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Fritsch C, Berny P, Crouzet O, Le Perchec S, Coeurdassier M. Wildlife ecotoxicology of plant protection products: knowns and unknowns about the impacts of currently used pesticides on terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33026-1. [PMID: 38639904 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33026-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural practices are a major cause of the current loss of biodiversity. Among postwar agricultural intensification practices, the use of plant protection products (PPPs) might be one of the prominent drivers of the loss of wildlife diversity in agroecosystems. A collective scientific assessment was performed upon the request of the French Ministries responsible for the Environment, for Agriculture and for Research to review the impacts of PPPs on biodiversity and ecosystem services based on the scientific literature. While the effects of legacy banned PPPs on ecosystems and the underlying mechanisms are well documented, the impacts of current use pesticides (CUPs) on biodiversity have rarely been reviewed. Here, we provide an overview of the available knowledge related to the impacts of PPPs, including biopesticides, on terrestrial vertebrates (i.e. herptiles, birds including raptors, bats and small and large mammals). We focused essentially on CUPs and on endpoints at the subindividual, individual, population and community levels, which ultimately linked with effects on biodiversity. We address both direct toxic effects and indirect effects related to ecological processes and review the existing knowledge about wildlife exposure to PPPs. The effects of PPPs on ecological functions and ecosystem services are discussed, as are the aggravating or mitigating factors. Finally, a synthesis of knowns and unknowns is provided, and we identify priorities to fill gaps in knowledge and perspectives for research and wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Fritsch
- Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249 CNRS/Université de Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, F-25000, Besançon, France
| | - Philippe Berny
- UR-ICE, Vetagro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire, 69280, Marcy L'étoile, France
| | - Olivier Crouzet
- Direction de La Recherche Et de L'Appui Scientifique, Office Français de La Biodiversité, Site de St-Benoist, 78610, Auffargis, France
| | | | - Michael Coeurdassier
- Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249 CNRS/Université de Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, F-25000, Besançon, France.
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2
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Ferreira CM, Dammhahn M, Eccard JA. So many choices, so little time: Food preference and movement vary with the landscape of fear. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10330. [PMID: 37520778 PMCID: PMC10372006 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatial and temporal variation in perceived predation risk is an important determinant of movement and foraging activity of animals. Foraging in this landscape of fear, individuals need to decide where and when to move, and what resources to choose. Foraging theory predicts the outcome of these decisions based on energetic trade-offs, but complex interactions between perceived predation risk and preferences of foragers for certain functional traits of their resources are rarely considered. Here, we studied the interactive effects of perceived predation risk on food trait preferences and foraging behavior in bank voles (Myodes glareolus) in experimental landscapes. Individuals (n = 19) were subjected for periods of 24 h to two extreme, risk-uniform landscapes (either risky or safe), containing 25 discrete food patches, filled with seeds of four plant species in even amounts. Seeds varied in functional traits: size, nutrients, and shape. We evaluated whether and how risk modifies forager preference for functional traits. We also investigated whether perceived risk and distance from shelter affected giving-up density (GUD), time in patches, and number of patch visits. In safe landscapes, individuals increased time spent in patches, lowered GUD and visited distant patches more often compared to risky landscapes. Individuals preferred bigger seeds independent of risk, but in the safe treatment they preferred fat-rich over carb-rich seeds. Thus, higher densities of resource levels remained in risky landscapes, while in safe landscapes resource density was lower and less diverse due to selective foraging. Our results suggest that the interaction of perceived risk and dietary preference adds an additional layer to the cascading effects of a landscape of fear which affects biodiversity at resource level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Mendes Ferreira
- Animal Ecology, Institute for Biochemistry and BiologyUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
| | - Melanie Dammhahn
- Behavioural Biology, Institute for Neuro‐ and Behavioural BiologyUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Jana A. Eccard
- Animal Ecology, Institute for Biochemistry and BiologyUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
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3
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Lund MC, Larsen BB, Rowsey DM, Otto HW, Gryseels S, Kraberger S, Custer JM, Steger L, Yule KM, Harris RE, Worobey M, Van Doorslaer K, Upham NS, Varsani A. Using archived and biocollection samples towards deciphering the DNA virus diversity associated with rodent species in the families cricetidae and heteromyidae. Virology 2023; 585:42-60. [PMID: 37276766 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Rodentia is the most speciose order of mammals, and they are known to harbor a wide range of viruses. Although there has been significant research on zoonotic viruses in rodents, research on the diversity of other viruses has been limited, especially for rodents in the families Cricetidae and Heteromyidae. In fecal and liver samples of nine species of rodents, we identify 346 distinct circular DNA viral genomes. Of these, a large portion are circular, single-stranded DNA viruses in the families Anelloviridae (n = 3), Circoviridae (n = 5), Genomoviridae (n = 7), Microviridae (n = 297), Naryaviridae (n = 4), Vilyaviridae (n = 15) and in the phylum Cressdnaviricota (n = 13) that cannot be assigned established families. We also identified two large bacteriophages of 36 and 50 kb that are part of the class Caudoviricetes. Some of these viruses are clearly those that infect rodents, however, most of these likely infect various organisms associated with rodents, their environment or their diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Lund
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Brendan B Larsen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA; Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98102, USA
| | - Dakota M Rowsey
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Hans W Otto
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium; OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Museum of Natural Sciences, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simona Kraberger
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Joy M Custer
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Laura Steger
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Kelsey M Yule
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Robin E Harris
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA
| | - Michael Worobey
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Koenraad Van Doorslaer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The BIO5 Institute, Department of Immunobiology, Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Nathan S Upham
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Arvind Varsani
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA; Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa.
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4
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Balčiauskas L, Stirkė V, Balčiauskienė L. Abundance and Population Structure of Small Rodents in Fruit and Berry Farms. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020375. [PMID: 36836730 PMCID: PMC9959164 DOI: 10.3390/life13020375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruit and berry farms are anthropogenic habitats still inhabited by small mammals, though their presence is constantly affected by agricultural activities. Based on trapping data from 2018-2022, we analyzed the abundance and population structure of the dominant rodent species to assess changes in gender and age ratios by year and habitat, the annual and seasonal dynamics of relative abundance, and the relationship between breeding parameters and abundance. The relative abundance of the dominant species, common vole, yellow-necked mouse, striped field mouse, and bank vole, and their proportion in the investigated community varied according to year, season, and habitat. No outbreaks were recorded during the study period. The abundance of the striped field mouse exhibited a downward trend independently of habitat, while the abundance and proportions of the other three species were habitat-dependent. There was no consistent pattern between litter size and relative abundance in the same or following years. Given the ongoing conflict between biodiversity conservation in Europe and agriculture, the results contribute to a better understanding of the functioning and viability of rodent populations in fruit farms and may be used in agroecology and sustainable farming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vitalijus Stirkė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Simons D, Attfield LA, Jones KE, Watson-Jones D, Kock R. Rodent trapping studies as an overlooked information source for understanding endemic and novel zoonotic spillover. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010772. [PMID: 36689474 PMCID: PMC9894545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents, a diverse, globally distributed and ecologically important order of mammals are nevertheless important reservoirs of known and novel zoonotic pathogens. Ongoing anthropogenic land use change is altering these species' abundance and distribution, which among zoonotic host species may increase the risk of zoonoses spillover events. A better understanding of the current distribution of rodent species is required to guide attempts to mitigate against potentially increased zoonotic disease hazard and risk. However, available species distribution and host-pathogen association datasets (e.g. IUCN, GBIF, CLOVER) are often taxonomically and spatially biased. Here, we synthesise data from West Africa from 127 rodent trapping studies, published between 1964-2022, as an additional source of information to characterise the range and presence of rodent species and identify the subgroup of species that are potential or known pathogen hosts. We identify that these rodent trapping studies, although biased towards human dominated landscapes across West Africa, can usefully complement current rodent species distribution datasets and we calculate the discrepancies between these datasets. For five regionally important zoonotic pathogens (Arenaviridae spp., Borrelia spp., Lassa mammarenavirus, Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii), we identify host-pathogen associations that have not been previously reported in host-association datasets. Finally, for these five pathogen groups, we find that the proportion of a rodent hosts range that have been sampled remains small with geographic clustering. A priority should be to sample rodent hosts across a greater geographic range to better characterise current and future risk of zoonotic spillover events. In the interim, studies of spatial pathogen risk informed by rodent distributions must incorporate a measure of the current sampling biases. The current synthesis of contextually rich rodent trapping data enriches available information from IUCN, GBIF and CLOVER which can support a more complete understanding of the hazard of zoonotic spillover events.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Simons
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren A. Attfield
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate E. Jones
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Watson-Jones
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Richard Kock
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Balčiauskas L, Ežerinskis Ž, Stirkė V, Balčiauskienė L, Garbaras A, Remeikis V. The elemental composition of small mammals in a commercial orchard-meadow system. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 296:134048. [PMID: 35218778 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We analyze concentrations of various elements in small mammals from commercial orchards and berry plantations and test differences between them depending on species, individual body mass, age, gender, type and age of crop and intensity of applied agricultural measures. Skinned front legs (muscle and bones) were used to register the presence and concentration of Ca, Cd, Mo, Ni, Se, Ag, As, Be, Bi, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sr, U, V and Zn. The most abundant species were common vole (Microtus arvalis), yellow-necked (Apodemus flavicollis) and striped field (A. agrarius) mice. The maximum recorded concentrations exceeded the minimums by 1.7-7.7 times in Mg, Zn, Cu, Ga, Ni and Ca, and 11.0-23.2 times in Mn, Be, Mo, Co, Sr, V, Pb and As. The hypothesis that the use of fertilization and pesticides in commercial orchards should induce differences in the elemental concentrations between crop areas and control habitats was confirmed by the higher concentrations of Cu, Mn, Bi, Co, Cr, Fe, Ni, Sr and Pb in rodents from the crop areas. Spatially controlled generalized linear mixed model confirmed the cumulative influence of species and crop, explaining 30-80% of the distribution of Ca, Ni, Co, Cu, Ga, Mn, Pb and U. The effect of species and the age of the individual was significant for Ni, Co, Cu, Fe, Ga, Mn and Pb, while effect of gender was not expressed. Depletion of Cu in older individuals was found in all three species. With species as a grouping factor, the effect of crop type and the intensity of agricultural practices were significant factors in the accumulation of Ca, Ni, Co, Cu, Ga, Mn and Pb, while effect of crop age was not expressed. The obtained elemental concentrations in rodents indicated orchards to be cleaner than heavy polluted areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Žilvinas Ežerinskis
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Vitalijus Stirkė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | | | - Andrius Garbaras
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Vidmantas Remeikis
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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de Pedro L, Sanchez JA. Natural Repellents as a Method of Preventing Ant Damage to Microirrigation Systems. INSECTS 2022; 13:395. [PMID: 35447837 PMCID: PMC9028605 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ants are important because they damage agricultural equipment, including microirrigation systems. The aim of this research was to assess the efficiency of the incorporation of repellents in drip irrigation tubing as a method of protection against ant damage. Unlike previous studies, we tested a series of nontoxic compounds that are repellent to ants. First, we assessed their repellent effects on a local ant species via olfactometer trials. Then, the candidates showing the best results (cinnamon essential oil, p-anisaldehyde and ethyl anthranilate) were incorporated via compounding, injection and extrusion to polyethylene tubing to test their efficiency in the field. Field tests showed high damage levels in the control tubing containing no repellents, presumably caused by up to six different ant species (Cardiocondyla batesii, Plagiolepis pygmaea, P. schmitzii, Solenopsis sp., Tapinoma nigerrimum and Tetramorium semilaeve). In contrast, the pipes containing the three selected compounds remained almost intact, with the treatment including ethyl anthranilate showing no damage at all. These results suggest the strong repellent potential of the selected compounds, even when integrated into plastic, as well as the apparent success of the proposed methodology against the damage caused by ants. The diversity of damage-causing agents that exist in or above the soil strongly encourages further studies to determine the overall efficiency of repellents in protecting irrigation pipes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis de Pedro
- Department of Crop Protection, Biological Control and Ecosystem Services, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Medioambiental, C/Mayor s/n, La Alberca, 30150 Murcia, Spain;
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Ecological Infrastructures May Enhance Lepidopterans Predation in Irrigated Mediterranean Farmland, Depending on Their Typology and the Predator Guild. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14073874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Ecological infrastructures (EIs) are considered relevant components in agricultural landscapes to support biodiversity and ecosystem services. We used the predatory attacks on lepidopteran dummies as a proxy to assess predation rates in the agricultural matrix and different EIs types according to their location and vegetation structure. We aimed at comparing the effect of different types of EI on the predation intensity in two intensively irrigated agricultural areas located in the Sorraia and Tagus river valleys in central Portugal. We hypothesized that: (1) the predation rate would be higher near EIs compared with the agricultural matrix, (2) the positive effect of EIs on predation rate would differ with their typologies, and (3) the EIs’ proximity and proportion in the surrounding landscape would have a positive effect on the predation rate in agricultural fields. The EI typologies influenced differently the predator groups and the overall predation rate. Major differences were observed for bird predation, being higher in woody EIs. A positive correlation between predation rate and EIs area of the surrounding landscape, as well as a negative correlation with the distance to the nearest riparian and woody EIs, was observed for birds. The observed dissimilarities in the predators’ response may be related to habitat differences and its functional connectivity. The overall monthly low predation rates are possibly related to the intensive agricultural system and the small area occupied by EIs.
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Agricultural Transformation and Its Impact on Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being in Peri-Urban Areas: The Case of Xi’an, China. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
There is a gap in understanding the relationships between the transformation of agricultural landscapes, ecosystem services and human well-being in the peri-urban fringe of major cities worldwide. In this paper, we use semi-structured interviews, perception surveys, social surveys and field mapping to examine linkages between agricultural and landscape transition, ecosystem services and human well-being in five sample villages in Xi’an metropolitan zone, China. The results indicate that: (1) Agricultural change has increased landscape fragmentation, with a shift from grain to more profitable horticulture and nursery production. The farming system is more diversified and exhibits a multifunctional character. (2) This transformation has had a significant impact on the character of the agroecosystem. (3) The agricultural transformation towards greater multifunctionality has increased the supply of ecosystem services, including tourism-related activities, potentially improving human well-being. (4) Different combinations of activities in the sample villages were evaluated with respect to a well-being index, indicating the importance of combining horticulture and tourism. (5) Linkages identified between agricultural transformation, ecosystem services and human well-being may have significant implications for potential approaches within future studies.
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Landscape Characteristics Affecting Small Mammal Occurrence in Heterogeneous Olive Grove Agro-Ecosystems. CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/conservation2010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how small mammals (SM) are associated with environmental characteristics in olive groves is important to identify potential threats to agriculture and assess the overall conservation value and functioning of agro-ecosystems. Here, we provide first insights on this topic applied to traditional olive groves in northeast (NE) Portugal by assessing the landscape attributes that determine SM occurrence, focusing on one species of conservation concern (Microtus cabrerae Thomas 1906) and one species often perceived as a potential pest of olives (Microtus lusitanicus Gerbe 1879). Based on SM genetic non-invasive sampling in 51 olive groves and surrounding habitats, we identified seven rodent species and one insectivore. Occupancy modelling indicated that SM were generally less detected within olive groves than in surrounding habitats. The vulnerable M. cabrerae reached a mean occupancy (95% CI) of 0.77 (0.61–0.87), while M. lusitanicus stood at 0.37 (0.24–0.52). M. cabrerae was more likely to occur in land mosaics with high density of agricultural field edges, while M. lusitanicus was more associated with high density of pastureland patches. Overall, our study suggests that the complex structure and spatial heterogeneity of traditionally managed olive grove agro-ecosystems may favor the occurrence of species-rich SM communities, possibly including well-established populations of species of conservation importance, while keeping potential pest species at relatively low occupancy rates.
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Balčiauskas L, Skipitytė R, Garbaras A, Stirkė V, Balčiauskienė L, Remeikis V. Isotopic Niche of Syntopic Granivores in Commercial Orchards and Meadows. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082375. [PMID: 34438832 PMCID: PMC8388717 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Granivorous murids, namely striped field (Apodemus agrarius), yellow-necked (Apodemus flavicollis), and harvest (Micromys minutus) mice, occur in a variety of habitats and live syntopically in agricultural areas. Agroecosystems may be quite complex isotopically with δ15N values being influenced by many internal and external fluxes. Using isotopic (δ15N and δ13C) compositions from hair samples, we analysed isotopic niches of granivores in apple and plum orchards, raspberry and currant plantations, and nearby meadows in Lithuania. As the main hypothesis, we expected differences in the isotopic niches of these species (being a proxy for their diet), minimising interspecific competition. Striped field and yellow-necked mice were trapped in every habitat. Therefore, syntopic co-occurrence of granivores depended on the presence of harvest mice in the apple orchards, raspberry plantations, and meadows that served as control habitats. All species were fully separated according to δ15N values, presuming different amounts of food of animal origin in their diet. The separation of species according to δ13C was not expressed in all habitats. The core dietary niches of these species were fully separated in the apple orchards and raspberry plantations. Intraspecific differences of the isotopic niche were not present in any of the three species: that is, resources were equally used by males and females, adults, subadults, and juveniles. Abstract In agricultural habitats, diets and trophic positions of syntopic granivorous small mammals are not known sufficiently. Agroecosystems may be quite complex isotopically and the most complex situation concerns the nitrogen-15 isotope as δ15N values are influenced by many internal and external fluxes. We analysed the isotopic niches of striped field (Apodemus agrarius), yellow-necked (Apodemus flavicollis), and harvest (Micromys minutus) mice living sympatrically and syntopically in apple and plum orchards, raspberry and currant plantations, and nearby meadows that were used as control habitats. Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios from hair samples were used as a proxy for their diet. As the main hypothesis, we expected differences in the isotopic niches of these three species, minimising interspecific competition. All species were fully separated according to δ15N values, presuming different amounts of food of animal origin in their diet. The separation of species according to δ13C was not expressed in all habitats. The core dietary niches of these species were fully separated in the apple orchards and raspberry plantations. Intraspecific differences of the isotopic niche were not present in any of the three species: that is, resources were equally used by males and females, adults, subadults, and juveniles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linas Balčiauskas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-685-34141
| | - Raminta Skipitytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.G.); (V.R.)
| | - Andrius Garbaras
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.G.); (V.R.)
| | - Vitalijus Stirkė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Laima Balčiauskienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Vidmantas Remeikis
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.G.); (V.R.)
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12
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Maas B, Brandl M, Hussain RI, Frank T, Zulka KP, Rabl D, Walcher R, Moser D. Functional traits driving pollinator and predator responses to newly established grassland strips in agricultural landscapes. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bea Maas
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Institute of Zoology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna Austria
| | - Manuela Brandl
- Institute of Zoology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna Austria
| | - Raja Imran Hussain
- Institute of Zoology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna Austria
| | - Thomas Frank
- Institute of Zoology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna Austria
| | - Klaus Peter Zulka
- Team Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Environment Agency Austria Vienna Austria
- Unit for Integrative Zoology Department of Evolutionary Biology University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Dominik Rabl
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Institute of Zoology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna Austria
- Biocenter Field Station Fabrikschleichach University of Würzburg Rauhenebrach Germany
| | - Ronnie Walcher
- Institute of Zoology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna Austria
| | - Dietmar Moser
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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13
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Srinivasulu A, Assefa A, Srinivasulu C. Ecological niche modelling predicts significant impacts of future climate change on two endemic rodents in eastern Africa. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.6715.13.5.18164-18176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of climate change on rodents is well studied, however, many of these studies are restricted to the Americas. Small- to medium-sized rodents, especially murids, are restricted in their home range and microclimatic niche breadth, and are known to be more sensitive to changes in bioclimatic conditions over time. We analyzed the effect of future climatic scenarios in the near and distant future, using two global climate models (CanESM5 and MIROC-ES2L) for two shared socio-economic pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5), on two eastern Africa endemic small-bodied mice: Stenocephalemys albipes and Mastomys awashensis. Our results indicate that while S. albipes showed increases in area of climatic suitability in the future, M. awashensis is predicted to suffer severe decline in the area of its fundamental niche.
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Gayer C, Berger J, Dieterich M, Gallé R, Reidl K, Witty R, Woodcock BA, Batáry P. Flowering fields, organic farming and edge habitats promote diversity of plants and arthropods on arable land. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gayer
- Institute of Landscape and Environment (ILU) University of Applied Science Nürtingen‐Geislingen Nürtingen Germany
| | - Jochen Berger
- Landscape Ecology and Vegetation Science University of Hohenheim Stuttgart Germany
| | - Martin Dieterich
- Landscape Ecology and Vegetation Science University of Hohenheim Stuttgart Germany
| | - Róbert Gallé
- ‘Lendület’ Landscape and Conservation Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research Vácrátót Hungary
| | - Konrad Reidl
- Institute of Landscape and Environment (ILU) University of Applied Science Nürtingen‐Geislingen Nürtingen Germany
| | - Rosa Witty
- Department of Botany University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Ben A. Woodcock
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Crowmarsh Gifford Wallingford UK
| | - Péter Batáry
- ‘Lendület’ Landscape and Conservation Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research Vácrátót Hungary
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15
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Common Vole as a Focal Small Mammal Species in Orchards of the Northern Zone. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13030134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In 2018–2020, we performed a country-wide study of small mammals in commercial orchards and berry plantations with the aim of determining whether the common vole (Microtus arvalis) is a more suitable focal species than the field vole (M. agrestis) in the risk assessment of plant protection products in Lithuania (country of the Northern Zone). Common vole was present in 75% of orchards and in 80% of control habitats, accounting for 30% of all trapped individuals. The proportion of this species was stable between years and seasons. The pattern was in agreement with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, i.e., highest in medium-aged crops, while lowest in habitats with high intensities of agricultural practices. The average relative abundance of common vole in autumn, 2.65 ± 0.52 individuals per 100 trap days, was three times higher than that in summer, with no differences recorded between crops and control habitats. Field vole was present in 30% of locations, only accounting for 2.1% of all trapped individuals. In central and eastern European countries, common vole is more widespread and abundant than field vole. In Lithuania, common vole dominates in orchards and natural habitats and is, therefore, the most relevant small mammal species for higher tier risk assessment.
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Segre H, Segoli M, Carmel Y, Shwartz A. Experimental evidence of multiple ecosystem services and disservices provided by ecological intensification in Mediterranean agro‐ecosystems. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hila Segre
- Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning Technion—Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Michal Segoli
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research Ben‐Gurion University of the Negev Midreshet Ben‐Gurion Israel
| | - Yohay Carmel
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering Technion—Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Assaf Shwartz
- Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning Technion—Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
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17
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Saunders ME. Conceptual ambiguity hinders measurement and management of ecosystem disservices. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manu E. Saunders
- School of Environmental and Rural Sciences University of New England Armidale NSW Australia
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18
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Mow the Grass at the Mouse's Peril: Diversity of Small Mammals in Commercial Fruit Farms. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9060334. [PMID: 31181807 PMCID: PMC6617168 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For the first time in the Baltic countries, small mammal communities were evaluated in commercial orchards and berry plantations to test for the influence of crop type and intensity of agricultural practices. Out of ten species registered in the fruit farms, the most dominant were common vole and striped field mouse, confirming the spread of the latter species in the country. Small mammal diversity and abundance were not dependent on crop type but decreased in line with the intensity of agricultural practices, not being found in the most intensively cultivated farms. Unexpectedly, small mammal diversity in apple orchards exceeded the diversities found in most types of forests and was significantly higher than in crop fields. Abstract Small mammals are not only pests but also an important part of agricultural ecosystems. The common vole is a reference species for risk assessment of plant protection products in the European Union, but no data about the suitability of the species in the Baltic countries are present so far. Using the snap-trap line method, we evaluated species composition, abundance, and diversity of small mammal communities in commercial orchards and berry plantations in Lithuania, testing the predictions that (i) compared with other habitats, small mammal diversity in fruit farms is low, and (ii) the common vole is the dominant species. The diversity of small mammals was compared with control habitats and the results of investigations in other habitats. Out of ten small mammal species registered, the most dominant were common vole and striped field mouse. Small mammal diversity and abundance increased in autumn and decreased in line with the intensity of agricultural practices but were not dependent on crop type. In the most intensively cultivated fruit farms, small mammals were not found. The diversity of small mammal communities in fruit farms was significantly higher than in crop fields and exceeded the diversities found in most types of forests except those in rapid succession.
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Tschumi M, Ekroos J, Hjort C, Smith HG, Birkhofer K. Predation-mediated ecosystem services and disservices in agricultural landscapes. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 28:2109-2118. [PMID: 30192426 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ecological intensification may reduce environmental externalities of agriculture by harnessing biodiversity to benefit regulating ecosystem services. However, to propose management options for the production of such services, there is a need to understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of net effects between ecosystem services and disservices provided by wild organisms across taxonomic groups in relation to habitat and landscape management. We studied the contribution of predatory vertebrates and invertebrates (including both carnivores and seed herbivores) to regulating ecosystem services and disservices in 16 cereal fields in response to a local habitat contrast and a landscape complexity gradient. From May to November 2016, we provided weed (predation reflects an ecosystem service) and crop (predation reflects a disservice) seeds, as well as pest (predation reflects an ecosystem service) and beneficial (predation reflects a disservice) invertebrate prey to predators. Seed predation was dominated by vertebrates, while vertebrates and invertebrates contributed equally to predation of animal prey. Before harvest, predation steadily increased from very low levels in May to high levels in July independent of the resource type. After harvest, ecosystem services declined more rapidly than disservices. The presence of adjacent seminatural grasslands promoted crop seed predation, but reduced pest prey predation. Predation on beneficial prey decreased with increasing proportions of seminatural grassland in the landscape. Predatory vertebrates and invertebrates provide important ecosystem services due to the consumption of pests. However, beneficial invertebrates and crop seeds were often consumed to a similar or even higher extent than harmful invertebrates or weed seeds. Our results therefore raise concerns that management options aimed at enhancing service providers may simultaneously increase levels of disservices. By considering positive and negative effects simultaneously, this study addresses an important knowledge gap and highlights the importance of interactions between local management, landscape composition, and service and disservice provision across taxa and over time. Considering trade-offs between ecosystem services and disservices when evaluating the net effects of biodiversity conservation measures on ecosystem service provision is crucial. Future agri-environment schemes that offer payments for seminatural habitats may need to provide higher compensation for farmers in cases where net effects are likely to be negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Tschumi
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 6A, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Ekroos
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Hjort
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 6A, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik G Smith
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 6A, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Klaus Birkhofer
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 6A, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus, Germany
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Tschumi M, Ekroos J, Hjort C, Smith HG, Birkhofer K. Rodents, not birds, dominate predation-related ecosystem services and disservices in vertebrate communities of agricultural landscapes. Oecologia 2018; 188:863-873. [PMID: 30187116 PMCID: PMC6208704 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4242-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To understand the relationship between conservation measures and agricultural yields, we need to know the contributions of organisms to both ecosystem services and disservices. We studied the activity and contribution of birds and mammals to intermediate ecosystem services (predation of weed seeds or invertebrate pests) and disservices (predation of crop seeds or beneficial invertebrates) in southern Sweden between June and November 2016. We measured seed and invertebrate predation rates using trays placed in front of 32 wildlife cameras in 16 cereal fields with a local habitat contrast (8 fields adjacent to another crop field and 8 fields adjacent to a semi-natural grassland) and along a landscape heterogeneity gradient (amount of semi-natural grassland). Both activity and predation were dominated by small mammals (mainly rodents), yet only a few species contributed to predation services and disservices according to camera records. Small mammal activity and predation varied considerably over time. Small mammal activity was significantly higher at trays with crop seeds or beneficial invertebrate prey compared to trays with pest prey, and crop seed predation by small mammals was significantly higher than weed seed predation. In contrast, bird activity and predation did not differ significantly between resource types, but varied over time depending on the habitat contrast. Predation of animal prey by birds was highest after cereal harvest, independent of habitat contrast. Our study highlights that birds and in particular rodents provide important intermediate ecosystem services, but also disservices, which fluctuate strongly in intensity over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Tschumi
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Ecology Department, Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland.
| | - Johan Ekroos
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Hjort
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik G Smith
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Klaus Birkhofer
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus, Germany
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21
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Godó L, Tóthmérész B, Valkó O, Tóth K, Kiss R, Radócz S, Kelemen A, Török P, Švamberková E, Deák B. Ecosystem engineering by foxes is mediated by the landscape context-A case study from steppic burial mounds. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:7044-7054. [PMID: 30073066 PMCID: PMC6065349 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In intensively used landscapes, remnant grassland fragments are often restricted to places unsuitable for agricultural cultivation. Such refuges are the ancient burial mounds called "kurgans," which are typical landscape elements of the Eurasian steppe and forest steppe zone. Due to their hill-like shape, loose soil structure and undisturbed status kurgans provide proper habitats for burrowing mammals. Accordingly, grassland vegetation on kurgans is often exposed to bioturbation, which can influence the habitat structure and plant species pool. In our study, we explored the effect of fox burrows and landscape context on the habitat properties and vegetation composition of small landscape elements, using kurgans as model habitats. We surveyed the vegetation of fox burrows and that of the surrounding grassland on five kurgans situated in cleared landscapes surrounded by arable lands and five kurgans in complex landscapes surrounded by grazed grasslands. We recorded the percentage cover of vascular plants, the amount of litter, and soil moisture content in twelve 0.5 m × 0.5 m plots per kurgan, in a total of 120 plots. We found that foxes considerably transformed habitat conditions and created microhabitats by changing the soil nutrient availability and reducing total vegetation cover and litter. Several grassland specialist species, mostly grasses (Agropyron cristatum, Elymus hispidus, and Stipa capillata) established in the newly created microhabitats, although the cover of noxious species was also considerable. We found that landscape context influenced the sort of species which could establish on kurgans by affecting the available species pool and soil moisture. Our results revealed that foxes act as ecosystem engineers on kurgans by transforming abiotic and biotic conditions by burrowing. Their engineering activity maintains disturbance-dependent components of dry grasslands and increases local environmental heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Godó
- Department of EcologyUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Béla Tóthmérész
- MTA‐DE Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research GroupDebrecenHungary
| | - Orsolya Valkó
- Department of EcologyUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Katalin Tóth
- MTA‐DE Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research GroupDebrecenHungary
| | - Réka Kiss
- Department of EcologyUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Szilvia Radócz
- Department of EcologyUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - András Kelemen
- Department of EcologyUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
- MTA's Post‐Doctoral Research ProgrammeDebrecenHungary
| | - Péter Török
- MTA‐DE Lendület Functional and Restoration Ecology Research GroupDebrecenHungary
| | - Eva Švamberková
- Department of BotanyUniversity of South Bohemia in České BudějoviceČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | - Balázs Deák
- MTA‐DE Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research GroupDebrecenHungary
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