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Deleva S, Toshkova N, Kolev M, Tanalgo KC. Important underground roosts for bats in Bulgaria: current state and priorities for conservation. Biodivers Data J 2023; 11:e98734. [PMID: 38327335 PMCID: PMC10848659 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.11.e98734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bulgaria has a very rich bat fauna and large colonies of bats can be found in caves, mines and other underground roosts. Respectively, there are more than 107 underground roosts that are listed as important bat sites, most of which are protected by statutory laws and are of national or international importance. Despite the existence of formal protection, many roosts face anthropogenic disturbances due to the popularity of outdoor activities, such as caving and the lack of actual regulation. Currently, the evaluation was only based on the size of the colony and the presence of protected species. However, this approach is limited to roosts that contain high diversity and neglects the ones that contain high biotic importance that are highly threatened by various threats. Here, we evaluated conservation priorities and identified the most vulnerable underground bat roosts in Bulgaria, using the Bat Cave Vulnerability Index and proposed measures to adequately protect sites. We found that 32% of the Bulgarian bat roosts assessed are at a "high priority" level for conservation and protection, while 39% are at a "medium priority" that may require constant monitoring. This novel and integrative approach applied to bat roost prioritisation in the country enabled the detection of sites that need urgent conservation attention and is the first step in establishing better strategies for the bat monitoring network in Bulgaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanimira Deleva
- Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa RicaSan JoséCosta Rica
- National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, BulgariaNational Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of SciencesSofiaBulgaria
| | - Nia Toshkova
- National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, BulgariaNational Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of SciencesSofiaBulgaria
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, BulgariaInstitute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of SciencesSofiaBulgaria
| | - Maksim Kolev
- National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, BulgariaNational Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of SciencesSofiaBulgaria
| | - Krizler Cejuela Tanalgo
- Ecology and Conservation Research Laboratory (Eco/Con Lab), Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, PhilippinesEcology and Conservation Research Laboratory (Eco/Con Lab), Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Southern MindanaoKabacanPhilippines
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Mammola S, Meierhofer MB, Borges PA, Colado R, Culver DC, Deharveng L, Delić T, Di Lorenzo T, Dražina T, Ferreira RL, Fiasca B, Fišer C, Galassi DMP, Garzoli L, Gerovasileiou V, Griebler C, Halse S, Howarth FG, Isaia M, Johnson JS, Komerički A, Martínez A, Milano F, Moldovan OT, Nanni V, Nicolosi G, Niemiller ML, Pallarés S, Pavlek M, Piano E, Pipan T, Sanchez‐Fernandez D, Santangeli A, Schmidt SI, Wynne JJ, Zagmajster M, Zakšek V, Cardoso P. Towards evidence-based conservation of subterranean ecosystems. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1476-1510. [PMID: 35315207 PMCID: PMC9545027 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Subterranean ecosystems are among the most widespread environments on Earth, yet we still have poor knowledge of their biodiversity. To raise awareness of subterranean ecosystems, the essential services they provide, and their unique conservation challenges, 2021 and 2022 were designated International Years of Caves and Karst. As these ecosystems have traditionally been overlooked in global conservation agendas and multilateral agreements, a quantitative assessment of solution-based approaches to safeguard subterranean biota and associated habitats is timely. This assessment allows researchers and practitioners to understand the progress made and research needs in subterranean ecology and management. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature focused on subterranean ecosystems globally (terrestrial, freshwater, and saltwater systems), to quantify the available evidence-base for the effectiveness of conservation interventions. We selected 708 publications from the years 1964 to 2021 that discussed, recommended, or implemented 1,954 conservation interventions in subterranean ecosystems. We noted a steep increase in the number of studies from the 2000s while, surprisingly, the proportion of studies quantifying the impact of conservation interventions has steadily and significantly decreased in recent years. The effectiveness of 31% of conservation interventions has been tested statistically. We further highlight that 64% of the reported research occurred in the Palearctic and Nearctic biogeographic regions. Assessments of the effectiveness of conservation interventions were heavily biased towards indirect measures (monitoring and risk assessment), a limited sample of organisms (mostly arthropods and bats), and more accessible systems (terrestrial caves). Our results indicate that most conservation science in the field of subterranean biology does not apply a rigorous quantitative approach, resulting in sparse evidence for the effectiveness of interventions. This raises the important question of how to make conservation efforts more feasible to implement, cost-effective, and long-lasting. Although there is no single remedy, we propose a suite of potential solutions to focus our efforts better towards increasing statistical testing and stress the importance of standardising study reporting to facilitate meta-analytical exercises. We also provide a database summarising the available literature, which will help to build quantitative knowledge about interventions likely to yield the greatest impacts depending upon the subterranean species and habitats of interest. We view this as a starting point to shift away from the widespread tendency of recommending conservation interventions based on anecdotal and expert-based information rather than scientific evidence, without quantitatively testing their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mammola
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe)Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of HelsinkiPohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13Helsinki00100Finland
- Molecular Ecology Group (dark‐MEG)Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR)Largo Tonolli, 50Verbania‐Pallanza28922Italy
| | - Melissa B. Meierhofer
- BatLab Finland, Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus (LUOMUS)University of HelsinkiPohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13Helsinki00100Finland
| | - Paulo A.V. Borges
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group / CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability InstituteUniversity of Azores, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences and Environment (FCAA), Rua Capitão João d'ÀvilaPico da Urze, 9700‐042 Angra do HeroísmoAzoresPortugal
| | - Raquel Colado
- Departament of Ecology and HidrologyUniversity of MurciaMurcia30100Spain
| | - David C. Culver
- Department of Environmental ScienceAmerican University4400 Massachusetts Avenue, N.WWashingtonDC20016U.S.A.
| | - Louis Deharveng
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS UMR 7205, MNHN, UPMC, EPHEMuseum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - Teo Delić
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical FacultyUniversity of LjubljanaJamnikarjeva 101Ljubljana1000Slovenia
| | - Tiziana Di Lorenzo
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET‐CNR), National Research CouncilVia Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto FiorentinoFlorenceItaly
| | - Tvrtko Dražina
- Division of Zoology, Department of BiologyFaculty of Science, University of ZagrebRooseveltov Trg 6Zagreb10000Croatia
- Croatian Biospeleological SocietyRooseveltov Trg 6Zagreb10000Croatia
| | - Rodrigo L. Ferreira
- Center of Studies in Subterranean Biology, Biology Department, Federal University of LavrasCampus universitário s/n, Aquenta SolLavrasMG37200‐900Brazil
| | - Barbara Fiasca
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental SciencesUniversity of L'AquilaVia Vetoio 1, CoppitoL'Aquila67100Italy
| | - Cene Fišer
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical FacultyUniversity of LjubljanaJamnikarjeva 101Ljubljana1000Slovenia
| | - Diana M. P. Galassi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental SciencesUniversity of L'AquilaVia Vetoio 1, CoppitoL'Aquila67100Italy
| | - Laura Garzoli
- Molecular Ecology Group (dark‐MEG)Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR)Largo Tonolli, 50Verbania‐Pallanza28922Italy
| | - Vasilis Gerovasileiou
- Department of Environment, Faculty of EnvironmentIonian University, M. Minotou‐Giannopoulou strPanagoulaZakynthos29100Greece
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine BiologyBiotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC)Thalassocosmos, GournesCrete71500Greece
| | - Christian Griebler
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Division of LimnologyUniversity of ViennaDjerassiplatz 1Vienna1030Austria
| | - Stuart Halse
- Bennelongia Environmental Consultants5 Bishop StreetJolimontWA6014Australia
| | | | - Marco Isaia
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems BiologyUniversity of TurinVia Accademia Albertina, 13TorinoI‐10123Italy
| | - Joseph S. Johnson
- Department of Biological SciencesOhio University57 Oxbow TrailAthensOH45701U.S.A.
| | - Ana Komerički
- Croatian Biospeleological SocietyRooseveltov Trg 6Zagreb10000Croatia
| | - Alejandro Martínez
- Molecular Ecology Group (dark‐MEG)Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR)Largo Tonolli, 50Verbania‐Pallanza28922Italy
| | - Filippo Milano
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems BiologyUniversity of TurinVia Accademia Albertina, 13TorinoI‐10123Italy
| | - Oana T. Moldovan
- Emil Racovita Institute of SpeleologyClinicilor 5Cluj‐Napoca400006Romania
- Romanian Institute of Science and TechnologySaturn 24‐26Cluj‐Napoca400504Romania
| | - Veronica Nanni
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems BiologyUniversity of TurinVia Accademia Albertina, 13TorinoI‐10123Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nicolosi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems BiologyUniversity of TurinVia Accademia Albertina, 13TorinoI‐10123Italy
| | - Matthew L. Niemiller
- Department of Biological SciencesThe University of Alabama in Huntsville301 Sparkman Drive NWHuntsvilleAL35899U.S.A.
| | - Susana Pallarés
- Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio GlobalMuseo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSICCalle de José Gutiérrez Abascal 2Madrid28006Spain
| | - Martina Pavlek
- Croatian Biospeleological SocietyRooseveltov Trg 6Zagreb10000Croatia
- Ruđer Bošković InstituteBijenička cesta 54Zagreb10000Croatia
| | - Elena Piano
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems BiologyUniversity of TurinVia Accademia Albertina, 13TorinoI‐10123Italy
| | - Tanja Pipan
- ZRC SAZUKarst Research InstituteNovi trg 2Ljubljana1000Slovenia
- UNESCO Chair on Karst EducationUniversity of Nova GoricaGlavni trg 8Vipava5271Slovenia
| | | | - Andrea Santangeli
- Research Centre for Ecological Change, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research ProgrammeUniversity of HelsinkiViikinkaari 1Helsinki00014Finland
| | - Susanne I. Schmidt
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre CASNa Sádkách 702/7České Budějovice370 05Czech Republic
- Department of Lake ResearchHelmholtz Centre for Environmental ResearchBrückstraße 3aMagdeburg39114Germany
| | - J. Judson Wynne
- Department of Biological SciencesCenter for Adaptable Western Landscapes, Box 5640, Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaffAZ86011U.S.A.
| | - Maja Zagmajster
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical FacultyUniversity of LjubljanaJamnikarjeva 101Ljubljana1000Slovenia
| | - Valerija Zakšek
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical FacultyUniversity of LjubljanaJamnikarjeva 101Ljubljana1000Slovenia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe)Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of HelsinkiPohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13Helsinki00100Finland
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group / CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability InstituteUniversity of Azores, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences and Environment (FCAA), Rua Capitão João d'ÀvilaPico da Urze, 9700‐042 Angra do HeroísmoAzoresPortugal
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Miu IV, Rozylowicz L, Popescu VD, Anastasiu P. Identification of areas of very high biodiversity value to achieve the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 key commitments. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10067. [PMID: 33062449 PMCID: PMC7532765 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European Union strives to increase protected areas of the EU terrestrial surface to 30% by year 2030, of which one third should be strictly protected. Designation of the Natura 2000 network, the backbone of nature protection in the EU, was mostly an expert-opinion process with little systematic conservation planning. The designation of the Natura 2000 network in Romania followed the same non-systematic approach, resulting in a suboptimal representation of invertebrates and plants. To help identify areas with very high biodiversity without repeating past planning missteps, we present a reproducible example of spatial prioritization using Romania's current terrestrial Natura 2000 network and coarse-scale terrestrial species occurrence. METHODS We used 371 terrestrial Natura 2000 Sites of Community Importance (Natura 2000 SCI), designated to protect 164 terrestrial species listed under Annex II of Habitats Directive in Romania in our spatial prioritization analyses (marine Natura 2000 sites and species were excluded). Species occurrences in terrestrial Natura 2000 sites were aggregated at a Universal Traverse Mercator spatial resolution of 1 km2. To identify priority terrestrial Natura 2000 sites for species conservation, and to explore if the Romanian Natura 2000 network sufficiently represents species included in Annex II of Habitats Directive, we used Zonation v4, a decision support software tool for spatial conservation planning. We carried out the analyses nationwide (all Natura 2000 sites) as well as separately for each biogeographic region (i.e., Alpine, Continental, Pannonian, Steppic and Black Sea). RESULTS The results of spatial prioritization of terrestrial Natura 2000 vary greatly by planning scenario. The performance of national-level planning of top priorities is minimal. On average, when 33% of the landscape of Natura 2000 sites is protected, only 20% of the distribution of species listed in Annex II of Habitats Directive are protected. As a consequence, the representation of species by priority terrestrial Natura 2000 sites is lessened when compared to the initial set of species. When planning by taxonomic group, the top-priority areas include only 10% of invertebrate distribution in Natura 2000. When selecting top-priority areas by biogeographical region, there are significantly fewer gap species than in the national level and by taxa scenarios; thusly, the scenario outperforms the national-level prioritization. The designation of strictly protected areas as required by the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 should be followed by setting clear objectives, including a good representation of species and habitats at the biogeographical region level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia V Miu
- Center for Environmental Research, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laurentiu Rozylowicz
- Center for Environmental Research, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Chelonia Romania, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorel D Popescu
- Center for Environmental Research, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
| | - Paulina Anastasiu
- Dimitrie Brândză Botanical Garden, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Pellissier V, Schmucki R, Pe'er G, Aunins A, Brereton TM, Brotons L, Carnicer J, Chodkiewicz T, Chylarecki P, Del Moral JC, Escandell V, Evans D, Foppen R, Harpke A, Heliölä J, Herrando S, Kuussaari M, Kühn E, Lehikoinen A, Lindström Å, Moshøj CM, Musche M, Noble D, Oliver TH, Reif J, Richard D, Roy DB, Schweiger O, Settele J, Stefanescu C, Teufelbauer N, Touroult J, Trautmann S, van Strien AJ, van Swaay CAM, van Turnhout C, Vermouzek Z, Voříšek P, Jiguet F, Julliard R. Effects of Natura 2000 on nontarget bird and butterfly species based on citizen science data. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:666-676. [PMID: 31701577 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The European Union's Natura 2000 (N2000) is among the largest international networks of protected areas. One of its aims is to secure the status of a predetermined set of (targeted) bird and butterfly species. However, nontarget species may also benefit from N2000. We evaluated how the terrestrial component of this network affects the abundance of nontargeted, more common bird and butterfly species based on data from long-term volunteer-based monitoring programs in 9602 sites for birds and 2001 sites for butterflies. In almost half of the 155 bird species assessed, and particularly among woodland specialists, abundance increased (slope estimates ranged from 0.101 [SD 0.042] to 3.51 [SD 1.30]) as the proportion of landscape covered by N2000 sites increased. This positive relationship existed for 27 of the 104 butterfly species (estimates ranged from 0.382 [SD 0.163] to 4.28 [SD 0.768]), although most butterflies were generalists. For most species, when land-cover covariates were accounted for these positive relationships were not evident, meaning land cover may be a determinant of positive effects of the N2000 network. The increase in abundance as N2000 coverage increased correlated with the specialization index for birds, but not for butterflies. Although the N2000 network supports high abundance of a large spectrum of species, the low number of specialist butterflies with a positive association with the N2000 network shows the need to improve the habitat quality of N2000 sites that could harbor open-land butterfly specialists. For a better understanding of the processes involved, we advocate for standardized collection of data at N2000 sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Pellissier
- Sorbonne Université, MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, UMR7204-CESCO, 43 rue Buffon, CP 135, Paris, 75005, France
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK 8000, Denmark
| | - R Schmucki
- Sorbonne Université, MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, UMR7204-CESCO, 43 rue Buffon, CP 135, Paris, 75005, France
- Centre de Synthèse et d'Analyse sur la Biodiversité, Immeuble Henri Poincaré, Domaine du Petit Arbois, Avenue Louis Philibert, Aix-en-Provence, 13857, France
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8EF, U.K
| | - G Pe'er
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
- Department Economics and Department Ecosystem Services, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - A Aunins
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas iela 1, Riga, LV-1004, Latvia
- Latvian Ornithological Society, Skolas iela 3, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia
| | - T M Brereton
- Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP, U.K
| | - L Brotons
- CSIC-CREAF, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
- Catalan Ornithological Institute, Natural History Museum of Barcelona, Plaça Leonardo da Vinci 4-5, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08019, Spain
- InForest JRU (CEMFOR-CTFC), Solsona, Catalonia, 25280, Spain
| | - J Carnicer
- CSIC-CREAF, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, 08028, Spain
| | - T Chodkiewicz
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, Warszawa, 00-679, Poland
- Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (OTOP), ul. Odrowaza 24, Marki, 05-270, Poland
| | - P Chylarecki
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, Warszawa, 00-679, Poland
| | - J C Del Moral
- Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO/BirdLife), Melquíades Biencinto 34 ES-28053, Madrid, Spain
| | - V Escandell
- Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO/BirdLife), Melquíades Biencinto 34 ES-28053, Madrid, Spain
| | - D Evans
- European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity, 57 rue Cuvier, Paris, 75005, France
| | - R Foppen
- Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, PO Box 6521, Nijmegen, 6503 GA, The Netherlands
| | - A Harpke
- Department of Community Ecology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Theodor-Lieser-Strasse 4, Halle/Saale, 06120, Germany
| | - J Heliölä
- Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Biodiversity Centre, P.O. Box 140, Helsinki, FI-00251, Finland
| | - S Herrando
- Catalan Ornithological Institute, Natural History Museum of Barcelona, Plaça Leonardo da Vinci 4-5, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08019, Spain
- InForest JRU (CEMFOR-CTFC), Solsona, Catalonia, 25280, Spain
| | - M Kuussaari
- Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Biodiversity Centre, P.O. Box 140, Helsinki, FI-00251, Finland
| | - E Kühn
- Department of Community Ecology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Theodor-Lieser-Strasse 4, Halle/Saale, 06120, Germany
| | - A Lehikoinen
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 17, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Å Lindström
- Department of Biology, Biodiversity Unit, Lund University, Ecology Building, Lund, SE-223 62, Sweden
| | - C M Moshøj
- DOF-BirdLife Denmark, Vesterbrogade 140, Copenhagen V, DK-1620, Denmark
| | - M Musche
- Department of Community Ecology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Theodor-Lieser-Strasse 4, Halle/Saale, 06120, Germany
| | - D Noble
- BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, U.K
| | - T H Oliver
- School of Biological Sciences, Harborne Building, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AS, U.K
| | - J Reif
- Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University in Olomouc, 17. listopadu 50, Olomouc, 771 43, Czech Republic
| | - D Richard
- European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity, 57 rue Cuvier, Paris, 75005, France
| | - D B Roy
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8EF, U.K
| | - O Schweiger
- Department of Community Ecology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Theodor-Lieser-Strasse 4, Halle/Saale, 06120, Germany
| | - J Settele
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
- Department of Community Ecology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Theodor-Lieser-Strasse 4, Halle/Saale, 06120, Germany
| | - C Stefanescu
- CSIC-CREAF, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
- Museu de Ciències Naturals de Granollers, Francesc Macià 51, Granollers, Catalonia, 08402, Spain
| | - N Teufelbauer
- BirdLife Austria, Museumplatz 1/10/8, Wien, A-1070, Austria
| | - J Touroult
- UMS 2006 PatriNat AFB, CNRS, MNHN; CP41, 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Paris, 75005, France
| | - S Trautmann
- DDA, An den Speichern 6, Münster, 48157, Germany
| | | | - C A M van Swaay
- Dutch Butterfly Conservation and Butterfly Conservation Europe, P.O. Box 506 NL 6700 AM, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - C van Turnhout
- Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, PO Box 6521, Nijmegen, 6503 GA, The Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology & Ecophysiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9010, Nijmegen, 6500 GL, The Netherlands
| | - Z Vermouzek
- Czech Society for Ornithology, Na Bělidle 252/34, Prague, CZ-150 00, Czech Republic
| | - P Voříšek
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University in Olomouc, 17. listopadu 50, Olomouc, 771 43, Czech Republic
- Czech Society for Ornithology, Na Bělidle 252/34, Prague, CZ-150 00, Czech Republic
| | - F Jiguet
- Sorbonne Université, MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, UMR7204-CESCO, 43 rue Buffon, CP 135, Paris, 75005, France
| | - R Julliard
- Sorbonne Université, MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, UMR7204-CESCO, 43 rue Buffon, CP 135, Paris, 75005, France
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Usage of buildings in the life cycle of two endangered Rhinolophus species in the Mediterranean region: implications for roost protection. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-020-01374-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSynanthropic roosting may allow cave-dwelling bats to cope with habitat fragmentation provided that suitable buildings are sustainably protected. This study on Asinara Island, Sardinia, focuses on roost requirements in synanthropy at different life stages of two endangered bat species, Rhinolophus hipposideros and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. We rated the roost potential of 532 buildings and compared it with actual roost usage. Microclimate was compared across different roost types and between species, and bat composition and behaviour in nurseries of R. hipposideros were related to roost structure and microclimate. The two species occupied 25% of structures rated as “high potential”, versus 5% and 0% rated as “intermediate” and “low potential”. Concerning microclimate, R. hipposideros preferred warmer and drier day roosts, with higher temperature fluctuations during summer, while winter, and night, roost microclimate was comparable between species. In larger, warmer, and drier nurseries, colony size and proportion of reproductive females were higher and parturition started earlier. Before parturition, roost temperatures were inversely correlated to clustering, supporting its thermoregulatory function. Mothers spent in total 50% of the night inside the nursery caring the pup. Roost microclimate, size, and location close to foraging areas may thus promote breeding success. We conclude that a structure-based rating of roost potential supplemented by species-specific microclimatic requirements constitutes a promising predictor of roost usage. Moreover, adequate buildings support the complete life cycle of R. hipposideros in the absence of suitable caves. Buildings thus deserve increased protection measures in fragmented Mediterranean landscapes to ensure sustainable bat conservation.
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Lisón F, Jiménez‐Franco MV, Altamirano A, Haz Á, Calvo JF, Jones G. Bat ecology and conservation in semi‐arid and arid landscapes: a global systematic review. Mamm Rev 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fulgencio Lisón
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Conservación Departamento de Ciencias Forestales Universidad de La Frontera Box‐45D Temuco Chile
- Departamento de Zoología Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C Concepción Chile
| | - María V. Jiménez‐Franco
- Área de Ecología Departamento de Biología Aplicada Universidad Miguel Hernández Avda. Universidad, s/n. Edf. Vinalopó 03202 Elche, Alicante Spain
- Department of Ecological Modelling UFZ‐Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research D‐04301 Leipzig Germany
| | - Adison Altamirano
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Conservación Departamento de Ciencias Forestales Universidad de La Frontera Box‐45D Temuco Chile
| | - Ángeles Haz
- Paseo Rosales 10 4D, Molina de Segura 30500 Murcia Spain
| | - José F. Calvo
- Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología Universidad de Murcia 30100 Campus de Espinardo Murcia Spain
| | - Gareth Jones
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol 24 Tyndall Avenue BS8 1TQ Bristol UK
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Helldin JO. Predicted impacts of transport infrastructure and traffic on bird conservation in Swedish Special Protection Areas. NATURE CONSERVATION 2019. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.36.31826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The ecological impacts of roads and railways extend into the surrounding landscape, leading to habitat degradation and reduced wildlife densities within an area that is considerably larger than the actual road or railway corridor. For birds, an extensive meta-analysis has identified an average of 20% density reduction within 1 km from the infrastructure. I investigated to what extent this density reduction can be expected to compromise the habitat quality and conservation value of Swedish Natura 2000 areas designated for the protection of birds (Special Protection Areas; SPAs). The majority (63%) of Swedish SPAs are, to some extent, found within this 1 km road/railway effect zone (REZ). The total overlap between SPA and REZ is approximately 126,000 ha or 4.2% of the country’s SPA area. There are, however, large differences amongst bio-geographical regions. In the southern (continental) and coastal regions combined, 25.8% of the total SPA area fall within REZ, representing an estimated 4–7% reduction in bird abundance within SPAs. The probability of overlap with REZ is higher for larger SPAs. However, the proportion of overlap is higher for smaller SPAs and, accordingly, smaller sites can be assumed to experience a greater impact from transport infrastructure and traffic. The impacts on Natura 2000 sites are particularly concerning as this network of protected areas is a cornerstone for maintenance and restoration of biodiversity within the EU. I recommend placing a stronger emphasis in the management of Natura 2000 sites on the threats to wildlife conservation caused by transport infrastructure and traffic. Special attention should be paid to sites with a large overlap with the REZ and sites hosting particularly vulnerable taxa or habitats. Infrastructure owners and managers should make their best efforts to minimise and compensate for the negative impacts of roads and railways and associated traffic in SPAs and other protected areas.
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Scherrer D, Christe P, Guisan A. Modelling bat distributions and diversity in a mountain landscape using focal predictors in ensemble of small models. DIVERS DISTRIB 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Scherrer
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of Lausanne, Biophore Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of Lausanne, Biophore Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Antoine Guisan
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of Lausanne, Biophore Lausanne Switzerland
- Institute of Earth Surface DynamicsUniversity of Lausanne, Géopolis Lausanne Switzerland
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Friedrichs M, Hermoso V, Bremerich V, Langhans SD. Evaluation of habitat protection under the European Natura 2000 conservation network - The example for Germany. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208264. [PMID: 30566452 PMCID: PMC6300216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The world´s largest network of protected areas—Natura 2000 (N2000)—has been implemented to protect Europe´s biodiversity. N2000 is built upon two cornerstones, the Birds Directive, which lists 691 bird species (plus one additional bird genus with no further classification) and the Habitats Directive, which lists next to a variety of species, 233 habitat types to be protected. There is evidence of the positive impact of the Directives on the EU´s biodiversity, although the overall improvement reported for species in favourable condition in the last assessment was low. However, most of the assessments are species focused, while habitats have received very little attention. Here we developed a generic workflow, which we exemplified for Germany, to assess the status of habitat coverage within the N2000 network combining information from publicly available data sources. Applying the workflow allows identification of gaps in habitat protection, followed by the prioritization of potential areas of high protection value using the conservation planning software Marxan. We found that, in Germany, N2000 covers all target habitats. However, common habitats were proportionally underrepresented relative to rare ones, which contrasts with studies focussing on the representation of species. Moreover, the German case study suggests that especially highly protected areas (i.e. covered by more than 90% with N2000 sites) build an excellent basis towards a cost-effective and efficient conservation network. Our workflow provides a generic approach to deal with the common problem of missing habitat distribution data outside of N2000 sites, information which is however crucial for managers to plan conservation actions appropriately across Europe. To avoid a biased representation of habitat types within N2000, our results underpin the importance of defining qualitative and quantitative conservation targets which will allow assesment of the trajectory of habitat protection in Europe as well as adjustment of the network accordingly—a future necessity in the light of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Friedrichs
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Virgilio Hermoso
- Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya (CEMFOR—CTFC), Solsona, Lleida, Spain
| | - Vanessa Bremerich
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone D. Langhans
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- BC3-Basque Centre for Climate Change, Leioa, Spain
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Foo CF, Bennett VJ, Hale AM, Korstian JM, Schildt AJ, Williams DA. Increasing evidence that bats actively forage at wind turbines. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3985. [PMID: 29114441 PMCID: PMC5672837 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the ultimate causes of high bat fatalities at wind farms are not well understood, several lines of evidence suggest that bats are attracted to wind turbines. One hypothesis is that bats would be attracted to turbines as a foraging resource if the insects that bats prey upon are commonly present on and around the turbine towers. To investigate the role that foraging activity may play in bat fatalities, we conducted a series of surveys at a wind farm in the southern Great Plains of the US from 2011-2016. From acoustic monitoring we recorded foraging activity, including feeding buzzes indicative of prey capture, in the immediate vicinity of turbine towers from all six bat species known to be present at this site. From insect surveys we found Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera in consistently high proportions over several years suggesting that food resources for bats were consistently available at wind turbines. We used DNA barcoding techniques to assess bat diet composition of (1) stomach contents from 47 eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) and 24 hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) carcasses collected in fatality searches, and (2) fecal pellets from 23 eastern red bats that were found on turbine towers, transformers, and tower doors. We found that the majority of the eastern red bat and hoary bat stomachs, the two bat species most commonly found in fatality searches at this site, were full or partially full, indicating that the bats were likely killed while foraging. Although Lepidoptera and Orthoptera dominated the diets of these two bat species, both consumed a range of prey items with individual bats having from one to six insect species in their stomachs at the time of death. The prey items identified from eastern red bat fecal pellets showed similar results. A comparison of the turbine insect community to the diet analysis results revealed that the most abundant insects at wind turbines, including terrestrial insects such as crickets and several important crop pests, were also commonly eaten by eastern red and hoary bats. Collectively, these findings suggest that bats are actively foraging around wind turbines and that measures to minimize bat fatalities should be broadly implemented at wind facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecily F Foo
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Victoria J Bennett
- School of Geology, Energy & the Environment, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Amanda M Hale
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M Korstian
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Alison J Schildt
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Dean A Williams
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
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Diserens TA, Borowik T, Nowak S, Szewczyk M, Niedźwiecka N, Mysłajek RW. Deficiencies in Natura 2000 for protecting recovering large carnivores: A spotlight on the wolf Canis lupus in Poland. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184144. [PMID: 28873090 PMCID: PMC5584752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
If protected areas are to remain relevant in our dynamic world they must be adapted to changes in species ranges. In the EU one of the most notable such changes is the recent recovery of large carnivores, which are protected by Natura 2000 at the national and population levels. However, the Natura 2000 network was designed prior to their recent recovery, which raises the question whether the network is sufficient to protect the contemporary ranges of large carnivores. To investigate this question we evaluated Natura 2000 coverage of the three wolf Canis lupus populations in Poland. Wolf tracking data showed that wolves have recolonised almost all suitable habitat in Poland (as determined by a recent habitat suitability model), so we calculated the overlap between the Natura 2000 network and all wolf habitat in Poland. On the basis of published Natura 2000 criteria, we used 20% as the minimum required coverage. At the national level, wolves are sufficiently protected (22% coverage), but at the population level, the Baltic and Carpathian populations are far better protected (28 and 47%, respectively) than the endangered Central European Lowland population (12%). As Natura 2000 insufficiently protects the most endangered wolf population in Poland, we recommend expansion of Natura 2000 to protect at least an additional 8% of wolf habitat in western Poland, and discuss which specific forests are most in need of additional coverage. Implementation of these actions will have positive conservation implications and help Poland to fulfil its Habitats Directive obligations. As it is likely that similar gaps in Natura 2000 are arising in other EU member states experiencing large carnivore recoveries, particularly in Central Europe, we make the case for a flexible approach to Natura 2000 and suggest that such coverage evaluations may be beneficial elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom A. Diserens
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Tomasz Borowik
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Sabina Nowak
- Association for Nature “Wolf”, Twardorzeczka, Poland
| | - Maciej Szewczyk
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Robert W. Mysłajek
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Kadej M, Zając K, Smolis A, Tarnawski D, Tyszecka K, Malkiewicz A, Pietraszko M, Warchałowski M, Gil R. The great capricorn beetle Cerambyx cerdo L. in south-western Poland – the current state and perspectives of conservation in one of the recent distribution centres in Central Europe. NATURE CONSERVATION 2017. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.19.11838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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13
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Machado MC, Monsalve MA, Castelló A, Almenar D, Alcocer A, Monrós JS. Population Trends of Cave-Dwelling Bats in the Eastern Iberian Peninsula and the Effect of Protecting Their Roosts. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2017.19.1.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Carolina Machado
- Institute Cavanilles of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Calle Catedrático José Beltrán Martínez, n° 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Monsalve
- Servicio de Vida Silvestre, VAERSA-Generalitat Valenciana, Los Pinares, n° 106, 46012 El Saler, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Castelló
- CADEC, Taller de Gestión Ambiental S.L., Carrer de Benaguasil, n° 19, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - David Almenar
- CADEC, Taller de Gestión Ambiental S.L., Carrer de Benaguasil, n° 19, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Alcocer
- CADEC, Taller de Gestión Ambiental S.L., Carrer de Benaguasil, n° 19, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Salvador Monrós
- Institute Cavanilles of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Calle Catedrático José Beltrán Martínez, n° 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
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14
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Lisón F, Espín S, Aroca B, Calvo JF, García-Fernández AJ. Assessment of mercury exposure and maternal-foetal transfer in Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) from southeastern Iberian Peninsula. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:5497-5508. [PMID: 28028704 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8271-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic and widely distributed metal that is bioaccumulated in insectivorous mammals and may cause adverse effects on the reproductive system. Bats are considered excellent Hg bioindicators due to their wide distribution, life span, trophic position, metabolic rate and food intake. However, few studies have analysed Hg residues in bats, and to the best of our knowledge, no studies have been made in the Iberian Peninsula. The main aim of this study was to undertake the first ever assessment of Hg exposure in Schreiber's bent-winged bats inhabiting a natural cave in the southeast of Spain. The findings suggest that Schreiber's bent-winged bats in the sampling area are chronically exposed to low levels of Hg. The Hg concentrations found in different tissues (fur, kidney, liver, muscle and brain) were below the threshold levels associated with toxic effects in mammals. Non-gestating females showed Hg concentrations in the brain and muscle that doubled those found in gestating females. This could be due to Hg mobilization from the mother to the foetus in gestating females, although other factors could contribute to explain this result such as variations in hunting areas and the insect-prey consumed and/or different energetic needs and average food consumption during the breeding season. Hg levels were 1.7 times higher, although not significant, in foetus' brains than in the maternal brains, and Hg concentration in foetus' brain was significantly correlated with levels in the corresponding mothers' kidney. These results suggest that there could be an active mother-to-foetus transfer of Hg in bats, which would be of special relevance in a scenario of higher Hg exposure than that found in this study. However, further research is needed to support this view due to the limited number of samples analysed. Given the scarce ecotoxicological data available for bats and their protected status, we encourage further opportunistic studies using carcasses found in the field, the validation of non-destructive samples such as fur and guano for Hg monitoring, and new modelling approaches that will increase the data needed for proper ecological risk assessment in bat populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulgencio Lisón
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje Forestal, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, P.O. Box-54-D, Temuco, Chile
| | - Silvia Espín
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Bárbara Aroca
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - José F Calvo
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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Jeanmougin M, Dehais C, Meinard Y. Mismatch between Habitat Science and Habitat Directive: Lessons from the French (Counter) Example. Conserv Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jeanmougin
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO - UMR7204), Sorbonne Universités-MNHN-CNRS-UPMC; Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; CP135, 43 rue Buffon 75005 Paris France
| | | | - Yves Meinard
- Université Paris-Dauphine; PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR [7243], LAMSADE 75016 FRANCE
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Hermoso V, Filipe AF, Segurado P, Beja P. Catchment zoning to unlock freshwater conservation opportunities in the Iberian Peninsula. DIVERS DISTRIB 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Virgilio Hermoso
- Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya; Crta. Sant Llorenç de Morunys, Km 2. 25280 Solsona Lleida Spain
- Australian Rivers Institute and Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge; National Environmental Research Program Northern Australia Hub; Griffith University; Nathan QLD 4111 Australia
| | - Ana Filipa Filipe
- EDP Biodiversity Chair; CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto; Campus Agrário de Vairão R. Padre Armando Quintas 4485-661 Vairão Portugal
- CEABN/InBIO; Centro de Ecologia Aplicada “Professor Baeta Neves”; Instituto Superior de Agronomia; Universidade de Lisboa; Tapada da Ajuda 1349-017 Lisboa Portugal
| | - Pedro Segurado
- Centro de Estudos Florestais; Instituto Superior de Agronomia; Universidade de Lisboa; 1349-017 Lisboa Portugal
| | - Pedro Beja
- EDP Biodiversity Chair; CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto; Campus Agrário de Vairão R. Padre Armando Quintas 4485-661 Vairão Portugal
- CEABN/InBIO; Centro de Ecologia Aplicada “Professor Baeta Neves”; Instituto Superior de Agronomia; Universidade de Lisboa; Tapada da Ajuda 1349-017 Lisboa Portugal
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Voigt CC, Kingston T. Bats and Buildings: The Conservation of Synanthropic Bats. BATS IN THE ANTHROPOCENE: CONSERVATION OF BATS IN A CHANGING WORLD 2015. [PMCID: PMC7123121 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-25220-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Humans have shared buildings with bats for thousands of years, probably as early as first humans built primitive huts. Indeed, many bat species can be defined as synanthropic, i.e., they have a strong ecological association with humans. Bats have been observed using buildings as roosting and foraging sites, temporary shelters, for reproduction and hibernation. A synanthropic lifestyle may result in direct fitness benefits owing to energetic advantages in warmer roosts, which may ultimately lead to more rapid gestation and faster development of juveniles, or by being less exposed to natural predators in urban environments. All these benefits may allow bats to use buildings as stepping stones to exploit habitats otherwise devoid of roosting structures and may even lead to the expansion of geographic ranges. Yet, the coexistence with humans also comes with some risks. Bats may be exposed to chemical pollutants, particularly preservation chemicals used on lumber or during pest control measures. Bats may also be at risk of direct persecution or they may die accidently if trapped within buildings. In general, eviction of bats from buildings should follow the general rule of avoidance–mitigation–compensation. When considering conservation measures for synanthropic bats, it is most important to assess the role of the building for different life stages of bats. Construction work at buildings should be conducted in a manner that minimizes disturbance of bats. Artificial roosts can replace lost roosts, yet bats will often not accept alternative roosts. Demographic changes in human populations may lead to the abandonment of buildings, for example, in rural areas and to increased conflicts in urban areas when old buildings are replaced by new buildings or when previously unoccupied space in buildings is renovated. We advocate maintenance and enhancement of roosts for synanthropic bats, in addition to outreach and education campaigns, to improve the tolerance of humans for synanthropic bats.
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Regos A, D'Amen M, Titeux N, Herrando S, Guisan A, Brotons L. Predicting the future effectiveness of protected areas for bird conservation in Mediterranean ecosystems under climate change and novel fire regime scenarios. DIVERS DISTRIB 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Regos
- CEMFOR - CTFC; InForest Joint Research Unit; CSIC-CTFC-CREAF; Solsona 25280 Spain
- CREAF; Cerdanyola del Vallés 08193 Spain
| | - Manuela D'Amen
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Lausanne 1015 Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Titeux
- CEMFOR - CTFC; InForest Joint Research Unit; CSIC-CTFC-CREAF; Solsona 25280 Spain
- CREAF; Cerdanyola del Vallés 08193 Spain
| | - Sergi Herrando
- European Bird Census Council-Catalan Ornithological Institute; Natural History Museum of Barcelona; Plaça Leonardo da Vinci 4-5 Barcelona 08019 Spain
| | - Antoine Guisan
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Lausanne 1015 Switzerland
- Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, Geopolis; University of Lausanne; Lausanne 1015 Switzerland
| | - Lluís Brotons
- CEMFOR - CTFC; InForest Joint Research Unit; CSIC-CTFC-CREAF; Solsona 25280 Spain
- CREAF; Cerdanyola del Vallés 08193 Spain
- European Bird Census Council-Catalan Ornithological Institute; Natural History Museum of Barcelona; Plaça Leonardo da Vinci 4-5 Barcelona 08019 Spain
- CSIC; Cerdanyola del Vallés 08193 Spain
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Maiorano L, Amori G, Montemaggiori A, Rondinini C, Santini L, Saura S, Boitani L. On how much biodiversity is covered in Europe by national protected areas and by the Natura 2000 network: insights from terrestrial vertebrates. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2015; 29:986-995. [PMID: 25997522 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The European Union has made extensive biodiversity conservation efforts with the Habitats and Birds Directives and with the establishment of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, one of the largest networks of conservation areas worldwide. We performed a gap analysis of the entire Natura 2000 system plus national protected areas and all terrestrial vertebrates (freshwater fish excluded). We also evaluated the level of connectivity of both systems, providing therefore a first estimate of the functionality of the Natura 2000 system as an effective network of protected areas. Together national protected areas and the Natura 2000 network covered more than one-third of the European Union. National protected areas did not offer protection to 13 total gap species (i.e., species not covered by any protected area) or to almost 300 partial gap species (i.e., species whose representation target is not met). Together the Natura 2000 network and national protected areas left 1 total gap species and 121 partial gap species unprotected. The terrestrial vertebrates listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives were relatively well covered (especially birds), and overall connectivity was improved considerably by Natura 2000 sites that act as stepping stones between national protected areas. Overall, we found that the Natura 2000 network represents at continental level an important network of protected areas that acts as a good complement to existing national protected areas. However, a number of problems remain that are mainly linked to the criteria used to list the species in the Habitats and Birds Directives. The European Commission initiated in 2014 a process aimed at assessing the importance of the Birds and Habitats Directives for biodiversity conservation. Our results contribute to this assessment and suggest the system is largely effective for terrestrial vertebrates but would benefit from further updating of the species lists and field management.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Maiorano
- Charles Darwin Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Rome, La Sapienza, viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - G Amori
- Institute of Ecosystem Studies, CNR, viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A Montemaggiori
- Charles Darwin Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Rome, La Sapienza, viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - C Rondinini
- Charles Darwin Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Rome, La Sapienza, viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - L Santini
- Charles Darwin Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Rome, La Sapienza, viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - S Saura
- Department of Natural System and Resources, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Boitani
- Charles Darwin Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Rome, La Sapienza, viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Lisóon F, Calvo JF. Bat Activity Over Small Ponds in Dry Mediterranean Forests: Implications for Conservation. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2014. [DOI: 10.3161/150811014x683309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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