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Boncourt E, Bergès L, Alp M, Dupont B, Herviault T, Evette A. Riparian habitat connectivity restoration in an anthropized landscape: A multi-species approach based on landscape graph and soil bioengineering structures. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:1247-1264. [PMID: 38478071 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01959-5] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
In urbanized areas, rivers and riparian ecosystems are often the only ecological corridors available for wildlife movement. There, riverbanks are often stabilised by civil engineering structures (dykes, riprap). This can lead to habitat degradation and loss of landscape connectivity. Fascines (willow bundles tied together) could be an alternative to riprap, since they maintain the quality of the natural ecosystems by using native vegetal species instead of rocks, but their potential positive impact needs to be assessed. We proposed a landscape-scale decision-making method for river managers who want to restore banks by transforming riprap into fascines to improve landscape connectivity. We applied our methodology to a case study involving a 25 km-stretch of the Arve River, France. We selected four target vertebrate species based on biological traits to cover a wide range of dispersal capacities. For each species, we used landscape graphs to assess habitat connectivity under different contrasted riverbank scenarios. Scenarios included replacing all-natural banks with ripraps or replacing all ripraps with fascines. In addition, we systematically tested the effect of replacing individual 100 or 500 m sections of ripraps by fascines, to locate where riverbank restoration would maximize connectivity gain. The four species selected responded very differently to the scenarios (up to +14% and +46% change in Probability of Connectivity for common toads and Eurasian beavers, respectively, 0% for common sandpipers and barred grass snakes). The restoration of specific riverbank sections could result in important gains in PC (up to +33% for one single section for one species) but no section maximized connectivity gain for all the target species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Boncourt
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, LESSEM, F-38402, St-Martin-d'Hères, France.
| | - Laurent Bergès
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, LESSEM, F-38402, St-Martin-d'Hères, France
| | - Maria Alp
- RiverLy, INRAE, F-69625, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Blandine Dupont
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, LESSEM, F-38402, St-Martin-d'Hères, France
| | | | - André Evette
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, LESSEM, F-38402, St-Martin-d'Hères, France
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Ockleford C, Adriaanse P, Berny P, Brock T, Duquesne S, Grilli S, Hernandez-Jerez AF, Bennekou SH, Klein M, Kuhl T, Laskowski R, Machera K, Pelkonen O, Pieper S, Stemmer M, Sundh I, Teodorovic I, Tiktak A, Topping CJ, Wolterink G, Aldrich A, Berg C, Ortiz-Santaliestra M, Weir S, Streissl F, Smith RH. Scientific Opinion on the state of the science on pesticide risk assessment for amphibians and reptiles. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05125. [PMID: 32625798 PMCID: PMC7009658 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Following a request from EFSA, the Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues developed an opinion on the science to support the potential development of a risk assessment scheme of plant protection products for amphibians and reptiles. The coverage of the risk to amphibians and reptiles by current risk assessments for other vertebrate groups was investigated. Available test methods and exposure models were reviewed with regard to their applicability to amphibians and reptiles. Proposals were made for specific protection goals aiming to protect important ecosystem services and taking into consideration the regulatory framework and existing protection goals for other vertebrates. Uncertainties, knowledge gaps and research needs were highlighted.
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Somers CM, Graham CF, Martino JA, Frasier TR, Lance SL, Gardiner LE, Poulin RG. Conservation genetics of the eastern yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) and bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi): River valleys are critical features for snakes at northern range limits. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187322. [PMID: 29095863 PMCID: PMC5667752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
On the North American Great Plains, several snake species reach their northern range limit where they rely on sparsely distributed hibernacula located in major river valleys. Independent colonization histories for the river valleys and barriers to gene flow caused by the lack of suitable habitat between them may have produced genetically differentiated snake populations. To test this hypothesis, we used 10 microsatellite loci to examine the population structure of two species of conservation concern in Canada: the eastern yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) and bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) in 3 major river valleys in southern Saskatchewan. Fixation indices (FST) showed that populations in river valleys were significantly differentiated for both species (racers, FST = 0.096, P = 0.001; bullsnakes FST = 0.045–0.157, P = 0.001). Bayesian assignment (STRUCTURE) and ordination (DAPC) strongly supported genetically differentiated groups in the geographically distinct river valleys. Finer-scale subdivision of populations within river valleys was not apparent based on our data, but is a topic that should be investigated further. Our findings highlight the importance of major river valleys for snakes at the northern extent of their ranges, and raise the possibility that populations in each river valley may warrant separate management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carly F. Graham
- University of Regina, Department of Biology, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jessica A. Martino
- University of Regina, Department of Biology, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Timothy R. Frasier
- Saint Mary’s University, Department of Biology, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Stacey L. Lance
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Laura E. Gardiner
- University of Regina, Department of Biology, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Ray G. Poulin
- Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Ortiz‐Santaliestra ME, Maia JP, Egea‐Serrano A, Brühl CA, Lopes I. Biological relevance of the magnitude of effects (considering mortality, sub‐lethal and reproductive effects) observed in studies with amphibians and reptiles in view of population level impacts on amphibians and reptiles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2017.en-1251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joao P. Maia
- Universidade de Aveiro. Campus de Santiago Portugal
| | - Andrés Egea‐Serrano
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) UCLM‐CSIC‐JCCM Spain
| | | | - Isabel Lopes
- Universidade de Aveiro. Campus de Santiago Portugal
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A new eigenfunction spatial analysis describing population genetic structure. Genetica 2013; 141:479-89. [DOI: 10.1007/s10709-013-9747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Diniz-Filho JAF, Bini LM. Thirty-five years of spatial autocorrelation analysis in population genetics: an essay in honour of Robert Sokal (1926-2012). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.01987.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis Mauricio Bini
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas; Universidade Federal de Goiás; CP 131 Campus II 74001-970; Goiânia; GO; Brazil
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Dubey S, Sumner J, Pike DA, Keogh JS, Webb JK, Shine R. Genetic Connectivity among Populations of an Endangered Snake Species from Southeastern Australia (Hoplocephalus bungaroides, Elapidae). Ecol Evol 2012; 1:218-27. [PMID: 22393497 PMCID: PMC3287295 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
For endangered species that persist as apparently isolated populations within a previously more extensive range, the degree of genetic exchange between those populations is critical to conservation and management. A lack of gene flow can exacerbate impacts of threatening processes and delay or prevent colonization of sites after local extirpation. The broad-headed snake, Hoplocephalus bungaroides, is a small venomous species restricted to a handful of disjunct reserves near Sydney, Australia. Mark-recapture studies have indicated low vagility for this ambush predator, suggesting that gene flow also may be low. However, our analyses of 11 microsatellite loci from 163 snakes collected in Morton National Park, from six sites within a 10-km diameter, suggest relatively high rates of gene flow among sites. Most populations exchange genes with each other, with one large population serving as a source area and smaller populations apparently acting as sinks. About half of the juvenile snakes, for which we could reliably infer parentage, were collected from populations other than those in which we collected their putative parents. As expected from the snakes' reliance on rocky outcrops during cooler months of the year, most gene flow appears to be along sandstone plateaux rather than across the densely forested valleys that separate plateaux. The unexpectedly high rates of gene flow on a landscape scale are encouraging for future conservation of this endangered taxon. For example, wildlife managers could conserve broad-headed snakes by restoring habitats near extant source populations in areas predicted to be least affected by future climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Dubey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of SydneyNSW 2006 Australia
| | - Joanna Sumner
- Museum Victoria11 Nicholson St, Carlton Gardens, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - David A Pike
- School of Biological Sciences, University of SydneyNSW 2006 Australia
- Present address: School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook UniversityAustralia
| | - J Scott Keogh
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National UniversityCanberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Jonathan K Webb
- School of Biological Sciences, University of SydneyNSW 2006 Australia
| | - Richard Shine
- School of Biological Sciences, University of SydneyNSW 2006 Australia
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McCartney-Melstad E, Waller T, Micucci PA, Barros M, Draque J, Amato G, Mendez M. Population structure and gene flow of the yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) in northern Argentina. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37473. [PMID: 22675425 PMCID: PMC3360049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Yellow anacondas (Eunectes notaeus) are large, semiaquatic boid snakes found in wetland systems in South America. These snakes are commercially harvested under a sustainable management plan in Argentina, so information regarding population structuring can be helpful for determination of management units. We evaluated genetic structure and migration using partial sequences from the mitochondrial control region and mitochondrial genes cyt-b and ND4 for 183 samples collected within northern Argentina. A group of landscape features and environmental variables including several treatments of temperature and precipitation were explored as potential drivers of observed genetic patterns. We found significant population structure between most putative population comparisons and bidirectional but asymmetric migration in several cases. The configuration of rivers and wetlands was found to be significantly associated with yellow anaconda population structure (IBD), and important for gene flow, although genetic distances were not significantly correlated with the environmental variables used here. More in-depth analyses of environmental data may be needed to fully understand the importance of environmental conditions on population structure and migration. These analyses indicate that our putative populations are demographically distinct and should be treated as such in Argentina's management plan for the harvesting of yellow anacondas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan McCartney-Melstad
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tomás Waller
- Fundación Biodiversidad – Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Mariano Barros
- Fundación Biodiversidad – Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Draque
- Fundación Biodiversidad – Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - George Amato
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Martin Mendez
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
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Meister B, Ursenbacher S, Baur B. Grass Snake Population Differentiation over Different Geographic Scales. HERPETOLOGICA 2012. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-11-00036.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Meister B, Ursenbacher S, Baur B. Frequency of multiple paternity in the grass snake (Natrix natrix). AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2012. [DOI: 10.1163/156853812x634053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Males can enhance their reproductive success through mating with multiple females. For females, however, one mating is usually sufficient to inseminate all of their ova. Females may benefit from multiple mating by producing genetically more diverse offspring, and by having the opportunity to choose sperm of the genetically most compatible male. We used five microsatellite loci to investigate the occurrence and frequency of multiple paternity in 11 clutches of the grass snake (Natrix natrix) in Switzerland. Using a very conservative estimate (program GERUD), two or more fathers were found in 27% of the clutches. However, based on the maximum likelihood estimate (program COLONY), multiple paternity occurred in 91% of the clutches with 2-5 contributing males per female. This is the first investigation demonstrating multiple paternity in a European natricine, with a frequency similar to those found in new world natricines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Meister
- Section of Conservation Biology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Ursenbacher
- Section of Conservation Biology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Baur
- Section of Conservation Biology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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