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Edwards‐Calma K, Jiménez L, Zenil‐Ferguson R, Heyduk K, Thomas MK, Tribble CM. Conservation applications of niche modeling: Native and naturalized ferns may compete for limited Hawaiian dryland habitat. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2024; 12:e11598. [PMID: 38912653 PMCID: PMC11192160 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Premise Competition from naturalized species and habitat loss are common threats to native biodiversity and may act synergistically to increase competition for decreasing habitat availability. We use Hawaiian dryland ferns as a model for the interactions between land-use change and competition from naturalized species in determining habitat availability. Methods We used fine-resolution climatic variables and carefully curated occurrence data from herbaria and community science repositories to estimate the distributions of Hawaiian dryland ferns. We quantified the degree to which naturalized ferns tend to occupy areas suitable for native species and mapped the remaining available habitat given land-use change. Results Of all native species, Doryopteris angelica had the lowest percentage of occurrences of naturalized species in its suitable area while D. decora had the highest. However, all Doryopteris spp. had a higher percentage overlap, while Pellaea ternifolia had a lower percentage overlap, than expected by chance. Doryopteris decora and D. decipiens had the lowest proportions (<20%) of suitable area covering native habitat. Discussion Areas characterized by shared environmental preferences of native and naturalized ferns may decrease due to human development and fallowed agricultural lands. Our study demonstrates the value of place-based application of a recently developed correlative ecological niche modeling approach for conservation risk assessment in a rapidly changing and urbanized island ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Jiménez
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonoluluHawaiʻi 96822USA
- Centro de Modelamiento MatemáticoUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | | | - Karolina Heyduk
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonoluluHawaiʻi 96822USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrs06269ConnecticutUSA
| | - Miles K. Thomas
- Herbarium Pacificum, Bernice Pauahi Bishop MuseumHonoluluHawaiʻi 96813USA
| | - Carrie M. Tribble
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonoluluHawaiʻi 96822USA
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2
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Morris AB, Visger CJ, Fox SJ, Scalf C, Fleming S, Call G. Defining Populations and Predicting Future Suitable Niche Space in the Geographically Disjunct, Narrowly Endemic Leafy Prairie-Clover ( Dalea foliosa; Fabaceae). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:495. [PMID: 38498467 PMCID: PMC10891826 DOI: 10.3390/plants13040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Conservation actions for rare species are often based on estimates of population size and number, which are challenging to capture in natural systems. Instead, many definitions of populations rely on arbitrarily defined distances between occurrences, which is not necessarily biologically meaningful despite having utility from a conservation management perspective. Here, we introduce a case study using the narrowly endemic and highly geographically disjunct leafy prairie-clover (Dalea foliosa), for which we use nuclear microsatellite loci to assess the current delimitations of populations and management units across its entire known range. We model future potential suitable niche space for the species to assess how currently defined populations could fare under predicted changes in climate over the next 50 years. Our results indicate that genetic variation within the species is extremely limited, particularly so in the distal portions of its range (Illinois and Alabama). Within the core of its range (Tennessee), genetic structure is not consistent with populations as currently defined. Our models indicate that predicted suitable niche space may only marginally overlap with the geology associated with this species (limestone glades and dolomite prairies) by 2070. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the extent to which populations are ecologically adapted to local environments and what role this could play in future translocation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B. Morris
- Department of Biology, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA;
- Independent Researcher, San Antonio, TX 78247, USA;
| | - Clayton J. Visger
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA;
| | - Skyler J. Fox
- Department of Biology, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA;
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA
| | | | - Sunny Fleming
- Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), Redlands, CA 92373, USA;
| | - Geoff Call
- Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cookeville, TN 38501, USA;
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3
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Gmutza HJ, Foster RW, Gmutza JM, Carter GG, Kurta A. Survival of hibernating little brown bats that are unaffected by white-nose syndrome: Using thermal cameras to understand arousal behavior. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297871. [PMID: 38319950 PMCID: PMC10846716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that has decimated hibernating bats from multiple North American species. In 2014, the invasive fungus arrived at a hibernaculum of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) inside the spillway of Tippy Dam, located near Wellston, Michigan, USA, yet surprisingly, this population has not experienced the declines seen elsewhere. Unlike a typical subterranean hibernaculum, light enters the spillway through small ventilation holes. We hypothesized that this light causes the hibernating bats to maintain a circadian rhythm, thereby saving energy via social thermoregulation during synchronous arousals. To test this idea, we used high-resolution thermal cameras to monitor arousals from October 2019 to April 2020. We found that arousals followed a circadian rhythm, peaking after sunset, and that most observed arousals (>68%) occurred within a cluster of bats allowing for social thermoregulation. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that light-induced synchronized arousals contribute to the unprecedented absence of mass mortality from white-nose syndrome in this large population. Using light to maintain a circadian rhythm in bats should be tested as a potential tool for mitigating mortality from white-nose syndrome. More generally, studying populations that have been largely unaffected by white-nose syndrome may provide insight into mitigation strategies for protecting the remaining populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley J. Gmutza
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Rodney W. Foster
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jonathan M. Gmutza
- eScape Technology LLC, Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Gerald G. Carter
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa Ancón, Panama
| | - Allen Kurta
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States of America
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4
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Colgan AM, Hatfield RG, Dolan A, Velman W, Newton RE, Graves TA. Quantifying effectiveness and best practices for bumblebee identification from photographs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:830. [PMID: 38200017 PMCID: PMC10782012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41548-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding pollinator networks requires species level data on pollinators. New photographic approaches to identification provide avenues to data collection that reduce impacts on declining bumblebee species, but limited research has addressed their accuracy. Using blind identification of 1418 photographed bees, of which 561 had paired specimens, we assessed identification and agreement across 20 bumblebee species netted in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota by people with minimal training. An expert identified 92.4% of bees from photographs, whereas 98.2% of bees were identified from specimens. Photograph identifiability decreased for bees that were wet or matted; bees without clear pictures of the abdomen, side of thorax, or top of thorax; bees photographed with a tablet, and for species with more color morphs. Across paired specimens, the identification matched for 95.1% of bees. When combined with a second opinion of specimens without matching identifications, data suggested a similar misidentification rate (2.7% for photographs and 2.5% specimens). We suggest approaches to maximize accuracy, including development of rulesets for collection of a subset of specimens based on difficulty of identification and to address cryptic variation, and focused training on identification that highlights detection of species of concern and species frequently confused in a study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Colgan
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, 38 Mather Drive, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
| | - R G Hatfield
- Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, 628 NE Broadway, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97221, USA
| | | | - W Velman
- Bureau of Land Management, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, MT 59101, USA
| | - R E Newton
- Bureau of Land Management, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, MT 59101, USA
| | - T A Graves
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, 38 Mather Drive, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA.
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5
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Zimmer SN, Holsinger KW, Dawson CA. A field-validated ensemble species distribution model of Eriogonum pelinophilum, an endangered subshrub in Colorado, USA. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10816. [PMID: 38107426 PMCID: PMC10721943 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the suitable habitat of endangered species is crucial for agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management to plan management and conservation. However, few species distribution models are directly validated, potentially limiting their application in management. In preparation for a Species Status Assessment of clay-loving wild buckwheat (Eriogonum pelinophilum), an endangered subshrub found in southwest Colorado, we ran a series of species distribution models to estimate the species' potential occupied habitat and validated these models in the field. A 1-meter resolution digital elevation model derived from LiDAR and a high-resolution geology mapping helped identify biologically relevant characteristics of the species' habitat. We employed a weighted ensemble model based on two Random Forest and one Boosted Regression Tree model, and discrimination performance of the ensemble model was high (AUC-PR = 0.793). We then conducted a systematic field survey of model habitat suitability predictions, during which we discovered 55 new subpopulations of the species and demonstrated that new species observations were strongly associated with model predictions (p < .0001, Cliff's delta = 0.575). We further refined our original models by incorporating the additional species occurrences collected in the field survey, a new explanatory variable, and a more diverse set of models. These iterative changes marginally improved performance of the ensemble model (AUC-PR = 0.825). Direct validation of species distribution models is extremely rare, and our field survey provides strong validation of our model results. This helps increase confidence to utilize predictions in planning. The final model predictions greatly improve the Bureau of Land Management's understanding of the species' habitat and increase our ability to consider potential habitat in planning land use activities such as road development and travel management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott N. Zimmer
- Uncompahgre Field OfficeBureau of Land ManagementMontroseColoradoUSA
- Fire Sciences LaboratoryRocky Mountain Research Station, U.S. Forest ServiceMissoulaMontanaUSA
| | | | - Carol A. Dawson
- Colorado State OfficeBureau of Land ManagementLakewoodColoradoUSA
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6
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Rose JP, Kim R, Schoenig EJ, Lien PC, Halstead BJ. Comparing reintroduction strategies for the endangered San Francisco gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) using demographic models. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292379. [PMID: 37796777 PMCID: PMC10553336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For endangered species persisting in a few populations, reintroductions to unoccupied habitat are a popular conservation action to increase viability in the long term. Identifying the reintroduction strategy that is most likely to result in viable founder and donor populations is essential to optimally use resources available for conservation. The San Francisco gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) is an endangered sub-species that persists in a small number of populations in a highly urbanized region of California. Most of the extant populations of San Francisco gartersnakes have low adult abundance and effective population size, heightening the need for establishment of more populations for insurance against the risk of extinction. We used simulations from demographic models to project the probability of quasi-extinction for reintroduced populations of San Francisco gartersnakes based on the release of neonate, juvenile, adult, or mixed-age propagules. Our simulation results indicated that the release of head-started juveniles resulted in the greatest viability of reintroduced populations, and that releases would need to continue for at least 15 years to ensure a low probability of quasi-extinction. Releasing captive-bred juvenile snakes would also have less effect on the viability of the donor population, compared to strategies that require more adult snakes to be removed from the donor population for translocation. Our models focus on snake demography, but the genetic makeup of donor, captive, and reintroduced populations will also be a major concern for any proposed reintroduction plan. This study demonstrates how modeling can be used to inform reintroduction strategies for highly imperiled species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P. Rose
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Richard Kim
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon, California, United States of America
| | - Elliot J. Schoenig
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon, California, United States of America
| | - Patrick C. Lien
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon, California, United States of America
| | - Brian J. Halstead
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon, California, United States of America
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7
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Fitzpatrick SW, Mittan-Moreau C, Miller M, Judson JM. Genetic rescue remains underused for aiding recovery of federally listed vertebrates in the United States. J Hered 2023; 114:354-366. [PMID: 36975379 PMCID: PMC10287150 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Restoring gene flow among fragmented populations is discussed as a potentially powerful management strategy that could reduce inbreeding depression and cause genetic rescue. Yet, examples of assisted migration for genetic rescue remain sparse in conservation, prompting several outspoken calls for its increased use in genetic management of fragmented populations. We set out to evaluate the extent to which this strategy is underused and to determine how many imperiled species would realistically stand to benefit from genetic rescue, focusing on federally threatened or endangered vertebrate species in the United States. We developed a "genetic rescue suitability index (GR index)" based on concerns about small population problems relative to risks associated with outbreeding depression and surveyed the literature for 222 species. We found that two-thirds of these species were good candidates for consideration of assisted migration for the purpose of genetic rescue according to our suitability index. Good candidate species spanned all taxonomic groups and geographic regions, though species with more missing data tended to score lower on the suitability index. While we do not recommend a prescriptive interpretation of our GR index, we used it here to establish that assisted migration for genetic rescue is an underused strategy. For example, we found in total, "genetic rescue" was only mentioned in 11 recovery plans and has only been implemented in 3 of the species we surveyed. A potential way forward for implementation of this strategy is incorporating genetic rescue as a priority in USFWS recovery documentation. In general, our results suggest that although not appropriate for all imperiled species, many more species stand to benefit from a conservation strategy of assisted migration for genetic rescue than those for which it has previously been considered or implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W Fitzpatrick
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, United States
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Cinnamon Mittan-Moreau
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, United States
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Madison Miller
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, United States
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Jessica M Judson
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, United States
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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8
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Post van der Burg M, MacDonald G, Hefley T, Glassberg J. Point‐scale habitat and weather patterns influence the distribution of regal fritillaries in the central United States. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
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9
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Kovach AI, Cheeseman AE, Cohen JB, Rittenhouse CD, Whipps CM. Separating Proactive Conservation from Species Listing Decisions. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 70:710-729. [PMID: 36100759 PMCID: PMC9470069 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01713-9] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Proactive Conservation is a paradigm of natural resource management in the United States that encourages voluntary, collaborative efforts to restore species before they need to be protected through government regulations. This paradigm is widely used to conserve at-risk species today, and when used in conjunction with the Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts (PECE), it allows for successful conservation actions to preclude listing of species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Despite the popularity of this paradigm, and recent flagship examples of its use (e.g., greater sage grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus), critical assessments of the outcomes of Proactive Conservation are lacking from the standpoint of species status and recovery metrics. Here, we provide such an evaluation, using the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), heralded as a success of Proactive Conservation efforts in the northeastern United States, as a case study. We review the history and current status of the species, based on the state of the science, in the context of the Conservation Initiative, and the 2015 PECE decision not to the list the species under the ESA. In addition to the impacts of the PECE decision on the New England cottontail conservation specifically, our review also evaluates the benefits and limits of the Proactive Conservation paradigm more broadly, and we make recommendations for its role in relation to ESA implementation for the future of at-risk species management. We find that the status and assurances for recovery under the PECE policy, presented at the time of the New England cottontail listing decision, were overly optimistic, and the status of the species has worsened in subsequent years. We suggest that use of PECE to avoid listing may occur because of the perception of the ESA as a punitive law and a misconception that it is a failure, although very few listed species have gone extinct. Redefining recovery to decouple it from delisting and instead link it to probability of persistence under recommended conservation measures would remove some of the stigma of listing, and it would strengthen the role of Species Status Assessments in endangered species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne I Kovach
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA.
| | - Amanda E Cheeseman
- South Dakota State University, Natural Resource Management, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Jonathan B Cohen
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Chadwick D Rittenhouse
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Connecticut, Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Christopher M Whipps
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA
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10
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Fitzgerald DB, Freeman MC, Maloney KO, Young JA, Rosenberger AE, Kazyak DC, Smith DR. Multispecies approaches to status assessments in support of endangered species classifications. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Fitzgerald
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center Kearneysville West Virginia USA
| | - Mary C. Freeman
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center Athens Georgia USA
| | - Kelly O. Maloney
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center Kearneysville West Virginia USA
| | - John A. Young
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center Kearneysville West Virginia USA
| | - Amanda E. Rosenberger
- U.S. Geological Survey, Tennessee Cooperative Research Unit Tennessee Tech University Cookeville Tennessee USA
| | - David C. Kazyak
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center Kearneysville West Virginia USA
| | - David R. Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center Kearneysville West Virginia USA
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11
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Using predictions from multiple anthropogenic threats to estimate future population persistence of an imperiled species. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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12
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Crawford BA, Maerz JC, Terrell VC, Moore CT. Population viability analysis for a pond-breeding amphibian under future drought scenarios in the southeastern United States. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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13
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Mueller JM, Sesnie SE, Lehnen SE, Davis HT, Giocomo JJ, Macey JN, Long AM. Multi‐scale species density model for conserving an endangered songbird. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James M. Mueller
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge 24518 FM 1431 Marble Falls TX 78654 USA
| | - Steven E. Sesnie
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Biological Sciences PO Box 1306 Albuquerque NM 87103‐1306 USA
| | - Sarah E. Lehnen
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Biological Sciences PO Box 1306 Albuquerque NM 87103‐1306 USA
| | | | | | - John N. Macey
- Natural and Cultural Resources, Installation Management Command Fort Hood TX 76544 USA
| | - Ashley M. Long
- Agricultural Center and School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University Baton Rouge LA 70803 USA
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14
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Irvine KM, Banner KM, Stratton C, Ford WM, Reichert BE. Statistical assessment on determining local presence of rare bat species. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4142] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Irvine
- Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center U.S. Geological Survey Bozeman Montana USA
| | - Katharine M. Banner
- Department of Mathematical Sciences Montana State University Bozeman Montana USA
| | - Christian Stratton
- Department of Mathematical Sciences Montana State University Bozeman Montana USA
| | - William M. Ford
- Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit U.S. Geological Survey Blacksburg Virginia USA
| | - Brian E. Reichert
- Fort Collins Science Center U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Colorado USA
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15
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Demographic and Evolutionary History of Pallid and Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Upper Missouri River. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.3996/jfwm-21-035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Natural-origin pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus in the upper Missouri River are predicted to become extirpated as early as 2024. To aid in recovery efforts for this endangered species, we used genetic data from 17 microsatellite loci to infer demographic and evolutionary history of pallid sturgeon and a sympatric shovelnose sturgeon S. platorynchus . A recent sundering of geneflow between these species was indicated by overlapping allele size distributions at all loci and low level of genetic divergence ( F ST = 0.10). Tests for recent bottlenecks, using heterozygosity excess or allele frequency mode-shift tests indicated demographic stability for both species while the M-Ratio identified historic bottlenecks had occurred in both species. Estimates of historical effective population size ( N e ), based on coalescent modeling of allele size distribution, suggested the geographic expansion of these species into the upper Missouri River during the late Pleistocene was associated with 10 to 19 fold reductions in N e . In contrast estimates of contemporary estimates of N e based on linkage disequilibrium revealed that shovelnose sturgeon ( N e = 2983) had approximately 10 times greater N e than pallid sturgeon ( N e = 254). Our results are consistent with the recent collapse of pallid sturgeon being caused by dam construction which occurred between 1930 and 1965. Fortunately, genetic diversity remaining in this long-lived species has provided an opportunity to conserve pre-dam pallid sturgeon genetic diversity via a successful captive breeding program. We provide recommendations to address key conservation needs including how to incorporate our estimate of N e / adult census size of 0.26 (95% CI: 0.16 – 0.47) into setting demographic recovery goals for pallid sturgeon.
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16
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Long AM, Colón MR, Morrison ML, Mathewson HA. Demonstration of a multi‐species, multi‐response state‐and‐transition model approach for wildlife management. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Long
- Agricultural Center and School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University Baton Rouge Louisiana 70803 USA
| | - Melanie R. Colón
- Agricultural Center and School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University Baton Rouge Louisiana 70803 USA
| | - Michael L. Morrison
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management Texas A&M University College Station Texas 77843 USA
| | - Heather A. Mathewson
- Wildlife and Natural Resources Tarleton State University Stephenville Texas 76402 USA
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17
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Uncertainty, Complexity and Constraints: How Do We Robustly Assess Biological Responses under a Rapidly Changing Climate? CLIMATE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cli9120177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
How robust is our assessment of impacts to ecosystems and species from a rapidly changing climate during the 21st century? We examine the challenges of uncertainty, complexity and constraints associated with applying climate projections to understanding future biological responses. This includes an evaluation of how to incorporate the uncertainty associated with different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios and climate models, and constraints of spatiotemporal scales and resolution of climate data into impact assessments. We describe the challenges of identifying relevant climate metrics for biological impact assessments and evaluate the usefulness and limitations of different methodologies of applying climate change to both quantitative and qualitative assessments. We discuss the importance of incorporating extreme climate events and their stochastic tendencies in assessing ecological impacts and transformation, and provide recommendations for better integration of complex climate–ecological interactions at relevant spatiotemporal scales. We further recognize the compounding nature of uncertainty when accounting for our limited understanding of the interactions between climate and biological processes. Given the inherent complexity in ecological processes and their interactions with climate, we recommend integrating quantitative modeling with expert elicitation from diverse disciplines and experiential understanding of recent climate-driven ecological processes to develop a more robust understanding of ecological responses under different scenarios of future climate change. Inherently complex interactions between climate and biological systems also provide an opportunity to develop wide-ranging strategies that resource managers can employ to prepare for the future.
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Noss RF, Cartwright JM, Estes D, Witsell T, Elliott G, Adams D, Albrecht M, Boyles R, Comer P, Doffitt C, Faber‐Langendoen D, Hill J, Hunter WC, Knapp WM, Marshall ME, Singhurst J, Tracey C, Walck J, Weakley A. Improving species status assessments under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and implications for multispecies conservation challenges worldwide. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1715-1724. [PMID: 34057264 PMCID: PMC9292301 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite its successes, the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) has proven challenging to implement due to funding limitations, workload backlog, and other problems. As threats to species survival intensify and as more species come under threat, the need for the ESA and similar conservation laws and policies in other countries to function efficiently has grown. Attempts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to streamline ESA decisions include multispecies recovery plans and habitat conservation plans. We address species status assessment (SSA), a USFWS process to inform ESA decisions from listing to recovery, within the context of multispecies and ecosystem planning. Although existing SSAs have a single-species focus, ecosystem-based research can efficiently inform multiple SSAs within a region and provide a foundation for transition to multispecies SSAs in the future. We considered at-risk grassland species and ecosystems within the southeastern United States, where a disproportionate number of rare and endemic species are associated with grasslands. To initiate our ecosystem-based approach, we used a combined literature-based and structured World Café workshop format to identify science needs for SSAs. Discussions concentrated on 5 categories of threats to grassland species and ecosystems, consistent with recommendations to make shared threats a focus of planning under the ESA: (1) habitat loss, fragmentation, and disruption of functional connectivity; (2) climate change; (3) altered disturbance regimes; (4) invasive species; and (5) localized impacts. For each threat, workshop participants identified science and information needs, including database availability, research priorities, and modeling and mapping needs. Grouping species by habitat and shared threats can make the SSA process and other planning processes for conservation of at-risk species worldwide more efficient and useful. We found a combination of literature review and structured discussion effective for identifying the scientific information and analysis needed to support the development of multiple SSAs. Article impact statement: Species status assessments can be improved by an ecosystem-based approach that groups imperiled species by shared habitats and threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed F. Noss
- Florida Institute for Conservation Science and Southeastern Grasslands InitiativeMelroseFloridaUSA
| | | | - Dwayne Estes
- Southeastern Grasslands InitiativeAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Theo Witsell
- Southeastern Grasslands InitiativeAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Gregg Elliott
- Southeastern Grasslands InitiativeAustin Peay State University, K Gregg ConsultingClarksvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Daniel Adams
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceCookevilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Matthew Albrecht
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Ryan Boyles
- U.S. Geological SurveySoutheast Climate Adaptation Science CenterRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Chris Doffitt
- Natural Areas RegistryLouisiana Department of Wildlife & FisheriesPinevilleLouisianaUSA
| | | | - JoVonn Hill
- Mississippi Entomological MuseumMississippi State UniversityStarkvilleMississippiUSA
| | - William C. Hunter
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNational Wildlife Refuge SystemAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Wesley M. Knapp
- North Carolina Natural Heritage ProgramAshevilleNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Jason Singhurst
- Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentNongame and Rare Species ProgramAustinTexasUSA
| | | | - Jeffrey Walck
- Department of BiologyMiddle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboroTennesseeUSA
| | - Alan Weakley
- North Carolina Botanical GardenUniversity of North Carolina, and Southeastern Grasslands InitiativeChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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Fitzgerald DB, Smith DR, Culver DC, Feller D, Fong DW, Hajenga J, Niemiller ML, Nolfi DC, Orndorff WD, Douglas B, Maloney KO, Young JA. Using expert knowledge to support Endangered Species Act decision-making for data-deficient species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1627-1638. [PMID: 33471375 PMCID: PMC8518685 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many questions relevant to conservation decision-making are characterized by extreme uncertainty due to lack of empirical data and complexity of the underlying ecologic processes, leading to a rapid increase in the use of structured protocols to elicit expert knowledge. Published ecologic applications often employ a modified Delphi method, where experts provide judgments anonymously and mathematical aggregation techniques are used to combine judgments. The Sheffield elicitation framework (SHELF) differs in its behavioral approach to synthesizing individual judgments into a fully specified probability distribution for an unknown quantity. We used the SHELF protocol remotely to assess extinction risk of three subterranean aquatic species that are being considered for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We provided experts an empirical threat assessment for each known locality over a video conference and recorded judgments on the probability of population persistence over four generations with online submission forms and R-shiny apps available through the SHELF package. Despite large uncertainty for all populations, there were key differences between species' risk of extirpation based on spatial variation in dominant threats, local land use and management practices, and species' microhabitat. The resulting probability distributions provided decision makers with a full picture of uncertainty that was consistent with the probabilistic nature of risk assessments. Discussion among experts during SHELF's behavioral aggregation stage clearly documented dominant threats (e.g., development, timber harvest, animal agriculture, and cave visitation) and their interactions with local cave geology and species' habitat. Our virtual implementation of the SHELF protocol demonstrated the flexibility of the approach for conservation applications operating on budgets and time lines that can limit in-person meetings of geographically dispersed experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Fitzgerald
- U.S. Geological SurveyLeetown Science Center11649 Leetown RoadKearneysvilleWV25430U.S.A.
| | - David R. Smith
- U.S. Geological SurveyLeetown Science Center11649 Leetown RoadKearneysvilleWV25430U.S.A.
| | - David C. Culver
- Department of Environmental ScienceAmerican University4400 Massachusetts Avenue NWWashingtonDC20016USA
| | - Daniel Feller
- Maryland Department of Natural ResourcesAppalachian Laboratory301 Braddock RdFrostburgMD21532USA
| | - Daniel W. Fong
- Department of BiologyAmerican University4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NWWashingtonDC20016USA
| | - Jeff Hajenga
- West Virginia Division of Natural ResourcesPO Box 67, Ward RdElkinsWV26241USA
| | - Matthew L. Niemiller
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Alabama HuntsvilleSST 369, 301 Sparkman DriveHuntsvilleAL35899USA
| | - Daniel C. Nolfi
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service4425 Burley Dr # AChubbuckID83202USA
| | - Wil D. Orndorff
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation600 E. Main St., 24th FloorRichmondVA23219USA
| | - Barbara Douglas
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service90 Vance DriveElkinsWV26241USA
| | - Kelly O. Maloney
- U.S. Geological SurveyLeetown Science Center11649 Leetown RoadKearneysvilleWV25430U.S.A.
| | - John A. Young
- U.S. Geological SurveyLeetown Science Center11649 Leetown RoadKearneysvilleWV25430U.S.A.
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Lawson AJ, Folt B, Tucker AM, Erickson F, McGowan CP. Decision context as a necessary component of population viability analysis assessments: response to Chaudhary and Oli 2020. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1683-1685. [PMID: 34405454 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail J Lawson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Folt
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Anna M Tucker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Francesca Erickson
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Conor P McGowan
- U.S. Geological Survey, Florida Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Florida, Florida, Gainesville, USA
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21
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Jenouvrier S, Che‐Castaldo J, Wolf S, Holland M, Labrousse S, LaRue M, Wienecke B, Fretwell P, Barbraud C, Greenwald N, Stroeve J, Trathan PN. The call of the emperor penguin: Legal responses to species threatened by climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:5008-5029. [PMID: 34342929 PMCID: PMC9291047 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Species extinction risk is accelerating due to anthropogenic climate change, making it urgent to protect vulnerable species through legal frameworks in order to facilitate conservation actions that help mitigate risk. Here, we discuss fundamental concepts for assessing climate change risks to species using the example of the emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri), currently being considered for protection under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA). This species forms colonies on Antarctic sea ice, which is projected to significantly decline due to ongoing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We project the dynamics of all known emperor penguin colonies under different GHG emission scenarios using a climate-dependent meta-population model including the effects of extreme climate events based on the observational satellite record of colonies. Assessments for listing species under the ESA require information about how species resiliency, redundancy and representation (3Rs) will be affected by threats within the foreseeable future. Our results show that if sea ice declines at the rate projected by climate models under current energy system trends and policies, the 3Rs would be dramatically reduced and almost all colonies would become quasi-extinct by 2100. We conclude that the species should be listed as threatened under the ESA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Jenouvrier
- Biology DepartmentWoods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionWoods HoleMassachusettsUSA
| | - Judy Che‐Castaldo
- Conservation & Science DepartmentAlexander Center for Applied Population BiologyLincoln Park ZooChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Shaye Wolf
- Climate Law InstituteCenter for Biological DiversityOaklandCaliforniaUSA
| | - Marika Holland
- National Center for Atmospheric ResearchBoulderColoradoUSA
| | | | - Michelle LaRue
- School of Earth and EnvironmentUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
- Department of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | | | | | | | - Noah Greenwald
- Endangered Species ProgramCenter for Biological DiversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Julienne Stroeve
- Centre for Earth Observation ScienceUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
- National Snow and Ice Data CenterUSA Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental SciencesUniversity of ColoradoBoulderColoradoUSA
- Earth Sciences DepartmentUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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22
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Cheng TL, Reichard JD, Coleman JTH, Weller TJ, Thogmartin WE, Reichert BE, Bennett AB, Broders HG, Campbell J, Etchison K, Feller DJ, Geboy R, Hemberger T, Herzog C, Hicks AC, Houghton S, Humber J, Kath JA, King RA, Loeb SC, Massé A, Morris KM, Niederriter H, Nordquist G, Perry RW, Reynolds RJ, Sasse DB, Scafini MR, Stark RC, Stihler CW, Thomas SC, Turner GG, Webb S, Westrich BJ, Frick WF. The scope and severity of white-nose syndrome on hibernating bats in North America. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1586-1597. [PMID: 33877716 PMCID: PMC8518069 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the scope and severity of threats is necessary for evaluating impacts on populations to inform conservation planning. Quantitative threat assessment often requires monitoring programs that provide reliable data over relevant spatial and temporal scales, yet such programs can be difficult to justify until there is an apparent stressor. Leveraging efforts of wildlife management agencies to record winter counts of hibernating bats, we collated data for 5 species from over 200 sites across 27 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces from 1995 to 2018 to determine the impact of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly disease of hibernating bats. We estimated declines of winter counts of bat colonies at sites where the invasive fungus that causes WNS (Pseudogymnoascus destructans) had been detected to assess the threat impact of WNS. Three species undergoing species status assessment by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Myotis septentrionalis, Myotis lucifugus, and Perimyotis subflavus) declined by more than 90%, which warrants classifying the severity of the WNS threat as extreme based on criteria used by NatureServe. The scope of the WNS threat as defined by NatureServe criteria was large (36% of Myotis lucifugus range) to pervasive (79% of Myotis septentrionalis range) for these species. Declines for 2 other species (Myotis sodalis and Eptesicus fuscus) were less severe but still qualified as moderate to serious based on NatureServe criteria. Data-sharing across jurisdictions provided a comprehensive evaluation of scope and severity of the threat of WNS and indicated regional differences that can inform response efforts at international, national, and state or provincial jurisdictions. We assessed the threat impact of an emerging infectious disease by uniting monitoring efforts across jurisdictional boundaries and demonstrated the importance of coordinated monitoring programs, such as the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat), for data-driven conservation assessments and planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina L. Cheng
- Bat Conservation International500 North Capital of Texas Highway, Building 1AustinTX78746U.S.A.
| | - Jonathan D. Reichard
- Ecological ServicesU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service300 Westgate Center DriveHadleyMA01035U.S.A.
| | - Jeremy T. H. Coleman
- Ecological ServicesU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service300 Westgate Center DriveHadleyMA01035U.S.A.
| | - Theodore J. Weller
- Pacific Southwest Research StationU.S. Department of Agriculture1700 Bayview DriveArcataCA95521U.S.A.
| | - Wayne E. Thogmartin
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences CenterU.S. Geological Survey2630 Fanta Reed RoadLa CrosseWI54601U.S.A.
| | - Brian E. Reichert
- Fort Collins Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey2150 Centre AvenueFort CollinsCO80526U.S.A.
| | - Alyssa B. Bennett
- Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife111 West St.Essex JunctionVT05452U.S.A.
| | | | - Joshua Campbell
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency5107 Edmonson PikeNashvilleTN37211U.S.A.
| | | | - Daniel J. Feller
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources580 Taylor Ave.FrostburgMD21401U.S.A.
| | - Richard Geboy
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service520 S. Walker St.BloomingtonIN47403U.S.A.
| | - Traci Hemberger
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources1 Sportsman's Ln.FrankfortKY40601U.S.A.
| | - Carl Herzog
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation625 BroadwayAlbanyNY12233U.S.A.
| | - Alan C. Hicks
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation625 BroadwayAlbanyNY12233U.S.A.
| | | | - Jessica Humber
- NL Wildlife DivisionGovernment of Newfoundland and Labrador192 Wheeler's Rd., P.O. Box 2006Corner BrookNLA2H 0J1Canada
| | - Joseph A. Kath
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources1 Natural Resources WaySpringfieldIL62702U.S.A.
| | - R. Andrew King
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service520 S. Walker St.BloomingtonIN47403U.S.A.
| | - Susan C. Loeb
- Southern Research Station, U.S. Forest ServiceClemson University233 Lehotsky HallClemsonSC29634U.S.A.
| | - Ariane Massé
- Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs880 ch. Sainte‐FoyQuébecQCG1S 4X4Canada
| | - Katrina M. Morris
- Wildlife Conservation SectionGeorgia Department of Natural Resources2065 US Hwy 278 SESocial CircleGA30025U.S.A.
| | - Holly Niederriter
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental ControlRichardson and Robbins Bldg., 89 Kings Hwy SWDoverDE19901U.S.A.
| | - Gerda Nordquist
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources500 Lafayette Rd.Saint PaulMN55155U.S.A.
| | - Roger W. Perry
- U.S. Forest Service100 Reserve St.Hot SpringsAR71901U.S.A.
| | - Richard J. Reynolds
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources7870 Villa Park Dr. #400RichmondVA23228U.S.A.
| | - D. Blake Sasse
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission2 Natural Resources Dr.Little RockAR72205U.S.A.
| | | | - Richard C. Stark
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service9014 E. 21st St.TulsaOK74129U.S.A.
| | - Craig W. Stihler
- West Virginia Division of Natural ResourcesP.O. Box 67ElkinsWV26241U.S.A.
| | - Steven C. Thomas
- National Park Service, Cumberland Piedmont Inventory and Monitoring NetworkMammoth Cave National ParkP.O. Box 8Mammoth CaveKY42259U.S.A.
| | - Gregory G. Turner
- Pennsylvania Game Commission2001 Elmerton Ave.HarrisburgPA17110U.S.A.
| | - Shevenell Webb
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife284 State St.AugustaME04330U.S.A.
| | - Bradford J. Westrich
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources402 W. Washington St.IndianapolisIN46204U.S.A.
| | - Winifred F. Frick
- Bat Conservation International500 North Capital of Texas Highway, Building 1AustinTX78746U.S.A.
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of California130 McAllister Way, Santa CruzSanta CruzCA95060U.S.A.
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23
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Rivera-Burgos AC, Collazo JA, Terando AJ, Pacifici K. Linking demographic rates to local environmental conditions: Empirical data to support climate adaptation strategies for Eleutherodactylus frogs. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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24
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Weiss KCB, Iacona GD, Tuñas Corzón Á, Davis ON, Kemppinen K, Surrey KC, Gerber LR. Aligning actions with objectives in endangered species recovery plans. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C. B. Weiss
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Gwenllian D. Iacona
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
- Resources for the Future Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Álex Tuñas Corzón
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Olivia N. Davis
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Krista Kemppinen
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Katie C. Surrey
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Leah R. Gerber
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
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Smith CH, Johnson NA, Robertson CR, Doyle RD, Randklev CR. Establishing conservation units to promote recovery of two threatened freshwater mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionida: Potamilus). Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11102-11122. [PMID: 34429906 PMCID: PMC8366875 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Population genomics has significantly increased our ability to make inferences about microevolutionary processes and demographic histories, which have the potential to improve protection and recovery of imperiled species. Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) represent one of the most imperiled groups of organisms globally. Despite systemic decline of mussel abundance and diversity, studies evaluating spatiotemporal changes in distribution, demographic histories, and ecological factors that threaten long-term persistence of imperiled species remain lacking. In this study, we use genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) and mitochondrial sequence data (mtDNA) to define conservation units (CUs) for two highly imperiled freshwater mussel species, Potamilus amphichaenus and Potamilus streckersoni. We then synthesize our molecular findings with details from field collections spanning from 1901 to 2019 to further elucidate distributional trends, contemporary status, and other factors that may be contributing to population declines for our focal species. We collected GBS and mtDNA data for individuals of P. amphichaenus and P. streckersoni from freshwater mussel collections in the Brazos, Neches, Sabine, and Trinity drainages ranging from 2012 to 2019. Molecular analyses resolved disputing number of genetic clusters within P. amphichaenus and P. streckersoni; however, we find defensible support for four CUs, each corresponding to an independent river basin. Evaluations of historical and recent occurrence data illuminated a generally increasing trend of occurrence in each of the four CUs, which were correlated with recent increases in sampling effort. Taken together, these findings suggest that P. amphichaenus and P. streckersoni are likely rare throughout their respective ranges. Because of this, the establishment of CUs will facilitate evidence-based recovery planning and ensure potential captive propagation and translocation efforts are beneficial. Our synthesis represents a case study for conservation genomic assessments in freshwater mussels and provides a model for future studies aimed at recovery planning for these highly imperiled organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase H. Smith
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of TexasAustinTexasUSA
- Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at DallasDallasTexasUSA
- Biology DepartmentBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Nathan A. Johnson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research CenterGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | | | - Charles R. Randklev
- Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at DallasDallasTexasUSA
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26
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Irizarry AD, Collazo JA, Vandermeer J, Perfecto I. Coffee plantations, hurricanes and avian resiliency: insights from occupancy, and local colonization and extinction rates in Puerto Rico. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01579] [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] Open
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27
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Smith-Hicks KN, Morrison ML. Factors Associated with Listing Decisions under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 67:563-573. [PMID: 33638664 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01452-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Conservation efforts, including authorities outlined in the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, are attempting to slow the decline of species. Opinions on the success of the ESA vary widely, due in part to few species historically recovering to the point of delisting. Uncertainty surrounding the ESA relates to listing decisions and ambiguity of terminology within the ESA itself. Our goal was to evaluate the relationship, if any, of species characteristics, population metrics, threat level, and potential non-biological indicators to listing decisions under the ESA by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). We collected data from 143 ESA listing decisions published in the Federal Register from February 2011 to October 2014. Only 33 and 31% of listing decisions included population or range size estimates, respectively. Factors significantly correlated with ESA listing decision included taxonomic group, primary ownership of the species' habitat (federal or non-federal), whether the species is aquatic or terrestrial, and whether the species was part of a single or multiple-species listing decision. Increasing number of listed threats and time as a candidate species correlated positively with being listed as endangered. We have attempted to broadly identify the role both intrinsic (biological) and extrinsic (non-biological) factors play in listing decisions, and the importance of comprehensive data to understanding species distribution and abundance to facilitate more informed listing decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn N Smith-Hicks
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Michael L Morrison
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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28
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Folt B, Goessling JM, Tucker A, Guyer C, Hermann S, Shelton‐Nix E, McGowan C. Contrasting Patterns of Demography and Population Viability Among Gopher Tortoise Populations in Alabama. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Folt
- Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 3305 School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University Auburn AL 36849 USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Goessling
- Eckerd College, 075 James Center for Molecular and Life Sciences St. Petersburg FL 33711 USA
| | - Anna Tucker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road Laurel MD 20708 USA
| | - Craig Guyer
- Department of Biological Sciences and Auburn University Museum of Natural History, 331 Funchess Hall Auburn University Auburn AL 36849 USA
| | - Sharon Hermann
- Department of Biological Sciences, 331 Funchess Hall Auburn University Auburn AL 36849 USA
| | - Ericha Shelton‐Nix
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 64 Union Street Montgomery AL 36130 USA
| | - Conor McGowan
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University Auburn AL 36849 USA
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Cronin JP, Tirpak BE, Dale LL, Robenski VL, Tirpak JM, Marcot BG. Strategic Habitat Conservation for Beach Mice: Estimating Management Scenario Efficiencies. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Patrick Cronin
- U.S. Geological Survey Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 700 Cajundome Blvd Lafayette LA 70506 USA
| | - Blair E. Tirpak
- U.S. Geological Survey Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 700 Cajundome Blvd Lafayette LA 70506 USA
| | - Leah L. Dale
- Cherokee Nation Technology Solutions, contracted to the U.S. Geological Survey Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 700 Cajundome Blvd Lafayette LA 70506 USA
| | - Virginia L. Robenski
- Cherokee Nation Technology Solutions, contracted to the U.S. Geological Survey Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 700 Cajundome Blvd Lafayette LA 70506 USA
| | - John M. Tirpak
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 700 Cajundome Blvd Lafayette LA 70506 USA
| | - Bruce G. Marcot
- U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station 620 S.W. Main Street, Suite 502 Portland OR 97205 USA
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Schumann DA, Colvin ME, Campbell RL, Wagner MD, Schwarz DE. Suitability of passive integrated transponder tags and a new monitoring technique for at-risk madtoms (Noturus spp.). ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Representative indices of population abundance for at-risk species are necessary to inform conservation decision-making. Many madtoms (Noturus spp.) are considered imperiled; however, the efficacy of frequent monitoring efforts has been questioned due to their cryptic and nocturnal behaviors. We systematically evaluated a madtom monitoring tool by (1) evaluating the use of small (8 × 2 mm), surgically implanted 125 kHz passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags for frecklebelly madtom N. munitus and (2) assessing the effectiveness of a radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enhanced artificial cover unit to index madtom abundance. Surgically implanted PIT tags had no apparent influence on madtom survival between 45 and 110 mm total length, and all tags were retained throughout a 21 d laboratory study. In experimental mesocosms, the enhanced cover units confirmed occupancy during nearly all replicates (77.6%), even at extremely low densities (n = 2 madtoms). The enhanced cover units provided representative estimates of madtom relative abundance (p < 0.01), whereas catch per unit effort was not significantly associated with previously validated visual observations (p = 0.12). Although madtom density and the number detected using the enhanced cover units were correlated, the gear was potentially saturated at relatively high densities (~20 fish per mesocosm) when deploying a single unit. In most cases, occupancy was confirmed within 12 h, and nearly half of the individuals were detected within ~72 h. Small PIT tags and RFID-enhanced artificial cover units offer novel opportunities to efficiently describe the ecology and population dynamics of madtoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- DA Schumann
- Mississippi State University, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
- Department of Biology and River Studies Center, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
| | - ME Colvin
- Mississippi State University, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - RL Campbell
- Mississippi State University, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - MD Wagner
- Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
| | - DE Schwarz
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery, Tupelo, MS 38804, USA
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31
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Post van der Burg M, Austin JE, Wiltermuth MT, Newton W, MacDonald G. Capturing Spatiotemporal Patterns in Presence-Absence Data to Inform Monitoring and Sampling Designs for the Threatened Dakota Skipper (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in the Great Plains of the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 49:1252-1261. [PMID: 32794549 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvaa081] [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: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Declines among species of insect pollinators, especially butterflies, has garnered attention from scientists and managers. Often these declines have spurred governments to declare some species as threatened or endangered. We used existing presence-absence data from surveys for the threatened Dakota skipper Hesperia dacotae (Skinner) to build statistical maps of species presence that could be used to inform future monitoring designs. We developed a hierarchical Bayesian modeling approach to estimate the spatial distribution and temporal trend in Dakota skipper probability of presence. Our model included a spatial random effect and fixed effects for the proportion of two grassland habitat types: those on well-drained soils and those on poorly drained soils; as well as the topographic slope. The results from this model were then used to assess sampling strategies with two different monitoring objectives: locating new Dakota skipper colonies or monitoring the proportion of historically (pre-2000) extant colonies. Our modeling results suggested that the distribution of Dakota skippers followed the distribution of remnant grasslands and that probabilities of presence tended to be higher in topographically diverse grasslands with well-drained soils. Our analysis also showed that the probability of presence declined throughout the northern Great Plains range. Our simulations of the different sampling designs suggested that new detections were expected when sampling where Dakota skippers likely occurred historically, but this may lead to a tradeoff with monitoring existing sites. Prior information about the extant sites may help to ameliorate this tradeoff.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane E Austin
- USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND
| | | | - Wesley Newton
- USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND
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32
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McGowan CP, Angeli NF, Beisler WA, Snyder C, Rankin NM, Woodrow JO, Wilson JK, Rivenbark E, Schwarzer A, Hand CE, Anthony R, Griffin RK, Barrett K, Haverland AA, Roach NS, Schnieder T, Smith AD, Smith FM, Tolliver JDM, Watts BD. Linking monitoring and data analysis to predictions and decisions for the range-wide eastern black rail status assessment. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has initiated a re-envisioned approach for providing decision makers with the best available science and synthesis of that information, called the Species Status Assessment (SSA), for endangered species decision making. The SSA report is a descriptive document that provides decision makers with an assessment of the current and predicted future status of a species. These analyses support all manner of decisions under the US Endangered Species Act, such as listing, reclassification, and recovery planning. Novel scientific analysis and predictive modeling in SSAs could be an important part of rooting conservation decisions in current data and cutting edge analytical and modeling techniques. Here, we describe a novel analysis of available data to assess the current condition of eastern black rail Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis across its range in a dynamic occupancy analysis. We used the results of the analysis to develop a site occupancy projection model where the model parameters (initial occupancy, site persistence, colonization) were linked to environmental covariates, such as land management and land cover change (sea-level rise, development, etc.). We used the projection model to predict future status under multiple sea-level rise and habitat management scenarios. Occupancy probability and site colonization were low in all analysis units, and site persistence was also low, suggesting low resiliency and redundancy currently. Extinction probability was high for all analysis units in all simulated scenarios except one with significant effort to preserve existing habitat, suggesting low future resiliency and redundancy. With the results of these data analyses and predictive models, the USFWS concluded that protections of the Endangered Species Act were warranted for this subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- CP McGowan
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA Addresses for other authors are given in Supplement 1 at www.int-res.com/articles/suppl/n043p209_supp/
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33
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Mussmann SM, Douglas MR, Oakey DD, Douglas ME. Defining relictual biodiversity: Conservation units in speckled dace (Leuciscidae: Rhinichthys osculus) of the Greater Death Valley ecosystem. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:10798-10817. [PMID: 33072297 PMCID: PMC7548178 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tips in the tree of life serve as foci for conservation and management, yet clear delimitations are masked by inherent variance at the species-population interface. Analyses using thousands of nuclear loci can potentially sort inconsistencies, yet standard categories applied to this parsing are themselves potentially conflicting and/or subjective [e.g., DPS (distinct population segments); DUs (Diagnosable Units-Canada); MUs (management units); SSP (subspecies); ESUs (Evolutionarily Significant Units); and UIEUs (uniquely identified evolutionary units)]. One potential solution for consistent categorization is to create a comparative framework by accumulating statistical results from independent studies and evaluating congruence among data sets. Our study illustrates this approach in speckled dace (Leuciscidae: Rhinichthys osculus) endemic to two basins (Owens and Amargosa) in the Death Valley ecosystem. These fish persist in the Mojave Desert as isolated Plio-Pleistocene relicts and are of conservation concern, but lack formal taxonomic descriptions/designations. Double digest RAD (ddRAD) methods identified 14,355 SNP loci across 10 populations (N = 140). Species delimitation analyses [multispecies coalescent (MSC) and unsupervised machine learning (UML)] delineated four putative ESUs. F ST outlier loci (N = 106) were juxtaposed to uncover the potential for localized adaptations. We detected one hybrid population that resulted from upstream reconnection of habitat following contemporary pluvial periods, whereas remaining populations represent relics of ancient tectonism within geographically isolated springs and groundwater-fed streams. Our study offers three salient conclusions: a blueprint for a multifaceted delimitation of conservation units; a proposed mechanism by which criteria for intraspecific biodiversity can be potentially standardized; and a strong argument for the proactive management of critically endangered Death Valley ecosystem fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Mussmann
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleARUSA
| | - Marlis R. Douglas
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleARUSA
| | - David D. Oakey
- School of Life SciencesArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
- Present address:
Arizona State Veteran HomePhoenixAZUSA
| | - Michael E. Douglas
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleARUSA
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34
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Cummings JW, Parkin M, Zelenak J, Bell H, Broderdorp K, Holt B, McCollough M, Smith T. Applying expert elicitation of viability and persistence to a lynx species status assessment. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W. Cummings
- School for Marine Science and Technology University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Massachusetts USA
| | - Mary Parkin
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Regional Office Hadley Massachusetts USA
| | - Jim Zelenak
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Field Office Denver Colorado USA
| | - Heather Bell
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Headquarters (Ret.) Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Kurt Broderdorp
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Colorado Field Office Lakewood Colorado USA
| | - Bryon Holt
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northern Idaho Field Office (Ret.) Chubbuck Idaho USA
| | - Mark McCollough
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Field Office Orland Maine USA
| | - Tamara Smith
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota‐Wisconsin Field Office Bloomington Minnesota USA
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35
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Tucker AM, McGowan CP, Mulero Oliveras ES, Angeli NF, Zegarra JP. A demographic projection model to support conservation decision making for an endangered snake with limited monitoring data. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Tucker
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University Auburn AL USA
| | - C. P. McGowan
- U.S. Geological Survey Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Auburn University Alabama USA
| | | | - N. F. Angeli
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University Auburn AL USA
| | - J. P. Zegarra
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office Boquerón Puerto Rico
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36
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Pierre JP, Andrews JR, Young MH, Sun AY, Wolaver BD. Projected Landscape Impacts from Oil and Gas Development Scenarios in the Permian Basin, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 66:348-363. [PMID: 32591935 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01308-2] [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: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Projecting landscape impacts from energy development is essential to land management decisions. We forecast landscape alteration resulting from oil and gas well-pad construction across the economically important Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico, USA, by projecting current landscape trends through 2050. We modeled three landscape-impact scenarios (low, medium, and high) using recent (2008-2017) trends in well-pad construction and energy production. The results of low-, medium-, and high-impact scenarios suggest that ~60,000, ~180,000, and ~430,000 new well pads could be constructed, potentially causing ~1000, ~2800, and ~6700 km2 of new direct landscape alteration. Almost two-thirds of all new well pads will be constructed within the geologic boundaries of the Delaware and Midland Basins. This translates into a 40, 120, and 300% increase in direct landscape alteration compared with direct alteration from existing well pads. We found that indirect effects (from edges) could increase by twofold, and that the ratio between indirect and direct alteration could decline by half as alteration intensifies and overlaps with existing alteration. The Chihuahuan Desert occupies the largest portion of the study area, and is projected to experience the largest area of alteration from future well-pad construction in the Permian Basin; the degree of direct alteration could increase by 70, 200, and 500% in this desert region, under low-, medium-, and high-impact scenarios. These scenarios can be used to design proactive conservation strategies to reduce landscape impacts from future oil and gas development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Paul Pierre
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA.
| | - John R Andrews
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA
| | - Michael H Young
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA
| | - Alexander Y Sun
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA
| | - Brad D Wolaver
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA
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37
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Randklev CR, Wolverton S, Johnson NA, Smith CH, DuBose TP, Robertson CR, Conley J. The utility of zooarchaeological data to guide listing efforts for an imperiled mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionidae:
Pleurobema riddellii
). CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Charles R. Randklev
- Texas A&M Natural Resources InstituteTexas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Dallas Dallas Texas USA
| | - Steve Wolverton
- Department of Geography and the Environment & the Advanced Environmental Research InstituteUniversity of North Texas Denton Texas USA
| | - Nathan A. Johnson
- US Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center Gainesville Florida USA
| | - Chase H. Smith
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of Texas Austin Texas USA
| | - Traci P. DuBose
- Oklahoma Biological Survey, Department of Biology, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Graduate ProgramUniversity of Oklahoma Norman Oklahoma USA
| | | | - Julian Conley
- Department of GeosciencesEast Tennessee State University Johnson City Tennessee USA
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38
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Graves TA, Janousek WM, Gaulke SM, Nicholas AC, Keinath DA, Bell CM, Cannings S, Hatfield RG, Heron JM, Koch JB, Loffland HL, Richardson LL, Rohde AT, Rykken J, Strange JP, Tronstad LM, Sheffield CS. Western bumble bee: declines in the continental United States and range‐wide information gaps. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha A. Graves
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center Glacier Field Station, 38 Mather Drive West Glacier Montana 59936 USA
| | - William M. Janousek
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center Glacier Field Station, 38 Mather Drive West Glacier Montana 59936 USA
| | - Sarah M. Gaulke
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center Glacier Field Station, 38 Mather Drive West Glacier Montana 59936 USA
| | - Amy C. Nicholas
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 334 Parsley Blvd Cheyenne Wyoming 82007 USA
| | - Douglas A. Keinath
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 334 Parsley Blvd Cheyenne Wyoming 82007 USA
| | - Christine M. Bell
- Wyoming Natural Diversity Database University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
| | - Syd Cannings
- Environment and Climate Change Canada Canadian Wildlife Service Whitehorse Y1A 5B7 Canada
| | | | - Jennifer M. Heron
- Conservation Science Section British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Suite 200, 10428, 153rd Street Surrey British Columbia V3R 1E1 Canada
| | - Jonathan B. Koch
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Graduate Program University of Hawai‘i, Hilo 200 W. Kāwili Street Hilo Hawaii 96720 USA
- Pollinating Insects ‐ Biology, Management, and Systematics Research Unit U.S. Department of Agriculture ‐ Agricultural Research Service 1410 N 800 E Logan Utah 84341 USA
| | - Helen L. Loffland
- The Institute for Bird Populations PO Box 1346 Point Reyes Station California 94956 USA
| | - Leif L. Richardson
- Gund Institute for Environment Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont Burlington Vermont 05405 USA
| | - Ashley T. Rohde
- Department of Wildland Resources Utah State University 5200 Old Main Hill Logan Utah84322 USA
| | - Jessica Rykken
- Denali National Park and Preserve PO Box 9 Denali Park Alaska 99755 USA
| | - James P. Strange
- Entomology Department The Ohio State University 216 Kottman Hall Columbus Ohio 43210 USA
| | - Lusha M. Tronstad
- Wyoming Natural Diversity Database University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
| | - Cory S. Sheffield
- Royal Saskatchewan Museum 2340 Albert Street Regina Saskatchewan S4P 2V7 Canada
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Expert-Informed Habitat Suitability Analysis for At-Risk Species Assessment and Conservation Planning. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.3996/092019-jfwm-075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for reviewing the biological status of hundreds of species to determine federal status designations under the Endangered Species Act. The longleaf pine Pinus palustris ecological system supports many priority at-risk species designated for review, including five species of herpetofauna: gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus, southern hognose snake Heterodon simus, Florida pine snake Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus, gopher frog Lithobates (Rana) capito, and striped newt Notophthalmus perstriatus. To inform status decisions and conservation planning, we developed habitat suitability models to 1) identify habitat features that best predict species presence and 2) estimate the amount and distribution of suitable habitat across each species' range under current conditions. We incorporated expert judgment from federal, state, and other partners to capture variation in ecological settings across species' ranges, prioritize predictor variables to test in models, mitigate data limitations by informing the selection of pseudoabsence points, qualitatively evaluate model estimates, and improve the likelihood that experts will trust and use model predictions for conservation. Soil characteristics, land cover, and fire interval strongly influenced habitat suitability for all species. Suitable habitat was distributed on known species strongholds, as well as private lands without known species records. Between 4.7% (gopher frog) and 14.6% (gopher tortoise) of the area in a species' range was classified as suitable habitat, and between 28.1% (southern hognose snake) and 47.5% (gopher frog) of suitable habitat was located in patches larger than 1 km2 (100 ha) on publicly owned lands. By overlaying predictions for each species, we identified areas of suitable habitat for multiple species on protected and unprotected lands. These results have direct applications to management and conservation planning: partners can tailor site-level management based on attributes associated with high habitat suitability for species of concern; allocate survey effort in areas with suitable habitat but no known species records; and identify priority areas for management, land acquisitions, or other strategies based on the distribution of species records, suitable habitat, and land protection status. These results can aid regional partners in implementing effective conservation strategies and inform status designation decisions of the USFWS.
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40
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Crone EE, Pelton EM, Brown LM, Thomas CC, Schultz CB. Why are monarch butterflies declining in the West? Understanding the importance of multiple correlated drivers. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01975. [PMID: 31310685 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the factors associated with declines of at-risk species is an important first step in setting management and recovery targets. This step can be challenging when multiple aspects of climate and land use are changing simultaneously, and any or all could be contributing to population declines. We analyzed population trends of monarch butterflies in western North America in relation to likely environmental drivers. Unlike the larger eastern monarch population, past analyses of western monarchs have only evaluated the importance of climate (i.e., not land use) factors as drivers of abundance. We used partial least squares regression (PLSR) to evaluate the potential importance of changes in land use and climate variables. Trends in western monarch abundance were more strongly associated with land use variables than climate variables. Conclusions about importance of climate and land use variables were robust to changes in PLSR model structure. However, individual variables were too collinear to unambiguously separate their effects. We compared these conclusions to the more widely used technique of multiple regression, followed by multi-model inference (MRMI). Naïve interpretation of MRMI results could be misleading, if collinearity were not taken into account. MRMI was also highly sensitive to variation in model construction. Our results suggest a two-pronged approach to monarch conservation, specifically, starting efforts now to restore habitat, while also using experiments to more clearly delineate separate effects of climate and land use factors. They also demonstrate the utility of PLSR, a technique that is growing in use but is still relatively under-appreciated in conservation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Crone
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, USA
| | - Emma M Pelton
- Xerces Society, 628 Northeast Broadway Suite 200, Portland, Oregon, 97232, USA
| | - Leone M Brown
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, USA
| | - Cameron C Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, 14204 Northeast Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, Washington, 98686, USA
| | - Cheryl B Schultz
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, 14204 Northeast Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, Washington, 98686, USA
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Heinrichs JA, O'Donnell MS, Aldridge CL, Garman SL, Homer CG. Influences of potential oil and gas development and future climate on Sage-grouse declines and redistribution. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01912. [PMID: 31310420 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiple environmental stressors impact wildlife populations, but we often know little about their cumulative and combined influences on population outcomes. We generally know more about past effects than potential future impacts, and direct influences such as changes of habitat footprints than indirect, long-term responses in behavior, distribution, or abundance. Yet, an understanding of all these components is needed to plan for future landscapes that include human activities and wildlife. We developed a case study to assess how spatially explicit individual-based modeling could be used to evaluate future population outcomes of gradual landscape change from multiple stressors. For Greater Sage-grouse in southwest Wyoming, USA, we projected oil and gas development footprints and climate-induced vegetation changes 50 years into the future. Using a time-series of planned oil and gas development and predicted climate-induced changes in vegetation, we recalculated habitat selection maps to dynamically modify future habitat quantity, quality, and configuration. We simulated long-term Sage-grouse responses to habitat change by allowing individuals to adjust to shifts in habitat availability and quality. The use of spatially explicit individual-based modeling offered a useful means of evaluating delayed indirect impacts of landscape change on wildlife population outcomes. The inclusion of movement and demographic responses to oil and gas infrastructure resulted in substantive changes in distribution and abundance when cumulated over several decades and throughout the regional population. When combined, additive development and climate-induced vegetation changes reduced abundance by up to half of the original size. In our example, the consideration of only a single population stressor the final possible population size by as much as 50%. Multiple stressors and their cumulative impacts need to be broadly considered through space and time to avoid underestimating the impacts of multiple gradual changes and overestimating the ability of populations to withstand change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Heinrichs
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Cameron L Aldridge
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Steven L Garman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver, CO
- National Operations Center, Bureau of Land Management, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO
| | - Collin G Homer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS), SiouxFalls, SD
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42
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Use of genetic data in a species status assessment of the Sicklefin Redhorse (Moxostoma sp.). CONSERV GENET 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-019-01202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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43
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Walls SC, Barichivich WJ, Chandler J, Meade AM, Milinichik M, O'Donnell KM, Owens ME, Peacock T, Reinman J, Watling RC, Wetsch OE. Seeking shelter from the storm: Conservation and management of imperiled species in a changing climate. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:7122-7133. [PMID: 31380037 PMCID: PMC6662284 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is anticipated to exacerbate the extinction risk of species whose persistence is already compromised by habitat loss, invasive species, disease, or other stressors. In coastal areas of the southeastern United States (USA), many imperiled vertebrates are vulnerable to hurricanes, which climate models predict to become more severe in the 21st century. Despite this escalating threat, explicit adaptation strategies that address hurricane threats, in particular, and climate change more generally, are largely underrepresented in recovery planning and implementation. We provide a basis for stronger emphasis on strategic planning for imperiled species facing the increasing threat of catastrophic hurricanes. Our reasoning comes from observations of short-term environmental and biological impacts of Hurricane Michael, which impacted the Gulf Coast of the southeastern USA in October 2018. During this storm, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, located along the northern Gulf of Mexico's coast in the panhandle region of Florida, received storm surge that was 3.0-3.6 m (NAVD88) above sea level. Storm surge pushed sea water into some ephemeral freshwater ponds used for breeding by the federally threatened frosted flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum). After the storm, specific conductance across all ponds measured varied from 80 to 23,100 µS/cm, compared to 75 to 445 µS/cm in spring 2018. For 17 overwashed wetlands that were measured in both spring and fall 2018, posthurricane conductance observations were, on average, more than 90 times higher than in the previous spring, setting the stage for varying population responses across this coastal landscape. Importantly, we found live individual flatwoods salamanders at both overwashed and non-overwashed sites, although we cannot yet assess the demographic consequences of this storm. We outline actions that could be incorporated into climate adaptation strategies and recovery planning for imperiled species, like A. cingulatum, that are associated with freshwater coastal wetlands in hurricane-prone regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Walls
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center U.S. Geological Survey Gainesville Florida
| | | | - Jonathan Chandler
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service St. Marks Florida
| | - Ashley M Meade
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service St. Marks Florida
| | - Marysa Milinichik
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service St. Marks Florida
| | | | - Megan E Owens
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center U.S. Geological Survey Gainesville Florida
- Environmental Stewards Program Conservation Legacy Durango Colorado
| | - Terry Peacock
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service St. Marks Florida
| | - Joseph Reinman
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service St. Marks Florida
| | - Rebecca C Watling
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center U.S. Geological Survey Gainesville Florida
- Environmental Stewards Program Conservation Legacy Durango Colorado
| | - Olivia E Wetsch
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service St. Marks Florida
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Improving conservation policy with genomics: a guide to integrating adaptive potential into U.S. Endangered Species Act decisions for conservation practitioners and geneticists. CONSERV GENET 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-018-1096-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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45
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Wolaver BD, Pierre JP, Ikonnikova SA, Andrews JR, McDaid G, Ryberg WA, Hibbitts TJ, Duran CM, Labay BJ, LaDuc TJ. An Improved Approach for Forecasting Ecological Impacts from Future Drilling in Unconventional Shale Oil and Gas Plays. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 62:323-333. [PMID: 29654362 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-1042-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Directional well drilling and hydraulic fracturing has enabled energy production from previously inaccessible resources, but caused vegetation conversion and landscape fragmentation, often in relatively undisturbed habitats. We improve forecasts of future ecological impacts from unconventional oil and gas play developments using a new, more spatially-explicit approach. We applied an energy production outlook model, which used geologic and economic data from thousands of wells and three oil price scenarios, to map future drilling patterns and evaluate the spatial distribution of vegetation conversion and habitat impacts. We forecast where future well pad construction may be most intense, illustrating with an example from the Eagle Ford Shale Play of Texas. We also illustrate the ecological utility of this approach using the Spot-tailed Earless Lizard (Holbrookia lacerata) as the focal species, which historically occupied much of the Eagle Ford and awaits a federal decision for possible Endangered Species Act protection. We found that ~17,000-45,500 wells would be drilled 2017‒2045 resulting in vegetation conversion of ~26,485-70,623 ha (0.73-1.96% of pre-development vegetation), depending on price scenario ($40-$80/barrel). Grasslands and row crop habitats were most affected (2.30 and 2.82% areal vegetation reduction). Our approach improves forecasts of where and to what extent future energy development in unconventional plays may change land-use and ecosystem services, enabling natural resource managers to anticipate and direct on-the-ground conservation actions to places where they will most effectively mitigate ecological impacts of well pads and associated infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad D Wolaver
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA.
| | - Jon Paul Pierre
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA
| | - Svetlana A Ikonnikova
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA
| | - John R Andrews
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA
| | - Guinevere McDaid
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78758, USA
| | - Wade A Ryberg
- Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Toby J Hibbitts
- Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | | | - Benjamin J Labay
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Siglo Group, Austin, TX, 78702, USA
| | - Travis J LaDuc
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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