1
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Seebacher F, Narayan E, Rummer JL, Tomlinson S, Cooke SJ. How can physiology best contribute to wildlife conservation in a warming world? CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad038. [PMID: 37287992 PMCID: PMC10243909 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Global warming is now predicted to exceed 1.5°C by 2033 and 2°C by the end of the 21st century. This level of warming and the associated environmental variability are already increasing pressure on natural and human systems. Here we emphasize the role of physiology in the light of the latest assessment of climate warming by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We describe how physiology can contribute to contemporary conservation programmes. We focus on thermal responses of animals, but we acknowledge that the impacts of climate change are much broader phylogenetically and environmentally. A physiological contribution would encompass environmental monitoring, coupled with measuring individual sensitivities to temperature change and upscaling these to ecosystem level. The latest version of the widely accepted Conservation Standards designed by the Conservation Measures Partnership includes several explicit climate change considerations. We argue that physiology has a unique role to play in addressing these considerations. Moreover, physiology can be incorporated by institutions and organizations that range from international bodies to national governments and to local communities, and in doing so, it brings a mechanistic approach to conservation and the management of biological resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Seebacher
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences A08, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Edward Narayan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD4072, Australia
| | - Jodie L Rummer
- College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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2
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Tudor EP, Lewandrowski W, Tomlinson S. Integrating animal physiology into the adaptive management of restored landscapes. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023:10.1007/s00267-023-01800-5. [PMID: 36781454 PMCID: PMC10372129 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01800-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Global-scale ecological changes and intensifying habitat destruction and have caused alarming declines in wildlife populations, resulting in a great need for concerted efforts towards their conservation. Despite this, animals are frequently overlooked in restoration and management initiatives and therefore populations often do not reassemble following disturbance without re-establishing habitat that meets their abiotic and biotic requirements. However, restoration ecologists broadly lack insight into the physiological mechanisms that can govern the responses of fauna to environmental change and management. Therefore, we conducted a literature search for studies reporting a mechanistic understanding of faunal habitat suitability and selection in restored landscapes to deliver an updated perspective on the integration of animal ecophysiology and restoration ecology. Of the 75,442 studies that we identified discussing ecological restoration in the last 50 years, only 8,627 (11.4%) did so in the context of fauna from which 912 studies (1.2%) examined habitat selection, 35 studies (0.05%) integrated physiology and only 15 studies (0.02%) explored thermal biology, despite temperature being one of the most pervasive drivers of physiological functioning. To combat this, we developed a conceptual framework that can guide restoration ecophysiology and promote innovative, multidisciplinary research through an established adaptive management structure. While physiological tools and approaches are currently underutilised in restoration practice, integrating them into ecological restoration, and environmental management more broadly, will offer exciting new opportunities to describe, explain and predict the responses of fauna to environmental change occurring, and that yet to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily P Tudor
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA, 6005, Australia.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Wolfgang Lewandrowski
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA, 6005, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA, 6005, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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3
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Leroy C, Brunet JL, Henry M, Alaux C. Using physiology to better support wild bee conservation. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coac076. [PMID: 36632323 PMCID: PMC9825782 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that wild bees are experiencing a decline in terms of species diversity, abundance or distribution, which leads to major concerns about the sustainability of both pollination services and intrinsic biodiversity. There is therefore an urgent need to better understand the drivers of their decline, as well as design conservation strategies. In this context, the current approach consists of linking observed occurrence and distribution data of species to environmental features. While useful, a highly complementary approach would be the use of new biological metrics that can link individual bee responses to environmental alteration with population-level responses, which could communicate the actual bee sensitivity to environmental changes and act as early warning signals of bee population decline or sustainability. We discuss here through several examples how the measurement of bee physiological traits or performance can play this role not only in better assessing the impact of anthropogenic pressures on bees, but also in guiding conservation practices with the help of the documentation of species' physiological needs. Last but not least, because physiological changes generally occur well in advance of demographic changes, we argue that physiological traits can help in predicting and anticipating future population trends, which would represent a more proactive approach to conservation. In conclusion, we believe that future efforts to combine physiological, ecological and population-level knowledge will provide meaningful contributions to wild bee conservation-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-Luc Brunet
- INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84 914 Avignon, France
| | - Mickael Henry
- INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84 914 Avignon, France
| | - Cedric Alaux
- INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84 914 Avignon, France
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4
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Bradley HS, Craig MD, Cross AT, Tomlinson S, Bamford MJ, Bateman PW. Revealing microhabitat requirements of an endangered specialist lizard with LiDAR. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5193. [PMID: 35338156 PMCID: PMC8956745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08524-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A central principle of threatened species management is the requirement for detailed understanding of species habitat requirements. Difficult terrain or cryptic behaviour can, however, make the study of habitat or microhabitat requirements difficult, calling for innovative data collection techniques. We used high-resolution terrestrial LiDAR imaging to develop three-dimensional models of log piles, quantifying the structural characteristics linked with occupancy of an endangered cryptic reptile, the western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia). Inhabited log piles were generally taller with smaller entrance hollows and a wider main log, had more high-hanging branches, fewer low-hanging branches, more mid- and understorey cover, and lower maximum canopy height. Significant characteristics linked with occupancy were longer log piles, an average of three logs, less canopy cover, and the presence of overhanging vegetation, likely relating to colony segregation, thermoregulatory requirements, and foraging opportunities. In addition to optimising translocation site selection, understanding microhabitat specificity of E. s. badia will help inform a range of management objectives, such as targeted monitoring and invasive predator control. There are also diverse opportunities for the application of this technology to a wide variety of future ecological studies and wildlife management initiatives pertaining to a range of cryptic, understudied taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly S Bradley
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.
| | - Michael D Craig
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Adam T Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.,EcoHealth Network (http://ecohealthglobal.org), 1330 Beacon St, Suite 355a, Brookline, MA, 02446, USA
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.,Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kattij Close, Kings Park, WA, 6005, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Michael J Bamford
- Bamford Consulting Ecologists, Plover Way, Kingsley, WA, 6026, Australia
| | - Philip W Bateman
- Behavioural Ecology Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
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5
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van der Heyde M, Bunce M, Dixon KW, Fernandes K, Majer J, Wardell-Johnson G, White NE, Nevill P. Evaluating restoration trajectories using DNA metabarcoding of ground-dwelling and airborne invertebrates and associated plant communities. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:2172-2188. [PMID: 35092102 PMCID: PMC9304231 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Invertebrates are important for restoration processes as they are key drivers of many landscape‐scale ecosystem functions; including pollination, nutrient cycling and soil formation. However, invertebrates are often overlooked in restoration monitoring because they are highly diverse, poorly described, and time‐consuming to survey, and require increasingly scarce taxonomic expertise to enable identification. DNA metabarcoding is a relatively new tool for rapid survey that is able to address some of these concerns, and provide information about the taxa with which invertebrates are interacting via food webs and habitat. Here, we evaluate how invertebrate communities may be used to determine ecosystem trajectories during restoration. We collected ground‐dwelling and airborne invertebrates across chronosequences of mine‐site restoration in three ecologically disparate locations in Western Australia and identified invertebrate and plant communities using DNA metabarcoding. Ground‐dwelling invertebrates showed the clearest restoration signals, with communities becoming more similar to reference communities over time. These patterns were weaker in airborne invertebrates, which have higher dispersal abilities and therefore less local fidelity to environmental conditions. Although we detected directional changes in community composition indicative of invertebrate recovery, patterns observed were inconsistent between study locations. The inclusion of plant assays allowed identification of plant species, as well as potential food sources and habitat. We demonstrate that DNA metabarcoding of invertebrate communities can be used to evaluate restoration trajectories. Testing and incorporating new monitoring techniques such as DNA metabarcoding is critical to improving restoration outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van der Heyde
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.,Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - M Bunce
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.,Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), Kenepuru, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand
| | - K W Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - K Fernandes
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - J Majer
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - G Wardell-Johnson
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - N E White
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - P Nevill
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.,Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
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6
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Whipple S, Rohlf A, Vasquez CD, Dominquez D, Bowser G, Halliwell P. Combining virtual and in-place field crews to model pollinator species shift in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. ECOL INFORM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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7
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Reid JL, Zahawi RA, Zárrate‐Chary DA, Rosales JA, Holl KD, Kormann U. Multi‐scale habitat selection of key frugivores predicts large‐seeded tree recruitment in tropical forest restoration. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J. Leighton Reid
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences Virginia Tech Blacksburg Virginia USA
- Missouri Botanical Garden St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - Rakan A. Zahawi
- Charles Darwin Foundation Puerto Ayora Galápagos Ecuador
- Lyon Arboretum and School of Life Sciences University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Honolulu Hawaii USA
- Environmental Studies Department University of California Santa Cruz California USA
| | - Diego A. Zárrate‐Chary
- Proyecto de Conservación de Aguas y Tierras Bogotá Colombia
- Fondo para la Conservación de la Naturaleza World Wildlife Foundation Bogotá Colombia
| | - Juan A. Rosales
- Las Cruces Biological Station Organization for Tropical Studies San Vito Costa Rica
| | - Karen D. Holl
- Environmental Studies Department University of California Santa Cruz California USA
| | - Urs Kormann
- Swiss Ornithological Institute Sempach Switzerland
- Division of Forest Sciences School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH CH‐3052 Zollikofen Switzerland
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8
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Cross SL, Bradley HS, Tudor EP, Craig MD, Tomlinson S, Bamford MJ, Bateman PW, Cross AT. A life‐of‐mine approach to fauna monitoring is critical for recovering functional ecosystems to restored landscapes. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L. Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Holly S. Bradley
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Emily P. Tudor
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Michael D. Craig
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009 Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences Murdoch University South Street, Murdoch WA 6150 Australia
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 Australia
| | - Michael J. Bamford
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009 Australia
- Bamford Consulting Ecologists 23 Plover Way, Kingsley WA 6026 Australia
| | - Philip W. Bateman
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Adam T. Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102 Australia
- EcoHealth Network 1330 Beacon St, Suite 355a, Brookline MA 02446 U.S.A
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9
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Tomlinson S, Tudor EP, Turner SR, Cross S, Riviera F, Stevens J, Valliere J, Lewandrowski W. Leveraging the value of conservation physiology for ecological restoration. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tomlinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace Adelaide South Australia 5000 Australia
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University Bentley Western Australia 6102 Australia
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park, Western Australia 6005 Australia
| | - Emily P. Tudor
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University Bentley Western Australia 6102 Australia
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park, Western Australia 6005 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Shane R. Turner
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park, Western Australia 6005 Australia
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Sophie Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Fiamma Riviera
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Jason Stevens
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park, Western Australia 6005 Australia
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Justin Valliere
- Department of Biology California State University Dominguez Hills Carson California 90747 US
| | - Wolfgang Lewandrowski
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park, Western Australia 6005 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
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10
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Stupski SD, Schilder RJ. Operative temperature analysis of the honey bee Apis mellifera. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269141. [PMID: 34125216 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.231134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A key challenge for linking experiments of organisms performed in a laboratory environment to their performance in more complex environments is to determine thermal differences between a laboratory and the energetically complex terrestrial ecosystem. Studies performed in the laboratory do not account for many factors that contribute to the realized temperature of an organism in its natural environment. This can lead to modelling approaches that use experimentally derived data to erroneously link the air temperature in a laboratory to air temperatures in energetically heterogenous ecosystems. Traditional solutions to this classic problem assume that animals in an isotropic, isothermal chamber behave either as pure heterothermic ectotherms (body temperature=chamber temperature) or homeothermic endotherms (body temperature is entirely independent of chamber temperature). This approach may not be appropriate for endothermic insects which exist as an intermediate between strongly thermoregulating endotherms and purely thermoconforming species. Here, we use a heat budget modelling approach for the honey bee Apis mellifera to demonstrate that the unique physiology of endothermic insects may challenge many assumptions of traditional biophysical modelling approaches. We then demonstrate under modelled field-realistic scenarios that an experiment performed in a laboratory has the potential to both overestimate and underestimate the temperature of foraging bees when only air temperature is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley D Stupski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada,Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Rudolf J Schilder
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.,Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
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11
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Tomlinson S. The construction of small‐scale, quasi‐mechanistic spatial models of insect energetics in habitat restoration: A case study of beetles in Western Australia. DIVERS DISTRIB 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University of Technology Perth WA Australia
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation an Attractions Kings Park Science Kings Park WA Australia
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12
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Rare or overlooked? The distribution of Hairy Jointgrass in north coast New South Wales, Australia, and implications for its conservation status. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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13
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Tomlinson S, Lewandrowski W, Elliott CP, Miller BP, Turner SR. High-resolution distribution modeling of a threatened short-range endemic plant informed by edaphic factors. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:763-777. [PMID: 32015842 PMCID: PMC6988535 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-range endemic plants often have edaphic specializations that, with their restricted distributions, expose them to increased risk of anthropogenic extinction.Here, we present a modeling approach to understand habitat suitability for Ricinocarpos brevis R.J.F.Hend. & Mollemans (Euphorbiaceae), a threatened shrub confined to three isolated populations in the semi-arid south-west of Western Australia. The model is a maximum entropy species distribution projection constructed on the basis of physical soil characteristics and geomorphology data at approximately 25 m2 (1 arc-second) resolution.The model predicts the species to occur on shallow, low bulk density soils that are located high in the landscape. The model shows high affinity (72.1% average likelihood of occurrence) for the known populations of R. brevis, as well as identifying likely locations that are not currently known to support the species. There was a strong relationship between the likelihood of R. brevis occurrence and soil moisture content that the model estimated at a depth of 20 cm.We advocate that our approach should be standardized using publicly available data to generate testable hypotheses for the distribution and conservation management of short-range endemic plant species for all of continental Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular & Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWAAustralia
- Kings Park ScienceDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsWest PerthWAAustralia
| | - Wolfgang Lewandrowski
- Kings Park ScienceDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsWest PerthWAAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Carole P. Elliott
- Kings Park ScienceDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsWest PerthWAAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Ben P. Miller
- Kings Park ScienceDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsWest PerthWAAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Shane R. Turner
- School of Molecular & Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWAAustralia
- Kings Park ScienceDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsWest PerthWAAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
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14
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Garcia RA, Clusella-Trullas S. Thermal landscape change as a driver of ectotherm responses to plant invasions. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191020. [PMID: 31238850 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of research demonstrates the impacts of invasive alien plants on native animals, but few studies consider thermal effects as a driver of the responses of native organisms. As invasive alien plants establish and alter the composition and arrangement of plant communities, the thermal landscapes available to ectotherms also change. Our study reviews the research undertaken to date on the thermal effects of alien plant invasions on native reptiles, amphibians, insects and arachnids. The 37 studies published between 1970 and early 2019 portray an overall detrimental effect of invasive plants on thermal landscapes, ectothermic individuals' performance and species abundance, diversity and composition. With a case study of a lizard species, we illustrate the use of thermal ecology tools in plant invasion research and test the generality of alien plant effects: changes in thermoregulation behaviour in invaded landscapes varied depending on the level of invasion and lizard traits. Together, the literature review and case study show that thermal effects of alien plants on ectotherms can be substantial albeit context-dependent. Further research should cover multiple combinations of native/invasive plant growth forms, invasion stages and ectotherm traits. More attention is also needed to test causality along the chain of effects from thermal landscapes to individuals, populations and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel A Garcia
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University , Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602 , South Africa
| | - Susana Clusella-Trullas
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University , Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602 , South Africa
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15
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Tomlinson S. The mathematics of thermal sub-optimality: Nonlinear regression characterization of thermal performance of reptile metabolic rates. J Therm Biol 2019; 81:49-58. [PMID: 30975423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia; Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kattidj Close, Kings Park 6005, Western Australia, Australia.
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16
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Tomlinson S, Dalziell EL, Withers PC, Lewandrowski W, Dixon KW, Merritt DJ. Measuring metabolic rates of small terrestrial organisms by fluorescence-based closed-system respirometry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.172874. [PMID: 29444841 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.172874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We explore a recent, innovative variation of closed-system respirometry for terrestrial organisms, whereby oxygen partial pressure (PO2 ) is repeatedly measured fluorometrically in a constant-volume chamber over multiple time points. We outline a protocol that aligns this technology with the broader literature on aerial respirometry, including the calculations required to accurately convert O2 depletion to metabolic rate (MR). We identify a series of assumptions, and sources of error associated with this technique, including thresholds where O2 depletion becomes limiting, that impart errors to the calculation and interpretation of MR. Using these adjusted calculations, we found that the resting MR of five species of angiosperm seeds ranged from 0.011 to 0.640 ml g-1 h-1, consistent with published seed MR values. This innovative methodology greatly expands the lower size limit of terrestrial organisms that can be measured, and offers the potential for measuring MR changes over time as a result of physiological processes of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia .,Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emma L Dalziell
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia.,Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Philip C Withers
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Lewandrowski
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David J Merritt
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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17
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Bai Y, Wei X, Li X. Distributional dynamics of a vulnerable species in response to past and future climate change: a window for conservation prospects. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4287. [PMID: 29362700 PMCID: PMC5774295 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing change in climate is predicted to exert unprecedented effects on Earth's biodiversity at all levels of organization. Biological conservation is important to prevent biodiversity loss, especially for species facing a high risk of extinction. Understanding the past responses of species to climate change is helpful for revealing response mechanisms, which will contribute to the development of effective conservation strategies in the future. METHODS In this study, we modelled the distributional dynamics of a 'Vulnerable' species, Pseudolarix amabilis, in response to late Quaternary glacial-interglacial cycles and future 2080 climate change using an ecological niche model (MaxEnt). We also performed migration vector analysis to reveal the potential migration of the population over time. RESULTS Historical modelling indicates that the range dynamics of P. amabilis is highly sensitive to climate change and that its long-distance dispersal ability and potential for evolutionary adaption are limited. Compared to the current climatically suitable areas for this species, future modelling showed significant migration northward towards future potential climatically suitable areas. DISCUSSION In combination with the predicted future distribution, the mechanism revealed by the historical response suggests that this species will not be able to fully occupy the future expanded areas of suitable climate or adapt to the unsuitable climate across the future contraction regions. As a result, we suggest assisted migration as an effective supplementary means of conserving this vulnerable species in the face of the unprecedentedly rapid climate change of the 21st century. As a study case, this work highlights the significance of introducing historical perspectives while researching species conservation, especially for currently vulnerable or endangered taxa that once had a wider distribution in geological time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjun Bai
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origin of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
| | - Xueping Wei
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Tradition Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origin of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
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18
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Tomlinson S, Rummer JL, Hultine KR, Cooke SJ. Crossing boundaries in conservation physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy015. [PMID: 29593872 PMCID: PMC5865528 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular & Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley Western Australia 6102, Australia
- Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park Science, Kattij Place, Kings Park, Western Australia 6005, Australia
- Corresponding author: Tel: +61 894803923.
| | - Jodie L Rummer
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Dr, Douglas Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Kevin R Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation and Environmental Management, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
- Department of Biology, Fish Ecology and Q2 Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
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