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Avilés JM. The evolutionary ecology of bird-ant interactions: a pervasive but under-studied connection. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232023. [PMID: 38166423 PMCID: PMC10762437 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2023] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Birds and ants are among the most ubiquitous taxa co-occurring in terrestrial ecosystems, but how they mutually interact is almost unknown. Here, the main features of this neglected interaction are synthetized in a systematic literature review. Interaction with ants has been recorded in 1122 bird species (11.2% of extant species) belonging to 131 families widely distributed across the globe and the avian phylogeny. On the other hand, 47 genus of ants (14.4% of extant genus) belonging to eight subfamilies interact with birds. Interactions include competition, antagonism (either ant-bird mutual predation or parasitism) and living together commensally or mutualistically. Competition (48.9%) and antagonism (36.1%) were the most common reported interactions. The potential for engaging in commensalism and competition with ants has a phylogenetic structure in birds and was present in the birds' ancestor. Interaction is better studied in the tropics, in where the network is less dense and more nested than in temperate or arid biomes. This review demonstrates that ant-bird interactions are a pervasive phenomenon across ecological domains, playing a key role in ecosystem function. Future studies need to combine sensible experimentation within anthropogenic disturbance gradients in order to achieve a better understanding of this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús M. Avilés
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, EEZA-CSIC, Almería E-04120, Spain
- Unidad Asociada (CSIC-UNEX): Ecología en el Antropoceno, Badajoz E-06006, Spain
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Clarke DA, McGeoch MA. Invasive alien insects represent a clear but variable threat to biodiversity. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 4:100065. [PMID: 37564301 PMCID: PMC10410178 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2023.100065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Invasive alien insects are an important yet understudied component of the general threat that biological invasions pose to biodiversity. We quantified the breadth and level of this threat by performing environmental impact assessments using a modified version of the Environmental Impact Assessment for Alien Taxa (EICAT) framework. This represents the largest effort to date on quantify the environmental impacts of invasive alien insects. Using a relatively large and taxonomically representative set of insect species that have established non-native populations around the globe, we tested hypotheses on: (1) socioeconomic and (2) taxonomic biases, (3) relationship between range size and impact severity and (4) island susceptibility. Socioeconomic pests had marginally more environmental impact information than non-pests and, as expected, impact information was geographically and taxonomically skewed. Species with larger introduced ranges were more likely, on average, to have the most severe local environmental impacts (i.e. a global maximum impact severity of 'Major'). The island susceptibility hypothesis found no support, and both island and mainland systems experience similar numbers of high severity impacts. These results demonstrate the high variability, both within and across species, in the ways and extents to which invasive insects impact biodiversity, even within the highest profile invaders. However, the environmental impact knowledge base requires greater taxonomic and geographic coverage, so that hypotheses about invasion impact can be developed towards identifying generalities in the biogeography of invasion impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Clarke
- Department of Environment and Genetics, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Melodie A. McGeoch
- Department of Environment and Genetics, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia
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Hoffmann BD, Pettit M. Towards precision ecology: Relationships of multiple sampling methods quantifying abundance for comparisons among studies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263487. [PMID: 35704631 PMCID: PMC9200322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Because different sampling techniques will provide different abundance values, it is currently difficult to compare results among many studies to form holistic understandings of how abundance influences ant ecology. Using three sampling methods in the same location we found pitfall traps best confirmed yellow crazy ant A. gracilipes presence recording the fewest zero values (9.1%), card counts were the least reliable (67.1%), and tuna lures were intermediate (30.1%). The abundance of A. gracilipes from card counts ranged from 0 to 20, in pitfall traps from 0 to 325, and the full range of tuna lure abundance scores (0–7) were sampled. We then determined the relationships between these three standard ant sampling techniques for Anoplolepis gracilipes abundance. Irrespective of the data transformation method, the strongest relationship was between pitfall traps and tuna lures, and the least strong was between pitfall traps and card counts. We then demonstrate the utility of this knowledge by analysing A. gracilipes abundance reported within published literature to show where the populations in those studies sit on an abundance spectrum. We also comment on insights into the relative utility of the three methods we used to determine A. gracilipes abundance among populations of varying abundance. Pitfall traps was the most reliable method to determine if the species was present at the sample level. Tuna lures were predominantly reliable for quantifying the presence of workers, but were limited by the number of workers that can gather around a spoonful of tuna. Card counts were the quickest method, but were seemingly only useful when A. gracilipes abundance is not low. Finally we discuss how environmental and biological variation needs to be accounted for in future studies to better standardise sampling protocols to help progress ecology as a precision science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Hoffmann
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health & Biosecurity, Tropical Ecosystems Research Centre, Winnellie, Northern Territory, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Magen Pettit
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health & Biosecurity, Tropical Ecosystems Research Centre, Winnellie, Northern Territory, Australia
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Gruber MAM, Santoro D, Cooling M, Lester PJ, Hoffmann BD, Boser C, Lach L. A global review of socioeconomic and environmental impacts of ants reveals new insights for risk assessment. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2577. [PMID: 35191120 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2577] [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: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessments are fundamental to invasive species management and are underpinned by comprehensive characterization of invasive species impacts. Our understanding of the impacts of invasive species is growing constantly, and several recently developed frameworks offer the opportunity to systematically categorize environmental and socioeconomic impacts of invasive species. Invasive ants are among the most widespread and damaging invaders. Although a handful of species receives most of the policy attention, nearly 200 species have established outside their native range. Here, we provide a global, comprehensive assessment of the impacts of ants and propose a priority list of risk species. We used the Socioeconomic Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (SEICAT), Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) and Generic Impact Scoring System (GISS) to analyze 642 unique sources for 100 named species. Different methodologies provided generally consistent results. The most frequently identified socioeconomic impacts were to human health. Environmental impacts were primarily on animal and plant populations, with the most common mechanisms being predation and competition. Species recognized as harmful nearly 20 years ago featured prominently, including Wasmannia auropunctata (little fire ant, electric ant), Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant), Anoplolepis gracilipes (yellow crazy ant), and Pheidole megacephala (African big-headed ant). All these species except W. auropunctata have been implicated in local extinctions of native species. Although our assessments affirmed that the most serious impacts have been driven by a small number of species, our results also highlighted a substantial number of less well publicized species that have had major environmental impacts and may currently be overlooked when prioritizing prevention efforts. Several of these species were ranked as high or higher than some of the previously recognized "usual suspects," most notably Nylanderia fulva (tawny crazy ant). We compared and combined our assessments with trait-based profiles and other lists to propose a consensus set of 31 priority species. Ever-increasing global trade contributes to growing rates of species introductions. The integrated approaches we used can contribute to robust, holistic risk assessments for many taxa entrained in these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica A M Gruber
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Pacific Biosecurity, Wellington UniVentures, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Davide Santoro
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Pacific Biosecurity, Wellington UniVentures, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Meghan Cooling
- Pacific Biosecurity, Wellington UniVentures, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philip J Lester
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Pacific Biosecurity, Wellington UniVentures, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin D Hoffmann
- CSIRO, Health & Biosecurity, Tropical Ecosystems Research Centre, Winnellie, Northwest Territories, Australia
| | | | - Lori Lach
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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Lee CY, Yang CCS. Biology, Ecology, and Management of the Invasive Longlegged Ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 67:43-63. [PMID: 34587457 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-033121-102332] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The longlegged ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) is one of the most damaging invasive tramp ants globally. It is generally found between latitudes 27°N and 27°S in Asia, although it has been introduced to other continents. Its native range remains debatable, but it is believed to be in Southeast Asia. Anoplolepis gracilipes invasion has many serious ecological consequences, especially for native invertebrate, vertebrate, and plant communities, altering ecosystem dynamics and functions. We examine and synthesize the literature about this species' origin and distribution, impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, biology and ecology, chemical control, and potential biocontrol agents. We highlight emerging research needs on the origin and invasion history of this species, its reproductive mode, its relationship with myrmecophiles, and its host-microbial interactions, and we discuss future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chow-Yang Lee
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA;
| | - Chin-Cheng Scotty Yang
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA;
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Yeeles P, Strain A, Lenancker P, Lach L. Low reduction of invasive ant colony productivity with an insect growth regulator. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:1626-1632. [PMID: 33202096 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect growth regulators (IGRs) generally are considered to have safer eco-toxicological profiles than the more commonly used neurotoxins and metabolic inhibitors, and are extremely effective against several insect groups, including some invasive ant species. However, use of an IGR product in a large-scale eradication program for a widespread invasive ant (Anoploepis gracilipes; yellow crazy ant) was ineffective. We tested the IGR in question (active ingredient: (S)-methoprene) on A. gracilipes colonies in a laboratory environment to evaluate efficacy. RESULTS We found that treatment with (S)-methoprene resulted in lower egg production with subsequently decreased numbers of larvae, pupae, and workers over the 135 days of the experiment. None of the treated colonies died, and the number of worker ants in treated colonies was 36% of that seen in control colonies 135 days post-treatment. Treated queen egg production was 39% lower than queens in control colonies, but we saw no effect of treatment on the internal physiology of dissected queens. Treatment had no effect on worker activity levels. CONCLUSION Our results show that although (S)-methoprene treatment reduced production of larvae, pupae and workers in treated colonies, the magnitude of reduction was lower than might be expected considering the responses of other species against which this IGR has been tested. Our findings highlight a need for testing species-specific responses to IGR-based insecticides in a controlled environment, before broad-scale field applications that could result in suboptimal management of the target species. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Yeeles
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Angela Strain
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Pauline Lenancker
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Lori Lach
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
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Gruber MAM, Janssen‐May S, Santoro D, Cooling M, Wylie R. Predicting socio‐economic and biodiversity impacts of invasive species: Red Imported Fire Ant in the developing western Pacific. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Interactive effects of urbanization and year on invasive and native ant diversity of sacred groves of South India. Urban Ecosyst 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-020-01007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Baumgartner NR, Ryan SD. Interaction of red crabs with yellow crazy ants during migration on Christmas Island. Math Biosci 2020; 330:108486. [PMID: 33031821 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2020.108486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Invasive species have had a profound impact on ecosystems all over the world. Their presence can lead to fundamental changes in the biodiversity of a given ecosystem as well as the extinction of native species. In particular, this work looks at the effect on the Gecarcoidea natalis (Red Crab) population on Christmas Island due to the presence of vast arrays of supercolonies containing Anoplolepis gracilipes (Yellow Crazy Ant). We primarily study the inter-species interaction occurring during the crab migration to the island coast. We propose a microscopic model for the dynamics of the crabs and ants with the goal of increasing crab survival. Through analysis of the model, we investigate a range of potential preventative measures that could be taken to preserve the native crab population dependent on their locations. The main result of this work is that by considering the locations of ant supercolonies incorporated into Monte Carlo simulations of the model, we can identify the order that the supercolonies need to be removed to provide the greatest chance at survival for the crabs per migration cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick R Baumgartner
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - Shawn D Ryan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA; Center for Applied Data Analysis and Modeling, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA.
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Synergism between Hydramethylnon and Metarhizium anisopliae and Their Influence on the Gut Microbiome of Blattella germanica (L.). INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11080538. [PMID: 32824260 PMCID: PMC7469186 DOI: 10.3390/insects11080538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The widespread use of insecticides has cause extensive resistance in German cockroach (Blattella germanica) populations globally. Biological control has the potential to mitigate insecticide resistance, and Metarhizium anisopliae, an entomopathogenic fungus, alone and in combination with various insecticides has shown good effects against cockroaches. This experiment compared the cumulative mortality after infecting B. germanica with M. anisopliae conidia by per os infection and topical dorsal infection. To probe the mechanisms that underlie the synergism between M. anisopliae and hydramethylnon, we conducted dose-response assays with cockroaches fed combinations of them and characterized the gut microbiome of treated cockroaches. The results showed that the mortality of per os infection was lower than that of topical dorsal infection. In addition, the combination of M. anisopliae and hydramethylnon had a synergistic effect. The gut microbiome was also altered by hydramethylnon treatment. Therefore, we speculate that one of the mechanism underlying this synergism is that hydramethylnon promotes the survival of M. anisopliae in the harsh gut environment and enhances its virulence on German cockroaches by altering the gut microbiome. This may help to develop new types of bio-control glue baits for the control of cockroaches. Abstract (1) Background: The widespread use of insecticides has cause extensive resistance in German cockroach (Blattella germanica) populations globally. Biological control has the potential to mitigate insecticide resistance, and Metarhizium anisopliae (Meschn.) Sorokin, an entomopathogenic fungus, alone and in combination with various insecticides, has shown good effects against cockroaches. (2) Methods: This experiment compared the cumulative mortality after infecting B. germanica with M. anisopliae conidia by two routes, per os and topical application. To probe the mechanisms that underlie the synergism between M. anisopliae and hydramethylnon, we conducted dose–response assays with cockroaches fed combinations of M. anisopliae and hydramethylnon and characterized the gut microbiomes of the treated cockroaches. (3) Results: The study showed that the mortality with per os infection was lower than that with topical application. In addition, the combination of M. anisopliae and hydramethylnon had a synergistic effect in 16 treatments. The gut microbiome was also altered by hydramethylnon treatment. The abundance of Parabacteroides and Enterococcus declined with the hydramethylnon and combination treatments, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antifungal activities. The abundance of Alistipes, which is a fungal cell wall component, significantly increased in these treatments. (4) Conclusions: Therefore, we speculate that the major mechanism underlying this synergism is hydramethylnon promoting the survival of M. anisopliae in the harsh gut environment and enhancing its virulence for German cockroaches by altering the gut microbiome. This may provide a method for the fight against B. germanica and lay the foundation for the development of new baits.
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Fuster F, Kaiser-Bunbury CN, Traveset A. Pollination effectiveness of specialist and opportunistic nectar feeders influenced by invasive alien ants in the Seychelles. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2020; 107:957-969. [PMID: 32592166 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Opportunistic nectar-feeders may act as effective pollinators; nonetheless, we still lack information on whether these opportunistic species differ in their pollination effectiveness from specialized nectarivorous vertebrates and insects. Many nectar specialists have coevolved with the plants on which they feed; therefore, we would expect higher pollination effectiveness in specialists than in opportunistic feeders. Here, we assessed quantity and quality components of pollination effectiveness in specialist and opportunistic vertebrate nectarivores and insects, focusing on three plants from the Seychelles: Thespesia populnea, Polyscias crassa, and Syzygium wrightii. METHODS We determined the quantity component (QNC) of pollination effectiveness with pollinator observations, and the quality component (QLC) by measuring fruit and seed set resulting from single visits by each pollinator. To detect potential negative effects of invasive ants on native plant-pollinator interactions, we classified pollinator visits (quantity component) as disturbed (>6 ants/30 min) vs. undisturbed. RESULTS All focal plants were visited by insects, and vertebrate specialist and opportunist nectarivores, yet their pollination effectiveness differed. Flying insects were the most effective pollinators of T. populnea. The other two plants were most effectively pollinated by vertebrates; i.e., sunbirds (nectar specialists) in S. wrightii and Phelsuma geckos (nectar opportunists) in P. crassa, despite marked variation in QNC and QLC. Ant presence was associated with lower pollinator visitation rate in P. crassa and S. wrightii. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the importance of all pollinator guilds, including opportunist nectarivorous vertebrates as pollinators of island plants, and the vulnerability of such interactions to disruption by nonnative species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Fuster
- Global Change Research Group, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats (CSIC-UIB), Miquel Marqués 21, 07190, Esporles, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Christopher N Kaiser-Bunbury
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Anna Traveset
- Global Change Research Group, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats (CSIC-UIB), Miquel Marqués 21, 07190, Esporles, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
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Gil V, Pinho CJ, Aguiar CAS, Jardim C, Rebelo R, Vasconcelos R. Questioning the proverb 'more haste, less speed': classic versus metabarcoding approaches for the diet study of a remote island endemic gecko. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8084. [PMID: 31915567 PMCID: PMC6942681 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary studies can reveal valuable information on how species exploit their habitats and are of particular importance for insular endemics conservation as these species present higher risk of extinction. Reptiles are often neglected in island systems, principally the ones inhabiting remote areas, therefore little is known on their ecological networks. The Selvagens gecko Tarentola (boettgeri) bischoffi, endemic to the remote and integral reserve of Selvagens Archipelago, is classified as Vulnerable by the Portuguese Red Data Book. Little is known about this gecko’s ecology and dietary habits, but it is assumed to be exclusively insectivorous. The diet of the continental Tarentola species was already studied using classical methods. Only two studies have used next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques for this genus thus far, and very few NGS studies have been employed for reptiles in general. Considering the lack of information on its diet and the conservation interest of the Selvagens gecko, we used morphological and DNA metabarcoding approaches to characterize its diet. The traditional method of morphological identification of prey remains in faecal pellets collected over a longer period was compared with metabarcoding of samples collected during rapid surveys. Molecular results revealed that this species is a generalist, feeding on invertebrate, plant and vertebrate items, whereas the morphological approaches were unable to detect the latter two. These results opened up new questions on the ecological role of the Selvagens gecko that deserves to be further explored, such as the possible predation on seabirds, plant services or trophic competition with the sympatric Madeira lizard Teira dugesii. Metabarcoding identified a greater diversity of dietary items at higher taxonomic resolution, but morphological identification enabled calculation of relative abundances and biomasses of ingested arthropods, and detected a dietary shift on invertebrate preys between seasons. Results of this study highlight the global applicability of rapid metabarcoding surveys for understudied taxa on remote islands that are difficult to access. We recommend using the metabarcoding approach, even if ‘speedy’ sampling only is possible, but we must highlight that disregarding long-term ecological data may lead to ‘hasty’ conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Gil
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina J Pinho
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos A S Aguiar
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carolina Jardim
- Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza IP-RAM, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Rui Rebelo
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel Vasconcelos
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
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Boieiro M, Catry P, Jardim CS, Menezes D, Silva I, Coelho N, Oliveira P, Gatt MC, Pedro P, Granadeiro JP. Invasive Argentine ants prey on Bulwer’s petrels nestlings on the Desertas Islands (Madeira) but do not depress seabird breeding success. J Nat Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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