hoffmann
- School of BioSciencesBio21 InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | | | - Carla M. Sgrò
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
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18
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Naujokaitis‐Lewis I, Endicott S, Guezen J. Treatment of climate change in extinction risk assessments and recovery plans for threatened species. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Naujokaitis‐Lewis
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Sarah Endicott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jessica Guezen
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Guelph Guelph Ontario Canada
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