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Russell CJG, Franco AMA, Atkinson PW, Väli Ü, Ashton-Butt A. Active European warzone impacts raptor migration. Curr Biol 2024; 34:2272-2277.e2. [PMID: 38772328 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Human conflicts can have impacts on wildlife, from direct mortality and environmental damage to the displacement of people, changing institutional dynamics and altering economies.1,2,3 Extreme anthropogenic disturbances related to conflict may act as a barrier to migrating birds and increase the energetic costs of migration.4 On February 24th, 2022, the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, with targeted attacks on Kyiv and the eastern regions.5 By March 3rd, when the first of 19 tagged Greater Spotted Eagles entered Ukraine on migration, the conflict had spread to most major cities, including parts of western Ukraine.6 We quantified how conflict impacted the migratory behavior of this species using GPS tracks and conflict data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project7,8 in a quasi-experimental before-after control-impact design, accounting for meteorological conditions. Migrating eagles were exposed to conflict events along their migration through Ukraine and exhibited different behavior compared with previous years, using fewer stopover sites and making large route deviations. This delayed their arrival to the breeding grounds and likely increased the energetic cost of migration, with sublethal fitness effects. Our findings provide a rare window into how human conflicts affect animal behavior and highlight the potential impacts of exposure to conflict events or other extreme anthropogenic disturbances on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie J G Russell
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford IP24 1PU, UK.
| | - Aldina M A Franco
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | | | - Ülo Väli
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Adham Ashton-Butt
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford IP24 1PU, UK.
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2
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Batisha A. Horizon scanning process to foresight emerging issues in Arabsphere's water vision. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12709. [PMID: 35882917 PMCID: PMC9316866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16803-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Arabsphere struggles with highly complicated water challenges due to climate change, desertification, coronavirus pandemic, and Russo-Ukrainian War. This paper explores how to build a robust water vision to pave the road to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the Arabsphere. A sustainable water future (SWF) necessitates an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research strategy. 'Horizon scanning' process (HSP) is one of the promising foresight methodologies. A generic process for "Horizon scanning" has been developed to cope with water crises and challenges. "DEEPEST" holistic framework has been designed to suit both the "Futurology" science and water, environment, and engineering disciplines. "DEEPEST" characterizes Demographics, Ecological, Environmental, Political, Economic, Social, and Technological features. The macro-future factors (MFF) applied in the foresight process (FP) have been presented. The results showed that Water conservation (WC), Circular Water (CW), and Emerging Water Technologies (EWTs) were the main outcomes of the 'Horizon scanning' process (HSP). The paper concluded that the preparing for a sustainable water future (SWF) must be right now and the opportunities range from the deepest water drop to the highest water drop on Earth. The essence of the conclusion is hydrosphere sustainability, particularly in Arabsphere, should be given extreme concentration, effort, and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Batisha
- Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, National Water Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. .,Council of Future Studies and Risk Management, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Ministry of Scientific Research, Cairo, Egypt.
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3
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Meeting sustainable development goals via robotics and autonomous systems. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3559. [PMID: 35729171 PMCID: PMC9211790 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31150-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Robotics and autonomous systems are reshaping the world, changing healthcare, food production and biodiversity management. While they will play a fundamental role in delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals, associated opportunities and threats are yet to be considered systematically. We report on a horizon scan evaluating robotics and autonomous systems impact on all Sustainable Development Goals, involving 102 experts from around the world. Robotics and autonomous systems are likely to transform how the Sustainable Development Goals are achieved, through replacing and supporting human activities, fostering innovation, enhancing remote access and improving monitoring. Emerging threats relate to reinforcing inequalities, exacerbating environmental change, diverting resources from tried-and-tested solutions and reducing freedom and privacy through inadequate governance. Although predicting future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on the Sustainable Development Goals is difficult, thoroughly examining technological developments early is essential to prevent unintended detrimental consequences. Additionally, robotics and autonomous systems should be considered explicitly when developing future iterations of the Sustainable Development Goals to avoid reversing progress or exacerbating inequalities. A horizon scan was used to explore possible impacts of robotics and automated systems on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Positive effects are likely. Iterative regulatory processes and continued dialogue could help avoid environmental damages and increases in inequality.
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4
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Koch H, Welcome V, Kendal-Smith A, Thursfield L, Farrell IW, Langat MK, Brown MJF, Stevenson PC. Host and gut microbiome modulate the antiparasitic activity of nectar metabolites in a bumblebee pollinator. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210162. [PMID: 35491601 PMCID: PMC9058528 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial nectar secondary metabolites can support pollinator health by preventing or reducing parasite infections. To better understand the outcome of nectar metabolite-parasite interactions in pollinators, we determined whether the antiparasitic activity was altered through chemical modification by the host or resident microbiome during gut passage. We investigated this interaction with linden (Tilia spp.) and strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) nectar compounds. Unedone from A. unedo nectar inhibited the common bumblebee gut parasite Crithidia bombi in vitro and in Bombus terrestris gynes. A compound in Tilia nectar, 1-[4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylate]-6-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranose (tiliaside), showed no inhibition in vitro at naturally occurring concentrations but reduced C. bombi infections of B. terrestris workers. Independent of microbiome status, tiliaside was deglycosylated during gut passage, thereby increasing its antiparasitic activity in the hindgut, the site of C. bombi infections. Conversely, unedone was first glycosylated in the midgut without influence of the microbiome to unedone-8-O-β-d-glucoside, rendering it inactive against C. bombi, but subsequently deglycosylated by the microbiome in the hindgut, restoring its activity. We therefore show that conversion of nectar metabolites by either the host or the microbiome modulates antiparasitic activity of nectar metabolites. This article is part of the theme issue 'Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hauke Koch
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Vita Welcome
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK.,Imperial College, South Kensington, London SW7 2BX, UK
| | - Amy Kendal-Smith
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK.,Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Lucy Thursfield
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK.,John Innes Centre, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Iain W Farrell
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Moses K Langat
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Philip C Stevenson
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK.,Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Greenwich, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
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5
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van Rees CB, Hand BK, Carter SC, Bargeron C, Cline TJ, Daniel W, Ferrante JA, Gaddis K, Hunter ME, Jarnevich CS, McGeoch MA, Morisette JT, Neilson ME, Roy HE, Rozance MA, Sepulveda A, Wallace RD, Whited D, Wilcox T, Kimball JS, Luikart G. A framework to integrate innovations in invasion science for proactive management. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1712-1735. [PMID: 35451197 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Invasive alien species (IAS) are a rising threat to biodiversity, national security, and regional economies, with impacts in the hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars annually. Proactive or predictive approaches guided by scientific knowledge are essential to keeping pace with growing impacts of invasions under climate change. Although the rapid development of diverse technologies and approaches has produced tools with the potential to greatly accelerate invasion research and management, innovation has far outpaced implementation and coordination. Technological and methodological syntheses are urgently needed to close the growing implementation gap and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and synergy among evolving disciplines. A broad review is necessary to demonstrate the utility and relevance of work in diverse fields to generate actionable science for the ongoing invasion crisis. Here, we review such advances in relevant fields including remote sensing, epidemiology, big data analytics, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, genomics, and others, and present a generalized framework for distilling existing and emerging data into products for proactive IAS research and management. This integrated workflow provides a pathway for scientists and practitioners in diverse disciplines to contribute to applied invasion biology in a coordinated, synergistic, and scalable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B van Rees
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Lane, Polson, MT, 59860, U.S.A
| | - Brian K Hand
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Lane, Polson, MT, 59860, U.S.A
| | - Sean C Carter
- Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group, University of Montana, ISB 415, Missoula, MT, 59812, U.S.A
| | - Chuck Bargeron
- Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, University of Georgia, 4601 Research Way, Tifton, GA, 31793, U.S.A
| | - Timothy J Cline
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, 2327 University Way STE 2, Bozeman MT 59717 & 320 Grinnel Drive, West Glacier, MT, 59936, U.S.A
| | - Wesley Daniel
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, U.S.A
| | - Jason A Ferrante
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, U.S.A
| | - Keith Gaddis
- NASA Biological Diversity and Ecological Forecasting Programs, 300 E St. SW, Washington, DC, 20546, U.S.A
| | - Margaret E Hunter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, U.S.A
| | - Catherine S Jarnevich
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue Bldg C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, U.S.A
| | - Melodie A McGeoch
- Department of Environment and Genetics, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Jeffrey T Morisette
- U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, 26 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, 59804, MT, U.S.A
| | - Matthew E Neilson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, U.S.A
| | - Helen E Roy
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, MacLean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, OX10 8BB, U.K
| | - Mary Ann Rozance
- Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, University of Washington, Box 355674, Seattle, WA, 98195, U.S.A
| | - Adam Sepulveda
- U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, 26 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, 59804, MT, U.S.A
| | - Rebekah D Wallace
- Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, University of Georgia, 4601 Research Way, Tifton, GA, 31793, U.S.A
| | - Diane Whited
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Lane, Polson, MT, 59860, U.S.A
| | - Taylor Wilcox
- U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, 26 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, 59804, MT, U.S.A
| | - John S Kimball
- Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group, University of Montana, ISB 415, Missoula, MT, 59812, U.S.A
| | - Gordon Luikart
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Lane, Polson, MT, 59860, U.S.A
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6
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Peyton J, Hadjistylli M, Tziortzis I, Erotokritou E, Demetriou M, Samuel Y, Anastasi V, Fyttis G, Hadjioannou L, Ieronymidou C, Kassinis N, Kleitou P, Kletou D, Mandoulaki A, Michailidis N, Papatheodoulou A, Payiattas G, Sparrow D, Sparrow R, Turvey K, Tzirkalli E, Varnava AI, Pescott OL. Using expert-elicitation to deliver biodiversity monitoring priorities on a Mediterranean island. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0256777. [PMID: 35324899 PMCID: PMC8947143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity monitoring plays an essential role in tracking changes in ecosystems, species distributions and abundances across the globe. Data collected through both structured and unstructured biodiversity recording can inform conservation measures designed to reduce, prevent, and reverse declines in valued biodiversity of many types. However, given that resources for biodiversity monitoring are limited, it is important that funding bodies prioritise investments relative to the requirements in any given region. We addressed this prioritisation requirement for a biodiverse Mediterranean island (Cyprus) using a three-stage process of expert-elicitation. This resulted in a structured list of twenty biodiversity monitoring needs; specifically, a hierarchy of three groups of these needs was created using a consensus approach. The most highly prioritised biodiversity monitoring needs were those related to the development of robust survey methodologies, and those ensuring that sufficiently skilled citizens are available to contribute. We discuss ways that the results of our expert-elicitation process could be used to support current and future biodiversity monitoring in Cyprus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Peyton
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - M. Hadjistylli
- Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - I. Tziortzis
- Water Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - E. Erotokritou
- Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - M. Demetriou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - Y. Samuel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Lefkosia, Cyprus
- Oceanography Centre, University of Cyprus, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - V. Anastasi
- Terra Cypria - The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, Lefkosia, Cyprus
- BirdLife Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - G. Fyttis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Lefkosia, Cyprus
- I.A.CO Environmental & Water Consultants Ltd., Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - L. Hadjioannou
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre, Lefkosia, Cyprus
- CMMI – Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, Larnaca, Cyprus
| | | | - N. Kassinis
- Game and Fauna Service, Ministry of Interior, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - P. Kleitou
- Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab, Lemesos, Cyprus
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - D. Kletou
- Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab, Lemesos, Cyprus
- Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce, Frederick University, Lemesos, Cyprus
| | - A. Mandoulaki
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Lemesos, Cyprus
| | - N. Michailidis
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | | | - G. Payiattas
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - D. Sparrow
- Cyprus Dragonfly Study Group, Pafos, Cyprus
| | - R. Sparrow
- Cyprus Dragonfly Study Group, Pafos, Cyprus
| | - K. Turvey
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom
| | - E. Tzirkalli
- School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - A. I. Varnava
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Lemesos, Cyprus
| | - O. L. Pescott
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom
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7
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Shiffman DS, Elliott JN, Macdonald CC, Wester JN, Polidoro BA, Ferry LA. The next generation of conservation research and policy priorities for threatened and exploited chondrichthyan fishes in the United States: An expert solicitation approach. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12629] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David S. Shiffman
- New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Arizona State University Glendale Arizona USA
| | - Jessica N. Elliott
- Masters of Professional Science Program, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Miami Florida USA
| | - Catherine C. Macdonald
- Masters of Professional Science Program, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Miami Florida USA
- Field School Miami Florida USA
| | - Julia N. Wester
- Field School Miami Florida USA
- Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy University of Miami Coral Gables Florida USA
| | - Beth A. Polidoro
- New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Arizona State University Glendale Arizona USA
| | - Lara A. Ferry
- New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Arizona State University Glendale Arizona USA
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8
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Sutherland WJ, Atkinson PW, Butchart SHM, Capaja M, Dicks LV, Fleishman E, Gaston KJ, Hails RS, Hughes AC, Le Anstey B, Le Roux X, Lickorish FA, Maggs L, Noor N, Oldfield TEE, Palardy JE, Peck LS, Pettorelli N, Pretty J, Spalding MD, Tonneijck FH, Truelove G, Watson JEM, Wentworth J, Wilson JD, Thornton A. A horizon scan of global biological conservation issues for 2022. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 37:95-104. [PMID: 34809998 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We present the results of our 13th annual horizon scan of issues likely to impact on biodiversity conservation. Issues are either novel within the biological conservation sector or could cause a substantial step-change in impact, either globally or regionally. Our global panel of 26 scientists and practitioners identified 15 issues that we believe to represent the highest priorities for tracking and action. Many of the issues we identified, including the impact of satellite megaconstellations and the use of long-distance wireless energy transfer, have both elements of threats and emerging opportunities. A recent state-sponsored application to commence deep-sea mining represents a significant step-change in impact. We hope that this horizon scan will increase research and policy attention on the highlighted issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Sutherland
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine's (BioRISC), St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1RL, UK.
| | | | - Stuart H M Butchart
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; BirdLife International, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Marcela Capaja
- Natural England, Eastbrook, Shaftesbury Rd, Cambridge CB2 8DR, UK
| | - Lynn V Dicks
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Erica Fleishman
- College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Kevin J Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | | | - Alice C Hughes
- Centre for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan 666303, PR China
| | - Becky Le Anstey
- Environment Agency, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH, UK
| | - Xavier Le Roux
- Microbial Ecology Centre, UMR1418 INRAE, UMR5557 CNRS, University Lyon 1, University of Lyon, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; BiodivERsA, la Fondation pour la recherche sur la biodiversité, 195 rue Saint Jacques, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Fiona A Lickorish
- UK Research and Consultancy Services (RCS) Ltd, Valletts Cottage, Westhope, Hereford HR4 8BU, UK
| | - Luke Maggs
- Natural Resources Wales, Cambria House, 29 Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 0TP, UK
| | - Noor Noor
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, UK
| | | | - James E Palardy
- The Pew Charitable Trusts, 901 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
| | - Lloyd S Peck
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Nathalie Pettorelli
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Jules Pretty
- Centre for Public and Policy Engagement and School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Mark D Spalding
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; The Nature Conservancy, Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Pian dei Mantellini, Siena 53100, Italy
| | | | - Gemma Truelove
- UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1EU, UK
| | - James E M Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jonathan Wentworth
- Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 14 Tothill Street, Westminster, London SW1H 9NB, UK
| | - Jeremy D Wilson
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Centre for Conservation Science, 2 Lochside View, Edinburgh EH12 9DH, UK
| | - Ann Thornton
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
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9
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Briscoe AG, Nichols S, Hartikainen H, Knipe H, Foster R, Green AJ, Okamura B, Bass D. High-Throughput Sequencing of faeces provides evidence for dispersal of parasites and pathogens by migratory waterbirds. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 22:1303-1318. [PMID: 34758191 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Examination of faecal material has demonstrated how a broad range of organisms are distributed by bird movements. Such research has largely focused on dispersal of plant seeds by frugivores and of freshwater organisms by waterbirds. However, with few exceptions (e.g. avian influenza, Ebola virus), there is a dearth of evidence for transport of parasites and pathogens. High-throughput sequencing methods now provide a powerful means of addressing this knowledge gap by elucidating faecal contents in unprecedented detail. We collected faeces excreted by a range of migratory waterbirds in south-west Spain and pooled faecal DNA to create libraries reflective of feeding behavior. We created sets of libraries using high-throughput metagenomic and amplicon sequencing. For the latter we employed two sets of primers to broadly target the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene (one set amplifying the region across all eukaryotes, the other excluding amplification of metazoans). Libraries revealed a wide diversity of eukaryotes, including parasites of the faecal producers themselves, parasites of food items, or those incidentally ingested. We also detected novel microbial eukaryotic taxa and found that parasite assemblage profiles were relatively distinct. Comparing the performance of the methods used supports their joint use for future studies of diversity and abundance. Because viable stages of many parasites are likely to be present in faeces, our results suggest significant levels of bird-mediated dispersal of parasites (both from avian and other hosts). Our methods revealed much hidden biodiversity, and allowed identification of the individuals who produced the faecal samples to species level, facilitating the study of interaction networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Briscoe
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.,Core Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Nichols
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hanna Hartikainen
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.,Eawag and Institute for Integrative Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hazel Knipe
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Foster
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andy J Green
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Beth Okamura
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Bass
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Environment, Aquaculture and Fisheries Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
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10
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Wyborn C, Montana J, Kalas N, Clement S, Davila F, Knowles N, Louder E, Balan M, Chambers J, Christel L, Forsyth T, Henderson G, Izquierdo Tort S, Lim M, Martinez‐Harms MJ, Merçon J, Nuesiri E, Pereira L, Pilbeam V, Turnhout E, Wood S, Ryan M. An agenda for research and action toward diverse and just futures for life on Earth. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1086-1097. [PMID: 33244774 PMCID: PMC8359367 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Decades of research and policy interventions on biodiversity have insufficiently addressed the dual issues of biodiversity degradation and social justice. New approaches are therefore needed. We devised a research and action agenda that calls for a collective task of revisiting biodiversity toward the goal of sustaining diverse and just futures for life on Earth. Revisiting biodiversity involves critically reflecting on past and present research, policy, and practice concerning biodiversity to inspire creative thinking about the future. The agenda was developed through a 2-year dialogue process that involved close to 300 experts from diverse disciplines and locations. This process was informed by social science insights that show biodiversity research and action is underpinned by choices about how problems are conceptualized. Recognizing knowledge, action, and ethics as inseparable, we synthesized a set of principles that help navigate the task of revisiting biodiversity. The agenda articulates 4 thematic areas for future research. First, researchers need to revisit biodiversity narratives by challenging conceptualizations that exclude diversity and entrench the separation of humans, cultures, economies, and societies from nature. Second, researchers should focus on the relationships between the Anthropocene, biodiversity, and culture by considering humanity and biodiversity as tied together in specific contexts. Third, researchers should focus on nature and economies by better accounting for the interacting structures of economic and financial systems as core drivers of biodiversity loss. Finally, researchers should enable transformative biodiversity research and action by reconfiguring relationships between human and nonhuman communities in and through science, policy, and practice. Revisiting biodiversity necessitates a renewed focus on dialogue among biodiversity communities and beyond that critically reflects on the past to channel research and action toward fostering just and diverse futures for human and nonhuman life on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Wyborn
- Luc Hoffmann InstituteIUCN Conservation CentreRue Mauverney 28Gland1196Switzerland
- Institute for Water Futures, Fenner School of Environment and SocietyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT0200Australia
| | - J. Montana
- School of Geography and the EnvironmentUniversity of OxfordSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3QYU.K.
| | - N. Kalas
- Department of Environmental Systems ScienceETH ZürichUniversitätstrasse 8‐22Zürich8092Switzerland
| | - S. Clement
- Geography and PlanningUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 3BXU.K.
| | - F. Davila
- Institute for Sustainable FuturesUniversity of Technology Sydney253 Jones StreetUltimoNSW2007Australia
| | - N. Knowles
- Department of Geography and Environmental ManagementUniversity of Waterloo200 University Ave WWaterlooONN2L 3G1Canada
| | - E. Louder
- School of Geography and DevelopmentUniversity of ArizonaENR2 Building, South 4th floor 1064 E. Lowell StreetTucsonAZ85721U.S.A.
| | - M. Balan
- The Forest WayNo 8, 2nd St, D P Nagar, KotturpuramChennaiTamil Nadu600085India
| | - J. Chambers
- Forest and Nature Conservation Policy GroupWageningen UniversityP.O. Box 47Wageningen6700 AAThe Netherlands
| | - L. Christel
- School of Politics and Government (EPyG)National University of San MartinAvenida 25 de Mayo 1021San MartínProvincia de Buenos Aires1650Argentina
| | - T. Forsyth
- Department of International DevelopmentLondon School of Economics and Political ScienceHoughton StreetLondonWC2A 2AEU.K
| | - G. Henderson
- Harry Ransom CenterThe University of Texas at AustinP.O. Drawer 7219, 300 W 21st StreetAustinTX78712U.S.A.
| | - S. Izquierdo Tort
- Institut des Sciences de la Forêt TempéréeUniversité du Québec en Outaouais58 rue PrincipaleRiponQCJ0V 1V0Canada
- Natura y Ecosistemas Mexicanos A.C.Plaza San Jacinto 23D, San Ángel, Álvaro ObregónMexico City01000Mexico
| | - M. Lim
- Centre for Environmental Law, Macquarie Law SchoolMacquarie University6 First WalkSydneyNSW2109Australia
| | - M. J. Martinez‐Harms
- Center for Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES)Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Avd. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 340SantiagoChile
| | - J. Merçon
- Instituto de Investigaciones en EducasiónUniversidad VeracruzanaPaseo 112, Nuevo JalapaXalapa‐Enríquez91193Mexico
| | - E. Nuesiri
- Social Science FacultyAfrican Leadership University (ALU)Powder Mill RoadPamplemousses21001Mauritius
| | - L. Pereira
- Stockholm Resilience CentreStockholm UniversityKräftriket 2BStockholmSE‐10691Sweden
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable DevelopmentUtrecht UniversityPrincetonlaan 8aUtrecht3584 CBThe Netherlands
- Centre for Complex Systems in TransitionStellenbosch University19 Jonkershoek Rd, MostertsdriftStellenbosch7600South Africa
| | - V. Pilbeam
- Clear Horizon Consulting132B Gwynne StCremorneVIC3121Australia
| | - E. Turnhout
- Forest and Nature Conservation Policy GroupWageningen UniversityP.O. Box 47Wageningen6700 AAThe Netherlands
| | - S. Wood
- Future Earth1250 Guy St, MontrealQuebecONH3H 2L3Canada
| | - M. Ryan
- Luc Hoffmann InstituteIUCN Conservation CentreRue Mauverney 28Gland1196Switzerland
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11
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Russo L, de Keyzer CW, Harmon-Threatt AN, LeCroy KA, MacIvor JS. The managed-to-invasive species continuum in social and solitary bees and impacts on native bee conservation. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 46:43-49. [PMID: 33540109 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Invasive bee species have negative impacts on native bee species and are a source of conservation concern. The invasion of bee species is mediated by the abiotic environment, biotic communities, and propagule pressure of the invader. Each of these factors is further affected by management, which can amplify the magnitude of the impact on native bee species. The ecological traits and behavior of invasive bees also play a role in whether and to what degree they compete with or otherwise negatively affect native bee species. The magnitude of impact of an invasive bee species relates both to its population size in the introduced habitat and the degree of overlap between its resources and the resources native bees require.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Russo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
| | - Charlotte W de Keyzer
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada
| | | | - Kathryn A LeCroy
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada; Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - James Scott MacIvor
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
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12
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Bayley D, Brickle P, Brewin P, Golding N, Pelembe T. Valuation of kelp forest ecosystem services in the Falkland Islands: A case study integrating blue carbon sequestration potential. ONE ECOSYSTEM 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/oneeco.6.e62811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Kelp forests provide many important ecosystem services to people, including mitigating storm damage, cycling nutrients, and providing commercially-harvestable resources. However, kelp forests’ ability to sequester carbon dioxide, and therefore help regulate the climate, has until recently, been overlooked in assessments of the beneficial services they provide. In this study we incorporate updated knowledge on the potential of kelp to sequester ‘blue carbon’, and use the extensive kelp forests of the Falkland Islands as a case study to assess the value of kelp forest to society through multiple associated ecosystem services. Our analysis shows kelp forests provide a highly valuable range of direct and indirect services, which if managed correctly, will continue to benefit people, both now and in the future. The total estimated value of the Falkland Islands’ kelp system is currently equivalent to ~ £2.69 billion per year (or £3.24 million km-2 year-1). However, the true value of the kelp forest surrounding the Falkland Islands is likely to be higher still, given that our estimate does not account for elements such as associated scientific research, tourism, and cultural services, due to the necessary data currently being unavailable. Similarly, the full value of these highly biodiverse ecosystems in supplying habitat and food to a large range of associated species is crucial, yet extremely difficult to fully quantify. This study illustrates the importance of maintaining kelp ecosystems in a healthy state to ensure they continue to supply valuable ecological processes, functional roles, and ecosystem services, including their overlooked role as significant long-term carbon sinks.
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13
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Thomas‐Walters L, Nyboer EA, Taylor JJ, Rytwinski T, Lane JF, Young N, Bennett JR, Nguyen VM, Harron N, Aitken SM, Auld G, Browne D, Jacob AL, Prior K, Smith PA, Smokorowski KE, Alexander SM, Cooke SJ. An optimistic outlook on the use of evidence syntheses to inform environmental decision‐making. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Thomas‐Walters
- Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Stirling Stirling Scotland UK
| | - Elizabeth A. Nyboer
- Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jessica J. Taylor
- Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Trina Rytwinski
- Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - John F. Lane
- Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Nathan Young
- School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Joseph R. Bennett
- Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Vivian M. Nguyen
- Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Nathan Harron
- Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Susan M. Aitken
- Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Graeme Auld
- School of Public Policy and Administration Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - David Browne
- Conservation Science Canadian Wildlife Federation Kanata Ontario Canada
| | - Aerin L. Jacob
- Conservation Science Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative Canmore Alberta Canada
| | - Kent Prior
- Conservation Programs Branch Parks Canada Gatineau QC Canada
| | - Paul A. Smith
- Wildlife Research Division Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Karen E. Smokorowski
- Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Fisheries and Oceans Canada Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada
| | - Steven M. Alexander
- Environment and Biodiversity Sciences Branch Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Environmental Change and Governance Group University of Waterloo Waterloo Ontario Canada
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
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14
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Elmer LK, Madliger CL, Blumstein DT, Elvidge CK, Fernández-Juricic E, Horodysky AZ, Johnson NS, McGuire LP, Swaisgood RR, Cooke SJ. Exploiting common senses: sensory ecology meets wildlife conservation and management. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab002. [PMID: 33815799 PMCID: PMC8009554 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Multidisciplinary approaches to conservation and wildlife management are often effective in addressing complex, multi-factor problems. Emerging fields such as conservation physiology and conservation behaviour can provide innovative solutions and management strategies for target species and systems. Sensory ecology combines the study of 'how animals acquire' and process sensory stimuli from their environments, and the ecological and evolutionary significance of 'how animals respond' to this information. We review the benefits that sensory ecology can bring to wildlife conservation and management by discussing case studies across major taxa and sensory modalities. Conservation practices informed by a sensory ecology approach include the amelioration of sensory traps, control of invasive species, reduction of human-wildlife conflicts and relocation and establishment of new populations of endangered species. We illustrate that sensory ecology can facilitate the understanding of mechanistic ecological and physiological explanations underlying particular conservation issues and also can help develop innovative solutions to ameliorate conservation problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Elmer
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Christine L Madliger
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Daniel T Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
| | - Chris K Elvidge
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | | | - Andrij Z Horodysky
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, USA
| | - Nicholas S Johnson
- USGS, Great Lakes Science Center, Hammond Bay Biological Station, Millersburg, MI 49759, USA
| | - Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA 92027-7000, USA
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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15
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Taylor NG, Grillas P, Al Hreisha H, Balkız Ö, Borie M, Boutron O, Catita A, Champagnon J, Cherif S, Çiçek K, Costa LT, Dakki M, Fois M, Galewski T, Galli A, Georgiadis NM, Green AJ, Hermoso V, Kapedani R, Lange MA, Mateljak Z, Osta M, Papastergiadou E, Papazoglou C, Sabater S, Samraoui B, Samraoui F, Bachir AS, Tankovic E, Thévenet M, Troya A, Sutherland WJ. The future for Mediterranean wetlands: 50 key issues and 50 important conservation research questions. REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE 2021; 21:33. [PMID: 33776560 PMCID: PMC7982080 DOI: 10.1007/s10113-020-01743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Wetlands are critically important for biodiversity and human wellbeing, but face a range of challenges. This is especially true in the Mediterranean region, where wetlands support endemic and threatened species and remain integral to human societies, but have been severely degraded in recent decades. Here, in order to raise awareness of future challenges and opportunities for Mediterranean wetlands, and to inform proactive research and management, we identified (a) 50 key issues that might affect Mediterranean wetlands between 2020 and 2050, and (b) 50 important research questions that, if answered, would have the greatest impact on the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands between 2020 and 2050. We gathered ideas through an online survey and review of recent literature. A diverse assessment panel prioritised ideas through an iterative, anonymised, Delphi-like process of scoring, voting and discussion. The prioritised issues included some that are already well known but likely to have a large impact on Mediterranean wetlands in the next 30 years (e.g. the accumulation of dams and reservoirs, plastic pollution and weak governance), and some that are currently overlooked in the context of Mediterranean wetlands (e.g. increasing desalination capacity and development of antimicrobial resistance). Questions largely focused on how best to carry out conservation interventions, or understanding the impacts of threats to inform conservation decision-making. This analysis will support research, policy and practice related to environmental conservation and sustainable development in the Mediterranean, and provides a model for similar analyses elsewhere in the world. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10113-020-01743-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel G. Taylor
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, 13200 Arles, France
| | - Patrick Grillas
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, 13200 Arles, France
| | | | - Özge Balkız
- Doğa Koruma Merkezi (Nature Conservation Centre), Çiğdem Mah. 1594. Sok. No:3 06530, Çankaya, Ankara Turkey
| | - Maud Borie
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, 13200 Arles, France
- Department of Geography, King’s College London, London, WC2R 2LS UK
| | - Olivier Boutron
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, 13200 Arles, France
| | - Ana Catita
- Development and Innovation Network (RCDI), Centro Empresarial de Grândola, Fracção E - Incubadora de Empresas- Estrada da Aldeia do Futuro, 7570-272 Grândola, Portugal
- Associação Portuguesa de Geógrafos, Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Av. Professor Aníbal Bettencourt, n.° 9, 1600-189 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associação Portuguesa para o Desenvolvimento Regional, Universidade dos Açores, Rua Capitão João D’Ávila, 9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Jocelyn Champagnon
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, 13200 Arles, France
| | - Semia Cherif
- Laboratoire de Recherche des Matériaux et de l’Environnement pour le Développement Durable (LR18ES10), ISSBAT, Université de Tunis El Manar, 9 Avenue Zouheir Essefi, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Kerim Çiçek
- Section of Zoology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Luís T. Costa
- MAVA Foundation, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Dakki
- Département de Zoologie et Écologie Animale, Institut Scientifique, Université Mohammed V de Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
- Centre d’Etude des Migrations d’Oiseaux (CEMO), Institut Scientifique, Université Mohammed V de Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mauro Fois
- Centro Conservazione Biodiversità, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Viale S. Ignazio da Laconi, 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Thomas Galewski
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, 13200 Arles, France
| | - Alessandro Galli
- Global Footprint Network, Avenue Louis-Casaï, 18, 1209 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Andy J. Green
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Virgilio Hermoso
- Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC), Solsona, Spain
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland Australia
| | - Rezart Kapedani
- Regional Environmental Center Albania, Rr. Ismail Qemali, No. 27, Kati/Floor 3, 1000 Tirana, Albania
| | - Manfred A. Lange
- Energy, Environment and Water Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Future Earth MENA Regional Center at the Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Maher Osta
- Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon, Awad Bldg, 6th Floor, Abdel Aziz Street, P.O. Box 11-5665, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Eva Papastergiadou
- Department of Biology, University of Patras, University Campus Rio, Patras, 26500 Greece
| | | | - Sergi Sabater
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, 17003 Spain
| | - Boudjéma Samraoui
- Department of Biology, University Badji Mokhtar Annaba, Annaba, Algeria
- Laboratoire de Conservation des Zones Humides, Université 8 Mai 1945 Guelma, Guelma, Algeria
| | - Farrah Samraoui
- Laboratoire de Conservation des Zones Humides, Université 8 Mai 1945 Guelma, Guelma, Algeria
- Department of Ecology, University 8 Mai 1945 Guelma, Guelma, Algeria
| | - Abdelkrim Si Bachir
- Department of Ecology and Environment, Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, University of Batna 2, Batna, Algeria
| | - Eva Tankovic
- Mediterranean Small Islands Initiative (PIM), Lycée des Calanques, 89 Traverse Parangon, 13008 Marseille, France
| | - Mathieu Thévenet
- Mediterranean Small Islands Initiative (PIM), Lycée des Calanques, 89 Traverse Parangon, 13008 Marseille, France
| | - Antonio Troya
- IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, C/ Marie Curie 22, Edif. Habitec, Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía, 29590 Campanillas, Málaga, Spain
| | - William J. Sutherland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
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16
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Resilience of Tropical Ecosystems to Ocean Deoxygenation. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:227-238. [PMID: 33419595 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of ocean deoxygenation on biodiversity and ecosystem function are well established in temperate regions, and here we illustrate how the study of hypoxia in tropical ecosystems can offer insights of general importance. We first describe how mechanisms of resilience have developed in response to naturally occurring hypoxia across three tropical ecosystems: coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. We then suggest that the vulnerability of these systems to deoxygenation lies in interactions with other stressors that are increasing rapidly in the Anthropocene. Finally, we advocate for the adoption of a broader community- and ecosystem-level perspective that incorporates mutualisms, feedbacks, and mechanisms of self-rescue and recovery to develop a better predictive understanding of the effects of deoxygenation in coastal ecosystems.
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17
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Dietz S, Beazley KF, Lemieux CJ, St. Clair C, Coristine L, Higgs E, Smith R, Pellatt M, Beaty C, Cheskey E, Cooke SJ, Crawford L, Davis R, Forbes G, Gadallah F(Z, Kendall P, Mandrak N, Moola F, Parker S, Quayle J, Ray JC, Richardson K, Smith K, Snider J, Smol JP, Sutherland WJ, Vallillee A, White L, Woodley A. Emerging issues for protected and conserved areas in Canada. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2021-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Horizon scanning is increasingly used in conservation to systematically explore emerging policy and management issues. We present the results of a horizon scan of issues likely to impact management of Canadian protected and conserved areas over the next 5–10 years. Eighty-eight individuals participated, representing a broad community of academics, government and nongovernment organizations, and foundations, including policymakers and managers of protected and conserved areas. This community initially identified 187 issues, which were subsequently triaged to 15 horizon issues by a group of 33 experts using a modified Delphi technique. Results were organized under four broad categories: ( i) emerging effects of climate change in protected and conserved areas design, planning, and management (i.e., large-scale ecosystem changes, species translocation, fire regimes, ecological integrity, and snow patterns); ( ii) Indigenous governance and knowledge systems (i.e., Indigenous governance and Indigenous knowledge and Western science); ( iii) integrated conservation approaches across landscapes and seascapes (i.e., connectivity conservation, integrating ecosystem values and services, freshwater planning); and ( iv) early responses to emerging cumulative, underestimated, and novel threats (i.e., management of cumulative impacts, declining insect biomass, increasing anthropogenic noise, synthetic biology). Overall, the scan identified several emerging issues that require immediate attention to effectively reduce threats, respond to opportunities, and enhance preparedness and capacity to react.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Dietz
- Ecosystem Science Laboratory, Office of the Chief Ecosystem Scientist, Protected Areas Establishment and Conservation Directorate, Parks Canada Agency, Gatineau QC J8X 0B3, Canada
| | - Karen F. Beazley
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Christopher J. Lemieux
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Colleen St. Clair
- Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Laura Coristine
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Gatineau, QC, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Eric Higgs
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Risa Smith
- International Union for the Conservation of Nature/World Commission on Protected Areas
| | - Marlow Pellatt
- Ecosystem Science Laboratory, Office of the Chief Ecosystem Scientist, Protected Areas Establishment and Conservation Directorate, Parks Canada Agency, Gatineau QC J8X 0B3, Canada
| | | | | | - Steven J. Cooke
- Institute for Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences and Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Lindsay Crawford
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Rob Davis
- Ontario Parks, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Peterborough, ON K9J 8M5, Canada
| | - Graham Forbes
- University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Fawziah (ZuZu) Gadallah
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Gatineau, QC, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | | | - Nick Mandrak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Faisal Moola
- Geography, Environment & Geomatics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Scott Parker
- Protected Areas Establishment and Conservation Directorate, Parks Canada Agency, Gatineau QC J8X 0B3, Canada
| | | | - Justina C. Ray
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON M5S 3A7, Canada
| | - Karen Richardson
- Ecosystem Science Laboratory, Office of the Chief Ecosystem Scientist, Protected Areas Establishment and Conservation Directorate, Parks Canada Agency, Gatineau QC J8X 0B3, Canada
| | - Kevin Smith
- Ducks Unlimited Canada, Edmonton, AB T5S 0A2, Canada
| | - James Snider
- World Wildlife Fund Canada, Toronto, ON M5V 1S8, Canada
| | - John P. Smol
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - William J Sutherland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK; Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine’s, St Catharine’s College, Cambridge CB2 1RL, UK
| | | | - Lori White
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Alison Woodley
- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Ottawa, ON K2P 0A4, Canada
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18
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Sutherland WJ, Atkinson PW, Broad S, Brown S, Clout M, Dias MP, Dicks LV, Doran H, Fleishman E, Garratt EL, Gaston KJ, Hughes AC, Le Roux X, Lickorish FA, Maggs L, Palardy JE, Peck LS, Pettorelli N, Pretty J, Spalding MD, Tonneijck FH, Walpole M, Watson JEM, Wentworth J, Thornton A. A 2021 Horizon Scan of Emerging Global Biological Conservation Issues. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 36:87-97. [PMID: 33213887 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We present the results from our 12th annual horizon scan of issues likely to impact biological conservation in the future. From a list of 97 topics, our global panel of 25 scientists and practitioners identified the top 15 issues that we believe society may urgently need to address. These issues are either novel in the biological conservation sector or represent a substantial positive or negative step-change in impact at global or regional level. Six issues, such as coral reef deoxygenation and changes in polar coastal productivity, affect marine or coastal ecosystems and seven relate to human and ecosystem-level responses to climate change. Identification of potential forthcoming issues for biological conservation may enable increased preparedness by researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Sutherland
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK.
| | | | - Steven Broad
- TRAFFIC, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Sam Brown
- Environment Agency, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH, UK
| | - Mick Clout
- Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, PB 90129 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maria P Dias
- BirdLife International, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; MARE Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA, Instituto Universitário, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lynn V Dicks
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Helen Doran
- Natural England, Eastbrook, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge CB2 8DR, UK
| | - Erica Fleishman
- College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Garratt
- UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1EU, UK
| | - Kevin J Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Alice C Hughes
- Centre for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan 666303, PR China
| | - Xavier Le Roux
- Microbial Ecology Centre, UMR1418 INRAE, CNRS, University Lyon 1, VetAgroSup, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; BiodivERsA, Fondation pour la Recherche sur la Biodiversité, 195 rue Saint Jacques, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Fiona A Lickorish
- UK Research and Consultancy Services (RCS) Ltd, Valletts Cottage, Westhope, Hereford HR4 8BU, UK
| | - Luke Maggs
- Natural Resources Wales, Cambria House, 29 Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 0TP, UK
| | - James E Palardy
- The Pew Charitable Trusts, 901 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
| | - Lloyd S Peck
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Nathalie Pettorelli
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Jules Pretty
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Mark D Spalding
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; The Nature Conservancy, Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Pian dei Mantellini, Siena 53100, Italy
| | | | - Matt Walpole
- Fauna and Flora International, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - James E M Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Jonathan Wentworth
- Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 14 Tothill Street, Westminster, London SW1H 9NB, UK
| | - Ann Thornton
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
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19
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Mammola S, Amorim IR, Bichuette ME, Borges PAV, Cheeptham N, Cooper SJB, Culver DC, Deharveng L, Eme D, Ferreira RL, Fišer C, Fišer Ž, Fong DW, Griebler C, Jeffery WR, Jugovic J, Kowalko JE, Lilley TM, Malard F, Manenti R, Martínez A, Meierhofer MB, Niemiller ML, Northup DE, Pellegrini TG, Pipan T, Protas M, Reboleira ASPS, Venarsky MP, Wynne JJ, Zagmajster M, Cardoso P. Fundamental research questions in subterranean biology. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1855-1872. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mammola
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS) University of Helsinki Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 Helsinki 00100 Finland
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG) Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR) Corso Tonolli, 50 Pallanza 28922 Italy
| | - Isabel R. Amorim
- cE3c – Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores, Faculty of Agrarian and Environmental Sciences, Rua Capitão João d'Àvila Pico da Urze Angra do Heroísmo Azores 9700‐042 Portugal
| | - Maria E. Bichuette
- Laboratory of Subterranean Studies Federal University of São Carlos Rodovia Washington Luís km 235 São Carlos São Paulo 13565‐905 Brazil
| | - Paulo A. V. Borges
- cE3c – Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores, Faculty of Agrarian and Environmental Sciences, Rua Capitão João d'Àvila Pico da Urze Angra do Heroísmo Azores 9700‐042 Portugal
| | - Naowarat Cheeptham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science Thompson Rivers University 805 TRU Way Kamloops British Columbia Canada
| | - Steven J. B. Cooper
- Evolutionary Biology Unit South Australian Museum North Terrace Adelaide South Australia 5000 Australia
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, and Environment Institute, School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - David C. Culver
- Department of Environmental Science American University 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington DC 20016 U.S.A
| | - Louis Deharveng
- UMR7205 – ISYEB Museum national d'Histoire naturelle 45 rue Buffon (CP50) Paris 75005 France
| | - David Eme
- IFREMER Centre Atlantique Unité Ecologie et Modèles pour l'Halieutique Rue de l'Île d'Yeu Nantes 44980 France
| | - Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira
- Center of Studies in Subterranean Biology, Biology Department Federal University of Lavras Campus Universitário Lavras Minas Gerais CEP 37202‐553 Brazil
| | - Cene Fišer
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty University of Ljubljana Jamnikarjeva 101, PO BOX 2995 Ljubljana SI‐1000 Slovenia
| | - Žiga Fišer
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty University of Ljubljana Jamnikarjeva 101, PO BOX 2995 Ljubljana SI‐1000 Slovenia
| | - Daniel W. Fong
- Department of Biology American University 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington DC 20016 U.S.A
| | - Christian Griebler
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Division of Limnology University of Vienna Althanstrasse 14 Vienna 1090 Austria
| | - William R. Jeffery
- Department of Biology University of Maryland College Park MD 20742 U.S.A
| | - Jure Jugovic
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies University of Primorska Glagoljaška 8 Koper SI‐6000 Slovenia
| | - Johanna E. Kowalko
- Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College Florida Atlantic University 5353 Parkside Dr Jupiter FL 33458 U.S.A
| | - Thomas M. Lilley
- BatLab Finland, Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 Helsinki 00100 Finland
| | - Florian Malard
- UMR5023 Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés Univ. Lyon 1, ENTPE, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Bat. Forel 6 rue Raphaël Dubois Villeurbanne cedex 69622 France
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano Via Celoria 26 Milan 20113 Italy
| | - Alejandro Martínez
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG) Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR) Corso Tonolli, 50 Pallanza 28922 Italy
| | - Melissa B. Meierhofer
- BatLab Finland, Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 Helsinki 00100 Finland
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management Texas A&M University 534 John Kimbrough Blvd. College Station TX 77843 U.S.A
| | - Matthew L. Niemiller
- Department of Biological Sciences The University of Alabama in Huntsville 301 Sparkman Drive NW Huntsville AL 35899 U.S.A
| | - Diana E. Northup
- Department of Biology University of New Mexico Albuquerque NM 87131‐0001 U.S.A
| | - Thais G. Pellegrini
- Center of Studies in Subterranean Biology, Biology Department Federal University of Lavras Campus Universitário Lavras Minas Gerais CEP 37202‐553 Brazil
| | - Tanja Pipan
- ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute Novi trg 2 Ljubljana SI‐1000 Slovenia
- UNESCO Chair on Karst Education University of Nova Gorica Vipavska cesta Nova Gorica 5000 Slovenia
| | - Meredith Protas
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Domenicas University of California 50 Acacia Avenue San Rafael CA 94901 U.S.A
| | - Ana Sofia P. S. Reboleira
- Natural History Museum of Denmark University of Copenhagen Universitetsparken 15 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Michael P. Venarsky
- Australian Rivers Institute Griffith University 170 Kessels Road Nathan Queensland 4111 Australia
| | - J. Judson Wynne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes Northern Arizona University Box 5640 Flagstaff AZ 86011 U.S.A
| | - Maja Zagmajster
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty University of Ljubljana Jamnikarjeva 101, PO BOX 2995 Ljubljana SI‐1000 Slovenia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS) University of Helsinki Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 Helsinki 00100 Finland
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20
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Sousa R, Ferreira A, Carvalho F, Lopes-Lima M, Varandas S, Teixeira A, Gallardo B. Small hydropower plants as a threat to the endangered pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:137361. [PMID: 32135319 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater mussels are undergoing rapid global declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation, among other factors, but little is known about the effects of small hydropower plants. Here we assessed the impact of small hydropower plants on the abundance and size structure of the imperilled pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. For this, we sampled 66 sites in three Portuguese rivers (Mente, Rabaçal and Tuela) located upstream and downstream of dams and within the reservoirs. Pearl mussels were significantly more abundant upstream than downstream of dams (97.4% more) or within reservoirs (98.5% more). In addition, juveniles were mostly found upstream of dams. The most significant environmental alterations that explained the observed patterns were related to changes in sediment characteristics (accumulation of fine sediments and organic matter in reservoirs) and water chemistry, most notably suspended solids (highest values in reservoirs) and dissolved oxygen (lowest values in reservoirs). Overall, results show that small hydropower plants can deeply affect pearl mussel populations: specimens almost disappeared from the areas within the reservoirs and sites located downstream only retained adults without signs of recent recruitment. Future management measures devoted to the conservation of pearl mussels should take into account the results reported here to avoid the construction of new dams in pearl mussel rivers; improve management of the river flow in downstream areas; and consider the decommissioning of dams in pearl mussel rivers with a particular attention devoted to the re-naturalization of river sections under the influence of the reservoir and downstream areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronaldo Sousa
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - André Ferreira
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Francisco Carvalho
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Manuel Lopes-Lima
- CIBIO/InBIO - Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Simone Varandas
- CITAB-UTAD - Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Forestry Department, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Teixeira
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Belinda Gallardo
- IPE-CSIC Pyrenean Institute of Ecology, Department of Biodiversity Conservation, Avda. Montañana 1005, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain; BioRISC Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine's, St Catharine's College, Cambridge CB2 1RL, UK
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21
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Evans KL, Ewen JG, Guillera-Arroita G, Johnson JA, Penteriani V, Ryan SJ, Sollmann R, Gordon IJ. Conservation in the maelstrom of Covid-19 - a call to action to solve the challenges, exploit opportunities and prepare for the next pandemic. Anim Conserv 2020; 23:235-238. [PMID: 32837242 PMCID: PMC7267322 DOI: 10.1111/acv.12601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K L Evans
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - J G Ewen
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London Regent's Park UK
| | | | - J A Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences University of North Texas Denton TX USA
| | - V Penteriani
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB, CSIC-UO-PA) Mieres Spain
| | - S J Ryan
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation (QDEC) Lab Department of Geography University of Florida Gainesville FL USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida Gainesville FL USA.,School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban South Africa
| | - R Sollmann
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology University of California Davis Davis CA USA
| | - I J Gordon
- James Hutton Institute Aberdeen UK.,Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia.,Central Queensland University Townsville QLD Australia.,Land & Water CSIRO Townsville QLD Australia
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