Article
Ecology
Anna Treves, Andrea Terenziani, Christof Angst, Elena Comino
Summary: This paper proposes the use of Ecological Niche Models to explore the potential for reintroducing Eurasian beavers in Italy. The results show potential habitats along main watercourses in foothill and plain zones. The study suggests that this model can be a useful tool in selecting appropriate reintroduction sites.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Sergio Barraza-Guerrero, Cesar A. Meza-Herrera, Cristina Garcia-De La Pena, Veronica Avila-Rodriguez, Felipe Vaca-Paniagua, Clara E. Diaz-Velasquez, Irene Pacheco-Torres, Monica A. Valdez-Solana, Quetzaly K. Siller-Rodriguez, Luis M. Valenzuela-Nunez, Juan C. Herrera-Salazar
Summary: The Mexican wolf is an endangered species, efforts are being made in Mexico and the United States to reintroduce individuals to their original habitats. Diet plays a crucial role in the health and reproductive fitness of captive wolves. Analyzing fecal microbiota can provide valuable insights into the health of these animals and different diets may affect the diversity and abundance of bacterial communities.
Article
Plant Sciences
Boniface K. Ngarega, John M. Nzei, Josphat K. Saina, Marwa Waseem A. Halmy, Jin-Ming Chen, Zhi-Zhong Li
Summary: Understanding the influence of environmental covariates on the distribution of aquatic plant species is crucial, particularly in the context of climate change. This study focuses on Ottelia, an important aquatic genus, and examines the effects of climate change on its distribution in Africa. The findings highlight the significance of topography and climate variables, such as temperature and precipitation, in shaping the distribution patterns of Ottelia species. The study also emphasizes the importance of water-temperature conditions and the potential impacts of climate change on fragmentation and habitat loss. Additionally, the assessment of niche overlap provides insights into the similarities among Ottelia species. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect natural Ottelia populations and provides valuable information for understanding the distribution of Ottelia species in Africa.
Article
Agronomy
Karla Janeth Martinez-Macias, Selenne Yuridia Marquez-Guerrero, Aldo Rafael Martinez-Sifuentes, Miguel Angel Segura-Castruita
Summary: This study investigates the suitability and expansion of fig cultivation in Mexico. The results reveal both positive and negative effects of climate change on fig habitat suitability and expansion. The northern and central regions are the most affected areas.
Article
Ecology
Scott Jarvie, Trevor H. Worthy, Frederik Saltre, R. Paul Scofield, Philip J. Seddon, Alison Cree
Summary: SDMs incorporating Holocene records and all past locations can more accurately estimate the climatically suitable area for tuatara, showing a larger suitable area compared to using contemporary records only, and indicating niche shifts in tuatara over time.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Cheryl S. Asa, Karen L. Bauman
Summary: This study assessed the puberty status of male Mexican gray wolves during their first breeding season in US facilities and evaluated the variables associated with puberty. The results showed significant effects of body weight, testis size, facility latitude, and date of collection on development. Nutrition was identified as a major influencing factor. The findings have implications for breeding program management and suggest that more wild gray wolves may produce sperm than previously thought.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Milica Kurucki, Snezana Tomanovic, Ratko Sukara, Dusko Cirovic
Summary: This study presents the first evidence of Hepatozoon canis in grey wolf populations in Serbia, highlighting the high prevalence and genetic diversity of the pathogen. Further research is needed to understand the transmission mechanism, potential sources of infection, and the impact of this pathogen on wild carnivores.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Luis Rafael Garibay-Castro, Pedro Joaquin Gutierrez-Yurrita, Alma Rosa Lopez-Laredo, Jesus Hernandez-Ruiz, Jose Luis Trejo-Espino
Summary: Carrying out research to obtain information on the cultural and biological heritage of a region is essential for developing strategies to conserve biocultural diversity. This study aimed to model the potential distribution of a specific plant species in Mexico and gather traditional knowledge on its medicinal uses from local communities.
Article
Zoology
Kaija Klauder, Bridget L. Borg, Laura R. Prugh
Summary: Studies show that coyotes do not universally avoid wolves, but exhibit season-specific responses to wolf proximity and long-term landscape use by wolves. They avoid wolves in summer but prefer areas with wolves in winter, suggesting that mesopredators employ complex behavioral strategies to mediate apex predator effects.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Luara Tourinho, Jayme A. Prevedello, Bruno M. Carvalho, Diogo S. B. Rocha, Mariana M. Vale
Summary: This study evaluated the potential effects of climate change on landscape-scale for endemic bird species in the Atlantic Forest. The results showed that climate change has minor effects on landscape-level for these bird species, but potential impacts at the regional scale cannot be excluded. This study supports the perception that land-use change poses an urgent threat to biodiversity in tropical regions.
PERSPECTIVES IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Temitope Emmanuel Arotolu, HaoNing Wang, JiaNing Lv, Kun Shi, Hein van Gils, LiYa Huang, XiaoLong Wang
Summary: This study identifies the environmental conditions and areas in the Qinghai Lake basin that are suitable for the distribution of Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax. Through mapping environmental variables and anthrax occurrence data, the study finds that a relatively high annual mean temperature, specific soil types, and a high human population density contribute the most to the distribution of B. anthracis. The resulting distribution map provides valuable information for nature reserve managers and animal health authorities to devise surveillance and control strategies in the suitable regions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Stewart W. Breck, Amy J. Davis, John K. Oakleaf, David L. Bergman, Jim deVos, J. Paul Greer, Kim Pepin
Summary: Recovering and maintaining large carnivore populations in shared landscapes is a global conservation challenge. This study focused on the endangered Mexican wolf subspecies and examined the impact of management removal and illegal killing on their population growth. The findings suggest that effective conflict prevention strategies and compensation programs are crucial for recovering and maintaining carnivore populations in shared landscapes.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
V. A. Ndolo, D. Redding, M. A. Deka, J. S. Salzer, A. R. Vieira, H. Onyuth, M. Ocaido, R. Tweyongyere, R. Azuba, F. Monje, A. R. Ario, S. Kabwama, E. Kisaakye, L. Bulage, B. Kwesiga, V. Ntono, J. Harris, J. L. N. Wood, A. J. K. Conlan
Summary: By integrating data from multiple sectors, applying Bayesian methods and generalized additive models, the suitability of Bacillus anthracis in Uganda was successfully identified and unknown hotspots were suggested. The major risk factors include proximity to water bodies, increasing soil calcium, and elevation. The model showed a high sensitivity to the evaluation dataset, and the prediction maps can guide future anthrax prevention and surveillance plans.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jacek Karamon, Malgorzata Samorek-Pierog, Jacek Sroka, Ewa Bilska-Zajac, Joanna Dabrowska, Maciej Kochanowski, Miroslaw Rozycki, Jolanta Zdybel, Tomasz Cencek
Summary: This study aimed to confirm the presence and molecular identification of Echinococcus tapeworms in wolves from south-eastern Poland. The investigation revealed the presence of adult E. ortleppi tapeworms in wolves for the first time, with PCR and sequencing showing high similarity to E. ortleppi (G5) sequences.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mark A. Ditmer, George Wittemyer, Stewart W. Breck, Kevin R. Crooks
Summary: This study quantified and mapped the tolerance for wolves among citizens in Colorado using voting records, and combined it with spatial data to estimate the conflict risk between wolves and humans. The results showed that around 56% of the area had relatively low conflict risk and ecologically suitable habitat for wolves. These findings can inform targeted management strategies to facilitate human-carnivore coexistence and the success of carnivore restoration efforts.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Raciel Cruz-Elizalde, Aurelio Ramirez-Bautista, Abraham Lozano, Julian A. Velasco, Pablo Octavio-Aguilar, Christian Berriozabal-Islas
Summary: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing size and shape dimorphism in the Sceloporus scalaris group. The results showed differences in morphological traits between sexes and among populations of the same species. Oviparous species were generally larger than viviparous species, and differences in overall body size among populations were only observed in certain species. Male-biased sexual size dimorphism was found in oviparous lizards, while absence of sexual size dimorphism was recorded in viviparous lizards and some populations of other species. Two different shape patterns were identified, with one being female-biased and the other being male-biased. The study suggests that environmental factors may play a more important role than phylogeny in determining sexual dimorphism.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Raciel Cruz-Elizalde, Leticia M. Ochoa-Ochoa, Oscar A. Flores-Villela, Julian A. Velasco
Summary: Cloud forests in Mexico have a high species richness of amphibians and reptiles, with the southern regions of Mexico being particularly diverse. The results of this study provide important information for conservation planners to protect the species richness and phylogenetic diversity in this environment.
Article
Biology
Jorge D. Mercado-Gomez, Maria E. Morales-Puentes, Mailyn A. Gonzalez, Julian A. Velasco
Summary: This study analyzed the evolutionary climatic niche of Neotropical species of Capparaceae and found that the Miocene climate may have influenced the speciation of this family towards drier environments. The study also highlighted the presence of phylogenetic niche conservatism and species-specific adaptations to drought stress and rainfall during the Miocene.
REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
A. N. T. O. N. I. O. Y. O. L. O. C. A. L. L. I. CISNEROS-BERNAL, F. L. O. R. RODRIGUEZ-GOMEZ, O. S. C. A. R. FLORES-VILLELA, M. A. T. T. H. E. W. K. FUJITA, J. U. L. I. A. N. A. VELASCO, J. E. S. U. S. A. FERNANDEZ
Summary: The formation of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have influenced the diversification of lineages and species in central Mexico. In this study, a phylogeographic analysis of a Mexican endemic rattlesnake species revealed lineage diversification due to geological events and Quaternary climate changes. This work highlights the presence of cryptic diversification processes in morphologically conserved species.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Tonatiuh Ramirez-Reyes, Julian A. Velasco, Oscar Flores-Villela, Daniel Pinero
Summary: This study focuses on the leaf-toed geckos Phyllodactylus in North America and reveals that the relationship between species diversification and phenotypic diversification in this taxon is decoupled. The contributions of island colonizations to the diversification of this genus are found to be similar in magnitude to those of continental habitats. The evolution of Phyllodactylus has taken place with minimal ecological influence and shows limited morphological diversity, with long periods of stability in body size and shape. However, certain head traits have undergone recent changes, possibly due to selective pressures associated with different trophic niches on islands and continents. These findings suggest that Phyllodactylus has undergone a non-adaptive radiation process.
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Dedi Yang, Bailey D. Morrison, Kenneth J. Davidson, Julien Lamour, Qianyu Li, Peter R. Nelson, Wouter Hantson, Daniel J. Hayes, Tyson L. Swetnam, Andrew McMahon, Jeremiah Anderson, Kim S. Ely, Alistair Rogers, Shawn P. Serbin
Summary: The Arctic is experiencing faster warming than any other biome, leading to significant changes in vegetation. The use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) with remote sensing instruments has emerged as a valuable tool to study and monitor these ecosystems, providing detailed observations at fine spatial scales and flexible temporal resolutions.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Francisco Estrada, Oscar Calderon-Bustamante, Wouter Botzen, Julian A. Velasco, Richard S. J. Tol
Summary: This study presents a simple climate model emulator called AIRCC-Clim, which can produce regional probabilistic climate change projections and risk measures with low computational and technical requirements for the user. It is designed for various applications including impact assessments, climate policy evaluation, and integrated assessment modeling.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Julian A. Velasco, Jesus N. Pinto-Ledezma
Summary: The article discusses the intersection of macroecology and macroevolution in understanding species richness patterns, highlighting the importance of speciation, extinction, and dispersal processes in shaping current diversity patterns. It suggests that phylogenetic metrics poorly capture these evolutionary processes and recommends using multiple approaches simultaneously to optimize inference.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Juan D. Vasquez-Restrepo, Leticia M. Ochoa-Ochoa, Oscar Flores-Villela, Julian A. Velasco
Summary: The aim of this study is to document the dimensions of current reptile biodiversity in the Americas by integrating taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional data, and exploring the potential mechanisms responsible for observed diversity patterns.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Luis A. Escobedo-Morales, Livia Leon-Paniagua, Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Salvador Mandujano
Summary: The Central American brocket deer is a widely distributed but poorly understood species. This study compared two models of morphological subdivision and found that the second model, based on biogeographic provinces, better fit the observed variation in cranial shape and size. The study suggests that differences in available resources and climatic barriers have promoted morphological differentiation in this species.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
A. Karina Ramos-Rendon, Fernando Gual-Sill, Fernando A. Cervantes, Constantino Gonzalez-Salazar, Rodrigo Garcia-Morales, Enrique Martinez-Meyer
Summary: Conservation of natural ecosystems in urban areas is challenging due to human impact, particularly the presence of cats and dogs that can harm local wildlife. The Reserva Ecologica del Pedregal de San angel (REPSA) in Mexico City is an important natural area protecting unique biodiversity. A control program targeting cats and dogs has led to a decrease in dogs and an increase in native vertebrate diversity, indicating its positive impact on conservation.
Article
Zoology
Maria Giovana Anaya-Padron, Carlos Alberto Lopez Gonzalez, Yessica Rico
Summary: Central Mexico has experienced increased habitat fragmentation due to agricultural growth, industrialization, and urban expansion, resulting in a decline in functional connectivity for coyotes. Through genetic analysis, it was found that major highways in Guanajuato and Queretaro did not significantly restrict gene flow or influence genetic structure. However, the barrier effect on coyote population cannot be ruled out as not yet detectable.
Correction
Zoology
Maria Giovana Anaya-Padron, Carlos Alberto Lopez Gonzalez, Yessica Rico, Maria Eugenia Espinosa-Flores
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Adrian Garcia-Rodriguez, Bernd Lenzner, Clara Marino, Chunlong Liu, Julian A. Velasco, Celine Bellard, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Hanno Seebens, Franz Essl
Summary: Shifts between native and alien climatic niches pose challenges for predicting biological invasions, especially for insular species. This study analyzed alien occurrences of endemic insular amphibians, reptiles, and birds and found that climatic mismatches were common in invasions of birds and reptiles, but less common in amphibians. Several predictors were identified for climatic mismatches, which varied among taxonomic groups.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
J. Alberto Cruz, Julian A. Velasco, Joaquin Arroyo-Cabrales, Eileen Johnson
Summary: Advances in technology have provided paleobiologists with new tools to assess the fossil record, such as using the functional traits of vertebrates to infer paleoenvironmental conditions. Birds, although studied less than mammals, are not considered reliable paleoambiental proxies due to their ability to respond more effectively to climate change. However, investigating multiple groups of small vertebrates, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals, can help infer past climatic conditions. The presence of non-analog paleoenvironmental conditions in the Late Pleistocene in the San Josecito Cave area can explain the disharmonious fauna and extinction of several taxa.