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Huang TK, Feng X, Derbridge JJ, Libby K, Diffendorfer JE, Thogmartin WE, McCracken G, Medellin R, López-Hoffman L. Potential for spatial coexistence of a transboundary migratory species and wind energy development. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17050. [PMID: 39048593 PMCID: PMC11269593 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Global expansion in wind energy development is a notable achievement of the international community's effort to reduce carbon emissions during energy production. However, the increasing number of wind turbines have unintended consequences for migratory birds and bats. Wind turbine curtailment and other mitigation strategies can reduce fatalities, but improved spatial and temporal data are needed to identify the most effective way for wind energy development and volant migratory species to coexist. Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana) account for a large proportion of known bat fatalities at wind facilities in the southwestern US. We examined the geographic concordance between existing wind energy generation facilities, areas of high wind potential amenable for future deployment of wind facilities, and seasonally suitable habitat for these bats. We used ecological niche modeling to determine species distribution during each of 4 seasons. We used a multi-criteria GIS-based approach to produce a wind turbine siting suitability map. We identified seasonal locations with highest and lowest potential for the species' probability of occurrence, providing a potential explanation for the higher observed fatalities during fall migration. Thirty percent of 33,606 wind turbines within the southwestern US occurred in highly suitable areas for Mexican free-tailed bats, primarily in west Texas. There is also broad spatial overlap between areas of high wind potential and areas of suitable habitat for Mexican free-tailed bats. Because of this high degree of overlap, our results indicate that post-construction strategies, such as curtailing the timing of operations and deterrents, would be more effective for bat conservation than strategic siting of new wind energy installations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Ken Huang
- Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Tamkang University, No.151, Yingzhuan Rd., Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City, 251301, Taiwan
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, 1064 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Xiao Feng
- Department of Geography, Florida State University, 113 Collegiate Loop, PO Box 3062190, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan J Derbridge
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, 1064 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Kaitlin Libby
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, 1064 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Jay E Diffendorfer
- US Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, P.O. Box 25046, DFC, MS980, Denver, CO, 80225, USA.
| | - Wayne E Thogmartin
- US Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Gary McCracken
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department, The University of Tennessee, 569 Dabney Hall, 1416 Circle Dr, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Rodrigo Medellin
- Institute of Ecology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, University City, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Laura López-Hoffman
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, 1064 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, The University of Arizona, 803 E 1St Street, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
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LiCari ST, Hale AM, Weaver SP, Fritts S, Katzner T, Nelson DM, Williams DA. Understanding fatality patterns and sex ratios of Brazilian free-tailed bats ( Tadarida brasiliensis) at wind energy facilities in western California and Texas. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16580. [PMID: 38084143 PMCID: PMC10710772 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16580] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Operation of wind turbines has resulted in collision fatalities for several bat species, and one proven method to reduce these fatalities is to limit wind turbine blade rotation (i.e., curtail turbines) when fatalities are expected to be highest. Implementation of curtailment can potentially be optimized by targeting times when females are most at risk, as the proportion of females limits the growth and stability of many bat populations. The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is the most common bat fatality at wind energy facilities in California and Texas, and yet there are few available data on the sex ratios of the carcasses that are found. Understanding the sex ratios of fatalities in California and Texas could aid in planning population conservation strategies such as informed curtailment. Methods We used PCR to determine the sex of bat carcasses collected from wind energy facilities during post-construction monitoring (PCM) studies in California and Texas. In California, we received samples from two locations within the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area in Alameda County: Golden Hills (GH) (n = 212) and Golden Hills North (GHN) (n = 312). In Texas, we received samples from three wind energy facilities: Los Mirasoles (LM) (Hidalgo County and Starr County) (n = 252), Los Vientos (LV) (Starr County) (n = 568), and Wind Farm A (WFA) (San Patricio County and Bee County) (n = 393). Results In California, the sex ratios of fatalities did not differ from 50:50, and the sex ratio remained stable over the survey years, but the seasonal timing of peak fatalities was inconsistent. In 2017 and 2018, fatalities peaked between September and October, whereas in 2019 and 2020 fatalities peaked between May and June. In Texas, sex ratios of fatalities varied between locations, with Los Vientos being female-skewed and Wind Farm A being male-skewed. The sex ratio of fatalities was also inconsistent over time. Lastly, for each location in Texas with multiple years studied, we observed a decrease in the proportion of female fatalities over time. Discussion We observed unexpected variation in the seasonal timing of peak fatalities in California and differences in the sex ratio of fatalities across time and facility location in Texas. In Texas, proximity to different roost types (bridge or cave) likely influenced the sex ratio of fatalities at wind energy facilities. Due to the inconsistencies in the timing of peak female fatalities, we were unable to determine an optimum curtailment period; however, there may be location-specific trends that warrant future investigation. More research should be done over the entirety of the bat active season to better understand these trends in Texas. In addition, standardization of PCM studies could assist future research efforts, enhance current monitoring efforts, and facilitate research on post-construction monitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T. LiCari
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Amanda M. Hale
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc, Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
| | - Sara P. Weaver
- Bowman Consulting Group, San Marcos, Texas, United States
| | - Sarah Fritts
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States
| | - Todd Katzner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, Idaho, United States
| | - David M. Nelson
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory, Frostburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Dean A. Williams
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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Cabrera-Cruz SA, Aguilar López JL, Aguilar-Rodríguez PA, Oropeza-Sánchez MT, Muñoz Jiménez O, Villegas Patraca R. Changes in diversity and species composition in the assemblage of live and dead bats at wind farms in a highly diverse region. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1480. [PMID: 37968519 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Besides direct mortality, wind farms also affect aerial fauna by modifying their communities, reducing species diversity and richness through disturbance. During three consecutive years, we used mist nets and acoustic recorders, and conducted carcass searches, to characterize the assemblage of bat species and to estimate bat mortality at two nearby wind farms sited <5 km apart in a highly biodiverse region. We asked whether the diversity, richness and evenness of the assemblages varied yearly, predicting it would decrease through time. Richness and evenness did not change, but the diversity of species recorded acoustically, 96% being aerial insectivores, was significantly lower the third year. We estimate 4 - 15.7 fatalities/MW/year by wind farm, with 63% of species found as carcasses being aerial insectivores. We found >40% of dissimilarity in the species composition of bat assemblages between wind farms despite the short distance between them, with species turnover accounting for more than half of the dissimilarity every year. Similarly, species turnover accounted for >15% of the dissimilarity in the composition of the assemblage of live bats (captured and recorded acoustically) and the assemblage obtained through carcass searches. Our findings suggest that nearby wind farms impact bat communities differentially and aerial insectivores disproportionally. Long term, multi-method surveys are needed to characterize bat communities in highly diverse regions and to evaluate the post-construction effects that wind farms have on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Cabrera-Cruz
- Unidad de Servicios Profesionales Altamente Especializados (USPAE), Instituto de Ecología A.C. (INECOL), Coatepec, Veracruz, 91520, México.
| | - José Luis Aguilar López
- Unidad de Servicios Profesionales Altamente Especializados (USPAE), Instituto de Ecología A.C. (INECOL), Coatepec, Veracruz, 91520, México
| | | | - Marco T Oropeza-Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad (IESS), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Michoacán, 58190, México
| | - Oscar Muñoz Jiménez
- Unidad de Servicios Profesionales Altamente Especializados (USPAE), Instituto de Ecología A.C. (INECOL), Coatepec, Veracruz, 91520, México
| | - Rafael Villegas Patraca
- Unidad de Servicios Profesionales Altamente Especializados (USPAE), Instituto de Ecología A.C. (INECOL), Coatepec, Veracruz, 91520, México.
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Ito F, Lilley T, Twort VG, Bernard E. High genetic connectivity among large populations of Pteronotus gymnonotus in bat caves in Brazil and its implications for conservation. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.934633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bat caves in the Neotropical region harbor exceptional bat populations (> 100,000 individuals). These populations play a wider role in ecological interactions, are vulnerable due to their restriction to caves, and have a disproportionate conservation value. Current knowledge of bat caves in Brazil is still small. However, systematic monitoring of some bat caves in northeastern Brazil shows that they experience strong population fluctuations over short periods of time, suggesting large-scale movements between roosts and a much broader use of the landscape than previously considered. Spatio-temporal reproductive connectivity between distant populations would change our understanding of the use of roosts among bat species in Brazil, and important gaps in knowledge of long-distance bat movements in the country would be filled. Here, we used ddRADseq data to analyze the genetic structure of Pteronotus gymnonotus across nine bat caves over 700 km. Our results indicate the lack of a clear geographic structure with gene flow among all the caves analyzed, suggesting that P. gymnonotus uses a network of bat caves geographically segregated hundreds of kilometers apart. Facing strong anthropogenic impacts and an underrepresentation of caves in conservation action plans worldwide, the genetic connectivity demonstrated here confirms that bat caves are priority sites for bat and speleological conservation in Brazil and elsewhere. Moreover, our results demonstrate a warning call: the applied aspects of the environmental licensing process of the mining sector and its impact must be reviewed, not only in Brazil, but wherever this licensing process affects caves having exceptional bat populations.
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Chester CC, Lien AM, Sundberg J, Diffendorfer JE, Gonzalez‐Duarte C, Mattsson BJ, Medellín RA, Semmens DJ, Thogmartin WE, Derbridge JJ, López‐Hoffman L. Using ecosystem services to identify inequitable outcomes in migratory species conservation. Conserv Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Charles C. Chester
- Environmental Studies Program Brandeis University Waltham Massachusetts USA
| | - Aaron M. Lien
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA
| | - Juanita Sundberg
- Department of Geography University of British Columbia Kelowna British Columbia USA
| | - Jay E. Diffendorfer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center Denver Colorado USA
| | | | - Brady J. Mattsson
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management University of Natural Resources and Life Science Vienna Austria
| | - Rodrigo A. Medellín
- Institute of Ecology National Autonomous University of Mexico Mexico City Mexico
| | - Darius J. Semmens
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center Denver Colorado USA
| | - Wayne E. Thogmartin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center La Crosse Wisconsin USA
| | - Jonathan J. Derbridge
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA
| | - Laura López‐Hoffman
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA
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Informing wind energy development: Land cover and topography predict occupancy for Arizona bats. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268573. [PMID: 35657796 PMCID: PMC9165840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268573] [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: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Wind energy is a growing source of renewable energy with a 3-fold increase in use globally over the last decade. However, wind turbines cause bat mortality, especially for migratory species. The southwest United States has high bat species diversity and is an important area for migratory species, although little is known about their seasonal distribution. To examine potential risk to bats in areas proposed for wind energy development, we characterized bat occupancy spatially and temporally across northern Arizona, identifying use during summer when bats are reproductively active and fall during the migratory season. Our objectives were to determine occupancy of migratory species and species of greatest conservation need and develop a probability of occupancy map for species to identify areas of potential conflict with wind energy development. We selected 92 sites in 10 clusters with potential for development and used acoustic detectors to sample bats in the summer and fall of 2016 and 2017 for 6 nights per site per year. We predicted response of migratory bat species and species of special concern to 9 landscape variables using Program MARK. During summer, higher densities of forest on the landscape resulted in a higher probability of occupancy of migratory species such as hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus), silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans), big free-tailed bats (Nyctinomops macrotis), and species of conservation need such as spotted bats (Euderma maculatum). During the fall, higher concentration of valleys on the landscape predicted occupancy of hoary bats, big free-tailed bats, and spotted bats. High bat occupancy in the fall was also associated with higher elevation and close proximity to forests. We recommend that wind turbines be placed in open, flat grasslands away from forested landscapes and concentrations of valleys or other topographic variation.
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Danielson JR, Williams JA, Sherwin RE, Ekholm KL, Hamilton BT. Seasonal variation in age, sex, and reproductive status of Mexican free‐tailed bats. POPUL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R. Danielson
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology Christopher Newport University Newport News Virginia USA
- Great Basin National Park, Science and Resource Management Division Baker Nevada USA
| | | | - Richard E. Sherwin
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology Christopher Newport University Newport News Virginia USA
| | - Kelsey L. Ekholm
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology Christopher Newport University Newport News Virginia USA
- Great Basin National Park, Science and Resource Management Division Baker Nevada USA
| | - Bryan T. Hamilton
- Great Basin National Park, Science and Resource Management Division Baker Nevada USA
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Ramírez-Martínez MM, Bennett AJ, Dunn CD, Yuill TM, Goldberg TL. Bat Flies of the Family Streblidae (Diptera: Hippoboscoidea) Host Relatives of Medically and Agriculturally Important "Bat-Associated" Viruses. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050860. [PMID: 34066683 PMCID: PMC8150819 DOI: 10.3390/v13050860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bat flies (Hippoboscoidea: Nycteribiidae and Streblidae) are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of bats. We collected streblid bat flies from the New World (México) and the Old World (Uganda), and used metagenomics to identify their viruses. In México, we found méjal virus (Rhabdoviridae; Vesiculovirus), Amate virus (Reoviridae: Orbivirus), and two unclassified viruses of invertebrates. Méjal virus is related to emerging zoonotic encephalitis viruses and to the agriculturally important vesicular stomatitis viruses (VSV). Amate virus and its sister taxon from a bat are most closely related to mosquito- and tick-borne orbiviruses, suggesting a previously unrecognized orbivirus transmission cycle involving bats and bat flies. In Uganda, we found mamucuso virus (Peribunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) and two unclassified viruses (a rhabdovirus and an invertebrate virus). Mamucuso virus is related to encephalitic viruses of mammals and to viruses from nycteribiid bat flies and louse flies, suggesting a previously unrecognized orthobunyavirus transmission cycle involving hippoboscoid insects. Bat fly virus transmission may be neither strictly vector-borne nor strictly vertical, with opportunistic feeding by bat flies occasionally leading to zoonotic transmission. Many "bat-associated" viruses, which are ecologically and epidemiologically associated with bats but rarely or never found in bats themselves, may actually be viruses of bat flies or other bat ectoparasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- María M. Ramírez-Martínez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud y Ecología Humana, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Autlán CP 48900, Mexico;
| | - Andrew J. Bennett
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (A.J.B.); (C.D.D.); (T.M.Y.)
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center–Frederick, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christopher D. Dunn
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (A.J.B.); (C.D.D.); (T.M.Y.)
| | - Thomas M. Yuill
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (A.J.B.); (C.D.D.); (T.M.Y.)
| | - Tony L. Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (A.J.B.); (C.D.D.); (T.M.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-608-890-2618
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9
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Monthly fluctuation of colony size and composition of the free-tailed bat Tadarida brasiliensis in the southernmost roost of Mexico. MAMMAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-021-00559-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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10
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Haest B, Stepanian PM, Wainwright CE, Liechti F, Bauer S. Climatic drivers of (changes in) bat migration phenology at Bracken Cave (USA). GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:768-780. [PMID: 33151018 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is drastically changing the timing of biological events across the globe. Changes in the phenology of seasonal migrations between the breeding and wintering grounds have been observed across biological taxa, including birds, mammals, and insects. For birds, strong links have been shown between changes in migration phenology and changes in weather conditions at the wintering, stopover, and breeding areas. For other animal taxa, the current understanding of, and evidence for, climate (change) influences on migration still remains rather limited, mainly due to the lack of long-term phenology datasets. Bracken Cave in Texas (USA) holds one of the largest bat colonies of the world. Using weather radar data, a unique 23-year (1995-2017) long time series was recently produced of the spring and autumn migration phenology of Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) at Bracken Cave. Here, we analyse these migration phenology time series in combination with gridded temperature, precipitation, and wind data across Mexico and southern USA, to identify the climatic drivers of (changes in) bat migration phenology. Perhaps surprisingly, our extensive spatiotemporal search did not find temperature to influence either spring or autumn migration. Instead, spring migration phenology seems to be predominantly driven by wind conditions at likely wintering or spring stopover areas during the migration period. Autumn migration phenology, on the other hand, seems to be dominated by precipitation to the east and north-east of Bracken Cave. Long-term changes towards more frequent migration and favourable wind conditions have, furthermore, allowed spring migration to occur 16 days earlier. Our results illustrate how some of the remaining knowledge gaps on the influence of climate (change) on bat migration and abundance can be addressed using weather radar analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgen Haest
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Phillip M Stepanian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Charlotte E Wainwright
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Felix Liechti
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Silke Bauer
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
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11
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OUP accepted manuscript. J Mammal 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Li Y, Xiang Z, Chen K, Wang X. An improved spatial subsidy approach for ecological compensation in coastal seascapes for resilient land-sea management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 276:111305. [PMID: 32916548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Human activities are considered a critical impact factor for decision-making in coupled human-nature systems, such as conservation of coastal systems. Identifying key human activities that cause significant habitat degradation for coastal species remains challenging. We improved the spatial subsidy approach to identify and prioritize control strategies for human-caused distribution shifts of marine species. We applied this method to a threatened Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in Xiamen Bay, China. Our results indicate that (1) a significant distribution shift for humpback dolphins from existing nature reserves to peripheral waters occurred from 2011 to 2014; (2) coastal tourism and industrial and urban construction had more significant negative impacts on humpback dolphins than maritime transportation and reclamation; and (3) proactive management should be implemented for maritime transportation and reclamation, while reactive management should be implemented for coastal tourism and industrial and urban construction. Human impact analysis, combined with spatially explicit modeling, contributes to determining the spatial alternatives for conservation planning. In response to possible ecological damage caused by human activities, the improved spatial subsidy results help provide knowledge and platforms for ecological compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Li
- Key Laboratory of Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems (Ministry of Education), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems (Ministry of Education), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Keliang Chen
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Xianyan Wang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, 361005, China.
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Ruegg KC, Harrigan RJ, Saracco JF, Smith TB, Taylor CM. A genoscape-network model for conservation prioritization in a migratory bird. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1482-1491. [PMID: 32391608 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Migratory animals are declining worldwide and coordinated conservation efforts are needed to reverse current trends. We devised a novel genoscape-network model that combines genetic analyses with species distribution modeling and demographic data to overcome challenges with conceptualizing alternative risk factors in migratory species across their full annual cycle. We applied our method to the long distance, Neotropical migratory bird, Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla). Despite a lack of data from some wintering locations, we demonstrated how the results can be used to help prioritize conservation of breeding and wintering areas. For example, we showed that when genetic, demographic, and network modeling results were considered together it became clear that conservation recommendations will differ depending on whether the goal is to preserve unique genetic lineages or the largest number of birds per unit area. More specifically, if preservation of genetic lineages is the goal, then limited resources should be focused on preserving habitat in the California Sierra, Basin Rockies, or Coastal California, where the 3 most vulnerable genetic lineages breed, or in western Mexico, where 2 of the 3 most vulnerable lineages overwinter. Alternatively, if preservation of the largest number of individuals per unit area is the goal, then limited conservation dollars should be placed in the Pacific Northwest or Central America, where densities are estimated to be the highest. Overall, our results demonstrated the utility of adopting a genetically based network model for integrating multiple types of data across vast geographic scales and better inform conservation decision-making for migratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen C Ruegg
- Biology Department, Colorado State University, 251 W. Pitkins St, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, U.S.A
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, 619 Charles E Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, U.S.A
| | - Ryan J Harrigan
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, 619 Charles E Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, U.S.A
| | - James F Saracco
- The Institute for Bird Populations, PO Box 1346, Point Reyes Station, CA, 94956, U.S.A
| | - Thomas B Smith
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, 619 Charles E Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, U.S.A
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, U.S.A
| | - Caz M Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, 400 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA, 70118, U.S.A
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Novaes RLM, Alves FM, Souza RF, Laurindo RS, Moratelli R. Bats used as hosts by Amblyomma sculptum (Acari: Ixodidae) in Northeastern Brazil and its implications on tick-borne diseases. ZOOLOGIA 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e56795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Amblyomma
Koch, 1844 is distributed worldwide, with ca. 130 species currently recognized. These ticks are vectors of pathogens to animals and humans, including the causative agent of the New World Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Species of the Amblyomma parasitize a wide range of organisms, especially medium and large terrestrial mammals. Here we report for the first time the association of Myotis lavali Moratelli, Peracchi, Dias & Oliveira, 2011, Noctilio albiventris Desmarest, 1818 and Noctilio leporinus (Linnaeus, 1758) as hosts for Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, 1888. The ticks were originally identified as Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787), in 2011. However, a later taxonomic review indicated that the species of the A. cajennense complex occurring in the Caatinga is A. sculptum. We also discuss the ecoepidemiological implications of this association.
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Sample C, Bieri JA, Allen B, Dementieva Y, Carson A, Higgins C, Piatt S, Qiu S, Stafford S, Mattsson BJ, Semmens DJ, Diffendorfer JE, Thogmartin WE. Quantifying the Contribution of Habitats and Pathways to a Spatially Structured Population Facing Environmental Change. Am Nat 2020; 196:157-168. [PMID: 32673098 DOI: 10.1086/709009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The consequences of environmental disturbance and management are difficult to quantify for spatially structured populations because changes in one location carry through to other areas as a result of species movement. We develop a metric, G, for measuring the contribution of a habitat or pathway to network-wide population growth rate in the face of environmental change. This metric is different from other contribution metrics, as it quantifies effects of modifying vital rates for habitats and pathways in perturbation experiments. Perturbation treatments may range from small degradation or enhancement to complete habitat or pathway removal. We demonstrate the metric using a simple metapopulation example and a case study of eastern monarch butterflies. For the monarch case study, the magnitude of environmental change influences the ordering of node contribution. We find that habitats within which all individuals reside during one season are the most important to short-term network growth under complete removal scenarios, whereas the central breeding region contributes most to population growth over all but the strongest disturbances. The metric G provides for more efficient management interventions that proactively mitigate impacts of expected disturbances to spatially structured populations.
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16
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Mattsson BJ, Devries JH, Dubovsky JA, Semmens D, Thogmartin WE, Derbridge JJ, Lopez-Hoffman L. Linking landscape-scale conservation to regional and continental outcomes for a migratory species. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4968. [PMID: 32188890 PMCID: PMC7080806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Land-use intensification on arable land is expanding and posing a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services worldwide. We develop methods to link funding for avian breeding habitat conservation and management at landscape scales to equilibrium abundance of a migratory species at the continental scale. We apply this novel approach to a harvested bird valued by birders and hunters in North America, the northern pintail duck (Anas acuta), a species well below its population goal. Based on empirical observations from 2007–2016, habitat conservation investments for waterfowl cost $313 M and affected <2% of the pintail’s primary breeding area in the Prairie Pothole Region of Canada. Realistic scenarios for harvest and habitat conservation costing an estimated $588 M (2016 USD) led to predicted pintail population sizes <3 M when assuming average parameter values. Accounting for parameter uncertainty, converting 70–100% of these croplands to idle grassland (cost: $35.7B–50B) is required to achieve the continental population goal of 4 M individuals under the current harvest policy. Using our work as a starting point, we propose continued development of modeling approaches that link conservation funding, habitat delivery, and population response to better integrate conservation efforts and harvest management of economically important migratory species.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Mattsson
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, 1180, Austria.
| | - J H Devries
- Ducks Unlimited Canada, Stonewall, MB, R0C2Z0, Canada
| | - J A Dubovsky
- Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lakewood, CO, 80215, USA
| | - D Semmens
- Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO, 80225, USA
| | - W E Thogmartin
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - J J Derbridge
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
| | - L Lopez-Hoffman
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA.,Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
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Taylor CM. Effects of Natal Dispersal and Density-Dependence on Connectivity Patterns and Population Dynamics in a Migratory Network. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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18
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Lemos-Espinal JA, Smith GR, Rorabaugh JC. A conservation checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of Sonora, Mexico, with updated species lists. Zookeys 2019; 829:131-160. [PMID: 30914839 PMCID: PMC6422993 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.829.32146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonora has a rich natural diversity, including reptiles and amphibians. Sonora's location on the United States-Mexico border creates some unique conservation challenges for its wildlife. We compiled a list of the amphibian and reptile species currently known for Sonora, summarized the conservation status of these species, and compared our list of species with known species lists for adjacent states. The herpetofauna of Sonora comprises 200 species of amphibians and reptiles (38 amphibians and 162 reptiles). Overall, Sonora shares the most species with Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Arizona. Approximately 11% of the amphibian and reptile species are IUCN listed, but 35.5% are placed in a protected category by SEMARNAT, and 32.6% are categorized as high risk by the Environmental Vulnerability Score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Lemos-Espinal
- Laboratorio de Ecología-UBIPRO, FES Iztacala UNAM, Avenida los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, edo. de Mexico, 54090, Mexico Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tlalnepantla Mexico
| | - Geoffrey R Smith
- Department of Biology, Denison University, Granville, Ohio 43023, USA Denison University Granville United States of America
| | - James C Rorabaugh
- P.O. Box 31, Saint David, Arizona 85630, USA Unaffilaited Phoenix United States of America
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Abstract
This article summarizes current knowledge about the migratory behavior of temperate and tropical bats. A close association between migration and hibernation exists in temperate, but not in tropical, bats. Compared with birds, bats are relatively short-distance migrators, with maximum migration distances being <2000 km; intercontinental migration is likely to be uncommon in bats. Migratory bats have lower levels of population subdivision and larger genetically effective population sizes than nonmigratory bats. A variety of methods, including banding, genetic analyses, stable isotope analyses, and tracking with radio or satellite transmitters, are currently being used to study bat migration. The conservation of migratory bats poses special challenges that require national and international efforts. Migratory bats sometimes harbor pathogens that can be transmitted to humans. Overall, the beneficial aspects of migratory bats, including control of insect populations and dispersal of pollen and seeds over broad areas, far outweigh their negative aspects.
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21
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Knight SM, Bradley DW, Clark RG, Gow EA, Bélisle M, Berzins LL, Blake T, Bridge ES, Burke L, Dawson RD, Dunn PO, Garant D, Holroyd GL, Hussell DJT, Lansdorp O, Laughlin AJ, Leonard ML, Pelletier F, Shutler D, Siefferman L, Taylor CM, Trefry HE, Vleck CM, Vleck D, Winkler DW, Whittingham LA, Norris DR. Constructing and evaluating a continent‐wide migratory songbird network across the annual cycle. ECOL MONOGR 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Knight
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Guelph Guelph Ontario N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - David W. Bradley
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Guelph Guelph Ontario N1G 2W1 Canada
- Bird Studies Canada Delta British Columbia V4K 3N2 Canada
| | - Robert G. Clark
- Environment and Climate Change Canada Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7N 0X4 Canada
| | - Elizabeth A. Gow
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Guelph Guelph Ontario N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Marc Bélisle
- Département de Biologie Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke Quebec J1K 2R1 Canada
| | - Lisha L. Berzins
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program University of Northern British Columbia Prince George British Columbia V2N 4Z9 Canada
| | - Tricia Blake
- Alaska Songbird Institute Fairbanks Alaska 99708 USA
| | - Eli S. Bridge
- Oklahoma Biological Survey University of Oklahoma Norman Oklahoma 73019 USA
| | - Lauren Burke
- Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Russell D. Dawson
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program University of Northern British Columbia Prince George British Columbia V2N 4Z9 Canada
| | - Peter O. Dunn
- Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group Department of Biological Sciences University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin 53201 USA
| | - Dany Garant
- Département de Biologie Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke Quebec J1K 2R1 Canada
| | | | | | - Olga Lansdorp
- Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University Burnaby British Columbia V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Andrew J. Laughlin
- Department of Environmental Studies UNC Asheville Asheville North Carolina 28804 USA
| | - Marty L. Leonard
- Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Fanie Pelletier
- Département de Biologie Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke Quebec J1K 2R1 Canada
| | - Dave Shutler
- Department of Biology Acadia University Wolfville Nova Scotia B4P 2R6 Canada
| | - Lynn Siefferman
- Biology Department Appalachian State University Boone North Carolina 28608 USA
| | - Caz M. Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Tulane University New Orleans Louisiana 70118 USA
| | | | - Carol M. Vleck
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Iowa State University Ames Iowa 50011‐1020 USA
| | - David Vleck
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Iowa State University Ames Iowa 50011‐1020 USA
| | - David W. Winkler
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Museum of Vertebrates Cornell University Ithaca New York 14853 USA
- Lab of Ornithology Cornell University Ithaca New York 14853 USA
| | - Linda A. Whittingham
- Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group Department of Biological Sciences University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin 53201 USA
| | - D. Ryan Norris
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Guelph Guelph Ontario N1G 2W1 Canada
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Earl JE, Nicol S, Wiederholt R, Diffendorfer JE, Semmens D, Flockhart DTT, Mattsson BJ, McCracken G, Norris DR, Thogmartin WE, López-Hoffman L. Quantitative tools for implementing the new definition of significant portion of the range in the U.S. Endangered Species Act. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2018; 32:35-49. [PMID: 28574183 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2014, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service announced a new policy interpretation for the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). According to the act, a species must be listed as threatened or endangered if it is determined to be threatened or endangered in a significant portion of its range (SPR). The 2014 policy seeks to provide consistency by establishing that a portion of the range should be considered significant if the associated individuals' "removal would cause the entire species to become endangered or threatened." We reviewed 20 quantitative techniques used to assess whether a portion of a species' range is significant according to the new guidance. Our assessments are based on the 3R criteria-redundancy (i.e., buffering from catastrophe), resiliency (i.e., ability to withstand stochasticity), and representation (i.e., ability to evolve)-that the FWS uses to determine if a species merits listing. We identified data needs for each quantitative technique and considered which methods could be implemented given the data limitations typical of rare species. We also identified proxies for the 3Rs that may be used with limited data. To assess potential data availability, we evaluated 7 example species by accessing data in their species status assessments, which document all the information used during a listing decision. In all species, an SPR could be evaluated with at least one metric for each of the 3Rs robustly or with substantial assumptions. Resiliency assessments appeared most constrained by limited data, and many species lacked information on connectivity between subpopulations, genetic variation, and spatial variability in vital rates. These data gaps will likely make SPR assessments for species with complex life histories or that cross national boundaries difficult. Although we reviewed techniques for the ESA, other countries require identification of significant areas and could benefit from this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Earl
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, U.S.A
| | - Sam Nicol
- CSIRO Land and Water, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - Jay E Diffendorfer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver, CO 80225, U.S.A
| | - Darius Semmens
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver, CO 80225, U.S.A
| | | | - Brady J Mattsson
- Institute of Silviculture, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gary McCracken
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, U.S.A
| | - D Ryan Norris
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Wayne E Thogmartin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI 54603, U.S.A
| | - Laura López-Hoffman
- School of Natural Resources & the Environment, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, U.S.A
- Udall Center for Studies of Public Policy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, U.S.A
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Sample C, Fryxell JM, Bieri JA, Federico P, Earl JE, Wiederholt R, Mattsson BJ, Flockhart DTT, Nicol S, Diffendorfer JE, Thogmartin WE, Erickson RA, Norris DR. A general modeling framework for describing spatially structured population dynamics. Ecol Evol 2017; 8:493-508. [PMID: 29321888 PMCID: PMC5756893 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in movement across time and space fundamentally shapes the abundance and distribution of populations. Although a variety of approaches model structured population dynamics, they are limited to specific types of spatially structured populations and lack a unifying framework. Here, we propose a unified network-based framework sufficiently novel in its flexibility to capture a wide variety of spatiotemporal processes including metapopulations and a range of migratory patterns. It can accommodate different kinds of age structures, forms of population growth, dispersal, nomadism and migration, and alternative life-history strategies. Our objective was to link three general elements common to all spatially structured populations (space, time and movement) under a single mathematical framework. To do this, we adopt a network modeling approach. The spatial structure of a population is represented by a weighted and directed network. Each node and each edge has a set of attributes which vary through time. The dynamics of our network-based population is modeled with discrete time steps. Using both theoretical and real-world examples, we show how common elements recur across species with disparate movement strategies and how they can be combined under a unified mathematical framework. We illustrate how metapopulations, various migratory patterns, and nomadism can be represented with this modeling approach. We also apply our network-based framework to four organisms spanning a wide range of life histories, movement patterns, and carrying capacities. General computer code to implement our framework is provided, which can be applied to almost any spatially structured population. This framework contributes to our theoretical understanding of population dynamics and has practical management applications, including understanding the impact of perturbations on population size, distribution, and movement patterns. By working within a common framework, there is less chance that comparative analyses are colored by model details rather than general principles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John M Fryxell
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Guelph Guelph ON Canada
| | - Joanna A Bieri
- Department of Mathematics University of Redlands Redlands CA USA
| | - Paula Federico
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics Capital University Columbus OH USA
| | - Julia E Earl
- School of Biological Sciences Louisiana Tech University Ruston LA USA
| | | | - Brady J Mattsson
- Institute of Silviculture University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna Austria.,Present address: Institute of Wildlife Biology & Game Management University of Natural Resources & Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna Austria
| | | | - Sam Nicol
- CSIRO Land and Water, EcoSciences Precinct Dutton Park Qld Australia
| | - Jay E Diffendorfer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center Denver CO USA
| | - Wayne E Thogmartin
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center La Crosse WI USA
| | - Richard A Erickson
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center La Crosse WI USA
| | - D Ryan Norris
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Guelph Guelph ON Canada
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24
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Taylor CM, Stutchbury BJM. Effects of breeding versus winter habitat loss and fragmentation on the population dynamics of a migratory songbird. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:424-437. [PMID: 27209785 DOI: 10.1890/14-1410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Many migratory species are in decline and understanding these declines is challenging because individuals occupy widely divergent and geographically distant habitats during a single year and therefore populations across the range are interconnected in complex ways. Network modeling has been used to show, theoretically, that shifts in migratory connectivity patterns can occur in response to habitat or climate changes and that habitat loss in one region can affect sub-populations in regions that are not directly connected. Here, we use a network model, parameterized by integrating long-term monitoring data with direct tracking of -100 individuals, to explain population trends in the rapidly declining Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and to predict future trends. Our model suggests that species-level declines in Wood Thrush are driven primarily by tropical deforestation in Central America but that protection of breeding habitat in some regions is necessary to prevent shifts in migratory connectivity and to sustain populations in all breeding regions. The model illustrates how shifts in migratory connectivity may lead to unexpected population declines in key regions. We highlight current knowledge gaps that make modeling full life-cycle population demographics in migratory species challenging but also demonstrate that modeling can inform conservation while these gaps are being filled.
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25
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Taylor CM, Laughlin AJ, Hall RJ. The response of migratory populations to phenological change: a Migratory Flow Network modelling approach. J Anim Ecol 2016; 85:648-59. [PMID: 26782029 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Declines in migratory species have been linked to anthropogenic climate change through phenological mismatch, which arises due to asynchronies between the timing of life-history events (such as migration) and the phenology of available resources. Long-distance migratory species may be particularly vulnerable to phenological change in their breeding ranges, since the timing of migration departure is based on environmental cues at distant non-breeding sites. Migrants may, however, be able to adjust migration speed en route to the breeding grounds, and thus, ability of migrants to update their timing of migration may depend critically on stopover frequency during migration; however, understanding how migratory strategy influences population dynamics is hindered by a lack of predictive models explicitly linking habitat quality to demography and movement patterns throughout the migratory cycle. Here, we present a novel modelling framework, the Migratory Flow Network (MFN), in which the seasonally varying attractiveness of breeding, winter and stopover regions drives the direction and timing of migration based on a simple general flux law. We use the MFN to investigate how populations respond to shifts in breeding site phenology based on their frequency of stopover and ability to detect and adapt to these changes. With perfect knowledge of advancing phenology, 'jump' migrants (low-frequency stopover) require more adaptation for populations to recover than 'hop' and 'skip' (high or medium frequency stopover) migrants. If adaptation depends on proximity, hop and skip migrants' populations can recover but jump migrants cannot adjust and decline severely. These results highlight the importance of understanding migratory strategies and maintaining high-quality stopover habitat to buffer migratory populations from climate-induced mismatch. We discuss how MFNs could be applied to diverse migratory taxa and highlight the potential of MFNs as a tool for exploring how migrants respond to other environmental changes such as habitat loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caz M Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 400 Lindy Boggs Hall, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Andrew J Laughlin
- Department of Environmental Studies, CPO #2330, UNC Asheville, One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804, USA
| | - Richard J Hall
- Odum School of Ecology and Department of Infectious Diseases, 140 E Green St, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Weaver SP, Simpson TR, Baccus JT, Weckerly FW. Baseline population estimates and microclimate data for newly established overwintering Brazilian free-tailed bat colonies in central Texas. SOUTHWEST NAT 2015. [DOI: 10.1894/swnat-d-14-00022.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Betini GS, Fitzpatrick MJ, Norris DR. Experimental evidence for the effect of habitat loss on the dynamics of migratory networks. Ecol Lett 2015; 18:526-34. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo S. Betini
- Department of Integrative Biology; University of Guelph; Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Mark J. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Toronto Scarborough; Toronto ON M1C 1A4 Canada
| | - D. Ryan Norris
- Department of Integrative Biology; University of Guelph; Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Canada
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28
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Krauel JJ, Westbrook JK, McCracken GF. Weather-driven dynamics in a dual-migrant system: moths and bats. J Anim Ecol 2015; 84:604-614. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - John K. Westbrook
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Research Service; 2771 F&B Road College Station TX 77845 USA
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