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Miard P, Xin FK, Hampshire S, Rosely NFN, Bernard H, Ruppert N. Diversity, Encounter Rate and Detection of Non-Volant Nocturnal Mammals on Two Malaysian Islands. Trop Life Sci Res 2024; 35:49-85. [PMID: 39262867 PMCID: PMC11383625 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Nocturnal mammals constitute a crucial component of tropical faunal diversity, but not much is known about the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the habitat use and detectability of these species. We investigated which habitat and environmental variables impact the detectability of non-volant nocturnal arboreal mammals across varying habitat types at two tropical islands with different levels of anthropogenic development in Malaysia. We conducted night transect line and point count surveys following pre-existing paths in Penang Island and Langkawi Island between 2019 and 2020. We used a head torch with red filter and a thermal imaging device (FLIR) to enhance animal detection success. We calculated the encounter rates (individual km-1) for each species as a proxy for abundance. Overall, we detected 17 species, but did not find higher species diversity in intact forested environments compared to disturbed areas. Encounter rates of the most observed species were influenced by 'time after sunset' on the highly developed island of Penang, whereas on the rural island of Langkawi, detection was higher in sites with better canopy connectivity. Different species of non-volant nocturnal arboreal mammals use their respective habitats differently and thus, are differently impacted by varying levels of anthropogenic activities. Our results provided baseline data on the diversity, encounter rate, and detectability of these highly elusive species, which can also help to further improve methodologies for the detection of nocturnal wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscillia Miard
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Malaysian Primatological Society, 09000 Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Foo Kai Xin
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Sapphire Hampshire
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Göttingen University, Wilhelmsplatz 1, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nik Fadzly Nik Rosely
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Henry Bernard
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
| | - Nadine Ruppert
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Malaysian Primatological Society, 09000 Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia
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Cunningham SA, Crane MJ, Evans MJ, Hingee KL, Lindenmayer DB. Density of invasive western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies in fragmented woodlands indicates potential for large impacts on native species. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3603. [PMID: 35246626 PMCID: PMC8897460 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Feral Apis mellifera colonies are widespread globally and cause ecological impacts as pollinators and competitors for food and nesting opportunities. The magnitude of impact depends on their population density, but knowledge of this density is poor. We document feral A. mellifera colonies at 69 per km2 in fragmented Eucalyptus woodlands in Australia, exceeding estimates from elsewhere in the world, and matched only by one other Australian study. We surveyed 52.5 ha of woodland patches with 357 nest boxes installed to provide nesting opportunities for threatened vertebrates. Our sites covered a region of more than 140 km across with repeated surveys over 3 to 6 years. We show that nest box use by feral A. mellifera colonies is influenced by box design (p = 0.042), with weak evidence for an interactive effect of type of vegetation at a site (woodland remnants vs. replanting) and woody cover within 500 m (p = 0.091). At 69 colonies per km2, this density is equivalent to the recommended stocking of hives for pollination of some crops and is therefore likely to influence pollination and lead to competition with other flower visitors. Apis mellifera is also likely to be competing for hollows with cavity dependent native fauna, especially in landscapes where there has been extensive tree removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul A Cunningham
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia.
| | - Mason J Crane
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia
| | - Maldwyn J Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia.,Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kassel L Hingee
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia
| | - David B Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia
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Meyer NFV, King J, Mahony M, Clulow J, Beranek C, Reedman C, Balkenhol N, Hayward MW. Large area used by squirrel gliders in an urban area, uncovered using GPS telemetry. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7147-7153. [PMID: 34188802 PMCID: PMC8216951 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) is a threatened, gliding marsupial that persists in fragmented landscapes despite its restricted capacity to cross large gaps. As measures to maintain and/or restore suitable habitat depend on knowledge about the species' ecological requirements, we investigated the area used by squirrel gliders in an urban area near Newcastle, Australia. Using GPS telemetry data and the autocorrelated kernel density estimator, we estimated area used to average 10.8 ha and varied from 4.6 to 15 ha, which is equal to or greater than found in previous studies that spanned longer time periods. This has implications when identifying the minimum patch size necessary for ensuring the long-term conservation of a squirrel glider population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninon F. V. Meyer
- Conservation Science Research GroupSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Wildlife SciencesFaculty of Forest SciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - John‐Paul King
- Conservation Science Research GroupSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
| | - Michael Mahony
- Conservation Science Research GroupSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
| | - John Clulow
- Conservation Science Research GroupSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
| | - Chad Beranek
- Conservation Science Research GroupSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
| | - Callum Reedman
- Conservation Science Research GroupSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
| | - Niko Balkenhol
- Wildlife SciencesFaculty of Forest SciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Matt W. Hayward
- Conservation Science Research GroupSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
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Pustkowiak S, Kwieciński Z, Lenda M, Żmihorski M, Rosin ZM, Tryjanowski P, Skórka P. Small things are important: the value of singular point elements for birds in agricultural landscapes. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1386-1403. [PMID: 33694303 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Farmland birds belong to the most endangered group of vertebrates in Europe. They are an important component of farmland biodiversity considering the numerous functions they perform (e.g. seed dispersal, improving germination, increasing gene flow, nutrient recycling, and pest control). Therefore, their decline imposes substantial risks on agricultural ecosystems. In general, farmland bird conservation includes land-use and management alterations leading to less-intensive farming and land-sparing for breeding habitats (e.g. agri-environment-climate schemes, and organic farming). However, theoretical concepts describing farmland biodiversity maintenance and applied conservation measures usually ignore the role of singular, often very small, natural or man-made elements in an agricultural landscape. These elements play a role in the populations of certain species, their biology and in the general species richness of farmland. Furthermore, the importance of these elements has never been empirically tested, which means that conservationists and practitioners are not aware of their measurable value for birds. Herein, we define and identify singular point elements in the agricultural landscape (SPELs) which are potentially important for breeding farmland birds. We also describe each SPEL and evaluate its importance for birds in farmland based on a systematic review of the available literature. Using a horizon-scanning technique, we then polled field ornithologists about their personal observations of birds in relation to SPELs and the evaluation of the potential roles of such structures for birds. We identified 17 SPELs that vary in naturalness and age: singular trees, singular shrubs, erratic boulders, puddles, electricity pylons, wind turbines, spiritual sites, hunting platforms, fence and border posts, wells, road signs, scarecrows, piles of manure, piles of brushwood/branches, piles of stones/debris, piles of lime, and haystacks. Analysis of the literature revealed knowledge gaps, because some SPELs are frequently mentioned in ecological studies (e.g. trees, shrubs, pylons), but others such as spiritual sites, stones, hunting platforms, wells, road signs, or piles of lime are ignored. Despite the fact that some authors incorporate the effects of some SPELs in their studies, little research to date has aimed to assess the impact of various SPELs on farmland bird species numbers and distribution. Horizon scanning revealed that ornithologists often observe birds on various SPELs and thus, attribute to SPELs many functions that are important for maintaining bird populations. Horizon scanning also highlighted the importance of SPELs for many declining bird species and suggested possible mitigation of negative changes in the agricultural landscape by retaining SPELs within fields. We suggest that a better understanding of the role of SPELs for farmland birds is required. We also recommend that SPELs are considered as a potential tool for the conservation of birds, and existing conservation programs such as agri-environment-climate schemes and organic farming should be updated accordingly. Finally, we suggest that SPELs are included in predictive models that evaluate habitat suitability for farmland biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Pustkowiak
- Department of Biodiversity, Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Kwieciński
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland.,Department of Avian Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Magdalena Lenda
- Department of Biodiversity, Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Żmihorski
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Zuzanna M Rosin
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.,Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7044, Se 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland.,Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Piotr Skórka
- Department of Biodiversity, Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
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Lindenmayer DB, Blanchard W, Crane M, Michael D, Sato C. Biodiversity benefits of vegetation restoration are undermined by livestock grazing. Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- National Environmental Science Programme, Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Wade Blanchard
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Mason Crane
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- National Environmental Science Programme, Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Damian Michael
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- National Environmental Science Programme, Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Chloe Sato
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
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Crane M, Lindenmayer DB, Cunningham RB, Stein JAR. The effect of wildfire on scattered trees, ‘keystone structures’, in agricultural landscapes. AUSTRAL ECOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mason Crane
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Ross B. Cunningham
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - John A. R. Stein
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
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Lindenmayer D, Crane M, Blanchard W, Okada S, Montague-Drake R. Do nest boxes in restored woodlands promote the conservation of hollow-dependent fauna? Restor Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Mason Crane
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Wade Blanchard
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Sachiko Okada
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Rebecca Montague-Drake
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
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