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Doherty TS, Macdonald KJ, Nimmo DG, Santos JL, Geary WL. Shifting fire regimes cause continent-wide transformation of threatened species habitat. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316417121. [PMID: 38648477 PMCID: PMC11067043 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316417121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human actions are causing widespread increases in fire size, frequency, and severity in diverse ecosystems globally. This alteration of fire regimes is considered a threat to numerous animal species, but empirical evidence of how fire regimes are shifting within both threatened species' ranges and protected areas is scarce, particularly at large spatial and temporal scales. We used a big data approach to quantify multidecadal changes in fire regimes in southern Australia from 1980 to 2021, spanning 415 reserves (21.5 million ha) and 129 threatened species' ranges including birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and frogs. Most reserves and threatened species' ranges within the region have experienced declines in unburnt vegetation (≥30 y without fire), increases in recently burnt vegetation (≤5 y since fire), and increases in fire frequency. The mean percentage of unburnt vegetation within reserves declined from 61 to 36% (1980 to 2021), whereas the mean percentage of recently burnt vegetation increased from 20 to 35%, and mean fire frequency increased by 32%, with the latter two trends primarily driven by the record-breaking 2019 to 2020 fire season. The strongest changes occurred for high-elevation threatened species, and reserves of high elevation, high productivity, and strong rainfall decline, particularly in the southeast of the continent. Our results provide evidence for the widely held but poorly tested assumption that threatened species are experiencing widespread declines in unburnt habitat and increases in fire frequency. This underscores the imperative for developing management strategies that conserve fire-threatened species in an increasingly fiery future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim S. Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
| | - Kristina J. Macdonald
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC3125, Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW2640, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW2640, Australia
| | - Julianna L. Santos
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3010, Australia
| | - William L. Geary
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC3125, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3010, Australia
- Biodiversity Strategy and Planning Branch, Biodiversity Division, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, East Melbourne, VIC3002, Australia
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2
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Sanders E, Wassens S, Michael DR, Nimmo DG, Turner JM. Extinction risk of the world's freshwater mammals. Conserv Biol 2024; 38:e14168. [PMID: 37563953 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The continued loss of freshwater habitats poses a significant threat to global biodiversity. We reviewed the extinction risk of 166 freshwater aquatic and semiaquatic mammals-a group rarely documented as a collective. We used the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species categories as of December 2021 to determine extinction risk. Extinction risk was then compared among taxonomic groups, geographic areas, and biological traits. Thirty percent of all freshwater mammals were listed as threatened. Decreasing population trends were common (44.0%), including a greater rate of decline (3.6% in 20 years) than for mammals or freshwater species as a whole. Aquatic freshwater mammals were at a greater risk of extinction than semiaquatic freshwater mammals (95% CI -7.20 to -1.11). Twenty-nine species were data deficient or not evaluated. Large species (95% CI 0.01 to 0.03) with large dispersal distances (95% CI 0.03 to 0.15) had a higher risk of extinction than small species with small dispersal distances. The number of threatening processes associated with a species compounded their risk of extinction (95% CI 0.28 to 0.77). Hunting, land clearing for logging and agriculture, pollution, residential development, and habitat modification or destruction from dams and water management posed the greatest threats to these species. The basic life-history traits of many species were poorly known, highlighting the need for more research. Conservation of freshwater mammals requires a host of management actions centered around increased protection of riparian areas and more conscientious water management to aid the recovery of threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmalie Sanders
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Skye Wassens
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Damian R Michael
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James M Turner
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, South Lanarkshire, UK
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Cowan MA, Dunlop JA, Gibson LA, Moore HA, Setterfield SA, Nimmo DG. Movement ecology of an endangered mesopredator in a mining landscape. Mov Ecol 2024; 12:5. [PMID: 38233871 PMCID: PMC10795371 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficient movement and energy expenditure are vital for animal survival. Human disturbance can alter animal movement due to changes in resource availability and threats. Some animals can exploit anthropogenic disturbances for more efficient movement, while others face restricted or inefficient movement due to fragmentation of high-resource habitats, and risks associated with disturbed habitats. Mining, a major anthropogenic disturbance, removes natural habitats, introduces new landscape features, and alters resource distribution in the landscape. This study investigates the effect of mining on the movement of an endangered mesopredator, the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). Using GPS collars and accelerometers, we investigate their habitat selection and energy expenditure in an active mining landscape, to determine the effects of this disturbance on northern quolls. METHODS We fit northern quolls with GPS collars and accelerometers during breeding and non-breeding season at an active mine site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. We investigated broad-scale movement by calculating the movement ranges of quolls using utilisation distributions at the 95% isopleth, and compared habitat types and environmental characteristics within observed movement ranges to the available landscape. We investigated fine-scale movement by quolls with integrated step selection functions, assessing the relative selection strength for each habitat covariate. Finally, we used piecewise structural equation modelling to analyse the influence of each habitat covariate on northern quoll energy expenditure. RESULTS At the broad scale, northern quolls predominantly used rugged, rocky habitats, and used mining habitats in proportion to their availability. However, at the fine scale, habitat use varied between breeding and non-breeding seasons. During the breeding season, quolls notably avoided mining habitats, whereas in the non-breeding season, they frequented mining habitats equally to rocky and riparian habitats, albeit at a higher energetic cost. CONCLUSION Mining impacts northern quolls by fragmenting favoured rocky habitats, increasing energy expenditure, and potentially impacting breeding dispersal. While mining habitats might offer limited resource opportunities in the non-breeding season, conservation efforts during active mining, including the creation of movement corridors and progressive habitat restoration would likely be useful. However, prioritising the preservation of natural rocky and riparian habitats in mining landscapes is vital for northern quoll conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Cowan
- Gulbali Institute, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia.
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - J A Dunlop
- Gulbali Institute, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - L A Gibson
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington, WA, 6151, Australia
| | - H A Moore
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington, WA, 6151, Australia
| | - S A Setterfield
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - D G Nimmo
- Gulbali Institute, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
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Nimmo DG, Jolly CJ, Carthey AJR. Expanding the scope of fire-driven animal evolution. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:1115-1116. [PMID: 37770290 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dale G Nimmo
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW 2640, Australia.
| | - Chris J Jolly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alexandra J R Carthey
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
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Greenwood L, Nimmo DG, Egidi E, Price JN, McIntosh R, Frew A. Fire shapes fungal guild diversity and composition through direct and indirect pathways. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:4921-4939. [PMID: 37452603 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Fire has shaped global ecosystems for millennia by directly killing organisms and indirectly altering habitats and resources. All terrestrial ecosystems, including fire-prone ecosystems, rely on soil-inhabiting fungi, where they play vital roles in ecological processes. Yet our understanding of how fire regimes influence soil fungi remains limited and our knowledge of these interactions in semiarid landscapes is virtually absent. We collected soil samples and vegetation measurements from sites across a gradient in time-since-fire ages (0-75 years-since-fire) and fire frequency (burnt 0-5 times during the recent 29-year period) in a semiarid heathland of south-eastern Australia. We characterized fungal communities using ITS amplicon-sequencing and assigned fungi taxonomically to trophic guilds. We used structural equation models to examine direct, indirect and total effects of time-since-fire and fire frequency on total fungal, ectomycorrhizal, saprotrophic and pathogenic richness. We used multivariate analyses to investigate how total fungal, ectomycorrhizal, saprotrophic and pathogenic species composition differed between post-fire successional stages and fire frequency classes. Time-since-fire was an important driver of saprotrophic richness; directly, saprotrophic richness increased with time-since-fire, and indirectly, saprotrophic richness declined with time-since-fire (resulting in a positive total effect), mediated through the impact of fire on substrates. Frequently burnt sites had lower numbers of saprotrophic and pathogenic species. Post-fire successional stages and fire frequency classes were characterized by distinct fungal communities, with large differences in ectomycorrhizal species composition. Understanding the complex responses of fungal communities to fire can be improved by exploring how the effects of fire flow through ecosystems. Diverse fire histories may be important for maintaining the functional diversity of fungi in semiarid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Greenwood
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eleonora Egidi
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jodi N Price
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Adam Frew
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
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Geary WL, Tulloch AIT, Ritchie EG, Doherty TS, Nimmo DG, Maxwell MA, Wayne AF. Identifying historical and future global change drivers that place species recovery at risk. Glob Chang Biol 2023; 29:2953-2967. [PMID: 36864646 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem management in the face of global change requires understanding how co-occurring threats affect species and communities. Such an understanding allows for effective management strategies to be identified and implemented. An important component of this is differentiating between factors that are within (e.g. invasive predators) or outside (e.g. drought, large wildfires) of a local manager's control. In the global biodiversity hotspot of south-western Australia, small- and medium-sized mammal species are severely affected by anthropogenic threats and environmental disturbances, including invasive predators, fire, and declining rainfall. However, the relative importance of different drivers has not been quantified. We used data from a long-term monitoring program to fit Bayesian state-space models that estimated spatial and temporal changes in the relative abundance of four threatened mammal species: the woylie (Bettongia penicillata), chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii), koomal (Trichosurus vulpecula) and quenda (Isoodon fusciventor). We then use Bayesian structural equation modelling to identify the direct and indirect drivers of population changes, and scenario analysis to forecast population responses to future environmental change. We found that habitat loss or conversion and reduced primary productivity (caused by rainfall declines) had greater effects on species' spatial and temporal population change than the range of fire and invasive predator (the red fox Vulpes vulpes) management actions observed in the study area. Scenario analysis revealed that a greater extent of severe fire and further rainfall declines predicted under climate change, operating in concert are likely to further reduce the abundance of these species, but may be mitigated partially by invasive predator control. Considering both historical and future drivers of population change is necessary to identify the factors that risk species recovery. Given that both anthropogenic pressures and environmental disturbances can undermine conservation efforts, managers must consider how the relative benefit of conservation actions will be shaped by ongoing global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Geary
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Biodiversity Division, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ayesha I T Tulloch
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim S Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Gulbali Institute, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Albury, Australia
| | - Marika A Maxwell
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Manjimup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Adrian F Wayne
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Manjimup, Western Australia, Australia
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Munro TP, Ritchie AL, Erickson TE, Nimmo DG, Price JN. Activated Carbon Seed Technologies Provide Some Protection to Seedlings from the Effects of
Post‐Emergent
Herbicides. Restor Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P. Munro
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University Albury NSW 2640 Australia
| | - Alison L. Ritchie
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA 6005 Australia
| | - Todd E. Erickson
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA 6005 Australia
- Centre for Engineering Innovation: Agriculture and Ecological Restoration, School of Agriculture and Environment The University of Western Australia WA 6009 Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University Albury NSW 2640 Australia
| | - Jodi N. Price
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University Albury NSW 2640 Australia
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8
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Moore HA, Dunlop JA, Geyle HM, Greenwood L, Nimmo DG. First you get the money, then you get the power: Comparing the cost and power of monitoring programs to detect changes in occupancy of a threatened marsupial predator. Conservat Sci and Prac 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harry A. Moore
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Bentley Delivery Centre Perth Western Australia Australia
- Gulbali Institute School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
- School of Agriculture and Environment University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Judy A. Dunlop
- Gulbali Institute School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
- School of Agriculture and Environment University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Hayley M. Geyle
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | - Leanne Greenwood
- Gulbali Institute School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Gulbali Institute School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Hall
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University Penrith NSW Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Science, Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Andrew F. Bennett
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University Victoria Australia
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10
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Moore E, Nimmo DG, Wassens S, Michael DR. Use of artificial bark covers to investigate the distribution and abundance of arboreal lizards in a floodplain environment. AUST J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/zo21036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Arboreal lizards, especially species that inhabit flood-prone environments, have been poorly surveyed worldwide. We examined spatiotemporal patterns in arboreal lizard abundance and factors driving detection rates in floodplain environments using artificial bark covers, a non-destructive and cost-effective survey method. In total, 112 flexible, closed-cell foam bark covers were installed on eucalypt trees in 13 wetlands in the Murrumbidgee River floodplain of southern New South Wales, Australia, stratified by two inundation frequency treatments. Of four arboreal lizard species detected, the southern marbled gecko (Christinus marmoratus) (n = 41) and the tree dtella (Gehyra versicolor) (n = 8) were restricted to the mid-Murrumbidgee region, whereas the crevice skink (Egernia striolata) (n = 19) was restricted to the lower-Murrumbidgee region and did not co-occur with either gecko species. Mean detection rates of lizard species did not differ between frequently and infrequently inundated treatments but their abundance beneath covers varied significantly by month. For all detected lizard species, the presence/absence of the arachnid Holconia murrayensis represented a significant variable in explaining lizard occurrence patterns, particularly that of C. marmoratus. Artificial bark covers are a useful survey method for collecting distribution, abundance, and occupancy data on floodplain reptiles, although detection rates can be affected by the month, predator–prey interactions, and survey effort. Adopting passive, non-destructive reptile survey methods would greatly improve our knowledge of species’ distributions and abundance patterns in vegetation communities subject to disturbance events.
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11
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Jolly CJ, Dickman CR, Doherty TS, van Eeden LM, Geary WL, Legge SM, Woinarski JCZ, Nimmo DG. Animal mortality during fire. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:2053-2065. [PMID: 34989061 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Earth's rapidly warming climate is propelling us towards an increasingly fire-prone future. Currently, knowledge of the extent and characteristics of animal mortality rates during fire remains rudimentary, hindering our ability to predict how animal populations may be impacted in the future. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a global systematic review of the direct effects of fire on animal mortality rates, based on studies that unequivocally determined the fate of animals during fire. From 31 studies spanning 1984-2020, we extracted data on the direct impacts of fire on the mortality of 31 species from 23 families. From these studies, there were 43 instances where direct effects were measured by reporting animal survival from pre- to post-fire. Most studies were conducted in North America (52%) and Oceania (42%), focused largely on mammals (53%) and reptiles (30%), and reported mostly on animal survival in planned (82%) and/or low severity (70%) fires. We found no studies from Asia, Europe or South America. Although there were insufficient data to conduct a formal meta-analysis, we tested the effect of fire type, fire severity, fire regime, animal body mass, ecological attributes and class on survival. Only fire severity affected animal mortality, with a higher proportion of animals being killed by high than low severity fires. Recent catastrophic fires across the globe have drawn attention to the plight of animals exposed to wildfire. Yet, our systematic review suggests that a relatively low proportion of animals (mean predicted mortality [95% CI] = 3% [1%-9%]) are killed during fire. However, our review also underscores how little we currently know about the direct effects of fire on animal mortality, and highlights the critical need to understand the effects of high severity fire on animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris J Jolly
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Science, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris R Dickman
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim S Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lily M van Eeden
- Department of Environment Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - William L Geary
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch, Biodiversity Division, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah M Legge
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, Australia
| | - John C Z Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Science, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
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Nimmo DG, Andersen AN, Archibald S, Boer MM, Brotons L, Parr CL, Tingley MW. Fire ecology for the 21st century: Conserving biodiversity in the age of megafire. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dale G. Nimmo
- Gulbali Institute, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Alan N. Andersen
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Ellengown Drive Brinkin Northern Territory Australia
| | - Sally Archibald
- Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Matthias M. Boer
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Richmond New South Wales Australia
| | - Lluís Brotons
- CTFC Solsona Spain
- CREAF Cerdanyola del Vallès Spain
- CSIC Cerdanyola del Vallès Spain
| | - Catherine L. Parr
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
- Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Wits South Africa
| | - Morgan W. Tingley
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California – Los Angeles Los Angeles CA USA
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13
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Nimmo DG, Carthey AJR, Jolly CJ, Blumstein DT. Welcome to the Pyrocene: Animal survival in the age of megafire. Glob Chang Biol 2021; 27:5684-5693. [PMID: 34404117 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Planet Earth is entering the age of megafire, pushing ecosystems to their limits and beyond. While fire causes mortality of animals across vast portions of the globe, scientists are only beginning to consider fire as an evolutionary force in animal ecology. Here, we generate a series of hypotheses regarding animal responses to fire by adopting insights from the predator-prey literature. Fire is a lethal threat; thus, there is likely strong selection for animals to recognize the olfactory, auditory, and visual cues of fire, and deploy fire avoidance behaviours that maximize survival probability. If fire defences are costly, it follows that intraspecific variation in fire avoidance behaviours should correspond with variation in fire behaviour and regimes. Species and populations inhabiting ecosystems that rarely experience fire may lack these traits, placing 'fire naive' populations and species at enhanced extinction risk as the distribution of fire extends into new ecosystem types. We outline a research agenda to understand behavioural responses to fire and to identify conservation interventions that could be used to overcome fire naivety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale G Nimmo
- Institute of Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra J R Carthey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris J Jolly
- Institute of Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel T Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Legge S, Woinarski JCZ, Scheele BC, Garnett ST, Lintermans M, Nimmo DG, Whiterod NS, Southwell DM, Ehmke G, Buchan A, Gray J, Metcalfe DJ, Page M, Rumpff L, Leeuwen S, Williams D, Ahyong ST, Chapple DG, Cowan M, Hossain MA, Kennard M, Macdonald S, Moore H, Marsh J, McCormack RB, Michael D, Mitchell N, Newell D, Raadik TA, Tingley R. Rapid assessment of the biodiversity impacts of the 2019–2020 Australian megafires to guide urgent management intervention and recovery and lessons for other regions. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Legge
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water Science University of Canberra Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | | | - Darren M. Southwell
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | | | - Anne Buchan
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch, Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | | | | | - Manda Page
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science Moggill Qld Australia
| | - Libby Rumpff
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Stephen Leeuwen
- School of Molecular & Life Sciences Curtin University Bentley WA Australia
| | - Dick Williams
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Shane T. Ahyong
- Australian Museum Research Institute Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Kensington NSW Australia
| | - David G. Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton, Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Mitch Cowan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Md Anwar Hossain
- Climatic and Metabolic Ecology Lab Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Mark Kennard
- Australian Rivers Institute Griffiths University Nathan Qld Australia
| | | | - Harry Moore
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Jessica Marsh
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Robert B. McCormack
- Australian Crayfish Project Australian Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd Swan Bay NSW Australia
- Section of Invertebrate Zoology Carnegie Museum of Natural History Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Damian Michael
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Nicola Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
| | - David Newell
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering Southern Cross University East Lismore NSW Australia
| | - Tarmo A. Raadik
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Reid Tingley
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton, Melbourne Vic. Australia
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15
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Littlefair ME, Nimmo DG, Ocock JF, Michael DR, Wassens S. Amphibian occurrence and abundance patterns across a modified floodplain ecosystem. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E. Littlefair
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University PO Box 789 Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University PO Box 789 Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Joanne F. Ocock
- Water, Wetlands and Coast Science Branch NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Damian R. Michael
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University PO Box 789 Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Skye Wassens
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University PO Box 789 Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
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16
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Cowan MA, Callan MN, Watson MJ, Watson DM, Doherty TS, Michael DR, Dunlop JA, Turner JM, Moore HA, Watchorn DJ, Nimmo DG. Artificial refuges for wildlife conservation: what is the state of the science? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2735-2754. [PMID: 34269510 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Artificial refuges are human-made structures that aim to create safe places for animals to breed, hibernate, or take shelter in lieu of natural refuges. Artificial refuges are used across the globe to mitigate the impacts of a variety of threats on wildlife, such as habitat loss and degradation. However, there is little understanding of the science underpinning artificial refuges, and what comprises best practice for artificial refuge design and implementation for wildlife conservation. We address this gap by undertaking a systematic review of the current state of artificial refuge research for the conservation of wildlife. We identified 224 studies of artificial refuges being implemented in the field to conserve wildlife species. The current literature on artificial refuges is dominated by studies of arboreal species, primarily birds and bats. Threatening processes addressed by artificial refuges were biological resource use (26%), invasive or problematic species (20%), and agriculture (15%), yet few studies examined artificial refuges specifically for threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) species (7%). Studies often reported the characteristics of artificial refuges (i.e. refuge size, construction materials; 87%) and surrounding vegetation (35%), but fewer studies measured the thermal properties of artificial refuges (18%), predator activity (17%), or food availability (3%). Almost all studies measured occupancy of the artificial refuges by target species (98%), and over half measured breeding activity (54%), whereas fewer included more detailed measures of fitness, such as breeding productivity (34%) or animal body condition (4%). Evaluating the benefits and impacts of artificial refuges requires sound experimental design, but only 39% of studies compared artificial refuges to experimental controls, and only 10% of studies used a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design. As a consequence, few studies of artificial refuges can determine their overall effect on individuals or populations. We outline a series of key steps in the design, implementation, and monitoring of artificial refuges that are required to avoid perverse outcomes and maximise the chances of achieving conservation objectives. This review highlights a clear need for increased rigour in studies of artificial refuges if they are to play an important role in wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell A Cowan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Michael N Callan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia.,Habitech, 2/86 Russell Street, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia
| | - Maggie J Watson
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - David M Watson
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Tim S Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Damian R Michael
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Judy A Dunlop
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia.,Western Australian Feral Cat Working Group, 58 Sutton St, Mandurah, Mandurah, WA, 6210, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James M Turner
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Harry A Moore
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Darcy J Watchorn
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
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17
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Michael DR, Moore H, Wassens S, Craig MD, Tingley R, Chapple DG, O’Sullivan J, Hobbs RJ, Nimmo DG. Rock removal associated with agricultural intensification will exacerbate the loss of reptile diversity. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Damian R. Michael
- Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Harry Moore
- Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Skye Wassens
- Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Michael D. Craig
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences Murdoch University Murdoch WA Australia
| | - Reid Tingley
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
| | - David G. Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
| | - Jackie O’Sullivan
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Richard J. Hobbs
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
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18
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Clarke MF, Kelly LT, Avitabile SC, Benshemesh J, Callister KE, Driscoll DA, Ewin P, Giljohann K, Haslem A, Kenny SA, Leonard S, Ritchie EG, Nimmo DG, Schedvin N, Schneider K, Watson SJ, Westbrooke M, White M, Wouters MA, Bennett AF. Fire and Its Interactions With Other Drivers Shape a Distinctive, Semi-Arid ‘Mallee’ Ecosystem. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.647557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fire shapes ecosystems globally, including semi-arid ecosystems. In Australia, semi-arid ‘mallee’ ecosystems occur primarily across the southern part of the continent, forming an interface between the arid interior and temperate south. Mallee vegetation is characterized by short, multi-stemmed eucalypts that grow from a basal lignotuber. Fire shapes the structure and functioning of mallee ecosystems. Using the Murray Mallee region in south-eastern Australia as a case study, we examine the characteristics and role of fire, the consequences for biota, and the interaction of fire with other drivers. Wildfires in mallee ecosystems typically are large (1000s ha), burn with high severity, commonly cause top-kill of eucalypts, and create coarse-grained mosaics at a regional scale. Wildfires can occur in late spring and summer in both dry and wet years. Recovery of plant and animal communities is predictable and slow, with regeneration of eucalypts and many habitat components extending over decades. Time since the last fire strongly influences the distribution and abundance of many species and the structure of plant and animal communities. Animal species display a discrete set of generalized responses to time since fire. Systematic field studies and modeling are beginning to reveal how spatial variation in fire regimes (‘pyrodiversity’) at different scales shapes biodiversity. Pyrodiversity includes variation in the extent of post-fire habitats, the diversity of post-fire age-classes and their configuration. At regional scales, a desirable mix of fire histories for biodiversity conservation includes a combination of early, mid and late post-fire age-classes, weighted toward later seral stages that provide critical habitat for threatened species. Biodiversity is also influenced by interactions between fire and other drivers, including land clearing, rainfall, herbivory and predation. Extensive clearing for agriculture has altered the nature and impact of fire, and facilitated invasion by pest species that modify fuels, fire regimes and post-fire recovery. Given the natural and anthropogenic drivers of fire and the consequences of their interactions, we highlight opportunities for conserving mallee ecosystems. These include learning from and fostering Indigenous knowledge of fire, implementing actions that consider synergies between fire and other processes, and strategic monitoring of fire, biodiversity and other drivers to guide place-based, adaptive management under climate change.
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19
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Connell J, Hall MA, Nimmo DG, Watson SJ, Clarke MF. Fire, drought and flooding rains: The effect of climatic extremes on bird species’ responses to time since fire. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jemima Connell
- Department of Ecology, Environment and EvolutionLa Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Mark A. Hall
- Department of Ecology, Environment and EvolutionLa Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney University Penrith NSW Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Simon J. Watson
- Department of Ecology, Environment and EvolutionLa Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Department of Ecology, Environment and EvolutionLa Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
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20
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Moore HA, Dunlop JA, Jolly CJ, Kelly E, Woinarski JCZ, Ritchie EG, Burnett S, van Leeuwen S, Valentine LE, Cowan MA, Nimmo DG. A brief history of the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus): a systematic review. Aust Mammalogy 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/am21002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Ward M, Tulloch AIT, Radford JQ, Williams BA, Reside AE, Macdonald SL, Mayfield HJ, Maron M, Possingham HP, Vine SJ, O’Connor JL, Massingham EJ, Greenville AC, Woinarski JCZ, Garnett ST, Lintermans M, Scheele BC, Carwardine J, Nimmo DG, Lindenmayer DB, Kooyman RM, Simmonds JS, Sonter LJ, Watson JEM. Impact of 2019–2020 mega-fires on Australian fauna habitat. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:1321-1326. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
In the mid-1950s Western Desert of Australia, Aboriginal populations were in decline as families left for ration depots, cattle stations, and mission settlements. In the context of reduced population density, an ideal free-distribution model predicts landscape use should contract to the most productive habitats, and people should avoid areas that show more signs of extensive prior use. However, ecological or social facilitation due to Allee effects (positive density dependence) would predict that the intensity of past habitat use should correlate positively with habitat use. We analyzed fire footprints and fire mosaics from the accumulation of several years of landscape use visible on a 35,300-km2 mosaic of aerial photographs covering much of contemporary Indigenous Martu Native Title Lands imaged between May and August 1953. Structural equation modeling revealed that, consistent with an Allee ideal free distribution, there was a positive relationship between the extent of fire mosaics and the intensity of recent use, and this was consistent across habitats regardless of their quality. Fire mosaics build up in regions with low cost of access to water, high intrinsic food availability, and good access to trade opportunities; these mosaics (constrained by water access during the winter) then draw people back in subsequent years or seasons, largely independent of intrinsic habitat quality. Our results suggest that the positive feedback effects of landscape burning can substantially change the way people value landscapes, affecting mobility and settlement by increasing sedentism and local population density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bliege Bird
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801;
| | - Chloe McGuire
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801
| | - Douglas W Bird
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801
| | | | - David Zeanah
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Sacramento, CA 95819
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia
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23
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Verdon SJ, Watson SJ, Nimmo DG, Clarke MF. Are all fauna associated with the same structural features of the foundation speciesTriodia scariosa? AUSTRAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Verdon
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes; La Trobe University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Ecology; Environment and Evolution; La Trobe University; Melbourne Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Simon J. Watson
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes; La Trobe University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Ecology; Environment and Evolution; La Trobe University; Melbourne Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society; Charles Sturt University; Albury Wodonga New South Wales Australia
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes; La Trobe University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Ecology; Environment and Evolution; La Trobe University; Melbourne Victoria 3086 Australia
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24
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Cowan MA, Dunlop JA, Turner JM, Moore HA, Nimmo DG. Artificial refuges to combat habitat loss for an endangered marsupial predator: How do they measure up? Conservat Sci and Prac 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell A. Cowan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Sciences Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Judy A. Dunlop
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Locked Bag 104 Bentley Delivery Centre Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - James M. Turner
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Sciences Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Harry A. Moore
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Sciences Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Sciences Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
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25
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Moore HA, Champney JL, Dunlop JA, Valentine LE, Nimmo DG. Spot on: using camera traps to individually monitor one of the world’s largest lizards. Wildl Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextEstimating animal abundance often relies on being able to identify individuals; however, this can be challenging, especially when applied to large animals that are difficult to trap and handle. Camera traps have provided a non-invasive alternative by using natural markings to individually identify animals within image data. Although camera traps have been used to individually identify mammals, they are yet to be widely applied to other taxa, such as reptiles.
AimsWe assessed the capacity of camera traps to provide images that allow for individual identification of the world’s fourth-largest lizard species, the perentie (Varanus giganteus), and demonstrate other basic morphological and behavioural data that can be gleaned from camera-trap images.
MethodsVertically orientated cameras were deployed at 115 sites across a 10000km2 area in north-western Australia for an average of 216 days. We used spot patterning located on the dorsal surface of perenties to identify individuals from camera-trap imagery, with the assistance of freely available spot ID software. We also measured snout-to-vent length (SVL) by using image-analysis software, and collected image time-stamp data to analyse temporal activity patterns.
ResultsNinety-two individuals were identified, and individuals were recorded moving distances of up to 1975m. Confidence in identification accuracy was generally high (91%), and estimated SVL measurements varied by an average of 6.7% (min=1.8%, max=21.3%) of individual SVL averages. Larger perenties (SVL of >45cm) were detected mostly between dawn and noon, and in the late afternoon and early evening, whereas small perenties (SVL of <30cm) were rarely recorded in the evening.
ConclusionsCamera traps can be used to individually identify large reptiles with unique markings, and can also provide data on movement, morphology and temporal activity. Accounting for uneven substrates under cameras could improve the accuracy of morphological estimates. Given that camera traps struggle to detect small, nocturnal reptiles, further research is required to examine whether cameras miss smaller individuals in the late afternoon and evening.
ImplicationsCamera traps are increasingly being used to monitor reptile species. The ability to individually identify animals provides another tool for herpetological research worldwide.
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Geary WL, Doherty TS, Nimmo DG, Tulloch AIT, Ritchie EG. Predator responses to fire: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Anim Ecol 2019; 89:955-971. [PMID: 31774550 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of how disturbances such as fire shape habitat structure and composition, and affect animal interactions, is fundamental to ecology and ecosystem management. Predators also exert strong effects on ecological communities, through top-down regulation of prey and competitors, which can result in trophic cascades. Despite their ubiquity, ecological importance and potential to interact with fire, our general understanding of how predators respond to fire remains poor, hampering ecosystem management. To address this important knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of fire on terrestrial, vertebrate predators world-wide. We found 160 studies spanning 1978-2018. There were 36 studies with sufficient information for meta-analysis, from which we extracted 96 effect sizes (Hedges' g) for 67 predator species relating to changes in abundance indices, occupancy or resource selection in burned and unburned areas, or before and after fire. Studies spanned geographic locations, taxonomic families and study designs, but most were located in North America and Oceania (59% and 24%, respectively), and largely focussed on felids (24%) and canids (25%). Half (50%) of the studies reported responses to wildfire, and nearly one third concerned prescribed (management) fires. There were no clear, general responses of predators to fire, nor relationships with geographic area, biome or life-history traits (e.g. body mass, hunting strategy and diet). Responses varied considerably between species. Analysis of species for which at least three effect sizes had been reported in the literature revealed that red foxes Vulpes vulpes mostly responded positively to fire (e.g. higher abundance in burned compared to unburned areas) and eastern racers Coluber constrictor negatively, with variances overlapping zero only slightly for both species. Our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed strong variation in predator responses to fire, and major geographic and taxonomic knowledge gaps. Varied responses of predator species to fire likely depend on ecosystem context. Consistent reporting of ongoing monitoring and management experiments is required to improve understanding of the mechanisms driving predator responses to fire, and any broader effects (e.g. trophic interactions). The divergent responses of species in our study suggest that adaptive, context-specific management of predator-fire relationships is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Geary
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong/Burwood, Vic., Australia.,Biodiversity Division, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, East Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Tim S Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong/Burwood, Vic., Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science, Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Ayesha I T Tulloch
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong/Burwood, Vic., Australia
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27
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Moore HA, Dunlop JA, Valentine LE, Woinarski JCZ, Ritchie EG, Watson DM, Nimmo DG. Topographic ruggedness and rainfall mediate geographic range contraction of a threatened marsupial predator. DIVERS DISTRIB 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harry A. Moore
- School of Environmental Science, Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Judy A. Dunlop
- Science and Conservation Division, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kensington WA Australia
| | - Leonie E. Valentine
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia, Crawley WA Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Program, Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology and School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood VIC Australia
| | - David M. Watson
- School of Environmental Science, Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science, Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
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28
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Hodges JA, Price JN, Nimmo DG, Guja LK. Evidence for direct effects of fire-cues on germination of some perennial forbs common in grassy ecosystems. AUSTRAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Hodges
- Institute for Land, Water and Society; Charles Sturt University; Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, PO Box 789 Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
- National Seed Bank; Australian National Botanic Gardens; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Jodi N. Price
- Institute for Land, Water and Society; Charles Sturt University; Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, PO Box 789 Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society; Charles Sturt University; Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, PO Box 789 Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Lydia K. Guja
- National Seed Bank; Australian National Botanic Gardens; Canberra ACT Australia
- Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research; CSIRO; Canberra ACT Australia
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29
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Geary WL, Nimmo DG, Doherty TS, Ritchie EG, Tulloch AIT. Threat webs: Reframing the co‐occurrence and interactions of threats to biodiversity. J Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William L. Geary
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus) Deakin University Geelong Vic. Australia
- Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science, Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Tim S. Doherty
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus) Deakin University Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus) Deakin University Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Ayesha I. T. Tulloch
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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Smith BP, Cairns KM, Adams JW, Newsome TM, Fillios M, Déaux EC, Parr WCH, Letnic M, VAN Eeden LM, Appleby RG, Bradshaw CJA, Savolainen P, Ritchie EG, Nimmo DG, Archer-Lean C, Greenville AC, Dickman CR, Watson L, Moseby KE, Doherty TS, Wallach AD, Morrant DS, Crowther MS. Taxonomic status of the Australian dingo: the case for Canis dingo Meyer, 1793. Zootaxa 2019; 4564:zootaxa.4564.1.6. [PMID: 31716519 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4564.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The taxonomic status and systematic nomenclature of the Australian dingo remain contentious, resulting in decades of inconsistent applications in the scientific literature and in policy. Prompted by a recent publication calling for dingoes to be considered taxonomically as domestic dogs (Jackson et al. 2017, Zootaxa 4317, 201-224), we review the issues of the taxonomy applied to canids, and summarise the main differences between dingoes and other canids. We conclude that (1) the Australian dingo is a geographically isolated (allopatric) species from all other Canis, and is genetically, phenotypically, ecologically, and behaviourally distinct; and (2) the dingo appears largely devoid of many of the signs of domestication, including surviving largely as a wild animal in Australia for millennia. The case of defining dingo taxonomy provides a quintessential example of the disagreements between species concepts (e.g., biological, phylogenetic, ecological, morphological). Applying the biological species concept sensu stricto to the dingo as suggested by Jackson et al. (2017) and consistently across the Canidae would lead to an aggregation of all Canis populations, implying for example that dogs and wolves are the same species. Such an aggregation would have substantial implications for taxonomic clarity, biological research, and wildlife conservation. Any changes to the current nomen of the dingo (currently Canis dingo Meyer, 1793), must therefore offer a strong, evidence-based argument in favour of it being recognised as a subspecies of Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758, or as Canis familiaris Linnaeus, 1758, and a successful application to the International Commission for Zoological Nomenclature - neither of which can be adequately supported. Although there are many species concepts, the sum of the evidence presented in this paper affirms the classification of the dingo as a distinct taxon, namely Canis dingo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley P Smith
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, South Australia 5034, Australia..
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim S. Doherty
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood campus) Deakin University Geelong VIC Australia
| | - Don A. Driscoll
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood campus) Deakin University Geelong VIC Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Sciences, Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood campus) Deakin University Geelong VIC Australia
| | - Ricky‐John Spencer
- School of Science and Health, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Penrith NSW Australia
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32
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Nimmo DG, Avitabile S, Banks SC, Bliege Bird R, Callister K, Clarke MF, Dickman CR, Doherty TS, Driscoll DA, Greenville AC, Haslem A, Kelly LT, Kenny SA, Lahoz‐Monfort JJ, Lee C, Leonard S, Moore H, Newsome TM, Parr CL, Ritchie EG, Schneider K, Turner JM, Watson S, Westbrooke M, Wouters M, White M, Bennett AF. Animal movements in fire‐prone landscapes. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:981-998. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Sarah Avitabile
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Sam C. Banks
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, College of Engineering, IT and the Environment, Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory 0810 Australia
| | - Rebecca Bliege Bird
- Department of Anthropology Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 U.S.A
| | - Kate Callister
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Chris R. Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Tim S. Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Don A. Driscoll
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Aaron C. Greenville
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Angie Haslem
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Luke T. Kelly
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Sally A. Kenny
- Victorian Department of Environment, Land Water & Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 123 Brown St, Heidelberg Victoria 3081 Australia
| | - José J. Lahoz‐Monfort
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Connie Lee
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Steven Leonard
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Harry Moore
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Thomas M. Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Catherine L. Parr
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 3GP U.K
- Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 South Africa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Wits 2050 South Africa
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | | | - James M. Turner
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Simon Watson
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Martin Westbrooke
- School of Environmental Science Federation University Ballarat Victoria 3350 Australia
| | - Mike Wouters
- Fire & Flood Management, Department for Environment and Water Adelaide South Australia 5000 Australia
| | - Matthew White
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Andrew F. Bennett
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
- Victorian Department of Environment, Land Water & Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 123 Brown St, Heidelberg Victoria 3081 Australia
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Allan BM, Nimmo DG, Arnould JPY, Martin JK, Ritchie EG. The secret life of possums: data loggers reveal the movement ecology of an arboreal mammal. J Mammal 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Blake M Allan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Melbourne Burwood Campus, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John P Y Arnould
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Melbourne Burwood Campus, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer K Martin
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Melbourne Burwood Campus, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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34
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Maisey AC, Nimmo DG, Bennett AF. Habitat selection by the Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae
), an iconic ecosystem engineer in forests of south-eastern Australia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alex C. Maisey
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution; La Trobe University; Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
- School of Environmental Sciences; Charles Sturt University; Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Andrew F. Bennett
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution; La Trobe University; Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research; Heidelberg Victoria Australia
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35
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Geyle HM, Guillera‐Arroita G, Davies HF, Firth RSC, Murphy BP, Nimmo DG, Ritchie EG, Woinarski JCZ, Nicholson E. Towards meaningful monitoring: A case study of a threatened rodent. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hayley M. Geyle
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Program Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | | | - Hugh F. Davies
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Program Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Ronald S. C. Firth
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
- Strategen Environmental Subiaco Western Australia Australia
| | - Brett P. Murphy
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Program Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Program Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | - Emily Nicholson
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
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Doherty TS, Davis NE, Dickman CR, Forsyth DM, Letnic M, Nimmo DG, Palmer R, Ritchie EG, Benshemesh J, Edwards G, Lawrence J, Lumsden L, Pascoe C, Sharp A, Stokeld D, Myers C, Story G, Story P, Triggs B, Venosta M, Wysong M, Newsome TM. Continental patterns in the diet of a top predator: Australia's dingo. Mamm Rev 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim S. Doherty
- Deakin University; Geelong; Australia and School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; 221 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 Australia
| | - Naomi E. Davis
- School of BioSciences; The University of Melbourne; Victoria Australia
| | - Chris R. Dickman
- Desert Ecology Research Group; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - David M. Forsyth
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research; Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Heidelberg VIC Australia
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit; New South Wales Department of Primary Industries; Orange NSW Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science; Institute for Land, Water and Society; Charles Sturt University; Albury NSW Australia
| | - Russell Palmer
- Science and Conservation Division; Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Bentley WA Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- Deakin University; Geelong; Australia and School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; 221 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 Australia
| | - Joe Benshemesh
- Department of Ecology; Environment and Evolution; La Trobe University; Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Glenn Edwards
- Flora and Fauna Division; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Alice Springs NT Australia
| | | | - Lindy Lumsden
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research; Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Heidelberg VIC Australia
| | | | - Andy Sharp
- Natural Resources Northern and Yorke; Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; Clare SA Australia
| | - Danielle Stokeld
- Northern Territory Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Palmerston NT Australia
| | - Cecilia Myers
- Dunkeld Pastoral Company Pty Ltd; Dunkeld VIC Australia
| | | | - Paul Story
- Australian Plague Locust Commission; Canberra ACT Australia
| | | | | | - Mike Wysong
- School of Plant Biology; University of Western Australia; Crawley WA Australia
| | - Thomas M. Newsome
- Deakin University; Geelong; Australia and School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; 221 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 Australia
- Desert Ecology Research Group; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society; Oregon State University; Corvallis Oregon USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences; University of Washington; Seattle Washington USA
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37
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Affiliation(s)
- Euan G Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia.
| | - Bradley P Smith
- School of Health, Medical, and Applied Sciences, Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, Wayville, SA 5034, Australia
| | - Lily M van Eeden
- Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science, Institute for Land, Water, and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia
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Geschke A, James S, Bennett AF, Nimmo DG. Compact cities or sprawling suburbs? Optimising the distribution of people in cities to maximise species diversity. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Geschke
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic. Australia
| | - Simon James
- School of Information Technology; Deakin University; Burwood Vic. Australia
| | - Andrew F. Bennett
- Department of Ecology, Environment & Evolution; La Trobe University; Burwood Vic. Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society; School of Environmental Science; Charles Sturt University; Albury NSW Australia
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39
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake M. Allan
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Daniel Ierodiaconou
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Warrnambool Victoria 3280 Australia
| | - Jeremy VanDerWal
- eResearch Centre Division of Research and Innovation James Cook University Townsville Queensland 4811 Australia
- Centre for Tropical Biodiversity & Climate Change College of Marine and Ecosystem Sciences James Cook University Townsville Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Lian Pin Koh
- School of Biological Sciences Environment Institute University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
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40
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Davis H, Ritchie EG, Avitabile S, Doherty T, Nimmo DG. Testing the assumptions of the pyrodiversity begets biodiversity hypothesis for termites in semi-arid Australia. R Soc Open Sci 2018; 5:172055. [PMID: 29765661 PMCID: PMC5936926 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.172055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fire shapes the composition and functioning of ecosystems globally. In many regions, fire is actively managed to create diverse patch mosaics of fire-ages under the assumption that a diversity of post-fire-age classes will provide a greater variety of habitats, thereby enabling species with differing habitat requirements to coexist, and enhancing species diversity (the pyrodiversity begets biodiversity hypothesis). However, studies provide mixed support for this hypothesis. Here, using termite communities in a semi-arid region of southeast Australia, we test four key assumptions of the pyrodiversity begets biodiversity hypothesis (i) that fire shapes vegetation structure over sufficient time frames to influence species' occurrence, (ii) that animal species are linked to resources that are themselves shaped by fire and that peak at different times since fire, (iii) that species' probability of occurrence or abundance peaks at varying times since fire and (iv) that providing a diversity of fire-ages increases species diversity at the landscape scale. Termite species and habitat elements were sampled in 100 sites across a range of fire-ages, nested within 20 landscapes chosen to represent a gradient of low to high pyrodiversity. We used regression modelling to explore relationships between termites, habitat and fire. Fire affected two habitat elements (coarse woody debris and the cover of woody vegetation) that were associated with the probability of occurrence of three termite species and overall species richness, thus supporting the first two assumptions of the pyrodiversity hypothesis. However, this did not result in those species or species richness being affected by fire history per se. Consequently, landscapes with a low diversity of fire histories had similar numbers of termite species as landscapes with high pyrodiversity. Our work suggests that encouraging a diversity of fire-ages for enhancing termite species richness in this study region is not necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Davis
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Sarah Avitabile
- Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Tim Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science, Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales 2640, Australia
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41
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Geary WL, Ritchie EG, Lawton JA, Healey TR, Nimmo DG. Incorporating disturbance into trophic ecology: Fire history shapes mesopredator suppression by an apex predator. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William L. Geary
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood Campus); Deakin University; Burwood Vic. Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood Campus); Deakin University; Burwood Vic. Australia
| | - Jessica A. Lawton
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood Campus); Deakin University; Burwood Vic. Australia
| | - Thomas R. Healey
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood Campus); Deakin University; Burwood Vic. Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science; Institute for Land, Water and Society; Charles Sturt University; Albury NSW Australia
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42
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Kopf RK, Nimmo DG, Humphries P, Baumgartner LJ, Bode M, Bond NR, Byrom AE, Cucherousset J, Keller RP, King AJ, McGinness HM, Moyle PB, Olden JD. Confronting the risks of large-scale invasive species control. Nat Ecol Evol 2017; 1:172. [PMID: 28812629 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-017-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Keller Kopf
- Institute for Land Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales 2640, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Institute for Land Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales 2640, Australia
| | - Paul Humphries
- Institute for Land Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales 2640, Australia
| | - Lee J Baumgartner
- Institute for Land Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales 2640, Australia
| | - Michael Bode
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group, School of Botany, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nick R Bond
- Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, LaTrobe University, PO Box 821, Wodonga, Victoria 3689, Australia
| | - Andrea E Byrom
- Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand
| | - Julien Cucherousset
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, ENFA, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Reuben P Keller
- Institute of Environmental Sustainability, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60660, USA
| | - Alison J King
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, School of Environment, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia
| | - Heather M McGinness
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Peter B Moyle
- Center for Watershed Sciences, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Julian D Olden
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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43
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Richardson E, Nimmo DG, Avitabile S, Tworkowski L, Watson SJ, Welbourne D, Leonard SWJ. Camera traps and pitfalls: an evaluation of two methods for surveying reptiles in a semiarid ecosystem. Wildl Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/wr16048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Passive infrared cameras have become a widely utilised method for surveying mammals, providing substantial benefits over conventional trapping methods. Cameras have only recently been tested for their ability to survey terrestrial reptiles, and have not yet been tested against other reptile survey methods for their comparative effectiveness.
Aims
To investigate the reliability of passive infrared cameras as a reptile survey method, compared with pitfall trapping. In addition, to test a refinement of a current protocol for using cameras to survey reptiles.
Methods
The study was carried out in the herpetologically diverse, semiarid Mallee region of Victoria, Australia. Paired camera and pitfall lines were set up at 10 sites within Murray Sunset National Park and results from the two methods were compared. A comparison of results from cameras with and without the use of a cork tile substrate was also made.
Key results
Cameras were just as effective as pitfall traps for detecting some common diurnal species – detecting additional species that pitfalls did not – but were significantly less effective overall. Cameras provided lower estimates of species richness and failed to detect nocturnal species. We also discovered that cork tiles, required in other environments for the cameras to be effective in detecting diurnal reptiles, were not needed here.
Conclusions
Cameras can be an effective, efficient non-invasive alternative to conventional trapping methods, such as pitfall trapping, for surveying some terrestrial diurnal reptile species. However, further investigation into using cameras for surveying nocturnal reptile species is still required.
Implications
If the methodological issues identified during this study can be overcome, passive infrared cameras have the potential to be a valuable tool for future herpetological research.
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Hale S, Nimmo DG, Cooke R, Holland G, James S, Stevens M, De Bondi N, Woods R, Castle M, Campbell K, Senior K, Cassidy S, Duffy R, Holmes B, White JG. Fire and climatic extremes shape mammal distributions in a fire-prone landscape. DIVERS DISTRIB 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Hale
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land; Water and Society; School of Environmental Science; Charles Sturt University; Albury NSW 2640 Australia
| | - Raylene Cooke
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Greg Holland
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
- Department of Ecology; Environment and Evolution; La Trobe University; Bundoora VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Simon James
- School of Information Technology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Michael Stevens
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
- Parks Victoria; Halls Gap VIC 3381 Australia
| | - Natasha De Bondi
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Rachel Woods
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Michael Castle
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Kristin Campbell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Katharine Senior
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Simon Cassidy
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Ryan Duffy
- Parks Victoria; Halls Gap VIC 3381 Australia
| | - Ben Holmes
- Parks Victoria; Halls Gap VIC 3381 Australia
| | - John G. White
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; Deakin University; Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
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Dorresteijn I, Schultner J, Nimmo DG, Fischer J, Hanspach J, Kuemmerle T, Kehoe L, Ritchie EG. Incorporating anthropogenic effects into trophic ecology: predator-prey interactions in a human-dominated landscape. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:rspb.2015.1602. [PMID: 26336169 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.1602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Apex predators perform important functions that regulate ecosystems worldwide. However, little is known about how ecosystem regulation by predators is influenced by human activities. In particular, how important are top-down effects of predators relative to direct and indirect human-mediated bottom-up and top-down processes? Combining data on species' occurrence from camera traps and hunting records, we aimed to quantify the relative effects of top-down and bottom-up processes in shaping predator and prey distributions in a human-dominated landscape in Transylvania, Romania. By global standards this system is diverse, including apex predators (brown bear and wolf), mesopredators (red fox) and large herbivores (roe and red deer). Humans and free-ranging dogs represent additional predators in the system. Using structural equation modelling, we found that apex predators suppress lower trophic levels, especially herbivores. However, direct and indirect top-down effects of humans affected the ecosystem more strongly, influencing species at all trophic levels. Our study highlights the need to explicitly embed humans and their influences within trophic cascade theory. This will greatly expand our understanding of species interactions in human-modified landscapes, which compose the majority of the Earth's terrestrial surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ine Dorresteijn
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Rotenbleicher Weg 67, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Jannik Schultner
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Rotenbleicher Weg 67, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury 2640, Australia
| | - Joern Fischer
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Rotenbleicher Weg 67, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Jan Hanspach
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Rotenbleicher Weg 67, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Kuemmerle
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany Integrative Research Institute on Transformations in Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys), Humboldt-University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Kehoe
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
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Ritchie EG, Schultner J, Nimmo DG, Fischer J, Hanspach J, Kuemmerle T, Kehoe L, Dorresteijn I. Crying wolf: limitations of predator-prey studies need not preclude their salient messages. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:rspb.2016.1244. [PMID: 27412280 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Euan G Ritchie
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood Campus), Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Jannik Schultner
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Scharnhorststrasse 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury 2640, Australia
| | - Joern Fischer
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Scharnhorststrasse 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Jan Hanspach
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Scharnhorststrasse 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Kuemmerle
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany Integrative Research Institute on Transformations in Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys), Humboldt-University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Kehoe
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ine Dorresteijn
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Scharnhorststrasse 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
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Ekanayake KB, Weston MA, Nimmo DG, Maguire GS, Endler JA, Küpper C. The bright incubate at night: sexual dichromatism and adaptive incubation division in an open-nesting shorebird. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20143026. [PMID: 25854884 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.3026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ornamentation of parents poses a high risk for offspring because it reduces cryptic nest defence. Over a century ago, Wallace proposed that sexual dichromatism enhances crypsis of open-nesting females although subsequent studies found that dichromatism per se is not necessarily adaptive. We tested whether reduced female ornamentation in a sexually dichromatic species reduces the risk of clutch depredation and leads to adaptive parental roles in the red-capped plover Charadrius ruficapillus, a species with biparental incubation. Males had significantly brighter and redder head coloration than females. During daytime, when visually foraging predators are active, colour-matched model males incurred a higher risk of clutch depredation than females, whereas at night there was no difference in depredation risk between sexes. In turn, red-capped plovers maintained a strongly diurnal/nocturnal division of parental care during incubation, with males attending the nest largely at night when visual predators were inactive and females incubating during the day. We found support for Wallace's conclusion that reduced female ornamentation provides a selective advantage when reproductive success is threatened by visually foraging predators. We conclude that predators may alter their prey's parental care patterns and therefore may affect parental cooperation during care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasun B Ekanayake
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Michael A Weston
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Grainne S Maguire
- BirdLife Australia, Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia
| | - John A Endler
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Clemens Küpper
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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Haslem A, Nimmo DG, Radford JQ, Bennett AF. Landscape properties mediate the homogenization of bird assemblages during climatic extremes. Ecology 2015; 96:3165-74. [DOI: 10.1890/14-2447.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Avitabile SC, Nimmo DG, Bennett AF, Clarke MF. Termites Are Resistant to the Effects of Fire at Multiple Spatial Scales. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140114. [PMID: 26571383 PMCID: PMC4646461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Termites play an important ecological role in many ecosystems, particularly in nutrient-poor arid and semi-arid environments. We examined the distribution and occurrence of termites in the fire-prone, semi-arid mallee region of south-eastern Australia. In addition to periodic large wildfires, land managers use fire as a tool to achieve both asset protection and ecological outcomes in this region. Twelve taxa of termites were detected by using systematic searches and grids of cellulose baits at 560 sites, clustered in 28 landscapes selected to represent different fire mosaic patterns. There was no evidence of a significant relationship between the occurrence of termite species and time-since-fire at the site scale. Rather, the occurrence of species was related to habitat features such as the density of mallee trees and large logs (>10 cm diameter). Species richness was greater in chenopod mallee vegetation on heavier soils in swales, rather than Triodia mallee vegetation of the sandy dune slopes. At the landscape scale, there was little evidence that the frequency of occurrence of termite species was related to fire, and no evidence that habitat heterogeneity generated by fire influenced termite species richness. The most influential factor at the landscape scale was the environmental gradient represented by average annual rainfall. Although termites may be associated with flammable habitat components (e.g. dead wood), they appear to be buffered from the effects of fire by behavioural traits, including nesting underground, and the continued availability of dead wood after fire. There is no evidence to support the hypothesis that a fine-scale, diverse mosaic of post-fire age-classes will enhance the diversity of termites. Rather, termites appear to be resistant to the effects of fire at multiple spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Avitabile
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Andrew F. Bennett
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
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Nimmo DG, Haslem A, Radford JQ, Hall M, Bennett AF. Riparian tree cover enhances the resistance and stability of woodland bird communities during an extreme climatic event. J Appl Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dale G. Nimmo
- Landscape Ecology Research Group & Centre for Integrative Ecology; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic. 3125 Australia
| | - Angie Haslem
- Landscape Ecology Research Group & Centre for Integrative Ecology; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic. 3125 Australia
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution; La Trobe University; Bundoora Vic. 3086 Australia
| | - James Q. Radford
- Landscape Ecology Research Group & Centre for Integrative Ecology; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic. 3125 Australia
| | - Mark Hall
- Landscape Ecology Research Group & Centre for Integrative Ecology; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic. 3125 Australia
| | - Andrew F. Bennett
- Landscape Ecology Research Group & Centre for Integrative Ecology; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic. 3125 Australia
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