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Xu D, Peng J, Dong J, Jiang H, Liu M, Luo Y, Xu Z. Expanding China's protected areas network to enhance resilience of climate connectivity. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:2273-2280. [PMID: 38724302 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Expanding the network of connected and resilient protected areas (PAs) for climate change adaptation can help species track suitable climate conditions and safeguard biodiversity. This is often overlooked when expanding PAs and quantifying their benefits, resulting in an underestimate of the benefits of expanding PAs. We expanded PAs through terrestrial mammalian species distribution hotspots, Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), and wilderness areas. Then, we constructed climate connectivity networks using a resistance-based approach and further quantified the network resilience to propose resilient climate response strategies in China. The results showed that existing PAs suffered from location biases with important biodiversity areas. The existing PAs represented about half of the KBAs and wilderness areas, yet only 12.08% of terrestrial mammalian species distribution hotspots were located within existing PAs. Compared with the existing PA network, the network efficiency and resilience of the expanded PAs' climate connectivity increased to 1.80 times and 1.78 times, respectively. With 56% of the nodes remaining, the network efficiency of the expanded PAs was equivalent to that of the existing PAs with all nodes. The network resilience of preferentially protecting and restoring low human footprint patches was approximately 1.5-2 times that of the random scenario. These findings highlighted that confronted with the unoptimistic situation of global warming, nature conservation based on existing PAs was no longer optimal. It was critical to construct a connected and resilient conservation network relying on both important biodiversity areas and low human footprint patches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Xu
- Technology Innovation Center for Integrated Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Utilization, Ministry of Natural Resources, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jian Peng
- Technology Innovation Center for Integrated Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Utilization, Ministry of Natural Resources, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Jianquan Dong
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Technology Innovation Center for Integrated Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Utilization, Ministry of Natural Resources, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Menglin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Environmental and Urban Sciences, School of Urban Planning and Design, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuhang Luo
- Key Laboratory for Environmental and Urban Sciences, School of Urban Planning and Design, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zihan Xu
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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2
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Lee JR, Shaw JD, Ropert-Coudert Y, Terauds A, Chown SL. Conservation features of the terrestrial Antarctic Peninsula. AMBIO 2024; 53:1037-1049. [PMID: 38589654 PMCID: PMC11101391 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-024-02009-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Conserving landscapes used by multiple stakeholder groups requires understanding of what each stakeholder values. Here we employed a semi-structured, participatory approach to identify features of value in the terrestrial Antarctic Peninsula related to biodiversity, science and tourism. Stakeholders identified 115 features, ranging from Adélie penguin colonies to sites suitable for snowshoeing tourists. We split the features into seven broad categories: science, tourism, historic, biodiversity, geographic, habitat, and intrinsic features, finding that the biodiversity category contained the most features of any one category, while science stakeholders identified the most features of any stakeholder group. Stakeholders have overlapping interests in some features, particularly for seals and seabirds, indicating that thoughtful consideration of their inclusion in future management is required. Acknowledging the importance of tourism and other social features in Antarctica and ensuring their integration into conservation planning and assessment will increase the likelihood of implementing successful environmental management strategies into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine R Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK.
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
| | - Justine D Shaw
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Yan Ropert-Coudert
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372, La Rochelle Université - CNRS, 79360, Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Aleks Terauds
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
- Integrated Digital East Antarctic Program, Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia
| | - Steven L Chown
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
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3
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Méheust Y, Delord K, Bonnet-Lebrun AS, Raclot T, Vasseur J, Allain J, Decourteillle V, Bost CA, Barbraud C. Human infrastructures correspond to higher Adélie penguin breeding success and growth rate. Oecologia 2024; 204:675-688. [PMID: 38459994 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities generate increasing disturbance in wildlife especially in extreme environments where species have to cope with rapid environmental changes. In Antarctica, while studies on human disturbance have mostly focused on stress response through physiological and behavioral changes, local variability in population dynamics has been addressed more scarcely. In addition, the mechanisms by which breeding communities are affected around research stations remain unclear. Our study aims at pointing out the fine-scale impact of human infrastructures on the spatial variability in Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) colonies dynamics. Taking 24 years of population monitoring, we modeled colony breeding success and growth rate in response to both anthropic and land-based environmental variables. Building density around colonies was the second most important variable explaining spatial variability in breeding success after distance from skua nests, the main predators of penguins on land. Building density was positively associated with penguins breeding success. We discuss how buildings may protect penguins from avian predation and environmental conditions. The drivers of colony growth rate included topographical variables and the distance to human infrastructures. A strong correlation between 1-year lagged growth rate and colony breeding success was coherent with the use of public information by penguins to select their initial breeding site. Overall, our study brings new insights about the relative contribution and ecological implications of human presence on the local population dynamics of a sentinel species in Antarctica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Méheust
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - Karine Delord
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Bonnet-Lebrun
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Thierry Raclot
- Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR7178 CNRS, 69037, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julien Vasseur
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Jimmy Allain
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Virgil Decourteillle
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Charles-André Bost
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Christophe Barbraud
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
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4
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Brooks ST, Jabour J, Hughes KA, Morgan F, Convey P, Polymeropoulos ET, Bergstrom DM. Systematic conservation planning for Antarctic research stations. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119711. [PMID: 38070424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119711] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The small ice-free areas of Antarctica are essential locations for both biodiversity and scientific research but are subject to considerable and expanding human impacts, resulting primarily from station-based research and support activities, and local tourism. Awareness by operators of the need to conserve natural values in and around station and visitor site footprints exists, but the cumulative nature of impacts often results in reactive rather than proactive management. With human activity spread across many isolated pockets of ice-free ground, the pathway to the greatest reduction of human impacts within this natural reserve is through better management of these areas, which are impacted the most. Using a case study of Australia's Casey Station, we found significant natural values persist within the immediate proximity (<10 m) of long-term station infrastructure, but encroachment by physical disturbance results in ongoing pressures. Active planning to better conserve such values would provide a direct opportunity to enhance protection of Antarctica's environment. Here we introduce an approach to systematic conservation planning, tailored to Antarctic research stations, to help managers improve the conservation of values surrounding their activity locations. Use of this approach provides a potential mechanism to balance the need for scientific access to the continent with international obligations to protect its environment. It may also facilitate the development of subordinate conservation tools, including management plans and natural capital accounting. By proactively minimising and containing their station footprints, national programs can also independently demonstrate their commitment to protecting Antarctica's environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun T Brooks
- CSIRO Environment, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Julia Jabour
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kevin A Hughes
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
| | - Fraser Morgan
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand; Te Pūnaha Matatini, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa; Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
| | - Elias T Polymeropoulos
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Dana M Bergstrom
- Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, Australia
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5
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Convey P, Hughes KA. Untangling unexpected terrestrial conservation challenges arising from the historical human exploitation of marine mammals in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. AMBIO 2023; 52:357-375. [PMID: 36048407 PMCID: PMC9755428 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01782-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intensive human exploitation of the Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) in its primary population centre on sub-Antarctic South Georgia, as well as on other sub-Antarctic islands and parts of the South Shetland Islands, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries rapidly brought populations to the brink of extinction. The species has now recovered throughout its original distribution. Non-breeding and yearling seals, almost entirely males, from the South Georgia population now disperse in the summer months far more widely and in higher numbers than there is evidence for taking place in the pre-exploitation era. Large numbers now haul out in coastal terrestrial habitats in the South Orkney Islands and also along the north-east and west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula to at least Marguerite Bay. In these previously less- or non-visited areas, the seals cause levels of damage likely never to have been experienced previously to fragile terrestrial habitats through trampling and over-fertilisation, as well as eutrophication of sensitive freshwater ecosystems. This increased area of summer impact is likely to have further synergies with aspects of regional climate change, including reduction in extent and duration of sea ice permitting seals access farther south, and changes in krill abundance and distribution. The extent and conservation value of terrestrial habitats and biodiversity now threatened by fur seal distribution expansion, and the multiple anthropogenic factors acting in synergy both historically and to the present day, present a new and as yet unaddressed challenge to the agencies charged with ensuring the protection and conservation of Antarctica's unique ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK.
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa.
| | - Kevin A Hughes
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
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6
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Phillips LM, Leihy RI, Chown SL. Improving species-based area protection in Antarctica. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13885. [PMID: 35040183 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13885] [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: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Area protection is a major mechanism deployed for environmental conservation in Antarctica. Yet, the Antarctic protected areas network is widely acknowledged as inadequate, in part because the criteria for area protection south of 60°S are not fully applied. The most poorly explored of these criteria is the type locality of species, which provides the primary legal means for Antarctic species-based area protection and a method for conserving species even if little is known about their habitat or distribution. The type locality criterion has not been systematically assessed since its incorporation into the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty in 1991, so the extent to which the criterion is being met or might be useful for area protection is largely unknown. To address the matter, we created and analyzed a comprehensive database of Antarctic type localities of terrestrial and lacustrine lichens, plants, and animals. We compiled the database via a literature search of key taxonomic and geographic terms and then analyzed the distance between type localities identifiable to a ≤ 25km2 resolution and current Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) and human infrastructure. We used a distance-clustering approach for localities outside current ASPAs to determine candidate protected areas that could contain these unprotected localities. Of the 386 type localities analyzed, 108 were within or overlapped current ASPAs. Inclusion of the remaining 278 type localities in the ASPA network would require the designation of a further 105 protected areas. Twenty-four of these areas included human infrastructure disturbance. Given the slow rate of ASPA designation, growing pace of human impacts on the continent, and the management burden associated with ASPAs, we propose ways in which the type locality criterion might best be deployed. These include a comprehensive, systematic conservation planning approach and an alternative emphasis on the habitat of species, rather than on a single locality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Phillips
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel I Leihy
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven L Chown
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Vega GC, Pertierra LR, Benayas J, Olalla-Tárraga MÁ. Ensemble forecasting of invasion risk for four alien springtail (Collembola) species in Antarctica. Polar Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-021-02949-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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8
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Krüger L, Huerta MF, Santa Cruz F, Cárdenas CA. Antarctic krill fishery effects over penguin populations under adverse climate conditions: Implications for the management of fishing practices. AMBIO 2021; 50:560-571. [PMID: 32979187 PMCID: PMC7882667 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01386-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fast climate changes in the western Antarctic Peninsula are reducing krill density, which along with increased fishing activities in recent decades, may have had synergistic effects on penguin populations. We tested that assumption by crossing data on fishing activities and Southern Annular Mode (an indicator of climate change in Antarctica) with penguin population data. Increases in fishing catch during the non-breeding period were likely to result in impacts on both chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) and gentoo (P. papua) populations. Catches and climate change together elevated the probability of negative population growth rates: very high fishing catch on years with warm winters and low sea ice (associated with negative Southern Annular Mode values) implied a decrease in population size in the following year. The current management of krill fishery in the Southern Ocean takes into account an arbitrary and fixed catch limit that does not reflect the variability of the krill population under effects of climate change, therefore affecting penguin populations when the environmental conditions were not favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Krüger
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Magdalena F. Huerta
- Centro de Humedales Río Cruces, Universidad Austral de Chile, Camino Cabo Blanco Alto s/n, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Francisco Santa Cruz
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - César A. Cárdenas
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
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Antarctica’s wilderness fails to capture continent’s biodiversity. Nature 2020; 583:567-571. [DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Cuba-Díaz M, Rivera-Mora C, Navarrete E, Klagges M. Advances of native and non-native Antarctic species to in vitro conservation: improvement of disinfection protocols. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3845. [PMID: 32123221 PMCID: PMC7052217 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60533-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants that inhabit Antarctica have raised scientific interest due to their resilience to climate change, abiotic tolerance mechanisms and potential biological applications. In vitro propagation is useful for conservation, genetic material availability of these species and avoiding mass collection in their habitat. In vitro culture protocols for the native plants Colobanthus quitensis and Deschampsia antarctica and the non-native Juncus bufonius have been affected by endophytic microorganisms that proliferate when introduced to tissue cultures. This study evaluated the microbicidal and phytotoxic effect of calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), silver nitrate (AgNO3) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and their use at different concentrations for different time periods. The Ca(ClO)2 at 100 mg mL-1 showed the best microbial contamination control in D. antarctica (applied for 20 min) and for the three C. quitensis populations (applied for 15 min). In J. bufonius, AgNO3 at 10 mg mL-1 for 10 min reduced the microbial growth, but oxidative damage was generated. AgNPs did not prevent contamination or have adverse effects on tissues. Survival plantlets from each treatment, population or species were effectively introduced to the tissue culture and their propagation was successful. These results constitute a fundamental advance for the introduction, propagation and conservation of Antarctic species and their use in scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marely Cuba-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Estudios Ambientales, Universidad de Concepción, Campus Los Ángeles, Los Ángeles, Chile.
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Vegetal, Escuela de Ciencias y Tecnologías, Universidad de Concepción, Campus Los Ángeles. Juan Antonio Coloma 0201, 4440000, Los Ángeles, Chile.
| | - Claudia Rivera-Mora
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Estudios Ambientales, Universidad de Concepción, Campus Los Ángeles, Los Ángeles, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Vegetal, Escuela de Ciencias y Tecnologías, Universidad de Concepción, Campus Los Ángeles. Juan Antonio Coloma 0201, 4440000, Los Ángeles, Chile
| | - Eduardo Navarrete
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Vegetal, Escuela de Ciencias y Tecnologías, Universidad de Concepción, Campus Los Ángeles. Juan Antonio Coloma 0201, 4440000, Los Ángeles, Chile
| | - Macarena Klagges
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Estudios Ambientales, Universidad de Concepción, Campus Los Ángeles, Los Ángeles, Chile
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Carapelli A, Greenslade P, Nardi F, Leo C, Convey P, Frati F, Fanciulli PP. Evidence for Cryptic Diversity in the "Pan-Antarctic" Springtail Friesea antarctica and the Description of Two New Species. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11030141. [PMID: 32106429 PMCID: PMC7143604 DOI: 10.3390/insects11030141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The invertebrate terrestrial fauna of Antarctica is being investigated with increasing interest to discover how life interacts with the extreme polar environment and how millions of years of evolution have shaped their biodiversity. Classical taxonomic approaches, complemented by molecular tools, are improving our understanding of the systematic relationships of some species, changing the nomenclature of taxa and challenging the taxonomic status of others. The springtail Friesea grisea has previously been described as the only species with a “pan-Antarctic” distribution. However, recent genetic comparisons have pointed to another scenario. The latest morphological study has confined F. grisea to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, from which it was originally described, and resurrected F. antarctica as a congeneric species occurring on the continental mainland. Molecular data demonstrate that populations of this taxon, ostensibly occurring across Maritime and Continental Antarctica, as well as on some offshore islands, are evolutionarily isolated and divergent and cannot be included within a single species. The present study, combining morphological with molecular data, attempts to validate this hypothesis and challenges the taxonomic status of F. antarctica, suggesting that two additional new species, described here as Friesea gretae sp. nov. and Friesea propria sp. nov., are present in Continental Antarctica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Carapelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.N.); (C.L.); (F.F.); (P.P.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0577-234-410
| | - Penelope Greenslade
- Environmental Management, School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia;
| | - Francesco Nardi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.N.); (C.L.); (F.F.); (P.P.F.)
| | - Chiara Leo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.N.); (C.L.); (F.F.); (P.P.F.)
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK;
| | - Francesco Frati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.N.); (C.L.); (F.F.); (P.P.F.)
| | - Pietro Paolo Fanciulli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.N.); (C.L.); (F.F.); (P.P.F.)
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12
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13
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Convey P, Peck LS. Antarctic environmental change and biological responses. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaaz0888. [PMID: 31807713 PMCID: PMC6881164 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz0888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean are facing complex environmental change. Their native biota has adapted to the region's extreme conditions over many millions of years. This unique biota is now challenged by environmental change and the direct impacts of human activity. The terrestrial biota is characterized by considerable physiological and ecological flexibility and is expected to show increases in productivity, population sizes and ranges of individual species, and community complexity. However, the establishment of non-native organisms in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems may present an even greater threat than climate change itself. In the marine environment, much more limited response flexibility means that even small levels of warming are threatening. Changing sea ice has large impacts on ecosystem processes, while ocean acidification and coastal freshening are expected to have major impacts.
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14
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Wauchope HS, Shaw JD, Terauds A. A snapshot of biodiversity protection in Antarctica. Nat Commun 2019; 10:946. [PMID: 30808907 PMCID: PMC6391489 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08915-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Threats to Antarctic biodiversity are escalating, despite its remoteness and protection under the Antarctic Treaty. Increasing human activity, pollution, biological invasions and the omnipresent impacts of climate change all contribute, and often combine, to exert pressure on Antarctic ecosystems and environments. Here we present a continent-wide assessment of terrestrial biodiversity protection in Antarctica. Despite Antarctic Specially Protected Areas covering less than 2% of Antarctica, 44% of species (including seabirds, plants, lichens and invertebrates) are found in one or more protected areas. However, protection is regionally uneven and biased towards easily detectable and charismatic species like seabirds. Systematic processes to prioritize area protection using the best available data will maximize the likelihood of ensuring long-term protection and conservation of Antarctic biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Wauchope
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Justine D Shaw
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Aleks Terauds
- Antarctic Conservation and Management Program, Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia.
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Hughes KA, Convey P, Pertierra LR, Vega GC, Aragón P, Olalla-Tárraga MÁ. Human-mediated dispersal of terrestrial species between Antarctic biogeographic regions: A preliminary risk assessment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 232:73-89. [PMID: 30468960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.10.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of terrestrial biodiversity within Antarctica is complex, with 16 distinct biogeographic regions (Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions) currently recognised within the Antarctic continent, Peninsula and Scotia Arc archipelagos of the Antarctic Treaty area. Much of this diversity is endemic not only to Antarctica as a whole, but to specific regions within it. Further complexity is added by inclusion of the biodiversity found on the islands located in the Southern Ocean north of the Treaty area. Within Antarctica, scientific, logistic and tourism activities may inadvertently move organisms over potentially long distances, far beyond natural dispersal ranges. Such translocation can disrupt natural species distribution patterns and biogeography through: (1) movement of spatially restricted indigenous species to other areas of Antarctica; (2) movement of distinct populations of more generally distributed species from one area of Antarctica to another, leading to genetic homogenisation and loss of assumed local patterns of adaptation; and (3) further dispersal of introduced non-native species from one area of Antarctica to another. Species can be moved between regions in association with people and cargo, by ship, aircraft and overland travel. Movement of cargo and personnel by ship between stations located in different biogeographic regions is likely to present one of the greatest risks, particularly as coastal stations may experience similar climatic conditions, making establishment more likely. Recognising that reducing the risk of inter-regional transfer of species is a priority issue for the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, we make practical recommendations aimed at reducing this risk, including the implementation of appropriate biosecurity procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Hughes
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom.
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
| | - Luis R Pertierra
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Calle José Gutierrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Greta C Vega
- Department of Biology and Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, Rey Juan Carlos University, Calle Tulipán s/n, Móstoles (Madrid) 28933, Spain
| | - Pedro Aragón
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Calle José Gutierrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Miguel Á Olalla-Tárraga
- Department of Biology and Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, Rey Juan Carlos University, Calle Tulipán s/n, Móstoles (Madrid) 28933, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert Summerson
- Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Tina Tin
- Environmental Consultant, Challes-les-Eaux, France
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Cross-disciplinarity in the advance of Antarctic ecosystem research. Mar Genomics 2018; 37:1-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Duffy GA, Coetzee BWT, Latombe G, Akerman AH, McGeoch MA, Chown SL. Barriers to globally invasive species are weakening across the Antarctic. DIVERS DISTRIB 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Grant A. Duffy
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton Vic. Australia
| | | | - Guillaume Latombe
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton Vic. Australia
| | | | - Melodie A. McGeoch
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton Vic. Australia
| | - Steven L. Chown
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton Vic. Australia
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