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Trigos-Peral G, Maák IE, Schmid S, Chudzik P, Czaczkes TJ, Witek M, Casacci LP, Sánchez-García D, Lőrincz Á, Kochanowski M, Heinze J. Urban abiotic stressors drive changes in the foraging activity and colony growth of the black garden ant Lasius niger. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170157. [PMID: 38242447 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170157] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Changes in habitat characteristics are known to have profound effects on biotic communities and their functional traits. In the context of an urban-rural gradient, urbanisation drastically alters abiotic characteristics, e.g., by increasing environmental temperatures and through light pollution. These abiotic changes significantly impact the functional traits of organisms, particularly insects. Furthermore, changes in habitat characteristics also drive changes in the behavioural traits of animals, allowing them to adapt and thrive in new environments. In our study, we focused on the synanthropic ant species Lasius niger as a model organism. We conducted nocturnal field observations and complemented them with laboratory experiments to investigate the influence of night warming (NW) associated with Urban Heat Islands (UHI), light pollution (ALAN), and habitat type on ant foraging behaviour. In addition, we investigated the influence of elevated temperatures on brood development and worker mortality. Our findings revealed that urban populations of L. niger were generally more active during the night compared to their rural counterparts, although the magnitude of this difference varied with specific city characteristics. In laboratory settings, higher temperatures and continuous illumination were associated with increased activity level in ants, again differing between urban and rural populations. Rural ants exhibited more locomotion compared to their urban counterparts when maintained under identical conditions, which might enable them to forage more effectively in a potentially more challenging environment. High temperatures decreased the developmental time of brood from both habitat types and increased worker mortality, although rural colonies were more strongly affected. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the influence of urban environmental stressors on the foraging activity pattern and colony development of ants. Such stressors can be important for the establishment and spread of synanthropic ant species, including invasive ones, and the biotic homogenization of anthropogenic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Trigos-Peral
- Museum and Institute of Zoology - Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - I E Maák
- Museum and Institute of Zoology - Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - S Schmid
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - P Chudzik
- Han University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - M Witek
- Museum and Institute of Zoology - Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - L P Casacci
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - D Sánchez-García
- Museum and Institute of Zoology - Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Á Lőrincz
- University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - J Heinze
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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2
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Farnsworth A, Horton KG, Marra PP. To mitigate bird collisions, enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320411121. [PMID: 38381795 PMCID: PMC10907272 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320411121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Farnsworth
- Center for Avian Population Studies, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14850
| | - Kyle G. Horton
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Peter P. Marra
- The Earth Commons Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC20057
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC20057
- McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC20057
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3
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Nadal J, Sáez D, Volponi S, Serra L, Spina F, Margalida A. The effects of cities on quail (Coturnix coturnix) migration: a disturbing story of population connectivity, health, and ecography. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:266. [PMID: 38353774 PMCID: PMC10867070 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The increasing impact of human activities on ecosystems is provoking a profound and dangerous effect, particularly in wildlife. Examining the historical migration patterns of quail (Coturnix coturnix) offers a compelling case study to demonstrate the repercussions of human actions on biodiversity. Urbanization trends, where people gravitate toward mega-urban areas, amplify this effect. The proliferation of artificial urban ecosystems extends its influence across every biome, as human reliance on infrastructure and food sources alters ecological dynamics extensively. We examine European quail migrations pre- and post-World War II and in the present day. Our study concentrates on the Italian peninsula, investigating the historical and contemporary recovery of ringed quail populations. To comprehend changes in quail migration, we utilize trajectory analysis, open statistical data, and linear generalized models. We found that while human population and economic growth have shown a linear increase, quail recovery rates exhibit a U-shaped trajectory, and cereal and legume production displays an inverse U-shaped pattern. Generalized linear models have unveiled the significant influence of several key factors-time periods, cereal and legume production, and human demographics-on quail recovery rates. These factors closely correlate with the levels of urbanization observed across these timeframes. These insights underscore the profound impact of expanding human populations and the rise of mega-urbanization on ecosystem dynamics and services. As our planet becomes more urbanized, the pressure on ecosystems intensifies, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts directed toward conserving and revitalizing ecosystem integrity. Simultaneously, manage the needs and demands of burgeoning mega-urban areas. Achieving this balance is pivotal to ensuring sustainable coexistence between urban improvement and the preservation of our natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Nadal
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Wildlife, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Avd. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
| | - David Sáez
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Wildlife, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Avd. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Stefano Volponi
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Cà Fornacetta, 9, I-40064, Ozzano Emilia BO, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Serra
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Cà Fornacetta, 9, I-40064, Ozzano Emilia BO, Italy
| | - Fernando Spina
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Cà Fornacetta, 9, I-40064, Ozzano Emilia BO, Italy
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (CSIC), Avda. Nuestra Señora de la Victoria, 12, 22700, Jaca, Spain
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4
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Thoré ESJ, Aulsebrook AE, Brand JA, Almeida RA, Brodin T, Bertram MG. Time is of the essence: The importance of considering biological rhythms in an increasingly polluted world. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002478. [PMID: 38289905 PMCID: PMC10826942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological rhythms have a crucial role in shaping the biology and ecology of organisms. Light pollution is known to disrupt these rhythms, and evidence is emerging that chemical pollutants can cause similar disruption. Conversely, biological rhythms can influence the effects and toxicity of chemicals. Thus, by drawing insights from the extensive study of biological rhythms in biomedical and light pollution research, we can greatly improve our understanding of chemical pollution. This Essay advocates for the integration of biological rhythmicity into chemical pollution research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how chemical pollutants affect wildlife and ecosystems. Despite historical barriers, recent experimental and technological advancements now facilitate the integration of biological rhythms into ecotoxicology, offering unprecedented, high-resolution data across spatiotemporal scales. Recognizing the importance of biological rhythms will be essential for understanding, predicting, and mitigating the complex ecological repercussions of chemical pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli S. J. Thoré
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
- TRANSfarm—Science, Engineering, & Technology Group, KU Leuven, Lovenjoel, Belgium
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne E. Aulsebrook
- Department of Ornithology, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Jack A. Brand
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rafaela A. Almeida
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tomas Brodin
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Michael G. Bertram
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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5
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Méndez A, Prieto B, Aguirre I Font JM, Sanmartín P. Better, not more, lighting: Policies in urban areas towards environmentally-sound illumination of historical stone buildings that also halts biological colonization. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167560. [PMID: 37797770 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167560] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic or Artificial light at night (ALAN) pollution, or more simply light pollution, is an issue of increasing concern to the general public, as well as to scientists and politicians. However, although advances have been made in terms of scientific knowledge, these advances have not been fully transferred to or considered by politicians. In addition, illumination of stone monuments in urban areas is an emerging contribution to ALAN pollution that has scarcely been considered to date. This paper presents a literature review of the topic of light pollution and related policies, including a bibliometric analysis of studies published between 2020 and 2022. The prevailing legislation in Europe regarding the regulation of outdoor lighting, which emphasises the complexity of controlling light pollution, is summarised and the regulation of monumental lighting in Spain is discussed. Findings concerning the impact of ALAN on biodiversity in urban areas, and the promising biostatic effect of ornamental lighting (halting biological colonization on stone monuments, mainly caused by algae and cyanobacteria) are described. Finally, trends in monument illumination and policymaking towards environmentally sustainable management are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anxo Méndez
- GEMAP (GI-1243), Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; CISPAC, Cidade da Cultura, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Beatriz Prieto
- GEMAP (GI-1243), Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; CISPAC, Cidade da Cultura, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Patricia Sanmartín
- GEMAP (GI-1243), Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; CRETUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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6
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Botté A, Payton L, Lefeuvre E, Tran D. Is part-night lighting a suitable mitigation strategy to limit Artificial Light at Night effects on the biological rhythm at the behavioral and molecular scales of the oyster Crassostrea gigas? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167052. [PMID: 37714354 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167052] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is a fast-spreading threat to organisms, especially in coastal environments, where night lighting is increasing due to constant anthropization. Considering that ALAN affects a large diversity of coastal organisms, finding efficient solutions to limit these effects is of great importance but poorly investigated. The potential benefit of one strategy, in particular, should be studied since its use is growing: part-night lighting (PNL), which consists in switching off the lights for a few hours during nighttime. The aim of this study is to investigate the positive potential of the PNL strategy on the daily rhythm of the oyster Crassostrea gigas, a key species of coastal areas of ecological and commercial interest. Oysters were exposed to a control condition and three different ALAN modalities. A realistic PNL condition is applied, recreating a strategy of city policy in a coastal city boarding an urbanized bay (Lanton, Arcachon Bay, France). The PNL modality consists in switching off ALAN direct sources (5 lx) for 4 h (23-3 h) during which oysters are in darkness. Then, a PNL + skyglow (PNL + S) modality reproduces the previous one mimicking a skyglow (0.1 lx), an indirect ALAN source, during the direct lighting switch off, to get as close as possible to realistic conditions. Finally, the third ALAN condition mimics full-night direct lighting (FNL). Results revealed that PNL reduces some adverse effects of FNL on the behavioral daily rhythm. But, counterintuitively, PNL + S appears more harmful than FNL for some parameters of the behavioral daily rhythm. PNL + S modality is also the only one that affect oysters' clock and melatonin synthesis gene expression, suggesting physiological consequences. Thus, in realistic conditions, the PNL mitigation strategy might not be beneficial in the presence of skyglow, seeing worse for a coastal organism such as the oysters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Botté
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France
| | - Laura Payton
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France
| | - Elisa Lefeuvre
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France
| | - Damien Tran
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France.
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7
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Horton KG, Buler JJ, Anderson SJ, Burt CS, Collins AC, Dokter AM, Guo F, Sheldon D, Tomaszewska MA, Henebry GM. Artificial light at night is a top predictor of bird migration stopover density. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7446. [PMID: 38049435 PMCID: PMC10696060 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As billions of nocturnal avian migrants traverse North America, twice a year they must contend with landscape changes driven by natural and anthropogenic forces, including the rapid growth of the artificial glow of the night sky. While airspaces facilitate migrant passage, terrestrial landscapes serve as essential areas to restore energy reserves and often act as refugia-making it critical to holistically identify stopover locations and understand drivers of use. Here, we leverage over 10 million remote sensing observations to develop seasonal contiguous United States layers of bird migrant stopover density. In over 70% of our models, we identify skyglow as a highly influential and consistently positive predictor of bird migration stopover density across the United States. This finding points to the potential of an expanding threat to avian migrants: peri-urban illuminated areas may act as ecological traps at macroscales that increase the mortality of birds during migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle G Horton
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
| | - Jeffrey J Buler
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Sharolyn J Anderson
- Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, National Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Dr., Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, USA
| | - Carolyn S Burt
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Amy C Collins
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Conservation Science Partners, Truckee, CA, USA
| | - Adriaan M Dokter
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Fengyi Guo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Daniel Sheldon
- Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monika Anna Tomaszewska
- Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Henebry
- Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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8
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Poulin R. Light pollution may alter host-parasite interactions in aquatic ecosystems. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:1050-1059. [PMID: 37722935 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.08.013] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
With growing human populations living along freshwater shores and marine coastlines, aquatic ecosystems are experiencing rising levels of light pollution. Through its effects on hosts and parasites, anthropogenic light at night can disrupt host-parasite interactions evolved under a normal photoperiod. Yet its impact on aquatic parasites has been ignored to date. Here, I discuss the direct effects of light on the physiology and behaviour of parasite infective stages and their hosts. I argue that night-time lights can change the spatiotemporal dynamics of infection risk and drive the rapid evolution of parasites. I then highlight knowledge gaps and how impacts on parasitic diseases should be incorporated into the design of measures aimed at mitigating the impact of anthropogenic light on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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9
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Keith SA, Drury JP, McGill BJ, Grether GF. Macrobehaviour: behavioural variation across space, time, and taxa. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:1177-1188. [PMID: 37661519 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.08.007] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
We explore how integrating behavioural ecology and macroecology can provide fundamental new insight into both fields, with particular relevance for understanding ecological responses to rapid environmental change. We outline the field of macrobehaviour, which aims to unite these disciplines explicitly, and highlight examples of research in this space. Macrobehaviour can be envisaged as a spectrum, where behavioural ecologists and macroecologists use new data and borrow tools and approaches from one another. At the heart of this spectrum, interdisciplinary research considers how selection in the context of large-scale factors can lead to systematic patterns in behavioural variation across space, time, and taxa, and in turn, influence macroecological patterns and processes. Macrobehaviour has the potential to enhance forecasts of future biodiversity change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Keith
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Jonathan P Drury
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Brian J McGill
- School of Biology and Ecology and Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Gregory F Grether
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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10
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Jiang S, Fu Y, Cheng HW. Daylight exposure and circadian clocks in broilers: part I-photoperiod effect on broiler behavior, skeletal health, and fear response. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103162. [PMID: 37924580 PMCID: PMC10654592 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103162] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine effects of various daylight exposure during the 24-h light-dark (L-D) cycle on growth performance, skeletal health, and welfare state in broilers. Environmental photoperiod and related circadian clock, the 24-h L-D cycle, are important factors in maintaining productive performance, pathophysiological homeostasis, and psychological reaction in humans and animals. Currently, various lighting programs as management tools for providing a satisfactory environmental condition have been used in commercial broiler production. Four hundred thirty-two 1-day-old Rose 308 broiler chicks were assigned to 24 pens (18 birds/pen). The pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 thermal and lighting control rooms, then the birds were exposed to (n = 6): 1) 12L, 2) 16L, 3) 18L, or 4) 20L at 15 d of age. Lighting program effects on bird body weight, behavioral patterns, bone health, and stress levels were evaluated from d 35 to d 45, respectively. The birds of 12L as well as 16L groups, reared under short photoperiods close to the natural 24-h L-D cycle, had improved production performance, leg bone health, and suppressed stress reaction compared to the birds of both 18L and 20L groups. Especially, 12L birds had heavier final body weight and averaged daily weight gain (P < 0.05), higher BMD and BMC with longer and wider femur (P < 0.05), lower H/L ratio (P < 0.05), and more birds reached the observer during the touch test (P < 0.05) but spent shorter latency during the tonic immobility test (P < 0.05). Taken together, the data suggest that supplying 12 h as well as 16L of daily light improves performance and health while decreasing stress levels in broilers, making it a potentially suitable approach for broiler production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Jiang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Animal Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuechi Fu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Heng-Wei Cheng
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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11
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Anttonen T, Burghi T, Duvall L, Fernandez MP, Gutierrez G, Kermen F, Merlin C, Michaiel A. Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems: Mechanisms Underlying Responses to Human-Generated Environmental Impacts. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7530-7537. [PMID: 37940589 PMCID: PMC10634574 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1431-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human generated environmental change profoundly affects organisms that reside across diverse ecosystems. Although nervous systems evolved to flexibly sense, respond, and adapt to environmental change, it is unclear whether the rapid rate of environmental change outpaces the adaptive capacity of complex nervous systems. Here, we explore neural systems mediating responses to, or impacted by, changing environments, such as those induced by global heating, sensory pollution, and changing habitation zones. We focus on rising temperature and accelerated changes in environments that impact sensory experience as examples of perturbations that directly or indirectly impact neural function, respectively. We also explore a mechanism involved in cross-species interactions that arises from changing habitation zones. We demonstrate that anthropogenic influences on neurons, circuits, and behaviors are widespread across taxa and require further scientific investigation to understand principles underlying neural resilience to accelerating environmental change.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neural systems evolved over hundreds of millions of years to allow organisms to sense and respond to their environments - to be receptive and responsive, yet flexible. Recent rapid, human-generated environmental changes are testing the limits of the adaptive capacity of neural systems. This presents an opportunity and an urgency to understand how neurobiological processes, including molecular, cellular, and circuit-level mechanisms, are vulnerable or resilient to changing environmental conditions. We showcase examples that range from molecular to circuit to behavioral levels of analysis across several model species, framing a broad neuroscientific approach to explore topics of neural adaptation, plasticity, and resilience. We believe this emerging scientific area is of great societal and scientific importance and will provide a unique opportunity to reexamine our understanding of neural adaptation and the mechanisms underlying neural resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommi Anttonen
- Institute of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark DK-5230
| | - Thiago Burghi
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom CB2 1PZ
| | - Laura Duvall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, New York 10027
| | - Maria P Fernandez
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College, New York City, New York 10027
| | - Gabrielle Gutierrez
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College, New York City, New York 10027
| | - Florence Kermen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark DK-1165
| | - Christine Merlin
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Angie Michaiel
- Department of Life Sciences, The Kavli Foundation, Los Angeles, California 90230
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12
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Beeco JA, Wilkins EJ, Miller AB, Lamborn CC, Anderson SJ, Miller ZD, Smith JW. Support for management actions to protect night sky quality: Insights from visitors to state and national park units in the U.S. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118878. [PMID: 37659363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118878] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Light pollution is a global phenomenon where anthropogenic light sources continue to grow unabated, affecting both social and ecological systems. This is leaving parks and protected areas as some of the last vestiges of naturally dark environments for protecting views of the night sky. Yet, even parks and protected areas have outdoor lighting. Alternative lighting practices are needed to reduce or prevent light pollution from within parks. However, making parks darker may not be desirable for some visitors if they believe it will reduce navigability, safety, or restrict how they recreate (e.g., requiring the use of red-light flashlights after dark and before dawn). How visitors will respond to alternative lighting practices that park managers can implement is still unknown. We used an on-site intercept survey at nine state and national park units in Utah, U.S., to investigate nighttime visitors' support or opposition to management actions to protect night sky quality and their interest in learning about topics related to night skies. Further, this study also segmented visitors into two groups: those 'dependent' on the dark sky as a resource and those whose activities did not depend on a dark sky. Defining what a 'dark sky dependent' visitor is, which has yet to be done in the literature, is a fundamental step to furthering night sky research and management efforts. Across nine parks and protected areas, 62% of nighttime visitors participated in dark sky dependent activities. Findings indicate broad support for management actions designed to improve night sky quality, with between 74% and 89% of all visitors supporting seven different management actions. There was stronger support from dark sky dependent visitors for some elements of alternative lighting practices, but there was still strong support for those who do not participate in dark sky dependent outdoor recreation. Additionally, between 57% and 75% of visitors were interested in learning more about topics related to night skies. This research indicates most visitors would welcome actions to preserve the quality of the rapidly dwindling naturally dark experiences offered by parks and protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Adam Beeco
- Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, USA.
| | - Emily J Wilkins
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA; Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA; Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Anna B Miller
- Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA; Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Chase C Lamborn
- Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA; Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Sharolyn J Anderson
- Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, USA
| | - Zachary D Miller
- Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA; Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Jordan W Smith
- Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA; Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
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13
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Hawkes WL, Davies K, Weston S, Moyes K, Chapman JW, Wotton KR. Bat activity correlated with migratory insect bioflows in the Pyrenees. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230151. [PMID: 37593718 PMCID: PMC10427818 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
High altitude mountain passes in the Pyrenees are known to be important migratory hotspots for autumn migrating insects originating from large swathes of northern Europe. In the Pyrenees, prior research has focused on diurnal migratory insects. In this study, we investigate the nocturnal component of the migratory assemblage and ask if this transient food source is also used by bat species. Three seasons of insect trapping revealed 66 species of four different orders, 90% of which were Noctuid moths, including the destructive pest Helicoverpa armigera, otherwise known as the cotton bollworm. Acoustic bat detectors revealed that high activity of Nyctalus spp. and Tadarida teniotis bats were closely synchronized with the arrival of the migratory moths, suggesting this food source is important for both resident and migratory bats to build or maintain energy reserves. Bats of the Nyctalus spp. are likely migrating through the study site using fly-and-forage strategies or stopping over in the area, while resident T. teniotis may be exploiting the abundant food source to build fat stores for hibernation. This study shows that nocturnal migratory insects are abundant in the Pyrenees during autumn and interact during migration, not only with their co-migrant bats but also with resident bat species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will L. Hawkes
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Kelsey Davies
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Scarlett Weston
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Kelly Moyes
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Jason W. Chapman
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Karl R. Wotton
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
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14
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Candolin U, Fletcher RJ, Stephens AEA. Animal behaviour in a changing world. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:313-315. [PMID: 36921577 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Candolin
- Organismal & Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Robert J Fletcher
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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