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Sheard JK, Adriaens T, Bowler DE, Büermann A, Callaghan CT, Camprasse ECM, Chowdhury S, Engel T, Finch EA, von Gönner J, Hsing PY, Mikula P, Rachel Oh RY, Peters B, Phartyal SS, Pocock MJO, Wäldchen J, Bonn A. Emerging technologies in citizen science and potential for insect monitoring. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230106. [PMID: 38705194 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging technologies are increasingly employed in environmental citizen science projects. This integration offers benefits and opportunities for scientists and participants alike. Citizen science can support large-scale, long-term monitoring of species occurrences, behaviour and interactions. At the same time, technologies can foster participant engagement, regardless of pre-existing taxonomic expertise or experience, and permit new types of data to be collected. Yet, technologies may also create challenges by potentially increasing financial costs, necessitating technological expertise or demanding training of participants. Technology could also reduce people's direct involvement and engagement with nature. In this perspective, we discuss how current technologies have spurred an increase in citizen science projects and how the implementation of emerging technologies in citizen science may enhance scientific impact and public engagement. We show how technology can act as (i) a facilitator of current citizen science and monitoring efforts, (ii) an enabler of new research opportunities, and (iii) a transformer of science, policy and public participation, but could also become (iv) an inhibitor of participation, equity and scientific rigour. Technology is developing fast and promises to provide many exciting opportunities for citizen science and insect monitoring, but while we seize these opportunities, we must remain vigilant against potential risks. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Koch Sheard
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tim Adriaens
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Havenlaan 88 bus 73, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Diana E Bowler
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Andrea Büermann
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Corey T Callaghan
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, FL 33314, USA
| | - Elodie C M Camprasse
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Shawan Chowdhury
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thore Engel
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elizabeth A Finch
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia von Gönner
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pen-Yuan Hsing
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Peter Mikula
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Ecoclimatology, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 2a, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rui Ying Rachel Oh
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Birte Peters
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Shyam S Phartyal
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir 803116, India
| | - Michael J O Pocock
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Jana Wäldchen
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Biogeochemical Integration, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Hans-Knöll-Straße 10, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Aletta Bonn
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Kéry M, Royle JA, Hallman T, Robinson WD, Strebel N, Kellner KF. Integrated distance sampling models for simple point counts. Ecology 2024; 105:e4292. [PMID: 38538534 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4292] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Point counts (PCs) are widely used in biodiversity surveys but, despite numerous advantages, simple PCs suffer from several problems: detectability, and therefore abundance, is unknown; systematic spatiotemporal variation in detectability yields biased inferences, and unknown survey area prevents formal density estimation and scaling-up to the landscape level. We introduce integrated distance sampling (IDS) models that combine distance sampling (DS) with simple PC or detection/nondetection (DND) data to capitalize on the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses of each data type. Key to IDS models is the view of simple PC and DND data as aggregations of latent DS surveys that observe the same underlying density process. This enables the estimation of separate detection functions, along with distinct covariate effects, for all data types. Additional information from repeat or time-removal surveys, or variable survey duration, enables the separate estimation of the availability and perceptibility components of detectability with DS and PC data. IDS models reconcile spatial and temporal mismatches among data sets and solve the above-mentioned problems of simple PC and DND data. To fit IDS models, we provide JAGS code and the new "IDS()" function in the R package unmarked. Extant citizen-science data generally lack the information necessary to adjust for detection biases, but IDS models address this shortcoming, thus greatly extending the utility and reach of these data. In addition, they enable formal density estimation in hybrid designs, which efficiently combine DS with distance-free, point-based PC or DND surveys. We believe that IDS models have considerable scope in ecology, management, and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Kéry
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - J Andrew Royle
- USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Tyler Hallman
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - W Douglas Robinson
- Oak Creek Laboratory of Biology, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Kenneth F Kellner
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Yancy AJ, Lee BR, Kuebbing SE, Neufeld HS, Spicer ME, Heberling JM. Evaluating the definition and distribution of spring ephemeral wildflowers in eastern North America. Am J Bot 2024:e16323. [PMID: 38659163 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16323] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PREMISE The herbaceous layer accounts for the majority of plant biodiversity in eastern North American forests, encompassing substantial variation in life history strategy and function. One group of early-season herbaceous understory species, colloquially referred to as spring ephemeral wildflowers, are ecologically and culturally important, but little is known about the prevalence and biogeographic patterns of the spring ephemeral strategy. METHODS We used observations collected by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to quantify the ephemerality of 559 understory forb species across eastern North America and classify them according to a continuous ephemerality index (ranging from 0 = never ephemeral to 1 = always ephemeral). We then used this information to model where ephemeral forbs were most common across the landscape with the goal of identifying geographic and environmental drivers important to their distributions and ranges. RESULTS Only 3.4% of all understory wildflower species were spring ephemerals in all parts of their range, and 18.4% (103 species) were ephemeral in at least part of their range. Spring ephemerals peaked in absolute species richness and relative proportion at mid latitudes. CONCLUSIONS Spring ephemeral phenology is an important shade-avoidance strategy for a large segment of the total understory species in temperate deciduous forests. In North America, the strategy is relatively most important for forest understories at mid latitudes. The definitions of spring ephemerality we provide here serve as an important ecological context for conservation priorities and to evaluate responses of this biodiverse group to future environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby J Yancy
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Section of Botany, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, 15213 USA, PA
- Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4107 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, 15260, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin R Lee
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Section of Botany, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, 15213 USA, PA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4249 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, 15260, PA, USA
- Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 44094, OH, USA
| | - Sara E Kuebbing
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Section of Botany, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, 15213 USA, PA
- The Forest School, Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, 06511, CT, USA
| | - Howard S Neufeld
- Appalachian State University Dept. of Biology, 572 Rivers Street, Boone, 28608, NC, USA
| | - Michelle Elise Spicer
- Lehigh University Dept. of Earth and Environmental Science, 1 West Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, 18015, PA, USA
| | - J Mason Heberling
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Section of Botany, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, 15213 USA, PA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4249 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, 15260, PA, USA
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Costa J, Pothier JF, Bosis E, Boch J, Kölliker R, Koebnik R. A Community-Curated DokuWiki Resource on Diagnostics, Diversity, Pathogenicity, and Genetic Control of Xanthomonads. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 2024; 37:347-353. [PMID: 38114082 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-11-23-0184-fi] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Xanthomonads, including Xanthomonas and Xylella species, constitute a large and significant group of economically and ecologically important plant pathogens. Up-to-date knowledge of these pathogens and their hosts is essential for the development of suitable control measures. Traditional review articles or book chapters have inherent limitations, including static content and rapid obsolescence. To address these challenges, we have developed a Web-based knowledge platform dedicated to xanthomonads, inspired by the concept of living systematic reviews. This platform offers a dynamic resource that encompasses bacterial virulence factors, plant resistance genes, and tools for diagnostics and genetic diversity studies. Our goal is to facilitate access for newcomers to the field, provide continuing education opportunities for students, assist plant protection services with diagnostics, provide valuable information to breeders on sources of resistance and breeding targets, and offer comprehensive expert knowledge to other stakeholders interested in plant-pathogenic xanthomonads. This resource is available for queries and updates at https://euroxanth.ipn.pt. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Costa
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology-Science for People & the Planet, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory for Phytopathology, Instituto Pedro Nunes, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joël F Pothier
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Research Group, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Eran Bosis
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel, Israel
| | - Jens Boch
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Roland Kölliker
- Molecular Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ralf Koebnik
- Plant Health Institute of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
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Camins E, Stanton LM, Correia M, Foster SJ, Koldewey HJ, Vincent ACJ. Advances in life-history knowledge for 35 seahorse species from community science. J Fish Biol 2024. [PMID: 38408838 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15699] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Marine community science presents an important route to gather valuable scientific information while also influencing local management and policy, thus contributing to marine conservation efforts. Because seahorses are cryptic but charismatic species, they are good candidates for engaging diverse people to help overcome the many gaps in biological knowledge. We have synthesized information contributed to the community science project iSeahorse from October 2013 to April 2022 for 35 of 46 known seahorse species. We then compared the obtained results with information in existing IUCN Red List assessments, executed from 2014 to 2017, to explore the potential of iSeahorse in expanding seahorse knowledge. Our results show updated geographic ranges for 7 seahorse species, new habitats described for 24 species, observations outside the previously recorded depth range for 14 species, and new information on sex ratio for 15 species and on pregnancy seasonality for 11 species. As one example of the power of iSeahorse, contributed observations on Coleman's pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus colemani) indicated that its geographic range is thousands of square kilometers larger, its habitat more diverse, and its depth range shallower than previously known. It is clear that iSeahorse is expanding knowledge on seahorses to a level that will help improve IUCN Red List assessments. The power of community science for marine conservation in general needs to be fully explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Camins
- Project Seahorse, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Seahorse, Pipefish, and Seadragon Specialist Group, IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Lily M Stanton
- Project Seahorse, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Seahorse, Pipefish, and Seadragon Specialist Group, IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Correia
- Project Seahorse, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Seahorse, Pipefish, and Seadragon Specialist Group, IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Sarah J Foster
- Project Seahorse, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Seahorse, Pipefish, and Seadragon Specialist Group, IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Heather J Koldewey
- Seahorse, Pipefish, and Seadragon Specialist Group, IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland
- Project Seahorse, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK
| | - Amanada C J Vincent
- Project Seahorse, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Seahorse, Pipefish, and Seadragon Specialist Group, IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland
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Backstrom LJ, Callaghan CT, Leseberg NP, Sanderson C, Fuller RA, Watson JEM. Assessing adequacy of citizen science datasets for biodiversity monitoring. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10857. [PMID: 38304273 PMCID: PMC10830347 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10857] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tracking the state of biodiversity over time is critical to successful conservation, but conventional monitoring schemes tend to be insufficient to adequately quantify how species' abundances and distributions are changing. One solution to this issue is to leverage data generated by citizen scientists, who collect vast quantities of data at temporal and spatial scales that cannot be matched by most traditional monitoring methods. However, the quality of citizen science data can vary greatly. In this paper, we develop three metrics (inventory completeness, range completeness, spatial bias) to assess the adequacy of spatial observation data. We explore the adequacy of citizen science data at the species level for Australia's terrestrial native birds and then model these metrics against a suite of seven species traits (threat status, taxonomic uniqueness, body mass, average count, range size, species density, and human population density) to identify predictors of data adequacy. We find that citizen science data adequacy for Australian birds is increasing across two of our metrics (inventory completeness and range completeness), but not spatial bias, which has worsened over time. Relationships between the three metrics and seven traits we modelled were variable, with only two traits having consistently significant relationships across the three metrics. Our results suggest that although citizen science data adequacy has generally increased over time, there are still gaps in the spatial adequacy of citizen science for monitoring many Australian birds. Despite these gaps, citizen science can play an important role in biodiversity monitoring by providing valuable baseline data that may be supplemented by information collected through other methods. We believe the metrics presented here constitute an easily applied approach to assessing the utility of citizen science datasets for biodiversity analyses, allowing researchers to identify and prioritise regions or species with lower data adequacy that will benefit most from targeted monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J. Backstrom
- School of the Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingThe University of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Corey T. Callaghan
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education CenterUniversity of FloridaDavieFloridaUSA
| | - Nicholas P. Leseberg
- School of the Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
- Research and Recovery of Endangered Species GroupThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Chris Sanderson
- School of the Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Richard A. Fuller
- School of the Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - James E. M. Watson
- School of the Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
- Research and Recovery of Endangered Species GroupThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
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Martin PR, Robinson OJ, Bonier F. Rare edges and abundant cores: range-wide variation in abundance in North American birds. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20231760. [PMID: 38290543 PMCID: PMC10827439 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1760] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding how the abundance of species varies across geographical ranges is central to ecology; however, few studies test hypotheses using detailed abundance estimates across the full ranges of species on a continental scale. Here, we use unprecedented, detailed estimates of breeding abundance for North American birds (eBird) to test two hypotheses for how abundance varies across species' ranges. We find widespread support for the rare-edge hypothesis-where the abundance of species declines near the range edge-reflecting both reduced occurrence and lower local abundance near range edges. By contrast, we find mixed support for the abundant-centre hypothesis-where the abundance of species peaks in the centre of the range and declines towards the edges-with limited support in conservative tests within species, but general support in among-species tests that control for unbalanced sampling and consider a broader definition of the range centre. Overall, results are consistent with a gradual decline in suitable conditions and increase in challenge towards the range edge that eventually limit the ability of populations to persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Martin
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
| | | | - Frances Bonier
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
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Srivastava DS, Harris N, Páez N, Rogy P, Westwood NE, Sandoval-Acuña P, Seetharaman K. Insects in the city: Determinants of a contained aquatic microecosystem across an urbanized landscape. Ecology 2024; 105:e4204. [PMID: 37926440 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Cities can have profound impacts on ecosystems, yet our understanding of these impacts is currently limited. First, the effects of the socioeconomic dimensions of human society are often overlooked. Second, correlative analyses are common, limiting our causal understanding of mechanisms. Third, most research has focused on terrestrial systems, ignoring aquatic systems that also provide important ecosystem services. Here we compare the effects of human population density and low-income prevalence on the macroinvertebrate communities and ecosystem processes within water-filled artificial tree holes. We hypothesized that these human demographic variables would affect tree holes in different ways via changes in temperature, water nutrients, and the local tree hole environment. We recruited community scientists across Greater Vancouver (Canada) to provide host trees and tend 50 tree holes over 14 weeks of colonization. We quantified tree hole ecosystems in terms of aquatic invertebrates, litter decomposition, and chlorophyll a (chl a). We compiled potential explanatory variables from field measurements, satellite images, or census databases. Using structural equation models, we showed that invertebrate abundance was affected by low-income prevalence but not human population density. This was driven by cosmopolitan species of Ceratopogonidae (Diptera) with known associations to anthropogenic containers. Invertebrate diversity and abundance were also affected by environmental factors, such as temperature, elevation, water nutrients, litter quantity, and exposure. By contrast, invertebrate biomass, chl a, and litter decomposition were not affected by any measured variables. In summary, this study shows that some urban ecosystems can be largely unaffected by human population density. Our study also demonstrates the potential of using artificial tree holes as a standardized, replicated habitat for studying urbanization. Finally, by combining community science and urban ecology, we were able to involve our local community in this pandemic research pivot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane S Srivastava
- Biodiversity Research Centre and Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Noam Harris
- Biodiversity Research Centre and Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nadia Páez
- Biodiversity Research Centre and Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pierre Rogy
- Biodiversity Research Centre and Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Natalie Elena Westwood
- Biodiversity Research Centre and Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pablo Sandoval-Acuña
- Biodiversity Research Centre and Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Keerthikrutha Seetharaman
- Biodiversity Research Centre and Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Petrenko JA, Martin PR, Fanelli RE, Bonier F. Urban tolerance does not protect against population decline in North American birds. Biol Lett 2024; 20:20230507. [PMID: 38290550 PMCID: PMC10827415 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0507] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Population declines of organisms are widespread and severe, but some species' populations have remained stable, or even increased. The reasons some species are less vulnerable to population decline than others are not well understood. Species that tolerate urban environments often have a broader environmental tolerance, which, along with their ability to tolerate one of the most human-modified habitats (i.e. cities), might allow them to persist in the face of diverse anthropogenic challenges. Here, we examined the relationship between urban tolerance and annual population trajectories for 397 North American bird species. Surprisingly, we found that urban tolerance was unrelated to species' population trajectories. The lack of a relationship between urban tolerance and population trajectories may reflect other factors driving population declines independent of urban tolerance, challenges that are amplified in cities (e.g. climate warming, disease), and other human impacts (e.g. conservation efforts, broad-scale land-use changes) that have benefitted some urban-avoidant species. Overall, our results illustrate that urban tolerance does not protect species against population decline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul R. Martin
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Rachel E. Fanelli
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Frances Bonier
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
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Rowe HI, Johnson B, Broatch J, Cruz TMP, Prudic KL. Winter Rains Support Butterfly Diversity, but Summer Monsoon Rainfall Drives Post-Monsoon Butterfly Abundance in the Arid Southwest of the US. Insects 2023; 15:5. [PMID: 38276819 PMCID: PMC10816195 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010005] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Butterfly populations are declining worldwide, reflecting our current global biodiversity crisis. Because butterflies are a popular and accurate indicator of insect populations, these declines reflect an even more widespread threat to insects and the food webs upon which they rely. As small ectotherms, insects have a narrow range of habitable conditions; hence, extreme fluctuations and shifts caused by climate change may increase insects' risk of extinction. We evaluated trends of butterfly richness and abundance and their relationship with relevant climate variables in Arizona, U.S.A., using the past 40 years of community science data. We focused on precipitation and temperature as they are known to be influential for insect survival, particularly in arid areas like southwestern U.S.A. We found that preceding winter precipitation is a driver of both spring and summer/fall butterfly richness and spring butterfly abundance. In contrast, summer/fall butterfly abundance was driven by summer monsoon precipitations. The statistically significant declines over the 40-year period were summer/fall butterfly abundance and spring butterfly richness. When controlling for the other variables in the model, there was an average annual 1.81% decline in summer/fall season butterfly abundance and an average annual decline of 2.13 species in the spring season. As climate change continues to negatively impact winter precipitation patterns in this arid region, we anticipate the loss of butterfly species in this region and must consider individual butterfly species trends and additional management and conservation needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Ivy Rowe
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
- Parsons Field Institute, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA
| | - Bradly Johnson
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University West, Phoenix, AZ 85069, USA (J.B.)
| | - Jennifer Broatch
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University West, Phoenix, AZ 85069, USA (J.B.)
| | - Terese Maxine Papag Cruz
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (T.M.P.C.); (K.L.P.)
| | - Kathleen L. Prudic
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (T.M.P.C.); (K.L.P.)
- Arizona Institute for Resilience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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11
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Lilkendey J. Conserve the open media ecosystem! Legal and ethical considerations when using online repositories for AI training in ecological research. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:2023-2028. [PMID: 37787081 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14311] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Ecological researchers who train Artificial Intelligence models using digital media have to be cognizant of legal and ethical implications when sourcing such content from online repositories. The way forward? Complying with Creative Commons licensing requirements, obtaining consent from media creators and adhering to FAIR data principles. Collective action from researchers, repositories, licence providers, and legislators is needed to conserve this complex open media ecosystem. This way, we can continue to develop innovative applications to address pressing ecological issues while maintaining the trust of content creators and respecting the legal and ethical framework of online media use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Lilkendey
- School of Science, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Auckland, New Zealand
- Data Science Center (DSC), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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12
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Erickson E, Jason C, Machiorlete H, de la Espriella L, Crone EE, Schultz CB. Using community science to map western monarch butterflies ( Danaus plexippus) in spring. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10766. [PMID: 38152348 PMCID: PMC10752247 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10766] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Migratory animals follow seasonal cycles comprising linked phases often with different habitat requirements and demographic processes. Conservation of migratory species therefore must consider the full seasonal cycle to identify points limiting population viability. For western monarch butterflies, which have experienced significant declines, early spring is considered a critical period in the annual population cycle. However, records of western monarchs in early spring, when overall abundance is lowest, have historically been extremely limited. We used a community science initiative, the Western Monarch Mystery Challenge, to collect data on monarch distribution throughout the western United States between February 14th and April 22nd over 3 years. Using data from the Western Monarch Mystery Challenge and iNaturalist, we identified potential breeding habitat for western monarchs in early spring that spanned a large geographic area and several ecoregions. We observed monarchs in early spring that likely eclosed in the current year, suggesting that population expansion from overwintering sites reflects both movement and population growth. The number of records of western monarchs from early spring was higher during the Mystery Challenge (33.0/year) than earlier years (5.1/year). This study demonstrates the potential for and limitations of community science to increase our understanding of species at points in the life cycle when they are rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Erickson
- Department of Evolution and EcologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Christopher Jason
- School of Biological SciencesWashington State UniversityVancouverWashingtonUSA
| | - Hannah Machiorlete
- School of Biological SciencesWashington State UniversityVancouverWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Elizabeth E. Crone
- Department of Evolution and EcologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Cheryl B. Schultz
- School of Biological SciencesWashington State UniversityVancouverWashingtonUSA
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13
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Coffey ML, Simons AM. Latitudinal trends in mating system traits in the highly self-fertilizing Lobelia inflata revealed by community science. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10746. [PMID: 38034331 PMCID: PMC10682567 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10746] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mating systems in angiosperms range from obligate outcrossing to highly self-fertilizing. The belief that obligate selfing does not exist is contradicted by genetic evidence in several populations of L. inflata, in which selfing is enforced by the anthers enclosing the style. However, whether the mating systems of these populations are typical, or an extreme across the species range is unknown. Such trends are hypothesized to result from selection for reproductive assurance under mate limitation at range margins. Here, we use ~7500 iNaturalist community science images, in which stylar exsertion can be observed, to test this hypothesis in L. inflata and, for comparison, in four typical congeneric Lobelias that express a staminate, then a pistillate phase (protandry). Specifically, we analyzed the effects of latitude and range marginality on the frequency of stylar exsertion and number of exserted flowers. Outcrossing capacity in L. inflata increased at low latitudes and near the overall range center, supporting our hypothesis, with exsertion frequencies significantly lower than in congenerics. Interestingly, in outcrossing capable individuals, the number of style-exserted flowers was consistent across the species range and among species, indicating outcrossing capable L. inflata individuals resemble congenerics. These findings suggest that variation in stylar exsertion is expressed among individuals rather than by all individuals within populations. However, whether this is a result of differences in exsertion allele frequencies or of differentiation in the induction of a threshold trait requires further study. Moreover, the trends in outcrossing capability revealed here imply the potential for geographic variation in L. inflata mating system.
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14
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Johnson AE, Cornell A, Hermann S, Zhu F, Hoover K. Using community science to identify predators of spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in North America. Bull Entomol Res 2023; 113:637-644. [PMID: 37614127 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485323000317] [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] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is an invasive insect that was first detected in the United States in 2014 and feeds on a wide variety of plants, with economic impacts on the agricultural, ornamental, and timber industries. Part of what likely contributes to the success of L. delicatula in its invaded range is that it appears to be chemically defended by sequestering toxins from its host plant(s), which may deter predators in the introduced range. To determine the identity and behavior of North American predators that feed on spotted lanternfly, we performed a community science study in which we asked members of the public to contribute reports of animals feeding on spotted lanternfly through a Facebook page. The largest group of reported predators was arthropods followed by birds. Araneae was the arthropod order with the most reports and Phasianidae was the most frequently reported bird family. Using Pearson's χ2 tests, we also identified significant relationships between predator behavior and (1) taxonomic group of the predator, (2) L. delicatula life stage, and (3) host plant L. delicatula was observed on. These results can help to guide future research on predator host shifting to spotted lanternfly and potential for biocontrol as a management tactic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Johnson
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Alison Cornell
- Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, Altoona, PA 16601
| | - Sara Hermann
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Kelli Hoover
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
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15
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Todowede O, Lewandowski F, Kotera Y, Ashmore A, Rennick-Egglestone S, Boyd D, Moran S, Ørjasæter KB, Repper J, Robotham D, Rowe M, Katsampa D, Slade M. Best practice guidelines for citizen science in mental health research: systematic review and evidence synthesis. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1175311. [PMID: 37743990 PMCID: PMC10515389 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1175311] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Partnering with people most affected by mental health problems can transform mental health outcomes. Citizen science as a research approach enables partnering with the public at a substantial scale, but there is scarce guidance on its use in mental health research. To develop best practise guidelines for conducting and reporting research, we conducted a systematic review of studies reporting mental health citizen science research. Documents were identified from electronic databases (n = 10), grey literature, conference proceedings, hand searching of specific journals and citation tracking. Document content was organised in NVIVO using the ten European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) citizen science principles. Best practise guidelines were developed by (a) identifying approaches specific to mental health research or where citizen science and mental health practises differ, (b) identifying relevant published reporting guidelines and methodologies already used in mental health research, and (c) identifying specific elements to include in reporting studies. A total of 14,063 documents were screened. Nine studies were included, from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the United States. Citizen scientists with lived experience of mental health problems were involved in data collection, analysis, project design, leadership, and dissemination of results. Most studies reported against some ECSA principles but reporting against these principles was often unclear and unstated. Best practise guidelines were developed, which identified mental health-specific issues relevant to citizen science, and reporting recommendations. These included citizen science as a mechanism for empowering people affected by mental health problems, attending to safeguarding issues such as health-related advice being shared between contributors, the use of existing health research reporting guidelines, evaluating the benefits for contributors and impact on researchers, explicit reporting of participation at each research stage, naming the citizen science platform and data repository, and clear reporting of consent processes, data ownership, and data sharing arrangements. We conclude that citizen science is feasible in mental health and can be complementary to other participatory approaches. It can contribute to active involvement, engagement, and knowledge production with the public. The proposed guidelines will support the quality of citizen science reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamide Todowede
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Lewandowski
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yasuhiro Kotera
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Ashmore
- University of Nottingham Libraries, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Rennick-Egglestone
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Doreen Boyd
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Moran
- Information Services, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Berre Ørjasæter
- Nord University, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Health and Community Participation Division, Namsos, Norway
| | - Julie Repper
- ImROC, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael Rowe
- Program for Recovery and Community Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dafni Katsampa
- National Elf Service, London, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Slade
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Nord University, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Health and Community Participation Division, Namsos, Norway
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16
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Kok DN, Zhou D, Tsourkas PK, Hendrickson HL. Paenibacillus larvae and their phages; a community science approach to discovery and initial testing of prophylactic phage cocktails against American Foulbrood in New Zealand. Microbiome Res Rep 2023; 2:30. [PMID: 38045927 PMCID: PMC10688787 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2023.16] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: American foulbrood (AFB) is a devastating disease of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) and is found throughout the world. AFB is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae). Treatment with antibiotics is strictly forbidden in many regions, including New Zealand. Safe and natural prophylactic solutions to protect honey bees from AFB are needed. Bacteriophages are a well-studied alternative to antibiotics and have been shown to be effective against P. larvae in other countries. Methods: We employed a community science approach to obtaining samples from around New Zealand to discover novel bacteriophages. Standard isolation approaches were employed for both bacteria and bacteriophages. Host range testing was performed by agar overlay spot tests, and cocktail formulation and in vitro testing were performed in 96-well plate assays, followed by sub-sampling and CFU visualization on agar plates. Results: Herein, we describe the discovery and isolation of eight P. larvae bacterial isolates and 26 P. larvae bacteriophages that are novel and native to New Zealand. The phage genomes were sequenced and annotated, and their genomes were compared to extant sequenced P. larvae phage genomes. We test the host ranges of the bacteriophages and formulate cocktails to undertake in vitro testing on a set of representative bacterial strains. These results form the basis of a promising solution for protecting honey bees in New Zealand from AFB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle N. Kok
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Diana Zhou
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Philippos K. Tsourkas
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Heather L. Hendrickson
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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17
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Moses A, Ramírez-Andreotta MD, McLain JET, Cortez LI, Kilungo A. Assessing the impact of rainwater harvesting infrastructure and gardening trends on microbial indicator organism presence in harvested rainwater and garden soils. J Appl Microbiol 2023:7180971. [PMID: 37237448 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad110] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM To assess microbial water quality of harvested rainwater infrastructure used to supplement household water uses for home grown produce. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a co-created community science methodology, between 2017-2020, a total of 587 harvested rainwater samples and 147 garden soil samples irrigated with harvested rainwater were collected from four Arizona communities and analyzed for Coliform, E. coli, and/or Salmonella. Participants also completed a home description survey regarding their home and surrounding area, water harvesting infrastructure, and gardening habits. CONCLUSION Chi-Square tests revealed that the quality of harvested rainwater is affected by proximity to a waste disposal or incineration facility, animal presence, cistern treatment, and cistern age (p < 0.05), while soil samples were associated with community (p < 0.05). Coliform and E. coli concentrations in both sample types were greater in the monsoon season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Moses
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Mónica D Ramírez-Andreotta
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Community, Environment and Policy Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jean E T McLain
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | | | - Aminata Kilungo
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Community, Environment and Policy Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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18
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Fernández-Ruiz N, Estrada-Peña A, McElroy S, Morse K. Passive collection of ticks in New Hampshire reveals species-specific patterns of distribution and activity. J Med Entomol 2023; 60:575-589. [PMID: 37030013 PMCID: PMC10179451 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasing in the United States, including New Hampshire (NH). We report on the findings of an ongoing free crowdsourcing program spanning four years within NH. The date of tick's submission was recorded along with species, sex, stage, location they were collected (translated into latitude and longitude), the activity the individual was doing when the tick was found, and host species. A total of 14,252 ticks belonging to subclass Acari, family Ixodidae and genera Ixodes, Dermacentor, Amblyomma, and Haemaphysalis was recorded from the period 2018-2021 throughout NH. A total of 2,787 Ixodes scapularis and 1,041 Dermacentor variabilis, were tested for the presence of Borrelia sp. (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae), B. burgdorferi sensu lato, B. miyamotoi, B. mayonii, Babesia microti (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), Francisella tularensis (Thiotrichales: Francisellaceae), and Rickettsia rickettsii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) by PCR. For the I. scapularis ticks tested, the pathogen prevalence was 37% B. burgdorferi s.l. 1% B. miyamotoi, 6% A. phagocytophilum, and 5% Ba. microti. Only one D. variabilis resulted positive to F. tularensis. We created state-wide maps informing the differences of ticks as detailed by administrative divisions. Dermacentor variabilis peaked in June and I. scapularis peaked in May and October. The most reported activity by people with tick encounters was while walking/hiking, and the least was biking. Using the reported distribution of both species of ticks, we modeled their climate suitability in the target territory. In NH, I. scapularis and D. variabilis have distinct patterns of emergence, abundance, and distribution. Tick prevention is important especially during April-August when both tick species are abundant and active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Fernández-Ruiz
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza, Spain
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19
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Mesaglio T, Sauquet H, Coleman D, Wenk E, Cornwell WK. Photographs as an essential biodiversity resource: drivers of gaps in the vascular plant photographic record. New Phytol 2023; 238:1685-1694. [PMID: 36913725 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The photographic record is increasingly becoming an important biodiversity resource for primary research and conservation monitoring. However, globally, there are important gaps in this record even in relatively well-researched floras. To quantify the gaps in the Australian native vascular plant photographic record, we systematically surveyed 33 sources of well-curated species photographs, assembling a list of species with accessible and verifiable photographs, as well as the species for which this search failed. Of 21 077 Australian native species, 3715 lack a verifiable photograph across our 33 surveyed resources. There are three major geographic hotspots of unphotographed species in Australia, all far from current population centres. Many unphotographed species are small in stature or uncharismatic, and many are also recently described. The large number of recently described species without accessible photographs was surprising. There are longstanding efforts in Australia to organise the plant photographic record, but in the absence of a global consensus to treat photographs as an essential biodiversity resource, this has not become common practice. Many recently described species are small-range endemics and some have special conservation status. Completing the botanical photographic record across the globe will facilitate a virtuous feedback loop of more efficient identification, monitoring and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mesaglio
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Hervé Sauquet
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- National Herbarium of New South Wales, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - David Coleman
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Wenk
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - William K Cornwell
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Ellwood ER, Pauly GB, Ahn J, Golembiewski K, Higgins LM, Ordeñana MA, von Konrat M. Citizen science needs a name change. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:485-489. [PMID: 37088666 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.03.003] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Amidst attention towards improving equality, inclusivity, and diversity, citizen science is woefully anachronistic in its name. There is a critical need for this field to distance itself from the exclusionary nature of the term 'citizen'. We provide reasoning for abandoning this term and an outline for adopting a new name.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Ellwood
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, USA; iDigBio, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Gregory B Pauly
- Urban Nature Research Center and Department of Herpetology, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - June Ahn
- Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kate Golembiewski
- Communications Department, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lila M Higgins
- Urban Nature Research Center and Community Science Office, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Miguel A Ordeñana
- Urban Nature Research Center and Community Science Office, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matt von Konrat
- Gantz Family Collections Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA
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21
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Graham CL, Landrain TE, Vjestica A, Masselot C, Lawton E, Blondel L, Haenal L, Greshake Tzovaras B, Santolini M. Community review: a robust and scalable selection system for resource allocation within open science and innovation communities. F1000Res 2023; 11:1440. [PMID: 38283124 PMCID: PMC10818098 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.125886.2] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Resource allocation is essential to selection and implementation of innovative projects in science and technology. Current "winner-take-all" models for grant applications require significant researcher time in writing extensive project proposals, and rely on the availability of a few time-saturated volunteer experts. Such processes usually carry over several months, resulting in high effective costs compared to expected benefits. We devised an agile "community review" system to allocate micro-grants for the fast prototyping of innovative solutions. Here we describe and evaluate the implementation of this community review across 147 projects from the "Just One Giant Lab's OpenCOVID19 initiative" and "Helpful Engineering" open research communities. The community review process uses granular review forms and requires the participation of grant applicants in the review process. Within a year, we organised 7 rounds of review, resulting in 614 reviews from 201 reviewers, and the attribution of 48 micro-grants of up to 4,000 euros. The system is fast, with a median process duration of 10 days, scalable, with a median of 4 reviewers per project independent of the total number of projects, and fair, with project rankings highly preserved after the synthetic removal of reviewers. Regarding potential bias introduced by involving applicants in the process, we find that review scores from both applicants and non-applicants have a similar correlation of r=0.28 with other reviews within a project, matching traditional approaches. Finally, we find that the ability of projects to apply to several rounds allows to foster the further implementation of successful early prototypes, as well as provide a pathway to constructively improve an initially failing proposal in an agile manner. Overall, this study quantitatively highlights the benefits of a frugal, community review system acting as a due diligence for rapid and agile resource allocation in open research and innovation programs, with implications for decentralised communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris L.B. Graham
- Just One Giant Lab, Paris, France
- University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marc Santolini
- Just One Giant Lab, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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22
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Horne GM, Manderino R, Jaffe SP. Specialist Herbivore Performance on Introduced Plants During Native Host Decline. Environ Entomol 2023; 52:88-97. [PMID: 36610403 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvac107] [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: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ash (Fraxinus spp.) is in rapid decline across the northeastern USA due to the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire). Three recently co-occurring confamilial species may serve as alternative larval host plants for ash-reliant Lepidoptera. These prospective hosts are nonnative shrubs often planted in managed suburban landscapes and are sometimes invasive or naturalized in North America. Given the imminent decline of ash trees, we considered potential downstream effects on insect herbivores historically specialized on ash foliage. We measured the performance of three ash-specialist hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) on native white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) and alternative host plants: common lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.), weeping forsythia [Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl], and European privet (Ligustrum vulgare L.). We found the nonnative host plants provided varied support for larval survival to pupation, with biomass and growth rate affected differently by both plant and insect identity. Nearly all caterpillars reared on one alternative host, European privet, exhibited distinct malformations of the wing buds at pupation. Given caterpillar presence on privet in the field, privet may constitute an ecological trap (i.e., when female moths select a sub-optimal host, offspring survival and fitness are reduced). This work demonstrates how performance testing can reveal species-specific effects of host plant loss on mono- or oligophagous insects. For some ash specialists, alternative nonnative host plants may be suboptimal, but some cultivated host plants may be able to support certain specialist insects during native host decline. We suggest that landscaping decisions can be tailored to support threatened insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Horne
- Department of Biology, Colby College, 4000 Mayflower Hill Drive, Waterville, ME, USA
- The Caterpillar Lab, 172 Main Street, Marlborough, NH, USA
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, 458 Hutchison Hall, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rea Manderino
- Oak Spring Garden Foundation, 1776 Loughborough Lane, Upperville, VA, USA
| | - Samuel P Jaffe
- The Caterpillar Lab, 172 Main Street, Marlborough, NH, USA
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23
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La Sorte FA, Lepczyk CA, Aronson MFJ. Light pollution enhances ground-level exposure to airborne toxic chemicals for nocturnally migrating passerines. Glob Chang Biol 2023; 29:57-68. [PMID: 36281768 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities generate different forms of environmental pollution, including artificial light at night (ALAN) and airborne toxic chemicals (ATCs). Nocturnally migrating birds are attracted to ALAN during migration and if ALAN occurs in unison with ATC, the chances of ground-level ATC contamination occurring at stopover sites could increase. Here, we document the relationship between ALAN and ATC within the contiguous United States based on 479 toxic chemicals from 15,743 releasing facilities. Using weekly diurnal estimates of relative abundance for 165 nocturnally migrating passerine (NMP) bird species, we assess how the species richness and relative abundance of NMP species are correlated with ALAN and ATC across the annual cycle. The concentration of ATC increased with increasing ALAN levels, except at the highest ALAN levels. The species richness of NMP species was positively correlated with ATC during the non-breeding season and migration, and negatively correlated during the breeding season. The relative abundance of NMP species was negatively correlated with ATC during the breeding and non-breeding seasons and the correlation did not differ from zero during migration. Through the disorienting influence of ALAN, our findings suggest large numbers of NMP species are being exposed to higher ATC concentrations at stopover sites. Outside of migration, large numbers of NMP species that winter along the US Gulf Coast are being exposed for an extended period of time to higher ATC concentrations. Initiatives designed to decrease ALAN during migration have the potential to reduce the acute and chronic effects of ATC contamination, lower the maternal transfer of toxic chemicals to eggs, and decrease the biologically mediated transport of toxic chemicals across regions. However, these initiatives will not benefit species that experience prolonged ATC exposure during the non-breeding season along the US Gulf Coast, a region that could be a significant source of ATC contamination for North American birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank A La Sorte
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Christopher A Lepczyk
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Myla F J Aronson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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24
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Ibsen PC, Santiago LS, Shiflett SA, Chandler M, Jenerette GD. Irrigated urban trees exhibit greater functional trait plasticity compared to natural stands. Biol Lett 2023; 19:20220448. [PMID: 36596464 PMCID: PMC9810417 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0448] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Urbanization creates novel ecosystems comprised of species assemblages and environments with no natural analogue. Moreover, irrigation can alter plant function compared to non-irrigated systems. However, the capacity of irrigation to alter functional trait patterns across multiple species is unknown but may be important for the dynamics of urban ecosystems. We evaluated the hypothesis that urban irrigation influences plasticity in functional traits by measuring carbon-gain and water-use traits of 30 tree species planted in Southern California, USA spanning a coastal-to-desert gradient. Tree species respond to irrigation through increasing the carbon-gain trait relationship of leaf nitrogen per specific leaf area compared to their native habitat. Moreover, most species shift to a water-use strategy of greater water loss through stomata when planted in irrigated desert-like environments compared to coastal environments, implying that irrigated species capitalize on increased water availability to cool their leaves in extreme heat and high evaporative demand conditions. Therefore, irrigated urban environments increase the plasticity of trait responses compared to native ecosystems, allowing for novel response to climatic variation. Our results indicate that trees grown in water-resource-rich urban ecosystems can alter their functional traits plasticity beyond those measured in native ecosystems, which can lead to plant trait dynamics with no natural analogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C. Ibsen
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA,Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Denver, CO 80225, USA
| | - Louis S. Santiago
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Sheri A. Shiflett
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | | | - G. Darrel Jenerette
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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25
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Guerrini CJ, Brooks WB, McCurdy SA. Pirate Talk: Navigating Practical, Ethical, and Legal Issues Associated with Biomedical Citizen Science Interview Studies. Citiz Sci 2022; 7:45. [PMID: 37275349 PMCID: PMC10238071 DOI: 10.5334/cstp.529] [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] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In citizen science, in-depth interviews have advanced the understanding of project leaders' and citizen scientists' objectives, motivations, attitudes, and concerns. The issues encountered by researchers conducting in-depth interviews in citizen science are likely not unique to this field. However, these issues can surface and play out in distinct ways that depend on the scientific and sociopolitical circumstances of citizen science communities and projects. Researchers' experiences conducting in-depth interviews are the subject of a growing literature that describes considerations for conducting research with discrete populations. We aim to contribute to this literature by describing salient practical, ethical, and legal issues to consider when interviewing biomedical citizen scientists, with a focus on bottom-up biomedical citizen scientists who have loose or no affiliations with traditional scientific institutions. These issues concern how to define the interview population; earn trust and demonstrate trustworthiness given past treatment of bottom-up biomedical citizen scientists by traditional researchers and institutions; adapt research practices to the strong culture of openness that characterizes bottom-up biomedical citizen science; and manage potential safety concerns. This essay draws on our own experiences and those of other qualitative researchers and makes suggestions for addressing these issues in ways intended to protect study integrity and demonstrate respect for participants. We also identify questions that would benefit from broad input and continued study. Our objectives in sharing these lessons learned are to support future research and to improve understanding of this exciting participatory space.
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26
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Mychajliw AM, Ellwood ER, Alagona PS, Anderson RS, Balisi MA, Biber E, Brown JL, George J, Hendy AJW, Higgins L, Hofman CA, Leger A, Ordeñana MA, Pauly GB, Putman BJ, Randall JM, Riley SPD, Shultz AJ, Stegner MA, Wake TA, Lindsey EL. Lessons for conservation from beneath the pavement. Conserv Biol 2022; 36:e13983. [PMID: 36069058 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13983] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Mychajliw
- La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biology and Environmental Studies Program, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Ellwood
- La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, Los Angeles, California, USA
- iDigBio, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter S Alagona
- Environmental Studies Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - R Scott Anderson
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Mairin A Balisi
- La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
- Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, The Webb Schools, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Eric Biber
- School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Justin L Brown
- National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Jessie George
- Department of Geography, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Austin J W Hendy
- Department of Invertebrate Paleontology, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lila Higgins
- Community Science Program, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Urban Nature Research Center, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Courtney A Hofman
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology & Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Ashley Leger
- Cogstone Resource Management, Orange, California, USA
| | - Miguel A Ordeñana
- Community Science Program, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Urban Nature Research Center, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gregory B Pauly
- Urban Nature Research Center, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Herpetology, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Breanna J Putman
- Urban Nature Research Center, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biology, California State University, San Bernardino, California, USA
| | - John M Randall
- The Nature Conservancy, California Chapter, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Seth P D Riley
- National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Allison J Shultz
- Department of Ornithology, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - M Allison Stegner
- Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Stanford University, California, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Thomas A Wake
- The Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Emily L Lindsey
- La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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27
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Piovesan G, Cannon CH, Liu J, Munné-Bosch S. Ancient trees: irreplaceable conservation resource for ecosystem restoration. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:1025-1028. [PMID: 36272865 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.09.003] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ancient trees contribute multifaceted ecosystem benefits to old-growth forests, rewilding, and human cultural landscapes. As such, we call for international efforts to preserve these hubs of diversity and resilience. A global coalition utilizing advanced technologies and community scientists to discover, protect, and propagate ancient trees is needed before they disappear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Piovesan
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Università Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Jiajia Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Sergi Munné-Bosch
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Research Institute in Biodiversity (IrBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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28
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Hantak MM, Guralnick RP, Cameron AC, Griffing AH, Harrington SM, Weinell JL, Paluh DJ. Colour scales with climate in North American ratsnakes: a test of the thermal melanism hypothesis using community science images. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20220403. [PMID: 36541094 PMCID: PMC9768630 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0403] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal colour is a complex trait shaped by multiple selection pressures that can vary across geography. The thermal melanism hypothesis predicts that darker coloration is beneficial to animals in colder regions because it allows for more rapid solar absorption. Here, we use community science images of three closely related species of North American ratsnakes (genus Pantherophis) to examine if climate predicts colour variation across range-wide scales. We predicted that darker individuals are found in colder regions and higher elevations, in accordance with the thermal melanism hypothesis. Using an unprecedented dataset of over 8000 images, we found strong support for temperature as a key predictor of darker colour, supporting thermal melanism. We also found that elevation and precipitation are predictive of colour, but the direction and magnitude of these effects were more variable across species. Our study is the first to quantify colour variation in Pantherophis ratsnakes, highlighting the value of community science images for studying range-wide colour variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie M. Hantak
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Robert P. Guralnick
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Alexander C. Cameron
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Aaron H. Griffing
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA,Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA,Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - Sean M. Harrington
- Department of Herpetology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024-5192, USA,INBRE Data Science Core, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Weinell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Daniel J. Paluh
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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29
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Alberts CHE, Fisher EM. A new species of Saropogon Loew, 1847 (Diptera, Asilidae) from Arizona, with a review of the Nearctic species north of Mexico. Zookeys 2022; 1130:1-63. [PMID: 36761019 PMCID: PMC9836739 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1130.81874] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nearctic species of Saropogon Loew, 1847 north of Mexico are reviewed, with 19 species recognized and one described as new: Saropogonpyrodes sp. nov. from Arizona. This previously recognized new species has awaited description since its first collection in 1964. Only after a community scientist posted photographs taken in nature to an online database did its description become a priority. All species of Saropogon occurring in the Nearctic Region north of the Mexican border have been reexamined. Photographs and diagnoses of all species are provided with a distribution map of the included specimens studied. An updated key to the Nearctic species north of Mexico is provided. Finally, the need for a review of the diverse Mexican fauna is expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H. E. Alberts
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, USAUniversity of CaliforniaDavisUnited States of America,Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USASmithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryWashingtonUnited States of America
| | - Eric M. Fisher
- El Dorado Hills, California, USAunaffiliatedEl Dorado Hills, CaliforniaUnited States of America
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30
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Haas EK, La Sorte FA, McCaslin HM, Belotti MCTD, Horton KG. The correlation between eBird community science and weather surveillance radar-based estimates of migration phenology. Glob Ecol Biogeogr 2022; 31:2219-2230. [PMID: 36590324 PMCID: PMC9795923 DOI: 10.1111/geb.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
AIM Measuring avian migration can prove challenging given the spatial scope and the diversity of species involved. No one monitoring technique provides all the pertinent measures needed to capture this macroscale phenomenon - emphasizing the need for data integration. Migration phenology is a key metric characterizing large-scale migration dynamics and has been successfully quantified using weather surveillance radar (WSR) data and community science observations. Separately, both platforms have their limitations and measure different aspects of bird migration. We sought to make a formal comparison of the migration phenology estimates derived from WSR and eBird data - of which we predict a positive correlation. LOCATION Contiguous United States. TIME PERIOD 2002-2018. MAJOR TAXA STUDIED Migratory birds. METHODS We estimated spring and autumn migration phenology at 143 WSR stations aggregated over a 17-year period (2002-2018), which we contrast with eBird-based estimates of spring and autumn migration phenology for 293 nocturnally migrating bird species at the 143 WSR stations. We compared phenology metrics derived from all species and WSR stations combined, for species in three taxonomic orders (Anseriformes, Charadriiformes and Passeriformes), and for WSR stations in three North American migration flyways (western, central and eastern). RESULTS We found positive correlations between WSR and eBird-based estimates of migration phenology and differences in the strength of correlations among taxonomic orders and migration flyways. The correlations were stronger during spring migration, for Passeriformes, and generally for WSR stations in the eastern flyway. Autumn migration showed weaker correlation, and in Anseriformes correlations were weakest overall. Lastly, eBird-based estimates slightly preceded those derived from WSR in the spring, but trailed WSR in the autumn, suggesting that the two data sources measure different components of migration phenology. MAIN CONCLUSIONS We highlight the complementarity of these two approaches, but also reveal strong taxonomic and geographic differences in the relationships between the platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaina K. Haas
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | | | - Hanna M. McCaslin
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Maria C. T. D. Belotti
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Kyle G. Horton
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
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31
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Hoffman‐Hall A, Gorris ME, Anenberg S, Bredder AE, Dhaliwal JK, Diaz MA, Fortner SK, McAdoo BG, Reano D, Rehr RC, Roop HA, Zaitchik BF. A GeoHealth Call to Action: Moving Beyond Identifying Environmental Injustices to Co-Creating Solutions. Geohealth 2022; 6:e2022GH000706. [PMID: 36348989 PMCID: PMC9633058 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000706] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As marginalized communities continue to bear disproportionate impacts from environmental hazards, we urgently call for researchers and institutions to elevate the principles of Environmental Justice. The American Geophysical Union (AGU) GeoHealth section supports members' engagement in health-related community-engaged and community-led transdisciplinary research. We highlight intersectional research that provides examples and actions for both individuals and organizations on community science and trust building, removing barriers created by scientific agency priorities and career expectations, and opportunities in education and policy. Justice does not start or end at one meeting; this is ongoing work that is active, evolving, and an ethical responsibility of AGU's membership.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Hoffman‐Hall
- Environmental Studies DisciplineEckerd CollegeSt. PetersburgFLUSA
| | | | - S. Anenberg
- George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public HealthWashingtonDCUSA
| | - A. E. Bredder
- Department of Geographical SciencesUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
| | - J. K. Dhaliwal
- Earth and Planetary SciencesUC Santa CruzSanta CruzCAUSA
| | - M. A. Diaz
- Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionWoods HoleMAUSA
| | - S. K. Fortner
- Science Education Resource CenterCarleton CollegeNorthfieldMNUSA
| | - B. G. McAdoo
- Nicholas School of the EnvironmentDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
| | - D. Reano
- School of Earth and Space ExplorationArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - R. C. Rehr
- Maryland League of Conservation VotersAnnapolisMDUSA
| | - H. A. Roop
- University of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
- University of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
| | - B. F. Zaitchik
- Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMDUSA
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32
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Martin LJ, Hill V, Maples C, Baker T, Elshaer S, Butsch Kovacic M. Shared Purpose: Leveraging a Community-Academic Partnership to Increase Local Environmental Health Awareness via Community Science. J Particip Res Methods 2022; 3:10.35844/001c.38475. [PMID: 36875243 PMCID: PMC9983642 DOI: 10.35844/001c.38475] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors can lead to disease and health disparities when the places where people live, learn, work, play and pray are burdened by social inequities. Non-formal programs that explicitly connect local environmental exposures and human health could be of great value to communities at greatest risk. The purpose of this work was to co-create relevant and engaging education with youth and community stakeholders of all ages that more explicitly emphasizes the link between the local environment and community members' health through a hands-on community science experience. Our experiences helped strengthen our community-academic partnership and establish a route to create and tailor informal programming to meet local needs and engage people in community science with academic partners. We generated two distinctly different community science neighborhood audit tools designed to differently engage our community partners and inform community participants of their local environments and its role on their health. Through community meetings, we garnered critical insight from our stakeholders. While neither of the tools and accompanying data collected were deemed to be scientifically generalizable, our ongoing and future work has benefited from important lessons learned from their creation and sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J. Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | | | | | - Theresa Baker
- Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
| | - Shereen Elshaer
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Mansoura University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Melinda Butsch Kovacic
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences, the University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences
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33
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Vance-Chalcraft HD, Jelks NO. Community-engaged learning to broaden the impact of applied ecology: A case study. Ecol Appl 2022:e2768. [PMID: 36271610 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2768] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ecological changes are creating disruptions that often disproportionately impact communities of color and economically disadvantaged areas. Scientists who study the consequences experienced by these communities are uniquely suited to bring the public into their work as a way of setting conditions that enable impacted residents to empower themselves to advance environmental and community change. In addition to involving community stakeholders in the process of science, community science can be used to motivate learning and increase engagement of students. Here we highlight a case study of one way a historically Black college involved local communities and students in water quality monitoring efforts to examine the role of the environment in human health. Students in an introductory-level environmental toxicology course collaborated with community members to track pollution and monitor conditions in an urban, impaired stream. Students participated in bi-monthly water quality monitoring alongside community watershed researchers and an annual day-long multisite sampling event with community residents and organizations. Through this engagement, students and community members contributed to the collection of data, learned about the significance of their results, and translated findings into strategies to advance watershed restoration, health, quality of life, and environmental justice goals.
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34
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Prudic KL, Cruz TMP, Winzer JIB, Oliver JC, Melkonoff NA, Verbais H, Hogan A. Botanical Gardens Are Local Hotspots for Urban Butterflies in Arid Environments. Insects 2022; 13:865. [PMID: 36292813 PMCID: PMC9604306 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Urban areas are proliferating quickly around the globe often with detrimental impacts on biodiversity. Insects, especially pollinators, have also seen record declines in recent decades, sometimes associated with land use change such as urbanization, but also associated with climate changes such as increased aridity. How these various factors play out in attracting and sustaining species richness in a complex urban matrix is poorly understood. Urban botanical gardens may serve as important refugia for insect pollinators in arid regions due to reliable water availability for both plants and insects. Here, we use community science data on butterfly observations to evaluate if botanical gardens can be hotspots of biodiversity in the arid urban landscapes of the southwest US. We found butterfly richness and diversity were proportionally overrepresented in botanical gardens compared with the urban landscape they were embedded in. We conclude that biodiversity-friendly botanical gardens in urban arid regions can make a valuable contribution to pollinator conservation, in particular, in face of the continued aridification due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen L. Prudic
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Arizona Institute for Resilient Environments and Societies, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Terese Maxine P. Cruz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jazmyn I. B. Winzer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Oliver
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Research Engagement, University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Natalie A. Melkonoff
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| | - Hank Verbais
- Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens & Galleries, Tucson, AZ 85704, USA
| | - Andrew Hogan
- Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens & Galleries, Tucson, AZ 85704, USA
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Zuckerberg B, McCabe JD, Gilbert NA. Antipredator behaviors in urban settings: Ecological experimentation powered by citizen science. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9269. [PMID: 36177137 PMCID: PMC9461346 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9269] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal behaviors are often modified in urban settings due to changes in species assemblages and interactions. The ability of prey to respond to a predator is a critical behavior, but urban populations may experience altered predation pressure, food supplementation, and other human‐mediated disturbances that modify their responsiveness to predation risk and promote habituation. Citizen‐science programs generally focus on the collection and analysis of observational data (e.g., bird checklists), but there has been increasing interest in the engagement of citizen scientists for ecological experimentation. Our goal was to implement a behavioral experiment in which citizen scientists recorded antipredator behaviors in wild birds occupying urban areas. In North America, increasing populations of Accipiter hawks have colonized suburban and urban areas and regularly prey upon birds that frequent backyard bird feeders. This scenario, of an increasingly common avian predator hunting birds near human dwellings, offers a unique opportunity to characterize antipredator behaviors within urban passerines. For two winters, we engaged citizen scientists in Chicago, IL, USA to deploy a playback experiment and record antipredator behaviors in backyard birds. If backyard birds maintained their antipredator behaviors, we hypothesized that birds would decrease foraging behaviors and increase vigilance in response to a predator cue (hawk playback) but that these responses would be mediated by flock size, presence of sentinel species, body size, tree cover, and amount of surrounding urban area. Using a randomized control–treatment design, citizen scientists at 15 sites recorded behaviors from 3891 individual birds representing 22 species. Birds were more vigilant and foraged less during the playback of a hawk call, and these responses were strongest for individuals within larger flocks and weakest in larger‐bodied birds. We did not find effects of sentinel species, tree cover, or urbanization. By deploying a behavioral experiment, we found that backyard birds inhabiting urban landscapes largely maintained antipredator behaviors of increased vigilance and decreased foraging in response to predator cues. Experimentation in citizen science poses challenges (e.g., observation bias, sample size limitations, and reduced complexity in protocol design), but unlike programs focused solely on observational data, experimentation allows researchers to disentangle the complex factors underlying animal behavior and species interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Zuckerberg
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Jennifer D McCabe
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin USA.,The Peregrine Fund Boise Idaho USA
| | - Neil A Gilbert
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
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Jones PA, Frischer D, Mueller S, Le T, Schwanes A, Govindaraju A, Shalvarjian K, Leducq JB, Marx CJ, Martinez-Gomez NC, Lee JA. Methylothon: a Versatile Course-Based High School Research Experience in Microbiology and Bioinformatics with Pink Bacteria. J Microbiol Biol Educ 2022; 23:e00227-21. [PMID: 36061322 PMCID: PMC9429956 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00227-21] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Methylothon is an inquiry-based high school learning module in microbial ecology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics that centers around pink-pigmented plant-associated methylotrophic bacteria. Here, we present an overview of the module's learning goals, describe course resources (available for public use at http://methylothon.com), and relate lessons learned from adapting Methylothon for remote learning during the pandemic in spring of 2021. This curriculum description is intended not only for instructors but also for microbial ecology researchers with an interest in conducting K-12 outreach. The original in-person version of the module allows students to isolate their own strains of methylotrophic bacteria from plants they sample from the environment, to identify these using PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis, and to contribute their strains to original research in a university lab. The adapted version strengthens the focus on bioinformatics and increases its flexibility and accessibility by making the lab portion optional and adopting free web-based tools. Student feedback and graded assignments from spring 2021 revealed that the lesson was especially effective at introducing the concepts of BLAST and phylogenetic trees and that students valued and felt inspired by the opportunity to conduct hands-on work and to participate in community science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton A. Jones
- Integrative Biology Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Frischer
- Abraham Lincoln High School, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Thomas Le
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Anya Schwanes
- Galileo Academy of Science and Technology, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alekhya Govindaraju
- Plant and Microbial Biology Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Katie Shalvarjian
- Plant and Microbial Biology Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | | | - N. Cecilia Martinez-Gomez
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jessica A. Lee
- Laboratory for Research in Complex Systems, San Francisco, California, USA
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Brambilla M, Rubolini D, Appukuttan O, Calvi G, Karger DN, Kmecl P, Mihelič T, Sattler T, Seaman B, Teufelbauer N, Wahl J, Celada C. Identifying climate refugia for high-elevation Alpine birds under current climate warming predictions. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:4276-4291. [PMID: 35441422 PMCID: PMC9546033 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Identifying climate refugia is key to effective biodiversity conservation under a changing climate, especially for mountain-specialist species adapted to cold conditions and highly threatened by climate warming. We combined species distribution models (SDMs) with climate forecasts to identify climate refugia for high-elevation bird species (Lagopus muta, Anthus spinoletta, Prunella collaris, Montifringilla nivalis) in the European Alps, where the ecological effects of climate changes are particularly evident and predicted to intensify. We considered future (2041-2070) conditions (SSP585 scenario, four climate models) and identified three types of refugia: (1) in-situ refugia potentially suitable under both current and future climate conditions, ex-situ refugia suitable (2) only in the future according to all future conditions, or (3) under at least three out of four future conditions. SDMs were based on a very large, high-resolution occurrence dataset (2901-12,601 independent records for each species) collected by citizen scientists. SDMs were fitted using different algorithms, balancing statistical accuracy, ecological realism and predictive/extrapolation ability. We selected the most reliable ones based on consistency between training and testing data and extrapolation over distant areas. Future predictions revealed that all species (with the partial exception of A. spinoletta) will undergo a range contraction towards higher elevations, losing 17%-59% of their current range (larger losses in L. muta). We identified ~15,000 km2 of the Alpine region as in-situ refugia for at least three species, of which 44% are currently designated as protected areas (PAs; 18%-66% among countries). Our findings highlight the usefulness of spatially accurate data collected by citizen scientists, and the importance of model testing by extrapolating over independent areas. Climate refugia, which are only partly included within the current PAs system, should be priority sites for the conservation of Alpine high-elevation species and habitats, where habitat degradation/alteration by human activities should be prevented to ensure future suitability for alpine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Brambilla
- Lipu/BirdLife ItaliaParmaItaly
- MUSE–Museo delle Scienze, Sezione Zoologia dei VertebratiTrentoItaly
- Fondazione Lombardia per l’Ambiente, Settore Biodiversità e aree protetteMilanoItaly
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche AmbientaliUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche AmbientaliUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
- Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque, IRSA‐CNRBrugherioItaly
| | - Ojan Appukuttan
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche AmbientaliUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | | | - Dirk Nikolaus Karger
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)BirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Johannes Wahl
- Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA)MünsterGermany
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Raber M, Ranjit N, Strong LL, Basen-Engquist K. Home Cooking Quality Assessment Tool Validation Using Community Science and Crowdsourcing Approaches. J Nutr Educ Behav 2022; 54:465-474. [PMID: 35000831 PMCID: PMC9086075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.10.002] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To refine a measure of home cooking quality (defined as the usage level of practices with the potential to influence the nutrient content of prepared foods) and conduct a construct validation of the revised tool, the Healthy Cooking Questionnaire 2 (HCQ2). DESIGN Two validation approaches are described: (1) a community science approach used to refine and validate Healthy Cooking Questionnaire (HCQ) constructs, and (2) responses to the revised HCQ (HCQ2) in a sample of Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers to determine questionnaire comprehension. SETTING The Community Scientist Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center facilitated discussion groups to refine the HCQ questions and validate constructs. MTurk workers were subsequently recruited to complete the refined survey so that comprehension and associations with demographic variables could be explored. PARTICIPANTS Ten community scientists participated in the refinement of the HCQ. The revised tool (HCQ2) was completed by 267 adult US-based MTurk workers. VARIABLES MEASURED Demographics, HCQ concepts, HCQ2, Self-Reported Questionnaire Comprehension. ANALYSIS Comprehension items were examined using descriptive statistics. Exploratory analysis the relationships between cooking quality and demographic characteristics, meal type, cooking frequency, as well as patterns of food preparation behavior was conducted on the MTurk sample RESULTS: The HCQ was refined through activities and consensus-building. MTurk responses to the HCQ2 indicated high comprehension and significant differences in cooking quality scores by demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study refined and validated a self-report measure of cooking quality. Cooking quality measures offer critical evaluation methods for culinary programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Raber
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
| | - Nalini Ranjit
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, University of Texas School of Public Health in Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Larkin L Strong
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Karen Basen-Engquist
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Van Etten J, Keddis R, Lisa J, Rauschenbach I. The Diverse World of Protists-an Ideal Community with which to Introduce Microscopy in the Microbiology Teaching Laboratory. J Microbiol Biol Educ 2022; 23:e00142-21. [PMID: 35340451 PMCID: PMC8943629 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00142-21] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Protists and other eukaryotes are present in diverse terrestrial and aquatic environments. They can easily be collected from local ponds and streams. Although they are typically larger in size than prokaryotes, making them easy to study with even basic microscopes, microbiology laboratory courses often do not discuss them in detail and may only dedicate a short time to observing preserved samples. This laboratory exercise allows students to develop microscope skills, experience real world application of collecting and processing field samples, and delve deeper into the diverse world of protists and other microbial eukaryotes. Students may also engage by sharing their findings on the website iNaturalist to contribute to the scientific knowledge collected around the world. This laboratory module was initially designed for in-person learning but has been successfully adapted to remote learning and can also be applied to a complete online learning environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Van Etten
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ramaydalis Keddis
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jessica Lisa
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Biology, Georgian Court University, Lakewood, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ines Rauschenbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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Saunders SP, Meehan TD, Michel NL, Bateman BL, DeLuca W, Deppe JL, Grand J, LeBaron GS, Taylor L, Westerkam H, Wu JX, Wilsey CB. Unraveling a century of global change impacts on winter bird distributions in the eastern United States. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:2221-2235. [PMID: 35060249 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
One of the most pressing questions in ecology and conservation centers on disentangling the relative impacts of concurrent global change drivers, climate and land-use/land-cover (LULC), on biodiversity. Yet studies that evaluate the effects of both drivers on species' winter distributions remain scarce, hampering our ability to develop full-annual-cycle conservation strategies. Additionally, understanding how groups of species differentially respond to climate versus LULC change is vital for efforts to enhance bird community resilience to future environmental change. We analyzed long-term changes in winter occurrence of 89 species across nine bird groups over a 90-year period within the eastern United States using Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data. We estimated variation in occurrence probability of each group as a function of spatial and temporal variation in winter climate (minimum temperature, cumulative precipitation) and LULC (proportion of group-specific and anthropogenic habitats within CBC circle). We reveal that spatial variation in bird occurrence probability was consistently explained by climate across all nine species groups. Conversely, LULC change explained more than twice the temporal variation (i.e., decadal changes) in bird occurrence probability than climate change on average across groups. This pattern was largely driven by habitat-constrained species (e.g., grassland birds, waterbirds), whereas decadal changes in occurrence probabilities of habitat-unconstrained species (e.g., forest passerines, mixed habitat birds) were equally explained by both climate and LULC changes over the last century. We conclude that climate has generally governed the winter occurrence of avifauna in space and time, while LULC change has played a pivotal role in driving distributional dynamics of species with limited and declining habitat availability. Effective land management will be critical for improving species' resilience to climate change, especially during a season of relative resource scarcity and critical energetic trade-offs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P Saunders
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | - Timothy D Meehan
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicole L Michel
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brooke L Bateman
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | - William DeLuca
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jill L Deppe
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joanna Grand
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Lotem Taylor
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | - Henrik Westerkam
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joanna X Wu
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chad B Wilsey
- Science Division, National Audubon Society, New York, New York, USA
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Francisco I, Bailey S, Bautista T, Diallo D, Gonzalez J, Gonzalez J, Kirkpatrick Roubidoux E, Kehinde Ajayi P, Albrecht RA, McMahon R, Krammer F, Marizzi C. Detection of Velogenic Avian Paramyxoviruses in Rock Doves in New York City, New York. Microbiol Spectr 2022;:e0206121. [PMID: 35357204 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02061-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian paramyxovirus 1 (APMV-1), also known as Newcastle disease virus (NDV), causes severe and economically important disease in poultry around the globe. Although a limited amount of APMV-1 strains in urban areas have been characterized, the role of the urban wild bird population as an APMV-1 reservoir is unclear. Because urban birds may have an important role for long-term circulation of the virus, fecal and swab samples were collected by community scientists from wild birds in New York City (NYC), New York, United States. These samples were screened for APMV-1 and genotypically characterized by sequencing of the complete genome. A total of 885 samples were collected from NYC parks and from a local wildlife rehabilitation clinic from October 2020 through June 2021, and 255 samples obtained from 197 birds have been processed to date. Eight birds (4.1%) screened positive for the APMV-1 nucleoprotein gene by conventional reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and two live viruses were isolated via egg culture. A multibasic F protein cleavage sequence, 112R R K K R F117, an indicator of highly pathogenic velogenic APMV-1 strains, was present in the two samples fully sequenced by next generation sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the F gene coding sequence classified both isolates into genotype VI, a diverse and predominant genotype responsible for APMV-1 outbreaks in pigeon and dove species worldwide. IMPORTANCE Here we describe the first large-scale effort to screen for APMV-1 in New York City’s wild bird population as part of the New York City Virus Hunters program, a community science initiative. We characterized two isolates of APMV-1, with phylogenetic analyses suggesting diversity in established and circulating strains of pigeon paramyxoviruses. Our isolates are also domestic reference strains for future APMV-1 vaccine developments. Future surveillance in this region may contribute to our understanding of APMV-1’s evolution and genetic diversity, as well as inform poultry husbandry and vaccination practices in New York State.
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Dowling APG, Young SG, Loftin K. Collaborating With Community Scientists Across Arkansas to Update Tick Distributions and Pathogen Prevalence of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia and Ehrlichia. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:565-575. [PMID: 34850921 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab196] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBD) in humans have dramatically increased over recent years and although the bulk of cases are attributable to Lyme Disease in the Northeastern US, TBDs like spotted fever rickettsiosis and ehrlichiosis heavily impact other parts of the country, namely the mid-south. Understanding tick and pathogen distributions and prevalence traditionally requires active surveillance, which quickly becomes logistically and financially unrealistic as the geographic area of focus increases. We report on a community science effort to survey ticks across Arkansas to obtain updated data on tick distributions and prevalence of human tick-borne disease-causing pathogens in the most commonly encountered ticks. During a 20-mo period, Arkansans submitted 9,002 ticks from 71 of the 75 counties in the state. Amblyomma americanum was the most common tick species received, accounting for 76% of total tick submissions. Nearly 6,000 samples were screened for spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) and Ehrlichia, resulting in general prevalence rates of 37.4 and 5.1%, respectively. In addition, 145 ticks (2.5%) were infected with both SFGR and Ehrlichia. Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,281 spotted fever and 380 ehrlichiosis cases during the same period as our tick collections. Since known SFGR vectors Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma maculatum were not the most common ticks submitted, nor did they have the highest prevalence rates of SFGR, it appears that other tick species play the primary role in infecting humans with SFGR. Our investigation demonstrated the utility of community science to efficiently and economically survey ticks and identify vector-borne disease risk in Arkansas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley P G Dowling
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Sean G Young
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kelly Loftin
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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Kane F, Abbate J, Landahl EC, Potosnak MJ. Monitoring Particulate Matter with Wearable Sensors and the Influence on Student Environmental Attitudes. Sensors (Basel) 2022; 22:s22031295. [PMID: 35162041 PMCID: PMC8837917 DOI: 10.3390/s22031295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The mobile monitoring of air pollution is a growing field, prospectively filling in spatial gaps while personalizing air-quality-based risk assessment. We developed wearable sensors to record particulate matter (PM), and through a community science approach, students of partnering Chicago high schools monitored PM concentrations during their commutes over a five- and thirteen-day period. Our main objective was to investigate how mobile monitoring influenced students' environmental attitudes and we did this by having the students explore the relationship between PM concentrations and urban vegetation. Urban vegetation was approximated with a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) using Landsat 8 satellite imagery. While the linear regression for one partner school indicated a negative correlation between PM and vegetation, the other indicated a positive correlation, contrary to our expectations. Survey responses were scored on the basis of their environmental affinity and knowledge. There were no significant differences between cumulative pre- and post-experiment survey responses at Josephinum Academy, and only one weakly significant difference in survey results at DePaul Prep in the Knowledge category. However, changes within certain attitudinal subscales may possibly suggest that students were inclined to practice more sustainable behaviors, but perhaps lacked the resources to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Kane
- Department of Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA; (F.K.); (J.A.)
| | - Joseph Abbate
- Department of Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA; (F.K.); (J.A.)
| | - Eric C. Landahl
- Department of Physics, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA;
| | - Mark J. Potosnak
- Department of Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA; (F.K.); (J.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Dietrich M, Shukle JT, Krekeler MPS, Wood LR, Filippelli GM. Using Community Science to Better Understand Lead Exposure Risks. Geohealth 2022; 6:e2021GH000525. [PMID: 35372744 PMCID: PMC8859494 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000525] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a neurotoxicant that particularly harms young children. Urban environments are often plagued with elevated Pb in soils and dusts, posing a health exposure risk from inhalation and ingestion of these contaminated media. Thus, a better understanding of where to prioritize risk screening and intervention is paramount from a public health perspective. We have synthesized a large national data set of Pb concentrations in household dusts from across the United States (U.S.), part of a community science initiative called "DustSafe." Using these results, we have developed a straightforward logistic regression model that correctly predicts whether Pb is elevated (>80 ppm) or low (<80 ppm) in household dusts 75% of the time. Additionally, our model estimated 18% false negatives for elevated Pb, displaying that there was a low probability of elevated Pb in homes being misclassified. Our model uses only variables of approximate housing age and whether there is peeling paint in the interior of the home, illustrating how a simple and successful Pb predictive model can be generated if researchers ask the right screening questions. Scanning electron microscopy supports a common presence of Pb paint in several dust samples with elevated bulk Pb concentrations, which explains the predictive power of housing age and peeling paint in the model. This model was also implemented into an interactive mobile app that aims to increase community-wide participation with Pb household screening. The app will hopefully provide greater awareness of Pb risks and a highly efficient way to begin mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dietrich
- Department of Earth SciencesIndiana University–Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisINUSA
| | - John T. Shukle
- Department of Earth SciencesIndiana University–Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Mark P. S. Krekeler
- Department of Geology & Environmental Earth ScienceMiami UniversityOxfordOHUSA
- Department of Mathematical and Physical SciencesMiami University HamiltonHamiltonOHUSA
| | - Leah R. Wood
- Department of Earth SciencesIndiana University–Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Gabriel M. Filippelli
- Department of Earth SciencesIndiana University–Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisINUSA
- Environmental Resilience InstituteIndiana University BloomingtonBloomingtonINUSA
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Prunuske A, Fisher C, Molden J, Brar A, Ragland R, vanWestrienen J. Middle-School Student Engagement in a Tick Testing Community Science Project. Insects 2021; 12:insects12121136. [PMID: 34940224 PMCID: PMC8708189 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Lyme disease is a common tickborne illness endemic to many countries, including the United States. Scientists have a role to play in disseminating public health knowledge to decrease the prevalence of tickborne disease, which can include encouraging preventive behaviors and recognizing the early signs of the disease. Middle-school students are at significant risk of developing Lyme disease and an ideal population to engage in community-based science, since these experiences provide valuable opportunities for career explorations and to extend the students’ understanding of science. Our work shows that the students can meaningfully contribute to research by generating samples that can be used to test whether the ticks contain pathogens. Abstract Studies of tickborne illness have benefited from interactions between scientists and community members. Most participants in community science projects are well-educated adults, but there are anticipated benefits from engaging younger students in research. We evaluated whether an outreach experience for rural middle-school students promoted student interest in science and resulted in the generation of samples that could be used for tick testing to assess disease risk. Middle-school students from 78 Wisconsin communities developed interdisciplinary hypotheses about the spread of Lyme disease, identified ticks, and extracted DNA from ticks to assess the prevalence of pathogens Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophillium, and Babesia microti. As a result of this intervention, students were able to successfully complete the research protocol and explain the rationale for completing the experiment. Of student participants, 84.7% reported no difficulty completing the protocol, 66% of the student samples gave reliable PCR results, and 76% of students reported interest in participating in similar experiments. Our study shows that tick outreach programs that incorporate community-based science promote knowledge about Lyme disease, facilitate engagement between students and scientists, and generate samples that can be successfully utilized for pathogen testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Prunuske
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin, Wausau, WI 54401, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Cole Fisher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55812, USA;
| | - Jhomary Molden
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481, USA; (J.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Amarpreet Brar
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481, USA; (J.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Ryan Ragland
- Biomeme, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (R.R.); (J.v.)
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Abstract
Citizen science projects have the potential to address hypotheses requiring extremely large datasets that cannot be collected with the financial and labour constraints of most scientific projects. Data collection by the general public could expand the scope of scientific enquiry if these data accurately capture the system under study. However, data collection inconsistencies by the untrained public may result in biased datasets that do not accurately represent the natural world. In this paper, we harness the availability of scientific and public datasets of the Lyme disease tick vector to identify and account for biases in citizen science tick collections. Estimates of tick abundance from the citizen science dataset correspond moderately with estimates from direct surveillance but exhibit consistent biases. These biases can be mitigated by including factors that may impact collector participation or effort in statistical models, which, in turn, result in more accurate estimates of tick population sizes. Accounting for collection biases within large-scale, public participation datasets could update species abundance maps and facilitate using the wealth of citizen science data to answer scientific questions at scales that are not feasible with traditional datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam Tran
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - W Tanner Porter
- Pathogen Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA
| | - Daniel J Salkeld
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Melissa A Prusinski
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, USA
| | - Shane T Jensen
- Department of Statistics, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dustin Brisson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Kopsco HL, Duhaime RJ, Mather TN. Crowdsourced Tick Image-Informed Updates to U.S. County Records of Three Medically Important Tick Species. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:2412-2424. [PMID: 33973636 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Burgeoning cases of tick-borne disease present a significant public health problem in the United States. Passive tick surveillance gained traction as an effective way to collect epidemiologic data, and in particular, photograph-based tick surveillance can complement in-hand tick specimen identification to amass distribution data and related encounter demographics. We compared the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) code of tick photos submitted to a free public identification service (TickSpotters) from 2014 to 2019 to published nationwide county reports for three tick species of medical concern: Ixodes scapularis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae), Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls (Ixodida: Ixodidae), and Amblyomma americanum Linneaus (Ixodida: Ixodidae). We tallied the number of TickSpotters submissions for each tick species according to "Reported" or "Established" criteria per county, and found that TickSpotters submissions represented more than half of the reported counties of documented occurrence, and potentially identified hundreds of new counties with the occurrence of these species. We detected the largest number of new county reports of I. scapularis presence in Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas. Tick image submissions revealed potentially nine new counties of occurrence for I. pacificus, and we documented the largest increase in new county reports of A. americanum in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. These findings demonstrate the utility of crowdsourced photograph-based tick surveillance as a complement to other tick surveillance strategies in documenting tick distributions on a nationwide scale, its potential for identifying new foci, and its ability to highlight at-risk localities that might benefit from tick-bite prevention education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Kopsco
- Department of Plant Sciences and Entomology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
- TickEncounter Resource Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Roland J Duhaime
- TickEncounter Resource Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
- Environmental Data Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Thomas N Mather
- Department of Plant Sciences and Entomology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
- TickEncounter Resource Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
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LeClair G, Chatfield MWH, Wood Z, Parmelee J, Frederick CA. Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on amphibian road mortality. Conserv Sci Pract 2021; 3:e535. [PMID: 34901774 PMCID: PMC8646393 DOI: 10.1111/csp2.535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its related human activity shutdowns provide unique opportunities for biodiversity monitoring through what has been termed the "anthropause" or the "great human confinement experiment." The pandemic caused immense disruption to human activity in the northeastern United States in the spring of 2020, with notable reductions in traffic levels. These shutdowns coincided with the seasonal migration of adult amphibians, which are typically subject to intense vehicle-impact mortality. Using data collected as part of an annual community science monitoring program in Maine from 2018 to 2021, we examined how amphibian mortality probabilities responded to reductions in traffic during the pandemic. While we detected a 50% decline for all amphibians, this was driven entirely by reductions in frog mortality. Wildlife collision data from the Maine Department of Transportation on other wildlife species support our finding of drastic declines in wildlife road mortality in spring 2020 when compared with immediately previous and subsequent years. Additionally, we find that frogs suffer significantly higher road mortality than salamanders, particularly when conditions are warmer and wetter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory LeClair
- School of Biology and EcologyUniversity of Maine SystemOronoMaineUSA
| | | | - Zachary Wood
- School of Biology and EcologyUniversity of Maine SystemOronoMaineUSA
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Michel NL, Saunders SP, Meehan TD, Wilsey CB. Effects of stewardship on protected area effectiveness for coastal birds. Conserv Biol 2021; 35:1484-1495. [PMID: 33486838 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of protected area effectiveness is critical for conservation of biodiversity. Protected areas that prioritize biodiversity conservation are, optimally, located and managed in ways that support relatively large and stable or increasing wildlife populations. Yet evaluating conservation efficacy remains a challenging endeavor. We used an extensive community science data set, eBird, to evaluate the efficacy of protected areas for birds across the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts of the United States. We modeled trends (2007-2018) for 12 vulnerable waterbirds that use coastal areas during breeding or wintering. We compared two types of protected areas-sites where conservation organizations implemented active stewardship or management or both to reduce human disturbance (hereafter stewardship sites) and local, state, federal, and private protected areas managed to maintain natural land cover (hereafter protected areas)-as well as unprotected areas. We evaluated differences in trends between stewardship, protected, and unprotected areas across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts as a whole. Similar to a background sample, stewardship was known to occur at stewardship sites, but unknown at protected and unprotected areas. Four of 12 target species-Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), and Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)-had more positive trends (two to 34 times greater) at stewardship sites than protected areas. Furthermore, five target species showed more positive trends at sites with stewardship programs than unprotected sites during at least one season, whereas seven species showed more positive trends at protected than unprotected areas. No species had more negative trends at stewardship sites than unprotected areas, and two species had more negative trends at protected than unprotected areas. Anthropogenic disturbance is a serious threat to coastal birds, and our findings demonstrate that stewardship to reduce its negative impacts helps ensure conservation of vulnerable waterbirds.
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Fuccillo Battle K, de Rivera CE, Cruzan MB. The role of functional diversity and facilitation in small-scale pollinator habitat. Ecological Applications 2021; 31:e02355. [PMID: 33870597 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2355] [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: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
People in urban and rural areas are planting habitat patches for pollinators in response to growing public awareness of the risks of pollinator declines; yet research rarely has been undertaken to inform the composition of such patches. Determining which key functional plant traits to prioritize and how plant-pollinator interaction dynamics operate in these small-scale, fragmented patches is critical to ensuring the efficacy of pollinator restoration efforts across landscapes. We established small-scale (2.5 m diameter) experimental patches and manipulated plant diversity and resource level (nectar) to determine the effects on pollinator abundance, pollinator diversity, and plant-pollinator facilitation-competition dynamics. Our results showed that in small-scale habitat, plant diversity and resource availability significantly affected the abundance and diversity of pollinating insects. Specifically, the treatments that contained high-resource plant species increased pollinator abundance and diversity the most. Plant diversity increased pollinator diversity and abundance only in the absence of high-resource plants. Pollination facilitation was observed in high-resource treatments, but varied among plant species. Competition for pollinators was observed in high-diversity treatments but did not affect seed set for high-resource plants in any of the treatments. Our results suggest that managers or landowners planting small-scale pollinator habitat should prioritize including species with high nectar production, and secondarily, a diverse mix of species if space and resources allow. The protocols we used to monitor pollinators can be used by community science observers with limited training, expanding the potential for assessment of future pollinator habitat restoration projects. Shared research identifying features critical to effective restoration will help conserve plant-pollinator mutualisms across landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerissa Fuccillo Battle
- Environmental Science and Resources, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
- Community Greenways Collaborative, Inc., 37 Happy Valley Road, Bearsville, New York, 12409, USA
| | - Catherine E de Rivera
- Environmental Science and Resources, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
| | - Mitchell B Cruzan
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
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