1
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Leong RC, Bugnot AB, Ross PM, Erickson KR, Gibbs MC, Marzinelli EM, O'Connor WA, Parker LM, Poore AGB, Scanes E, Gribben PE. Recruitment of a threatened foundation oyster species varies with large and small spatial scales. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024; 34:e2968. [PMID: 38562000 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how habitat attributes (e.g., patch area and sizes, connectivity) control recruitment and how this is modified by processes operating at larger spatial scales is fundamental to understanding population sustainability and developing successful long-term restoration strategies for marine foundation species-including for globally threatened reef-forming oysters. In two experiments, we assessed the recruitment and energy reserves of oyster recruits onto remnant reefs of the oyster Saccostrea glomerata in estuaries spanning 550 km of coastline in southeastern Australia. In the first experiment, we determined whether recruitment of oysters to settlement plates in three estuaries was correlated with reef attributes within patches (distances to patch edges and surface elevation), whole-patch attributes (shape and size of patches), and landscape attributes (connectivity). We also determined whether environmental factors (e.g., sedimentation and water temperature) explained the differences among recruitment plates. We also tested whether differences in energy reserves of recruits could explain the differences between two of the estuaries (one high- and one low-sedimentation estuary). In the second experiment, across six estuaries (three with nominally high and three with nominally low sedimentation rates), we tested the hypothesis that, at the estuary scale, recruitment and survival were negatively correlated to sedimentation. Overall, total oyster recruitment varied mostly at the scale of estuaries rather than with reef attributes and was negatively correlated with sedimentation. Percentage recruit survival was, however, similar among estuaries, although energy reserves and condition of recruits were lower at a high- compared to a low-sediment estuary. Within each estuary, total oyster recruitment increased with patch area and decreased with increasing tidal height. Our results showed that differences among estuaries have the largest influence on oyster recruitment and recruit health and this may be explained by environmental processes operating at the same scale. While survival was high across all estuaries, growth and reproduction of oysters on remnant reefs may be affected by sublethal effects on the health of recruits in high-sediment estuaries. Thus, restoration programs should consider lethal and sublethal effects of whole-estuary environmental processes when selecting sites and include environmental mitigation actions to maximize recruitment success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick C Leong
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ana B Bugnot
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
- CSIRO Environment, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pauline M Ross
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine R Erickson
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mitchell C Gibbs
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ezequiel M Marzinelli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wayne A O'Connor
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Anna Bay, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura M Parker
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alistair G B Poore
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elliot Scanes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul E Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Farrell HL, Munson SM, Butterfield BJ, Duniway MC, Faist AM, Gornish ES, Havrilla CA, Larios L, Reed SC, Rowe HI, Laushman KM, McCormick ML. Soil surface treatments and precipitation timing determine seedling development across southwestern US restoration sites. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2834. [PMID: 36864737 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Restoration in dryland ecosystems often has poor success due to low and variable water availability, degraded soil conditions, and slow plant community recovery rates. Restoration treatments can mitigate these constraints but, because treatments and subsequent monitoring are typically limited in space and time, our understanding of their applicability across broader environmental gradients remains limited. To address this limitation, we implemented and monitored a standardized set of seeding and soil surface treatments (pits, mulch, and ConMod artificial nurse plants) designed to enhance soil moisture and seedling establishment across RestoreNet, a growing network of 21 diverse dryland restoration sites in the southwestern USA over 3 years. Generally, we found that the timing of precipitation relative to seeding and the use of soil surface treatments were more important in determining seeded species emergence, survival, and growth than site-specific characteristics. Using soil surface treatments in tandem with seeding promoted up to 3× greater seedling emergence densities compared with seeding alone. The positive effect of soil surface treatments became more prominent with increased cumulative precipitation since seeding. The seed mix type with species currently found within or near a site and adapted to the historical climate promoted greater seedling emergence densities compared with the seed mix type with species from warmer, drier conditions expected to perform well under climate change. Seed mix and soil surface treatments had a diminishing effect as plants developed beyond the first season of establishment. However, we found strong effects of the initial period seeded and of the precipitation leading up to each monitoring date on seedling survival over time, especially for annual and perennial forbs. The presence of exotic species exerted a negative influence on seedling survival and growth, but not initial emergence. Our findings suggest that seeded species recruitment across drylands can generally be promoted, regardless of location, by (1) incorporation of soil surface treatments, (2) employment of near-term seasonal climate forecasts, (3) suppression of exotic species, and (4) seeding at multiple times. Taken together, these results point to a multifaceted approach to ameliorate harsh environmental conditions for improved seeding success in drylands, both now and under expected aridification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Farrell
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Seth M Munson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Bradley J Butterfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael C Duniway
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | - Akasha M Faist
- College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Elise S Gornish
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Caroline A Havrilla
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Loralee Larios
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Sasha C Reed
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | - Helen I Rowe
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
- McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Molly L McCormick
- Southwest Fire Science Consortium and School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
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3
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Wilson NR, Norman LM. Five Year Analyses of Vegetation Response to Restoration using Rock Detention Structures in Southeastern Arizona, United States. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 71:921-939. [PMID: 36534196 PMCID: PMC10083153 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01762-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Rock detention structures (RDS) are used in restoration of riparian areas around the world. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of RDS installation on vegetation in terms of species abundance and composition. We present the results from 5 years of annual vegetation sampling which focused on short term non-woody vegetation response within the riparian channel at 3 restoration sites across southeastern Arizona. We examined the potential ways that RDS can preserve native species, encourage wetland species, and/or introduce nonnative species using a Control-Impact-Paired-Series study design. Species composition and frequency were measured within quadrats and zones on an annual basis. Multivariate bootstrap analyses were performed, including Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index and non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination. We found that response to RDS was variable and could be related to the level of degradation or proximity to groundwater. The non-degraded site did not show a response to RDS and the severely degraded site showed a slight increase in vegetation frequency, but the moderately degraded site experienced a significant increase. At the moderately degraded site, located between two historic ciénegas (desert wetlands), species composition shifted and nonnative species invaded, dominating the vegetation increase at this location. At the severely degraded site, pre-existing wetland species frequency increased in response to the installation of RDS. These findings extend the understanding of RDS effects on vegetation, provide scenarios to help land and water resource managers understand potential outcomes, and can assist in optimizing success for restoration projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie R Wilson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Geographic Science Center, 520 N. Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA.
| | - Laura M Norman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Geographic Science Center, 520 N. Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
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4
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Growth-survival trade-offs and the restoration of non-forested open ecosystems. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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Elliott CP, Commander LE, Merino‐Martín L, Golos PJ, Stevens J, Miller BP. An approach to defining and achieving restoration targets for a threatened plant community. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2613. [PMID: 35366034 PMCID: PMC9539575 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Connecting scientific research and government policy is essential for achieving objectives in sustaining biodiversity in an economic context. Our approach to connecting theoretical ecology, applied ecology, and policy was devised using principles of restoration ecology and the requisite methodology to restore biodiverse ecosystems. Using a threatened ecological community (TEC) with >120 plant species, we posit our approach as a guide for interpreting and achieving regulatory compliance (i.e., government conditions) enacted to manage or offset environmental impacts of development. We inform the scientific approach necessary to delivering outcomes appropriate to policy intent and biodiverse restoration through theoretical and applied research into the ecological restoration of the highly endemic flora of banded ironstone formations of the Mid West of Western Australia. Our approach (1) defines scale-appropriate restoration targets that meet regulatory compliance (e.g., Government of Western Australia Ministerial Conditions); (2) determines the optimal method to return individual plant species to the restoration landscape; (3) develops a conceptual model for our system, based on existing restoration frameworks, to optimize and facilitate the pathway to the restoration of a vegetation community (e.g., TEC) using diverse research approaches; and (4) develops an assessment protocol to compare restoration achievements against the expected regulatory outcomes using our experimental restoration trials as a test example. Our approach systematically addressed the complex challenges in setting and achieving restoration targets for an entire vegetation community, a first for a semiarid environment. We interpret our approach as an industry application relevant to policy- or regulator-mediated mine restoration programs that seek to return biodiverse species assemblages at landscape scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. P. Elliott
- Kings Park Science, Department of BiodiversityConservation and AttractionsKings ParkWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - L. E. Commander
- Kings Park Science, Department of BiodiversityConservation and AttractionsKings ParkWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - L. Merino‐Martín
- Kings Park Science, Department of BiodiversityConservation and AttractionsKings ParkWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Present address:
Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química inorgánicaESCET, Universidad Rey Juan CarlosMadridSpain
| | - P. J. Golos
- Kings Park Science, Department of BiodiversityConservation and AttractionsKings ParkWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - J. Stevens
- Kings Park Science, Department of BiodiversityConservation and AttractionsKings ParkWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - B. P. Miller
- Kings Park Science, Department of BiodiversityConservation and AttractionsKings ParkWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
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6
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Nsikani MM, Anderson P, Bouragaoui Z, Geerts S, Gornish ES, Kairo JG, Khan N, Madikizela B, Mganga KZ, Ntshotsho P, Okafor‐Yarwood I, Webster KM, Peer N. UN
Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: key considerations for Africa. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mlungele M. Nsikani
- South African National Biodiversity Institute Kirstenbosch Research Centre Claremont South Africa
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602 South Africa
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652 Cape Town 8000 South Africa
| | - Pippin Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Geographical Science University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Zakher Bouragaoui
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis University of Tunis El‐Manar Tunis Tunisia
| | - Sjirk Geerts
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652 Cape Town 8000 South Africa
| | - Elise S. Gornish
- University of Arizona School of Natural Resources and the Environment Tucson AZ 85721 United States of America
| | - James G. Kairo
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651‐80100, Silos Road, English Point, Mkomani Mombasa Kenya
| | - Nasreen Khan
- Island Conservation Society (ICS), Head Office: Pointe Larue. P.O. Box 775 Victoria, Mahé Seychelles
| | - Bonani Madikizela
- Water Research Commission, Private Bag X03, Gezina 0031 South Africa
| | - Kevin Z. Mganga
- Department of Agricultural Sciences South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 170‐90200 Kitui Kenya
- Department of Forest Sciences University of Helsinki, Latokartanonkaari 7 00790 Helsinki Finland
| | - Phumza Ntshotsho
- Sustainable Ecosystems Impact Area Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Ifesinachi Okafor‐Yarwood
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development University of St Andrews Scotland United Kingdom
- Centre for Strategic Research and Studies National Defence College Abuja Nigeria
| | - Kayla M.E. Webster
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7700 South Africa
| | - Nasreen Peer
- Department of Botany and Zoology Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602 South Africa
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7
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Ecosystem Health and Risk Assessments for High Conservation Value Mountain Ecosystems of South Asia: A Necessity to Guide Conservation Policies. ANTHROPOCENE SCIENCE 2022. [PMCID: PMC8883751 DOI: 10.1007/s44177-022-00010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mountain ecosystems across South Asia are facing huge pressure and are threatened by different drivers of loss. Red List of Ecosystems, to assess risks and ecosystem health, offers an exciting prospect to address complex challenges faced by ecosystems. This opinion is an outcome of the brainstorming organized to mark the International Mountain Day in December 2020, followed by further discussions among key stakeholders for initiating the Red List of Ecosystem (RLE) assessment in the region. As an initial endeavor, we have explored the evidence available to be integrated with the basic RLE requirements to undertake the ecosystem health assessment for mountain ecosystems in South Asia. We argue that the existing data gaps and insufficient understanding of the RLE process are a key-barriers to initiating ecosystem health assessment for supporting and contributing to knowledge-based conservation, governance, livelihood, land use, and macroeconomic planning. The RLE-based planning should be expanded and implemented for diverse ecosystems by enhancing transboundary cooperation, research collaboration, co-production of knowledge, and involving local communities. This opinion paper is an effort to facilitate, encourage and enhance discussions among wider stakeholders for developing a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary network of experts in the region for undertaking large scale RLE assessment for different mountain ecosystems that are threatened by an array of drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem services loss. This can guide strategic conservation efforts to halt and reverse the losses by community supported landscape restoration programmes.
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8
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Holl KD, Joyce FH, Reid JL. Alluring restoration strategies to attract seed‐dispersing animals need more rigorous testing. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen D. Holl
- Environmental Studies Department University of California Santa Cruz CA USA
| | - Francis H. Joyce
- Environmental Studies Department University of California Santa Cruz CA USA
| | - John L. Reid
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA USA
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9
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Vári Á, Podschun SA, Erős T, Hein T, Pataki B, Iojă IC, Adamescu CM, Gerhardt A, Gruber T, Dedić A, Ćirić M, Gavrilović B, Báldi A. Freshwater systems and ecosystem services: Challenges and chances for cross-fertilization of disciplines. AMBIO 2022; 51:135-151. [PMID: 33983559 PMCID: PMC8651970 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened in the world, while providing numerous essential ecosystem services (ES) to humans. Despite their importance, research on freshwater ecosystem services is limited. Here, we examine how freshwater studies could help to advance ES research and vice versa. We summarize major knowledge gaps and suggest solutions focusing on science and policy in Europe. We found several features that are unique to freshwater ecosystems, but often disregarded in ES assessments. Insufficient transfer of knowledge towards stakeholders is also problematic. Knowledge transfer and implementation seems to be less effective towards South-east Europe. Focusing on the strengths of freshwater research regarding connectivity, across borders, involving multiple actors can help to improve ES research towards a more dynamic, landscape-level approach, which we believe can boost the implementation of the ES concept in freshwater policies. Bridging these gaps can contribute to achieve the ambitious targets of the EU's Green Deal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Vári
- Lendület Ecosystem Services Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, 2-4 Alkotmány utca, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - Simone A. Podschun
- Department Ecohydrology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Justus-von-Liebig-Str. 7, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tibor Erős
- ELKH Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Klebelsberg K. u. 3, 8237 Tihany, Hungary
| | - Thomas Hein
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
- WasserCluster Lunz - Biologische Station, Dr. Carl-Kupelwieser-Prom. 5, 3293 Lunz/See, Austria
| | - Beáta Pataki
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Debrecen, Ótemető u. 2-4, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ioan-Cristian Iojă
- Center for Environmental Research and Impact Studies, University of Bucharest, Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu nr. 1, Bucureşti, 030167 Romania
| | - Cristian Mihai Adamescu
- Research Center for Systems Ecology and Sustainability, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Almut Gerhardt
- Limco International GmbH, Wollmatinger Str. 22, 78467 Constance, Germany
| | - Tamás Gruber
- WWF Hungary, Álmos vezér útja 69/A, 1141 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anita Dedić
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Education, University of Mostar, Rodoč bb, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Miloš Ćirić
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojan Gavrilović
- Department of Physical Geography, Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić”, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - András Báldi
- Lendület Ecosystem Services Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, 2-4 Alkotmány utca, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
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10
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Harrison PA, Camarretta N, Krisanski S, Bailey TG, Davidson NJ, Bain G, Hamer R, Gardiner R, Proft K, Taskhiri MS, Turner P, Turner D, Lucieer A. From communities to individuals: Using remote sensing to inform and monitor woodland restoration. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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11
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Aavik T, Träger S, Zobel M, Honnay O, Van Geel M, Bueno CG, Koorem K. The joint effect of host plant genetic diversity and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities on restoration success. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsipe Aavik
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Sabrina Träger
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden Martin‐Luther‐University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Martin Zobel
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Olivier Honnay
- Plant Conservation and Population Biology Biology Department University of Leuven Heverlee Belgium
| | - Maarten Van Geel
- Plant Conservation and Population Biology Biology Department University of Leuven Heverlee Belgium
| | - C. Guillermo Bueno
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Kadri Koorem
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
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12
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Gutierrez V, Hallett JG, Ota L, Sterling E, Wilson SJ, Bodin B, Chazdon RL. Forest and landscape restoration monitoring frameworks: how principled are they? Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - James G. Hallett
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 U.S.A
| | - Liz Ota
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre University of the Sunshine Coast 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia
| | - Eleanor Sterling
- Center for Biodiversity and Conservation American Museum of Natural History New York NY 10024 U.S.A
| | - Sarah J. Wilson
- School of Environmental Studies University of Victoria 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria British Columbia Canada
| | - Blaise Bodin
- Forestry Division Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome Italy
| | - Robin L. Chazdon
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre University of the Sunshine Coast 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Connecticut Storrs CT 06269 U.S.A
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13
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Melton CB, Reside AE, Simmonds JS, Mcdonald PG, Major RE, Crates R, Catterall CP, Clarke MF, Grey MJ, Davitt G, Ingwersen D, Robinson D, Maron M. Evaluating the evidence of culling a native species for conservation benefits. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney B. Melton
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - April E. Reside
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Jeremy S. Simmonds
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Paul G. Mcdonald
- School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Richard E. Major
- Australian Museum Research Institute Australian Museum Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Ross Crates
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Canberra Acton Australia
| | - Carla P. Catterall
- School of Environment and Science Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Merilyn J. Grey
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | | | - Doug Robinson
- Trust for Nature Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
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14
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Bertolini C, da Mosto J. Restoring for the climate: a review of coastal wetland restoration research in the last 30 years. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Bertolini
- We are here Venice Venice 30125 Italy
- Department of Environmental Sciences Informatics and Statics, Ca′ Foscari University 30170 Venice Italy
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15
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Scotton M, Andreatta D. Anti-erosion rehabilitation: Effects of revegetation method and site traits on introduced and native plant cover and richness. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 776:145915. [PMID: 33647653 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In mountainous areas, bare slopes represent often dangerous forms of land degradation that need to be rehabilitated. However, revegetation is usually performed with non-native plants, negatively impacting the natural landscape value. Comprehensive studies, especially on poorly investigated long-term revegetation effects, are therefore essential for the improvement of rehabilitation practices. In this study, four landslides or disused quarries surrounded by well-preserved (semi-) natural vegetation that were revegetated between 1988 and 2002 with non-native only herbaceous or both herbaceous and woody plants were studied 1-9 and 16-31 years after rehabilitation. A total of 111 sampling areas were surveyed for introduced and volunteer species and other important ground cover soil and topography traits. Climatic traits and species' ecological indicators were retrieved from the available databases. The time patterns and ecological spectra of the plant covers were analysed and correlated to the site traits. In the first decade, introduced plants were initially abundant but decreased rapidly. In the long-term, the more stress-tolerant among them still had a considerable cover, especially in fine-textured soils. Native species were established slowly but, due to their higher stress tolerance, dominated in the long-term, especially at more stressful sites. In areas with predominantly herbaceous cover, soil factors, such as gravel content, were more related to the plant cover. In areas with predominantly woody plant cover, the high plant cover was dependent on microclimatic factors, especially aspect. At sites like those studied here, woody species should be always used, but in the form of native plants, as they tend to persist. If herbaceous species are unavailable in native forms, their introduction should be avoided in areas not exposed to erosion, whereas poorly stress-tolerant non-native plants should be used in steep areas as they create a fast but short-lasting cover compensated in the long term by the establishment of native species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Scotton
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| | - Davide Andreatta
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
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Hamer AJ, Schmera D, Mahony MJ. Multi-species occupancy modeling provides novel insights into amphibian metacommunity structure and wetland restoration. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e2293. [PMID: 33432692 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental goal of community ecology is to understand species-habitat relationships and how they shape metacommunity structure. Recent advances in occupancy modeling enable habitat relationships to be assessed for both common and rare species within metacommunities using multi-species occupancy models (MSOM). These models account for imperfect species detection and offer considerable advantages over other analytical tools commonly used for community analyses under the elements of metacommunity structure (EMS) framework. Here, we demonstrate that MSOM can be used to infer habitat relationships and test metacommunity theory, using amphibians. Repeated frog surveys were undertaken at 55 wetland sites in southeastern Australia. We detected 11 frog species from three families (Limnodynastidae, Myobatrachidae, and Pelodryadidae). The rarest species was detected at only one site whereas the most common species was detected at 42 sites (naive occupancy rate 0.02-0.76). Two models were assessed representing two competing hypotheses; the best-supported model included the covariates distance to the nearest site (connectivity), wetland area, presence of the non-native eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), proportion cover of emergent vegetation, an interaction term between Gambusia and emergent vegetation cover, and the proportion canopy cover over a site. Hydroperiod played no detectable role in metacommunity structure. We found species-habitat relationships that fit with current metacommunity theory: occupancy increased with wetland area and connectivity. There was a strong negative relationship between occupancy and the presence of predatory Gambusia, and a positive interaction between Gambusia and emergent vegetation. The presence of canopy cover strongly increased occupancy for several tree frog species, highlighting the importance of terrestrial habitat for amphibian community structure. We demonstrated how responses by amphibians to environmental covariates at the species level can be linked to occupancy patterns at the metacommunity scale. Our results have clear management implications: wetland restoration projects for amphibians and likely other taxa should maximize wetland area and connectivity, establish partial canopy cover, and eradicate Gambusia or provide aquatic vegetation to mitigate the impact of this non-native fish. We strongly advocate the use of MSOM to elucidate the habitat drivers behind animal occupancy patterns and to derive unbiased occupancy estimates for monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Hamer
- Centre for Ecological Research, GINOP Sustainable Ecosystems Group, Klebelsberg K. u. 3, Tihany, H-8237, Hungary
- Centre for Ecological Research, Balaton Limnological Institute, Klebelsberg K. u. 3, Tihany, H-8237, Hungary
| | - Dénes Schmera
- Centre for Ecological Research, Balaton Limnological Institute, Klebelsberg K. u. 3, Tihany, H-8237, Hungary
| | - Michael J Mahony
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
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Garrote PJ, Castilla AR, Fedriani JM. Assessing the relative importance of nurse species on Mediterranean human‐altered areas. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J. Garrote
- Centro de Ecologia Aplicada “Prof. Baeta Neves” (CEABN‐InBio), Instituto Superior de Agronomia Universidade de Lisboa. Tapada da Ajuda Lisbon 1349‐017 Portugal
| | - Antonio R. Castilla
- Centro de Ecologia Aplicada “Prof. Baeta Neves” (CEABN‐InBio), Instituto Superior de Agronomia Universidade de Lisboa. Tapada da Ajuda Lisbon 1349‐017 Portugal
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Avenida Américo Vespucio s/n 41092 Sevilla Spain
| | - Jose M. Fedriani
- Centro de Ecologia Aplicada “Prof. Baeta Neves” (CEABN‐InBio), Instituto Superior de Agronomia Universidade de Lisboa. Tapada da Ajuda Lisbon 1349‐017 Portugal
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Avenida Américo Vespucio s/n 41092 Sevilla Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación CIDE, CSIC‐UVEG‐GV, Carretera de Moncada a Náquera km 4,5 46113 Moncada Valencia Spain
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The Genetic Component of Seagrass Restoration: What We Know and the Way Forwards. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13060829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants providing key ecological services and functions in coasts and estuaries across the globe. Increased environmental changes fueled by human activities are affecting their existence, compromising natural habitats and ecosystems’ biodiversity and functioning. In this context, restoration of disturbed seagrass environments has become a worldwide priority to reverse ecosystem degradation and to recover ecosystem functionality and associated services. Despite the proven importance of genetic research to perform successful restoration projects, this aspect has often been overlooked in seagrass restoration. Here, we aimed to provide a comprehensive perspective of genetic aspects related to seagrass restoration. To this end, we first reviewed the importance of studying the genetic diversity and population structure of target seagrass populations; then, we discussed the pros and cons of different approaches used to restore and/or reinforce degraded populations. In general, the collection of genetic information and the development of connectivity maps are critical steps for any seagrass restoration activity. Traditionally, the selection of donor population preferred the use of local gene pools, thought to be the best adapted to current conditions. However, in the face of rapid ocean changes, alternative approaches such as the use of climate-adjusted or admixture genotypes might provide more sustainable options to secure the survival of restored meadows. Also, we discussed different transplantation strategies applied in seagrasses and emphasized the importance of long-term seagrass monitoring in restoration. The newly developed information on epigenetics as well as the application of assisted evolution strategies were also explored. Finally, a view of legal and ethical issues related to national and international restoration management is included, highlighting improvements and potential new directions to integrate with the genetic assessment. We concluded that a good restoration effort should incorporate: (1) a good understanding of the genetic structure of both donors and populations being restored; (2) the analysis of local environmental conditions and disturbances that affect the site to be restored; (3) the analysis of local adaptation constraints influencing the performances of donor populations and native plants; (4) the integration of distribution/connectivity maps with genetic information and environmental factors relative to the target seagrass populations; (5) the planning of long-term monitoring programs to assess the performance of the restored populations. The inclusion of epigenetic knowledge and the development of assisted evolution programs are strongly hoped for the future.
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Fischer J, Riechers M, Loos J, Martin-Lopez B, Temperton VM. Making the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration a Social-Ecological Endeavour. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:20-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Dhyani S, Bartlett D, Kadaverugu R, Dasgupta R, Pujari P, Verma P. Integrated climate sensitive restoration framework for transformative changes to sustainable land restoration. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Dhyani
- CSIR‐National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Nagpur Maharashtra 440020 India
| | - Debbie Bartlett
- University of Greenwich Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime Kent ME4 4TB UK
| | - Rakesh Kadaverugu
- CSIR‐National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Nagpur Maharashtra 440020 India
| | - Rajarshi Dasgupta
- Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, 2108‐11 Kanagawa 240‐0115 Japan
| | - Paras Pujari
- CSIR‐National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Nagpur Maharashtra 440020 India
| | - Parikshit Verma
- CSIR‐National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Nagpur Maharashtra 440020 India
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Atkinson J, Bonser SP. “Active” and “passive” ecological restoration strategies in meta‐analysis. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joe Atkinson
- Ecology and Evolution Research Centre School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney Sydney NSW 2033 Australia
| | - Stephen P. Bonser
- Ecology and Evolution Research Centre School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney Sydney NSW 2033 Australia
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