1
|
Keele EC, Fiss CJ, McNeil DJ, Anderson M, Thomas N, Shaffer D, Larkin JL. Food availability aligns with contrasting demographics in populations of an at-risk songbird. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11557. [PMID: 38983707 PMCID: PMC11231935 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) have become rare across much of their historic breeding range and response to conservation efforts is variable. Evidence from several recent studies suggests that breeding output is a primary driver explaining responses to conservation and it is hypothesized that differences in food availability may be driving breeding output disparity between two subpopulations of the warbler's Appalachian breeding range. Herein, we studied two subpopulations: central Pennsylvania ("central subpopulation"), where breeding productivity is relatively low, and eastern Pennsylvania ("eastern subpopulation"), where breeding productivity is relatively high. To test the food-availability hypothesis in this system, we measured density of caterpillars, plasma lipid metabolites (triglycerides [TRIG; fat deposition] and glycerol [GLYC; fat breakdown]), body mass of adults males, and acquired body mass data for fledglings at 38 sites managed for nesting habitat. Consistent with our prediction, leaf-roller caterpillar density, the group upon which Golden-winged Warblers specialize, was 45× lower in the central subpopulation than the eastern subpopulation. TRIG concentrations were highest within the eastern subpopulation during breeding grounds arrival. The change in TRIG concentrations from the breeding-grounds-arrival stage to the nestling-rearing stage was subpopulation dependent: TRIG decreased in the eastern subpopulation and was constant in the central subpopulation, resulting in similar concentrations during the nestling-rearing stage. Furthermore, GLYC concentrations were higher in the eastern subpopulation, which suggests greater energy demands in this region. Despite this, adult male warblers in the eastern subpopulation maintained a higher average body mass. Finally, fledgling body mass was 16% greater in the eastern subpopulation than the central subpopulation before and after fledging. Collectively, our results suggest that poor breeding success of Golden-winged Warblers in the central subpopulation could be driven by lower availability of primary prey during the breeding season (leaf-roller caterpillars), and this, in turn, limits their response to conservation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Keele
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Research Institute Indiana Pennsylvania USA
| | - Cameron J Fiss
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse New York USA
| | - Darin J McNeil
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - Meredith Anderson
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdisciplinary Program, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - Nathan Thomas
- Department of Biology Shippensburg University Shippensburg Pennsylvania USA
| | - Dakotah Shaffer
- Department of Biology Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana Pennsylvania USA
| | - Jeffery L Larkin
- Department of Biology Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana Pennsylvania USA
- American Bird Conservancy The Plains Virginia USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Baiz MD, Wood AW, Toews DPL. Association between the gut microbiome and carotenoid plumage phenotype in an avian hybrid zone. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240238. [PMID: 38628125 PMCID: PMC11022011 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0238] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Vertebrates host complex microbiomes that impact their physiology. In many taxa, including colourful wood-warblers, gut microbiome similarity decreases with evolutionary distance. This may suggest that as host populations diverge, so do their microbiomes, because of either tight coevolutionary dynamics, or differential environmental influences, or both. Hybridization is common in wood-warblers, but the effects of evolutionary divergence on the microbiome during secondary contact are unclear. Here, we analyse gut microbiomes in two geographically disjunct hybrid zones between blue-winged warblers (Vermivora cyanoptera) and golden-winged warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera). We performed 16S faecal metabarcoding to identify species-specific bacteria and test the hypothesis that host admixture is associated with gut microbiome disruption. Species identity explained a small amount of variation between microbiomes in only one hybrid zone. Co-occurrence of species-specific bacteria was rare for admixed individuals, yet microbiome richness was similar among admixed and parental individuals. Unexpectedly, we found several bacteria that were more abundant among admixed individuals with a broader deposition of carotenoid-based plumage pigments. These bacteria are predicted to encode carotenoid biosynthesis genes, suggesting birds may take advantage of pigments produced by their gut microbiomes. Thus, host admixture may facilitate beneficial symbiotic interactions which contribute to plumage ornaments that function in sexual selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcella D. Baiz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Andrew W. Wood
- Department of Biology, Pennylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - David P. L. Toews
- Department of Biology, Pennylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jara RF, Jiménez JE, Rozzi R. White-crested elaenias (Elaenia albiceps chilensis) breeding across Patagonia exhibit similar spatial and temporal movement patterns throughout the year. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299954. [PMID: 38635514 PMCID: PMC11025734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299954] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
For migratory birds, events happening during any period of their annual cycle can have strong carry-over effects on the subsequent periods. The strength of carry-over effects between non-breeding and breeding grounds can be shaped by the degree of migratory connectivity: whether or not individuals that breed together also migrate and/or spend the non-breeding season together. We assessed the annual cycle of the White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps chilensis), the longest-distance migrant flycatcher within South America, which breeds in Patagonia and spends the non-breeding season as far north as Amazonia. Using light-level geolocators, we tracked the annual movements of elaenias breeding on southern Patagonia and compared it with movements of elaenias breeding in northern Patagonia (1,365 km north) using Movebank Repository data. We found that elaenias breeding in southern Patagonia successively used two separate non-breeding regions while in their Brazilian non-breeding grounds, as already found for elaenias breeding in the northern Patagonia site. Elaenias breeding in both northern and southern Patagonia also showed high spread in their non-breeding grounds, high non-breeding overlap among individuals from both breeding sites, and similar migration phenology, all of which suggests weak migratory connectivity for this species. Elucidating the annual cycle of this species, with particular emphasis on females and juveniles, still requires further research across a wide expanse of South America. This information will be critical to understanding and possibly predicting this species' response to climate change and rapid land-use changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Fernanda Jara
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States of America
- Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States of America
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Magallanes, Chile
| | - Jaime Enrique Jiménez
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States of America
- Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States of America
| | - Ricardo Rozzi
- Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States of America
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Magallanes, Chile
- Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States of America
- Universidad de Magallanes, Puerto Williams, Chile
- Department of Philosophy and Religion, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gu Z, Dixon A, Zhan X. Genetics and Evolution of Bird Migration. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:21-43. [PMID: 37906839 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021122-092239] [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] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Bird migration has long been a subject of fascination for humankind and is a behavior that is both intricate and multifaceted. In recent years, advances in technology, particularly in the fields of genomics and animal tracking, have enabled significant progress in our understanding of this phenomenon. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest advancements in the genetics of bird migration, with a particular focus on genomics, and examine various factors that contribute to the evolution of this behavior, including climate change. Integration of research from the fields of genomics, ecology, and evolution can enhance our comprehension of the complex mechanisms involved in bird migration and inform conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongru Gu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
- Cardiff University-Institute of Zoology Joint Laboratory for Biocomplexity Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew Dixon
- Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Xiangjiang Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
- Cardiff University-Institute of Zoology Joint Laboratory for Biocomplexity Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Buchan C, Gilroy JJ, Catry I, Hewson CM, Atkinson PW, Franco AMA. Combining remote sensing and tracking data to quantify species' cumulative exposure to anthropogenic change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:6679-6692. [PMID: 37812027 PMCID: PMC10946810 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16974] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Identifying when and where organisms are exposed to anthropogenic change is crucial for diagnosing the drivers of biodiversity declines and implementing effective conservation measures. Accurately measuring individual-scale exposure to anthropogenic impacts across the annual cycle as they move across continents requires an approach that is both spatially and temporally explicit-now achievable through recent parallel advances in remote-sensing and individual tracking technologies. We combined 10 years of tracking data for a long-distance migrant, (common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus), with multi-dimensional remote-sensed spatial datasets encompassing thirteen relevant anthropogenic impacts (including infrastructure, hunting, habitat change, and climate change), to quantify mean hourly and total accumulated exposure of tracked individuals to anthropogenic change across each stage of the annual cycle. Although mean hourly exposure to anthropogenic change was greatest in the breeding stage, accumulated exposure to changes associated with direct mortality risks (e.g., built infrastructure) and with climate were greatest during the wintering stage, which comprised 63% of the annual cycle on average for tracked individuals. Exposure to anthropogenic change varied considerably within and between migratory flyways, but there were no clear between-flyway differences in overall exposure during migration stages. However, more easterly autumn migratory routes were significantly associated with lower subsequent exposure to anthropogenic impacts in the winter stage. Cumulative change exposure was not significantly associated with recent local-scale population trends in the breeding range, possibly because cuckoos from shared breeding areas may follow divergent migration routes and therefore encounter very different risk landscapes. Our study highlights the potential for the integration of tracking data and high-resolution remote sensing to generate valuable and detailed new insights into the impacts of environmental change on wild species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Buchan
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - James J. Gilroy
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Inês Catry
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório AssociadoUniversidade do PortoVairaoPortugal
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior de AgronomiaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in GenomicsBiodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIOVairaoPortugal
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wood AW, Szpiech ZA, Lovette IJ, Smith BT, Toews DPL. Genomes of the extinct Bachman's warbler show high divergence and no evidence of admixture with other extant Vermivora warblers. Curr Biol 2023:S0960-9822(23)00690-5. [PMID: 37329885 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Bachman's warbler1 (Vermivora bachmanii)-last sighted in 1988-is one of the only North American passerines to recently go extinct.2,3,4 Given extensive ongoing hybridization of its two extant congeners-the blue-winged warbler (V. cyanoptera) and golden-winged warbler (V. chrysoptera)5,6,7,8-and shared patterns of plumage variation between Bachman's warbler and hybrids between those extant species, it has been suggested that Bachman's warbler might have also had a component of hybrid ancestry. Here, we use historic DNA (hDNA) and whole genomes of Bachman's warblers collected at the turn of the 20th century to address this. We combine these data with the two extant Vermivora species to examine patterns of population differentiation, inbreeding, and gene flow. In contrast to the admixture hypothesis, the genomic evidence is consistent with V. bachmanii having been a highly divergent, reproductively isolated species, with no evidence of introgression. We show that these three species have similar levels of runs of homozygosity (ROH), consistent with effects of a small long-term effective population size or population bottlenecks, with one V. bachmanii outlier showing numerous long ROH and a FROH greater than 5%. We also found-using population branch statistic estimates-previously undocumented evidence of lineage-specific evolution in V. chrysoptera near a pigmentation gene candidate, CORIN, which is a known modifier of ASIP, which is in turn involved in melanic throat and mask coloration in this family of birds. Together, these genomic results also highlight how natural history collections are such invaluable repositories of information about extant and extinct species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Wood
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 619 Mueller Laboratory, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA
| | - Zachary A Szpiech
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 619 Mueller Laboratory, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA
| | - Irby J Lovette
- Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Brian Tilston Smith
- Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - David P L Toews
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 619 Mueller Laboratory, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sharma A, Sur S, Tripathi V, Kumar V. Genetic Control of Avian Migration: Insights from Studies in Latitudinal Passerine Migrants. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1191. [PMID: 37372370 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Twice-a-year, large-scale movement of billions of birds across latitudinal gradients is one of the most fascinating behavioral phenomena seen among animals. These seasonal voyages in autumn southwards and in spring northwards occur within a discrete time window and, as part of an overall annual itinerary, involve close interaction of the endogenous rhythm at several levels with prevailing photoperiod and temperature. The overall success of seasonal migrations thus depends on their close coupling with the other annual sub-cycles, namely those of the breeding, post-breeding recovery, molt and non-migratory periods. There are striking alterations in the daily behavior and physiology with the onset and end of the migratory period, as shown by the phase inversions in behavioral (a diurnal passerine bird becomes nocturnal and flies at night) and neural activities. Interestingly, there are also differences in the behavior, physiology and regulatory strategies between autumn and spring (vernal) migrations. Concurrent molecular changes occur in regulatory (brain) and metabolic (liver, flight muscle) tissues, as shown in the expression of genes particularly associated with 24 h timekeeping, fat accumulation and the overall metabolism. Here, we present insights into the genetic basis of migratory behavior based on studies using both candidate and global gene expression approaches in passerine migrants, with special reference to Palearctic-Indian migratory blackheaded and redheaded buntings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aakansha Sharma
- IndoUS Center in Chronobiology, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Sayantan Sur
- IndoUS Center in Chronobiology, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Vatsala Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- IndoUS Center in Chronobiology, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gonzalez AM, Espejo N, Armenteras D, Hobson KA, Kardynal KJ, Mitchell GW, Mahony N, Bishop CA, Negret PJ, Wilson S. Habitat protection and restoration: Win–win opportunities for migratory birds in the Northern Andes. Perspect Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
|
9
|
Korpach AM, Davy CM, Mills A, Fraser KC. Migratory connectivity and timing for an at-risk Canadian landbird, Eastern Whip-poor-will ( Antrostomus vociferus), from two geographically distant breeding areas. CAN J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Determining the year-round spatial distributions of at-risk avian migratory species is critical for effective conservation. High-precision tracking enables the identification of distant breeding and nonbreeding areas and their connectivity, as well as migratory routes and associated threats. We GPS-tracked two groups of Eastern Whip-poor-wills ( Antrostomus vociferus (A. Wilson, 1812)) that breed near the northern edge of their range, in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario (“west”), and in southern Ontario (“east”), Canada. The western-breeding birds were also ∼5° of latitude farther north than the eastern birds. We aimed to determine the degree of spatiotemporal overlap between the two groups during fall migration and at tropical wintering sites. We found that western-breeding birds departed earlier on migration than eastern-breeding birds, but we did not detect a difference in arrival timing to wintering sites. The two breeding groups retained spatial structure during migration, until all routes converged to circumnavigate the Gulf of Mexico. Western-breeding birds overwintered at sites farther south than eastern-breeding birds, consistent with a leapfrog pattern of migration. Quantifying the strength of migratory connectivity in at-risk species can be a first step toward defining breeding populations and informing customized conservation strategies throughout the annual cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M. Korpach
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Christina M. Davy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, ON K9J 3C7, Canada
| | - Alex Mills
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Kevin C. Fraser
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lagassé BJ, Lanctot RB, Brown S, Dondua AG, Kendall S, Latty CJ, Liebezeit JR, Loktionov EY, Maslovsky KS, Matsyna AI, Matsyna EL, McGuire RL, Payer DC, Saalfeld ST, Slaght JC, Solovyeva DV, Tomkovich PS, Valchuk OP, Wunder MB. Migratory network reveals unique spatial-temporal migration dynamics of Dunlin subspecies along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270957. [PMID: 35925977 PMCID: PMC9352067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270957] [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: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the dynamics of where and when individuals occur is necessary to understand population declines and identify critical areas for populations of conservation concern. However, there are few examples where a spatially and temporally explicit model has been used to evaluate the migratory dynamics of a bird population across its entire annual cycle. We used geolocator-derived migration tracks of 84 Dunlin (Calidris alpina) on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) to construct a migratory network describing annual subspecies-specific migration patterns in space and time. We found that Dunlin subspecies exhibited unique patterns of spatial and temporal flyway use. Spatially, C. a. arcticola predominated in regions along the eastern edge of the flyway (e.g., western Alaska and central Japan), whereas C. a. sakhalina predominated in regions along the western edge of the flyway (e.g., N China and inland China). No individual Dunlin that wintered in Japan also wintered in the Yellow Sea, China seas, or inland China, and vice-versa. However, similar proportions of the 4 subspecies used many of the same regions at the center of the flyway (e.g., N Sakhalin Island and the Yellow Sea). Temporally, Dunlin subspecies staggered their south migrations and exhibited little temporal overlap among subspecies within shared migration regions. In contrast, Dunlin subspecies migrated simultaneously during north migration. South migration was also characterized by individuals stopping more often and for more days than during north migration. Taken together, these spatial-temporal migration dynamics indicate Dunlin subspecies may be differentially affected by regional habitat change and population declines according to where and when they occur. We suggest that the migration dynamics presented here are useful for guiding on-the-ground survey efforts to quantify subspecies’ use of specific sites, and to estimate subspecies’ population sizes and long-term trends. Such studies would significantly advance our understanding of Dunlin space-time dynamics and the coordination of Dunlin conservation actions across the EAAF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Lagassé
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Richard B. Lanctot
- Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK, United States of America
| | - Stephen Brown
- Manomet, Inc., Saxtons River, VT, United States of America
| | | | - Steve Kendall
- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks, AK, United States of America
| | - Christopher J. Latty
- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks, AK, United States of America
| | | | | | - Konstantin S. Maslovsky
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | | | | | - Rebecca L. McGuire
- Arctic Beringia Regional Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Fairbanks, AK, United States of America
| | - David C. Payer
- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks, AK, United States of America
| | - Sarah T. Saalfeld
- Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK, United States of America
| | - Jonathan C. Slaght
- Arctic Beringia Regional Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Fairbanks, AK, United States of America
| | | | | | - Olga P. Valchuk
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Michael B. Wunder
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wolfson DW, Andersen DE, Fieberg JR. Using Piecewise Regression to Identify Biological Phenomena in Biotelemetry Datasets. J Anim Ecol 2022; 91:1755-1769. [PMID: 35852382 PMCID: PMC9540865 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Technological advances in the field of animal tracking have greatly expanded the potential to remotely monitor animals, opening the door to exploring how animals shift their behaviour over time or respond to external stimuli. A wide variety of animal‐borne sensors can provide information on an animal's location, movement characteristics, external environmental conditions and internal physiological status. Here, we demonstrate how piecewise regression can be used to identify the presence and timing of potential shifts in a variety of biological responses using multiple biotelemetry data streams. Different biological latent states can be inferred by partitioning a time‐series into multiple segments based on changes in modelled responses (e.g. their mean, variance, trend, degree of autocorrelation) and specifying a unique model structure for each interval. We provide six example applications highlighting a variety of taxonomic species, data streams, timescales and biological phenomena. These examples include a short‐term behavioural response (flee and return) by a trumpeter swan Cygnus buccinator following a GPS collar deployment; remote identification of parturition based on movements by a pregnant moose Alces alces; a physiological response (spike in heart‐rate) in a black bear Ursus americanus to a stressful stimulus (presence of a drone); a mortality event of a trumpeter swan signalled by changes in collar temperature and overall dynamic body acceleration; an unsupervised method for identifying the onset, return, duration and staging use of sandhill crane Antigone canadensis migration; and estimation of the transition between incubation and brood‐rearing (i.e. hatching) for a breeding trumpeter swan. We implement analyses using the mcp package in R, which provides functionality for specifying and fitting a wide variety of user‐defined model structures in a Bayesian framework and methods for assessing and comparing models using information criteria and cross‐validation measures. These simple modelling approaches are accessible to a wide audience and offer a straightforward means of assessing a variety of biologically relevant changes in animal behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W. Wolfson
- University of Minnesota Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
| | - David E. Andersen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vincent JG, Schuster R, Wilson S, Fink D, Bennett JR. Clustering community science data to infer songbird migratory connectivity in the Western Hemisphere. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Schuster
- Department of Biology Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program University of Northern British Columbia Prince George British Columbia Canada
- The Nature Conservancy of Canada Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Scott Wilson
- Department of Biology Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Wildlife Research Division Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada Delta British Columbia Canada
| | - Daniel Fink
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology Ithaca New York USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gochanour B, Alcantara JL, Cimprich P, Kelly JF, Contina A. FILLING THE GAP: MOLTING BEHAVIOR OF COLIMA WARBLERS AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNDERSTUDIED NORTH AMERICAN SONGBIRDS. SOUTHWEST NAT 2022. [DOI: 10.1894/0038-4909-65.3-4.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gochanour
- Corix Plains Institute, University of Oklahoma, Five Partners Place, 201 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019 (BG, JFK)
| | - Jose L. Alcantara
- Colegio de Postgraduados, Km 36.5 Carr. Federal México-Texcoco, Montecillo, Texcoco, Edo. De México 56230, México (JLA)
| | - Paula Cimprich
- Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma, 111 East Chesapeake Street, SC Building 134, Norman, OK 73019 (BG, PC, JFK)
| | - Jeffrey F. Kelly
- Corix Plains Institute, University of Oklahoma, Five Partners Place, 201 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019 (BG, JFK)
| | - Andrea Contina
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Science Building 2074, Denver, CO 80217 (AC)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Skinner AA, Ward MP, Souza‐Cole I, Wright JR, Thompson FR, Benson TJ, Matthews SN, Tonra CM. High spatiotemporal overlap in the non‐breeding season despite geographically dispersed breeding locations in the eastern whip‐poor‐will (
Antrostomus vociferus
). DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A. Skinner
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Champaign Illinois USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois Urbana Illinois USA
| | - Ian Souza‐Cole
- Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Champaign Illinois USA
| | - James R. Wright
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Frank R. Thompson
- United States Forest ServiceNorthern Research Station Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Thomas J. Benson
- Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Champaign Illinois USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois Urbana Illinois USA
| | - Stephen N. Matthews
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Christopher M. Tonra
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Morrick ZN, Lilleyman A, Fuller RA, Bush R, Coleman JT, Garnett ST, Gerasimov YN, Jessop R, Ma Z, Maglio G, Minton CDT, Syroechkovskiy E, Woodworth BK. Differential population trends align with migratory connectivity in an endangered shorebird. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zaine N. Morrick
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Amanda Lilleyman
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub, National Environmental Science Program, Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | - Richard A. Fuller
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Robert Bush
- Queensland Wader Study Group Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Australasian Wader Studies Group Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub, National Environmental Science Program, Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
- Queensland Wader Study Group Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | | | - Roz Jessop
- Australasian Wader Studies Group Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Victorian Wader Study Group Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Zhijun Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Institute of Biodiversity Science, School of Life Sciences Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Grace Maglio
- Australasian Wader Studies Group Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Clive D. T. Minton
- Australasian Wader Studies Group Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Victorian Wader Study Group Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Evgeny Syroechkovskiy
- All‐Russian Research Institute for Nature Conservation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment/BirdsRussia Moscow Russia
| | - Bradley K. Woodworth
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Queensland Wader Study Group Brisbane Queensland Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wilson S, Lin H, Schuster R, González AM, Gómez C, Botero‐Delgadillo E, Bayly NJ, Bennett JR, Rodewald AD, Roehrdanz PR, Ruiz Gutierrez V. Opportunities for the conservation of migratory birds to benefit threatened resident vertebrates in the Neotropics. J Appl Ecol 2021; 59:653-663. [PMID: 35873077 PMCID: PMC9299172 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Neotropical countries receive financing and effort from temperate nations to aid the conservation of migratory species that move between temperate and tropical regions. If allocated strategically, these resources could simultaneously contribute to other conservation initiatives. In this study, we use novel distribution maps to show how those resources could aid planning for the recovery of threatened resident vertebrates. Using eBird‐based relative abundance estimates, we first identified areas with high richness of Neotropical migrant landbirds of conservation concern (23 species) during the stationary non‐breeding period. Within these areas, we then identified threatened species richness, projected forest loss and conducted a prioritization for 1,261 red‐listed vertebrates using Terrestrial Area‐of‐Habitat maps. Richness for migrants was greatest along a corridor from the Yucatan peninsula south to the northern Andes but also included south‐west Mexico and Hispaniola. Protected areas account for 22% of this region while 21% is at risk of forest loss. Within this focal region for migrants, all four vertebrate groups showed hotspots of threatened species richness along the west and east Andean slopes. Taxa‐specific hotspots included montane areas of southern Mexico and central Guatemala (amphibians/reptiles) and the entire east slope of the Colombian East Andes (mammals). Our prioritization highlighted several areas of importance for conservation due to high threatened species richness and projected forest loss including (a) the Pacific dry forests of south‐west Mexico, (b) montane regions of northern Central America and (c) the west Andean slope of Colombia and Ecuador. At a landscape scale in southern Colombia, we show how conservation efforts for six Neotropical migrants could benefit 56 threatened residents that share a similar elevational range. Synthesis and applications. Funding and effort for migratory bird conservation also has potential to benefit threatened resident vertebrates in the Neotropics. Our study highlights how novel, high‐resolution information on species distributions and risk of forest loss can be integrated to identify priority areas for the two groups at regional and landscape scales. The approach and data can be further modified for more specific goals, such as within‐country initiatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Wilson
- Wildlife Research Division Environment and Climate Change Canada Delta BC Canada
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
- Department of Biology Carleton University Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Hsien‐Yung Lin
- Department of Biology Carleton University Ottawa ON Canada
| | | | - Ana M. González
- Wildlife Research Division Environment and Climate Change Canada Delta BC Canada
- SELVA: Investigación para la Conservación en el Neotrópico Bogotá Colombia
| | - Camila Gómez
- SELVA: Investigación para la Conservación en el Neotrópico Bogotá Colombia
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Cornell University Ithaca NY USA
| | | | - Nicholas J. Bayly
- SELVA: Investigación para la Conservación en el Neotrópico Bogotá Colombia
| | | | - Amanda D. Rodewald
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Cornell University Ithaca NY USA
| | | | - Viviana Ruiz Gutierrez
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Cornell University Ithaca NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ruegg K, Anderson EC, Somveille M, Bay RA, Whitfield M, Paxton EH, Smith TB. Linking climate niches across seasons to assess population vulnerability in a migratory bird. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:3519-3531. [PMID: 33844878 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Global loss of biodiversity has placed new urgency on the need to understand factors regulating species response to rapid environmental change. While specialists are often less resilient to rapid environmental change than generalists, species-level analyses may obscure the extent of specialization when locally adapted populations vary in climate tolerances. Until recently, quantification of the degree of climate specialization in migratory birds below the species level was hindered by a lack of genomic and tracking information, but recent technological advances have helped to overcome these barriers. Here we take a genome-wide genetic approach to mapping population-specific migratory routes and quantifying niche breadth within genetically distinct populations of a migratory bird, the willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), which exhibits variation in the severity of population declines across its breeding range. While our sample size is restricted to the number of genetically distinct populations within the species, our results support the idea that locally adapted populations of the willow flycatcher with narrow climatic niches across seasons are already federally listed as endangered or in steep decline, while populations with broader climatic niches have remained stable in recent decades. Overall, this work highlights the value of quantifying niche breadth within genetically distinct groups across time and space when attempting to understand the factors that facilitate or constrain the response of locally adapted populations to rapid environmental change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric C Anderson
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Rachael A Bay
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Eben H Paxton
- U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawaii National Park, HI, USA
| | - Thomas B Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Somveille M, Bay RA, Smith TB, Marra PP, Ruegg KC. A general theory of avian migratory connectivity. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:1848-1858. [PMID: 34173311 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Birds exhibit a remarkable array of seasonal migrations. Despite much research describing migratory behaviour, the underlying forces driving how a species' breeding and wintering populations redistribute each year, that is, migratory connectivity, remain largely unknown. Here, we test the hypothesis that birds migrate in a way that minimises energy expenditure while considering intraspecific competition for energy acquisition, by developing a modelling framework that simulates an optimal redistribution of individuals between breeding and wintering areas. Using 25 species across the Americas, we find that the model accurately predicts empirical migration patterns, and thus offers a general explanation for migratory connectivity based on first ecological and energetic principles. Our model provides a strong basis for exploring additional processes underlying the ecology and evolution of migration, but also a framework for predicting how migration impacts local adaptation across seasons and how environmental change may affect population dynamics in migratory species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marius Somveille
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachael A Bay
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Thomas B Smith
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute for the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter P Marra
- Department of Biology and McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, DC, USA
| | - Kristen C Ruegg
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Toews DPL, Baiz MD, Kramer GR, Lovette IJ, Streby HM, Taylor SA. Extensive historical and contemporary hybridization suggests premating isolation in Vermivora warblers is not strong: A reply to Confer et al. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:10720-10723. [PMID: 34367608 PMCID: PMC8328457 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We present comments on an article published by Confer et al. (Ecology and Evolution, 10, 2020). Confer et al. (2020) aggregate data from multiple studies of social pairing between Vermivora chrysoptera and V. cyanoptera, two wood warblers in the family Parulidae that hybridize extensively where they co‐occur. From analysis of these data, they conclude there is near‐complete reproductive isolation between these two species. In our reply, we show that this finding is not supported by other lines of evidence, and significant drawbacks of their study design preclude such strong conclusions. In our critique, we show that (a) coarse‐scale plumage classifications cannot be used to accurately estimate hybrid ancestry in Vermivora; (b) extra‐pair paternity is very high in Vermivora and is likely facilitating hybridization, yet was not considered by Confer et al. (2020), and we suggest this will have a substantial influence on the interpretation of reproductive isolation in the system; and (c) the central finding of strong total reproductive isolation is not compatible with the results of other long‐term studies, which demonstrate low isolation and high gene flow. We conclude with a more comprehensive interpretation of hybridization and reproductive isolation in Vermivora warblers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David P L Toews
- Department of Biology Pennsylvania State University University Park PA USA
| | - Marcella D Baiz
- Department of Biology Pennsylvania State University University Park PA USA
| | - Gunnar R Kramer
- Department of Environmental Sciences University of Toledo Toledo OH USA
| | - Irby J Lovette
- Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program Cornell Lab of Ornithology Cornell University Ithaca NY USA
| | - Henry M Streby
- Department of Environmental Sciences University of Toledo Toledo OH USA
| | - Scott A Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hallworth MT, Bayne E, McKinnon E, Love O, Tremblay JA, Drolet B, Ibarzabal J, Van Wilgenburg S, Marra PP. Habitat loss on the breeding grounds is a major contributor to population declines in a long-distance migratory songbird. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20203164. [PMID: 33906409 PMCID: PMC8079992 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.3164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many migratory species are declining and for most, the proximate causes of their declines remain unknown. For many long-distance Neotropical migratory songbirds, it is assumed that habitat loss on breeding or non-breeding grounds is a primary driver of population declines. We integrated data collected from tracking technology, community science and remote sensing data to quantify migratory connectivity (MC), population trends and habitat loss. We quantified the correlation between forest change throughout the annual cycle and population declines of a long-distance migratory songbird, the Connecticut warbler (Oporornis agilis, observed decline: -8.99% yr-1). MC, the geographic link between populations during two or more phases of the annual cycle, was stronger between breeding and autumn migration routes (MC = 0.24 ± 0.23) than between breeding and non-breeding locations (MC = -0.2 ± 0.14). Different Connecticut warbler populations tended to have population-specific fall migration routes but overlapped almost completely within the northern Gran Chaco ecoregion in South America. Cumulative forest loss within 50 km of breeding locations and the resulting decline in the largest forested patch index was correlated more strongly with population declines than forest loss on migratory stopover regions or on wintering locations in South America, suggesting that habitat loss during the breeding season is a driver of observed population declines for the Connecticut warbler. Land-use practices that retain large, forested patches within landscapes will likely benefit breeding populations of this declining songbird, but further research is needed to help inform land-use practices across the full annual cycle to minimize the impacts to migratory songbirds and abate ongoing population declines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Hallworth
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Washington, DC 20008, USA
| | | | | | | | - Junior A. Tremblay
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Québec, Canada
- Université du Québecà Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
| | - Bruno Drolet
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Peter P. Marra
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Washington, DC 20008, USA
- Department of Biology and McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Confer JL, Porter C, Aldinger KR, Canterbury RA, Larkin JL, Mcneil DJ. Implications for evolutionary trends from the pairing frequencies among golden-winged and blue-winged warblers and their hybrids. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:10633-10644. [PMID: 33072285 PMCID: PMC7548172 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive range loss for the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) has occurred in areas of intrusion by the Blue-winged Warbler (V. cyanoptera) potentially related to their close genetic relationship. We compiled data on social pairing from nine studies for 2,679 resident Vermivora to assess evolutionary divergence. Hybridization between pure phenotypes occurred with 1.2% of resident males for sympatric populations. Pairing success rates for Golden-winged Warblers was 83% and for Blue-winged Warblers was 77%. Pairing success for the hybrid Brewster's Warbler was significantly lower from both species at 54%, showing sexual selection against hybrids. Backcross frequencies for Golden-winged Warblers at 4.9% were significantly higher than for Blue-winged Warblers at 1.7%. More frequent backcrossing by Golden-winged Warblers, which produces hybrid phenotypes, may contribute to the replacement of Golden-winged by Blue-winged Warblers. Reproductive isolation due to behavioral isolation plus sexual selection against hybrids was 0.960. Our analyses suggest that plumage differences are the main driving force for this strong isolation with reduced hybrid fitness contributing to a lesser degree. The major impact of plumage differences to reproductive isolation is compatible with genomic analyses (Current Biology, 2016, 26, 2313), which showed the largest genetic difference between these phenotypes occurred with plumage genes. These phenotypes have maintained morphological, behavioral, and ecological differences during two centuries of hybridization. Our estimate of reproductive isolation supports recognition of these phenotypes as two species. The decline and extirpation of the Golden-winged Warbler in almost all areas of recent sympatry suggest that continued coexistence of both species will require eco-geographic isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cody Porter
- Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWYUSA
- Wildlife Biology ProgramLees‐McRae CollegeBanner ElkNCUSA
| | - Kyle R. Aldinger
- West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia UniversityMorgantownWVUSA
| | | | | | - Darin J. Mcneil
- Department of EntomologyThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Youtz J, Miller KD, Bowers EK, Rogers SL, Bulluck LP, Johnson M, Peer BD, Percy KL, Johnson EI, Ames EM, Tonra CM, Boves TJ. Bergmann's rule is followed at multiple stages of postembryonic development in a long-distance migratory songbird. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:10672-10686. [PMID: 33072288 PMCID: PMC7548171 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bergmann’s rule is a well‐established, ecogeographical principle that states that body size varies positively with latitude, reflecting the thermoregulatory benefits of larger bodies as temperatures decline. However, this principle does not seem to easily apply to migratory species that are able to avoid the extreme temperatures during winter at higher latitudes. Further, little is known about the ontogeny of this relationship across life stages or how it is influenced by ongoing global climate change. To address these knowledge gaps, we assessed the contemporary relationship between latitude and body size in a long‐distance migratory species, the prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) across life stages (egg to adult) on their breeding grounds. We also measured historic eggs (1865‐1961) to assess if the relationship between latitude and size during this life stage has changed over time. In accordance with Bergmann’s rule, we found a positive relationship between latitude and body mass during all post‐embryonic life stages, from early nestling stage through adulthood. We observed this same predicted pattern with historic eggs, but contemporary eggs exhibited the reverse (negative) relationship. We suggest that these results indicate a genetic component to this pattern and speculate that selection for larger body size in altricial nestlings as latitude increases may possibly drive the pattern in migratory species as even rare extreme cold weather events may cause mortality during early life stages. Furthermore, the opposite relationships observed in eggs, dependent on time period, may be related to the rapidly warming environments of higher latitudes that is associated with climate change. Although it is unclear what mechanism(s) would allow for this recent reversal in eggs (but still allow for its maintenance in later life stages). This evidence of a reversal suggests that anthropogenic climate change may be in the process of altering one of the longest‐standing principles in ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Youtz
- Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University State University Arkansas USA
| | - Kelly D Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Biodiversity Research University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee USA
| | - Emerson K Bowers
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Biodiversity Research University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee USA
| | - Samantha L Rogers
- Center for Environmental Studies Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia USA.,Integrative Life Sciences Doctoral Program Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia USA
| | - Lesley P Bulluck
- Center for Environmental Studies Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia USA
| | - Matthew Johnson
- Audubon South Carolina National Audubon Society Harleyville South Carolina USA
| | - Brian D Peer
- Department of Biological Sciences Western Illinois University Moline Illinois USA
| | - Katie L Percy
- Audubon Louisiana National Audubon Society Baton Rouge Louisiana USA
| | - Erik I Johnson
- Audubon Louisiana National Audubon Society Baton Rouge Louisiana USA
| | - Elizabeth M Ames
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Christopher M Tonra
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Than J Boves
- Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University State University Arkansas USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Roberto-Charron A, Kennedy J, Reitsma L, Tremblay JA, Krikun R, Hobson KA, Ibarzabal J, Fraser KC. Widely distributed breeding populations of Canada warbler (Cardellina canadensis) converge on migration through Central America. BMC ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-020-00056-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
To effectively conserve migratory species, the entire range encompassed by their annual life cycle needs to be considered. Most research on Nearctic-Neotropical migratory birds has focused on the breeding grounds resulting in a general lack of knowledge regarding the wintering and migratory periods. The Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) has declined by 71% from 1970 to 2012, at a rate of 2.9% per year, and is listed as Threatened in Canada. As with most Nearctic-Neotropical migrants, conservation efforts outside the breeding range are limited by a poor understanding of migration routes and the connectivity between specific breeding and wintering populations.
Results
To determine migratory routes of multiple breeding populations of Canada Warblers, we directly-tracked individuals using light-level geolocators deployed at four sites across the breeding range, spanning approximately 43 degrees in longitude (Alberta, Manitoba and Québec, Canada, and New Hampshire, USA). Twenty-five geolocators with usable data were recovered from three sites and were analyzed using FlightR to determine fall migration routes (n = 18) and individual wintering sites (n = 25). Individuals from all breeding populations took a western fall migration route at the Gulf of Mexico; with 77.8% of birds funnelling into a narrow geographic space along the western side of the Gulf of Mexico (97°W-99°W). We found no evidence for population-specific, parallel migration routes. Most individuals (72%) overwintered in Colombia. The remaining individuals overwintered in Venezuela.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate convergence of migratory routes around a migration barrier for individuals originating from widely distributed breeding areas. Further, we suggest the potential importance of habitat around the Gulf of Mexico during migration and Andean forest in Colombia as overwintering habitat for this threatened species. Future research should be directed at understanding how these areas are used by Canada Warblers.
Collapse
|
24
|
Toews DPL, Kramer GR, Jones AW, Brennan CL, Cloud BE, Andersen DE, Lovette IJ, Streby H. Genomic identification of intergeneric hybrids in New World wood-warblers (Aves: Parulidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe documentation of hybrids between distantly related taxa can illustrate an initial step to explain how genes might move between species that do not exhibit complete reproductive isolation. In birds, some of the most phylogenetically distant hybrid combinations occur between genera. Traditionally, morphological and plumage characters have been used to assign the identity of the parental species of a putative hybrid, although recently, nuclear introns also have been used. Here, we demonstrate how high-throughput short-read DNA sequence data can be used to identify the parentage of a putative intergeneric hybrid, in this case between a blue-winged warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera) and a cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea). This hybrid had mitochondrial DNA of a cerulean warbler, indicating the maternal parent. For hundreds of single nucleotide polymorphisms within six regions of the nuclear genome that differentiate blue-winged warblers and golden-winged warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera), the hybrid had roughly equal ancestry assignment to blue-winged and cerulean warblers, suggesting a blue-winged warbler as the paternal parent species and demonstrating that this was a first generation (F1) hybrid between these species. Unlike other recently characterized intergeneric warbler hybrids, this individual hybrid learned to song match its maternal parent species, suggesting that it might have been the result of an extra-pair mating and raised in a cerulean warbler nest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David P L Toews
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Gunnar R Kramer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Benjamin E Cloud
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - David E Andersen
- US Geological Survey, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Irby J Lovette
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Henry Streby
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fink D, Auer T, Johnston A, Ruiz‐Gutierrez V, Hochachka WM, Kelling S. Modeling avian full annual cycle distribution and population trends with citizen science data. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 30:e02056. [PMID: 31837058 PMCID: PMC7187145 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Information on species' distributions, abundances, and how they change over time is central to the study of the ecology and conservation of animal populations. This information is challenging to obtain at landscape scales across range-wide extents for two main reasons. First, landscape-scale processes that affect populations vary throughout the year and across species' ranges, requiring high-resolution, year-round data across broad, sometimes hemispheric, spatial extents. Second, while citizen science projects can collect data at these resolutions and extents, using these data requires appropriate analysis to address known sources of bias. Here, we present an analytical framework to address these challenges and generate year-round, range-wide distributional information using citizen science data. To illustrate this approach, we apply the framework to Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), a long-distance Neotropical migrant and species of conservation concern, using data from the citizen science project eBird. We estimate occurrence and abundance across a range of spatial scales throughout the annual cycle. Additionally, we generate intra-annual estimates of the range, intra-annual estimates of the associations between species and characteristics of the landscape, and interannual trends in abundance for breeding and non-breeding seasons. The range-wide population trajectories for Wood Thrush show a close correspondence between breeding and non-breeding seasons with steep declines between 2010 and 2013 followed by shallower rates of decline from 2013 to 2016. The breeding season range-wide population trajectory based on the independently collected and analyzed North American Breeding Bird Survey data also shows this pattern. The information provided here fills important knowledge gaps for Wood Thrush, especially during the less studied migration and non-breeding periods. More generally, the modeling framework presented here can be used to accurately capture landscape scale intra- and interannual distributional dynamics for broadly distributed, highly mobile species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fink
- Cornell Lab of OrnithologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
| | - Tom Auer
- Cornell Lab of OrnithologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
| | - Alison Johnston
- Cornell Lab of OrnithologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
| | | | | | - Steve Kelling
- Cornell Lab of OrnithologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wolfe JD, Elizondo P. Integrating wildlife conservation into ecosystem service payments and carbon offsets: A case study from Costa Rica. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jared D. Wolfe
- School of Forest Resources and Environmental ScienceMichigan Technological University Houghton Michigan
- Costa Rica Bird Observatories Santo Domingo de Heredia Costa Rica
| | - Pablo Elizondo
- Costa Rica Bird Observatories Santo Domingo de Heredia Costa Rica
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Migration tracking reveals geographic variation in the vulnerability of a Nearctic-Neotropical migrant bird. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5483. [PMID: 32218483 PMCID: PMC7099063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared the vulnerability of a Nearctic-Neotropical migrant (Swainson’s Thrush, Catharus ustulatus) for three geographically-defined breeding populations in California by linking breeding and wintering regions, estimating migration distances, and quantifying relative forest loss. Using data from light-level geolocator and GPS tags, we found that breeding birds from the relatively robust coastal population in the San Francisco Bay area wintered predominantly in western Mexico (n = 18), whereas the far rarer breeding birds from two inland populations that occur near one another in the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades mountain ranges migrated to farther wintering destinations, with birds from the Lassen region (n = 5) predominantly going to Central America and birds from the Tahoe region (n = 7) predominantly to South America. Landscape-level relative forest loss was greater in the breeding and wintering regions of the two Cascade-Sierra populations than those of coastal birds. Longer migration distances and greater exposure to recent forest loss suggest greater current vulnerability of Cascade-Sierra birds. Our results demonstrate that for some species, quantifying migration distances and destinations across relatively small distances among breeding populations (in this case, 140–250 km apart) can identify dramatically different vulnerabilities that need to be considered in conservation planning.
Collapse
|
28
|
Nadal J, Ponz C, Margalida A, Pennisi L. Ecological markers to monitor migratory bird populations: Integrating citizen science and transboundary management for conservation purposes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 255:109875. [PMID: 32063321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109875] [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: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Countries share responsibility for the management and conservation of migratory bird species. However, a limited understanding of population dynamics hampers the implementation of harvest and transboundary management. Age-ratios and population density can be useful indicators to assess population dynamics to improve management and conservation actions. Here, the dynamics of an Atlantic population of Common quail Coturnix coturnix, using 32,508 quail samples and 4814 hunter questionnaires over a 20-year period (1996-2016) served as a comparative study for examining age-ratio patterns related to different geographic zones, population density and weather parameters. Results show that age-ratios varied over zones and years, specifically age-ratio 1 (AR1), used as an index of late breeding attempts, varied from 0.1 to 0.21. Age-ratio 2 (AR2), a surrogate of central recruitment, varied from 0.16 to 0.66. Finally, age-ratio 3 (AR3), used as an indicator of the population's annual breeding success, varied from 3.69 to 6.68. Age-ratio is linked to internal and external factors (i.e. effect of rainfall, variations over time and density-dependent relationships) depicting how quail age groups make segregated migration in time and space. Quail age groups perform a complex pattern of migration because of entwined changes in abundance, migration routes and timing, influencing population connectivity and dynamics. Our findings highlight the relevance of citizen science and transboundary agreements to improve management and conservation measures of migrant species. Administrations and policy-makers in developed and developing countries must coordinate efforts to engage hunters in a participatory management systems to achieve sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Nadal
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Wildlife, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
| | - Carolina Ponz
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Wildlife, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Wildlife, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain; Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain; Division of Conservation Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Pennisi
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tonra CM, Wright JR, Matthews SN. Remote estimation of overwintering home ranges in an elusive, migratory nocturnal bird. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:12586-12599. [PMID: 31788199 PMCID: PMC6875585 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to a long running research bias toward the breeding season, there are major gaps in knowledge on the basic nonbreeding ecology of many species, preventing a full-annual cycle focus in ecology and conservation. Exacerbating this problem is the fact that many species are extremely difficult to detect outside of breeding. Here, we demonstrate a partial solution to this problem by using archival GPS tags to examine the overwintering ecology of a migratory nocturnal bird, the eastern whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferous). We deployed tags on 21 individuals and were able to recover 11 (52%) one year later. Tags collected high precision (approx. 10 m) points throughout the nonbreeding period. With continuous time movement models, we used these data to estimate overwintering home ranges. All individuals exhibited at least one bounded home range during this phase of the annual cycle, three of eleven had two wintering locations, and home range area ranged from 0.50 to 10.85 ha. All overwintering home ranges contained closed-canopy forest land cover (42%-100%), and no other land cover type represented >40% of any home range. We found some evidence, with caveats, that total edge within the landscape surrounding the home range was negatively related to home range area. The prevalence of contiguous closed-canopy forest cover in overwintering home ranges contrasts with apparent breeding habitat preferences, which includes clear-cuts and other, more open, habitats. This study is the first to reveal key aspects of overwintering space use in this species by using archival GPS to overcome both logistical and methodological limitations. Expanded use of such technology is critical to gathering basic ecological and distributional data, necessary for achieving a more complete understanding of full-annual cycles of animal populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Tonra
- School of Environment and Natural ResourcesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - James R. Wright
- School of Environment and Natural ResourcesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Stephen N. Matthews
- School of Environment and Natural ResourcesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bowler DE, Heldbjerg H, Fox AD, de Jong M, Böhning-Gaese K. Long-term declines of European insectivorous bird populations and potential causes. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:1120-1130. [PMID: 30912605 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of declines in insect populations has recently received considerable scientific and societal attention. However, the lack of long-term insect monitoring makes it difficult to assess whether declines are geographically widespread. By contrast, bird populations are well monitored and often used as indicators of environmental change. We compared the population trends of European insectivorous birds with those of other birds to assess whether patterns in bird population trends were consistent with declines of insects. We further examined whether declines were evident for insectivores with different habitats, foraging strata, and other ecological preferences. Bird population trends were estimated for Europe (1990-2015) and Denmark (1990-2016). On average, insectivores declined over the study period (13% across Europe and 28% in Denmark), whereas omnivores had stable populations. Seedeaters also declined (28% across Europe; 34% in Denmark), but this assessment was based on fewer species than for other groups. The effects of insectivory were stronger for farmland species (especially grassland species), for ground feeders, and for cold-adapted species. Insectivory was associated with long-distance migration, which was also linked to population declines. However, many insectivores had stable populations, especially habitat generalists. Our findings suggest that the decline of insectivores is primarily associated with agricultural intensification and loss of grassland habitat. The loss of both seed and insect specialists indicates an overall trend toward bird communities dominated by diet generalists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana E Bowler
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, P.O. Box 5685 Torgard, 7485, Trondheim, Norway
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Deutscher Pl. 5E, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henning Heldbjerg
- DOF-BirdLife Denmark, Vesterbrogade 140, 1620, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410, Rønde, Denmark
| | - Anthony D Fox
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410, Rønde, Denmark
| | - Maaike de Jong
- Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme, Czech Society for Ornithology, Na Bělidle 34, 150 00, Prague-Smíchov, Czech Republic
| | - Katrin Böhning-Gaese
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Street 13, 60439, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Taylor CM. Effects of Natal Dispersal and Density-Dependence on Connectivity Patterns and Population Dynamics in a Migratory Network. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
|
32
|
Host dispersal and landscape conversion are associated with the composition of haemosporidian parasites of the golden-winged warbler. Parasitology 2019; 147:96-107. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractUnderstanding factors that influence the spatial and temporal distributions of blood parasites is important to help predict how host species and their parasites may respond to global change. Factors that may influence parasite distributions are land cover and host dispersal patterns, which may result in exposure of a host to novel parasites, or escape from parasites of their origin. We screened golden-winged warblers from across the United States and Canada for blood parasites, and investigated whether land-use patterns or host dispersal affected the prevalence and composition of haemosporidian assemblages. Parasite prevalence varied strongly with study area, and areas with high agricultural cover had a significantly higher prevalence of Leucocytozoon and Parahaemoproteus parasites. Lineages of Parahaemoproteus and Leucocytozoon were genetically differentiated among study areas, and prevalence and composition of parasite assemblages indicated an increase in parasite prevalence and accumulation of unique parasite lineages from the southeast to the northwest. This matches the historical range expansion and natal dispersal patterns of golden-winged warblers, and suggests that golden-winged warblers may have been sensitive to novel parasites as they dispersed. The high prevalence and diversity of parasite lineages in the north-west extent of their breeding range (Manitoba) indicates that this population may face unique pressures.
Collapse
|
33
|
Kramer GR, Kyle Pagel R, Maley K, Ziegler C, Peterson SM, Andersen DE, Buehler DA, Streby HM. Say what? Bivalent singing in Vermivora warblers. Ecology 2019; 101:e02881. [PMID: 31484212 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar R Kramer
- Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA.,Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, 43606, USA
| | - R Kyle Pagel
- Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA.,Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, 43606, USA
| | - Kate Maley
- Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA
| | - Cassandra Ziegler
- Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA
| | - Sean M Peterson
- Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA.,Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - David E Andersen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA
| | - David A Buehler
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37966, USA
| | - Henry M Streby
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, 43606, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Animal migration demands an interconnected suite of adaptations for individuals to navigate over long distances. This trait complex is crucial for small birds whose migratory behaviors—such as directionality—are more likely innate, rather than being learned as in many longer-lived birds. Identifying causal genes has been a central goal of migration ecology, and this endeavor has been furthered by genome-scale comparisons. However, even the most successful studies of migration genetics have achieved low-resolution associations, identifying large chromosomal regions that encompass hundreds of genes, one or more of which might be causal. Here we leverage the genomic similarity among golden-winged (Vermivora chrysoptera) and blue-winged (V. cyanoptera) warblers to identify a single gene—vacuolar protein sorting 13A (VPS13A)—that is associated with distinct differences in migration to Central American (CA) or South American (SA) wintering areas. We find reduced sequence variation in this gene region for SA wintering birds, and show this is the likely result of natural selection on this locus. In humans, variants of VPS13A are linked to the neurodegenerative disorder chorea-acanthocytosis. This association provides one of the strongest gene-level associations with avian migration differences.
Collapse
|
35
|
Moore JD, Andersen DE, Cooper TR, Duguay JP, Oldenburger SL, Stewart CA, Krementz DG. Migratory connectivity of American woodcock derived using satellite telemetry. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D. Moore
- Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of ArkansasFayetteville AR 72701 USA
| | - David E. Andersen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of FisheriesWildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of MinnesotaSt. Paul MN 55108 USA
| | - Thomas R. Cooper
- Migratory Bird Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5600 American Boulevard West, Suite 990 Bloomington MN 55437 USA
| | - Jeffrey P. Duguay
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries P.O. Box 98000 2000 Quail Drive Baton Rouge LA 70808 USA
| | | | - C. Al Stewart
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 30444 Lansing MI 48909 USA
| | - David G. Krementz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of ArkansasFayetteville AR 72701 USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
DeSaix MG, Bulluck LP, Eckert AJ, Viverette CB, Boves TJ, Reese JA, Tonra CM, Dyer RJ. Population assignment reveals low migratory connectivity in a weakly structured songbird. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:2122-2135. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G. DeSaix
- Center for Environmental Studies Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
| | - Lesley P. Bulluck
- Center for Environmental Studies Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
- Department of Biology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
| | - Andrew J. Eckert
- Department of Biology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
| | | | - Than J. Boves
- Arkansas Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University Jonesboro Arkansas
| | - Jessica A. Reese
- Department of Biology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
| | - Christopher M. Tonra
- School of Environmental and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
| | - Rodney J. Dyer
- Center for Environmental Studies Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
López‐Calderón C, Van Wilgenburg SL, Roth AM, Flaspohler DJ, Hobson KA. An evaluation of isotopic (δ
2
H) methods to provide estimates of avian breeding and natal dispersal. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C. López‐Calderón
- Department of Zoology Faculty of Biology University of Seville Green Building, Avenue Reina Mercedes Seville E‐41012 Spain
| | | | - Amber M. Roth
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Conservation Biology School of Forest Resources University of Maine Orono Maine USA
| | - David J. Flaspohler
- School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Michigan Technological University Houghton Michigan USA
| | - Keith A. Hobson
- Science and Technology Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7N 3H5 Canada
- University of Western Ontario London Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hill JM, Renfrew RB. Migratory patterns and connectivity of two North American grassland bird species. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:680-692. [PMID: 30680148 PMCID: PMC6342103 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective management and conservation of migratory bird populations require knowledge and incorporation of their movement patterns and space use throughout the annual cycle. To investigate the little-known migratory patterns of two grassland bird species, we deployed 180 light-level geolocators on Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) and 29 Argos-GPS tags on Eastern Meadowlarks (Sturnella magna) at Konza Prairie, Kansas, USA, and six US Department of Defense (DoD) installations distributed across the species' breeding ranges. We analyzed location data from 34 light-level geolocators and five Argos-GPS tags attached for 1 year to Grasshopper Sparrows and Eastern Meadowlarks, respectively. Grasshopper Sparrows were present on the breeding grounds from mid-April through early October, substantially longer than previously estimated, and migrated on average ~2,500 km over ~30 days. Grasshopper Sparrows exhibited strong migratory connectivity only at a continental scale. The North American Great Lakes region likely serves as a migratory divide for Midwest and East Coast Grasshopper Sparrows; Midwest populations (Kansas, Wisconsin, and North Dakota; n = 13) largely wintered in Texas or Mexico, whereas East Coast populations (Maryland and Massachusetts, n = 20) wintered in the northern Caribbean or Florida. Our data from Eastern Meadowlarks provided evidence for a diversity of stationary and short- and long-distance migration strategies. By providing the most extensive examination of the nonbreeding movement ecology for these two North American grassland bird species to date, we refine information gaps and provide key insight for their management and conservation.
Collapse
|
39
|
Toews DPL, Streby HM, Burket L, Taylor SA. A wood-warbler produced through both interspecific and intergeneric hybridization. Biol Lett 2018; 14:rsbl.2018.0557. [PMID: 30404868 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2018.0557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hybridization between divergent taxa can provide insight into the breakdown of characters used in mate choice, as well as reproductive compatibility across deep evolutionary timescales. Hybridization can also occur more frequently in declining populations, as there is a smaller pool of conspecific mates from which to choose. Here, we report an unusual combination of factors that has resulted in a rare, three-species hybridization event among two genera of warblers, one of which is experiencing significant population declines. We use bioacoustic, morphometric and genetic data, to demonstrate that an early generation female hybrid between a golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) and a blue-winged warbler (V. cyanoptera) went on to mate and successfully reproduce with a chestnut-sided warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica). We studied the product of this event-a putative chrysoptera × cyanoptera × pensylvanica hybrid-and show that this male offspring sang songs like S. pensylvanica, but had morphometric traits similar to Vermivora warblers. The hybrid's maternal parent had V. chrysoptera mitochondrial DNA and, with six plumage-associated loci, we predicted the maternal parent's phenotype to show that it was likely an early generation Vermivora hybrid. That this hybridization event occurred within a population of Vermivora warblers in significant decline suggests that females may be making the best of a bad situation, and that wood-warblers in general have remained genetically compatible long after they evolved major phenotypic differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David P L Toews
- Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Henry M Streby
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | - Scott A Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Winger BM, Auteri GG, Pegan TM, Weeks BC. A long winter for the Red Queen: rethinking the evolution of seasonal migration. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:737-752. [PMID: 30393938 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper advances an hypothesis that the primary adaptive driver of seasonal migration is maintenance of site fidelity to familiar breeding locations. We argue that seasonal migration is therefore principally an adaptation for geographic persistence when confronted with seasonality - analogous to hibernation, freeze tolerance, or other organismal adaptations to cyclically fluctuating environments. These ideas stand in contrast to traditional views that bird migration evolved as an adaptive dispersal strategy for exploiting new breeding areas and avoiding competitors. Our synthesis is supported by a large body of research on avian breeding biology that demonstrates the reproductive benefits of breeding-site fidelity. Conceptualizing migration as an adaptation for persistence places new emphasis on understanding the evolutionary trade-offs between migratory behaviour and other adaptations to fluctuating environments both within and across species. Seasonality-induced departures from breeding areas, coupled with the reproductive benefits of maintaining breeding-site fidelity, also provide a mechanism for explaining the evolution of migration that is agnostic to the geographic origin of migratory lineages (i.e. temperate or tropical). Thus, our framework reconciles much of the conflict in previous research on the historical biogeography of migratory species. Although migratory behaviour and geographic range change fluidly and rapidly in many populations, we argue that the loss of plasticity for migration via canalization is an overlooked aspect of the evolutionary dynamics of migration and helps explain the idiosyncratic distributions and migratory routes of long-distance migrants. Our synthesis, which revolves around the insight that migratory organisms travel long distances simply to stay in the same place, provides a necessary evolutionary context for understanding historical biogeographic patterns in migratory lineages as well as the ecological dynamics of migratory connectivity between breeding and non-breeding locations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Winger
- Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
| | - Giorgia G Auteri
- Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
| | - Teresa M Pegan
- Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
| | - Brian C Weeks
- Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Whitaker DM, Warkentin IG, Hobson KA, Thomas P, Boardman R. Fall and Winter Movements of Newfoundland Graycheeked Thrushes (Catharus Minimus Minimus). ANIMAL MIGRATION 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/ami-2018-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The Newfoundland subspecies of Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus minimus) has declined since the 1980s and degradation of winter habitat has been suggested as a contributing stressor. However, the winter range of this subspecies is not well understood, so we fitted 29 males with archival GPS tags during summer 2016. Four tagged thrushes were recaptured in summer 2017 and, though all tags had missing locations and broken antennae, the data retrieved showed that one thrush wintered in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) in northern Colombia, one in the nearby Sierra de Perija in Venezuela, and a third may have settled in the same region. One tag provided locations until April 21 and that thrush was consistently detected within a ~1 ha area through the winter. Locations obtained during fall migration indicated that thrushes travelled to South America via Central America and possibly by directly crossing the Caribbean. Contemporary research indicates that the SNSM is an important migratory stopover for Northern Gray-cheeked Thrushes (C. m. aliciae) but a historical report coupled with our observations suggest winter use of the SNSM and adjacent areas in northern South America by C. m. minimus, though numbers may be lower than during the 1900s.
Collapse
|
42
|
Identifying migratory birds' population bottlenecks in time and space. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:3515-3517. [PMID: 29563228 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1802174115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
43
|
Streby HM, Kramer GR, Peterson SM, Andersen DE. Evaluating outcomes of management targeting the recovery of a migratory songbird of conservation concern. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4319. [PMID: 29404216 PMCID: PMC5793708 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4319] [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: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Assessing outcomes of habitat management is critical for informing and adapting conservation plans. From 2013–2019, a multi-stage management initiative aims to create >26,000 ha of shrubland and early-successional vegetation to benefit Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) in managed forested landscapes of the western Great Lakes region. We studied a dense breeding population of Golden-winged Warblers at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Minnesota, USA, where shrubs and young trees were sheared during the winter of 2014–2015 in a single treatment supported in part by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and in part by other funding source(s) to benefit Golden-winged Warblers and other species associated with young forest [e.g., American Woodcock (Scalopax minor)] and as part of maintenance of early successional forest cover on the refuge. Methods We monitored abundance of Golden-winged Warblers before (2013–2014) and after (2015–2016) management at the treatment site and a control site, and we estimated full-season productivity (i.e., young recruited into the fall population) on the treatment site from predictive, spatially explicit models, informed by nest and fledgling survival data collected at sites in the western Great Lakes region, including Rice Lake NWR, during 2011 and 2012. Then, using biologically informed models of Golden-winged Warbler response to observed and predicted vegetation succession, we estimated the cumulative change in population recruitment over various scenarios of vegetation succession and demographic response. Results We observed a 32% decline in abundance of Golden-winged Warbler breeding pairs on the treatment site and estimated a 27% decline in per-pair full-season productivity following management, compared to no change in a nearby control site. In models that ranged from highly optimistic to progressively more realistic scenarios, we estimated a net loss of 72–460 juvenile Golden-winged Warblers produced from the treatment site in the 10–20 years following management. Even if our well-informed and locally validated productivity models produced erroneous estimates and the management resulted in only a temporary reduction in abundance (i.e., no change in productivity), our forecast models still predicted a net loss of 61–260 juvenile Golden-winged Warblers from the treatment site over the same time frame. Conclusions Our study sites represent only a small portion of a large young-forest management initiative directed at Golden-winged Warblers in the western Great Lakes region; however, the brush management, or shearing of shrubs and small trees, that was applied at our study site is a common treatment applied by contractors funded by ABC and its partners on public lands across Minnesota with the expressed intent of benefiting Golden-winged Warblers and related species. Furthermore, the resulting vegetation structure at our treatment site is consistent with that of other areas managed under the initiative, and ABC documents include our study site as successful Golden-winged Warbler management based on observations of ≥1 Golden-winged Warbler at the treatment site since the management. Our assessment demonstrates that, at least for the only site for which pre- and post-management data on Golden-winged Warblers exist, the shearing of shrubs and small trees has had a substantial and likely enduring negative impact on Golden-winged Warblers. We suggest that incorporating region-specific, empirical information about Golden-winged Warbler—habitat relations into habitat management efforts would increase the likelihood of a positive response by Golden-winged Warblers and also suggest that management directed generically at young forest may not benefit Golden-winged Warblers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry M Streby
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States of America
| | - Gunnar R Kramer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States of America
| | - Sean M Peterson
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - David E Andersen
- Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, United States Geological Survey, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|