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Lee THY, Li C, Dos Santos MM, Tan SY, Sureshkumar M, Srinuansom K, Ziegler AD, Snyder SA. Assessment of emerging and persistent contaminants in an anthropogenic-impacted watershed: Application using targeted, non-targeted, and in vitro bioassay techniques. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143067. [PMID: 39128775 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Emerging and persistent contaminants (EPC) pose a significant challenge to water quality monitoring efforts. Effect-based monitoring (EBM) techniques provide an efficient and systematic approach in water quality monitoring, but they tend to be resource intensive. In this study, we investigated the EPC distribution for various land uses using target analysis (TA) and non-target screening (NTS) and in vitro bioassays, both individually and integrated, in the upper Ping River Catchment, northern Thailand. Our findings of NTS showed that urban areas were the most contaminated of all land use types, although agriculture sites had high unexpected pollution levels. We evaluated the reliability of NTS data by comparing it to TA and observed varying inconsistencies likely due to matrix interferences and isobaric compound interferences. Integrating NTS with in vitro bioassays for a thorough analysis posed challenges, primary due to a scarcity of concentration data for key compounds, and potentially additive or non-additive effects of mixture samples that could not be accounted for. While EBM approaches place emphasis on toxic sites, this study demonstrated the importance of considering non-bioactive sites that contain toxic compounds with antagonistic effects that may go undetected by traditional monitoring approaches. The present work emphasizes the importance of improving NTS workflows and ensuring high-quality EBM analyses in future water quality monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Hui Yian Lee
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, 637141, Singapore
| | - Caixia Li
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, 637141, Singapore
| | - Mauricius Marques Dos Santos
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, 637141, Singapore
| | - Suan Yong Tan
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, 637141, Singapore
| | - Mithusha Sureshkumar
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, 637141, Singapore
| | - Khajornkiat Srinuansom
- Faculty of Fisheries Technology & Aquatic Resources, Maejo University, Nong Han, San Sai District, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Alan D Ziegler
- Faculty of Fisheries Technology & Aquatic Resources, Maejo University, Nong Han, San Sai District, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand; Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 2540 Dole St., Holmes Hall 283, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Shane Allen Snyder
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, 637141, Singapore.
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Chen S, Xin J, Ding Z, Zhao L, Ben S, Zheng R, Li S, Li H, Shao W, Cheng Y, Zhang Z, Du M, Wang M. Construction, evaluation, and AOP framework-based application of the EpPRS as a genetic surrogate for assessing environmental pollutants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108202. [PMID: 37734146 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental pollutant measurement is essential for accurate health risk assessment. However, the detection of humans' internal exposure to pollutants is cost-intensive and consumes time and energy. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) have been widely applied in genetic studies of complex trait diseases. It is important to construct a genetically relevant environmental surrogate for pollutant exposure and to explore its utility for disease prediction and risk assessment. OBJECTIVES This study enrolled 714 individuals with complete genomic data and exposomic data on 22 plasma-persistent organic pollutants (POPs). METHODS We first conducted 22 POP genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and constructed the corresponding environmental pollutant-based PRS (EpPRS) by clumping and P value thresholding (C + T), lassosum, and PRS-CS methods. The best-fit EpPRS was chosen by its regression R2. An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework was developed to assess the effects of contaminants on candidate diseases. Furthermore, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to explore the causal association between POPs and cancer risk. RESULTS The C + T method produced the best-performing EpPRSs for 7 PCBs and 4 PBDEs. EpPRSs replicated the correlations of environmental exposure measurements based on consistent patterns. The diagnostic performance of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) PRS was improved by the combined model of T2DM-EpPRS of PCB126/BDE153. Finally, the AKT1-mediated AOP framework illustrated that PCB126 and BDE153 may increase the risk of T2DM by decreasing AKT1 phosphorylation through the cGMP-PKG pathway and promoting abnormal glucose homeostasis. MR analysis showed that digestive system tumors, such as colorectal cancer and biliary tract cancer, are more sensitive to POP exposure. CONCLUSIONS EpPRSs can serve as a proxy for assessing pollutant internal exposure. The application of the EpPRS to disease risk assessment can reveal the toxic pathway and mode of action linking exposure and disease in detail, providing a basis for the development of environmental pollutant control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silu Chen
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junyi Xin
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhutao Ding
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyan Zhao
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Ben
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuwei Li
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiqin Li
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifei Cheng
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengdong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mulong Du
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.
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Marneweck CJ, Allen BL, Butler AR, Do Linh San E, Harris SN, Jensen AJ, Saldo EA, Somers MJ, Titus K, Muthersbaugh M, Vanak A, Jachowski DS. Middle‐out ecology: small carnivores as sentinels of global change. Mamm Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney J. Marneweck
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University Clemson SC 29634 USA
| | - Benjamin L. Allen
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment University of Southern Queensland Toowoomba QLD 4350 Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology Nelson Mandela University Port Elizabeth 6034 South Africa
| | - Andrew R. Butler
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University Clemson SC 29634 USA
| | - Emmanuel Do Linh San
- Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Fort Hare Alice 5700 South Africa
| | - Stephen N. Harris
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University Clemson SC 29634 USA
| | - Alex J. Jensen
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University Clemson SC 29634 USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Saldo
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University Clemson SC 29634 USA
| | - Michael J. Somers
- Mammal Research Institute, Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 South Africa
| | - Keifer Titus
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University Clemson SC 29634 USA
| | - Michael Muthersbaugh
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University Clemson SC 29634 USA
| | - Abi Vanak
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment Bengaluru 560064 India
- School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal 3629 South Africa
| | - David S. Jachowski
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University Clemson SC 29634 USA
- School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal 3629 South Africa
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de Oliveira ACP, Nunes A, Oliveira MA, Rodrigues RG, Branquinho C. How Do Taxonomic and Functional Diversity Metrics Change Along an Aridity Gradient in a Tropical Dry Forest? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:923219. [PMID: 35873975 PMCID: PMC9302379 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.923219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ecological indicators based on biodiversity metrics are valuable and cost-effective tools to quantify, track and understand the effects of climate change on ecosystems. Studying changes in these indicators along climatic gradients in space is a common approach to infer about potential impacts of climate change over time, overcoming the limitations of lack of sufficiently long time-series data. Here, we studied the response of complementary biodiversity metrics in plants: taxonomic diversity (species richness and Simpson index) and functional diversity (diversity and redundancy) in 113 sampling sites along a spatial aridity gradient (from 0.27 to 0.69 of aridity index-AI) of 700 km in a Tropical dry forest. We found different responses of taxonomic and functional diversity metrics to aridity. Species diversity showed a hump-shaped curve peaking at intermediate levels of aridity between 0.38 and 0.52 AI as an ecotone, probably because it is where most species, from both drier and more mesic environments, still find conditions to co-exist. Functional diversity showed a positive linear relation with increasing aridity, suggesting higher aridity favors drought-adapted species with diverse functional traits. In contrast, redundancy showed a negative linear relation with increasing aridity, indicating that drier sites have few species sharing the same functional traits and resource acquisition strategies. Thus, despite the increase in functional diversity toward drier sites, these communities are less resilient since they are composed of a small number of plant species with unique functions, increasing the chances that the loss of one of such "key species" could lead to the loss of key ecosystem functions. These findings show that the integration of complementary taxonomic and functional diversity metrics, beyond the individual response of each one, is essential for reliably tracking the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. This work also provides support to the use of these biodiversity metrics as ecological indicators of the potential impact of climate change on drylands over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Pereira de Oliveira
- cE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alice Nunes
- cE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Oliveira
- cE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Renato Garcia Rodrigues
- Núcleo de Ecologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Brazil
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- cE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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5
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Rocha MDJD, Lima Neto IE. Internal phosphorus loading and its driving factors in the dry period of Brazilian semiarid reservoirs. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 312:114983. [PMID: 35390612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the relationships between physical, limnological and climatic drivers with the internal total phosphorus (TP) loading produced over the dry period in 30 water supply reservoirs of the Brazilian semiarid. Improvements in the understanding of sedimentary TP fluxes in reservoirs of dryland regions are pressing as they usually have serious water quality related issues, remaining mostly eutrophic especially under frequent drought events. Gross daily fluxes and net seasonal average release rates were calculated from mass balance and regression equations considering water and sediment TP concentrations, anoxic duration, water temperature and fish contribution. Additionally, the ratio of wind speed to reservoir volume was proposed as a new surrogate and then applied as explanatory variable to predictive models. The results indicated TP release rates higher than reported for non-semiarid lakes/reservoirs with average gross fluxes ranging from 17.64 to 35.99 mg m-2 day-1. This may be attributed to the enriched sediments (1029.49 ± 552.49 mg kg-1) allied with warmer water temperature, high trophic state, and prolonged anoxic periods (average duration of about 60 days). The average release rates were negatively correlated with water transparency and water depth, and positively correlated with Chl-a, wind speed and trophic state. The release rates increased across the trophic gradient (p < 0.05), about 10-fold higher under hypertrophic conditions than in oligotrophic ones. As anoxia is linked with eutrophication, phosphorus release is more likely in eutrophic ecosystems. Regarding the new surrogate, a strong predictive ability for TP release (R2: 0.26-0.93) was observed. Similarly, the proposed models presented a physically consistent behavior with a stabilizing releasing pattern suggesting the achievement of equilibrium in nutrient exchange between sediment-water interface. This research advanced by combining and proposing methods to assess and quantify sedimentary fluxes in data-scarce regions balancing accuracy and transferability, in order to be replicable to other dryland environments globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria de Jesus Delmiro Rocha
- Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, FC, Bl. 713, Center of Technology, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Iran Eduardo Lima Neto
- Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, FC, Bl. 713, Center of Technology, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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Morelli F, Brlík V, Benedetti Y, Bussière R, Moudrá L, Reif J, Svitok M. Detection Rate of Bird Species and What It Depends on: Tips for Field Surveys. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.671492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bird counting inevitably suffers from imperfect detection, which varies across species, habitats, period of the day, and seasons. Although various modeling techniques have recently been developed to account for this phenomenon, the biological basis of natural variation in detection remains insufficiently known. This study examined the bird species’ detection rate throughout the day, considering their body mass and diet type, concerning the environment and weather characteristics. Species detection rates were significantly affected by the number of individuals of that species but were unrelated to body mass. Overall, species with the highest detection rate were Corn bunting, Blackbird, European robin, House sparrow and Common chiffchaff. Granivores-insectivores and insectivores showed significant differences in detection rates throughout the day among habitats, with higher detection rates in grasslands during the afternoon. Insectivores showed higher detection rates in farmland during midday (warmest time of the day). Granivores, omnivores and scavengers did not show changes in detection rates in different day periods. Such patterns in daily detection rates were significant even when considering abundance and total species richness in each community. Finally, cloudiness was unrelated to the overall detection rate of birds, while temperature and wind affected detection rates in some guilds. Our findings provide some advice for choosing a suitable ornithological sampling method by considering the avian communities composition in combination with the type of environment, the diet of bird species, and the period of the day.
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Barrett K, Rodriguez SL. What Sources Are Natural Resource Managers Using to Make Decisions? J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Barrett
- Clemson University 261 Lehotsky Hall Clemson SC 29634 USA
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8
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Sowińska-Świerkosz B, García J. A new evaluation framework for nature-based solutions (NBS) projects based on the application of performance questions and indicators approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147615. [PMID: 33991909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the key features of nature-based solutions (NBSs) is their high effectiveness and economic and resource efficiency in solving problems compared to traditional grey interventions. These aspects, however, have so far attracted little attention in the literature but should be considered, as the evaluation of NBS projects before implementation provides an opportunity to use them as practical tools. This paper aims to present a new evaluation framework of NBS projects (at the stage of solution selection) based on the application of performance questions and the indicators approach. The framework consists of three main stages: (1) the formulation of the project aim(s), including the problem(s) to be solved, the scales of the expected effects and the thresholds to be achieved; (2) the elimination of solutions that do not fit the local conditions and setting requirements; and (3) the examination of the performance questions. To consider the whole spectrum of influencing factors, a systematic review was performed to indicate the main concepts related to the issue of NBS effectiveness, including (1) stakeholders' participation, (2) policy and management capability, (3) economic efficiency, (4) analysis of synergies and trade-offs, (5) adaptation to local conditions, (6) adequate spatial scale and (7) performance in the long term. In the current study around 130 indicators were identified for the evaluation of NBS projects. Regarding the impact on the state of knowledge, the present work contributes to the discussion on the conceptual sphere of NBS and its practical implementation by introducing multi-perspective standards and guidelines for the selection of possible NBS projects, and it deals with the complexity of synergies and the trade-offs between benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Sowińska-Świerkosz
- Department of Hydrobiology and Ecosystems Protections, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Dobrzańskiego 37, Lublin 20-262, Poland.
| | - Joan García
- GEMMA-Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, c/ Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Mayfield HJ, Brazill‐Boast J, Gorrod E, Evans MC, Auld T, Rhodes JR, Maron M. Estimating species response to management using an integrated process: A case study from New South Wales, Australia. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Helen J. Mayfield
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Faculty of Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - James Brazill‐Boast
- Department of Planning Industry and Environment, New South Wales Government Sydney Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Emma Gorrod
- Department of Planning Industry and Environment, New South Wales Government Sydney Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Megan C. Evans
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Faculty of Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Business University of New South Wales Canberra Australia
| | - Tony Auld
- Department of Planning Industry and Environment, New South Wales Government Sydney Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences University of Wollongong Wollongong Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Rhodes
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Faculty of Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Faculty of Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Fleming J, Sutherland C, Sterrett SC, Campbell Grant EH. A latent process model approach to improve the utility of indicator species. OIKOS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.07334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jill Fleming
- U.S. Gelogical Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, SO Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory 1 Migratory Way Turners Falls MA 01376 USA
| | - Chris Sutherland
- Dept of Environmental Conservation, Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst MA USA
| | | | - Evan H. Campbell Grant
- U.S. Gelogical Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, SO Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory 1 Migratory Way Turners Falls MA 01376 USA
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Habitat Models of Focal Species Can Link Ecology and Decision-Making in Sustainable Forest Management. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11070721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental problem of sustainability is how to reduce the double complexity of ecological and social systems into simple operational terms. We highlight that the conservation concept of focal species (selected species sensitive to a set of anthropogenic threats to their habitat) links multiple issues of ecological sustainability, and their habitat models can provide a practical tool for solving these issues. A review of the literature shows that most spatial modeling of focal species focuses on vertebrates, lacks the aspect of aquatic and soil habitats, and has been slow in the uptake by actual management planning. We elaborate on a deductive modeling approach that first generalizes the main influential dimensions of habitat change (threats), which are then parameterized as habitat quality estimates for focal species. If built on theoretical understanding and properly scaled, the maps produced with such models can cost-effectively describe the dynamics of ecological qualities across forest landscapes, help set conservation priorities, and reflect on management plans and practices. The models also serve as ecological hypotheses on biodiversity and landscape function. We illustrate this approach based on recent additions to the forest reserve network in Estonia, which addressed the insufficient protection of productive forest types. For this purpose, mostly former production forests that may require restoration were set aside. We distinguished seven major habitat dimensions and their representative taxa in these forests and depicted each dimension as a practical stand-scale decision tree of habitat quality. The model outcomes implied that popular stand-structural targets of active forest restoration would recover passively in reasonable time in these areas, while a critically degraded condition (loss of old trees of characteristic species) required management beyond reserve borders. Another hidden issue revealed was that only a few stands of consistently low habitat quality concentrated in the landscape to allow cost-efficient restoration planning. We conclude that useful habitat models for sustainable forest management have to balance single-species realism with stakeholder expectations of meaningful targets and scales. Addressing such social aspects through the focal species concept could accelerate the adoption of biodiversity distribution modeling in forestry.
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The Methodology of Landscape Quality (LQ) Indicators Analysis Based on Remote Sensing Data: Polish National Parks Case Study. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12072810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Landscape quality (LQ) encompasses diverse characteristic of the natural and cultural environment. The most effective tool to analyze LQ is the use of indicators. The main problem in the assessment of LQ is not the lack of indicators, but its multitude. That is why, the indicators’ categorization is a problematic issue. The paper aims to introduce and test the methodology for selecting the suitable indicators based on the example of two national parks located in the south-east part of Poland. The method composed of the following stages: (1) Selection of spatial units being analyzed; (2) selection of indicators type(s); (3) selection of specific indicators; (4) calculation of indicator set no 1; (5) analysis of the correlation between indicators’ pairs; (6) selection of a final set of indicators; (7) analysis of effectiveness. The latter stage, refers to the statistical analysis of significance between results obtained dependently on the data sources, a spatial unit of analysis and analyzed regions. The results showed that the categorization composed of ten, mainly composite indicators, can be applied to conclude on different levels of LQ of protected areas. The differences between two analyzed data sources, different spatial units, as well as diverse regions, occurred to be statistically insignificant. Generally, the results of the effectiveness analysis showed that a final categorization of LQ indicators is adequate to conclude on the diverse dimensions of LQ of analyzed protected areas.
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13
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Bried JT, Fouts TS, Jog SK. Enhanced indicator species performance with increasing contextualization. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jason T. Bried
- Illinois Natural History SurveyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Champaign Illinois
| | - Tommi S. Fouts
- Department of Natural SciencesNortheastern State University Tahlequah Oklahoma
| | - Suneeti K. Jog
- Illinois Natural History SurveyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Champaign Illinois
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Taylor C, Lindenmayer DB. The adequacy of Victoria's protected areas for conserving its forest-dependent fauna. AUSTRAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Taylor
- Fenner School of Environment & Society; The Australian National University; 141 Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment & Society; The Australian National University; 141 Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub; National Environmental Science Program; Fenner School of Environment & Society; The Australian National University; Canberra 2601 Australian Capital Territory Australia
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15
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Avolio ML, Forrestel EJ, Chang CC, La Pierre KJ, Burghardt KT, Smith MD. Demystifying dominant species. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 223:1106-1126. [PMID: 30868589 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The pattern of a few abundant species and many rarer species is a defining characteristic of communities worldwide. These abundant species are often referred to as dominant species. Yet, despite their importance, the term dominant species is poorly defined and often used to convey different information by different authors. Based on a review of historical and contemporary definitions we develop a synthetic definition of dominant species. This definition incorporates the relative local abundance of a species, its ubiquity across the landscape, and its impact on community and ecosystem properties. A meta-analysis of removal studies shows that the loss of species identified as dominant by authors can significantly impact ecosystem functioning and community structure. We recommend two metrics that can be used jointly to identify dominant species in a given community and provide a roadmap for future avenues of research on dominant species. In our review, we make the case that the identity and effects of dominant species on their environments are key to linking patterns of diversity to ecosystem function, including predicting impacts of species loss and other aspects of global change on ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L Avolio
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21211, USA
| | - Elisabeth J Forrestel
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Cynthia C Chang
- Division of Biology, University of Washington Bothell, 18807 Beardslee Blvd, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Kimberly J La Pierre
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD, 21037, USA
| | - Karin T Burghardt
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Melinda D Smith
- Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
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16
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Carter SK, Fleishman E, Leinwand IIF, Flather CH, Carr NB, Fogarty FA, Leu M, Noon BR, Wohlfeil ME, Wood DJA. Quantifying Ecological Integrity of Terrestrial Systems to Inform Management of Multiple-Use Public Lands in the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 64:1-19. [PMID: 30982122 PMCID: PMC6598959 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-019-01163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The concept of ecological integrity has been applied widely to management of aquatic systems, but still is considered by many to be too vague and difficult to quantify to be useful for managing terrestrial systems, particularly across broad areas. Extensive public lands in the western United States are managed for diverse uses such as timber harvest, livestock grazing, energy development, and wildlife conservation, some of which may degrade ecological integrity. We propose a method for assessing ecological integrity on multiple-use lands that identifies the components of integrity and levels in the ecological hierarchy where the assessment will focus, and considers existing policies and management objectives. Both natural reference and societally desired environmental conditions are relevant comparison points. We applied the method to evaluate the ecological integrity of shrublands in Nevada, yielding an assessment based on six indicators of ecosystem structure, function, and composition, including resource- and stressor-based indicators measured at multiple scales. Results varied spatially and among indicators. Invasive plant cover and surface development were highest in shrublands in northwest and southeast Nevada. Departure from reference conditions of shrubland area, composition, patch size, and connectivity was highest in central and northern Nevada. Results may inform efforts to control invasive species and restore shrublands on federal lands in Nevada. We suggest that ecological integrity assessments for multiple-use lands be grounded in existing policies and monitoring programs, incorporate resource- and stressor-based metrics, rely on publicly available data collected at multiple spatial scales, and quantify both natural reference and societally desired resource conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Carter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave. Building C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526-8118, USA.
| | - Erica Fleishman
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Ian I F Leinwand
- Cherokee Nation Technologies, on contract to U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
- Conservation Science Partners, 5 Old Town Square, Suite 205, Fort Collins, CO, 80524, USA
| | - Curtis H Flather
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
| | - Natasha B Carr
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave. Building C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526-8118, USA
| | - Frank A Fogarty
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Matthias Leu
- Biology Department, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, USA
| | - Barry R Noon
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Martha E Wohlfeil
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - David J A Wood
- Bureau of Land Management, National Operations Center, Denver, CO, 80255, USA
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, 2327 University Avenue, Suite 2, Bozeman, MT, 59715, USA
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17
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Shi X, Gong C, Zhang L, Hu J, Ouyang Z, Xiao Y. Which Species Should We Focus On? Umbrella Species Assessment in Southwest China. BIOLOGY 2019; 8:biology8020042. [PMID: 31126137 PMCID: PMC6628075 DOI: 10.3390/biology8020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In conservation biology, umbrella species are often used as agents for a broader set of species, or as representatives of an ecosystem, and their conservation is expected to benefit a large number of naturally co-occurring species. Southwest China is home to not only global biodiversity hotspots, but also rapid economic and population growth and extensive changes in land use. However, because of the large regional span, the diverse species distributions, and the difficulty of field investigations, traditional methods used to assess umbrella species are not suitable for implementation in Southwest China. In the current study, we assessed 810 key protected species from seven taxa by indicator value analysis, correlation analysis, and factor analysis. We selected 32 species as umbrella species, whose habitats overlapped the habitats of 97% of the total species. Furthermore, the selected species were significantly correlated with 70% of all species in the study area. A total of 16 out of 19 selected animal species have been previously mentioned as umbrella species, compared with only 3 out of 13 plants species; this is despite plants accounting for a large proportion of the total species in Southwest China. We discuss the roles of indicator species and co-occurring species, and provide suggestions for species protection in Southwest China based on the current results. Our research provides valuable scientific information for research on umbrella conservation species over large geographical scales, and related fields of biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Cheng Gong
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Jian Hu
- Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Zhiyun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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18
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Sofaer HR, Flather CH, Skagen SK, Steen VA, Noon BR. Clustering and ensembling approaches to support surrogate‐based species management. DIVERS DISTRIB 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Helen R. Sofaer
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado
| | - Curtis H. Flather
- U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station Fort Collins Colorado
| | - Susan K. Skagen
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado
| | - Valerie A. Steen
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado
| | - Barry R. Noon
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado
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19
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O'Loughlin LS, Gooden B, Foster CN, MacGregor CI, Catford JA, Lindenmayer DB. Invasive shrub re-establishment following management has contrasting effects on biodiversity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4083. [PMID: 30858442 PMCID: PMC6412044 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40654-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective control of an invasive species is frequently used to infer positive outcomes for the broader ecosystem. In many situations, whether the removal of an invasive plant is of net benefit to biodiversity is poorly assessed. We undertook a 10-year study on the effects of invasive shrub management (bitou bush, Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata) on native flora and fauna in a eucalypt forest in south-eastern Australia. Bitou bush eradication is a management priority, yet the optimal control regime (combination of herbicide spray and fire) is difficult to implement, meaning managed sites have complex management histories that vary in effectiveness of control. Here we test the long-term response of common biodiversity indicators (species richness, abundance and diversity of native plants, birds, herpetofauna and small mammals) to both the management, and the post-management status of bitou bush (% cover). While average bitou bush cover decreased with management, bitou bush consistently occurred at around half of our managed sites despite control efforts. The relationship between biodiversity and bitou bush cover following management differed from positive, neutral or negative among species groups and indicators. Native plant cover was lower under higher levels of bitou bush cover, but the abundance of birds and small mammals were positively related to bitou bush cover. Evidence suggests that the successful control of an invader may not necessarily result in beneficial outcomes for all components of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke S O'Loughlin
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. .,School of Environmental Science, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia.
| | - Ben Gooden
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Claire N Foster
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christopher I MacGregor
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.,Threatened Species Recovery Hub of the National Environment Science Programme, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Jane A Catford
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.,Department of Geography, King's College London, London, WC2B 4BG, UK
| | - David B Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.,Threatened Species Recovery Hub of the National Environment Science Programme, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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20
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Sato CF, Westgate MJ, Barton PS, Foster CN, O'Loughlin LS, Pierson JC, Balmer J, Chapman J, Catt G, Detto T, Hawcroft A, Kavanagh RP, Marshall D, McKay M, Moseby K, Perry M, Robinson D, Schroder M, Tuft K, Lindenmayer DB. The use and utility of surrogates in biodiversity monitoring programmes. J Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe F. Sato
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Martin J. Westgate
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Philip S. Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Claire N. Foster
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Luke S. O'Loughlin
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Jennifer C. Pierson
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Jayne Balmer
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - Jane Chapman
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kensington WA Australia
| | | | - Tanya Detto
- Christmas Island National Park Christmas Island Australia
| | - Amy Hawcroft
- Department of Conservation Christchurch New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | - Mike Perry
- Department of Conservation Christchurch New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
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21
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22
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Foster CN, O'Loughlin LS, Sato CF, Westgate MJ, Barton PS, Pierson JC, Balmer JM, Catt G, Chapman J, Detto T, Hawcroft A, Jones G, Kavanagh RP, McKay M, Marshall D, Moseby KE, Perry M, Robinson D, Seddon JA, Tuft K, Lindenmayer DB. How practitioners integrate decision triggers with existing metrics in conservation monitoring. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 230:94-101. [PMID: 30273788 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Decision triggers are defined thresholds in the status of monitored variables that indicate when to undertake management, and avoid undesirable ecosystem change. Decision triggers are frequently recommended to conservation practitioners as a tool to facilitate evidence-based management practices, but there has been limited attention paid to how practitioners are integrating decision triggers into existing monitoring programs. We sought to understand whether conservation practitioners' use of decision triggers was influenced by the type of variables in their monitoring programs. We investigated this question using a practitioner-focused workshop involving a structured discussion and review of eight monitoring programs. Among our case studies, direct measures of biodiversity (e.g. native species) were more commonly monitored, but less likely to be linked to decision triggers (10% with triggers) than measures being used as surrogates (54% with triggers) for program objectives. This was because decision triggers were associated with management of threatening processes, which were often monitored as a surrogate for a biodiversity asset of interest. By contrast, direct measures of biodiversity were more commonly associated with informal decision processes that led to activities such as management reviews or external consultation. Workshop participants were in favor of including more formalized decision triggers in their programs, but were limited by incomplete ecological knowledge, lack of appropriately skilled staff, funding constraints, and/or uncertainty regarding intervention effectiveness. We recommend that practitioners consider including decision triggers for discussion activities (such as external consultation) in their programs as more than just early warning points for future interventions, particularly for direct measures. Decision triggers for discussions should be recognized as a critical feature of monitoring programs where information and operational limitations inhibit the use of decision triggers for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire N Foster
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Luke S O'Loughlin
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Chloe F Sato
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Martin J Westgate
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Pierson
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT Government, Tharwa, Australia
| | - Jayne M Balmer
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Gareth Catt
- Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, PO Box 504, Newman, WA, 6753, Australia
| | - Jane Chapman
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, 6151, Australia
| | - Tanya Detto
- Christmas Island National Park, Christmas Island, 6798, Australia
| | | | - Glenys Jones
- School of Land and Food - Geography & Spatial Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Rodney P Kavanagh
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, GPO Box 4301, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
| | | | | | - Katherine E Moseby
- Arid Recovery, Olympic Dam South Australia, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | | | - Doug Robinson
- Trust For Nature, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia; Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Julian A Seddon
- ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, GPO Box 158, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | | | - David B Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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23
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24
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O’Loughlin LS, Lindenmayer DB, Smith MD, Willig MR, Knapp AK, Cuddington K, Hastings A, Foster CN, Sato CF, Westgate MJ, Barton PS. Surrogates Underpin Ecological Understanding and Practice. Bioscience 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biy080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luke S O’Loughlin
- Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University, in Canberra
| | - David B Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University, in Canberra
| | - Melinda D Smith
- Department of Biology's Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at Colorado State University, in Fort collins
| | - Michael R Willig
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut, in Storrs
| | - Alan K Knapp
- Department of Biology's Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at Colorado State University, in Fort collins
| | - Kim Cuddington
- Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada
| | - Alan Hastings
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of California, Davis
| | - Claire N Foster
- Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University, in Canberra
| | - Chloe F Sato
- Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University, in Canberra
| | - Martin J Westgate
- Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University, in Canberra
| | - Philip S Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University, in Canberra
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25
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Vieira J, Matos P, Mexia T, Silva P, Lopes N, Freitas C, Correia O, Santos-Reis M, Branquinho C, Pinho P. Green spaces are not all the same for the provision of air purification and climate regulation services: The case of urban parks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 160:306-313. [PMID: 29040950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The growing human population concentrated in urban areas lead to the increase of road traffic and artificial areas, consequently enhancing air pollution and urban heat island effects, among others. These environmental changes affect citizen's health, causing a high number of premature deaths, with considerable social and economic costs. Nature-based solutions are essential to ameliorate those impacts in urban areas. While the mere presence of urban green spaces is pointed as an overarching solution, the relative importance of specific vegetation structure, composition and management to improve the ecosystem services of air purification and climate regulation are overlooked. This avoids the establishment of optimized planning and management procedures for urban green spaces with high spatial resolution and detail. Our aim was to understand the relative contribution of vegetation structure, composition and management for the provision of ecosystem services of air purification and climate regulation in urban green spaces, in particular the case of urban parks. This work was done in a large urban park with different types of vegetation surrounded by urban areas. As indicators of microclimatic effects and of air pollution levels we selected different metrics: lichen diversity and pollutants accumulation in lichens. Among lichen diversity, functional traits related to nutrient and water requirements were used as surrogates of the capacity of vegetation to filter air pollution and to regulate climate, and provide air purification and climate regulation ecosystem services, respectively. This was also obtained with very high spatial resolution which allows detailed spatial planning for optimization of ecosystem services. We found that vegetation type characterized by a more complex structure (trees, shrubs and herbaceous layers) and by the absence of management (pruning, irrigation and fertilization) had a higher capacity to provide the ecosystems services of air purification and climate regulation. By contrast, lawns, which have a less complex structure and are highly managed, were associated to a lower capacity to provide these services. Tree plantations showed an intermediate effect between the other two types of vegetation. Thus, vegetation structure, composition and management are important to optimize green spaces capacity to purify air and regulate climate. Taking this into account green spaces can be managed at high spatial resolutions to optimize these ecosystem services in urban areas and contribute to improve human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vieira
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Paula Matos
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Mexia
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Estudos Florestais, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Edif´cio Prof. Azevedo Gomes, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Silva
- Department for Environment, Climate, Energy and Mobility of the City Council of Almada.
| | - Nuno Lopes
- Department for Environment, Climate, Energy and Mobility of the City Council of Almada.
| | - Catarina Freitas
- Department for Environment, Climate, Energy and Mobility of the City Council of Almada.
| | - Otília Correia
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Margarida Santos-Reis
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Pinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa; Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa Portugal.
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26
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Møller AP, Morelli F, Benedetti Y, Mousseau T, Su T, Zhou B, Tryjanowski P, Liang W. Multiple species of cuckoos are superior predictors of bird species richness in Asia. Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Pape Møller
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution; Université Paris-Sud, CNRS; AgroParisTech; Université Paris-Saclay; F-91405 Orsay Cedex France
| | - Federico Morelli
- Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Spatial Planning; Faculty of Environmental Sciences; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; Kamýcká 129 CZ-165 00 Prague 6 Czech Republic
| | - Yanina Benedetti
- Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Spatial Planning; Faculty of Environmental Sciences; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; Kamýcká 129 CZ-165 00 Prague 6 Czech Republic
| | - Timothy Mousseau
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of South Carolina; Columbia South Carolina 29208 USA
| | - Tongping Su
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Plant and Animal Ecology; College of Life Sciences; Hainan Normal University; Haikou 571158 China
- College of Nature Conservation; Beijing Forestry University; Beijing 10083 China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Plant and Animal Ecology; College of Life Sciences; Hainan Normal University; Haikou 571158 China
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology; Poznan University of Life Sciences; Wojska Polskiego 71 C PL-60-625 Poznan Poland
| | - Wei Liang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Plant and Animal Ecology; College of Life Sciences; Hainan Normal University; Haikou 571158 China
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27
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Westgate MJ, MacGregor C, Scheele BC, Driscoll DA, Lindenmayer DB. Effects of time since fire on frog occurrence are altered by isolation, vegetation and fire frequency gradients. DIVERS DISTRIB 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martin J. Westgate
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Christopher MacGregor
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Long‐term Ecological Research Network Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- National Environmental Science Programme Threatened Species Recovery Hub The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Don A. Driscoll
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Intregrative Ecology Deakin University Burwood Vic. Australia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Long‐term Ecological Research Network Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
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The common cuckoo is an effective indicator of high bird species richness in Asia and Europe. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4376. [PMID: 28663558 PMCID: PMC5491505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04794-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus is a charismatic bird species with a dominant presence in human culture: from folklore legends to nowadays there is evidence of cuckoos being a prime candidate as a surrogate of bird diversity. Recent studies demonstrated that the cuckoo can predict hotspots of taxonomic diversity and functional diversity of bird communities in European countries. In this study, we demonstrated that the cuckoo is an excellent bioindicator at multi-spatial scale, extending cuckoo surrogacy from Europe to Asia. Even using three different survey methods (transect, square, point counts), comparing the new findings with results of our research in Europe, sites where the cuckoo is present were characterized by greater species richness, while the cuckoo was absent from sites with low species richness. The goodness of fit of models based on point counts ranged between 71 and 92%. Furthermore, the cuckoo population trend mirrors the average population trend and climate suitability of overall bird communities in Europe. The common cuckoo is therefore a suitable intercontinental bioindicator of hotspots of bird richness, even under climate change scenarios or in areas where the species co-occurs with other cuckoo species, opening a new avenue for standardized citizen science on bird biodiversity surveys worldwide.
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Studabaker WB, Puckett KJ, Percy KE, Landis MS. Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dibenzothiophene, and alkylated homologs in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes by gas chromatography using single quadrupole mass spectrometry and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2017; 1492:106-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe F. Sato
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Acton ACT 2601 Australia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Acton ACT 2601 Australia
- National Environment Science Program, Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society; Strine Natural Whouni; Canberra ACT 2601
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Giles JR, Plowright RK, Eby P, Peel AJ, McCallum H. Models of Eucalypt phenology predict bat population flux. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:7230-7245. [PMID: 27891217 PMCID: PMC5115174 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fruit bats (Pteropodidae) have received increased attention after the recent emergence of notable viral pathogens of bat origin. Their vagility hinders data collection on abundance and distribution, which constrains modeling efforts and our understanding of bat ecology, viral dynamics, and spillover. We addressed this knowledge gap with models and data on the occurrence and abundance of nectarivorous fruit bat populations at 3 day roosts in southeast Queensland. We used environmental drivers of nectar production as predictors and explored relationships between bat abundance and virus spillover. Specifically, we developed several novel modeling tools motivated by complexities of fruit bat foraging ecology, including: (1) a dataset of spatial variables comprising Eucalypt-focused vegetation indices, cumulative precipitation, and temperature anomaly; (2) an algorithm that associated bat population response with spatial covariates in a spatially and temporally relevant way given our current understanding of bat foraging behavior; and (3) a thorough statistical learning approach to finding optimal covariate combinations. We identified covariates that classify fruit bat occupancy at each of our three study roosts with 86-93% accuracy. Negative binomial models explained 43-53% of the variation in observed abundance across roosts. Our models suggest that spatiotemporal heterogeneity in Eucalypt-based food resources could drive at least 50% of bat population behavior at the landscape scale. We found that 13 spillover events were observed within the foraging range of our study roosts, and they occurred during times when models predicted low population abundance. Our results suggest that, in southeast Queensland, spillover may not be driven by large aggregations of fruit bats attracted by nectar-based resources, but rather by behavior of smaller resident subpopulations. Our models and data integrated remote sensing and statistical learning to make inferences on bat ecology and disease dynamics. This work provides a foundation for further studies on landscape-scale population movement and spatiotemporal disease dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Giles
- Environmental Futures Research InstituteGriffith UniversityBrisbaneQueensland4111Australia
| | - Raina K. Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMontana State UniversityBozemanMontana59717
| | - Peggy Eby
- School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South Wales2052Australia
| | - Alison J. Peel
- Environmental Futures Research InstituteGriffith UniversityBrisbaneQueensland4111Australia
| | - Hamish McCallum
- Environmental Futures Research InstituteGriffith UniversityBrisbaneQueensland4111Australia
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