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Bird Communities in a Changing World: The Role of Interspecific Competition. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14100857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Significant changes in the environment have the potential to affect bird species abundance and distribution, both directly, through a modification of the landscape, habitats, and climate, and indirectly, through a modification of biotic interactions such as competitive interactions. Predicting and mitigating the consequences of global change thus requires not only a sound understanding of the role played by biotic interactions in current ecosystems, but also the recognition and study of the complex and intricate effects that result from the perturbation of these ecosystems. In this review, we emphasize the role of interspecific competition in bird communities by focusing on three main predictions derived from theoretical and empirical considerations. We provide numerous examples of population decline and displacement that appeared to be, at least in part, driven by competition, and were amplified by environmental changes associated with human activities. Beyond a shift in relative species abundance, we show that interspecific competition may have a negative impact on species richness, ecosystem services, and endangered species. Despite these findings, we argue that, in general, the role played by interspecific competition in current communities remains poorly understood due to methodological issues and the complexity of natural communities. Predicting the consequences of global change in these communities is further complicated by uncertainty regarding future environmental conditions and the speed and efficacy of plastic and evolutionary responses to fast-changing environments. Possible directions of future research are highlighted.
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Multiscale drivers of amphibian community occupancy in urban ponds. Urban Ecosyst 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-022-01239-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Dalpasso A, Ficetola GF, Giachello S, Lo Parrino E, Manenti R, Muraro M, Falaschi M. Similar species, different fates: Abundance dynamics in spatially structured populations of common and threatened frogs. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dalpasso
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
- Laboratoire d’Écologie Alpine Univ. Grenoble AlpesUniv. Savoie Mont BlancCNRSLECA Grenoble France
| | - Simone Giachello
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
| | - Elia Lo Parrino
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
| | - Martina Muraro
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
| | - Mattia Falaschi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
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Dunn RP, Samhouri JF, Baskett ML. Transient dynamics during kelp forest recovery from fishing across multiple trophic levels. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02367. [PMID: 33938605 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Outcomes of management efforts to recover or restore populations of harvested species can be highly dependent on environmental and community context. Predator-prey interactions can alter recovery trajectories, and the timing of management actions within multi-trophic level harvest scenarios may influence the dynamics of recovery and lead to management trade-offs. Recent work using a generalist predator-prey model suggests that management promoting synchronized recovery of predators and prey leads to faster and less variable recovery trajectories than sequential recovery (predator or prey first). However, more complex communities may require different management actions to minimize recovery time and variability. Here, we use a tri-trophic level rocky reef community dynamics model with size-structure and fisheries at multiple trophic levels to investigate the importance of three ecological processes to recovery of fished communities: (1) size-structured predation, (2) non-consumptive effects of predators on prey behavior, and (3) varying levels of recruitment. We also test the effects of initiating recovery from community states associated with varying degrees of fishery-induced degradation and develop a simulation in which the basal resource (kelp) is harvested. In this system, a predator-first closure generally leads to the least volatile and quickest recovery, whether from a kelp forest, urchin barren, or intermediate community state. The benefits gained by selecting this strategy are magnified when recovering from the degraded community, the urchin barren, because initial conditions in the degraded state lead to lengthy recovery times. However, the shape of the size-structured predation relationship can strongly affect recovery volatility, where the differences between alternate management strategies are negated with size-independent predation. External recruitment reduces return times by bolstering the predatory lobster population. These results show that in a tightly linked tri-trophic level food web with top-down control, a predator-first fishery closure can be the most effective strategy to reduce volatility and shorten recovery, particularly when the system is starting from the degraded community state. Given the ubiquity of top predator loss across many ecosystems, we highlight the value of incorporating insights from community ecology into ecosystem management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Dunn
- Coastal and Marine Institute & Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, 92182, USA
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Jameal F Samhouri
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, 98112, USA
| | - Marissa L Baskett
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA
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New L, Simonis JL, Otto MC, Bjerre E, Runge MC, Millsap B. Adaptive management to improve eagle conservation at terrestrial wind facilities. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie New
- Washington State University Vancouver Washington USA
| | | | - Mark C. Otto
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel Maryland USA
| | - Emily Bjerre
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel Maryland USA
| | - Michael C. Runge
- U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel Maryland USA
| | - Brian Millsap
- Migratory Bird Management Albuquerque New Mexico USA
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Romani F, Ramella Levis E, Posillico M, Opramolla G, Pavan G. Vocal repertoire of the Eurasian griffon vulture ( Gyps fulvus) in the central Apennines: a baseline assessment. BIOACOUSTICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2021.1925591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Romani
- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali, Department of Earth and Environment Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Eurafrica Conservation Projects, Non-Profit Organization for the Conservation of Biodiversity, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Ramella Levis
- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali, Department of Earth and Environment Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Eurafrica Conservation Projects, Non-Profit Organization for the Conservation of Biodiversity, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Posillico
- Reparto Carabinieri Biodiversità, Centro Ricerche Ambienti Montani, Castel di Sangro (AQ), Italy
| | - Giancarlo Opramolla
- Reparto Carabinieri Biodiversità, Centro Ricerche Ambienti Montani, Castel di Sangro (AQ), Italy
| | - Gianni Pavan
- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali, Department of Earth and Environment Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Hentati-Sundberg J, Berglund PA, Hejdström A, Olsson O. COVID-19 lockdown reveals tourists as seabird guardians. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 2021; 254:108950. [PMID: 35719894 PMCID: PMC9187360 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The widespread lockdowns put in place to limit the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) offers a rare opportunity in understanding how human presence influence ecosystems. Using data from long-term seabird monitoring, we reveal a previously concealed guarding effect by tourist groups on an iconic seabird colony in the Baltic Sea. The absence of tourists in 2020 lead to a sevenfold increase in presence of white-tailed eagles Haliaeetus albicilla, a sevenfold increase in their disturbance of breeding common murres Uria aalge and causing 26% lower murre productivity than the long-term average. Eagles did not prey on murres, but their frequent disturbances delayed egg laying and facilitated egg predation from herring gulls Larus argentatus and hooded crows Corvus cornix. Based on our findings, we suggest that human presence could be used as a strategic measure in guarding seabird colonies, and that a social-ecological systems perspective is vital for long-term success in protected area management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Hentati-Sundberg
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Turistgatan 5, 453 00 Lysekil, Sweden
| | - Per-Arvid Berglund
- Baltic Seabird Project, Karlsö Jagt och Djurskyddsförenings AB, Box 1431, 621 25 Visby, Sweden
| | - Aron Hejdström
- Baltic Seabird Project, Karlsö Jagt och Djurskyddsförenings AB, Box 1431, 621 25 Visby, Sweden
| | - Olof Olsson
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Sweden
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Piper WH, Grear J, Hoover B, Lomery E, Grenzer LM. Plunging floater survival causes cryptic population decline in the Common Loon. THE CONDOR 2020; 122:1-10. [PMID: 39220437 PMCID: PMC11363150 DOI: 10.1093/condor/duaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Populations of many vertebrates are declining and geographic ranges contracting, largely as a consequence of anthropogenic threats. Many reports of such decline, however, lack the breadth and detail to narrow down its causes. Here we describe population decline in the Common Loon (Gavia immer), a charismatic aquatic bird, based on systematic resighting and measurement of a marked population. During our 27-year investigation, age-adjusted chick mass has fallen by 11%, mortality among young and old chicks has increased by 31% and 82%, respectively, and fledging success has declined by 26%. Meanwhile, the return rate of marked nonbreeders ("floaters") has plunged by 53%, and the adult population overall has declined by 22%. Consistent with the thinning ranks of floaters, the rate of territory eviction has decreased by 52% during the study. Despite the decline in floaters, territory occupancy remains unchanged. However, a matrix model, updated with recent estimates for breeding success, juvenile survival, and senescence, yields a recalculated deterministic population growth rate (λ) of 0.94 for our study population, which suggests that declines in vital rates could lead to a loss of 52% of the current population and a decline of 37% in territory occupancy by 2031. Lack of data on floaters in other upper Midwest and New England loon populations leaves their status in doubt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter H. Piper
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
| | - Jason Grear
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Brian Hoover
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
| | - Elaina Lomery
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
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Gilbert NA, Ferguson PF. Landscape Patterns Associated with Occupancy of Disturbance-Dependent Birds in the Blackland Prairie Ecoregion of Alabama and Mississippi. SOUTHEAST NAT 2019. [DOI: 10.1656/058.018.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Neil A. Gilbert
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
| | - Paige F.B. Ferguson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
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Cruz J, Windels SK, Thogmartin WE, Crimmins SM, Grim LH, Larson JH, Zuckerberg B. Top-down effects of repatriating bald eagles hinder jointly recovering competitors. J Anim Ecol 2019; 88:1054-1065. [PMID: 30951204 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The recovery of piscivorous birds around the world is touted as one of the great conservation successes of the 21st century, but for some species, this success was short-lived. Bald eagles, ospreys and great blue herons began repatriating Voyageurs National Park, USA, in the mid-20th century. However, after 1990, only eagles continued their recovery, while osprey and heron recovery failed for unknown reasons. We aimed to evaluate whether top-down effects of bald eagles and bottom-up effects of inclement weather, habitat quality and fish resources contributed to the failed recovery of ospreys and herons in a protected area. We quantified the relative influence of top-down and bottom-up factors on nest colonization, persistence (i.e., nest reuse) and success for ospreys, and occurrence and size of heronries using 26 years (1986-2012) of spatially explicit monitoring data coupled with multi-response hierarchical models and Bayesian variable selection approaches. Bald eagles were previously shown to recover faster due to intensive nest protection and management. Increased numbers of eagles were associated with a reduction in the numbers of osprey nests, their nesting success and heronry size, while higher local densities of nesting eagles deterred heronries nearby. We found little evidence of bottom-up limitations on the failed recovery of herons and ospreys. We present a conservation conundrum: bald eagles are top predators and a flagship species of conservation that have benefited from intensive protection, but this likely hindered the recovery of ospreys and herons. Returning top predators, or rewilding, is widely promoted as a conservation strategy for top-down ecosystem recovery, but managing top predators in isolation of jointly recovering species can halt or reverse ecosystem recovery. Previous studies warn of the potential consequences of ignoring biotic interactions amongst recovering species, but we go further by quantifying how these interactions contributed to failed recoveries via impacts on the nesting demography of jointly recovering species. Multi-species management is paramount to realizing the ecosystem benefits of top predator recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennyffer Cruz
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | | | - Wayne E Thogmartin
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Shawn M Crimmins
- College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
| | - Leland H Grim
- Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, Minnesota
| | - James H Larson
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Benjamin Zuckerberg
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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