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Brooks ST, Jabour J, Hughes KA, Morgan F, Convey P, Polymeropoulos ET, Bergstrom DM. Systematic conservation planning for Antarctic research stations. J Environ Manage 2024; 351:119711. [PMID: 38070424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119711] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The small ice-free areas of Antarctica are essential locations for both biodiversity and scientific research but are subject to considerable and expanding human impacts, resulting primarily from station-based research and support activities, and local tourism. Awareness by operators of the need to conserve natural values in and around station and visitor site footprints exists, but the cumulative nature of impacts often results in reactive rather than proactive management. With human activity spread across many isolated pockets of ice-free ground, the pathway to the greatest reduction of human impacts within this natural reserve is through better management of these areas, which are impacted the most. Using a case study of Australia's Casey Station, we found significant natural values persist within the immediate proximity (<10 m) of long-term station infrastructure, but encroachment by physical disturbance results in ongoing pressures. Active planning to better conserve such values would provide a direct opportunity to enhance protection of Antarctica's environment. Here we introduce an approach to systematic conservation planning, tailored to Antarctic research stations, to help managers improve the conservation of values surrounding their activity locations. Use of this approach provides a potential mechanism to balance the need for scientific access to the continent with international obligations to protect its environment. It may also facilitate the development of subordinate conservation tools, including management plans and natural capital accounting. By proactively minimising and containing their station footprints, national programs can also independently demonstrate their commitment to protecting Antarctica's environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun T Brooks
- CSIRO Environment, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Julia Jabour
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kevin A Hughes
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
| | - Fraser Morgan
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand; Te Pūnaha Matatini, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa; Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
| | - Elias T Polymeropoulos
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Dana M Bergstrom
- Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, Australia
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2
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Lee JR, Terauds A, Carwardine J, Shaw JD, Fuller RA, Possingham HP, Chown SL, Convey P, Gilbert N, Hughes KA, McIvor E, Robinson SA, Ropert-Coudert Y, Bergstrom DM, Biersma EM, Christian C, Cowan DA, Frenot Y, Jenouvrier S, Kelley L, Lee MJ, Lynch HJ, Njåstad B, Quesada A, Roura RM, Shaw EA, Stanwell-Smith D, Tsujimoto M, Wall DH, Wilmotte A, Chadès I. Threat management priorities for conserving Antarctic biodiversity. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001921. [PMID: 36548240 PMCID: PMC9778584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity faces multiple threats, from invasive species to climate change. Yet no large-scale assessments of threat management strategies exist. Applying a structured participatory approach, we demonstrate that existing conservation efforts are insufficient in a changing world, estimating that 65% (at best 37%, at worst 97%) of native terrestrial taxa and land-associated seabirds are likely to decline by 2100 under current trajectories. Emperor penguins are identified as the most vulnerable taxon, followed by other seabirds and dry soil nematodes. We find that implementing 10 key threat management strategies in parallel, at an estimated present-day equivalent annual cost of US$23 million, could benefit up to 84% of Antarctic taxa. Climate change is identified as the most pervasive threat to Antarctic biodiversity and influencing global policy to effectively limit climate change is the most beneficial conservation strategy. However, minimising impacts of human activities and improved planning and management of new infrastructure projects are cost-effective and will help to minimise regional threats. Simultaneous global and regional efforts are critical to secure Antarctic biodiversity for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine R. Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- CSIRO, Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Aleks Terauds
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Justine D. Shaw
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Richard A. Fuller
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Steven L. Chown
- Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Neil Gilbert
- Constantia Consulting, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Kevin A. Hughes
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ewan McIvor
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sharon A. Robinson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences and Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yan Ropert-Coudert
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université − CNRS, UMR 7372, Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Dana M. Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences and Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elisabeth M. Biersma
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claire Christian
- Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Don A. Cowan
- Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yves Frenot
- University of Rennes 1, CNRS, EcoBio (Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)—UMR 6553, Rennes, France
| | - Stéphanie Jenouvrier
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lisa Kelley
- International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), South Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | | | - Heather J. Lynch
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Antonio Quesada
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo M. Roura
- Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - E. Ashley Shaw
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Damon Stanwell-Smith
- International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), South Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Viking Expeditions, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Megumu Tsujimoto
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan
- National Institute of Polar Research, Tachikawa, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Diana H. Wall
- Department of Biology and School of Global Environmental Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
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Lee JR, Waterman MJ, Shaw JD, Bergstrom DM, Lynch HJ, Wall DH, Robinson SA. Islands in the ice: Potential impacts of habitat transformation on Antarctic biodiversity. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:5865-5880. [PMID: 35795907 PMCID: PMC9542894 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Antarctic biodiversity faces an unknown future with a changing climate. Most terrestrial biota is restricted to limited patches of ice-free land in a sea of ice, where they are adapted to the continent's extreme cold and wind and exploit microhabitats of suitable conditions. As temperatures rise, ice-free areas are predicted to expand, more rapidly in some areas than others. There is high uncertainty as to how species' distributions, physiology, abundance, and survivorship will be affected as their habitats transform. Here we use current knowledge to propose hypotheses that ice-free area expansion (i) will increase habitat availability, though the quality of habitat will vary; (ii) will increase structural connectivity, although not necessarily increase opportunities for species establishment; (iii) combined with milder climates will increase likelihood of non-native species establishment, but may also lengthen activity windows for all species; and (iv) will benefit some species and not others, possibly resulting in increased homogeneity of biodiversity. We anticipate considerable spatial, temporal, and taxonomic variation in species responses, and a heightened need for interdisciplinary research to understand the factors associated with ecosystem resilience under future scenarios. Such research will help identify at-risk species or vulnerable localities and is crucial for informing environmental management and policymaking into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine R. Lee
- British Antarctic SurveyNERCCambridgeUK
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Melinda J. Waterman
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Justine D. Shaw
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Dana M. Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of AgricultureWater and the EnvironmentKingstonTASAustralia
- Global Challenges ProgramUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Heather J. Lynch
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Diana H. Wall
- Department of Biology and School of Global Environmental SustainabilityColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Sharon A. Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
- Global Challenges ProgramUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
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Abstract
Antarctica's isolation has been breached by various non-native species, including microbes, a grass, and some invertebrates. As yet, no marine species have reportedly established populations. With increasing effects of climate change and human activity, continued concerted action is needed to keep Antarctica protected from the impacts of non-native species establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia; Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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5
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Baker DJ, Dickson CR, Bergstrom DM, Whinam J, Maclean IM, McGeoch MA. Evaluating models for predicting microclimates across sparsely vegetated and topographically diverse ecosystems. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13398] [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: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Baker
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall UK
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
| | | | - Dana M. Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Kingston TAS Australia
| | - Jennie Whinam
- School of Geography and Spatial Science University of Tasmania Hobart TAS Australia
| | - Ilya M.D. Maclean
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall UK
| | - Melodie A. McGeoch
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Vic. Australia
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Bergstrom DM, Wienecke BC, van den Hoff J, Hughes L, Lindenmayer DB, Ainsworth TD, Baker CM, Bland L, Bowman DMJS, Brooks ST, Canadell JG, Constable AJ, Dafforn KA, Depledge MH, Dickson CR, Duke NC, Helmstedt KJ, Holz A, Johnson CR, McGeoch MA, Melbourne-Thomas J, Morgain R, Nicholson E, Prober SM, Raymond B, Ritchie EG, Robinson SA, Ruthrof KX, Setterfield SA, Sgrò CM, Stark JS, Travers T, Trebilco R, Ward DFL, Wardle GM, Williams KJ, Zylstra PJ, Shaw JD. Combating ecosystem collapse from the tropics to the Antarctic. Glob Chang Biol 2021; 27:1692-1703. [PMID: 33629799 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [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: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Globally, collapse of ecosystems-potentially irreversible change to ecosystem structure, composition and function-imperils biodiversity, human health and well-being. We examine the current state and recent trajectories of 19 ecosystems, spanning 58° of latitude across 7.7 M km2 , from Australia's coral reefs to terrestrial Antarctica. Pressures from global climate change and regional human impacts, occurring as chronic 'presses' and/or acute 'pulses', drive ecosystem collapse. Ecosystem responses to 5-17 pressures were categorised as four collapse profiles-abrupt, smooth, stepped and fluctuating. The manifestation of widespread ecosystem collapse is a stark warning of the necessity to take action. We present a three-step assessment and management framework (3As Pathway Awareness, Anticipation and Action) to aid strategic and effective mitigation to alleviate further degradation to help secure our future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Kingston, Tas., Australia
- Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Barbara C Wienecke
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Kingston, Tas., Australia
| | - John van den Hoff
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Kingston, Tas., Australia
| | | | - David B Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Tracy D Ainsworth
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher M Baker
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Data Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Lucie Bland
- Eureka Publishing, Thornbury, Vic., Australia
| | - David M J S Bowman
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas., Australia
| | - Shaun T Brooks
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
| | - Josep G Canadell
- Climate Science Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT, Australia
| | - Andrew J Constable
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
| | | | - Michael H Depledge
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | | | - Norman C Duke
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Kate J Helmstedt
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Andrés Holz
- Department of Geography, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Craig R Johnson
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
| | - Melodie A McGeoch
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Jessica Melbourne-Thomas
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Oceans and Atmosphere, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
| | - Rachel Morgain
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Emily Nicholson
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Vic., Australia
| | - Suzanne M Prober
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Land and Water, Wembley, WA, Australia
| | - Ben Raymond
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Kingston, Tas., Australia
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Vic., Australia
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Katinka X Ruthrof
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | | | - Carla M Sgrò
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Jonathan S Stark
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Kingston, Tas., Australia
| | - Toby Travers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
| | - Rowan Trebilco
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Oceans and Atmosphere, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
| | - Delphi F L Ward
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tas., Australia
| | - Glenda M Wardle
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristen J Williams
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Phillip J Zylstra
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Justine D Shaw
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
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Dickson CR, Baker DJ, Bergstrom DM, Brookes RH, Whinam J, McGeoch MA. Widespread dieback in a foundation species on a sub‐Antarctic World Heritage Island: Fine‐scale patterns and likely drivers. AUSTRAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David J. Baker
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria3800Australia
| | - Dana M. Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic DivisionDepartment of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Kingston TasmaniaAustralia
| | - Rowan H. Brookes
- Melbourne School for Professional and Continuing Education The University of Melbourne Melbourne VictoriaAustralia
| | - Jennie Whinam
- School of Geography and Spatial Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Melodie A. McGeoch
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria3800Australia
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8
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Robinson SA, Klekociuk AR, King DH, Pizarro Rojas M, Zúñiga GE, Bergstrom DM. The 2019/2020 summer of Antarctic heatwaves. Glob Chang Biol 2020; 26:3178-3180. [PMID: 32227664 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
This summer, a heatwave across Antarctica saw temperatures soar above average. Temperatures above zero are especially significant because they accelerate ice melt. Casey Station had its highest temperature ever, reaching a maximum of 9.2°C and minimum of 2.5°C. The highest temperature in Antarctica was 20.75°C on 9 February. Here we discuss the biological implications of such extreme events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A Robinson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences & Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew R Klekociuk
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Kingston, Tas., Australia
- Australian Antarctic Program Partnership, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas., Australia
| | - Diana H King
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences & Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Marisol Pizarro Rojas
- Facultad de Química y Biología and CEDENNA, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gustavo E Zúñiga
- Facultad de Química y Biología and CEDENNA, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Dana M Bergstrom
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences & Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Kingston, Tas., Australia
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Molina-Montenegro MA, Bergstrom DM, Chwedorzewska KJ, Convey P, Chown SL. Increasing impacts by Antarctica’s most widespread invasive plant species as result of direct competition with native vascular plants. NB 2019. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.51.37250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Biological invasions represent significant economic and conservation challenges, though it is widely acknowledged that their impacts are often poorly documented and difficult to predict. In the Antarctic, one non-native vascular plant species is widespread and studies have shown negative impacts on native flora. Using field “common garden” experiments, we evaluate the competitive impact of the increasingly widespread invasive grass Poa annua on the only two native vascular species of Antarctica, the forb Colobanthus quitensis and the grass Deschampsia antarctica. We focus on interactions between these three plant species under current and a future, wetter, climate scenario, in terms of density of individuals. Our analysis demonstrates Poa annua has the potential to have negative impacts on the survival and growth of the native Antarctic vascular species. Under predicted future wetter conditions, C. quitensis communities will become more resistant to invasion, while those dominated by D. antarctica will become less resistant. Under a recently developed unified scheme for non-native species impacts, P. annua can be considered a species that can cause potentially moderate to major impacts in Antarctica. If current patterns of increased human pressure and regional climate change persist and mitigation action is not taken (i.e. reduction of propagule pressure and eradication or control measures), P. annua is likely to spread in Antarctica, especially in the Antarctic Peninsula region, with significant negative consequences for some of the most remote and pristine ecosystems worldwide. Tighter biosecurity across all operators in the region, improved surveillance for the species, and prompt, effective control actions will reduce these risks.
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10
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Dickson CR, Baker DJ, Bergstrom DM, Bricher PK, Brookes RH, Raymond B, Selkirk PM, Shaw JD, Terauds A, Whinam J, McGeoch MA. Spatial variation in the ongoing and widespread decline of a keystone plant species. AUSTRAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R. Dickson
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton 3800 Victoria Australia
| | - David J. Baker
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton 3800 Victoria Australia
| | | | - Phillippa K. Bricher
- Southern Ocean Observing System and Antarctic Gateway Partnership; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Rowan H. Brookes
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton 3800 Victoria Australia
| | - Ben Raymond
- Australian Antarctic Division; Kingston Tasmania Australia
| | - Patricia M. Selkirk
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Justine D. Shaw
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Aleks Terauds
- Australian Antarctic Division; Kingston Tasmania Australia
| | - Jennie Whinam
- School of Technology, Environments and Design; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Melodie A. McGeoch
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton 3800 Victoria Australia
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11
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Hoffmann AA, Rymer PD, Byrne M, Ruthrof KX, Whinam J, McGeoch M, Bergstrom DM, Guerin GR, Sparrow B, Joseph L, Hill SJ, Andrew NR, Camac J, Bell N, Riegler M, Gardner JL, Williams SE. Impacts of recent climate change on terrestrial flora and fauna: Some emerging Australian examples. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ary A. Hoffmann
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group School of BioSciences Bio21 Institute The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Paul D. Rymer
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment University of Western Sydney Penrith New South Wales
| | - Margaret Byrne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions Science Division Bentley Delivery Centre Bentley Western Australia Australia
| | - Katinka X. Ruthrof
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park Science Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Jennie Whinam
- Geography and Spatial Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Melodie McGeoch
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | - Greg R. Guerin
- TERN School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Ben Sparrow
- TERN School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Leo Joseph
- Australian National Wildlife Collection National Research Collections Australia CSIRO Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Sarah J. Hill
- Insect Ecology Lab Centre of Excellence for Behavioural and Physiological Ecology University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Nigel R. Andrew
- Insect Ecology Lab Centre of Excellence for Behavioural and Physiological Ecology University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - James Camac
- Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Nicholas Bell
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group School of BioSciences Bio21 Institute The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Markus Riegler
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment University of Western Sydney Penrith New South Wales
| | - Janet L. Gardner
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Stephen E. Williams
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science College of Science & Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
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Brooks ST, Jabour J, Sharman AJ, Bergstrom DM. An analysis of environmental incidents for a national Antarctic program. J Environ Manage 2018; 212:340-348. [PMID: 29453119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Research stations in Antarctica are concentrated on scarce ice-free habitats. Operating these stations in the harsh Antarctic climate provides many challenges, including the need to handle bulk fuel and cargo increasing the risk of environmental incidents. We examined 195 reports of environmental incidents from the Australian Antarctic Program, spanning six years, to investigate the impacts and pathways of contemporary environmental incidents. Fuel and chemical spills were most common, followed by biosecurity incursions. The majority of reports were assessed as having insignificant actual impacts. Either the incidents were small, or active, rapid response and mitigation procedures minimised impact. During the period only one spill report (4000 l) was assessed as a 'high' impact. This is despite over 13 million litres of diesel utilised. The majority of incidents occurred within the existing station footprints. The pathways leading to the incidents varied, with technical causes predominately leading to spills, and procedural failures leading to biosecurity incursions. The large number of reports with inconsequential impacts suggest an effective environmental management system with a good culture of reporting environmental incidents. Our findings suggest that the key to continual improvement in an ongoing environmental management system is to learn from incidences and take action to prevent them occurring again, with an end-goal of minimising the residual risk as much as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun T Brooks
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Julia Jabour
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andy J Sharman
- Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Dana M Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
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Pertierra LR, Aragón P, Shaw JD, Bergstrom DM, Terauds A, Olalla-Tárraga MÁ. Global thermal niche models of two European grasses show high invasion risks in Antarctica. Glob Chang Biol 2017; 23:2863-2873. [PMID: 27976462 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The two non-native grasses that have established long-term populations in Antarctica (Poa pratensis and Poa annua) were studied from a global multidimensional thermal niche perspective to address the biological invasion risk to Antarctica. These two species exhibit contrasting introduction histories and reproductive strategies and represent two referential case studies of biological invasion processes. We used a multistep process with a range of species distribution modelling techniques (ecological niche factor analysis, multidimensional envelopes, distance/entropy algorithms) together with a suite of thermoclimatic variables, to characterize the potential ranges of these species. Their native bioclimatic thermal envelopes in Eurasia, together with the different naturalized populations across continents, were compared next. The potential niche of P. pratensis was wider at the cold extremes; however, P. annua life history attributes enable it to be a more successful colonizer. We observe that particularly cold summers are a key aspect of the unique Antarctic environment. In consequence, ruderals such as P. annua can quickly expand under such harsh conditions, whereas the more stress-tolerant P. pratensis endures and persist through steady growth. Compiled data on human pressure at the Antarctic Peninsula allowed us to provide site-specific biosecurity risk indicators. We conclude that several areas across the region are vulnerable to invasions from these and other similar species. This can only be visualized in species distribution models (SDMs) when accounting for founder populations that reveal nonanalogous conditions. Results reinforce the need for strict management practices to minimize introductions. Furthermore, our novel set of temperature-based bioclimatic GIS layers for ice-free terrestrial Antarctica provide a mechanism for regional and global species distribution models to be built for other potentially invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis R Pertierra
- Área de Biodiversidad, Department de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán S/N, Móstoles, Madrid, 28933, Spain
| | - Pedro Aragón
- Department de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, C/José Abascal 2, Madrid, Madrid, 28006, Spain
| | - Justine D Shaw
- Antarctic Conservation and Management, Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Hwy, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - Dana M Bergstrom
- Antarctic Conservation and Management, Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Hwy, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia
| | - Aleks Terauds
- Antarctic Conservation and Management, Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Hwy, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia
| | - Miguel Ángel Olalla-Tárraga
- Área de Biodiversidad, Department de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán S/N, Móstoles, Madrid, 28933, Spain
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Rolland V, Bergstrom DM, Lenné T, Bryant G, Chen H, Wolfe J, Holbrook NM, Stanton DE, Ball MC. Easy Come, Easy Go: Capillary Forces Enable Rapid Refilling of Embolized Primary Xylem Vessels. Plant Physiol 2015; 168:1636-47. [PMID: 26091819 PMCID: PMC4528742 DOI: 10.1104/pp.15.00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Protoxylem plays an important role in the hydraulic function of vascular systems of both herbaceous and woody plants, but relatively little is known about the processes underlying the maintenance of protoxylem function in long-lived tissues. In this study, embolism repair was investigated in relation to xylem structure in two cushion plant species, Azorella macquariensis and Colobanthus muscoides, in which vascular water transport depends on protoxylem. Their protoxylem vessels consisted of a primary wall with helical thickenings that effectively formed a pit channel, with the primary wall being the pit channel membrane. Stem protoxylem was organized such that the pit channel membranes connected vessels with paratracheal parenchyma or other protoxylem vessels and were not exposed directly to air spaces. Embolism was experimentally induced in excised vascular tissue and detached shoots by exposing them briefly to air. When water was resupplied, embolized vessels refilled within tens of seconds (excised tissue) to a few minutes (detached shoots) with water sourced from either adjacent parenchyma or water-filled vessels. Refilling occurred in two phases: (1) water refilled xylem pit channels, simplifying bubble shape to a rod with two menisci; and (2) the bubble contracted as the resorption front advanced, dissolving air along the way. Physical properties of the protoxylem vessels (namely pit channel membrane porosity, hydrophilic walls, vessel dimensions, and helical thickenings) promoted rapid refilling of embolized conduits independent of root pressure. These results have implications for the maintenance of vascular function in both herbaceous and woody species, because protoxylem plays a major role in the hydraulic systems of leaves, elongating stems, and roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Rolland
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology (V.R., T.L., D.E.S., M.C.B.), and Centre for Advanced Microscopy (H.C.), Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia;Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia (D.M.B.);Center for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia (G.B.);School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia (J.W.); andDepartment of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 (N.M.H.)
| | - Dana M Bergstrom
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology (V.R., T.L., D.E.S., M.C.B.), and Centre for Advanced Microscopy (H.C.), Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia;Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia (D.M.B.);Center for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia (G.B.);School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia (J.W.); andDepartment of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 (N.M.H.)
| | - Thomas Lenné
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology (V.R., T.L., D.E.S., M.C.B.), and Centre for Advanced Microscopy (H.C.), Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia;Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia (D.M.B.);Center for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia (G.B.);School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia (J.W.); andDepartment of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 (N.M.H.)
| | - Gary Bryant
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology (V.R., T.L., D.E.S., M.C.B.), and Centre for Advanced Microscopy (H.C.), Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia;Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia (D.M.B.);Center for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia (G.B.);School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia (J.W.); andDepartment of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 (N.M.H.)
| | - Hua Chen
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology (V.R., T.L., D.E.S., M.C.B.), and Centre for Advanced Microscopy (H.C.), Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia;Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia (D.M.B.);Center for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia (G.B.);School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia (J.W.); andDepartment of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 (N.M.H.)
| | - Joe Wolfe
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology (V.R., T.L., D.E.S., M.C.B.), and Centre for Advanced Microscopy (H.C.), Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia;Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia (D.M.B.);Center for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia (G.B.);School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia (J.W.); andDepartment of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 (N.M.H.)
| | - N Michele Holbrook
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology (V.R., T.L., D.E.S., M.C.B.), and Centre for Advanced Microscopy (H.C.), Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia;Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia (D.M.B.);Center for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia (G.B.);School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia (J.W.); andDepartment of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 (N.M.H.)
| | - Daniel E Stanton
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology (V.R., T.L., D.E.S., M.C.B.), and Centre for Advanced Microscopy (H.C.), Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia;Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia (D.M.B.);Center for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia (G.B.);School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia (J.W.); andDepartment of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 (N.M.H.)
| | - Marilyn C Ball
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology (V.R., T.L., D.E.S., M.C.B.), and Centre for Advanced Microscopy (H.C.), Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia;Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia (D.M.B.);Center for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia (G.B.);School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia (J.W.); andDepartment of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 (N.M.H.)
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Schortemeyer M, Evans JR, Bruhn D, Bergstrom DM, Ball MC. Temperature responses of photosynthesis and respiration in a sub-Antarctic megaherb from Heard Island. Funct Plant Biol 2015; 42:552-564. [PMID: 32480700 DOI: 10.1071/fp14134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the response of sub-Antarctic plants to a warming climate requires an understanding of the relationship of carbon gain and loss to temperature. In a field study on Heard Island, we investigated the responses of photosynthesis and respiration of the sub-Antarctic megaherb Pringlea antiscorbutica R. Br. to temperature. This was done by instantaneously manipulating leaf temperature in a gas exchange cuvette on plants adapted to natural temperature variation along an altitudinal gradient. There was little altitudinal variation in the temperature response of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis was much less responsive to temperature than electron transport, suggesting that Rubisco activity was generally the rate-limiting process. The temperature response of leaf respiration rates was greater in cold-grown (high altitude) plants compared with warm-grown (low altitude) plants. This thermal acclimation would enable plants to maintain a positive carbon budget over a greater temperature range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Schortemeyer
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - John R Evans
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Dan Bruhn
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Dana M Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of the Environment, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tas. 7050, Australia
| | - Marilyn C Ball
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
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Bergstrom DM, Bricher PK, Raymond B, Terauds A, Doley D, McGeoch MA, Whinam J, Glen M, Yuan Z, Kiefer K, Shaw JD, Bramely-Alves J, Rudman T, Mohammed C, Lucieer A, Visoiu M, Jansen van Vuuren B, Ball MC. Rapid collapse of a sub-Antarctic alpine ecosystem: the role of climate and pathogens. J Appl Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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)
- Dana M. Bergstrom
- Department of the Environment; Australian Antarctic Division; 203 Channel Highway Kingston Tas. 7050 Australia
| | - Phillippa K. Bricher
- School of Land and Food; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. 7001 Australia
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. 7001 Australia
| | - Ben Raymond
- Department of the Environment; Australian Antarctic Division; 203 Channel Highway Kingston Tas. 7050 Australia
| | - Aleks Terauds
- Department of the Environment; Australian Antarctic Division; 203 Channel Highway Kingston Tas. 7050 Australia
| | - David Doley
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Melodie A. McGeoch
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Jennie Whinam
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment; Hobart Tas. 7000 Australia
| | - Morag Glen
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. 7001 Australia
| | - Ziqing Yuan
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment; Hobart Tas. 7000 Australia
| | - Kate Kiefer
- Department of the Environment; Australian Antarctic Division; 203 Channel Highway Kingston Tas. 7050 Australia
| | - Justine D. Shaw
- Department of the Environment; Australian Antarctic Division; 203 Channel Highway Kingston Tas. 7050 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Jessica Bramely-Alves
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Wollongong; Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Tim Rudman
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment; Hobart Tas. 7000 Australia
| | - Caroline Mohammed
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. 7001 Australia
| | - Arko Lucieer
- School of Land and Food; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. 7001 Australia
| | - Micah Visoiu
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment; Hobart Tas. 7000 Australia
| | | | - Marilyn C. Ball
- Science Division; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
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Bricher PK, Lucieer A, Shaw J, Terauds A, Bergstrom DM. Mapping sub-antarctic cushion plants using random forests to combine very high resolution satellite imagery and terrain modelling. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72093. [PMID: 23940805 PMCID: PMC3733920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring changes in the distribution and density of plant species often requires accurate and high-resolution baseline maps of those species. Detecting such change at the landscape scale is often problematic, particularly in remote areas. We examine a new technique to improve accuracy and objectivity in mapping vegetation, combining species distribution modelling and satellite image classification on a remote sub-Antarctic island. In this study, we combine spectral data from very high resolution WorldView-2 satellite imagery and terrain variables from a high resolution digital elevation model to improve mapping accuracy, in both pixel- and object-based classifications. Random forest classification was used to explore the effectiveness of these approaches on mapping the distribution of the critically endangered cushion plant Azorella macquariensis Orchard (Apiaceae) on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. Both pixel- and object-based classifications of the distribution of Azorella achieved very high overall validation accuracies (91.6-96.3%, κ = 0.849-0.924). Both two-class and three-class classifications were able to accurately and consistently identify the areas where Azorella was absent, indicating that these maps provide a suitable baseline for monitoring expected change in the distribution of the cushion plants. Detecting such change is critical given the threats this species is currently facing under altering environmental conditions. The method presented here has applications to monitoring a range of species, particularly in remote and isolated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillippa K Bricher
- School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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Chown SL, Lee JE, Hughes KA, Barnes J, Barrett PJ, Bergstrom DM, Convey P, Cowan DA, Crosbie K, Dyer G, Frenot Y, Grant SM, Herr D, Kennicutt MC, Lamers M, Murray A, Possingham HP, Reid K, Riddle MJ, Ryan PG, Sanson L, Shaw JD, Sparrow MD, Summerhayes C, Terauds A, Wall DH. Conservation. Challenges to the future conservation of the Antarctic. Science 2012; 337:158-9. [PMID: 22798586 DOI: 10.1126/science.1222821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [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: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S L Chown
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleks Terauds
- Centre for Invasion Biology Department of Botany and Zoology Stellenbosch University Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602 South Africa
- Australian Antarctic Division Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 203 Channel Highway Kingston 7050 Tas. Australia
| | - Steven L. Chown
- Centre for Invasion Biology Department of Botany and Zoology Stellenbosch University Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602 South Africa
| | - Fraser Morgan
- Landcare Research New Zealand, Private Bag 92170 Auckland Mail Centre Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Helen J. Peat
- British Antarctic Survey Natural Environment Research Council High Cross, Madingley Road Cambridge CB3 0ET UK
| | - David J. Watts
- Australian Antarctic Division Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 203 Channel Highway Kingston 7050 Tas. Australia
| | - Harry Keys
- Department of Conservation Private Bag Turangi 3335 New Zealand
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey Natural Environment Research Council High Cross, Madingley Road Cambridge CB3 0ET UK
| | - Dana M. Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 203 Channel Highway Kingston 7050 Tas. Australia
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Terauds A, Chown SL, Bergstrom DM. Spatial scale and species identity influence the indigenous–alien diversity relationship in springtails. Ecology 2011; 92:1436-47. [DOI: 10.1890/10-2216.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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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Raymond B, McInnes J, Dambacher JM, Way S, Bergstrom DM. Qualitative modelling of invasive species eradication on subantarctic Macquarie Island. J Appl Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bergstrom DM, Lucieer A, Kiefer K, Wasley J, Belbin L, Pedersen TK, Chown SL. Management implications of the Macquarie Island trophic cascade revisited: a reply to Dowdinget��al.(2009). J Appl Ecol 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2009.01708.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Bergstrom DM, Lucieer A, Kiefer K, Wasley J, Belbin L, Pedersen TK, Chown SL. Indirect effects of invasive species removal devastate World Heritage Island. J Appl Ecol 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2008.01601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Shaw JD, Hovenden MJ, Bergstrom DM. The impact of introduced ship rats (Rattus rattus) on seedling recruitment and distribution of a subantarctic megaherb (Pleurophyllum hookeri). AUSTRAL ECOL 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2005.01430.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Frenot Y, Chown SL, Whinam J, Selkirk PM, Convey P, Skotnicki M, Bergstrom DM. Biological invasions in the Antarctic: extent, impacts and implications. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2005; 80:45-72. [PMID: 15727038 DOI: 10.1017/s1464793104006542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alien microbes, fungi, plants and animals occur on most of the sub-Antarctic islands and some parts of the Antarctic continent. These have arrived over approximately the last two centuries, coincident with human activity in the region. Introduction routes have varied, but are largely associated with movement of people and cargo in connection with industrial, national scientific program and tourist operations. The large majority of aliens are European in origin. They have both direct and indirect impacts on the functioning of species-poor Antarctic ecosystems, in particular including substantial loss of local biodiversity and changes to ecosystem processes. With rapid climate change occurring in some parts of Antarctica, elevated numbers of introductions and enhanced success of colonization by aliens are likely, with consequent increases in impacts on ecosystems. Mitigation measures that will substantially reduce the risk of introductions to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic must focus on reducing propagule loads on humans, and their food, cargo, and transport vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Frenot
- UMR 6553 CNRS-Université de Rennes and French Polar Institute (IPEV), Station Biologique, F-35380 Paimpont, France.
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Bergstrom DM, Stewart GR, Selkirk PM, Schmidt S. 15N natural abundance of fossil peat reflects the influence of animal-derived nitrogen on vegetation. Oecologia 2002; 130:309-314. [DOI: 10.1007/s004420100807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2001] [Accepted: 08/10/2001] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Erskine PD, Bergstrom DM, Schmidt S, Stewart GR, Tweedie CE, Shaw JD. Subantarctic Macquarie Island - a model ecosystem for studying animal-derived nitrogen sources using 15N natural abundance. Oecologia 1998; 117:187-193. [PMID: 28308485 DOI: 10.1007/s004420050647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Plants collected from diverse sites on subantarctic Macquarie Island varied by up to 30‰ in their leaf δ15N values. 15N natural abundance of plants, soils, animal excrement and atmospheric ammonia suggest that the majority of nitrogen utilised by plants growing in the vicinity of animal colonies or burrows is animal-derived. Plants growing near scavengers and animal higher in the food chain had highly enriched δ15N values (mean = 12.9‰), reflecting the highly enriched signature of these animals' excrement, while plants growing near nesting penguins and albatross, which have an intermediate food chain position, had less enriched δ15N values (>6‰). Vegetation in areas affected by rabbits had lower δ15N values (mean = 1.2‰), while the highly depleted δ15N values (below -5‰) of plants at upland plateau sites inland of penguin colonies, suggested that a portion of their nitrogen is derived from ammonia (mean 15N =-10‰) lost during the degradation of penguin guano. Vegetation in a remote area had δ15N values near -2‰. These results contrast with arctic and subarctic studies that attribute large variations in plant 15N values to nitrogen partitioning in nitrogen-limited environments. Here, plant 15N reflects the 15N of the likely nitrogen sources utilised by plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Erskine
- Department of Botany, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD Brisbane, Australia e-mail: , Fax: +61-7-33651699, , , , , , AU
| | - Dana M Bergstrom
- Department of Botany, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD Brisbane, Australia e-mail: , Fax: +61-7-33651699, , , , , , AU
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- Department of Botany, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD Brisbane, Australia e-mail: , Fax: +61-7-33651699, , , , , , AU
| | - George R Stewart
- Department of Botany, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD Brisbane, Australia e-mail: , Fax: +61-7-33651699, , , , , , AU
| | - Craig E Tweedie
- Department of Botany, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD Brisbane, Australia e-mail: , Fax: +61-7-33651699, , , , , , AU
| | - Justine D Shaw
- Department of Botany, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD Brisbane, Australia e-mail: , Fax: +61-7-33651699, , , , , , AU
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