Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Steffen Oppel, Bethany L. Clark, Michelle M. Risi, Catharine Horswill, Sarah J. Converse, Christopher W. Jones, Alexis M. Osborne, Kim Stevens, Vonica Perold, Alexander L. Bond, Ross M. Wanless, Richard Cuthbert, John Cooper, Peter G. Ryan
Summary: Invasive species are causing significant biodiversity loss globally, and removing them from islands is an effective management strategy. However, uncertainty over the impacts of invasive species and their eradication can hinder investment in eradication efforts. This study focuses on the Tristan albatross, a long-lived bird species threatened by invasive species on land and industrial fisheries at sea. The research shows that eradicating invasive mice on the breeding site of Tristan albatrosses could significantly increase their population, emphasizing the importance of invasive species control to prevent population decline.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Valerio Donini, Luca Pedrotti, Francesco Ferretti, Luca Corlatti
Summary: Investigating the impact of ecological factors on Alpine chamois population dynamics, the study found that birth rate and survival rates were negatively related to climatic variables, density dependence, and interspecific competition with red deer.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Pauliina A. Ahti, Silva Uusi-Heikkila, Anna Kuparinen
Summary: This study explores the consequences of fish population oscillations with different amplitudes and wavelengths using a simulation model. The results show that oscillations with wavelengths shorter than the maximum lifespan of the fish lead to evolutionary differences, while longer wavelengths mainly manifest as ecological effects seen in population biomass oscillation. The evolutionary and ecological differences increase with increasing amplitude, except for the two-year wavelength scenario which produces opposite results. Overall, this research highlights the evolutionary signatures and ecological consequences of natural population oscillations.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Cristhiana Ropke, Tiago H. S. Pires, Jansen Zuanon, Carlos E. C. Freitas, Marina C. Hernandes, Flavia Souza, Sidineia Amadio
Summary: Understanding the factors that regulate temporal changes in population size is crucial in ecology for maintaining species interactions, ecosystem stability, and biodiversity conservation. This study examined the population stability of 70 Amazonian floodplain fish species in relation to life-history traits and fishing pressure, finding significant relationships with certain life-history traits but not with fishing pressure. The findings stress the importance of life-history traits in controlling population size variation and can inform fisheries and conservation management strategies.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Kaitlyn B. Golden, Mark C. Belk, Jerald B. Johnson
Summary: The study found that females from high-predation environments of Alfaro cultratus have significantly lower reproductive allotment compared to females from low-predation environments, but there are no significant differences in terms of offspring number or size at maturity for both males and females. Additionally, the species exhibits isometric patterns of allocation for clutch dry mass in relation to female dry mass in both high-predation and low-predation environments.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Kelly A. Keen, Roxanne S. Beltran, Enrico Pirotta, Daniel P. Costa
Summary: The Population Consequences of Disturbance (PCoD) framework is essential in assessing the non-lethal effects of disturbance from human activities on wildlife conservation and management. By linking short-term responses to long-term impacts on individuals and populations, PCoD models offer valuable insights into contextual factors influencing a population's exposure and sensitivity to disturbance, helping prioritize vulnerable populations and guide conservation decisions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiao-Han Mu, Gang Huang, Yan Li, Xin-Jun Zheng, Gui-Qing Xu, Xue Wu, Yugang Wang, Yan Liu
Summary: The study found that desert vegetation species are significantly affected by precipitation changes, drought reduces plant survival rate and affects their life cycle, while precipitation has a significant impact on seed production and growth rate, but not on plant height and allometry; plants germinated in autumn have higher productivity, while those germinated in spring have higher reproductive efficiency, indicating they have different life history strategies.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Jingchao Zhao, Jun Zhang, Xueli Zhu, Jianbo Lu, Binsong Jin, Huili Chen
Summary: This study describes the life cycle of a free-living bacterivorous nematode, Diplolaimella stagnosa, and investigates the effects of temperature and food availability on its population dynamics. Results show that reproduction is by gamogenesis, and the population grows faster at 25 degrees Celsius and in microcosms with abundant bacteria supplied by plant litter.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard Shine, Gregory P. Brown, Claire Goiran
Summary: Population dynamics of sea snakes are influenced by negative density-dependence, with windy winter weather benefiting neonate survival but reducing adult body condition and reproductive output.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Zoology
A. Fernandez-Gil, J. A. Lamas, L. M. Ansola, J. Roman, M. de Gabriel Hernando, E. Revilla
Summary: Apex predators play a critical role in shaping ecosystem diversity. This study aims to understand the mechanisms driving population dynamics in these predators by examining the relationship between population density and demographic parameters. The results indicate that density does not affect reproductive parameters at the population level, but environmental factors at the territory level, such as territory size and habitat type, do influence reproductive performance.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Amanda Rotella, Michael E. W. Varnum, Oliver Sng, Igor Grossmann
Summary: In a study spanning 69 years across 174 countries, a robust association between population density and fertility rates was found. As population density increased, fertility decreased both within- and between-countries. However, this relationship was weaker in harsh environments.
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jean-Pierre Desforges, Goncalo M. Marques, Larissa T. Beumer, Marianna Chimienti, Lars H. Hansen, Stine Hojlund Pedersen, Niels M. Schmidt, Floris M. Beest
Summary: Understanding how individuals and populations respond to environmental changes over time is crucial for species conservation in a rapidly changing world. The Arctic, facing increased warming, is particularly vulnerable to rapid environmental changes, with winter forage accessibility playing a key role in muskox population dynamics through impacts on calf recruitment and maternal investment carryover effects.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
William R. Shoemaker, Stuart E. Jones, Mario E. Muscarella, Megan G. Behringer, Brent K. Lehmkuhl, Jay T. Lennon
Summary: Research shows that under limited resources, most bacterial taxa can survive, with a wide range of extinction times. Despite the lack of exogenous resources, bacterial populations continue to evolve and acquire numerous mutations. While adapting to environmental pressures, bacterial lifespan is extended through scavenging dead cells.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Emily I. Palmer, Emma L. Betty, Sinead Murphy, Matthew R. Perrott, Adam N. H. Smith, Karen A. Stockin
Summary: Reproductive parameters of male common dolphins in New Zealand were assessed, and it was found that they reached sexual maturity at a slightly younger age and length compared to populations in the Northern Hemisphere. Testicular variables were found to be better predictors of sexual maturity, and reproductive seasonality was observed in line with other studied populations. These findings are important for the conservation management of New Zealand common dolphins.
Article
Ecology
Andre M. de Roos
Summary: PSPManalysis is a software package that simulates ecological dynamics, computes ecological steady states, and detects bifurcation points in dynamics. It also allows for analyzing evolutionary dynamics and singular states of PSPMs, providing a more comprehensive and in-depth approach to studying the impact of environmental conditions on individuals' life history.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Sanchez-Perez, Francisco Jose Oliva-Paterna, Nicole Colin, Mar Torralva, Konrad Gorski
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dani Latorre, Guillem Maso, Arlo Hinckley, David Verdiell-Cubedo, Gema Castillo-Garcia, Anni G. Gonzalez-Rojas, Erin N. Black-Barbour, Anna Vila-Gispert, Emili Garcia-Berthou, Rafael Miranda, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna, Ana Ruiz-Navarro, Eduardo da Silva, Carlos Fernandez-Delgado, Julien Cucherousset, Jose M. Serrano, David Almeida
Article
Ecology
Ana Ruiz-Navarro, Michelle C. Jackson, David Almeida, J. Robert Britton
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose Manuel Zamora-Marin, Christiane Ilg, Eliane Demierre, Nelly Bonnet, Alexander Wezel, Joel Robin, Dominique Vallod, Jose Francisco Calvo, Francisco Jose Oliva-Paterna, Beat Oertli
Summary: The contribution of artificial ponds to regional biodiversity has not been quantified, but they have the potential to support freshwater biodiversity. Different types of artificial ponds are complementary in terms of supporting regional diversity for amphibians, water beetles, and freshwater snails. However, artificial ponds have lower α richness compared to natural ponds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jose M. Zamora-Marin, Antonio Zamora-Lopez, Maria Jimenez-Franco, Jose F. Calvo, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna
Summary: Ponds are among the world's most endangered freshwater ecosystems, and environmental heterogeneity has been found to positively influence bird species richness. The study suggests that in a semiarid region, drinking troughs outperformed other pond types in supporting bird species richness.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose M. Zamora-Marin, Antonio Zamora-Lopez, Jose F. Calvo, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna
Summary: Understanding biodiversity distribution is crucial for effective conservation actions. Choosing an appropriate sampling method is key for obtaining accurate information. This study in the province of Murcia, one of the most arid regions in Europe, applied multi-method occupancy models to common bird species, showing that combined method and direct observation were most effective for detecting species occupancy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatima Amat-Trigo, Mar Torralva, Daniel Gonzalez-Silvera, Francisco Javier Martinez-Lopez, Francisco Jose Oliva-Paterna
Summary: The invasion success of non-native fish, such as Pyrenean gudgeon Gobio lozanoi, in the Iberian Peninsula is linked to the expression of certain life history traits, particularly in rivers with regulated flow regimes. The study revealed differences in reproductive traits and energy allocation along a longitudinal gradient in the Segura river basin, suggesting that plasticity in population traits plays a significant role in the species' success in regulated Mediterranean rivers. Understanding the mechanisms behind flow regulation and its impact on fish populations could inform better management practices.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Sanchez-Perez, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna, Fatima Amat-Trigo, Mar Torralva
Summary: This study found that factors such as flow regulation, non-native fish populations, and habitat alterations significantly influence the changes in biological traits such as size structure and somatic condition of Luciobarbus sclateri populations at the downstream reaches. The high plasticity observed in L. sclateri population traits contributes to the species' adaptability to resist in a strongly altered Mediterranean river basin. The interplay of multiple stressors plays an important role in fish population dynamics and may induce complex responses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring in sentinel species.
Article
Limnology
Adrian Guerrero-Gomez, Antonio Zamora-Lopez, Antonio Guillen-Beltran, Jose M. Zamora-Marin, Ana Sanchez-Perez, Mar Torralva, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna
Summary: This study presents an updated checklist of young of the year fish species inhabiting the shallow areas of Mar Menor in the Western Mediterranean from 2018 to 2019. A total of 43 taxa in 19 families were identified. This information is valuable for establishing environmental monitoring programs and implementing management actions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Sanchez-Perez, Mar Torralva, Jose Manuel Zamora-Marin, Francisco Javier Bravo-Cordoba, Francisco Javier Sanz-Ronda, Francisco Jose Oliva-Paterna
Summary: River connectivity is crucial for the resilience of fish assemblages and populations, and is a top priority for achieving good ecological status in river systems. The assessment of different types of multispecies fishways in a Mediterranean-type river showed clear ecological contributions, including their use as migration corridors and compensatory habitats for small and juvenile fish.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Enrique Gonzalez-Ortegon, Selina Berger, Joao Encarnacao, Hicham Chairi, Pedro Morais, Maria Alexandra Teodosio, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna, Christoph D. Schubart, Jose A. Cuesta
Summary: The Atlantic blue crab has extended its distribution along the Gulf of Cadiz and Moroccan coasts, and our study reveals low genetic variability in the study region. We also observed an inversion of haplotype predominance between regions. Further research on additional populations is needed to better understand the history of this invasive species in the Gulf of Cadiz.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Isabel Banos-Gonzalez, Patricia Esteve-Guirao, Magdalena Valverde-Perez, Ana Ruiz-Navarro
Summary: This paper analyses how 224 students from the fifth and sixth grade recognise the key aspects, i.e., the causes, consequences, and solutions of the eutrophication problem affecting the relevant ecosystem in their region. The results show that students from the sixth grade recognized more complete interconnections between the agricultural development of the area and the changes that occurred in the ecosystem. Regarding the solutions, some reluctance was observed to limit agricultural activity. Finally, five models were established regarding the understanding that students reach of the problem as a whole.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jose M. Zamora-Marin, Antonio Zamora-Lopez, David Sanchez-Fernandez, Jose F. Calvo
Summary: Farmland bird populations are declining worldwide due to agricultural intensification and the loss of unique landscape elements. In arid and semiarid regions, traditional small waterbodies are disappearing rapidly, exacerbating the simplification of agroecosystems. This study confirms that any type of traditional man-made waterbody, such as cattle ponds, drinking troughs, or traditional artificial pools, can play a crucial role in supporting farmland bird communities at landscape scale if properly designed and managed. However, these traditional waterbodies are often overlooked and their importance for farmland biodiversity is rarely considered in agri-environment schemes.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco J. Oficialdegui, Jose M. Zamora-Marin, Simone Guareschi, Pedro M. Anastacio, Pablo Garcia-Murillo, Filipe Ribeiro, Rafael Miranda, Fernando Cobo, Belinda Gallardo, Emili Garcia-Berthou, Dani Boix, Andres Arias, Jose A. Cuesta, Leopoldo Medina, David Almeida, Filipe Banha, Sandra Barca, Idoia Biurrun, M. Pilar Cabezas, Sara Calero, Juan A. Campos, Laura Capdevila-Arguelles, Cesar Capinha, Frederic Casals, Miguel Clavero, Joao Encarnacao, Carlos Fernandez-Delgado, Javier Franco, Antonio Guillen, Virgilio Hermoso, Annie Machordom, Joana Martelo, Andres Mellado-Diaz, Felipe Morcilloy, Javier Oscoz, Anabel Perdices, Quim Pou-Rovira, Argantonio Rodriguez-Merino, Macarena Ros, Ana Ruiz-Navarro, Marta I. Sanchez, David Sanchez-Fernandez, Jorge R. Sanchez-Gonzalez, Enrique Sanchez-Gullon, M. Alexandra Teodosio, Mar Torralva, Rufino Vieira-Lanero, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna
Summary: As the number of introduced species continues to rise, it is crucial to identify and prioritize current and potential invasive alien species (IAS) for effective management. Using a combination of scientific knowledge and expert opinion, this study identified the most relevant aquatic IAS in the Iberian Peninsula and classified them into a concern list and an alert list. This approach provides a robust assessment and cost-effective strategy for prioritizing resources in IAS prevention and management.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jose M. Zamora-Marin, Ana Ruiz-Navarro, Francisco J. Oficialdegui, Pedro M. Anastacio, Rafael Miranda, Pablo Garcia-Murillo, Fernando Cobo, Filipe Ribeiro, Belinda Gallardo, Emili Garcia-Berthou, Dani Boix, Leopoldo Medina, Felipe Morcillo, Javier Oscoz, Antonio Guillen, Antonio A. Herrero-Reyes, Francisca C. Aguiar, David Almeida, Andres Arias, Cesar Ayres, Filipe Banha, Sandra Barca, Idoia Biurrun, M. Pilar Cabezas, Sara Calero, Juan A. Campos, Laura Capdevila-Arguelles, Cesar Capinha, Andre Carapeto, Frederic Casals, Paula Chainho, Santos Cirujano, Miguel Clavero, Jose A. Cuesta, Vicente Deltoro, Joao Encarnacao, Carlos Fernandez-Delgado, Javier Franco, Antonio J. Garcia-Meseguer, Simone Guareschi, Adrian Guerrero-Gomez, Virgilio Hermoso, Celia Lopez-Canizares, Joaquin Lopez-Soriano, Annie Machordom, Joana Martelo, Andres Mellado-Diaz, Juan C. Moreno, Rosa Olivo del Amo, J. Carlos Otero, Anabel Perdices, Quim Pou-Rovira, Sergio Quinonero-Salgado, Argantonio Rodriguez-Merino, Macarena Ros, Enrique Sanchez-Gullon, Marta I. Sanchez, David Sanchez-Fernandez, Jorge R. Sanchez-Gonzalez, Oscar Soriano, M. Alexandra Teodosio, Mar Torralva, Rufino Vieira-Lanero, Antonio Zamora-Lopez, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive and updated inventory of non-indigenous species in aquatic ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula. It analyzes the establishment status, introduction pathways, native range, and temporal introduction trends of listed species. Additionally, it discusses the legal coverage provided by national and European regulations. The study emphasizes the need for coordinated transnational strategies to address aquatic invasions across EU member borders.