1
|
Alaasam VJ, Behnke TL, Grant AR, Ouyang JQ. Glucocorticoids and land cover: a largescale comparative approach to assess a physiological biomarker for avian conservation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220508. [PMID: 38310940 PMCID: PMC10838646 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
As humans alter landscapes worldwide, land and wildlife managers need reliable tools to assess and monitor responses of wildlife populations. Glucocorticoid (GC) hormone levels are one common physiological metric used to quantify how populations are coping in the context of their environments. Understanding whether GC levels can reflect broad landscape characteristics, using data that are free and commonplace to diverse stakeholders, is an important step towards physiological biomarkers having practical application in management and conservation. We conducted a phylogenetic comparative analysis using publicly available datasets to test the efficacy of GCs as a biomarker for large spatial-scale avian population monitoring. We used hormone data from HormoneBase (51 species), natural history information and US national land cover data to determine if baseline or stress-induced corticosterone varies with the amount of usable land cover types within each species' home range. We found that stress-induced levels, but not baseline, positively correlated with per cent usable land cover both within and across species. Our results indicate that GC concentrations may be a useful biomarker for characterizing populations across a range of habitat availability, and we advocate for more physiological studies on non-traditional species in less studied populations to build on this framework. This article is part of the theme issue 'Endocrine responses to environmental variation: conceptual approaches and recent developments'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tessa L. Behnke
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Avery R. Grant
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Jenny Q. Ouyang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Madliger CL, Creighton MJA, Raby GD, Bennett JR, Birnie‐Gauvin K, Lennox RJ, Cooke SJ. Physiology as a tool for at‐risk animal recovery planning: An analysis of Canadian recovery strategies with global recommendations. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L. Madliger
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa ON Canada
- Integrative Biology Department University of Windsor Windsor ON Canada
| | | | - Graham D. Raby
- Biology Department Trent University Peterborough ON Canada
| | | | - Kim Birnie‐Gauvin
- Section for Freshwater Fisheries and Ecology Technical University of Denmark Kongens Lyngby Denmark
- University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Robert J. Lennox
- Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE) Laboratory for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Bergen Norway
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shidemantle G, Buss N, Hua J. Are glucocorticoids good indicators of disturbance across populations that exhibit cryptic variation in contaminant tolerance? Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Shidemantle
- Biological Sciences Department Binghamton University (SUNY) Binghamton NY USA
| | - N. Buss
- Biological Sciences Department Binghamton University (SUNY) Binghamton NY USA
| | - J. Hua
- Biological Sciences Department Binghamton University (SUNY) Binghamton NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Is livestock husbandry more stressing than other anthropic activities to wild carnivores? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
5
|
Madliger CL, Love OP, Nguyen VM, Haddaway NR, Cooke SJ. Researcher perspectives on challenges and opportunities in conservation physiology revealed from an online survey. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab030. [PMID: 33959293 PMCID: PMC8084030 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Conservation physiology represents a recently emerging arm of conservation science that applies physiological tools and techniques to understand and solve conservation issues. While a multi-disciplinary toolbox can only help to address the global biodiversity crisis, any field can face challenges while becoming established, particularly highly applied disciplines that require multi-stakeholder involvement. Gaining first-hand knowledge of the challenges that conservation physiologists are facing can help characterize the current state of the field and build a better foundation for determining how it can grow. Through an online survey of 468 scientists working at the intersection of physiology and conservation, we aimed to identify characteristics of those engaging in conservation physiology research (e.g. demographics, primary taxa of study), gauge conservation physiology's role in contributing to on-the-ground conservation action, identify the perceived barriers to achieving success and determine how difficult any identified barriers are to overcome. Despite all participants having experience combining physiology and conservation, only one-third considered themselves to be 'conservation physiologists'. Moreover, there was a general perception that conservation physiology does not yet regularly lead to tangible conservation success. Respondents identified the recent conceptualization of the field and the broader issue of adequately translating science into management action as the primary reasons for these deficits. Other significant barriers that respondents have faced when integrating physiology and conservation science included a lack of funding, logistical constraints (e.g. sample sizes, obtaining permits) and a lack of physiological baseline data (i.e. reference ranges of a physiological metric's 'normal' or pre-environmental change levels). We identified 12 actions based on suggestions of survey participants that we anticipate will help deconstruct the barriers and continue to develop a narrative of physiology that is relevant to conservation science, policy and practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Madliger
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Vivian M Nguyen
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Neal R Haddaway
- Stockholm Environment Institute, Linnégatan 87D, 10451 Stockholm, Sweden
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Torgauer Strasse 19, 10829, Berlin, Germany
- Africa Centre for Evidence, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Elmer LK, Madliger CL, Blumstein DT, Elvidge CK, Fernández-Juricic E, Horodysky AZ, Johnson NS, McGuire LP, Swaisgood RR, Cooke SJ. Exploiting common senses: sensory ecology meets wildlife conservation and management. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab002. [PMID: 33815799 PMCID: PMC8009554 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Multidisciplinary approaches to conservation and wildlife management are often effective in addressing complex, multi-factor problems. Emerging fields such as conservation physiology and conservation behaviour can provide innovative solutions and management strategies for target species and systems. Sensory ecology combines the study of 'how animals acquire' and process sensory stimuli from their environments, and the ecological and evolutionary significance of 'how animals respond' to this information. We review the benefits that sensory ecology can bring to wildlife conservation and management by discussing case studies across major taxa and sensory modalities. Conservation practices informed by a sensory ecology approach include the amelioration of sensory traps, control of invasive species, reduction of human-wildlife conflicts and relocation and establishment of new populations of endangered species. We illustrate that sensory ecology can facilitate the understanding of mechanistic ecological and physiological explanations underlying particular conservation issues and also can help develop innovative solutions to ameliorate conservation problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Elmer
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Christine L Madliger
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Daniel T Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
| | - Chris K Elvidge
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | | | - Andrij Z Horodysky
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, USA
| | - Nicholas S Johnson
- USGS, Great Lakes Science Center, Hammond Bay Biological Station, Millersburg, MI 49759, USA
| | - Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA 92027-7000, USA
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Intimate Partner Violence: A Bibliometric Review of Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155607. [PMID: 32759637 PMCID: PMC7432288 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a worldwide public health problem. Here, a bibliometric analysis is performed to evaluate the publications in the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) field from 2000 to 2019 based on the Science Citation Index (SCI) Expanded and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) databases. This work presents a detailed overview of IPV from aspects of types of articles, citations, h-indices, languages, years, journals, institutions, countries, and author keywords. The results show that the USA takes the leading position in this research field, followed by Canada and the U.K. The University of North Carolina has the most publications and Harvard University has the first place in terms of h-index. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine leads the list of average citations per paper. The Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Journal of Family Violence and Violence Against Women are the top three most productive journals in this field, and Psychology is the most frequently used subject category. Keywords analysis indicates that, in recent years, most research focuses on the research fields of "child abuse", "pregnancy", "HIV", "dating violence", "gender-based violence" and "adolescents".
Collapse
|
8
|
Injaian AS, Francis CD, Ouyang JQ, Dominoni DM, Donald JW, Fuxjager MJ, Goymann W, Hau M, Husak JF, Johnson MA, Kircher BK, Knapp R, Martin LB, Miller ET, Schoenle LA, Williams TD, Vitousek MN. Baseline and stress-induced corticosterone levels across birds and reptiles do not reflect urbanization levels. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coz110. [PMID: 31993201 PMCID: PMC6978728 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Rates of human-induced environmental change continue increasing with human population size, potentially altering animal physiology and negatively affecting wildlife. Researchers often use glucocorticoid concentrations (hormones that can be associated with stressors) to gauge the impact of anthropogenic factors (e.g. urbanization, noise and light pollution). Yet, no general relationships between human-induced environmental change and glucocorticoids have emerged. Given the number of recent studies reporting baseline and stress-induced corticosterone (the primary glucocorticoid in birds and reptiles) concentrations worldwide, it is now possible to conduct large-scale comparative analyses to test for general associations between disturbance and baseline and stress-induced corticosterone across species. Additionally, we can control for factors that may influence context, such as life history stage, environmental conditions and urban adaptability of a species. Here, we take a phylogenetically informed approach and use data from HormoneBase to test if baseline and stress-induced corticosterone are valid indicators of exposure to human footprint index, human population density, anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night in birds and reptiles. Our results show a negative relationship between anthropogenic noise and baseline corticosterone for birds characterized as urban avoiders. While our results potentially indicate that urban avoiders are more sensitive to noise than other species, overall our study suggests that the relationship between human-induced environmental change and corticosterone varies across species and contexts; we found no general relationship between human impacts and baseline and stress-induced corticosterone in birds, nor baseline corticosterone in reptiles. Therefore, it should not be assumed that high or low levels of exposure to human-induced environmental change are associated with high or low corticosterone levels, respectively, or that closely related species, or even individuals, will respond similarly. Moving forward, measuring alternative physiological traits alongside reproductive success, health and survival may provide context to better understand the potential negative effects of human-induced environmental change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison S Injaian
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853, USA
- Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca NY 14850, USA
| | - Clinton D Francis
- Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| | - Jenny Q Ouyang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Davide M Dominoni
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Jeremy W Donald
- Coates Library, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Matthew J Fuxjager
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence RI 02912, USA
| | | | - Michaela Hau
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen 82319, Germany
- University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jerry F Husak
- Department of Biology, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
| | - Michele A Johnson
- Department of Biology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Bonnie K Kircher
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Rosemary Knapp
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Lynn B Martin
- Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | | | - Laura A Schoenle
- Office of Undergraduate Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853, USA
| | - Tony D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Maren N Vitousek
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853, USA
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca NY 14850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ames EM, Gade MR, Nieman CL, Wright JR, Tonra CM, Marroquin CM, Tutterow AM, Gray SM. Striving for population-level conservation: integrating physiology across the biological hierarchy. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa019. [PMID: 32274066 PMCID: PMC7125044 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The field of conservation physiology strives to achieve conservation goals by revealing physiological mechanisms that drive population declines in the face of human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC) and has informed many successful conservation actions. However, many studies still struggle to explicitly link individual physiological measures to impacts across the biological hierarchy (to population and ecosystem levels) and instead rely on a 'black box' of assumptions to scale up results for conservation implications. Here, we highlight some examples of studies that were successful in scaling beyond the individual level, including two case studies of well-researched species, and using other studies we highlight challenges and future opportunities to increase the impact of research by scaling up the biological hierarchy. We first examine studies that use individual physiological measures to scale up to population-level impacts and discuss several emerging fields that have made significant steps toward addressing the gap between individual-based and demographic studies, such as macrophysiology and landscape physiology. Next, we examine how future studies can scale from population or species-level to community- and ecosystem-level impacts and discuss avenues of research that can lead to conservation implications at the ecosystem level, such as abiotic gradients and interspecific interactions. In the process, we review methods that researchers can use to make links across the biological hierarchy, including crossing disciplinary boundaries, collaboration and data sharing, spatial modelling and incorporating multiple markers (e.g. physiological, behavioural or demographic) into their research. We recommend future studies incorporating tools that consider the diversity of 'landscapes' experienced by animals at higher levels of the biological hierarchy, will make more effective contributions to conservation and management decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Ames
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Meaghan R Gade
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Chelsey L Nieman
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - James R Wright
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Christopher M Tonra
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Cynthia M Marroquin
- Departmant of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 318 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Annalee M Tutterow
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Suzanne M Gray
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Corresponding author: School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Tel: 614-292-4643.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Martin LB, Vitousek M, Donald JW, Flock T, Fuxjager MJ, Goymann W, Hau M, Husak J, Johnson MA, Kircher B, Knapp R, Miller ET, Schoenle LA, Williams T, Francis CD. IUCN Conservation Status Does Not Predict Glucocorticoid Concentrations in Reptiles and Birds. Integr Comp Biol 2019; 58:800-813. [PMID: 30052988 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icy102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most commonly used biomarkers of stress in wildlife. However, their utility as a tool for identifying and/or managing at-risk species has varied. Here, we took a very broad approach to conservation physiology, asking whether International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listing status (concern versus no obvious concern) and/or location within a geographic range (edge versus non-edge) predicted baseline and post-restraint concentrations of corticosterone (CORT) among many species of birds and reptiles. Even though such an approach can be viewed as coarse, we asked in this analysis whether CORT concentrations might be useful to implicate species at risk. Indeed, our effort, relying on HormoneBase, a repository of data on wildlife steroids, complements several other large-scale efforts in this issue to describe and understand GC variation. Using a phylogenetically informed Bayesian approach, we found little evidence that either IUCN status or edge/non-edge location in a geographic distribution were related to GC levels. However, we did confirm patterns described in previous studies, namely that breeding condition and evolutionary relatedness among species predicted some GC variation. Given the broad scope of our work, we are reluctant to conclude that IUCN status and location within a range are unrelated to GC regulation. We encourage future more targeted efforts on GCs in at-risk populations to reveal how factors leading to IUCN listing or the environmental conditions at range edges impact individual performance and fitness, particularly in the mammals, amphibians, and fish species we could not study here because data are currently unavailable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn B Martin
- Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Maren Vitousek
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Jeremy W Donald
- Coates Library, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Travis Flock
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Matthew J Fuxjager
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | | | - Michaela Hau
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Starnberg, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jerry Husak
- Department of Biology, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
| | - Michele A Johnson
- Department of Biology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Bonnie Kircher
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Rosemary Knapp
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | | | - Laura A Schoenle
- Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.,Department of Biology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, USA
| | - Tony Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Clinton D Francis
- Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Webber QM, Vander Wal E. Trends and perspectives on the use of animal social network analysis in behavioural ecology: a bibliometric approach. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
12
|
Madliger CL, Love OP, Hultine KR, Cooke SJ. The conservation physiology toolbox: status and opportunities. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy029. [PMID: 29942517 PMCID: PMC6007632 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
For over a century, physiological tools and techniques have been allowing researchers to characterize how organisms respond to changes in their natural environment and how they interact with human activities or infrastructure. Over time, many of these techniques have become part of the conservation physiology toolbox, which is used to monitor, predict, conserve, and restore plant and animal populations under threat. Here, we provide a summary of the tools that currently comprise the conservation physiology toolbox. By assessing patterns in articles that have been published in 'Conservation Physiology' over the past 5 years that focus on introducing, refining and validating tools, we provide an overview of where researchers are placing emphasis in terms of taxa and physiological sub-disciplines. Although there is certainly diversity across the toolbox, metrics of stress physiology (particularly glucocorticoids) and studies focusing on mammals have garnered the greatest attention, with both comprising the majority of publications (>45%). We also summarize the types of validations that are actively being completed, including those related to logistics (sample collection, storage and processing), interpretation of variation in physiological traits and relevance for conservation science. Finally, we provide recommendations for future tool refinement, with suggestions for: (i) improving our understanding of the applicability of glucocorticoid physiology; (ii) linking multiple physiological and non-physiological tools; (iii) establishing a framework for plant conservation physiology; (iv) assessing links between environmental disturbance, physiology and fitness; (v) appreciating opportunities for validations in under-represented taxa; and (vi) emphasizing tool validation as a core component of research programmes. Overall, we are confident that conservation physiology will continue to increase its applicability to more taxa, develop more non-invasive techniques, delineate where limitations exist, and identify the contexts necessary for interpretation in captivity and the wild.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Madliger
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, Canada
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin R Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mahoney JL, Klug PE, Reed WL. An assessment of the US endangered species act recovery plans: using physiology to support conservation. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy036. [PMID: 31308947 PMCID: PMC6047412 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Applying physiology to help solve conservation problems has become increasingly prominent. It is unclear, however, if the increased integration into the scientific community has translated into the application of physiological tools in conservation planning. We completed a review of the use of animal physiology in the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery plans released between 2005 and 2016. Over those 11 years, 135 of the 146 recovery plans mentioned physiology, with 56% including it as background information on the natural history of the species and not as part of the recovery process. Fish and bird species had the lowest proportion of recovery plans to include physiology beyond the description of the natural history. When considering multiple sub-disciplines of physiology, immunology and epidemiology were incorporated as part of the recovery process most often. Our review suggests a disconnect between available physiological tools and the potential role of physiology in developing conservation plans. We provide three suggestions to further guide conservation scientists, managers and physiologists to work synergistically to solve conservation problems: (1) the breadth of knowledge within a recovery plan writing team should be increased, for example, through increased training of federal scientists in new physiology methodologies and tools or the inclusion of authors in academia that have a background in physiology; (2) physiologists should make their research more available to conservation scientists and federal agencies by clearly linking their research to conservation and (3) communication should be enhanced between government conservation scientists and physiologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Mahoney
- Ellsworth Community College, 1100 College Avenue, Math and Science Room 114, Iowa Falls, IA 50126, USA
- Corresponding author: Ellsworth Community College, 1100 College Avenue, Math and Science Room 114, Iowa Falls, IA 50126, USA. Tel: 641 648 8679.
| | - Page E Klug
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, North Dakota Field Station, Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Wendy L Reed
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 201 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Illing B, Rummer JL. Physiology can contribute to better understanding, management, and conservation of coral reef fishes. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 5:cox005. [PMID: 28852508 PMCID: PMC5570121 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Coral reef fishes, like many other marine organisms, are affected by anthropogenic stressors such as fishing and pollution and, owing to climate change, are experiencing increasing water temperatures and ocean acidification. Against the backdrop of these various stressors, a mechanistic understanding of processes governing individual organismal performance is the first step for identifying drivers of coral reef fish population dynamics. In fact, physiological measurements can help to reveal potential cause-and-effect relationships and enable physiologists to advise conservation management by upscaling results from cellular and individual organismal levels to population levels. Here, we highlight studies that include physiological measurements of coral reef fishes and those that give advice for their conservation. A literature search using combined physiological, conservation and coral reef fish key words resulted in ~1900 studies, of which only 99 matched predefined requirements. We observed that, over the last 20 years, the combination of physiological and conservation aspects in studies on coral reef fishes has received increased attention. Most of the selected studies made their physiological observations at the whole organism level and used their findings to give conservation advice on population dynamics, habitat use or the potential effects of climate change. The precision of the recommendations differed greatly and, not surprisingly, was least concrete when studies examined the effects of projected climate change scenarios. Although more and more physiological studies on coral reef fishes include conservation aspects, there is still a lack of concrete advice for conservation managers, with only very few published examples of physiological findings leading to improved management practices. We conclude with a call to action to foster better knowledge exchange between natural scientists and conservation managers to translate physiological findings more effectively in order to obtain evidence-based and adaptive management strategies for the conservation of coral reef fishes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Björn Illing
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg D-22767, Germany
| | - Jodie L. Rummer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Madliger CL, Franklin CE, Hultine KR, van Kleunen M, Lennox RJ, Love OP, Rummer JL, Cooke SJ. Conservation physiology and the quest for a 'good' Anthropocene. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 5:cox003. [PMID: 28852507 PMCID: PMC5570019 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
It has been proposed that we are now living in a new geological epoch known as the Anthropocene, which is specifically defined by the impacts that humans are having on the Earth's biological diversity and geology. Although the proposal of this term was borne out of an acknowledgement of the negative changes we are imparting on the globe (e.g. climate change, pollution, coastal erosion, species extinctions), there has recently been action amongst a variety of disciplines aimed at achieving a 'good Anthropocene' that strives to balance societal needs and the preservation of the natural world. Here, we outline ways that the discipline of conservation physiology can help to delineate a hopeful, progressive and productive path for conservation in the Anthropocene and, specifically, achieve that vision. We focus on four primary ways that conservation physiology can contribute, as follows: (i) building a proactive approach to conservation; (ii) encouraging a pragmatic perspective; (iii) establishing an appreciation for environmental resilience; and (iv) informing and engaging the public and political arenas. As a collection of passionate individuals combining theory, technological advances, public engagement and a dedication to achieving conservation success, conservation physiologists are poised to make meaningful contributions to the productive, motivational and positive way forward that is necessary to curb and reverse negative human impact on the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L. Madliger
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, CanadaK1S 5B6
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, ON, CanadaN9B 3P4
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4. Tel: +1 519 253 3000 ×2701.
| | - Craig E. Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Kevin R. Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ85008, USA
| | - Mark van Kleunen
- Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, D 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Robert J. Lennox
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, CanadaK1S 5B6
| | - Oliver P. Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, ON, CanadaN9B 3P4
| | - Jodie L. Rummer
- ARC Centre for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD4811, Australia
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, CanadaK1S 5B6
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Madliger CL, Love OP. The Power of Physiology in Changing Landscapes: Considerations for the Continued Integration of Conservation and Physiology. Integr Comp Biol 2016; 55:545-53. [PMID: 25805172 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icv001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing field of conservation physiology applies a diversity of physiological traits (e.g., immunological, metabolic, endocrine, and nutritional traits) to understand and predict organismal, population, and ecosystem responses to environmental change and stressors. Although the discipline of conservation physiology is gaining momentum, there is still a pressing need to better translate knowledge from physiology into real-world tools. The goal of this symposium, ‘‘Physiology in Changing Landscapes: An Integrative Perspective for Conservation Biology’’, was to highlight that many current investigations in ecological, evolutionary, and comparative physiology are necessary for understanding the applicability of physiological measures for conservation goals, particularly in the context of monitoring and predicting the health, condition, persistence, and distribution of populations in the face of environmental change. Here, we outline five major investigations common to environmental and ecological physiology that can contribute directly to the progression of the field of conservation physiology: (1) combining multiple measures of physiology and behavior; (2) employing studies of dose–responses and gradients; (3) combining a within-individual and population-level approach; (4) taking into account the context-dependency of physiological traits; and (5) linking physiological variables with fitness metrics. Overall, integrative physiologists have detailed knowledge of the physiological systems that they study; however, communicating theoretical and empirical knowledge to conservation biologists and practitioners in an approachable and applicable way is paramount to the practical development of physiological tools that will have a tangible impact for conservation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Madliger CL, Love OP. Conservation implications of a lack of relationship between baseline glucocorticoids and fitness in a wild passerine. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:2730-2743. [PMID: 27763712 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The application of physiological measures to conservation monitoring has been gaining momentum and, while a suite of physiological traits are available to ascertain disturbance and condition in wildlife populations, glucocorticoids (i.e., GCs; cortisol and corticosterone) are the most heavily employed. The interpretation of GC levels as sensitive indicators of population change necessitates that GCs and metrics of population persistence are linked. However, the relationship between GCs and fitness may be highly context-dependent, changing direction, or significance, depending on the GC measure, fitness metric, life history stage, or other intrinsic and extrinsic contexts considered. We examined the relationship between baseline plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels measured at two periods of the breeding season and three metrics of fitness (offspring quality, reproductive output, and adult survival) in female Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Specifically, we investigated whether (1) a relationship between baseline CORT metrics and fitness exists in our population, (2) whether the inclusion of energetic contexts, such as food availability, reproductive investment, or body mass, could alter or improve the strength of the relationship between CORT and fitness, and (3) whether energetic contexts could better predict fitness compared to CORT metrics. Importantly, we investigated these relationships in both natural conditions and under an experimental manipulation of foraging profitability (feather clipping) to determine the influence of an environmental constraint on GC-fitness relationships. We found a lack of relationship between baseline CORT and both short- and long-term metrics of fitness in control and clipped birds. In contrast, loss in body mass over reproduction positively predicted reproductive output (number of chicks leaving the nest) in control birds; however, the relationship was characterized by a low R2 (5%), limiting the predictive capacity, and therefore the application potential, of such a measure in a conservation setting. Our results stress the importance of ground-truthing GC-fitness relationships and indicate that baseline GCs will likely not be easily employed as conservation biomarkers across some species and life history stages. Given the accumulating evidence of temporally dynamic, inconsistent, and context-dependent GC-fitness relationships, placing effort towards directly measuring fitness traits, rather than plasma GC levels, will likely be more worthwhile for many conservation endeavours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Madliger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Madliger CL, Love OP. Employing individual measures of baseline glucocorticoids as population-level conservation biomarkers: considering within-individual variation in a breeding passerine. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cow048. [PMID: 27757239 PMCID: PMC5066389 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Labile physiological variables, such as stress hormones [i.e. glucocorticoids (GCs)], allow individuals to react to perturbations in their environment and may therefore reflect the effect of disturbances or positive conservation initiatives in advance of population-level demographic measures. Although the application of GCs as conservation biomarkers has been of extensive interest, few studies have explicitly investigated whether baseline GC concentrations respond to disturbances consistently across individuals. However, confirmation of consistent responses is of paramount importance to assessing the ease of use of GCs in natural systems and to making valid interpretations regarding population-level change (or lack of change) in GC concentrations. We investigated whether free-ranging female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) display individually specific changes in baseline glucocorticoid concentrations naturally over the breeding season (from incubation to offspring provisioning) and in response to a manipulation of foraging profitability (representing a decrease in access to food resources). We show that baseline GC concentrations are repeatable within individuals over reproduction in natural conditions. However, in response to a reduction in foraging ability, baseline GC concentrations increase at the population level but are not repeatable within individuals, indicating a high level of within-individual variation. Overall, we suggest that baseline GCs measured on a subset of individuals may not provide a representative indication of responses to environmental change at the population level, and multiple within-individual measures may be necessary to determine the fitness correlates of GC concentrations. Further validation should be completed across a variety of taxa and life-history stages. Moving beyond a traditional cross-sectional approach by incorporating repeated-measures methods will be necessary to assess the suitability of baseline GCs as biomarkers of environmental change and population persistence, particularly from a logistical and ease-of-use perspective for conservation managers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Madliger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9B 3P4
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9B 3P4
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9B 3P4
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Patterson DA, Cooke SJ, Hinch SG, Robinson KA, Young N, Farrell AP, Miller KM. A perspective on physiological studies supporting the provision of scientific advice for the management of Fraser River sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cow026. [PMID: 27928508 PMCID: PMC5001150 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The inability of physiologists to effect change in fisheries management has been the source of frustration for many decades. Close collaboration between fisheries managers and researchers has afforded our interdisciplinary team an unusual opportunity to evaluate the emerging impact that physiology can have in providing relevant and credible scientific advice to assist in management decisions. We categorize the quality of scientific advice given to management into five levels based on the type of scientific activity and resulting advice (notions, observations, descriptions, predictions and prescriptions). We argue that, ideally, both managers and researchers have concomitant but separate responsibilities for increasing the level of scientific advice provided. The responsibility of managers involves clear communication of management objectives to researchers, including exact descriptions of knowledge needs and researchable problems. The role of the researcher is to provide scientific advice based on the current state of scientific information and the level of integration with management. The examples of scientific advice discussed herein relate to physiological research on the impact of high discharge and water temperature, pathogens, sex and fisheries interactions on in-river migration success of adult Fraser River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and the increased understanding and quality of scientific advice that emerges. We submit that success in increasing the quality of scientific advice is a function of political motivation linked to funding, legal clarity in management objectives, collaborative structures in government and academia, personal relationships, access to interdisciplinary experts and scientific peer acceptance. The major challenges with advancing scientific advice include uncertainty in results, lack of integration with management needs and institutional caution in adopting new research. We hope that conservation physiologists can learn from our experiences of providing scientific advice to management to increase the potential for this growing field of research to have a positive influence on resource management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Patterson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Science Branch, Cooperative Resource Management Institute, School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Scott G. Hinch
- Pacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Kendra A. Robinson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Science Branch, Cooperative Resource Management Institute, School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Nathan Young
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Anthony P. Farrell
- Department of Zoology and Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Kristina M. Miller
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Science Branch, Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC, Canada V9T 6N7
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lennox RJ, Chapman JM, Souliere CM, Tudorache C, Wikelski M, Metcalfe JD, Cooke SJ. Conservation physiology of animal migration. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cov072. [PMID: 27293751 PMCID: PMC4772791 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Migration is a widespread phenomenon among many taxa. This complex behaviour enables animals to exploit many temporally productive and spatially discrete habitats to accrue various fitness benefits (e.g. growth, reproduction, predator avoidance). Human activities and global environmental change represent potential threats to migrating animals (from individuals to species), and research is underway to understand mechanisms that control migration and how migration responds to modern challenges. Focusing on behavioural and physiological aspects of migration can help to provide better understanding, management and conservation of migratory populations. Here, we highlight different physiological, behavioural and biomechanical aspects of animal migration that will help us to understand how migratory animals interact with current and future anthropogenic threats. We are in the early stages of a changing planet, and our understanding of how physiology is linked to the persistence of migratory animals is still developing; therefore, we regard the following questions as being central to the conservation physiology of animal migrations. Will climate change influence the energetic costs of migration? Will shifting temperatures change the annual clocks of migrating animals? Will anthropogenic influences have an effect on orientation during migration? Will increased anthropogenic alteration of migration stopover sites/migration corridors affect the stress physiology of migrating animals? Can physiological knowledge be used to identify strategies for facilitating the movement of animals? Our synthesis reveals that given the inherent challenges of migration, additional stressors derived from altered environments (e.g. climate change, physical habitat alteration, light pollution) or interaction with human infrastructure (e.g. wind or hydrokinetic turbines, dams) or activities (e.g. fisheries) could lead to long-term changes to migratory phenotypes. However, uncertainty remains because of the complexity of biological systems, the inherently dynamic nature of the environment and the scale at which many migrations occur and associated threats operate, necessitating improved integration of physiological approaches to the conservation of migratory animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Lennox
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Jacqueline M. Chapman
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Christopher M. Souliere
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Christian Tudorache
- The Sylvius Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, Leiden 2333 BE, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of Migration and Immuno-ecology, Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Julian D. Metcalfe
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
- Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vilela AE, Agüero PR, Ravetta D, González-Paleo L. Long-term effect of carbohydrate reserves on growth and reproduction of Prosopis denudans (Fabaceae): implications for conservation of woody perennials. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cov068. [PMID: 27293747 PMCID: PMC4758841 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Prosopis denudans, an extreme xerophyte shrub, is consumed by ungulates and threatened by firewood gathering, because it is one of the preferred species used by Mapuche indigenous people of Patagonia. In a scenario of uncontrolled use of vegetation, it is very difficult to develop a conservation plan that jointly protects natural resources and its users. We performed a field experiment to assess the impact of defoliation on growth, reproduction and stores of a wild population of P. denudans. We imposed four levels of defoliation (removal of 100, 66, 33 and 0% of leaves) and evaluated the short- and long-term (3 years) effects of this disturbance. Seasonal changes in shoot carbohydrates suggested that they support leaf-flush and blooming. Severely defoliated individuals also used root reserves to support growth and leaf-flush after clipping. Vegetative growth was not affected by defoliation history. Leaf mass area increased after the initial clipping, suggesting the development of structural defenses. The depletion of root reserves at the end of the first year affected inflorescence production the following spring. We conclude that P. denudans shrubs could lose up to one-third of their green tissues without affecting growth or inflorescence production. The removal of a higher proportion of leaves will diminish stores, which in turn, will reduce or completely prevent blooming and, therefore, fruit production the following seasons. Very few studies integrate conservation and plant physiology, and we are not aware, so far, of any work dealing with long-term plant carbon economy of a long-lived perennial shrub as an applied tool in conservation. These results might help the development of management strategies that consider both the use and the conservation of wild populations of P. denudans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra E. Vilela
- CONICET-Museo Egidio Feruglio, Fontana 140, Trelew, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina
| | - Paola R. Agüero
- CONICET-Museo Egidio Feruglio, Fontana 140, Trelew, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina
| | - Damián Ravetta
- CONICET-Museo Egidio Feruglio, Fontana 140, Trelew, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Madliger CL, Cooke SJ, Crespi EJ, Funk JL, Hultine KR, Hunt KE, Rohr JR, Sinclair BJ, Suski CD, Willis CKR, Love OP. Success stories and emerging themes in conservation physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cov057. [PMID: 27382466 PMCID: PMC4922248 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The potential benefits of physiology for conservation are well established and include greater specificity of management techniques, determination of cause-effect relationships, increased sensitivity of health and disturbance monitoring and greater capacity for predicting future change. While descriptions of the specific avenues in which conservation and physiology can be integrated are readily available and important to the continuing expansion of the discipline of 'conservation physiology', to date there has been no assessment of how the field has specifically contributed to conservation success. However, the goal of conservation physiology is to foster conservation solutions and it is therefore important to assess whether physiological approaches contribute to downstream conservation outcomes and management decisions. Here, we present eight areas of conservation concern, ranging from chemical contamination to invasive species to ecotourism, where physiological approaches have led to beneficial changes in human behaviour, management or policy. We also discuss the shared characteristics of these successes, identifying emerging themes in the discipline. Specifically, we conclude that conservation physiology: (i) goes beyond documenting change to provide solutions; (ii) offers a diversity of physiological metrics beyond glucocorticoids (stress hormones); (iii) includes approaches that are transferable among species, locations and times; (iv) simultaneously allows for human use and benefits to wildlife; and (v) is characterized by successes that can be difficult to find in the primary literature. Overall, we submit that the field of conservation physiology has a strong foundation of achievements characterized by a diversity of conservation issues, taxa, physiological traits, ecosystem types and spatial scales. We hope that these concrete successes will encourage the continued evolution and use of physiological tools within conservation-based research and management plans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L. Madliger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4. Tel: +1 519 253 3000.
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Erica J. Crespi
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Funk
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Kevin R. Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| | - Kathleen E. Hunt
- John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory, Research Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Jason R. Rohr
- Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Brent J. Sinclair
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Cory D. Suski
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Craig K. R. Willis
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 2E9
| | - Oliver P. Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Affiliation(s)
- Steven L. Chown
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Vic.3800 Australia
| | - Kevin J. Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hunt KE, Rolland RM, Kraus SD. Conservation Physiology of an Uncatchable Animal: The North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis). Integr Comp Biol 2015; 55:577-86. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icv071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
25
|
Evans TG, Diamond SE, Kelly MW. Mechanistic species distribution modelling as a link between physiology and conservation. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 3:cov056. [PMID: 27293739 PMCID: PMC4778482 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate change conservation planning relies heavily on correlative species distribution models that estimate future areas of occupancy based on environmental conditions encountered in present-day ranges. The approach benefits from rapid assessment of vulnerability over a large number of organisms, but can have poor predictive power when transposed to novel environments and reveals little in the way of causal mechanisms that define changes in species distribution or abundance. Having conservation planning rely largely on this single approach also increases the risk of policy failure. Mechanistic models that are parameterized with physiological information are expected to be more robust when extrapolating distributions to future environmental conditions and can identify physiological processes that set range boundaries. Implementation of mechanistic species distribution models requires knowledge of how environmental change influences physiological performance, and because this information is currently restricted to a comparatively small number of well-studied organisms, use of mechanistic modelling in the context of climate change conservation is limited. In this review, we propose that the need to develop mechanistic models that incorporate physiological data presents an opportunity for physiologists to contribute more directly to climate change conservation and advance the field of conservation physiology. We begin by describing the prevalence of species distribution modelling in climate change conservation, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of both mechanistic and correlative approaches. Next, we emphasize the need to expand mechanistic models and discuss potential metrics of physiological performance suitable for integration into mechanistic models. We conclude by summarizing other factors, such as the need to consider demography, limiting broader application of mechanistic models in climate change conservation. Ideally, modellers, physiologists and conservation practitioners would work collaboratively to build models, interpret results and consider conservation management options, and articulating this need here may help to stimulate collaboration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler G. Evans
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard, Hayward, CA 95442, USA
| | - Sarah E. Diamond
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Morgan W. Kelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 202 Life Sciences Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 202 Life Sciences Building, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA. Tel: +1 225 578 0224.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Coristine LE, Robillard CM, Kerr JT, O'Connor CM, Lapointe D, Cooke SJ. A conceptual framework for the emerging discipline of conservation physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 2:cou033. [PMID: 27293654 PMCID: PMC4806729 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cou033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Current rates of biodiversity decline are unprecedented and largely attributed to anthropogenic influences. Given the scope and magnitude of conservation issues, policy and management interventions must maximize efficiency and efficacy. The relatively new field of conservation physiology reveals the physiological mechanisms associated with population declines, animal-environment relationships and population or species tolerance thresholds, particularly where these relate to anthropogenic factors that necessitate conservation action. We propose a framework that demonstrates an integrative approach between physiology, conservation and policy, where each can inform the design, conduct and implementation of the other. Each junction of the conservation physiology process has the capacity to foster dialogue that contributes to effective implementation, monitoring, assessment and evaluation. This approach enables effective evaluation and implementation of evidence-based conservation policy and management decisions through a process of ongoing refinement, but may require that scientists (from the disciplines of both physiology and conservation) and policy-makers bridge interdisciplinary knowledge gaps. Here, we outline a conceptual framework that can guide and lead developments in conservation physiology, as well as promote innovative research that fosters conservation-motivated policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Coristine
- Canadian Facility for Ecoinformatics Research, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Cassandra M. Robillard
- Canadian Facility for Ecoinformatics Research, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Jeremy T. Kerr
- Canadian Facility for Ecoinformatics Research, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Constance M. O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4L8
| | - Dominique Lapointe
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
- Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| |
Collapse
|