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Lin Y, Xiang Y, Wei S, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Tang S. Genetic diversity and population structure of an insect-pollinated and bird-dispersed dioecious tree Magnolia kwangsiensis in a fragmented karst forest landscape. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70094. [PMID: 39091326 PMCID: PMC11291554 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study combined population genetics and parentage analysis to obtain foundational data for the conservation of Magnolia kwangsiensis. M. kwangsiensis is a Class I tree species that occurs in two disjunct regions in a biodiversity hotspot in southwest China. We assessed the genetic diversity and structure of this species across its distribution range to support its conservation management. Genetic diversity and population structure of 529 individuals sampled from 14 populations were investigated using seven nuclear simple sequence repeat (nSSR) markers and three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments. Parentage analysis was used to evaluate the pollen and seed dispersal distances. The nSSR marker analysis revealed a high genetic diversity in M. kwangsiensis, with an average observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosities (He) of 0.726 and 0.687, respectively. The mean and maximum pollen and seed dispersal distances were 66.4 and 95.7 m and 535.4 and 553.8 m, respectively. Our data revealed two distinct genetic groups, consistent with the disjunct geographical distribution of the M. kwangsiensis populations. Both pollen and seed dispersal movements help maintain genetic connectivity among M. kwangsiensis populations, contributing to high levels of genetic diversity. Both genetically differentiated groups corresponding to the two disjunct regions should be recognized as separate conservation units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of EducationGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Landscape Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization in Lijiang River BasinGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
- Wuzhou No. 18 Middle SchoolWuzhouChina
| | - Yingying Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of EducationGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Landscape Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization in Lijiang River BasinGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Sujian Wei
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of EducationGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Landscape Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization in Lijiang River BasinGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of EducationGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Landscape Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization in Lijiang River BasinGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of EducationGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Landscape Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization in Lijiang River BasinGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of EducationGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Landscape Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization in Lijiang River BasinGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Shaoqing Tang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of EducationGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Landscape Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization in Lijiang River BasinGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
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2
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Frei K, Vojtkó A, Farkas T, Erdős L, Barta K, E-Vojtkó A, Tölgyesi C, Bátori Z. Topographic depressions can provide climate and resource microrefugia for biodiversity. iScience 2023; 26:108202. [PMID: 38026156 PMCID: PMC10656275 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microrefugia are often located within topographically complex regions where stable environmental conditions prevail. Most of the studies concerning the distributions of climate change-sensitive species have emphasized the dominance of cold air pooling over other environmental factors, such as resource availability. There is a shortage of information on the relationships among topography-related microsite diversity, microclimate, resource availability, and species composition in microrefugia. To fill this knowledge gap, we studied the effects of microclimatic conditions and soil resources on plant species occurrence within and adjacent to 30 large topographic depressions (i.e., dolines) in two distant karst regions. Our results showed that both microclimate and soil resource availability may play a key role in maintaining climate change-sensitive species and biodiversity in dolines; therefore, they may simultaneously act as climate and resource microrefugia. Establishing climate-smart conservation priorities and strategies is required to maintain or increase the refugial capacity of such safe havens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kata Frei
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, University of Szeged, Rerrich Béla tér 1, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Vojtkó
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, Leányka utca 6, 3300 Eger, Hungary
| | - Tünde Farkas
- Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Tengerszem oldal 1, 3758 Jósvafő, Hungary
| | - László Erdős
- Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány utca 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
- Department of Ecology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Károly Barta
- Department of Geoinformatics, Physical and Environmental Geography, University of Szeged, Egyetem utca 2-6, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna E-Vojtkó
- Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Dukelská 135, 379 82 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Csaba Tölgyesi
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE ‘Lendület’ Applied Ecology Research Group, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN–UD Functional and Restoration Ecology Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Bátori
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE ‘Lendület’ Applied Ecology Research Group, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
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3
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Yek SH, Sethu Pathy T, Yeo DYC, Gan JYS. The effects of anthropogenic disturbance and seasonality on the ant communities of Lang Tengah Island. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16157. [PMID: 37868047 PMCID: PMC10590099 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbances and seasonal changes significantly impact diversity and community composition of ants, but their effects are often intertwined. We investigated these drivers on Lang Tengah Island, a location with a pronounced monsoon season and three resorts that close during this period. We surveyed four sites, two disturbed and two undisturbed, before and after the monsoon season, using pitfall traps to sample epigaeic ant communities. Undisturbed habitats had higher species diversity, but both habitats (undisturbed and disturbed sites) have a high proportion of ants with characteristics of being encroached by generalist and invasive/tramp ant species. Post-monsoon sampling yielded an increase in species richness and diversity. Seasonal changes, such as monsoonal rains, can temporarily alter ant interactions and resource distribution, potentially maintaining diversity. Future studies should validate these findings for ant communities under similar pressures, using ant composition and functional roles for conservation and management purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Huei Yek
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Institute for Tropical Biology & Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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4
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Keppel G, Sarnow U, Biffin E, Peters S, Fitzgerald D, Boutsalis E, Waycott M, Guerin GR. Population decline in a Pleistocene refugium: Stepwise, drought-related dieback of a South Australian eucalypt. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162697. [PMID: 36898535 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162697] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Refugia can facilitate the persistence of species under long-term environmental change, but it is not clear if Pleistocene refugia will remain functional as anthropogenic climate change progresses. Dieback in populations restricted to refugia therefore raises concerns about their long-term persistence. Using repeat field surveys, we investigate dieback in an isolated population of Eucalyptus macrorhyncha during two droughts and discuss prospects for its continued persistence in a Pleistocene refugium. We first confirm that the Clare Valley in South Australia has constituted a long-term refugium for the species, with the population being genetically highly distinct from other conspecific populations. However, the population lost >40 % of individuals and biomass through the droughts, with mortality being just below 20 % after the Millennium Drought (2000-2009) and almost 25 % after the Big Dry (2017-2019). The best predictors of mortality differed after each drought. While north-facing aspect of a sampling location was significant positive predictor after both droughts, biomass density and slope were significant negative predictors only after the Millennium Drought, and distance to the north-west corner of the population, which intercepts hot, dry winds, was a significant positive predictor after the Big Dry only. This suggests that more marginal sites with low biomass and sites located on flat plateaus were more vulnerable initially, but that heat-stress was an important driver of dieback during the Big Dry. Therefore, the causative drivers of dieback may change during population decline. Regeneration occurred predominantly on southern and eastern aspects, which would receive the least solar radiation. While this refugial population is experiencing severe decline, some gullies with lower solar radiation appear to support relatively healthy, regenerating stands of red stringybark, providing hope for persistence in small pockets. Monitoring and managing these pockets during future droughts will be essential to ensure the persistence of this isolated and genetically unique population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Keppel
- UniSA STEM and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, SA 5001 Adelaide, Australia; AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Montpellier, France.
| | - Udo Sarnow
- UniSA STEM and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, SA 5001 Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ed Biffin
- State Herbarium of South Australia, Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, Department for Environment and Water, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Stefan Peters
- UniSA STEM and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, SA 5001 Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Donna Fitzgerald
- UniSA STEM and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, SA 5001 Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Evan Boutsalis
- UniSA STEM and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, SA 5001 Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Michelle Waycott
- State Herbarium of South Australia, Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, Department for Environment and Water, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Greg R Guerin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Bátori Z, Valkó O, Vojtkó A, Tölgyesi C, Farkas T, Frei K, Hábenczyus AA, Tóth Á, Li G, Rádai Z, Dulai S, Barta K, Erdős L, Deák B. Environmental heterogeneity increases the conservation value of small natural features in karst landscapes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162120. [PMID: 36773905 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162120] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Local biodiversity hotspots are often located within regions where extreme and variable environmental - e.g., climatic and soil - conditions occur. These areas are conservation priorities. Although environmental heterogeneity is recognised as an important determinant of biodiversity, studies focusing on the effects of multiple environmental heterogeneity components in the same ecosystem are scarce. Here we investigate how topography and related microclimatic variables and soil properties may influence the biodiversity and conservation value of karst landscapes. Karst landscapes of the world contain millions of dolines (i.e. bowl- or funnel-shaped depressions) that may function as 'small natural features' with a disproportionately large role in maintaining biodiversity relative to their size. We assessed the diversity of microclimates, soils and vegetation and their relationships in six microhabitats (south-facing slopes, east-facing slopes, west-facing slopes, north-facing slopes and bottoms of dolines, and the adjacent plateau) for nine large dolines in a grassland ecosystem. Although there were remarkable differences among the conservation value of these microhabitats (e.g., representation of different species groups, presence of 'climate relicts'), each microhabitat had an important role in maintaining species that are rare or absent in other microhabitats in the landscape. We found that the studied dolines exhibited highly variable environmental conditions and promoted a high diversity of vegetation types with unique species composition, contributing to the topographic, climatic, soil, vegetation and land cover heterogeneity of karst landscapes. Therefore, our findings highlight that dolines may function as local biodiversity hotspots and have a crucial conservation importance. As dolines are widespread topographic features in many karst landscapes throughout the world, our results could be directly applied to other regions as well. An integrated approach is urgently needed to provide guidelines for landscape management, promoting the retention of the microhabitat diversity of small natural features for species vulnerable to climate change and/or various disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Bátori
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; MTA-SZTE 'Lendület' Applied Ecology Research Group, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Orsolya Valkó
- 'Lendület' Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány utca 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - András Vojtkó
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, Leányka utca 6, 3300 Eger, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tölgyesi
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; MTA-SZTE 'Lendület' Applied Ecology Research Group, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tünde Farkas
- Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Tengerszem oldal 1, 3758 Jósvafő, Hungary
| | - Kata Frei
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, University of Szeged, Rerrich Béla tér 1, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Alida Anna Hábenczyus
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; Doctoral School in Biology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Tóth
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; 'Lendület' Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány utca 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary; Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, University of Szeged, Rerrich Béla tér 1, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Li
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Rádai
- 'Lendület' Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány utca 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - Sándor Dulai
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, Leányka utca 6, 3300 Eger, Hungary
| | - Károly Barta
- Department of Geoinformatics, Physical and Environmental Geography, University of Szeged, Egyetem utca 2-6, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Erdős
- Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány utca 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary; ELKH-DE 'Lendület' Functional and Restoration Ecology Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balázs Deák
- 'Lendület' Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány utca 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
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Rabett RJ, Morimoto R, Kahlert T, Stimpson CM, O’Donnell S, Mai Huong NT, Manh BV, Holmes R, Khánh PS, Van TT, Coward F. Prehistoric pathways to Anthropocene adaptation: Evidence from the Red River Delta, Vietnam. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280126. [PMID: 36753481 PMCID: PMC9907861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past twenty years, government advisory bodies have placed increasing emphasis on the need for adaptive measures in response to the effects of human-induced climate change. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), which incorporate macroeconomic and climate variables, feature prominently in advisory content, though they rarely draw on data from outside strictly constrained hypothetical systems. This has led to assertions that they are not well-suited to approximate complex systemic human-environment processes. Modular, interdisciplinary approaches have offered a way to address this shortcoming; however, beyond climate records, prehistoric data continue to be under-utilised in developing such models. In this paper we highlight the contribution that archaeology and palaeoecology can make to the development of the next generation IAMs that are expected to enhance provision for more local and pro-active adaptations to future climate change. We present data from one of Southeast Asia's most heavily developed river deltas: the Red River (Song Hong) Delta, in Vietnam and localised analysis from the Tràng An Landscape Complex World Heritage Site, on the delta's southern margin. Comparison is made between Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP) 5-8.5 and SSP2-4.5 emission projection models and the Mid-Holocene inundation of the Red River Basin. We highlight the value to taking a scientific long view of coastal evolution through an illustrative set of eight research foci where palaeo-data can bring new and localised empirical data to bear on future risk management planning. We proceed to demonstrate the applicability of palaeoenvironmental, zooarchaeological and historical evidence to management and the development of sustainable conservation strategies using Tràng An as a case study. In so doing, we further highlight the importance of knowledge exchange between scientific, corporate, non-governmental, local, and state stakeholders to achieve tangible results on the ground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Rabett
- Archaeology & Palaeoecology, School of Natural & Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Institute for Hellenic Culture & the Liberal Arts, The American College of Greece, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | - Risa Morimoto
- Department of Economics, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thorsten Kahlert
- Centre for Geographic Information Science and Geomatics, School of Natural & Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Shawn O’Donnell
- Department of Geography & Environmental Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bui Van Manh
- Department of Tourism, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam
| | - Rachael Holmes
- School of Geography, Geology & the Environment, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Phạm Sinh Khánh
- Tràng An Landscape Complex Management Board, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam
| | - Tran Tan Van
- Vietnam Institute of Geosciences & Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Fiona Coward
- Department of Archaeology, Anthropology & Forensic Science, Faculty of Science & Technology Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom
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7
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Finocchiaro M, Médail F, Saatkamp A, Diadema K, Pavon D, Meineri E. Bridging the gap between microclimate and microrefugia: A bottom-up approach reveals strong climatic and biological offsets. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:1024-1036. [PMID: 36383061 PMCID: PMC10100396 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the context of global warming, a clear understanding of microrefugia-microsites enabling the survival of species populations outside their main range limits-is crucial. Several studies have identified forcing factors that are thought to favor the existence of microrefugia. However, there is a lack of evidence to conclude whether, and to what extent, the climate encountered within existing microrefugia differs from the surrounding climate. To investigate this, we adopt a "bottom-up" approach, linking marginal disconnected populations to microclimate. We used the southernmost disconnected and abyssal populations of the circumboreal herbaceous plant Oxalis acetosella in Southern France to study whether populations in sites matching the definition of "microrefugia" occur in particularly favorable climatic conditions compared to neighboring control plots located at distances of between 50 to 100 m. Temperatures were recorded in putative microrefugia and in neighboring plots for approximately 2 years to quantify their thermal offsets. Vascular plant inventories were carried out to test whether plant communities also reflect microclimatic offsets. We found that current microclimatic dynamics are genuinely at stake in microrefugia. Microrefugia climates are systematically colder compared to those found in neighboring control plots. This pattern was more noticeable during the summer months. Abyssal populations showed stronger offsets compared to neighboring plots than the putative microrefugia occurring at higher altitudes. Plant communities demonstrate this strong spatial climatic variability, even at such a microscale approach, as species compositions systematically differed between the two plots, with species more adapted to colder and moister conditions in microrefugia compared to the surrounding area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Finocchiaro
- Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, UMR IMBEMarseilleFrance
| | - Frédéric Médail
- Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, UMR IMBEMarseilleFrance
| | - Arne Saatkamp
- Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, UMR IMBEMarseilleFrance
| | - Katia Diadema
- Conservatoire Botanique National Méditerranéen de PorquerollesHyèresFrance
| | - Daniel Pavon
- Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, UMR IMBEMarseilleFrance
| | - Eric Meineri
- Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, UMR IMBEMarseilleFrance
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8
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Mugnai M, Frasconi Wendt C, Balzani P, Ferretti G, Dal Cin M, Masoni A, Frizzi F, Santini G, Viciani D, Foggi B, Lazzaro L. Small-scale drivers on plant and ant diversity in a grassland habitat through a multifaceted approach. PeerJ 2022; 9:e12517. [PMID: 35036118 PMCID: PMC8711281 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Semi-natural grasslands are characterized by high biodiversity and require multifaceted approaches to monitor their biodiversity. Moreover, grasslands comprise a multitude of microhabitats, making the scale of investigation of fundamental importance. Despite their wide distribution, grasslands are highly threatened and are considered of high conservation priority by Directive no. 92/43/EEC. Here, we investigate the effects of small-scale ecological differences between two ecosites present within the EU habitat of Community Interest of semi-natural dry grasslands on calcareous substrates (6210 according to Dir. 92/43/EEC) occurring on a Mediterranean mountain. We measured taxonomic and functional diversity of plant and ant communities, evaluating the differences among the two ecosites, how these differences are influenced by the environment and whether vegetation affects composition of the ant community. Our results show that taxonomic and functional diversity of plant and ant communities are influenced by the environment. While vegetation has no effect on ant communities, we found plant and ant community composition differed across the two ecosites, filtering ant and plant species according to their functional traits, even at a small spatial scale. Our findings imply that small-scale monitoring is needed to effectively conserve priority habitats, especially for those that comprise multiple microhabitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Mugnai
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Paride Balzani
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy.,Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Giulio Ferretti
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Matteo Dal Cin
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Alberto Masoni
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Filippo Frizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Santini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Daniele Viciani
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Bruno Foggi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lazzaro
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
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9
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Deák B, Báthori F, Lőrinczi G, Végvári Z, Nagy DD, Mizser S, Torma A, Valkó O, Tóthmérész B. Functional composition of ant assemblages in habitat islands is driven by habitat factors and landscape composition. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20962. [PMID: 34697323 PMCID: PMC8546063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragmented natural habitats within human-transformed landscapes play a key role in preserving biodiversity. Ants as keystone species are essential elements of terrestrial ecosystems; thus, it is important to understand the factors influencing their presence. In a large-scale multi-site study, we surveyed ant assemblages using sweep netting and D-vac sampling on 158 ancient burial mounds preserving grassland habitats in agricultural landscapes in East-Hungary. We asked the following questions: (1) How do habitat factors and landscape composition affect species richness and functional diversity of ants? (2) Which ant traits are affected by habitat factors and landscape composition? Despite their small sizes, mounds as permanent and relatively undisturbed landscape elements could provide safe havens for diverse ant assemblages even in transformed agricultural landscapes. The complex habitat structure of wooded mounds supported high species and functional diversity of ant assemblages. Ant species on wooded mounds had small or medium-sized colonies, enabling the co-existence of more species. The effect of landscape composition on ant assemblages was mediated by habitat factors: steep slopes buffered the negative effect of the cropland matrix and enabled higher ant diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Deák
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary.,Lendület Landscape and Conservation Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Center for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Báthori
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary.,Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary
| | - Gábor Lőrinczi
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Végvári
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina út 29, Budapest, 1113, Hungary.,Senckenberg Deutsches Entomologisches Institut, Eberswalder Str. 90, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Dávid D Nagy
- MTA-DE Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Mizser
- MTA-DE Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Attila Torma
- Lendület Landscape and Conservation Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Center for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Valkó
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary.
| | - Béla Tóthmérész
- MTA-DE Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
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10
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Liu C, Huang Y, Wu F, Liu W, Ning Y, Huang Z, Tang S, Liang Y. Plant adaptability in karst regions. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2021; 134:889-906. [PMID: 34258691 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-021-01330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Karst ecosystems are formed by dissolution of soluble rocks, usually with conspicuous landscape features, such as sharp peaks, steep slopes and deep valleys. The plants in karst regions develop special adaptability. Here, we reviewed the research progresses on plant adaptability in karst regions, including drought, high temperature and light, high-calcium stresses responses and the strategies of water utilization for plants, soil nutrients impact, human interference and geographical traits on karst plants. Drought, high temperature and light change their physiological and morphological structures to adapt to karst environments. High-calcium and soil nutrients can transfer surplus nutrients to special parts of plants to avoid damage of high nutrient concentration. Therefore, karst plants can make better use of limited water. Human interference also affects geographical distribution of karst plants and their growing environment. All of these aspects may be analyzed to provide guidance and suggestions for related research on plant adaptability mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunni Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
| | - Yang Huang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
| | - Yiqiu Ning
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
| | - Zhenrong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
| | - Shaoqing Tang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China.
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11
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Abstract
The community patterns of Collembola (Hexapoda) were studied at two sites along a microclimatically inversed scree slope in a deep karst valley in the Western Carpathians, Slovakia, in warm and cold periods of the year, respectively. Significantly lower average temperatures in the scree profile were noted at the gorge bottom in both periods, meaning that the site in the lower part of the scree, near the bank of creek, was considerably colder and wetter compared to the warmer and drier site at upper part of the scree slope. Relatively high diversity of Collembola was observed at two fieldwork scree sites, where cold-adapted species, considered climatic relicts, showed considerable abundance. The gorge bottom, with a cold and wet microclimate and high carbon content even in the deeper MSS horizons, provided suitable environmental conditions for numerous psychrophilic and subterranean species. Ecological groups such as trogloxenes and subtroglophiles showed decreasing trends of abundance with depth, in contrast to eutroglophiles and a troglobiont showing an opposite distributional pattern at scree sites in both periods. Our study documented that in terms of soil and subterranean mesofauna, colluvial screes of deep karst gorges represent (1) a transition zone between the surface and the deep subterranean environment, and (2) important climate change refugia.
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12
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Kiew R, Rahman RA. Plant diversity assessment of karst limestone, a case study of Malaysia’s Batu Caves. NATURE CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.44.60175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Batu Caves hill is typical of karst hills in Peninsular Malaysia due to its small size and high biodiversity. It harbours 366 vascular plant species that represent about 25% of the Peninsula’s limestone flora. Five species are endemic to Batu Caves and 23 are threatened species. This high biodiversity is the result of many microhabitats, each with their own assemblages of species. Threats are especially severe as the area of Batu Caves is surrounded by urbanisation that encroaches to the foot of cliffs, is vulnerable to fire, habitat disturbance and, formerly, by quarrying. Assigning a Conservation Importance Score (CIS) to all species is quantitative and accurate, can be implemented rapidly and produces reproducible results. Species with highest CIS are native species of primary vegetation, restricted to limestone substrates, endangered conservation status and, in this case, endemic to Batu Caves. It allows not only species, but microhabitats, sites within a hill and different hills to be compared. By identifying and surveying all microhabitats and focusing on locating endemic and threatened species, maximum biodiversity can be captured. Of the 16 microhabitats identified, the most threatened were the buffer zone, lower levels of steep earth-covered slopes and cave entrances. Application of this method provides a scientific basis for balancing the need to protect microhabitats and sites with the highest CIS, with their multiple uses by various stakeholders, which, at Batu Caves, include the activities of cave temples and eco-recreation. It also provides a scientific quantitative method to compare hills to ensure that those hills with highest CIS are not released for mining.
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13
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Deák B, Kovács B, Rádai Z, Apostolova I, Kelemen A, Kiss R, Lukács K, Palpurina S, Sopotlieva D, Báthori F, Valkó O. Linking environmental heterogeneity and plant diversity: The ecological role of small natural features in homogeneous landscapes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:144199. [PMID: 33383506 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Small natural features (SNFs), such as road verges, midfield islets, rocky outcrops and ancient burial mounds, provide safe havens for species of natural habitats in human-modified landscapes; therefore, their great ecological importance is in contrast to their small size. SNFs often have a high topographical heterogeneity and abiotic conditions, which differ from their surroundings; therefore, they provide a unique opportunity for establishing links between environmental heterogeneity (EH) and biodiversity. However, no study has so far investigated the EH components of topographically heterogeneous SNFs in a comprehensive framework, by linking environmental and biotic parameters. To fill this knowledge gap, we evaluated the EH components and their effect on biodiversity on ancient mounds covered by semi-natural grasslands in the Pannonian (Hungary) and Continental (Bulgaria) biogeographical regions. We designated 16 study sites, each containing a few-metre-high mounds with five microsites (top, north-, east-, south- and west-facing slopes) and a nearby plain grassland. At each microsite, we measured soil moisture, soil chemical properties, solar radiation and microclimate; and recorded the cover of vascular plants in a total of 480 plots. On the mounds, topographical heterogeneity was associated with sharp differences in microclimate and soil properties. Besides the contrast between mild north-facing and harsh south-facing slopes, east- and west-facing slopes also sustained unique microsites characterised by dynamic diurnal changes in air temperature and vapour pressure deficit. Various combinations of the EH components resulted in unique plant species compositions within the microsites, and supported the co-occurrence of species typical of contrasting habitat types, even within a couple of metres. By combining high-resolution measurements of abiotic factors with fine-scale vegetation sampling, our study provides evidence that widespread SNFs with complex topography harbour several grassland-specialist plant species and introduce a high level of EH to otherwise homogeneous plain landscapes, which cover one third of the global land area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Deák
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót H-2163, Hungary.
| | - Bence Kovács
- Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót H-2163, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Rádai
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót H-2163, Hungary
| | - Iva Apostolova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2, Yuri Gagarin Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - András Kelemen
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót H-2163, Hungary
| | - Réka Kiss
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót H-2163, Hungary
| | - Katalin Lukács
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót H-2163, Hungary
| | - Salza Palpurina
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2, Yuri Gagarin Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Desislava Sopotlieva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2, Yuri Gagarin Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ferenc Báthori
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót H-2163, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Valkó
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót H-2163, Hungary
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14
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Davis TJ, Keppel G. Fine‐scale environmental heterogeneity and conservation management: Beach‐cast wrack creates microhabitats for thermoregulation in shorebirds. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gunnar Keppel
- UniSA STEMUniversity of South Australia Adelaide SA Australia
- Future Industries Institute University of South Australia Adelaide SA Australia
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15
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Deák B, Rádai Z, Bátori Z, Kelemen A, Lukács K, Kiss R, Maák IE, Valkó O. Ancient Burial Mounds Provide Safe Havens for Grassland Specialist Plants in Transformed Landscapes—A Trait-Based Analysis. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.619812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the intensified land use in transformed landscapes, grassland biodiversity is often restricted to habitat fragments inadequate for arable use or for urban development. In continental parts of Eurasia, the ~600,000 ancient burial mounds (called “kurgans”) built by nomadic tribes of the steppes are amongst the most widespread landmarks providing refuge for dry grassland species. In our study by using plant functional groups and functional traits, we aimed at gaining insight into the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping the structure and the composition of assemblages of grassland specialist plant species on kurgans embedded in the agricultural landscapes of East-Hungary. As a comparison, we also studied roadside verges and pristine extensive grasslands in the same region. We found that despite their small size, due to the lack of human disturbances and high microhabitat diversity kurgans can maintain a high species richness and percentage cover of specialists, especially when compared to verges. We revealed that assemblages of specialist plants on kurgans are characterized by traits typical to terrestrial habitat islands such as self-compatibility, large seed mass and tall stature. Kurgans and extensive grasslands were characterized by higher functional diversity (both at the level of single traits and multi-trait based functional dispersion) which is probably due to the higher level of environmental heterogeneity compared to the homogeneous environment in verges.
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16
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Bátori Z, Lőrinczi G, Tölgyesi C, Módra G, Juhász O, Aguilon DJ, Vojtkó A, Valkó O, Deák B, Erdős L, Maák IE. Karstic Microrefugia Host Functionally Specific Ant Assemblages. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.613738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Karst landscapes are among the topographically most complex systems with various microhabitats, where species can persist despite unfavourable macro-environmental changes. These microhabitats can also function as stepping stones during range shifts. Although the enclosed depressions (dolines, sinkholes or tiankengs) of karst landscapes may act as such safe havens, data on the functional diversity of their animal assemblages are scarce. Here, we investigate the functional diversity (i.e., certain functional groups and functional traits) of ant assemblages in dolines and study whether dolines surrounded by resource-poor environments (i.e., Fagus sylvatica forests) may function as safe havens for different kinds of ants. We found that dolines have the potential to maintain distinctive ant assemblages characterised by specific functional groups and traits that are rare in the surrounding habitats. Although continuous Fagus sylvatica cover in dolines had a detrimental impact on ant assemblages, grassland dolines surrounded by grasslands or Fagus sylvatica forests supported the presence of some specific functional groups and traits. These results suggest that conservation management needs to consider the influence of vegetation characteristics not only in dolines but also on the surrounding plateau. Moderate grazing and/or mowing would be desirable in order to prevent shrub encroachment into grasslands to ensure optimal vegetation structure for ants in the long run. Therefore, proper management and conservation of these safe havens may mitigate the rate of biodiversity loss under global warming. There is a need to explore a wide variety of taxonomic groups and taxon-specific traits in parallel with the quality of the surrounding habitats when evaluating current and potential microrefugia.
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17
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Filibeck G, Sperandii MG, Bragazza L, Bricca A, Chelli S, Maccherini S, Wellstein C, Conte AL, Di Donatantonio M, Forte TG, Lazzaro L, Macchiavelli T, Maestri S, Marchesini R, Marignani M, Midolo G, Oddi L, Rosati L, Silan G, Cancellieri L. Competitive dominance mediates the effects of topography on plant richness in a mountain grassland. Basic Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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18
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Karst environments and disturbance: evaluation of the effects of human activity on grassland and forest naturalness in dolines. Biologia (Bratisl) 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-020-00518-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractKarst depressions (dolines) have the potential to act as safe havens for a high diversity of valuable species. We showed that local anthropogenic disturbances play a significant role in determining the naturalness of dolines. We compared the number of specialist species, competitor species, generalist species and species of disturbed habitats between natural and disturbed dolines in two Hungarian karst areas, where different types of anthropogenic disturbances have been shaping the vegetation for centuries. We found that these disturbances have the potential to negatively influence the naturalness of dolines, reducing the number of valuable species, thus affecting the conservation value of dolines. To maintain the naturalness of vegetation in these doline habitats, the populations of ruderal competitors should be eliminated, and sustainable forest management should be adapted. However, there are still open questions about the effects of different disturbances on the naturalness in dolines that need to be answered to determine which conservation strategies will be particularly suitable for valuable species in a warming climate.
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