Article
Environmental Sciences
Jacek Jachula, Bozena Denisow, Malgorzata Wrzesien
Summary: The scarcity and discontinuity of floral resources are major factors contributing to the decline of pollinators in intensified agricultural landscapes worldwide, with detrimental consequences for environment and ecosystems. A study in Southeast Poland found that man-made, non-cropped areas are significant sources of nectar sugars, meeting the sugar demands of honeybees and bumblebees to some extent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Lola Seree, Francois Chiron, Muriel Valantin-Morison, Aude Barbottin, Antoine Gardarin
Summary: Wildflower strips and biodiversity-friendly management are effective ways of enhancing biodiversity and natural pest control in agroecosystems. This study found that the floral resources provided by wildflower strips positively influenced the abundance of natural enemies and aphid mummies on faba bean plants, but this effect decreased with increases in the proportion of semi-natural habitats in the landscape.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu Xu, Biao Yang, Qiang Dai, Han Pan, Xue Zhong, Jianghong Ran, Xuyu Yang, Xiaodong Gu, Zhisong Yang, Dunwu Qi, Rong Hou, Zejun Zhang
Summary: This study evaluates the management of giant panda populations in China and proposes suggestions for landscape-scale conservation in the national park system.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pedro A. Salgueiro, Francesco Valerio, Carmo Silva, Antonio Mira, Joao E. Rabaca, Sara M. Santos
Summary: The study examined how landscape functional connectivity determines the spatial distribution of a bird community in a production forest. It found that multispecies connectivity had more consistent effects on community parameters than single-species connectivity, and that habitat size and quality were also important factors in explaining community parameters. This suggests that both habitat and landscape filters play a role in governing community assembly processes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Tiffany A. Kosch, Anthony W. Waddle, Caitlin A. Cooper, Kyall R. Zenger, Dorian J. Garrick, Lee Berger, Lee F. Skerratt
Summary: The rate of global wildlife extinctions is increasing, and conservation breeding programs are needed to preserve many species. However, preserving the genetic diversity of founder populations may also preserve characteristics that make them vulnerable to extinction. Targeted genetic intervention (TGI) is introduced as an alternative approach to promote traits that enable species to persist in the face of threats by changing the incidence of alleles that impact fitness.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rikke Reisner Hansen, Christian Frolund Danigaard, Christian Kjaer, Mads Blikdorff Rasksen, Philip Francis Thomsen, Morten Tune Strandberg
Summary: Operational methods for reliably quantifying habitat association of arthropod species are highly warranted in species conservation. A new method integrating Relative Annulus Area (RAA) as a way of operationalizing habitat assessments was proposed and tested. Six important heathland structures significantly associated with the distribution of ground beetle species assemblages were identified. Distance based measures of important ecological resources for arthropods may be used as an addition to current national monitoring programs.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jesus Sanchez-Davila, Anna Traveset, Pau Colom
Summary: This study investigates the effects of altitudinal gradients on butterfly assemblages and their interactions with flowering plants in a Mediterranean mountain system. The results show that altitudinal level primarily influences butterfly richness and number of interactions, with the mid-mountain region exhibiting the highest levels. Flower abundance positively correlates with butterfly richness on lowland and high-mountain levels, while vegetation is a key factor impacting both butterfly richness and interactions.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Daniel T. Nugent, David J. Baker-Gabb, Steve W. J. Leonard, John W. Morgan
Summary: Livestock grazing is an important management tool for biodiversity conservation in native grasslands. In semiarid grasslands of Australia, different grazing species have varying effects on the habitat and breeding activity of the plains-wanderer. Therefore, sheep and cattle grazing can be substitutable as a habitat management tool, but their effectiveness may depend on climate conditions.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maria Cavedon, Bridgett VonHoldt, Mark Hebblewhite, Troy Hegel, Elizabeth Heppenheimer, Dave Hervieux, Stefano Mariani, Helen Schwantje, Robin Steenweg, Megan Watters, Marco Musiani
Summary: The study found differences and specialization in habitat selection and use among different ecotypes of caribou, as well as individual variations within the same ecotype. Genetic variation in SNPs played a key role in habitat selection in caribou, related to habitat and dietary specialization, and climatic adaptations. The associations between habitat and genes detected may lead to lack of resilience in the species, contributing to caribou endangerment.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Malgorzata Bozek, Bozena Denisow, Monika Strzalkowska-Abramek, Ewelina Chrzanowska, Krystyna Winiarczyk
Summary: In this systemic review, the importance of non-forest woody vegetation (NFWV) for pollinators in agricultural landscapes is discussed. Flowering trees and shrubs in the temperate climate zone provide nectar sugar, pollen, nesting niches, and host plants for wild pollinators. Creating woodland strips/groups is a cost-effective strategy to improve pollinator habitats and ensure food resources throughout the year.
Article
Ecology
Valeriya Komyakova, Dean Chamberlain, Stephen E. Swearer
Summary: This study compared individual fitness and mortality rates of three species in different habitat types, revealing that certain artificial reefs may act as ecological traps for specific species. Poorly designed or placed artificial reefs could have negative impacts on marine ecosystems, raising concerns about the implications for marine conservation efforts.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Clare E. Aslan, Luke Zachmann, Meredith McClure, Benjamin A. Sikes, Samuel Veloz, Mark W. Brunson, Rebecca S. Epanchin-Niell, Brett G. Dickson
Summary: The study found ecological differences across jurisdictional boundaries in the Grand Canyon Protected Area-Centered Ecosystem, with grazing and fire being key factors. The greatest differences were observed between US Forest Service wilderness and Bureau of Land Management units, while US Forest Service non-wilderness units and National Park Service units showed intermediate differences.
Article
Forestry
Rasmus Mohr Mortensen, Michelle Fyrstelin Fuller, Lars Dalby, Thomas Bjorneboe Berg, Peter Sunde
Summary: The research studied habitat selection of hazel dormouse in intensively managed woodlands in Denmark. The study found that the species strongly selected sites with high abundance-weighted species richness and high vegetation density of woody plants, and had specific habitat requirements related to food and safety. The results provide relatively simple means for accommodating the habitat needs of hazel dormouse in managed forests.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ellen P. Robertson, Evan P. Tanner, R. Dwayne Elmore, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, Jonathan D. Mays, Jennifer Knutson, John R. Weir, Scott R. Loss
Summary: As the effects of climate change intensify, there is a growing need to understand the thermal properties of landscapes and their influence on wildlife. Vegetation structure and composition are key thermal properties of landscapes, which can be altered by management approaches, potentially affecting wildlife thermoregulation. Consideration of spatial scale is important in understanding how management practices impact the thermal properties of landscapes relevant to wildlife.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Issachar Leonardo Lopez-Cuamatzi, Jorge Ortega, J. Antonio Baeza
Summary: This study reported the complete mitochondrial genome of the Volcano rabbit and found it to occupy a basal position within the Leporidae family. Further investigation of mitochondrial genomes from closely related species may provide more insight into the evolutionary position of the Volcano rabbit within the family.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ewa B. Sliwinska, Rafal Martyka, MichaL Woyciechowski, Alexander Blinov, Piotr Nowicki, Christian Stettmer, Joanna Kajzer-Bonk, Magdalena Witek, Markus Braeu, Patrick Gros, Michael Muehlenberg, Jolanta Slowik, Piotr Tryjanowski, Josef Settele
Summary: The study shows genetic differences between European and Asian populations of the scarce large blue butterfly, with higher differentiation among European populations. There is an isolation-by-distance effect in both European and Asian populations, with better connectivity in the Asian populations. These differences may originate from variations in habitat structures, highlighting the impact of habitat fragmentation on animal movement in Europe.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dawid Moron, Emilia Marjanska, Piotr Skorka, Magdalena Lenda, Michal Woyciechowski
Summary: This study found that invasive goldenrods did not suffer from pollinator shortage and ineffective pollination, especially in habitats densely covered by the invader, due to the presence of large-bodied pollinators, which affected the composition of pollinators and pollination effectiveness.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Magdalena Lenda, Piotr Skorka, Karolina Kuszewska, Dawid Moron, Michal Belcik, Renata Baczek Kwinta, Franciszek Janowiak, David H. Duncan, Peter A. Vesk, Hugh P. Possingham, Johannes M. H. Knops
Summary: Biological invasions, induced by humans, threaten global biodiversity. Misleading information spread through social networks is enhancing the spread of goldenrod invasions, impacting native ecosystems and honeybee performance in many countries.
Article
Biology
Sylwia Pustkowiak, Zbigniew Kwiecinski, Magdalena Lenda, Michal Zmihorski, Zuzanna M. Rosin, Piotr Tryjanowski, Piotr Skorka
Summary: Farmland birds, an endangered group in Europe, play crucial roles in agricultural ecosystems. Conservation efforts often focus on less-intensive farming and breeding habitats, but overlook the importance of small natural or man-made elements within agricultural landscapes. Recognizing and preserving these Singular Point Elements (SPELs) could benefit farmland bird conservation, as they are often key to maintaining bird populations and species richness in agricultural areas. A better understanding of the role of SPELs is needed for effective bird conservation strategies.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Beata Grzywacz, Piotr Skorka
Summary: In birds, the size of geographic range is positively associated with genome size, but probably not with chromosome number; relative brain mass has no effect on range size; body mass may have a weak negative effect on range size, and range size tends to be larger at higher latitudes.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Piotr Skorka, Agata Banach, Marek Banasiak, Joanna Bokalska-Rajba, Maciej Bonk, Pawel Czachura, Alberto Garcia-Rodriguez, Gabriela Gaspar, Natalia Hordynska, Adriana Kaczmarczyk, Kamila Kaploniak, Maciej Kocinski, Barbara Lopata, Edyta Mazur, Mohamadreza Mirzaei, Anna Misiewicz, Aida Parres, Anna Przystalkowska, Sylwia Pustkowiak, Mateusz Raczynski, Iwona Sadura, Aleksandra Splitt, Malgorzata Stanek, Jakub Sternalski, Alicja Wierzbicka, Marcin Wiorek, Pawel Zdunczyk
Summary: The study explored the most important conservation problems in Poland at local and national scales using the Delphi technique. Findings indicated differences in importance scores and problem frequencies between local and national scales, highlighting the need for a hierarchical conservation policy approach.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Aleksandra Splitt, Michal Schulz, Piotr Skorka
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the red mason bee, covering aspects such as taxonomy, morphology, distribution, nesting habits, life cycle, daily activity, metabolic changes, accompanying organisms, flower preferences, pollination, and breeding. The authors also identified gaps in knowledge to guide future studies on O. bicornis bees.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elisa Plazio, Piotr Nowicki
Summary: The study found that females of the summer generation emigrated from their natal patches considerably more often than those of the spring generation, while an opposite trend was observed in males. This suggests that there are differences in dispersal between the two generations, with the spring generation dispersal primarily enhancing random mating opportunities for males and the summer generation dispersal playing a key role in the long-term persistence of the metapopulation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Correction
Biodiversity Conservation
Joanna Kajzer-Bonk, Piotr Nowicki
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joanna Kajzer-Bonk, Piotr Nowicki
Summary: Habitat deterioration and biodiversity decline are global issues. Urban areas, despite being subject to human activities, may offer some mitigation. Protected sites can impede habitat loss and serve as effective tools for biodiversity conservation.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dorota Kotowska, Tomas Part, Piotr Skorka, Alistair G. Auffret, Michal Zmihorski
Summary: Invasive alien species pose a significant threat to native biodiversity, with the level of landscape heterogeneity influencing their occurrence and spread. The impact of landscape heterogeneity on invasion susceptibility remains poorly understood, with composition and configuration playing varying roles at different spatial scales. While promoting landscape heterogeneity is often seen as a strategy to enhance biodiversity, it may inadvertently support invasive plants, highlighting the need for management and eradication schemes in highly heterogeneous landscapes. Remote analysis using existing imagery can advance our understanding of invasion biology.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Milos Popovic, Ana Golubovic, Piotr Nowicki
Summary: In this study, intersexual differences in behavior and resource use of Scarce Large Blue butterflies were compared. The results showed that females took short, regular flights whereas males took longer, less regular flights with frequent interactions to find receptive females. Interactions between conspecific butterflies lasted longer than with other species, indicating quick recognition of potential mating partners. The butterflies showed strong association with their larval host plant and had neural limitations towards this resource. The study provides empirical data on the behavior and resource use of Large Blue butterflies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Piotr Skorka, Beata Grzywacz, Dawid Moron, Magdalena Lenda
Summary: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on health, society, and the economy worldwide. Mental health, often overlooked during the pandemic, bears the brunt of extreme negative emotions and stress. This study used Google and Google Trends to investigate the increased interest in and creation of funny internet memes related to COVID-19 during the spring 2020 lockdown. The findings revealed a positive correlation between interest in coronavirus memes and global interest in COVID-19 mortality rates, as well as the reported deaths and cases in different countries. In comparing the content of coronavirus memes with non-coronavirus memes, sentiment analysis showed a similar proportion of positive and negative words, while an internet questionnaire revealed that coronavirus memes were rated as funnier than non-coronavirus memes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Zoology
R. Martyka, P. Skorka
Summary: This study shows that in birds, perceived predation risk influences reproductive decisions, such as reducing parental investment in offspring. It is the first experiment to demonstrate that the presence of feathers, simulating avian prey remains, can induce changes in the reproductive decisions of adult birds. Specifically, female great tits increase their maternal investment in eggs after being exposed to feathers and woodchips.
EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biology
Milos Popovic, Piotr Nowicki
Summary: This study investigates the impact of different habitat management on the movements and population estimates of the endangered specialist butterfly, Phengaris teleius. Mowing and recovering meadows have higher dispersal probabilities but shorter dispersal distances compared to unmown meadows. Larger, unmown and interconnected habitats support more viable populations and promote long-distance dispersal, contributing to the species' persistence in a fragmented landscape.