1
|
Bollinger E, Zubrod JP, Englert D, Graf N, Weisner O, Kolb S, Schäfer RB, Entling MH, Schulz R. The influence of season, hunting mode, and habitat specialization on riparian spiders as key predators in the aquatic-terrestrial linkage. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22950. [PMID: 38135811 PMCID: PMC10746743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50420-w] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems subsidize riparian zones with high-quality nutrients via the emergence of aquatic insects. Spiders are dominant consumers of these insect subsidies. However, little is known about the variation of aquatic insect consumption across spiders of different hunting modes, habitat specializations, seasons, and systems. To explore this, we assembled a large stable isotope dataset (n > 1000) of aquatic versus terrestrial sources and six spider species over four points in time adjacent to a lotic and a lentic system. The spiders represent three hunting modes each consisting of a wetland specialist and a habitat generalist. We expected that specialists would feed more on aquatic prey than their generalist counterparts. Mixing models showed that spiders' diet consisted of 17-99% of aquatic sources, with no clear effect of habitat specialization. Averaged over the whole study period, web builders (WB) showed the highest proportions (78%) followed by ground hunters (GH, 42%) and vegetation hunters (VH, 31%). Consumption of aquatic prey was highest in June and August, which is most pronounced in GH and WBs, with the latter feeding almost entirely on aquatic sources during this period. Additionally, the elevated importance of high-quality lipids from aquatic origin during fall is indicated by elemental analyses pointing to an accumulation of lipids in October, which represent critical energy reserves during winter. Consequently, this study underlines the importance of aquatic prey irrespective of the habitat specialization of spiders. Furthermore, it suggests that energy flows vary substantially between spider hunting modes and seasons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Bollinger
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany.
| | - Jochen P Zubrod
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
- Zubrod Environmental Data Science, Ostring 24a, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Dominic Englert
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Nadin Graf
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Oliver Weisner
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kolb
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Ralf B Schäfer
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Martin H Entling
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Ralf Schulz
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
- Eußerthal Ecosystem Research Station, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Birkenthalstraße 13, D-76857, Eußerthal, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nash LN, Kratina P, Recalde FC, Jones JI, Izzo T, Romero GQ. Tropical and temperate differences in the trophic structure and aquatic prey use of riparian predators. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:2122-2134. [PMID: 37807844 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14322] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The influence of aquatic resource-inputs on terrestrial communities is poorly understood, particularly in the tropics. We used stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen to trace aquatic prey use and quantify the impact on trophic structure in 240 riparian arthropod communities in tropical and temperate forests. Riparian predators consumed more aquatic prey and were more trophically diverse in the tropics than temperate regions, indicating tropical riparian communities are both more reliant on and impacted by aquatic resources than temperate communities. This suggests they are more vulnerable to disruption of aquatic-terrestrial linkages. Although aquatic resource use declined strongly with distance from water, we observed no correlated change in trophic structure, suggesting trophic flexibility to changing resource availability within riparian predator communities in both tropical and temperate regions. Our findings highlight the importance of aquatic resources for riparian communities, especially in the tropics, but suggest distance from water is less important than resource diversity in maintaining terrestrial trophic structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam N Nash
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Pavel Kratina
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Fátima C Recalde
- Laboratory of Multitrophic Interactions and Biodiversity, Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - John Iwan Jones
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Thiago Izzo
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Comunidades, Departamento de Botânica e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Q Romero
- Laboratory of Multitrophic Interactions and Biodiversity, Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aspin TWH, Khamis K, Matthews TJ, Williams GMD, Windsor FM, Woodward G, Ledger ME. Extra terrestrials: drought creates niche space for rare invertebrates in a large-scale and long-term field experiment. Biol Lett 2023; 19:20230381. [PMID: 37935369 PMCID: PMC10645067 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0381] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Freshwater habitats are drying more frequently and for longer under the combined pressures of climate change and overabstraction. Unsurprisingly, many aquatic species decline or become locally extinct as their benthic habitat is lost during stream droughts, but less is known about the potential 'winners': those terrestrial species that may exploit emerging niches in drying riverbeds. In particular, we do not know how these transient ecotones will respond as droughts become more extreme in the future. To find out we used a large-scale, long-term mesocosm experiment spanning a wide gradient of drought intensity, from permanent flows to full streambed dewatering, and analysed terrestrial invertebrate community assembly after 1 year. Droughts that caused stream fragmentation gave rise to the most diverse terrestrial invertebrate assemblages, including 10 species with UK conservation designations, and high species turnover between experimental channels. Droughts that caused streambed dewatering produced lower terrestrial invertebrate richness, suggesting that the persistence of instream pools may benefit these taxa as well as aquatic biota. Particularly intense droughts may therefore yield relatively few 'winners' among either aquatic or terrestrial species, indicating that the threat to riverine biodiversity from future drought intensification could be more pervasive than widely acknowledged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W. H. Aspin
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Environment Agency, Bristol, UK
| | - Kieran Khamis
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Thomas J. Matthews
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- CE3C – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group / CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute and Universidade dos Açores – Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, PT-9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Açores, Portugal
| | - Gavin M. D. Williams
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Guy Woodward
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Mark E. Ledger
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hernando C. A new flightless genus of Thaumastodinae from Australia (Coleoptera: Limnichidae). Zootaxa 2023; 5315:559-566. [PMID: 37518407 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5315.6.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Austramastodus apterus gen. et sp. nov. from the Cape Range Peninsula, Australia (Western Australia) is described. This is the first Thaumastodinae recorded from continental Australia and the only terrestrial member of the subfamily not associated with any permanent aquatic habitat. It is probably closely related to Pseudeucinetus Heller, 1921, which is widespread in the Paleartic, Oriental and Australian regions. The new genus is apterous and characterized by the transverse head, widely separated eyes (space between them being larger than an eye diameter) and non-forwardly projecting frons. A key to all known genera of Thaumastodinae is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carles Hernando
- Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona; Passeig Picasso s/n; 08003 Barcelona; Catalonia; Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Andersen LH, Ransborg C, Pertoldi C, Pagh S, Bahrndorff S. Can reintroduction of beavers improve insect biodiversity? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 337:117719. [PMID: 36948148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem engineering species, such as beavers, may help the restoration of biodiversity. Through the building of dams and lodges and altering the natural hydrology, beavers change the habitat structure and create multiple habitats that facilitate a wide variety of other organisms including terrestrial invertebrate communities. Here we study the effect of beaver reintroduction in Klosterheden in Denmark on biomass of flying invertebrates and diversity of moths. Further, aerial photos were used to assess riparian structure and productivity using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Our findings show that the presence of beavers affected flying invertebrate biomass, but that this was dependent on time of the year. Further, a strong effect of presence of beavers was found on diversity of moths. The results also show an increase in vegetation productivity and structural heterogeneity at sites with presence of beavers. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of beavers as important ecosystem engineers that affect invertebrate species composition and abundance, as well as riparian structure and productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Line Holm Andersen
- Aalborg University, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, Aalborg East, DK-9220, Denmark; Stockholm University, Institute for Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Svante Arrhenius Väg 20 A, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Christian Ransborg
- Aalborg University, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, Aalborg East, DK-9220, Denmark; Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, Aalborg C, DK-9000, Denmark
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Aalborg University, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, Aalborg East, DK-9220, Denmark; Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, Aalborg C, DK-9000, Denmark
| | - Sussie Pagh
- Aalborg University, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, Aalborg East, DK-9220, Denmark
| | - Simon Bahrndorff
- Aalborg University, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, Aalborg East, DK-9220, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kowarik C, Martin-Creuzburg D, Mathers KL, Weber C, Robinson CT. Stream degradation affects aquatic resource subsidies to riparian ground-dwelling spiders. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158658. [PMID: 36113799 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater systems have undergone drastic alterations during the last century, potentially affecting cross-boundary resource transfers between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. One important connection is the export of biomass by emergent aquatic insects containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), that is scarce in terrestrial systems. Because of taxon-specific differences in PUFA content and functional traits, the contribution of different insect groups should be considered, in addition to total biomass export. In this context, one important trait is the emergence mode. Stoneflies, in contrast to other aquatic insects, crawl to land to emerge instead of flying directly from the water surface, making them accessible to ground-dwelling predators. Because stoneflies are especially susceptible to environmental change, stream degradation might cause a mismatch of available and required nutrients, particularly for ground-dwelling predators. In this study, we estimated emergent biomass and EPA export along two streams with different levels of habitat degradation. The EPA content in aquatic insects did not differ with different degrees of habitat degradation and total biomass export in spring was with 7.9 ± 9.6 mg m-2 day-1 in the degraded and 7.3 ± 8.5 mg m-2 day-1 in the natural system, also unaffected. However, habitat degradation substantially altered the contribution of crawling emergence to the total export in spring, with no biomass export by stoneflies at the most degraded sites. The EPA content in ground-dwelling spiders was correlated with emergent stonefly biomass, making up only 16.0 ± 6.2 % of total fatty acids at sites with no stonefly emergence, but 27.3 ± 3.0 % at sites with highest stonefly emergence. Because immune function in ground-dwelling spiders has been connected to EPA levels, reduced crawling emergence might impact spider fitness. Functional traits, like emergence mode as well as nutritional quality, should be considered when assessing the effects of stream degradation on adjacent terrestrial ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Kowarik
- Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), Department of Aquatic Ecology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Kate L Mathers
- Geography and Environment, Centre for Hydrological and Ecosystem Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK; Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), Department of Surface Waters Research and Management, 6047 Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
| | - Christine Weber
- Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), Department of Surface Waters Research and Management, 6047 Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
| | - Christopher T Robinson
- Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), Department of Aquatic Ecology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Havrdová A, Douda J, Doudová J. Threats, biodiversity drivers and restoration in temperate floodplain forests related to spatial scales. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158743. [PMID: 36108840 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Floodplain forests offer a diversity of habitats and resources for a very wide range of plant and animal species. They also offer many benefits to humankind and are considered essential to the mitigation of the effects of climate change. Nevertheless, throughout the world they are suffering the most intense of anthropogenic pressures so are, of all ecosystems, among the most endangered. Here, we bring together and synthesise existing ecological understanding of the mechanisms underlying the high heterogeneity and diversity of temperate floodplain forests and of the pressures threatening their high biological value due to habitat homogenisation. Floodplain forests depend on the periodic disturbances under which they evolved, including fluvial dynamics, traditional management practices and the activities of herbivores. However, they have been heavily degraded by climate change, invasion of exotic species, river-flow regulation, landscape fragmentation, eutrophication and the cessation of traditional management. We can now observe two general trends in temperate floodplain forests: (1) Due to intensive landscape exploitation, they are now more open and thus prone to the spread of competitive species, including of invasive exotics and (2) Due to the cessation of traditional management, along with modified hydrological conditions, they are composed of species in the later successional stages (i.e., more shade-tolerant and mesic) while light-demanding species are quickly vanishing. Restoration practices have brought about contrasting results when restoration of floodplains to their natural states has been problematic. This is likely because of interplay between various natural and artificial processes not previously taken into proper consideration. We would like to draw attention to the fact that restoration projects or the preservation of existing floodplain forest ecosystems should combine the restoration of watercourses with the mitigation of other important threats acting at different scales of the landscape (spread of invasive species, eutrophication of watersheds and inappropriate forest management).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alena Havrdová
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Praha-Suchdol 165 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Douda
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Praha-Suchdol 165 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Doudová
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Praha-Suchdol 165 00, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rivas-Fandiño P, Acuña-Alonso C, Novo A, Pacheco FAL, Álvarez X. Assessment of high spatial resolution satellite imagery for monitoring riparian vegetation: riverine management in the smallholding. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:81. [PMID: 36342553 PMCID: PMC9640423 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10667-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Riverine habitats are essential ecotones that bridge aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, providing multiple ecosystem services. This study analyses the potential use of high-resolution satellite imagery, provided by the WorldView-2 satellite, in order to assess its viability for monitoring riparian ecosystems. It is performed by calculating the riparian strip quality index (RSQI) and calibrating it with the riparian quality index (QBR). The methodology was implemented in the Umia River, which is characterised by elevated anthropogenic pressures (located in the northwest of Spain). The results obtained by the method have a 92% of veracity and a kappa coefficient of 0.88. The average quality value obtained for the RSQI index was 71.57, while the average value for the QBR was 55.88. This difference could be attributed to the fact that the former does not differ between autochthonous and non-autochthonous vegetation. The areas with more accurate mapping corresponded to stretches of vegetation with optimal cover (80-50%), with good connectivity with the adjacent forest ecosystem and few or no presence of invasive plants. The worst-scoring sites had the next characteristics: low connectivity (< 10%), low forest cover (< 10%) and a higher presence of invasive plants. The degradation of vegetation could be explained by the presence of agriculture and deficient land use rationing caused by the type of ownership of the study area. The application of this index through satellite images will facilitate the environmental governance of multiple ecosystems and in special riparian ecosystems, obtaining a quick and objective methodology, easily replicable in other basins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Rivas-Fandiño
- Agroforestry Group, School of Forestry Engineering, University of Vigo, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Carolina Acuña-Alonso
- Agroforestry Group, School of Forestry Engineering, University of Vigo, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Ana Novo
- Geotech Group, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Mining Engineering, CINTECX, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | | | - Xana Álvarez
- Agroforestry Group, School of Forestry Engineering, University of Vigo, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Landsman AP, Thiel CR. Habitat characteristics and climatic factors influence microhabitat selection and arthropod community structure in a globally rare central Appalachian shale barren. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:18169-18180. [PMID: 35003665 PMCID: PMC8717312 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8413] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The central Appalachian shale barrens, a globally unique habitat type restricted to the eastern United States, presents an insular and physiologically stressful environment with sparse vegetation and extreme ground surface and air temperatures. Despite the high levels of plant species endemism within these systems, information on invertebrate communities and habitat preferences is extremely limited.Through this study, we aimed to better understand a shale barren arthropod community, microhabitat selection, and the influence of habitat characteristics and climatic factors. We employed pitfall traps to sample epigeic arthropods during the 2016 growing season in a shale barren habitat.Arthropod community composition was driven by overstory trees, mediated through accumulated leaf litter and availability of shaded microhabitats. Ambient air temperature also influenced the surface activity of various taxa with spiders decreasing at higher temperatures and ants, crickets, flies, and harvestmen all increasing in relative abundance.Habitat integrity of the central Appalachian shale barrens is threatened by forest succession and mesophication, encroaching invasive plant species, and rising ambient air temperatures, all of which can alter the extent of overstory vegetation and availability of shaded microhabitats. These biotic and physical pressures will subsequently affect epigeic arthropod community composition, depending on adaptive capacity of individual taxa.To the authors' knowledge, these findings constitute only the second published work on arthropod communities and the first to focus on epigeic taxa in this globally rare habitat type. Continued conservation of these unique, insular habitats and their adapted inhabitants requires a multifaceted approach that considers current and future conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Landsman
- National Park ServiceUnited States Department of the InteriorWilliamsportMarylandUSA
| | - Clara R. Thiel
- National Park ServiceUnited States Department of the InteriorWilliamsportMarylandUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Maceda-Veiga A, Albacete S, Flor-Arnau N, Vieira C, Bros V, Domènech M, Bayona JM, Pujade-Villar J, Sabater F, Mac Nally R. Local and downstream cumulative effects of traditional meadow management on stream-water quality and multiple riparian taxa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 794:148601. [PMID: 34217080 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Water quality and riparian communities are among the most affected stream components by agriculture. However, little is known about the effects of riparian management for both aquatic and terrestrial taxa at different spatial scales. Here, we surveyed aquatic (diatoms) and terrestrial taxa (bryophytes, vascular plants, litter-dwelling snails, and ground and volant arthropods), to compare the abundance and richness of riparian taxa and chemical quality between reference and exposed sites in two stream reaches each of c. 3.5 km in northwestern Spain. Impacts in exposed sites were mainly due to traditional farming practices (TFPs), which included traditional meadow management, weirs built for now-unused water mills and sporadic timber harvesting. Therefore, we measured ten covariates and predictors related to the intensification of TFPs at local and within-stream scales and explored associations with riparian and water-quality measures to study the potential effects of TFPs in more detail. Reference and exposed sites did not differ significantly in water properties (diatom-biotic indices, conductivity, total organic carbon and nitrates), but exposed sites had less concentrations of soil metals Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn and less cover and richness of riparian trees, as inferred by the index QBR. Exposed sites had more volant insect decomposers and reference sites a greater abundance or richness of snails, ground predators and decomposers. Bryophyte richness was greater in reference sites. Our inferences may inform the joint cumulative downstream effects of weirs, meadow uses and riparian alterations but were generally consistent with most riparian taxa benefiting from having larger forested areas. Given the contrasting responses among taxa, we argue that land snails, terrestrial flies, and centipedes may be valuable additions to current riparian assessments mostly based on plants, beetles and spiders as indicator taxa. Our study also suggests caution when inferring farming impacts on streams from the surface area of pastoral land.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maceda-Veiga
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; IRBio-UB, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Núria Flor-Arnau
- EUROFINS-IPROMA, Camí de la Ratlla, 46, 12006 Almassora, Castelló, Spain
| | - Cristiana Vieira
- Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (MHNC-UP)/UPorto/PRISC, Praça Gomes Teixeira, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vicenç Bros
- Oficina Tècnica de Parc Naturals, Diputació de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Domènech
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; IRBio-UB, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Bayona
- IDAEA-CSIC, Environmental Chemistry Department, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juli Pujade-Villar
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Sabater
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ralph Mac Nally
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Edaphic beetle (Coleoptera) community response to the presence of gallery forest in a Brazilian subtropical grassland landscape. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00757-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
12
|
Using Bioacoustics to Examine Vocal Phenology of Neotropical Migratory Birds on a Wild and Scenic River in Arizona. BIRDS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/birds2030019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Passive acoustic recorders have been used successfully as automated survey tools to detect terrestrial wildlife. However, few studies have monitored Neotropical migratory bird use of riparian forest habitat using this technology. Within dryland ecosystems, the forests along rivers support high bird diversity. Many bird species of conservation concern require these floodplain forest habitats for foraging, migration stop-overs, and breeding. Few studies have explored the use of acoustic records in riverine systems designated for conservation for their natural resource value via the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in the USA. Using acoustic recorders, we document vocal activity of four riparian-obligate species (Bell’s Vireo, Vireo bellii; Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra; Yellow Warbler, Setophaga petechial; and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus) to determine species occurrence along a Wild and Scenic River. We established three study reaches along the perennial Lower Verde River, in the Sonoran Desert of central Arizona, USA. Nine acoustic recorders were used over the period of 80–120 days during the summer of 2018. We measured vegetation composition and structure in 100 m2 plots paired with acoustic recorders. Visualizing vocal activity showed that three species were calling and singing at each reach; whereas, one species, the cuckoo, had fewer recordings and occurred later in the summer. We demonstrate the utility of acoustic monitoring even when applied to rare birds in complex riparian habitats. This information is important for land management and conservation efforts concerning these species of interest and identifying important habitat features in Southwestern US riparian woodlands.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Riparian zones (RZs) are transitional environments at the interface between land and freshwater ecosystems, which are important in terms of socioecological services. In this work, we report a bibliometric-based analysis to unveil the knowledge structure and actors of scientific production on riparian zones for the first 20 years of the 21st century. We performed a literature search, querying for riparian zones publications for the period 2001–2020. The selected 1171 bibliographic records were analyzed by extracting several bibliometric indices of reporting tendencies, location, collaboration dynamics, and top topics. Results show that RZs publications increased considerably from 2001 to 2020, and top journals publishing on the subject are from the water, environmental management, and ecology areas. The US, China, Brazil, and Canada were the most productive countries, while the institutions with higher productivity were the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Oregon University. In terms of impact, the US, Canada, and Australia led in citation number, while the country collaboration network showed that the strongest links occur between China and the US. Our results also show that few studies were produced in low-middle income countries, which suggests a need to funnel international funding to study riparian environments in these geographical contexts. According to analysis of frequency, top topics are related to water quality and focused on lotic environments. We here present the main knowledge structure of RZs studies globally for the first 20 years of the XXI century.
Collapse
|
14
|
Silverthorn TK, Richardson JS. Forest Management Impacts on Greenhouse Gas Fluxes from Riparian Soils Along Headwater Streams. Ecosystems 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-021-00621-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
15
|
Riparian Vegetation Structure Influences Terrestrial Invertebrate Communities in an Agricultural Landscape. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Stream and terrestrial ecosystems are intimately connected by riparian zones that support high biodiversity but are also vulnerable to human impacts. Landscape disturbances, overgrazing, and diffuse pollution of agrochemicals threaten riparian biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. We assessed how terrestrial invertebrate communities respond to changes in riparian vegetation in Romanian agricultural catchments, with a focus on the role of forested riparian buffers. Riparian invertebrates were sampled in 10 paired sites, with each pair consisting of an unbuffered upstream reach and a downstream reach buffered with woody riparian vegetation. Our results revealed distinct invertebrate community structures in the two site types. Out of 33 invertebrate families, 13 were unique to either forested (6) or unbuffered (7) sites. Thomisidae, Clubionidae, Tetragnathidae, Curculionidae, Culicidae, and Cicadidae were associated with forested buffers, while Lycosidae, Chrysomelidae, Staphylinidae, Coccinellidae, Tettigoniidae, Formicidae, and Eutichuridae were more abundant in unbuffered sites. Despite statistically equivocal results, invertebrate diversity was generally higher in forested riparian buffers. Local riparian attributes significantly influenced patterns in invertebrate community composition. Our findings highlight the importance of local woody riparian buffers in maintaining terrestrial invertebrate diversity and their potential contribution as a multifunctional management tool in agricultural landscapes.
Collapse
|
16
|
Hunt JL, Paterson H, Close P, Pettit NE. Riparian condition influences spider community structure and the contribution of aquatic carbon subsidies to terrestrial habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 746:141109. [PMID: 32763604 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Degradation of riparian zones can alter aquatic and terrestrial communities of flora and fauna and disrupt their role in assimilating and mobilising carbon between the two ecosystems. Riparian spiders that predate on emergent aquatic invertebrates can contribute to carbon flux and the structure of aquatic and riparian food webs. The impact of riparian degradation on spiders in temperate rivers of Australia and their role in this broader ecosystem function is poorly understood. We surveyed the riparian zone of four rivers of south-western Australia in areas of natural intact vegetation and degraded agricultural land to explore whether riparian spider abundance, and diversity may be affected by changes to riparian condition. We also assessed the impact of the riparian condition on carbon fluxes between aquatic and terrestrial environments, using stable isotope analysis. We found overall abundance of riparian spiders was higher in degraded agricultural sites compared to natural intact sites and the structure of spider assemblages was different. Orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae and Tetragnathidae) were found to be more abundant in agricultural areas where canopy cover and understory are sparse as a result of livestock grazing and trampling. The contribution of carbon from aquatic invertebrates in a natural intact site was 48.5% for Orb-weavers and 41.6% for Cursorial Hunter spiders but reduced to 19.6% and 39.9% respectively in a degraded agricultural site. These results suggest that the position of spiders in riparian food webs and the amount of aquatic subsidy may change according to the condition and complexity of the riparian zone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie-Lee Hunt
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Albany, WA 6330, Australia
| | - Harriet Paterson
- Oceans Institute and School of Agriculture and the Environment, University of Western Australia, Albany, WA 6330, Australia
| | - Paul Close
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Albany, WA 6330, Australia
| | - Neil E Pettit
- Ecosystem Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
The Impact of Climate Variations on the Structure of Ground Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Assemblage in Forests and Wetlands. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11101074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effect of climate variations on the structure of the assemblage of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in a wetland and surrounding watershed forest. We analyzed the changes in the structure of the assemblage of ground beetles provoked by a two-year dry period against the background of studies carried out during the two-year wet period. Aridization influenced the structure of the assemblage of ground beetles more in wetlands than in forests. It was shown that despite the stabilizing effect of the forest on the structure of assemblages of terrestrial arthropods, the two-year dry period had a negative impact on the assemblage of ground beetles in the studied area. The Simpson dominance index of 4.9 during the wet season increased to 7.2 during the drought period. Although the total number of species during the dry period did not significantly decrease in comparison with the wet period—from 30 to 27 species—changes occurred in the trophic structure: during the drought period, the number of predators decreased. It is concluded that the resistance of forest habitats to climate aridization is somewhat exaggerated and, very likely, the structure of the community of arthropods in forests will change significantly.
Collapse
|
18
|
Campos BR, Burnett RD, Loffland HL, Siegel RB. Bird response to hydrologic restoration of montane riparian meadows. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brent R. Campos
- Point Blue Conservation Science 3820 Cypress Drive #11, Petaluma CA 94954 U.S.A
| | - Ryan D. Burnett
- Point Blue Conservation Science 3820 Cypress Drive #11, Petaluma CA 94954 U.S.A
| | - Helen L. Loffland
- The Institute for Bird Populations Point Reyes Station CA 94956 U.S.A
| | - Rodney B. Siegel
- The Institute for Bird Populations Point Reyes Station CA 94956 U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nsor CA, Oppong SK, Danquah E, Ochem M, Antobre OO. Spatiotemporal dynamics of terrestrial invertebrate assemblages in the riparian zone of the Wewe river, Ashanti region, Ghana. Open Life Sci 2020; 15:331-345. [PMID: 33817222 PMCID: PMC7874598 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2020-0037] [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: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed invertebrate response to disturbances in the riparian zone of the Wewe river, using geometric series, rarefaction, Renyi diversity, and CCA models. We sampled 2,077 individuals (dry season) and 2,282 (wet season) belonging to 16 invertebrate orders. The severely disturbed habitat registered the highest individuals (n = 1,999), while the least was the moderately disturbed habitat (n = 740). Seasonal assemblages were not significantly different. Fire, farming, tree felling, and erosion explained 66.8% and 60.55% in the dry and wet seasons, respectively, of variations in invertebrate assemblages. This suggests threats to the invertebrate community and the riparian ecosystem health by anthropogenic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collins Ayine Nsor
- Department of Forest Resources Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel K Oppong
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Danquah
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Ochem
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Osei Owusu Antobre
- Department of Forest Resources Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bateman HL, Merritt DM. Complex riparian habitats predict reptile and amphibian diversity. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
21
|
Recalde FC, Breviglieri CPB, Romero GQ. Allochthonous aquatic subsidies alleviate predation pressure in terrestrial ecosystems. Ecology 2020; 101:e03074. [PMID: 32304220 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The input of external energy and matter in recipient ecosystems can act as a bottom-up force that subsidizes consumers, with subsequent cascading effects throughout the food web. Depending on the amount of input, dietary preference, and the strength of trophic links, allochthonous resources generally play a stabilizing role on food webs. In this study, we investigated the stabilizing role of allochthonous aquatic resources on intraguild predation (IGP) and their consequences on shared prey in a terrestrial ecosystem. To this end, we manipulated the input of emergent aquatic insects (the allochthonous resources) from streams to land, and predation pressure by bats and birds (the top predators), in a multitrophic food web using an orthogonal exclusion experiment. Using stable isotope metrics, we found that bats, birds, and spiders (the mesopredators), were highly subsidized by emergent aquatic insects. Moreover, among terrestrial prey, top predators fed more on spiders than insects. As predicted, spiders were strongly affected by the presence of top predators when allochthonous resources were excluded. Consequently, in this scenario terrestrial insects were two times more abundant. Because spiders showed a higher preference for consuming aquatic resources, we suggest that nonconsumptive effects of spiders upon terrestrial insects could be mediating the strong response of those shared prey. We demonstrate that the input of allochthonous aquatic resources can play a fundamental role in stabilizing terrestrial trophic interactions and trophic cascades in riparian zones via decreasing predation pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fátima C Recalde
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ecologia, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, 13083-970, Brazil.,Department of Basic Sciences, Polytechnic Faculty, National University of Asunción - UNA, San Lorenzo, 2160, Paraguay
| | - Crasso P B Breviglieri
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Q Romero
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, 13083-970, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
The terrestrial arthropod fauna of wetlands has been largely ignored by scientists compared to other ecological elements, yet these organisms are among the most important influences on the ecology of these systems, with the vast majority of the biodiversity in wetlands found among the terrestrial arthropods. Wetlands present a range of habitat for terrestrial arthropods, with unique faunas being associated with soils and ground litter, living-plant substrates, and peatlands. Myriapoda, Araneae, Collembola, Carabidae, Formicidae, and assorted herbivorous Coleoptera and Lepidoptera are the terrestrial arthropod groups that most influence the ecology of wetlands. Despite their success, most terrestrial arthropods possess fairly rudimentary adaptations for life in wetlands, with most simply moving to higher ground or up vegetation during floods, although some species can tolerate immersion. Many terrestrial arthropods are environmentally sensitive and show considerable promise as bioindicators of wetland ecological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darold P Batzer
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA;
| | - Haitao Wu
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jillin Province, 130102, P.R. China;
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang K, Yuan X, Zhang G, Liu S, Wang F, Liu H, Zhang M, Zhou L. Diversity and Distribution of Riparian Arthropods in the Drawdown Zone of China's Three Gorges Reservoir. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 48:1340-1348. [PMID: 31568549 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvz104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Riparian zones are interesting habitats as they are important transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, but highly threatened by human disturbances. They support a high arthropod diversity as they experience periodic flooding disturbance and sharp environmental gradients. Their associated arthropod fauna are of high conservation value. Nevertheless, their arthropod diversity remains largely unknown, and its distribution pattern along elevational gradients is poorly understood. Few data are available on the effects of flood regimes and other factors in determining riparian arthropod communities. In this study, we investigated the diversity and distribution of riparian arthropods along an elevational gradient and determined the major factors structuring the arthropod communities in the drawdown zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. Significant compositional and structural changes of riparian arthropod communities were observed along the test elevational gradient. The abundance and richness of riparian arthropods increased with elevation. The relative abundance of predators decreased with elevation, whereas the saprovores and omnivores showed an upward trend along the elevational gradient. Redundancy analysis showed that there were significant interactions between the flood regimes, plant communities, and soil conditions. Among these environmental factors studied, flood duration was the main factor in structuring the riparian arthropod communities. Conservation and restoration strategies should consider flood duration in the operation of large reservoirs because riparian arthropods are particularly sensitive to flood regimes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kehong Wang
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingzhong Yuan
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanxiong Zhang
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuangshuang Liu
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lilei Zhou
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kopp DA, Allen DC. Stream network geometry and the spatial influence of aquatic insect subsidies across the contiguous United States. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Darin A. Kopp
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program Department of Biology University of Oklahoma Norman Oklahoma 73071 USA
| | - Daniel C. Allen
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program Department of Biology University of Oklahoma Norman Oklahoma 73071 USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Relationships between Riparian Forest Fragmentation and Biological Indicators of Streams. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11102870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities, such as land use and land cover modifications in riparian areas, can alter the degree of fragmentation of riparian vegetation, lead to the degradation of stream habitats, and affect biological communities in the streams. The characteristics of the riparian forests can modify the condition of stream environments and the transporting mechanisms of materials, sediments, nutrients, and pollutants loaded from the watersheds. This study aimed to examine the relationships between forest fragmentation and three biological indicators of trophic diatom, benthic macroinvertebrate, and the fish assessment in the Nakdong River, Korea. Eighty-nine biological assessment sampling sites in the National Aquatic Ecological Monitoring Program of South Korea were identified. For each sampling site, riparian forest data within a 500 m radius were extracted from national LULC using GIS to compute fragmentation metrics using FRAGSTATS software. Four fragmentation metrics—number of forest patches, percentage of riparian forest cover (PLAND), largest riparian forest patch index (LPI), and riparian forest division index (DIVISION)—were correlated with the biological indicators. Also, due to severe spatial autocorrelation among observations, the fragmentation metrics and stream environmental variables were regressed to biological indicators using regression tree analysis. Our results indicate that the biological indicators were significantly associated with most forest fragmentation metrics. We found positive correlations of PLAND and LPI with biological indicators, whereas DIVISION was negatively correlated with biological indicators. Both correlation and regression tree analyses revealed that the biological conditions of streams were likely to be better if riparian forests are less fragmented. Particularly, stronger relationships were revealed between macroinvertebrates and fish with the fragmentation metrics of riparian forests than with benthic diatoms. However, these relationships varied with elevation, stream size, and slope conditions. The results of this study reinforced the importance of including riparian forests in the planning, restoration, and management of stream environments. These results also suggested that planners and managers may need to consider different strategies for different stream environments and topographic characteristics in managing riparian forests.
Collapse
|
26
|
Seeney A, Eastwood S, Pattison Z, Willby NJ, Bull CD. All change at the water’s edge: invasion by non-native riparian plants negatively impacts terrestrial invertebrates. Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-01947-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
27
|
Ramey TL, Richardson JS. Experimental test of water, nutrients, and microclimate on leaf litter mass loss in headwater riparian forests. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tonya L. Ramey
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences; University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - John S. Richardson
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences; University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
| |
Collapse
|