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Canty SWJ, Nowakowski AJ, Connette GM, Deichmann JL, Songer M, Chiaravalloti R, Dodge M, Feistner ATC, Fergus C, Hall JS, Komatsu KJ, Linares‐Palomino R, McField M, Ogburn MB, Velez‐Zuazo X, Akre TS. Mapping a conservation research network to the Sustainable Development Goals. Conservat Sci and Prac 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steven W. J. Canty
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian Marine Station Fort Pierce Florida USA
| | - A. Justin Nowakowski
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Moore Center for Science Conservation International Arlington Virginia USA
| | - Grant M. Connette
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
| | - Jessica L. Deichmann
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
| | - Melissa Songer
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
| | - Rafael Chiaravalloti
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
| | - Molly Dodge
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
| | - Anna T. C. Feistner
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
| | - Craig Fergus
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
| | - Jefferson S. Hall
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- ForestGEO, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Panama City Panama
| | - Kimberly J. Komatsu
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
| | - Reynaldo Linares‐Palomino
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
| | - Melanie McField
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian Marine Station Fort Pierce Florida USA
| | - Matthew B. Ogburn
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
| | - Ximena Velez‐Zuazo
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
| | - Thomas S. Akre
- Working Land and Seascapes Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia USA
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia USA
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McKenzie JM, Price SJ, Connette GM, Bonner SJ, Lorch JM. Effects of snake fungal disease on short-term survival, behavior, and movement in free-ranging snakes. Ecol Appl 2021; 31:e02251. [PMID: 33142002 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi are increasingly associated with epidemics in wildlife populations. Snake fungal disease (SFD, also referred to as Ophidiomycosis) is an emerging threat to snakes, taxa that are elusive and difficult to sample. Thus, assessments of the effects of SFD on populations have rarely occurred. We used a field technique to enhance detection, Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) telemetry, and a multi-state capture-mark-recapture model to assess SFD effects on short-term (within-season) survival, movement, and surface activity of two wild snake species, Regina septemvittata (Queensnake) and Nerodia sipedon (Common Watersnake). We were unable to detect an effect of disease state on short-term survival for either species. However, we estimated Bayesian posterior probabilities of >0.99 that R. septemvittata with SFD spent more time surface-active and were less likely to permanently emigrate from the study area. We also estimated probabilities of 0.98 and 0.87 that temporary immigration and temporary emigration rates, respectively, were lower in diseased R. septemvittata. We found evidence of elevated surface activity and lower temporary immigration rates in diseased N. sipedon, with estimated probabilities of 0.89, and found considerably less support for differences in permanent or temporary emigration rates. This study is the first to yield estimates for key demographic and behavioral parameters (survival, emigration, surface activity) of snakes in wild populations afflicted with SFD. Given the increase in surface activity of diseased snakes, future surveys of snake populations could benefit from exploring longer-term demographic consequences of SFD and recognize that disease prevalence in surface-active animals may exceed that of the population as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M McKenzie
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40546, USA
| | - Steven J Price
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40546, USA
| | - Grant M Connette
- Working Land and Seascapes, Conservation Commons, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 20013, USA
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 20008, USA
| | - Simon J Bonner
- Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711, USA
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Lee J, Miller AH, Connette GM, Oo KS, Zug GR, Mulcahy DG. Corrigendum: First record of the Malaysian Bridle Snake, Dryocalamus subannulatus (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854), in Myanmar (Reptilia, Serpentes, Colubridae). CheckList 2020. [DOI: 10.15560/16.5.1393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon final cataloguing and proofing of the entire collection from the expedition reported in this paper, we noticed an error in the exact locality. The correct locality for USNM 581990 should be: Thayawthadangyi Island group; Daung (Don) Island; N side cove (12º 17’ 10” N, 98º 06’ 05” E, WGS84), Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar.
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4
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Gade MR, Connette GM, Crawford JA, Hocking DJ, Maerz JC, Milanovich JR, Peterman WE. Predicted alteration of surface activity as a consequence of climate change. Ecology 2020; 101:e03154. [PMID: 32740923 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife are faced with numerous threats to survival, none more pressing than that of climate change. Understanding how species will respond behaviorally, physiologically, and demographically to a changing climate is a cornerstone of many contemporary ecological studies, especially for organisms, such as amphibians, whose persistence is closely tied to abiotic conditions. Activity is a useful parameter for understanding the effects of climate change because activity is directly linked to fitness as it dictates foraging times, energy budgets, and mating opportunities. However, activity can be challenging to measure directly, especially for secretive organisms like plethodontid salamanders, which only become surface active when conditions are cool and moist because of their anatomical and physiological restrictions. We estimated abiotic predictors of surface activity for the seven species of the Plethodon jordani complex. Five independent data sets collected from 2004 to 2017 were used to determine the parameters driving salamander surface activity in the present day, which were then used to predict potential activity changes over the next 80 yrs. Average active seasonal temperature and vapor pressure deficit were the strongest predictors of salamander surface activity and, without physiological or behavioral modifications, salamanders were predicted to exhibit a higher probability of surface activity during peak active season under future climate conditions. Temperatures during the active season likely do not exceed salamander thermal maxima to cause activity suppression and, until physiological limits are reached, future conditions may continue to increase activity. Our model is the first comprehensive field-based study to assess current and future surface activity probability. Our study provides insights into how a key behavior driving fitness may be affected by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan R Gade
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43201, USA
| | - Grant M Connette
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
| | - John A Crawford
- National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, One Confluence Way, East Alton, Illinois, 62024, USA
| | - Daniel J Hocking
- Department of Biology, Frostburg State University, 101 Braddock Rd, Frostburg, Maryland, 21532, USA
| | - John C Maerz
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E Green St, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Joseph R Milanovich
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 Sheridan Rd, Chicago, Illinois, 60660, USA
| | - William E Peterman
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43201, USA
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5
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McKenzie JM, Price SJ, Fleckenstein JL, Drayer AN, Connette GM, Bohuski E, Lorch JM. Field Diagnostics and Seasonality of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in Wild Snake Populations. Ecohealth 2019; 16:141-150. [PMID: 30349999 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Snake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging disease caused by the fungal pathogen, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. Clinical signs of SFD include dermal lesions, including regional and local edema, crusts, and ulcers. Snake fungal disease is widespread in the Eastern United States, yet there are limited data on how clinical signs of SFD compare with laboratory diagnostics. We compared two sampling methods for O. ophiodiicola, scale clip collection and swabbing, to evaluate whether collection method impacted the results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, we evaluated the use of clinical signs to predict the presence of O. ophiodiicola across seasons, snake habitat affiliation (aquatic or terrestrial) and study sites. We found no significant difference in PCR results between sampling methods. Clinical signs were a strong predictor of O. ophiodiicola presence in spring and summer seasons. Snakes occupying terrestrial environments had a lower overall probability of testing positive for O. ophiodiicola compared to snakes occupying aquatic environments. Although our study indicates that both clinical signs of SFD and prevalence of O. ophiodiicola vary seasonally and based on habitat preferences of the host, our analysis suggests that clinical signs can serve as a reliable indicator of O. ophiodiicola presence, especially during spring and summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M McKenzie
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-7118, USA
| | - Steven J Price
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-7118, USA.
| | - J Leo Fleckenstein
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-7118, USA
| | - Andrea N Drayer
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-7118, USA
| | - Grant M Connette
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bohuski
- U.S. Geological Survey - National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey - National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
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6
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Lee JL, Miller AH, Connette GM, Oo KS, Zug GR, Mulcahy DG. First record of the Malaysian Bridle Snake, Dryocalamus subannulatus (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854), in Myanmar (Reptilia, Serpentes, Colubridae). CheckList 2018. [DOI: 10.15560/14.2.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Dryocalamus subannulatus is reported for the first time from Myanmar. A single individual was found on the Thayawthadangyi Island Group in the Myeik Archipelago, Tanintharyi Region. Morphological features and a maximum likelihood analysis of the 16S mitochondrial gene confirm its identity. This specimen represents the first record of D. subannulatus north of the Isthmus of Kra.
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7
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George AD, Connette GM, Thompson FR, Faaborg J. Resource selection by an ectothermic predator in a dynamic thermal landscape. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:9557-9566. [PMID: 29187989 PMCID: PMC5696430 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting the effects of global climate change on species interactions has remained difficult because there is a spatiotemporal mismatch between regional climate models and microclimates experienced by organisms. We evaluated resource selection in a predominant ectothermic predator using a modeling approach that permitted us to assess the importance of habitat structure and local real‐time air temperatures within the same modeling framework. We radio‐tracked 53 western ratsnakes (Pantherophis obsoletus) from 2010 to 2013 in central Missouri, USA, at study sites where this species has previously been linked to prey population demographics. We used Bayesian discrete choice models within an information theoretic framework to evaluate the seasonal effects of fine‐scale vegetation structure and thermal conditions on ratsnake resource selection. Ratsnake resource selection was influenced most by canopy cover, canopy cover heterogeneity, understory cover, and air temperature heterogeneity. Ratsnakes generally preferred habitats with greater canopy heterogeneity early in the active season, and greater temperature heterogeneity later in the season. This seasonal shift potentially reflects differences in resource requirements and thermoregulation behavior. Predicted patterns of space use indicate that ratsnakes preferentially selected open habitats in spring and early summer and forest–field edges throughout the active season. Our results show that downscaled temperature models can be used to enhance our understanding of animal resource selection at scales that can be addressed by managers. We suggest that conservation of snakes or their prey in a changing climate will require consideration of fine‐scale interactions between local air temperatures and habitat structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D George
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri Columbia MO USA
| | | | - Frank R Thompson
- U.S.D.A. Forest Service Northern Research Station Columbia MO USA
| | - John Faaborg
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri Columbia MO USA
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Prescott GW, Sutherland WJ, Aguirre D, Baird M, Bowman V, Brunner J, Connette GM, Cosier M, Dapice D, De Alban JDT, Diment A, Fogerite J, Fox J, Hlaing W, Htun S, Hurd J, LaJeunesse Connette K, Lasmana F, Lim CL, Lynam A, Maung AC, McCarron B, McCarthy JF, McShea WJ, Momberg F, Mon MS, Myint T, Oberndorf R, Oo TN, Phelps J, Rao M, Schmidt-Vogt D, Speechly H, Springate-Baginski O, Steinmetz R, Talbott K, Than MM, Thaung TL, Thawng SCL, Thein KM, Thein S, Tizard R, Whitten T, Williams G, Wilson T, Woods K, Ziegler AD, Zrust M, Webb EL. Political transition and emergent forest-conservation issues in Myanmar. Conserv Biol 2017; 31:1257-1270. [PMID: 29030915 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 09/18/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Political and economic transitions have had substantial impacts on forest conservation. Where transitions are underway or anticipated, historical precedent and methods for systematically assessing future trends should be used to anticipate likely threats to forest conservation and design appropriate and prescient policy measures to counteract them. Myanmar is transitioning from an authoritarian, centralized state with a highly regulated economy to a more decentralized and economically liberal democracy and is working to end a long-running civil war. With these transitions in mind, we used a horizon-scanning approach to assess the 40 emerging issues most affecting Myanmar's forests, including internal conflict, land-tenure insecurity, large-scale agricultural development, demise of state timber enterprises, shortfalls in government revenue and capacity, and opening of new deforestation frontiers with new roads, mines, and hydroelectric dams. Averting these threats will require, for example, overhauling governance models, building capacity, improving infrastructure- and energy-project planning, and reforming land-tenure and environmental-protection laws. Although challenges to conservation in Myanmar are daunting, the political transition offers an opportunity for conservationists and researchers to help shape a future that enhances Myanmar's social, economic, and environmental potential while learning and applying lessons from other countries. Our approach and results are relevant to other countries undergoing similar transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham W Prescott
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - William J Sutherland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ, U.K
| | - Daniel Aguirre
- International Commission of Jurists, 15, Shan Yeikthar Street, Pann Hlaing Ward, Myanmar
| | - Matthew Baird
- MatthewBaird.com.au, 309 Peaks Garden Condo, 187/14 Thanon Chang Klan, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
| | - Vicky Bowman
- Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB), No. 6 (A), Shin Saw Pu Road, Kayinchan Qtr, Ahlone, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Jake Brunner
- IUCN Indo-Burma Group, 1st floor, Building 2A, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Grant M Connette
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, U.S.A
| | - Martin Cosier
- Myanmar Environmental Governance Program, U.S.-Asia Partnerships for Environmental Law, Vermont Law School, 164 Chelsea Street, P.O. Box 96, South Royalton, VT 05068, U.S.A
| | - David Dapice
- John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 79 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A
| | - Jose Don T De Alban
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Alex Diment
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Myanmar, 12 Narnattaw Road, Shwe Kainnayi Housing, Kamaryut Township, 11051, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Julia Fogerite
- IUCN Myanmar, 212 Sabae Marga Street, Kamaryut, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Jefferson Fox
- East-West Centre, 1601 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848-1601, U.S.A
| | - Win Hlaing
- FLEGT Secretariat, No 58 Kyaing Tone Street, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Saw Htun
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Myanmar, 12 Narnattaw Road, Shwe Kainnayi Housing, Kamaryut Township, 11051, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Jack Hurd
- The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606, U.S.A
| | - Katherine LaJeunesse Connette
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, U.S.A
| | - Felicia Lasmana
- Daemeter Consulting, Jl. Tangkuban Perahu 1, Taman Kencana, Bogor, Jawa Barat, 16128, Indonesia
| | - Cheng Ling Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Antony Lynam
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Center for Global Conservation, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, U.S.A
| | - Aye Chan Maung
- Forest Research Institute, Yezin, Zeyarthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Benjamin McCarron
- Asia Research and Engagement, 10 Anson Road, #26-04, International Plaza, 079903, Singapore
| | - John F McCarthy
- Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, JG Crawford Building, 132 Lennox Crossing, Acton ACT 0200, Australia
| | - William J McShea
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, U.S.A
| | - Frank Momberg
- Fauna & Flora International (FFI) Myanmar, No. 35, 3rd Floor, Shan Gone Condo, San Chaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Myat Su Mon
- Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, No. 39, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Than Myint
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Myanmar, 12 Narnattaw Road, Shwe Kainnayi Housing, Kamaryut Township, 11051, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Robert Oberndorf
- USAID's Myanmar Land Tenure Project, Implemented by Tetra Tech, No. 17, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Township, Yangon, 11081, Myanmar
| | - Thaung Naing Oo
- Forest Research Institute, Yezin, Zeyarthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Jacob Phelps
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, U.K
| | - Madhu Rao
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Center for Global Conservation, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, U.S.A
| | - Dietrich Schmidt-Vogt
- Chair of Silviculture, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Freiburg University, Tennenbacherstr. 4, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hugh Speechly
- FLEGT Secretariat, No 58 Kyaing Tone Street, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Oliver Springate-Baginski
- School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, U.K
| | - Robert Steinmetz
- WWF Thailand, 87 Soi Phatholyothin 5, Samsen Nai Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kirk Talbott
- Environmental Law Institute, 1730 M Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036, U.S.A
| | - Maung Maung Than
- RECOFTC, P.O. Box 1111, Kasetsart Post Office, Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok, 10903, Thailand
| | - Tint Lwin Thaung
- RECOFTC, P.O. Box 1111, Kasetsart Post Office, Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok, 10903, Thailand
| | - Salai Cung Lian Thawng
- Pyoe Pin, No. 23, 1st Floor, Strand Mansion, 40th Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Kyaw Min Thein
- Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, No. 39, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Shwe Thein
- Land Core Group, 18D Sein Lei Yeik Thar Street, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Robert Tizard
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Myanmar, 12 Narnattaw Road, Shwe Kainnayi Housing, Kamaryut Township, 11051, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tony Whitten
- Fauna & Flora International (FFI) Myanmar, No. 35, 3rd Floor, Shan Gone Condo, San Chaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Guy Williams
- Environmental Resources Management, 120 Robinson Road, Singapore, #10-01, 068913, Singapore
| | - Trevor Wilson
- Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, JG Crawford Building, 132 Lennox Crossing, Acton ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Kevin Woods
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California Berkeley, 215 Moses Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-2308, U.S.A
| | - Alan D Ziegler
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 1 Arts Link, 117570, Singapore
| | - Michal Zrust
- Daemeter Consulting, Jl. Tangkuban Perahu 1, Taman Kencana, Bogor, Jawa Barat, 16128, Indonesia
| | - Edward L Webb
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
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Connette GM, Oswald P, Thura MK, LaJeunesse Connette KJ, Grindley ME, Songer M, Zug GR, Mulcahy DG. Rapid forest clearing in a Myanmar proposed national park threatens two newly discovered species of geckos (Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174432. [PMID: 28403189 PMCID: PMC5389631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myanmar’s recent transition from military rule towards a more democratic government has largely ended decades of political and economic isolation. Although Myanmar remains heavily forested, increased development in recent years has been accompanied by exceptionally high rates of forest loss. In this study, we document the rapid progression of deforestation in and around the proposed Lenya National Park, which includes some of the largest remaining areas of lowland evergreen rainforest in mainland Southeast Asia. The globally unique forests in this area are rich in biodiversity and remain a critical stronghold for many threatened and endangered species, including large charismatic fauna such as tiger and Asian elephant. We also conducted a rapid assessment survey of the herpetofauna of the proposed national park, which resulted in the discovery of two new species of bent-toed geckos, genus Cyrtodactylus. We describe these new species, C. lenyasp. nov. and C. payarhtanensissp. nov., which were found in association with karst (i.e., limestone) rock formations within mature lowland wet evergreen forest. The two species were discovered less than 35 km apart and are each known from only a single locality. Because of the isolated nature of the karst formations in the proposed Lenya National Park, these geckos likely have geographical ranges restricted to the proposed protected area and are threatened by approaching deforestation. Although lowland evergreen rainforest has vanished from most of continental Southeast Asia, Myanmar can still take decisive action to preserve one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant M. Connette
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Patrick Oswald
- Fauna & Flora International, San Chaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Myint Kyaw Thura
- Myanmar Environment & Sustainable Conservation Co., LTD (MESC), Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Katherine J. LaJeunesse Connette
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Mark E. Grindley
- Fauna & Flora International, San Chaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Melissa Songer
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - George R. Zug
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., United States of America
| | - Daniel G. Mulcahy
- Global Genome Initiative (GGI), National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., United States of America
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Connette GM, Osbourn MS, Peterman WE. The Distribution of a Stream-breeding Salamander,Desmognathus ocoee, in Terrestrial Habitat Suggests the Ecological Importance of Low-order Streams. COPEIA 2016. [DOI: 10.1643/ot-14-215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
Demographic studies often depend on sampling techniques providing representative samples from populations. However, the sequence of events leading up to a successful capture or detection is susceptible to biases introduced through individual-level behaviour or physiology. Passive sampling techniques may be especially prone to sampling bias caused by size-related phenomena (e.g., physical limitations on trap entrance). We tested for size-biased sampling among five types of passive traps using a 9-year data set for two species of aquatic salamanders that have a 20 and 61 fold change in length over their ontogeny (Amphiuma means, Siren lacertina). Size-biased trapping was evident for both species, with body size distributions (body length mean and SD) of captured individuals differing among sampling techniques. Because our two species differed in girth at similar lengths, we were able to show that size biases (in length) were most likely caused by girth limitations on trap entry rates, and potentially by differences in retention rates. Accounting for the biases of sampling techniques may be critical when assessing current population status and demographic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Luhring
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
- Current Address: Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, 410 Manter Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Grant M. Connette
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, USA
| | - Christopher M. Schalk
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
- Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, 210 Nagle Hall, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
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Connette GM, Crawford JA, Peterman WE. Climate change and shrinking salamanders: alternative mechanisms for changes in plethodontid salamander body size. Glob Chang Biol 2015; 21:2834-2843. [PMID: 25641384 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have demonstrated relationships between climate trends and body size change of organisms. In many cases, climate might be expected to influence body size by altering thermoregulation, energetics or food availability. However, observed body size change can result from a variety of ecological processes (e.g. growth, selection, population dynamics) or imperfect observation of biological systems. We used two extensive datasets to evaluate alternative mechanisms for recently reported changes in the observed body size of plethodontid salamanders. We found that mean adult body size of salamanders can be highly sensitive to survey conditions, particularly rainfall. This systematic bias in the detection of larger or smaller individuals could result in a signature of body size change in relation to reported climate trends when it is simply observation error. We also identify considerable variability in body size distributions among years and find that individual growth rates can be strongly influenced by weather. Finally, our study demonstrates that measures of mean adult body size can be highly variable among surveys and that large sample sizes may be required to make reliable inferences. Identifying the effects of climate change is a critical area of research in ecology and conservation. Researchers should be aware that observed changes in certain organisms can result from multiple ecological processes or systematic bias due to nonrandom sampling of populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant M Connette
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - John A Crawford
- National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, East Alton, IL, 62024, USA
| | - William E Peterman
- Prairie Research Institute, Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant M. Connette
- Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences; University of Missouri; 233 ABNR Building Columbia MO 65211 USA
| | - Raymond D. Semlitsch
- Division of Biological Sciences; University of Missouri; 212 Tucker Hall Columbia MO 65211 USA
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Lewis JD, Connette GM, Deyrup MA, Carrel JE, Semlitsch RD. Relationship between Diet and Microhabitat Use of Red-legged Salamanders (Plethodon shermani) in Southwestern North Carolina. COPEIA 2014. [DOI: 10.1643/ce-13-089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Peterman WE, Connette GM, Semlitsch RD, Eggert LS. Ecological resistance surfaces predict fine-scale genetic differentiation in a terrestrial woodland salamander. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:2402-13. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William E. Peterman
- Illinois Natural History Survey; Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois 1816 S Oak Street Champaign; IL 61820 USA
| | - Grant M. Connette
- Division of Biological Sciences; University of Missouri; Columbia MO USA
| | | | - Lori S. Eggert
- Division of Biological Sciences; University of Missouri; Columbia MO USA
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16
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Osbourn MS, Connette GM, Semlitsch RD. Effects of fine-scale forest habitat quality on movement and settling decisions in juvenile pond-breeding salamanders. Ecol Appl 2014; 24:1719-1729. [PMID: 29210233 DOI: 10.1890/13-0813.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A better understanding of how individuals respond to variation in habitat quality while moving through heterogeneous habitats is needed to predict ecological phenomena at larger scales, such as local population and metapopulation dynamics. We sought to identify how fine-scale habitat quality affects the decisions of juvenile pond-breeding salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum and A. annulatum) to cease dispersive movements away from their natal pond, select a refuge, and settle. Because of the acute susceptibility of juvenile amphibians to evaporative water loss in terrestrial habitats, we predicted that they possess mechanisms for adjusting their behavior in response to variations in fine-scale habitat quality. We used experimental field enclosures to isolate the effects of habitat quality on settling behavior and employed generalized linear mixed models to examine how manipulations in canopy cover (closed or open) and microhabitat (control, compacted soils, high coarse woody debris, high burrow density), along with environmental variables (rainfall and air temperature), affect the individual's probability of settling. Our results indicated that A. maculatum and A. annulatum had a 10% and 30% decreased probability of settling in open-canopy clearcut habitat, respectively, compared to closed-canopy forest habitat. In addition, A. annulatum were 24% less likely to settle in compacted soil treatments. Although the settlement probability of A. annulatum did not depend on refuge availability, A. maculatum were 18% and 25% more likely to settle under conditions of high burrow density and high coarse woody debris, respectively. These findings make a unique contribution to our understanding of amphibian movement ecology by demonstrating how the interplay of external factors and individual behavior produce observed patterns of movement and habitat selection.
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Connette GM, Semlitsch RD. Life history as a predictor of salamander recovery rate from timber harvest in southern appalachian forests, USA. Conserv Biol 2013; 27:1399-1409. [PMID: 24033390 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Forest management often represents a balance between social, economic, and ecological objectives. In the eastern United States, numerous studies have established that terrestrial salamander populations initially decline in abundance following timber harvest, yet the large-scale and long-term consequences are relatively unknown. We used count data from terrestrial survey points to examine the relation between salamander abundance and historic timber harvest while accounting for imperfect detection of individuals. Overall, stream- and terrestrial-breeding salamanders appeared to differ by magnitude of population decline, rate of population recovery, and extent of recolonization from surrounding forest. Specifically, estimated abundance of both species groups was positively associated with stand age and recovery rates were predicted to increase over time for red-legged salamanders (Plethodon shermani) and decrease in stream-breeding species. Abundance of stream-breeding salamanders was predicted to reach a peak by 100 years after timber harvest, and the population growth rate of red-legged salamanders was predicted to undergo a significant increase 100 years after harvest. Estimated abundance of stream-breeding salamanders in young forest stands was also negatively associated with the distance to adjacent forest, a result that suggests immigration has a role in the recovery of these species. Our results indicate that salamander abundance in young forest stands may be only modestly lower than in more mature forest but that full recovery from timber harvest may take a substantial amount of time and that species life history may affect patterns of recovery. Historia de Vida como un Vaticinador de la Tasa de Recuperación de una Salamandra a la Colecta de Madera en los Bosques del Sur de los Apalaches, E.U.A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant M Connette
- Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, U.S.A..
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Peterman WE, Connette GM, Spatola BN, Eggert LS, Semlitsch RD. Identification of Polymorphic Loci in Ambystoma annulatum and Review of Cross-species Microsatellite Use in the Genus Ambystoma. COPEIA 2012. [DOI: 10.1643/ch-11-001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Connette GM, Semlitsch RD. Successful use of a passive integrated transponder (PIT) system for below-ground detection of plethodontid salamanders. Wildl Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1071/wr11055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Passive integrated transponder (PIT) technology allows for permanent and unambiguous marking of animals and has recently been adapted for locating tagged individuals in the field with portable detection systems.
Aims
We seek to assess the effects of PIT tagging on the growth and survival of plethodontid salamanders in the laboratory and to evaluate the effectiveness of this method for subterranean detection of salamanders in the field.
Methods
In a laboratory experiment, we assigned 36 Plethodon shermani to either a PIT tag or control group and compared survival and growth rates over the course of 9 weeks. For the field study, we implanted six Plethodon metcalfi with PIT tags and conducted surveys so as to determine their below-ground positions with a portable detector.
Key results
We found no effect of PIT tagging on either growth or survival in the laboratory. In the field, PIT telemetry resulted in an overall detection efficiency of 44%, with nighttime surveys yielding a greater detection efficiency than daytime surveys. This technique provided a significant improvement over traditional hand-capture because detected salamanders were rarely visible on the ground surface.
Key conclusions
Our study indicates that even these relatively small-bodied salamanders (range: 2.14–5.18 g) are capable of bearing PIT tag implants and confirms the results of previous studies that found no effect of PIT tagging on the health or survival of amphibians. This study further demonstrates that the use of a portable PIT detector can be an effective method for locating below-ground salamanders.
Implications
Because of the small size and long lifespan of PIT tags, we believe portable PIT detectors can provide researchers with an unprecedented level of detail for studies of the movement behaviour, spatial ecology and management of species that are small or otherwise challenging to detect and monitor with other techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven J. Price
- Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035–7118
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