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McCluskey EM, Kuzma FC, Enander HD, Cole‐Wick A, Coury M, Cuthrell DL, Johnson C, Kelso M, Lee YM, Methner D, Rowe L, Swinehart A, Moore J. Assessing habitat connectivity of rare species to inform urban conservation planning. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11105. [PMID: 38444724 PMCID: PMC10912553 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Urbanization is commonly associated with biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. However, urban environments often have greenspaces that can support wildlife populations, including rare species. The challenge for conservation planners working in these systems is identifying priority habitats and corridors for protection before they are lost. In a rapidly changing urban environment, this requires prompt decisions informed by accurate spatial information. Here, we combine several approaches to map habitat and assess connectivity for a diverse set of rare species in seven urban study areas across southern Michigan, USA. We incorporated multiple connectivity tools for a comprehensive appraisal of species-habitat patterns across these urban landscapes. We observed distinct differences in connectivity by taxonomic group and site. The three turtle species (Blanding's, Eastern Box, and Spotted) consistently had more habitat predicted to be suitable per site than other evaluated species. This is promising for this at-risk taxonomic group and allows conservation efforts to focus on mitigating threats such as road mortality. Grassland and prairie-associated species (American Bumble Bee, Black and Gold Bumble Bee, and Henslow's Sparrow) had the least amount of habitat on a site-by-site basis. Kalamazoo and the northern Detroit sites had the highest levels of multi-species connectivity across the entire study area based on the least cost paths. These connectivity results have direct applications in urban planning. Kalamazoo, one of the focal urban regions, has implemented a Natural Features Protection (NFP) plan to bolster natural area protections within the city. We compared our connectivity results to the NFP area and show where this plan will have an immediate positive impact and additional areas for potential consideration in future expansions of the protection network. Our results show that conservation opportunities exist within each of the assessed urban areas for maintaining rare species, a key benefit of this multi-species and multi-site approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Faith C. Kuzma
- Biology DepartmentGrand Valley State UniversityAllendaleMichiganUSA
| | - Helen D. Enander
- Michigan Natural Features InventoryMichigan State University ExtensionLansingMichiganUSA
| | - Ashley Cole‐Wick
- Michigan Natural Features InventoryMichigan State University ExtensionLansingMichiganUSA
| | - Michela Coury
- Biology DepartmentGrand Valley State UniversityAllendaleMichiganUSA
| | - David L. Cuthrell
- Michigan Natural Features InventoryMichigan State University ExtensionLansingMichiganUSA
| | - Caley Johnson
- Biology DepartmentGrand Valley State UniversityAllendaleMichiganUSA
| | - Marianne Kelso
- Biology DepartmentGrand Valley State UniversityAllendaleMichiganUSA
| | - Yu Man Lee
- Michigan Natural Features InventoryMichigan State University ExtensionLansingMichiganUSA
| | - Diana Methner
- Biology DepartmentGrand Valley State UniversityAllendaleMichiganUSA
| | - Logan Rowe
- Michigan Natural Features InventoryMichigan State University ExtensionLansingMichiganUSA
| | - Alyssa Swinehart
- Biology DepartmentGrand Valley State UniversityAllendaleMichiganUSA
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2
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Carver S, Stannard GL, Martin AM. The Distinctive Biology and Characteristics of the Bare-Nosed Wombat ( Vombatus ursinus). Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:135-160. [PMID: 37738454 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-042133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The bare-nosed wombat is an iconic Australian fauna with remarkable biological characteristics and mythology. This solitary, muscular, fossorial, herbivorous marsupial from southeast Australia has continent and continental island subspeciation. Vombatiformes also contains hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus spp.); koala (Phascolarctos cinereus); and extinct megafauna, Phascolonus gigas (giant wombat), Diprotodon, and Thylacoleo (marsupial lion). Culturally important to Aboriginal people, bare-nosed wombats engineer ecosystems through digging, grazing, and defecation. Olfaction and cubic fecal aggregations appear critical for communication, including identity, courtship, and mating. Though among the largest fossorial herbivores, they have a nutrient-poor diet, a home range up to an order of magnitude smaller than expected, and a metabolism among the lowest extreme for mammals >10 kg. Metabolic depression may confer advantages over resource competitors and fossorial lifestyle protection from predators, fires, and climatic extremes. Bare-nosed wombats are loved and persecuted by European colonists. Recent population increases may reflect softening attitudes toward, and greater protections of, bare-nosed wombats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia;
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA;
| | - Georgia L Stannard
- Department of Archaeology and History, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia;
| | - Alynn M Martin
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas, USA;
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3
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Moore LJ, Petrovan SO, Bates AJ, Hicks HL, Baker PJ, Perkins SE, Yarnell RW. Demographic effects of road mortality on mammalian populations: a systematic review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1033-1050. [PMID: 36843247 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
In light of rapidly expanding road networks worldwide, there is increasing global awareness of the growing amount of mammalian roadkill. However, the ways in which road mortality affects the population dynamics of different species remains largely unclear. We aimed to categorise the demographic parameters in mammalian populations around the world that are directly or indirectly affected by road mortality, as well as identify the most effective study designs for quantifying population-level consequences of road mortality. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to synthesise literature published between 2000 and 2021 and out of 11,238 unique studies returned, 83 studies were retained comprising 69 mammalian species and 150 populations. A bias towards research-intensive countries and larger mammals was apparent. Although searches were conducted in five languages, all studies meeting the inclusion criteria were in English. Relatively few studies (13.3%) provided relevant demographic context to roadkill figures, hampering understanding of the impacts on population persistence. We categorised five direct demographic parameters affected by road mortality: sex- and age-biased mortality, the percentage of a population killed on roads per year (values up to 50% were reported), the contribution of roadkill to total mortality rates (up to 80%), and roadkill during inter-patch or long-distance movements. Female-biased mortality may be more prevalent than previously recognised and is likely to be critical to population dynamics. Roadkill was the greatest source of mortality for 28% of studied populations and both additive and compensatory mechanisms to roadkill were found to occur, bringing varied challenges to conservation around roads. In addition, intra-specific population differences in demographic effects of road mortality were common. This highlights that the relative importance of road mortality is likely to be context specific as the road configuration and habitat quality surrounding a population can vary. Road ecology studies that collect data on key life parameters, such as age/stage/sex-specific survival and dispersal success, and that use a combination of methods are critical in understanding long-term impacts. Quantifying the demographic impacts of road mortality is an important yet complex consideration for proactive road management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Moore
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0QF, UK
| | - Silviu O Petrovan
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Adam J Bates
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0QF, UK
| | - Helen L Hicks
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0QF, UK
| | - Philip J Baker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AH, UK
| | - Sarah E Perkins
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Richard W Yarnell
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0QF, UK
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Arca-Rubio J, Moreno-Rueda G, Ortega Z. The distribution of vertebrate roadkill varies by season, surrounding environment, and animal class. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-023-01669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractDue to rapid human expansion in the last century, wildlife roadkill is becoming a concerning threat to biodiversity and human safety. The frequency of roadkill events depends on factors related to specific traits of the road—tortuosity or the presence of fences, among others—and the animal ecology—such as activity patterns, reproductive season, or thermoregulation. These, in turn, are related to environmental factors, with seasonal variations. Here, we assessed roadkill mortality of terrestrial vertebrates over the year. To do this, we sampled 10 road sections (of 3 km, by walk) in the south of Spain for a full year, registering the carcasses of run-over vertebrates. Then, we analysed the spatiotemporal patterns of roadkill events for the four vertebrates’ classes and the effects of road traits (presence of fence, tortuosity, distance to water point) and environmental variables (mean temperature and precipitation). Mammals suffered the highest mortality by roadkill (45.72%). The frequency of collisions was independent of tortuosity, presence of fences, and precipitation, while mean temperature significantly increased the probability of collision of mammals, birds, and reptiles. There was a seasonal effect in the number of collisions, which spatial pattern depended on the class of vertebrates. All this leads us to conclude that, to reduce the impact caused by roadkill mortality on wildlife, we need specific measures to be taken timely in each critical place and for each vertebrate group.
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Narváez-Rivera GM, Lindshield SM. Assessing the importance of artificial canopy bridge design for Costa Rican monkeys in an experimental setting. Folia Primatol (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/14219980-20211104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Although artificial crossing structures are increasingly implemented by conservationists and wildlife managers to connect fragmented wildlife habitat, the study of artificial crossing structure design, particularly of canopy bridges, is an emerging field of study in primatology. We address this issue by evaluating five competing bridge models with varying width, material stiffness, and substrate spacing. We assessed bridge preference and performance by sampling the behavior of three species of Costa Rican monkeys (Alouatta palliata: n = 4, Ateles geoffroyi: n = 3, Cebus imitator: n = 3). In a semi-wild setting, we used focal individual sampling with instantaneous recording once every minute for ten-minute intervals and all occurrences sampling whenever study subjects used the bridge. We hypothesized that monkeys prefer bridges that are more stable, and that are made of materials that resemble tree branches. During nearly 37 sampling hours we observed 119 crossing events. We found that study subjects prefer bridge models that are built using more rigid materials, such as the bamboo pole bridge, or wider bridges that offer more stability than narrower bridges. The bridge type and the materials used to build the bridges are both significant predictors of bridge use. While preference for bridges and their performance varies by species, the bamboo pole bridge model and the horizontal mesh bridge were preferred and performed best in our study. The simple liana bridge model was the least preferred by all species and performed poorly in comparison to the other models. Our findings will help us better understand how design and materials impact the use of canopy bridges by monkeys, which can help improve biological corridors and offer new information for the management and conservation of primates living near infrastructure corridors and other kinds of dangerous matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stacy M. Lindshield
- Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, 700 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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6
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Abram NK, Lim HY, Ng CKC, Yorath S, Razi MHM, Ong CGS, Chen KO, Wilson KB. The socio-economic and cultural impacts of the Pan Borneo Highway on Indigenous and local communities in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269890. [PMID: 35759467 PMCID: PMC9236263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Road and highway development can provide multiple benefits to society, but without careful planning, this development can result in negative social and environmental impacts. The 1,200 km Pan Borneo Highway project (PBH) in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is constructing new highways and up-grading 2-lane roads to 4-lane highways. We assessed the potential impact of the PBH on communities using three width scenarios of 50m, 75m and 100m for planned highway alignments, and identified potentially impacted dwellings and community lands. We estimated that 65–93 villages will be impacted, and that 1,712–7,093 dwellings and 3,420–6,695 ha of community lands (e.g. paddy, oil palm smallholdings and rubber) may be lost to the PBH. Due to land tenure technicalities, many affected households may not get compensation for the loss of their homes and lands. The PBH will disproportionally impact Sabah’s Indigenous Peoples, with the Kadazandusun most affected. For this study to be constructive, we provide a low impact alternative alignment for a part of the PBH; discuss the socio-economic and cultural impacts of the PBH, and offer some perspectives on current planning procedures in Sabah to support more sustainable and equitable development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong Ye Lim
- Forever Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Sylvia Yorath
- Land Empowerment Animals People, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Cynthia Gaik Suan Ong
- Forever Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Land Empowerment Animals People, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Kok-On Chen
- Forever Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Kenneth Brockington Wilson
- Forever Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Land Empowerment Animals People, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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7
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Lunney D, Predavec M, Sonawane I, Moon C, Rhodes JR. Factors that drive koala roadkill: an analysis across multiple scales in New South Wales, Australia. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am21040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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8
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Nguyen HKD, Fielding MW, Buettel JC, Brook BW. Predicting spatial and seasonal patterns of wildlife–vehicle collisions in high-risk areas†. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/wr21018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Silva I, Crane M, Savini T. The road less traveled: Addressing reproducibility and conservation priorities of wildlife-vehicle collision studies in tropical and subtropical regions. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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10
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Fielding MW, Buettel JC, Brook BW, Stojanovic D, Yates LA. Roadkill islands: Carnivore extinction shifts seasonal use of roadside carrion by generalist avian scavenger. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2268-2276. [PMID: 34013520 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Global road networks facilitate habitat modification and are integral to human expansion. Many animals, particularly scavengers, use roads as they provide a reliable source of food, such as carrion left after vehicle collisions. Tasmania is often cited as the 'roadkill capital of Australia', with the isolated offshore islands in the Bass Strait experiencing similar, if not higher, levels of roadkill. However, native mammalian predators on the islands are extirpated, meaning the remaining scavengers are likely to experience lower interference competition. In this study, we used a naturally occurring experiment to examine how the loss of mammalian carnivores within a community impacts roadside foraging behaviour by avian scavengers. We monitored the locations of roadkill and forest ravens Corvus tasmanicus, an abundant scavenger species, on eight road transects across the Tasmanian mainland (high scavenging competition) and the Bass Strait islands (low scavenging competition). We represented raven observations as one-dimensional point patterns, using hierarchical Bayesian models to investigate the dependence of raven spatial intensity on habitat, season, distance to roadkill and route location. We found that roadkill carcasses were a strong predictor of raven presence along road networks. The effect of roadkill was amplified on roads on the Bass Strait islands, where roadside carrion was a predictor of raven presence across the entire year. In contrast, ravens were more often associated with roadkill on Tasmanian mainland roads in the autumn, when other resources were low. This suggests that in the absence of competing mammalian scavengers, ravens choose to feed on roadside carrion throughout the year, even in seasons when other resources are available. This lack of competition could be disproportionately benefiting forest ravens, leading to augmented raven populations and changes to the vertebrate community structure. Our study provides evidence that scavengers modify their behaviour in response to reduced scavenger species diversity, potentially triggering trophic shifts and highlighting the importance of conserving or reintroducing carnivores within ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Fielding
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Jessie C Buettel
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Barry W Brook
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Dejan Stojanovic
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Luke A Yates
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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11
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Bradshaw CJ, Johnson CN, Llewelyn J, Weisbecker V, Strona G, Saltré F. Relative demographic susceptibility does not explain the extinction chronology of Sahul's megafauna. eLife 2021; 10:63870. [PMID: 33783356 PMCID: PMC8043753 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The causes of Sahul’s megafauna extinctions remain uncertain, although several interacting factors were likely responsible. To examine the relative support for hypotheses regarding plausible ecological mechanisms underlying these extinctions, we constructed the first stochastic, age-structured models for 13 extinct megafauna species from five functional/taxonomic groups, as well as 8 extant species within these groups for comparison. Perturbing specific demographic rates individually, we tested which species were more demographically susceptible to extinction, and then compared these relative sensitivities to the fossil-derived extinction chronology. Our models show that the macropodiformes were the least demographically susceptible to extinction, followed by carnivores, monotremes, vombatiform herbivores, and large birds. Five of the eight extant species were as or more susceptible than the extinct species. There was no clear relationship between extinction susceptibility and the extinction chronology for any perturbation scenario, while body mass and generation length explained much of the variation in relative risk. Our results reveal that the actual mechanisms leading to the observed extinction chronology were unlikely related to variation in demographic susceptibility per se, but were possibly driven instead by finer-scale variation in climate change and/or human prey choice and relative hunting success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Ja Bradshaw
- Global Ecology Partuyarta Ngadluku Wardli Kuu, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Tarndanya (Adelaide), Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Christopher N Johnson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, Australia.,Dynamics of Eco-Evolutionary Pattern, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - John Llewelyn
- Global Ecology Partuyarta Ngadluku Wardli Kuu, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Tarndanya (Adelaide), Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Vera Weisbecker
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Giovanni Strona
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frédérik Saltré
- Global Ecology Partuyarta Ngadluku Wardli Kuu, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Tarndanya (Adelaide), Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, Australia
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12
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Casey FF, Stannard HJ, Old JM. A review of wombat diet and nutrition. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/am20009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this review we investigated the diet and nutrition of wombats and highlight areas for future research. The low energy requirements of wombats, conservative foraging behaviours and burrowing lifestyle allow them to subsist on low-quality food. Furthermore, their digestive anatomy and physiology is well adapted for digesting the resources available in their habitats. All species feed predominantly on native grasses; however, the nutritional requirements of juvenile and aged wombats are largely unknown. Changes to food availability and grass species in wombat habitats may alter their diet and nutritional intake. Also, despite evidence suggesting that wombats can satisfy their water requirements via the food they eat, the minimum threshold of water content at which wombats will cease feeding is unknown. Other areas for future research include investigating factors that affect digesta retention times (such as age or lactation), and the development of a method to determine age, because unlike most other mammals, wombat teeth grow continuously, hence teeth cannot be used as a reliable predictor of age in wombats.
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13
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Thorley RK, Old JM. Distribution, abundance and threats to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/am19035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Wombats are large marsupial grazers native to Australia. They are ‘ecosystem engineers’ due to their burrowing, impacting rates of soil turnover, assisting with nutrient cycling and water infiltration, and creating habitat for other species. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of available information on the habitat and distribution, abundance and threats to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus), and to provide a critical review of the current gaps in our knowledge to aid future management of the species. Bare-nosed wombats were previously widespread. Since European settlement their range has reduced. While habitat loss and contraction impact population numbers, bare-nosed wombat populations are also threatened by roadkill, introduced species, legal and illegal human persecution, and disease. Further research is required to understand the historic range of bare-nosed wombats, as well as current population numbers, so that we can determine the threats that most significantly impact this species. Increasing our understanding of habitat requirements, distribution and population numbers, as well as how to mitigate threats, will aid future management and conservation strategies for the species.
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14
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Old JM, Hermsen EM, Young LJ. MHC Class II variability in bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/am19015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies of gene diversity are used to investigate population dynamics, including immunological fitness. Aside from the selection of an appropriate gene target, an important factor that underpins these studies is the ability to recover viable DNA samples from native animals that are protected, threatened or difficult to sample or locate such as the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus). In this study, we used genomic DNA extracted from muscle tissue samples and also identified the optimal method to extract DNA from fresh wombat scat samples to enable further analyses to be performed using non-invasive techniques. The DNA was probed via the polymerase chain reaction using previously targeted marsupial Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) gene primers. These genes are highly variable and associated with binding and presentation of pathogens in the immune system. Twenty-three unique MHC Class II DAB V. ursinus gene sequences were translated to 21 unique predicted peptide sequences from 34 individual tissue or scat samples. Vombatus ursinus MHC Class II DAB gene and peptide sequences were most similar to other marsupial DNA and peptide sequences. Further analysis also indicated the likelihood of MHC Class II DAB family membership through motif identification. Additional sampling is required to assess the full level of diversity of MHC Class II DAB genes among V. ursinus populations; however, this study is the first to identify MHC genes in a wombat and will advance immunological and disease studies of the species.
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Application of Least-Cost Movement Modeling in Planning Wildlife Mitigation Measures along Transport Corridors: Case Study of Forests and Moose in Lithuania. FORESTS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/f10100831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present work presents the development of a moose movement model to explore the value of wildlife mitigation structures and examine how hypothetical changes in land use patterns could alter wildlife habitats at landscape scales. Collisions between vehicles and animals pose a threat to humans and wildlife populations, the most dangerous collisions being with moose. Migrations of moose are generally predictable and habitat-dependent. Here, we use GIS-based simulations of moose movements to examine road-related habitat fragmentation around the main highways A1 and A2 in Lithuania. From forest data, we develop a moose habitat suitability map. Then, by running multiple simulation iterations, we generate potential moose pathways and statistically describe the most efficient potential long-range movement routes that are based on the principles of habitat utilization. Reflecting the probabilities of cross-highway moose movement, ranks are assigned to all 1 km highway segments, characterizing them in terms of their likelihood of moose movement, and thus identifying discrete migration corridors and highway crossing zones. Bottlenecks are identified through simulation, such as where sections of wildlife fencing end without highway crossing structures, thereby creating a ‘spillover’ effect, i.e., moose moving parallel to the highway, then crossing. The tested model has proven the prognostic capacity of the tool to foresee locations of moose-vehicle collisions with high accuracy, thus allowing it to be a valuable addition to the toolbox of highway planners.
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16
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Old JM, Lin SH, Franklin MJM. Mapping out bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) burrows with the use of a drone. BMC Ecol 2019; 19:39. [PMID: 31533684 PMCID: PMC6749681 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0257-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wombats are large, nocturnal herbivores that build burrows in a variety of habitats, including grassland communities, and can come into conflict with people. Counting the number of active burrows provides information on the local distribution and abundance of wombats and could prove to be an important management tool to monitor population numbers over time. We compared traditional ground surveys and a new method employing drones, to determine if drones could be used to effectively identify and monitor bare-nosed wombat burrows. Results We surveyed burrows using both methods in eight 5-ha transects in grassland, that was interspersed with patches of tussock grassland. Ground surveys were conducted by systematically walking transects and searching for burrows. Drone surveys involved programming flights over transects to capture multiple images, from which an orthomosaic image of each transect was produced. These were subsequently viewed using ArcMap to detect burrows. A total of 204 individual burrows were recorded by drone and/or ground survey methods. In grassland, the methods were equally effective in terms of the numbers of burrows detected in transects. In the smaller areas of tussock grassland, ground surveys detected significantly more burrows, because burrow openings were obscured in orthomosaic images by overhanging grasses. There was agreement between the methods as to whether burrows were potentially active or inactive for most burrows in both vegetation communities. However, image interpretation tended to classify grassland burrows as potentially active. Overall time taken to conduct surveys was similar for both methods, but ground surveys utilised three observers and more time in the field. Conclusions Drones provide an effective means to survey bare-nosed wombat burrows that are visible from the air, particularly in areas not accessible to observers and vehicles. Furthermore, drones provide alternative options for monitoring burrows at the landscape level, and for monitoring wombat populations based on observable changes in burrow appearance over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Old
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
| | - Simon H Lin
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Michael J M Franklin
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
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Hetman M, Kubicka AM, Sparks TH, Tryjanowski P. Road kills of non‐human primates: a global view using a different type of data. Mamm Rev 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Hetman
- Institute of Zoology Poznań University of Life Sciences Wojska Polskiego 71 C60‐625Poznań Poland
| | - Anna Maria Kubicka
- Institute of Zoology Poznań University of Life Sciences Wojska Polskiego 71 C60‐625Poznań Poland
| | - Tim H. Sparks
- Institute of Zoology Poznań University of Life Sciences Wojska Polskiego 71 C60‐625Poznań Poland
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology Poznań University of Life Sciences Wojska Polskiego 71 C60‐625Poznań Poland
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences Prague Kamýcká 129165 00Prague 6 Czech Republic
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Nguyen HKD, Fielding MW, Buettel JC, Brook BW. Habitat suitability, live abundance and their link to road mortality of Tasmanian wildlife. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/wr18128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ContextTasmania has been called the roadkill capital of Australia. However, little is known about the population-level impact of vehicle mortality on native mammals in the island state.
AimsThe aims were to investigate the predictability of roadkill on a given route, based on models of species distribution and live animal abundance for three marsupial species in Tasmania – the Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii), Bennett’s wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) – and to assess the possibility of predicting the magnitude of state-wide road mortality based on live animal abundance.
MethodsRoad mortality of the three species was measured on eight 15-km road segments in south-eastern Tasmania, during 16 weeks over the period 2016–17. Climate suitability was predicted using state-wide geographical location records, using species distribution models, and counts of these species from 190 spotlight survey roads.
Key resultsThe Tasmanian pademelons were the most frequently killed animal encountered over the study period. Live abundance, predicted by fitting models to spotlight counts, did not correlate with this fatality rate for any species. However, the climate suitability index generated by the species distribution models was strongly predictive for wombat roadkill, and moderately so for pademelons.
ConclusionsAlthough distributional and wildlife abundance records are commonly available and well described by models based on climate, vegetation and land-use predictors, this approach to climate suitability modelling has limited predictability for roadkill counts on specific routes.
ImplicationsRoad-specific factors, such as characteristics of the road infrastructure, nearby habitats and behavioural traits, seem to be required to explain roadkill frequency. Determining their relative importance will require spatial analysis of roadkill locations.
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Wynn-Grant R, Ginsberg JR, Lackey CW, Sterling EJ, Beckmann JP. Risky business: Modeling mortality risk near the urban-wildland interface for a large carnivore. Glob Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Pruitt JN, Berdahl A, Riehl C, Pinter-Wollman N, Moeller HV, Pringle EG, Aplin LM, Robinson EJH, Grilli J, Yeh P, Savage VM, Price MH, Garland J, Gilby IC, Crofoot MC, Doering GN, Hobson EA. Social tipping points in animal societies. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20181282. [PMID: 30232162 PMCID: PMC6170811 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal social groups are complex systems that are likely to exhibit tipping points-which are defined as drastic shifts in the dynamics of systems that arise from small changes in environmental conditions-yet this concept has not been carefully applied to these systems. Here, we summarize the concepts behind tipping points and describe instances in which they are likely to occur in animal societies. We also offer ways in which the study of social tipping points can open up new lines of inquiry in behavioural ecology and generate novel questions, methods, and approaches in animal behaviour and other fields, including community and ecosystem ecology. While some behaviours of living systems are hard to predict, we argue that probing tipping points across animal societies and across tiers of biological organization-populations, communities, ecosystems-may help to reveal principles that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan N Pruitt
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Andrew Berdahl
- School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - Christina Riehl
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Noa Pinter-Wollman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Holly V Moeller
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | | | - Lucy M Aplin
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
- Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Ornithology, Radolfzell, 78315, Germany
| | - Elva J H Robinson
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | | | - Pamela Yeh
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Van M Savage
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | | | - Ian C Gilby
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, and Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Margaret C Crofoot
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Grant N Doering
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
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Old JM, Sengupta C, Narayan E, Wolfenden J. Sarcoptic mange in wombats-A review and future research directions. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:399-407. [PMID: 29150905 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and has recently been recognized as an emerging infectious disease of wildlife worldwide. The mite is one of the main causes of population decline in southern hairy-nosed (Lasiorhinus latifrons) and bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). This review focuses on Sarcoptes scabiei infestations in wombats and provides insights into why the disease may be so prevalent in wombats. Current treatment practices and trials conducted in the field to reduce the incidence of sarcoptic mange in wombats are described and critically reviewed. Current and potential future avenues of research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Old
- School of Science and Health, Hawkesbury, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - C Sengupta
- School of Science and Health, Hawkesbury, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - E Narayan
- School of Science and Health, Hawkesbury, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - J Wolfenden
- School of Science and Health, Hawkesbury, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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White LA, Forester JD, Craft ME. Dynamic, spatial models of parasite transmission in wildlife: Their structure, applications and remaining challenges. J Anim Ecol 2017; 87:559-580. [PMID: 28944450 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Individual differences in contact rate can arise from host, group and landscape heterogeneity and can result in different patterns of spatial spread for diseases in wildlife populations with concomitant implications for disease control in wildlife of conservation concern, livestock and humans. While dynamic disease models can provide a better understanding of the drivers of spatial spread, the effects of landscape heterogeneity have only been modelled in a few well-studied wildlife systems such as rabies and bovine tuberculosis. Such spatial models tend to be either purely theoretical with intrinsic limiting assumptions or individual-based models that are often highly species- and system-specific, limiting the breadth of their utility. Our goal was to review studies that have utilized dynamic, spatial models to answer questions about pathogen transmission in wildlife and identify key gaps in the literature. We begin by providing an overview of the main types of dynamic, spatial models (e.g., metapopulation, network, lattice, cellular automata, individual-based and continuous-space) and their relation to each other. We investigate different types of ecological questions that these models have been used to explore: pathogen invasion dynamics and range expansion, spatial heterogeneity and pathogen persistence, the implications of management and intervention strategies and the role of evolution in host-pathogen dynamics. We reviewed 168 studies that consider pathogen transmission in free-ranging wildlife and classify them by the model type employed, the focal host-pathogen system, and their overall research themes and motivation. We observed a significant focus on mammalian hosts, a few well-studied or purely theoretical pathogen systems, and a lack of studies occurring at the wildlife-public health or wildlife-livestock interfaces. Finally, we discuss challenges and future directions in the context of unprecedented human-mediated environmental change. Spatial models may provide new insights into understanding, for example, how global warming and habitat disturbance contribute to disease maintenance and emergence. Moving forward, better integration of dynamic, spatial disease models with approaches from movement ecology, landscape genetics/genomics and ecoimmunology may provide new avenues for investigation and aid in the control of zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A White
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - James D Forester
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Meggan E Craft
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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Cuyckens GAE, Mochi LS, Vallejos M, Perovic PG, Biganzoli F. Patterns and Composition of Road-Killed Wildlife in Northwest Argentina. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2016; 58:810-820. [PMID: 27619944 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-016-0755-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Roads have important effects on wildlife, such as natural habitat fragmentation and degradation and direct killing of fauna, which leads to reductions in wildlife population size. We focused on a principal road in Northwest Argentina to test for the effect of seasonality and landscape features on the composition of road-killed wildlife. We conducted regularly scheduled road trips during the dry and wet seasons. We recorded the presence or absence of a vegetation curtain or hedge along the road. We measured land use by remote sensing in a 500 m buffer along the road. We compared the abundance of animals killed between seasons (dry and wet) for different taxonomic groups (mammals, birds and reptiles) and for different origins (domestic and native). We built linear mixed models to test the effect of landscape features on the abundance of killed animals. Two hundred and ninety-three individuals were killed, belonging to 35 species; 75.8 % were native and 24.2 % domestic species. The majority of animals killed were mid-sized mammals. More animals were killed during the dry season. The most important factors to explain the wildlife road-killing were the season and the proportion of agricultural landscape. The composition of the killed animals changed with the season. The proportion of agricultural landscape incremented the number of killed birds and mammals during both seasons, without affecting reptiles. The ratio of wild to domestic animals killed was dependent on the season. This study sets a precedent as the first in road ecology in Northwest Argentina and should be taken into account for road planning and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griet An Erica Cuyckens
- Centro de Estudios Territoriales Ambientales y Sociales (CETAS), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lucía Sol Mochi
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Vallejos
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Gastón Perovic
- Delegación Regional del Noroeste Argentino, Adnimistración de Parques Nacionales, Salta, Argentina
| | - Fernando Biganzoli
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Fraser TA, Charleston M, Martin A, Polkinghorne A, Carver S. The emergence of sarcoptic mange in Australian wildlife: an unresolved debate. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:316. [PMID: 27255333 PMCID: PMC4890250 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its suspected increase in host range and subsequent global diversification, Sarcoptes scabiei has important implications at a global scale for wildlife conservation and animal and human health. The introduction of this pathogen into new locations and hosts has been shown to produce high morbidity and mortality, a situation observed recently in Australian and North American wildlife. Of the seven native animal species in Australia known to be infested by S. scabiei, the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) suffers the greatest with significant population declines having been observed in New South Wales and Tasmania. The origins of sarcoptic mange in Australian native animals are poorly understood, with the most consistent conclusion being that mange was introduced by settlers and their dogs and subsequently becoming a major burden to native wildlife. Four studies exist addressing the origins of mange in Australia, but all Australian S. scabiei samples derive from only two of these studies. This review highlights this paucity of phylogenetic knowledge of S. scabiei within Australia, and suggests further research is needed to confidently determine the origin, or multiple origins, of this parasite. At the global scale, numerous genetic studies have attempted to reveal how the host species and host geographic location influence S. scabiei phylogenetics. This review includes an analysis of the global literature, revealing that inconsistent use of gene loci across studies significantly influences phylogenetic inference. Furthermore, by performing a contemporary analytical approach on existing data, it is apparent that (i) new S. scabiei samples, (ii) appropriate gene loci targets, and (iii) advanced phylogenetic approaches are necessary to more confidently comprehend the origins of mange in Australia. Advancing this field of research will aid in understanding the mechanisms of spillover for mange and other parasites globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamieka A Fraser
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, 7001, TAS, Australia. .,Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 91 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, 4556, QLD, Australia.
| | - Michael Charleston
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, 7001, TAS, Australia.,School of Information Technologies, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alynn Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, 7001, TAS, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 91 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, 4556, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, 7001, TAS, Australia
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Clements GR, Lynam AJ, Gaveau D, Yap WL, Lhota S, Goosem M, Laurance S, Laurance WF. Where and how are roads endangering mammals in Southeast Asia's forests? PLoS One 2014; 9:e115376. [PMID: 25521297 PMCID: PMC4270763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat destruction and overhunting are two major drivers of mammal population declines and extinctions in tropical forests. The construction of roads can be a catalyst for these two threats. In Southeast Asia, the impacts of roads on mammals have not been well-documented at a regional scale. Before evidence-based conservation strategies can be developed to minimize the threat of roads to endangered mammals within this region, we first need to locate where and how roads are contributing to the conversion of their habitats and illegal hunting in each country. We interviewed 36 experts involved in mammal research from seven Southeast Asian countries to identify roads that are contributing the most, in their opinion, to habitat conversion and illegal hunting. Our experts highlighted 16 existing and eight planned roads - these potentially threaten 21% of the 117 endangered terrestrial mammals in those countries. Apart from gathering qualitative evidence from the literature to assess their claims, we demonstrate how species-distribution models, satellite imagery and animal-sign surveys can be used to provide quantitative evidence of roads causing impacts by (1) cutting through habitats where endangered mammals are likely to occur, (2) intensifying forest conversion, and (3) contributing to illegal hunting and wildlife trade. To our knowledge, ours is the first study to identify specific roads threatening endangered mammals in Southeast Asia. Further through highlighting the impacts of roads, we propose 10 measures to limit road impacts in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopalasamy Reuben Clements
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Kenyir Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
- Rimba, 4 Jalan1/9D, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Science, Monash University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Antony J. Lynam
- Center for Global Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David Gaveau
- Center for International Forestry Research, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Wei Lim Yap
- World Wide Fund for Nature-Malaysia, Jalan PJS 5/28, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Stanislav Lhota
- Department of Husbandry and Ethology, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miriam Goosem
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susan Laurance
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - William F. Laurance
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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Polak T, Rhodes JR, Jones D, Possingham HP. Optimal planning for mitigating the impacts of roads on wildlife. J Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tal Polak
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Rhodes
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- School of Geography Planning and Environmental Management; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- The National Environmental Research Program (NERP) Environmental Decision hub.; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Darryl Jones
- Environmental Futures Centre; School of Environment; Griffith University; Brisbane Qld 4111 Australia
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- The National Environmental Research Program (NERP) Environmental Decision hub.; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
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Rhodes JR, Lunney D, Callaghan J, McAlpine CA. A few large roads or many small ones? How to accommodate growth in vehicle numbers to minimise impacts on wildlife. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91093. [PMID: 24646891 PMCID: PMC3960131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Roads and vehicular traffic are among the most pervasive of threats to biodiversity because they fragmenting habitat, increasing mortality and opening up new areas for the exploitation of natural resources. However, the number of vehicles on roads is increasing rapidly and this is likely to continue into the future, putting increased pressure on wildlife populations. Consequently, a major challenge is the planning of road networks to accommodate increased numbers of vehicles, while minimising impacts on wildlife. Nonetheless, we currently have few principles for guiding decisions on road network planning to reduce impacts on wildlife in real landscapes. We addressed this issue by developing an approach for quantifying the impact on wildlife mortality of two alternative mechanisms for accommodating growth in vehicle numbers: (1) increasing the number of roads, and (2) increasing traffic volumes on existing roads. We applied this approach to a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population in eastern Australia and quantified the relative impact of each strategy on mortality. We show that, in most cases, accommodating growth in traffic through increases in volumes on existing roads has a lower impact than building new roads. An exception is where the existing road network has very low road density, but very high traffic volumes on each road. These findings have important implications for how we design road networks to reduce their impacts on biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. Rhodes
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- NERP Environmental Decisions Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Lunney
- Office of Environment and Heritage New South Wales, Hurstville, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Callaghan
- Australian Koala Foundation, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clive A. McAlpine
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- NERP Environmental Decisions Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Goosem M. Mitigating the impacts of rainforest roads in Queensland’s Wet Tropics: Effective or are further evaluations and new mitigation strategies required? ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-8903.2012.00661.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hanski I. Habitat loss, the dynamics of biodiversity, and a perspective on conservation. AMBIO 2011; 40:248-55. [PMID: 21644453 PMCID: PMC3357798 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-011-0147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilkka Hanski
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Findland.
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