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Gu S, Qi T, Rohr JR, Liu X. Meta-analysis reveals less sensitivity of non-native animals than natives to extreme weather worldwide. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:2004-2027. [PMID: 37932385 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02235-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Extreme weather events (EWEs; for example, heatwaves, cold spells, storms, floods and droughts) and non-native species invasions are two major threats to global biodiversity and are increasing in both frequency and consequences. Here we synthesize 443 studies and apply multilevel mixed-effects metaregression analyses to compare the responses of 187 non-native and 1,852 native animal species across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems to different types of EWE. Our results show that marine animals, regardless of whether they are non-native or native, are overall insensitive to EWEs, except for negative effects of heatwaves on native mollusks, corals and anemone. By contrast, terrestrial and freshwater non-native animals are only adversely affected by heatwaves and storms, respectively, whereas native animals negatively respond to heatwaves, cold spells and droughts in terrestrial ecosystems and are vulnerable to most EWEs except cold spells in freshwater ecosystems. On average, non-native animals displayed low abundance in terrestrial ecosystems, and decreased body condition and life history traits in freshwater ecosystems, whereas native animals displayed declines in body condition, life history traits, abundance, distribution and recovery in terrestrial ecosystems, and community structure in freshwater ecosystems. By identifying areas with high overlap between EWEs and EWE-tolerant non-native species, we also provide locations where native biodiversity might be adversely affected by their joint effects and where EWEs might facilitate the establishment and/or spread of non-native species under continuing global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Gu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Qi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jason R Rohr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Environmental Change Initiative, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Xuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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2
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Guo B, Kong L. Comparing the Efficiency of Single-Locus Species Delimitation Methods within Trochoidea (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda). Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122273. [PMID: 36553540 PMCID: PMC9778293 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of diminishing global biodiversity, the validity and practicality of species delimitation methods for the identification of many neglected and undescribed biodiverse species have been paid increasing attention. DNA sequence-based species delimitation methods are mainly classified into two categories, namely, distance-based and tree-based methods, and have been widely adopted in many studies. In the present study, we performed three distance-based (ad hoc threshold, ABGD, and ASAP) and four tree-based (sGMYC, mGMYC, PTP, and mPTP) analyses based on Trochoidea COI data and analyzed the discordance between them. Moreover, we also observed the performance of these methods at different taxonomic ranks (the genus, subfamily, and family ranks). The results suggested that the distance-based approach is generally superior to the tree-based approach, with the ASAP method being the most efficient. In terms of phylogenetic methods, the single threshold version performed better than the multiple threshold version of GMYC, and PTP showed higher efficiency than mPTP in delimiting species. Additionally, GMYC was found to be significantly influenced by taxonomic rank, showing poorer efficiency in datasets at the genus level than at higher levels. Finally, our results highlighted that cryptic diversity within Trochoidea (Mollusca: Vetigastropoda) might be underestimated, which provides quantitative evidence for excavating the cryptic lineages of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lingfeng Kong
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence:
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Park I, Borzée A, Park J, Min S, Zhang Y, Li S, Park D. Past, present, and future predictions on the suitable habitat of the Slender racer ( Orientocoluber spinalis) using species distribution models. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9169. [PMID: 35919392 PMCID: PMC9338442 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Species distribution models (SDMs) across past, present, and future timelines provide insights into the current distribution of these species and their reaction to climate change. Specifically, if a species is threatened or not well-known, the information may be critical to understand that species. In this study, we computed SDMs for Orientocoluber spinalis, a monotypic snake genus found in central and northeast Asia, across the past (last interglacial, last glacial maximum, and mid-Holocene), present, and future (2070s). The goal of the study was to understand the shifts in distribution across time, and the climatic factors primarily affecting the distribution of the species. We found the suitable habitat of O. spinalis to be persistently located in cold-dry winter and hot summer climatic areas where annual mean temperature, isothermality, and annual mean precipitation were important for suitable habitat conditions. Since the last glacial maximum, the suitable habitat of the species has consistently shifted northward. Despite the increase in suitable habitat, the rapid alterations in weather regimes because of climate change in the near future are likely to greatly threaten the southern populations of O. spinalis, especially in South Korea and China. To cope with such potential future threats, understanding the ecological requirements of the species and developing conservation plans are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il‐Kook Park
- Division of Science EducationKangwon National UniversityChuncheonKorea
| | - Amaël Borzée
- Laboratory of Animal Behavior and ConservationCollege of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jaejin Park
- Division of Science EducationKangwon National UniversityChuncheonKorea
| | - Seong‐Hun Min
- Division of Science EducationKangwon National UniversityChuncheonKorea
| | - Yong‐Pu Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental SciencesWenzhou UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Shu‐Ran Li
- College of Life and Environmental SciencesWenzhou UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Daesik Park
- Division of Science EducationKangwon National UniversityChuncheonKorea
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Swartwout MC, Willson JD. Southeastern US Snake Species are Vulnerable to Egg Predation by Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta). HERPETOLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-21-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith C. Swartwout
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - John D. Willson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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Sheehan TN, Klepzig KD. Arthropods and Fire Within the Biologically Diverse Longleaf Pine Ecosystem. ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 115:69-94. [PMID: 35059111 PMCID: PMC8764571 DOI: 10.1093/aesa/saab037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The longleaf pine Pinus palustris Miller (Pinales: Pinaceae) ecosystem once covered as many as 37 million hectares across the southeastern United States. Through fire suppression, development, and conversion to other plantation pines, this coverage has dwindled to fewer than 2 million hectares. A recent focus on the restoration of this ecosystem has revealed its complex and biologically diverse nature. Arthropods of the longleaf pine ecosystem are incredibly numerous and diverse-functionally and taxonomically. To provide clarity on what is known about the species and their functional roles in longleaf pine forests, we thoroughly searched the literature and found nearly 500 references. In the end, we tabulated 51 orders 477 families, 1,949 genera, and 3,032 arthropod species as having been stated in the scientific literature to occur in longleaf pine ecosystems. The body of research we drew from is rich and varied but far from comprehensive. Most work deals with land management objective associated taxa such as pests of pine, pests of-and food for-wildlife (red-cockaded woodpecker, northern bobwhite quail, gopher tortoise, pocket gopher, etc.), and pollinators of the diverse plant understory associated with longleaf pine. We explored the complex role frequent fire (critical in longleaf pine management) plays in determining the arthropod community in longleaf pine, including its importance to rare and threatened species. We examined known patterns of abundance and occurrence of key functional groups of longleaf pine-associated arthropods. Finally, we identified some critical gaps in knowledge and provide suggestions for future research into this incredibly diverse ecosystem.
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Variable detectability and El-Niño associations with riparian snakes in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467421000468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAlthough snake populations are suffering numerous local declines, determining the scale of these declines is problematic due to the elusive nature of snakes. Determining the factors associated with species detection is therefore essential for quantifying disturbance effects on populations. From 2017 to 2019, we assessed the detectability associations of five river-associated snake species and all snake detections in general within two logging concessions in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Data collected from both stream transects and visual encounter surveys at 47 stream sites were incorporated into an occupancy-modelling framework to determine the climatological, temporal and survey distance associations with species detection probability. Detection probability of riparian snake species was significantly associated with humidity, month (2 spp. each), survey distance and total rainfall over 60 days (1 spp. each). Pooled snake species detectability was significantly positively associated with transect distance and the 2019 El-Niño year, whilst yearly pooled snake species detections in stream transects spiked during El-Niño (2017 = 2.05, 2018 = 2.47, 2019 = 4.5 snakes per km). This study provides new insights into the detectability of riparian rainforest snakes and suggests that future studies should account for short-term (climatological and temporal) and long-term (El-Niño) factors associated with detection probability when surveying and assessing snake populations.
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Gasbarrini D, Lesbarrères D, Sheppard A, Litzgus J. An enigmatic mass mortality event of Blanding’s Turtles ( Emydoidea blandingii) in a protected area. CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2020-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mass mortality events (MMEs) can remove up to 90% of individuals in a population and are especially damaging to population viability of long-lived species with slow life histories. Our goal was to elucidate the cause(s) of a MME of 53 Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii (Holbrook, 1838)), a globally endangered species, in a protected area. We investigated disease, winter-kill, and depredation as potential causes of the mortality. The turtle carcasses lacked soft tissue to test for disease, so we examined tissue from co-occurring live Leopard Frogs (Lithobates pipiens (Schreber, 1782)) and found no evidence of ranavirus, indicating that the disease was not present at our study site. Water temperature and dissolved aquatic oxygen at known overwintering sites and sites which yielded carcasses did not differ, suggesting that winter-kill did not cause the MME. Carcass condition, comparisons with descriptions of turtle depredation events in the literature, and trail cameras paired with turtle decoys identified potential predators within the study site and suggested that mass depredation, enabled by low water levels and a concomitant reduction in aquatic habitat, was the most likely cause of mortality. Our study can inform conservation of the study population and the management of MMEs of long-lived species elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.M.L. Gasbarrini
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - D. Lesbarrères
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - A. Sheppard
- Ontario Parks, Northeast Zone, Suite 404, 199 Larch Street, Sudbury, ON P3E 5P9, Canada
| | - J.D. Litzgus
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
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9
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Tucker AM, McGowan CP, Mulero Oliveras ES, Angeli NF, Zegarra JP. A demographic projection model to support conservation decision making for an endangered snake with limited monitoring data. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Tucker
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University Auburn AL USA
| | - C. P. McGowan
- U.S. Geological Survey Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Auburn University Alabama USA
| | | | - N. F. Angeli
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University Auburn AL USA
| | - J. P. Zegarra
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office Boquerón Puerto Rico
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Gutiérrez JM. Snakebite envenoming from an Ecohealth perspective. Toxicon X 2020; 7:100043. [PMID: 32501450 PMCID: PMC7255169 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomings occur in complex ecological, social, economic, cultural, and political contexts. Hence, the understanding of this public health issue demands systemic and holistic approaches. Ecohealth constitutes a valuable paradigm to study snakebites, as it emphasizes on the close linkages between ecosystems, society, and health. This essay highlights some of the areas in the field of snakebite envenoming that could greatly benefit from an Ecohealth approach based on trans-disciplinary research, systems thinking, and the involvement of stakeholders at many levels. Ecohealth focuses not only on the generation of knowledge through research, but also in the translation of knowledge into actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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11
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Ile GA, Maier ARM, Cadar AM, Covaciu-Marcov SD, Ferenți S. Dead snakes and their stories: morphological anomalies, asymmetries and scars of road killed Dolichophis caspius (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Romania. HERPETOZOA 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We analysed several morphological characters of 84 road-killed D. caspius individuals from different areas of southern Romania. Most presented asymmetries in the total number of temporal scales, the temporal row and the periocular and labial scales. Almost a quarter of snakes had scars, located especially on the head and tail; many individuals had multiple injuries. The lowest rate of individuals with scars was found in the area with the least anthropogenic impact (Danube Gorge). This finding suggests that, in other areas in Romania, the species is threatened and lives in less optimal conditions. The number of individuals with asymmetries and scars differed according to the populated region, sex or size class. Most of the individuals were killed in August, due to the large number of road-killed juveniles.
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12
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Godley JS, Halstead BJ, McDiarmid RW. Ecology of the Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) at Rainey Slough, Florida: A Vanished Eden. HERPETOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS 2017. [DOI: 10.1655/herpmonographs-d-16-00006.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian J. Halstead
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, USA
| | - Roy W. McDiarmid
- US Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Smithsonian Institution, MRC 111, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013, USA
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13
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Eskew EA, Todd BD. Too Cold, Too Wet, Too Bright, or Just Right? Environmental Predictors of Snake Movement and Activity. COPEIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1643/ch-16-513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Invasive Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) Predation of Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) Eggs. J HERPETOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1670/15-017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Recouping Lost Information when Mark-Recapture Data are Pooled: A Case Study of Milksnakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) in the Upper Midwestern United States. J HERPETOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1670/13-217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Coastal nurseries and their importance for conservation of sea kraits. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90246. [PMID: 24670985 PMCID: PMC3966728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Destruction and pollution of coral reefs threaten these marine biodiversity hot stops which shelter more than two thirds of sea snake species. Notably, in many coral reef ecosystems of the Western Pacific Ocean, large populations of sea kraits (amphibious sea snakes) have drastically declined during the past three decades. Protecting remaining healthy populations is thus essential. In New Caledonia, coral reefs shelter numerous sea krait colonies spread throughout an immense lagoon (24,000 km2). Sea kraits feed on coral fish but lay their eggs on land. However, ecological information on reproduction and juveniles is extremely fragmentary, precluding protection of key habitats for reproduction. Our 10 years mark recapture study on Yellow sea kraits (L. saintgironsi >8,700 individuals marked) revealed that most neonates aggregate in highly localized coastal sites, where they feed and grow during several months before dispersal. Hundreds of females emigrate seasonally from remote populations (>50 km away) to lay their eggs in these coastal nurseries, and then return home. Protecting these nurseries is a priority to maintain recruitment rate, and to retain sea krait populations in the future.
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Steen DA, McClure CJW, Sutton WB, Rudolph DC, Pierce JB, Lee JR, Smith LL, Gregory BB, Baxley DL, Stevenson DJ, Guyer C. Copperheads are Common when Kingsnakes are Not: Relationships Between the Abundances of a Predator and One of their Prey. HERPETOLOGICA 2014. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-13-00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Steen
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | | | - William B. Sutton
- School of Agricultural, Forest and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - D. Craig Rudolph
- United States Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA
| | - Josh B. Pierce
- United States Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA
| | - James R. Lee
- The Nature Conservancy, CSJFTC-ENV Building 6530, Camp Shelby, MS 39407, USA
| | - Lora L. Smith
- Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, GA 39870, USA
| | - Beau B. Gregory
- Coastal and Nongame Resources Division, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Danna L. Baxley
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
| | - Dirk J. Stevenson
- The Orianne Society, Indigo Snake Initiative, Clayton, GA 30525, USA
| | - Craig Guyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Miller GJ, Smith LL, Johnson SA, Franz R. Home Range Size and Habitat Selection in the Florida Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus). COPEIA 2012. [DOI: 10.1643/ce-12-054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Steen DA, McClure CJW, Brock JC, Rudolph DC, Pierce JB, Lee JR, Humphries WJ, Gregory BB, Sutton WB, Smith LL, Baxley DL, Stevenson DJ, Guyer C. Landscape-level influences of terrestrial snake occupancy within the southeastern United States. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2012; 22:1084-1097. [PMID: 22827120 DOI: 10.1890/11-1777.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Habitat loss and degradation are thought to be the primary drivers of species extirpations, but for many species we have little information regarding specific habitats that influence occupancy. Snakes are of conservation concern throughout North America, but effective management and conservation are hindered by a lack of basic natural history information and the small number of large-scale studies designed to assess general population trends. To address this information gap, we compiled detection/nondetection data for 13 large terrestrial species from 449 traps located across the southeastern United States, and we characterized the land cover surrounding each trap at multiple spatial scales (250-, 500-, and 1000-m buffers). We used occupancy modeling, while accounting for heterogeneity in detection probability, to identify habitat variables that were influential in determining the presence of a particular species. We evaluated 12 competing models for each species, representing various hypotheses pertaining to important habitat features for terrestrial snakes. Overall, considerable interspecific variation existed in important habitat variables and relevant spatial scales. For example, kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula) were negatively associated with evergreen forests, whereas Louisiana pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni) occupancy increased with increasing coverage of this forest type. Some species were positively associated with grassland and scrub/shrub (e.g., Slowinski's cornsnake, Elaphe slowinskii) whereas others, (e.g., copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix, and eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus) were positively associated with forested habitats. Although the species that we studied may persist in varied landscapes other than those we identified as important, our data were collected in relatively undeveloped areas. Thus, our findings may be relevant when generating conservation plans or restoration goals. Maintaining or restoring landscapes that are most consistent with the ancestral habitat preferences of terrestrial snake assemblages will require a diverse habitat matrix over large spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Steen
- Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, Georgia 39870, USA.
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Breininger DR, Mazerolle MJ, Bolt MR, Legare ML, Drese JH, Hines JE. Habitat fragmentation effects on annual survival of the federally protected eastern indigo snake. Anim Conserv 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2012.00524.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. R. Breininger
- NASA Ecological Programs; Innovative Health Applications; Kennedy Space Center; FL; USA
| | - M. J. Mazerolle
- Centre d'étude de la forêt; Département des sciences appliquées; Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue; Rouyn-Noranda; QC; Canada
| | - M. R. Bolt
- NASA Ecological Programs; Innovative Health Applications; Kennedy Space Center; FL; USA
| | - M. L. Legare
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Titusville; FL; USA
| | - J. H. Drese
- NASA Ecological Programs; Innovative Health Applications; Kennedy Space Center; FL; USA
| | - J. E. Hines
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center; United States Geological Survey; Laurel; MD; USA
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Faust TM, Blomquist SM. Size and Growth in Two Populations of Black Kingsnakes,Lampropeltis nigra,in East Tennessee. SOUTHEAST NAT 2011. [DOI: 10.1656/058.010.0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Reading CJ, Luiselli LM, Akani GC, Bonnet X, Amori G, Ballouard JM, Filippi E, Naulleau G, Pearson D, Rugiero L. Are snake populations in widespread decline? Biol Lett 2010; 6:777-80. [PMID: 20534600 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2010.0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term studies have revealed population declines in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. In birds, and particularly amphibians, these declines are a global phenomenon whose causes are often unclear. Among reptiles, snakes are top predators and therefore a decline in their numbers may have serious consequences for the functioning of many ecosystems. Our results show that, of 17 snake populations (eight species) from the UK, France, Italy, Nigeria and Australia, 11 have declined sharply over the same relatively short period of time with five remaining stable and one showing signs of a marginal increase. Although the causes of these declines are currently unknown, we suspect that they are multi-faceted (such as habitat quality deterioration, prey availability), and with a common cause, e.g. global climate change, at their root.
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Steen DA, Linehan JM, Smith LL. Multiscale Habitat Selection and Refuge Use of Common Kingsnakes, Lampropeltis getula, in Southwestern Georgia. COPEIA 2010. [DOI: 10.1643/ce-09-092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Lee JR. The Herpetofauna of the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi. SOUTHEAST NAT 2009. [DOI: 10.1656/058.008.0406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Hibbitts TJ, Painter CW, Holycross AT. Ecology of a Population of the Narrow-Headed Garter Snake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus) in New Mexico: Catastrophic Decline of a River Specialist. SOUTHWEST NAT 2009. [DOI: 10.1894/gc-195.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Todd BD, Andrews KM. Response of a reptile guild to forest harvesting. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2008; 22:753-761. [PMID: 18477031 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2008.00916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing concern over reptile population declines, the effects of modern industrial silviculture on reptiles have been understudied, particularly for diminutive and often overlooked species such as small-bodied snakes. We created 4 replicated forest-management landscapes to determine the response of small snakes to forest harvesting in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. We divided the replicated landscapes into 4 treatments that represented a range of disturbed habitats: clearcut with coarse woody debris removed; clearcut with coarse woody debris retained; thinned pine stand; and control (unharvested second-growth planted pines). Canopy cover and ground litter were significantly reduced in clearcuts, intermediate in thinned forests, and highest in unharvested controls. Bare soil, maximum air temperatures, and understory vegetation all increased with increasing habitat disturbance. Concomitantly, we observed significantly reduced relative abundance of all 6 study species (scarletsnake[Cemophora coccinea], ring-neck snake[Diadophis punctatus], scarlet kingsnake[Lampropeltis triangulum], red-bellied snake[Storeria occipitomaculata], southeastern crowned snake[Tantilla coronata], and smooth earthsnake[Virginia valeriae]) in clearcuts compared with unharvested or thinned pine stands. In contrast, the greatest relative snake abundance occurred in thinned forest stands. Our results demonstrate that at least one form of forest harvesting is compatible with maintaining snake populations. Our results also highlight the importance of open-canopy structure and ground litter to small snakes in southeastern forests and the negative consequences of forest clearcutting for small snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Todd
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA.
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