Article
Ecology
Sarah K. Carter, Travis S. Haby, Jennifer K. Meineke, Alison C. Foster, Laine E. Mccall, Leigh D. Espy, Megan A. Gilbert, Jeffrey E. Herrick, Karen L. Prentice
Summary: Public land management agencies in the US are interested in using science to inform their decisions, but little research has been done on the specific types and topics of science information that managers need. By analyzing Environmental Assessments completed by the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado, this study identified four types of science information needed for decision making: data on resources of concern, scientific studies on potential effects of proposed actions, methods for quantifying potential effects, and effective mitigation measures. Focusing research efforts on these areas could enhance the science foundation for public lands decision making.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zachary T. Carter, Thomas Lumley, Thomas W. Bodey, James C. Russell
Summary: Prioritizing conservation actions is essential, and using statistical tools to rank eradication trajectories for invasive mammal species on islands can help predict the success of conservation efforts and contribute to achieving nationwide policy goals. This approach showcases the relevance and applicability of such methods for prioritizing globally effective conservation actions.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yiting Wang, Feiling Yang, Chaolang Hua, Jinming Hu, Junjun Wang, Jian Zhou, Zhixue Feng, Chen Zhang, Jin Ye, Ji Zhang, Xiag Leng, Ruidong Wu
Summary: The evaluation of prioritizing existing Nature Reserves in Yunnan Province, China using three algorithms showed varying levels of conservation priorities across different biogeographical regions. National Nature Reserves generally received higher conservation priorities compared to provincial ones in all three algorithms.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
I. M. Chatzigeorgiou, G. T. Andreou
Summary: Feedback through mobile phones, computers, and tablets is a promising strategy for energy efficiency and conservation, but no concrete conclusion can be drawn on the average expected effect size of this strategy. Methodological issues of past research are underlined and areas that remain less explored in the literature are highlighted.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
A. Cominola, L. Preiss, M. Thyer, H. R. Maier, P. Prevos, R. A. Stewart, A. Castelletti
Summary: Understanding the determinants of household water consumption is essential for effective demand management. However, existing research primarily consists of limited case studies, lacking generalizability and conclusive findings. In this study, we present an updated framework for analyzing the determinants of household water consumption, allowing for trade-off analysis of different criteria. We then review 48 publications using this framework and identify distinct groups of determinants, providing recommendations for practitioners and researchers on which determinants to focus on.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Arjun Srivathsa, Divya Vasudev, Tanaya Nair, Stotra Chakrabarti, Pranav Chanchani, Ruth DeFries, Arpit Deomurari, Sutirtha Dutta, Dipankar Ghose, Varun R. Goswami, Rajat Nayak, Amrita Neelakantan, Prachi Thatte, Srinivas Vaidyanathan, Madhu Verma, Jagdish Krishnaswamy, Mahesh Sankaran, Uma Ramakrishnan
Summary: Biodiversity conservation and human well-being are closely linked, but the mismatch in planning and implementing these priorities has led to biodiversity loss and declining quality of life. India, with a large population, has very little land effectively protected for conservation. Landscape-level conservation planning, combining land-sharing and land-sparing approaches, is necessary.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Studies
Jonathan O. Hernandez, Inocencio E. Buot Jr, Byung Bae Park
Summary: This study synthesized the research trends in conservation priorities for terrestrial fauna and flora globally. The results showed variations in research quantity among different countries, with India having the highest number of studies. It also highlighted the need to increase conservation prioritization studies, particularly in faunal aspect, and improve biodiversity-related information in hotspot regions.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emiliano Donadio, Sebastian Di Martino, Sofia Heinonen
Summary: A foundation is reintroducing native species to restore ecosystems and develop ecotourism.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jillian Knox, Kirstie Ruppert, Beatrice Frank, Carly C. Sponarski, Jenny Anne Glikman
Summary: The terms 'coexistence,' 'tolerance,' and 'acceptance' lack consistent definitions and measurements in conservation literature, leading to challenges in understanding these concepts clearly. The study highlights the necessity of establishing a precise lexicon to enhance the consistency of describing conservation work and replicability of research.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Courtney J. Duchardt, Adrian P. Monroe, Julie A. Heinrichs, Michael S. O'Donnell, David R. Edmunds, Cameron L. Aldridge
Summary: Strategic restoration of altered habitat is crucial for addressing biodiversity declines. The development of the PReSET tool aims to prioritize restoration targets in sagebrush ecosystems, balancing biodiversity value and restoration success probability. Further applications of PReSET will incorporate emerging datasets to improve targeting and effectiveness of sagebrush restoration efforts.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heather Tallis, Joe Fargione, Edward Game, Rob McDonald, Leandro Baumgarten, Nirmal Bhagabati, Rane Cortez, Bronson Griscom, Jonathan Higgins, Christina M. Kennedy, Joe Kiesecker, Timm Kroeger, Trina Leberer, Jennifer McGowan, Lisa Mandle, Yuta J. Masuda, Scott A. Morrison, Sally Palmer, Rebecca Shirer, Priya Shyamsundar, Nicholas H. Wolff, Hugh P. Possingham
Summary: Spatial prioritization is crucial in conservation planning but many current methods have limitations. The introduction of spatial action mapping offers a solution by providing a spatially explicit view. Through seven case examples, it is demonstrated that this method can be applied across various scales to support decision-making on conservation actions and benefits efficiently.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Huawei Hong, Peng Zheng, Lingling Zhu, Yuan Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the impact mechanism of urban residents' electricity consumption using one-year follow-up survey data and statistical analysis. The results show that electricity is generally considered a necessity by urban households, with higher-income families tending to use more energy in pursuit of comfort.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Matthew Watts, Carissa J. Klein, Vivitskaia J. D. Tulloch, Silvia B. Carvalho, Hugh P. Possingham
Summary: Marxan with Probability is a modified version of the original Marxan that explicitly considers 4 types of uncertainty, providing guidance for protected area design. Different types of uncertainty can help maximize the representation of features and minimize the likelihood of species or habitats being lost or degraded.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daniela Linero-Triana, Camilo Andres Correa-Ayram, Jorge Velasquez-Tibata
Summary: Ecological connectivity among Protected Areas (PAs) is crucial for the conservation of bird diversity in Colombia. This study used a multispecies bird connectivity model to identify critical sites for maintaining and enhancing ecological connections among PAs in Colombia. The results provide a national-level assessment of functional connectivity priorities and emphasize the importance of conservation and restoration efforts in improving connectivity and meeting global biodiversity targets.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Tiantian Xue, Sudhindra R. Gadagkar, Thomas P. Albright, Xudong Yang, Jin Li, Changying Xia, Jianyong Wu, Shengxiang Yu
Summary: Through the analysis of a large number of sampling coordinates, researchers identified nine hotspot areas in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, with four being identified for the first time. These areas cover 89% of species richness but only 7% of the total land area. Conservation efforts should focus on establishing new protected areas in conservation gaps, upgrading existing nature reserves, and carrying out targeted conservation for endemic species in the QTP.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Eva Conquet, Arpat Ozgul, Daniel T. Blumstein, Kenneth B. Armitage, Madan K. Oli, Julien G. A. Martin, Tim H. Clutton-Brock, Maria Paniw
Summary: The effects of changes in the strength of vital-rate periodicity on different species were investigated in this study. It was found that these changes had strong effects on population dynamics across all three study species. This suggests that environmentally driven vital-rate periodic patterns may have significant impacts on population dynamics, even for populations that are adapted to inter-annual vital-rate variation.
Article
Zoology
K. Uchida, A. A. Burkle, D. T. Blumstein
Summary: Through studying yellow-bellied marmots, it was found that cameras can distract marmots but do not affect their risk assessment. However, capturing their attention may reduce their ability to be alert to predators, increasing their vulnerability to predation. Regulation of photography may be necessary in high-risk areas and habitats of vulnerable species.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
B. E. Barbee, M. K. R. Lin, I. A. Min, A. M. Takenami, C. S. Philson, D. T. Blumstein
Summary: This study examined the effects of nutrient enrichment on risk assessment in giant clams. The results showed that nutrient-enriched clams increased their hiding time when faced with simulated predators. This provides support for previous research on state-dependent risk assessment and suggests that nutrient-enriched clams are less likely to take risks to forage.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Conner S. Philson, Daniel T. Blumstein
Summary: The frequency and type of individual's social interactions have important fitness consequences. This study used social network analysis to quantify social group structure and found that female yellow-bellied marmots living in more fragmentable social groups weaned larger litters. This suggests that the individual's position within the group and its social phenotype may be more important for fitness than the group's social phenotype.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Leanne K. van der Weyde, Daniel T. Blumstein, Mike Letnic, Katherine Tuft, Ned Ryan-Schofield, Katherine E. Moseby
Summary: Prey species that are naive to novel predators are at increased risk of predation and potential extinction. Exposure to native predators can improve anti-predator traits in prey, but this advantage may not apply to novel predators with different behaviors. Predator naivety negatively affects reintroduction success, especially when prey encounters predators without evolutionary experience. Exposing prey to native predators first may be an effective way to improve their responses to evolutionarily novel predators.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Elle Overs, Sydney Stump, Isabel Severino, Daniel T. Blumstein
Summary: Visual cues play an important role in communication among different species as well as within the same species. The species confidence hypothesis suggests that animals are more attracted to their own color and repelled by other colors. A study on dusky damselfish in the marine environment tested this hypothesis and found that individuals tolerated a closer approach when the approaching stimulus was of the same color. This research is relevant to ecotourists' choice of swimsuit and wetsuit colors as it may influence natural antipredator behavior.
Review
Ecology
Daniel T. Blumstein, Loren D. Hayes, Noa Pinter-Wollman
Summary: Social behavior is crucial in understanding the impact of human-induced environmental changes on animal population resilience. Social structures of animal groups, which often have demographic consequences for group members, can be directly influenced or indirectly modified by environmental drivers through social interactions, group composition, or group size. We have developed a framework to study these demographic consequences and estimating the strength of direct and indirect pathways will provide insights for understanding and potentially managing the effects of human-induced rapid environmental changes.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Dana M. Williams, Samantha Beckert, Julien G. A. Martin, Daniel T. Blumstein
Summary: Individuals vary in their acceptance of predation risks and social relationships play a role in risk management. However, the specific ways in which different types of social relationships influence individual risk response are not well understood. This study focused on yellow-bellied marmots and found that docile individuals were less socially integrated and that certain measures of their positions in their agonistic social networks were associated with individual docility. These findings suggest that social network measures are part of a docility syndrome in yellow-bellied marmots.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Daniel T. Blumstein, McKenna Sanchez, Conner S. Philson, Louis Bliard
Summary: A study on flight initiation distance (FID) found no clear association with summer survival or winter survival, indicating that FID decisions may not have longer-term fitness consequences.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Friederike Zenth, Adriana A. Maldonado-Chaparro, Ana Solis, Stephanie Gee, Daniel T. Blumstein
Summary: Social group structure is not fixed due to demographic processes, and it is important to understand how different demographic social roles and loss of individuals with these roles modify group structure. A study on yellow-bellied marmots found that males played a key role in shaping social networks, with yearling males being a cohesive element and adult males being central players in agonistic networks. The structure of social networks is shaped by both demographic processes and individual social behavior.
Article
Biology
Joanie Van de Walle, Remi Fay, Jean-Michel Gaillard, Fanie Pelletier, Sandra Hamel, Marlene Gamelon, Christophe Barbraud, F. Guillaume Blanchet, Daniel T. Blumstein, Anne Charmantier, Karine Delord, Benjamin Larue, Julien Martin, James A. Mills, Emmanuel Milot, Francine M. Mayer, Jay Rotella, Bernt-Erik Saether, Celine Teplitsky, Martijn van de Pol, Dirk H. Van Vuren, Marcel E. Visser, Caitlin P. Wells, John Yarrall, Stephanie Jenouvrier
Summary: The slow-fast continuum is commonly used to describe variation in life-history strategies across species. However, it remains unclear whether this continuum explains life-history variation among individuals within a population.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Madison Pfau, Sam Degregori, Gina Johnson, Stavi R. Tennenbaum, Paul H. Barber, Conner S. Philson, Daniel T. Blumstein
Summary: There is a significant relationship between gut microbiome composition and social behavior in wild social mammals. Microbial diversity is negatively correlated with the number of social interactions an individual engaged in, and the relative abundance of certain microbes is negatively correlated with social network measures that quantify an individual's position in their social group.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Conner S. Philson, Daniel T. Blumstein
Summary: For social animals, the group social structure has significant consequences on disease and information spread. A long-term study on a wild population of yellow-bellied marmots showed that social structure had little to no relationship with survival, indicating that individual social phenotypes may not scale up to the group social phenotype. Winter survival showed a contrasting direction of selection between the group and previous research on the individual level, where less social individuals in more social groups had greater survival rates. This work provides valuable insights into the evolutionary implications of social phenotypic scales.
Article
Ecology
Sophia St. Lawrence, Daniel T. Blumstein, Julien G. A. Martin
Summary: With global climate change, animals must adjust the timing of reproduction to adapt to new environmental conditions. This study focused on how the timing of reproduction of yellow-bellied marmots changed with changing spring conditions over the past 50 years. The research showed that the timing of reproduction was not only linked to the date of emergence from hibernation, but also affected by spring snowpack. The timing of marmot reproduction might evolve via natural selection, but plastic changes are also crucial.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Daniel T. Blumstein, Norman A. Johnson, Nurit D. Katz, Samuel Kharpatin, Xochitl Ortiz-Ross, Eliseo Parra, Amanda Reshke
Summary: Biological resistance to pesticides, vaccines, antibiotics, and chemotherapies results in significant costs to society, including disease and death. Understanding biological resistance can provide insights into social resistance to change. By reviewing key insights from managing biological resistance, a framework of seven strategies to overcome resistance is developed and applied to understanding social resistance, generating potentially novel hypotheses.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
