Article
Plant Sciences
Martin Macek, Vojtech Abraham, Peter Tkac, David Novak, Jan Kolar
Summary: Human population has had various impacts on natural ecosystems, causing disturbances and alterations to biodiversity. This study examines the effects of past human occupancy on present-day diversity and distribution of archaeophytes, plant species introduced by humans in the distant past. The analysis reveals the correlation between archaeophyte richness and past human settlements, with environmental filtering playing a major role in shaping regional archaeophyte diversity.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alyson M. Stobo-Wilson, Brett P. Murphy, Heather M. Crawford, Stuart J. Dawson, Chris R. Dickman, Tim S. Doherty, Patricia A. Fleming, Matthew N. Gentle, Sarah M. Legge, Thomas M. Newsome, Russell Palmer, Matthew W. Rees, Euan G. Ritchie, James Speed, John-Michael Stuart, Eilysh Thompson, Jeff Turpin, John C. Z. Woinarski
Summary: The European red fox and domestic cat introduced into Australia have had significant impacts on wildlife, particularly mammals. Analysis shows that both predators have consumed a large number of Australian mammal species, with foxes known to consume more species than cats. Their compounding and complementary impacts on Australian mammals highlight the need for targeted and integrated management strategies.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
J. Signer, J. Fieberg, B. Reineking, U. Schlaegel, B. Smith, N. Balkenhol, T. Avgar
Summary: One of the challenges in animal movement ecology is predicting where and when animals will occur on the landscape. This article presents a method using integrated Step-Selection Analyses (iSSAs) to predict utilisation distribution based on observed animal movement data.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mikhail Kanevski
Summary: This paper analyzes the spatial distribution of the Swiss population using fractal concepts and unsupervised learning algorithms. By calculating local growth curves to develop a high-dimensional feature space, and using clustering algorithms to reveal spatial population distribution patterns, the approach provides comprehensive local information on the density and homogeneity/fractality of spatially distributed point patterns.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Beneharo Rodriguez, Airam Rodriguez, Felipe Siverio, Juan M. Martinez, Enrique Sacramento, Yarci Acosta
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of introduced species and potential competitors on the distribution, breeding density, and breeding performance of Bulwer's petrel on Tenerife. The presence of cats was found to be the best predictor of nest density, while competition from rock pigeons was the most common cause of breeding failure.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiongfeng Du, Songsong Gu, Zheng Zhang, Shuzhen Li, Yuqi Zhou, Zhaojing Zhang, Qi Zhang, Linlin Wang, Zhicheng Ju, Chengliang Yan, Tong Li, Danrui Wang, Xingsheng Yang, Xi Peng, Ye Deng
Summary: Soil bacterial communities in a coastal area follow a distance-decay relationship and the distribution is influenced by body size. This study collected soil samples from two adjacent ecosystems and found that the entire microbial community, as well as individual taxonomic groups, exhibited distance-decay patterns. The turnover rate of microbial communities was higher in nontidal soils and topsoil, with body size influencing the spatial limitation in nontidal topsoil but not in tidal soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
T. L. Kreplins, M. S. Kennedy, R. A. O'Leary, P. J. Adams, S. J. Dundas, P. A. Fleming
Summary: The study found that there was no correlation between the population density and capture rate of dingoes and feral cats in dingo-baited areas. Although dingoes and feral cats had high overlap in activity patterns, there were significant differences in activity peaks. The suppression of feral cat population by dingoes was not evident.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos, Sotirios Koukoulas, Chrysanthi Michelaki, Alexandros Galanidis
Summary: The study conducted a roadside survey on alien plant species on Lesvos, using a Negative-binomial model and Generalised Additive Model to analyze the factors influencing the spatial distribution of alien plants. The results showed that both human activities and environmental factors played a role in shaping the distribution patterns of alien plants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wen Yang, Hexin Nan, Zhifei Xu, Zixiang Huang, Shan Chen, Jingying Li, Juan Li, Huanghao Yang
Summary: Tracking the spatial distribution of receptor tyrosine kinases in their native environment using a DNA-templated glycan labeling strategy enables successful covalent tagging and monitoring of receptor distribution in live cells with minimal perturbation to their biological function.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Katherine E. Harper, Lauren A. Scheinberg, Katharyn E. Boyer, Erik E. Sotka
Summary: Biological invasions pose a severe threat to coastal ecosystems, however, the presence of cryptic diversity and inaccurate species identification makes tracking difficult. This study used genetic sequencing and genotyping to clarify the cryptic diversity and introduction history of the marine amphipod Ampithoe valida. The results revealed that the species complex consists of three cryptic lineages and likely originated in the North Pacific before dispersing to the North Atlantic through a trans-arctic exchange.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Bahram Choubin, Farzaneh Sajedi Hosseini, Omid Rahmati, Mansor Mehdizadeh Youshanloei
Summary: In recent years, spatial modeling and flood hazard prediction have gained increasing interest. This study used machine learning models to perform spatial modeling, considering flood hazard zones in different return periods. The results showed that elevation, distance from stream, precipitation, slope, and land use are important factors in flood hazard prediction.
Article
Ecology
Jonathan R. Potts, Luca Borger, Bronson K. Strickland, Garrett M. Street
Summary: The study provides a methodological framework for understanding the movement mechanisms necessary for building predictive models of animal space use. By analyzing individual movement patterns, constructing step selection models, and comparing predicted and empirical patterns, the researchers iteratively improve the model's predictive power. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated through a case study on a population of feral pigs in Mississippi, USA, which identified missing features in the model.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kishwar Ali, Nasrullah Khan, Rafi Ullah, Asma Gul, Muhammad Ezaz Hasan Khan, David Aaron Jones, Azad Ashraf
Summary: The present study assessed the spatial distribution and invasion potential of naturalized Datura innoxia in northern Pakistan. The species showed efficient propagation and has the potential to become an invasive species in the present environmental conditions. Factors such as elevation, temperature, humidity, cultivated fields, and traffic density were found to strongly influence the vegetation structure.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco A. Guerra-Coss, Ernesto Badano, Isaac E. Cedillo-Rodriguez, Jorge E. Ramirez-Albores, Joel Flores, Felipe Barragan-Torres, Jorge A. Flores-Cano
Summary: This study focuses on the regeneration niche concept and proposes a new approach for modeling and experimentally validating the distribution of suitable habitats for invasive plants under current and future climates. Using Peruvian peppertree invasion in Mexico as an example, the model predicts a reduction in suitable recruitment habitats for the invasive species under climate change scenarios. Field experiments validated the model predictions by showing lower seedling emergence and survival rates under simulated climate change conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Renata Vcelakova, Marcela Prokopova, Vilem Pechanec, Lenka Sterbova, Ondrej Cudlin, Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Alhuseen, Jan Purkyt, Pavel Cudlin
Summary: As urban areas expand, the importance of ecosystem services (ESs) provided by urban and peri-urban areas increases, particularly in mitigating climate change. This study presents a simple method to assess the performance of three ecosystem functions (EFs: evapotranspiration, carbon production, and habitat-and landscape-level biodiversity) in urban and peri-urban areas, indicating their capacity to provide relevant ESs. The results from two Czech cities showed that both cities had comparable or higher EFs levels than the national average. The method can help identify valuable urban habitats for protection or identify low functional value areas for adaptation strategies to climate change.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Tom Thacker, Philip Seddon, Yolanda van Heezik, Gerald McCormack
Summary: This study provides new population estimates for the Mangaia kingfisher and the common myna on the island of Mangaia. The population of the Mangaia kingfisher has dramatically increased, while the population of the common myna has slightly increased. The common myna does not pose a threat to the viability of the Mangaia kingfisher population.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cara-Paige Green, Norman Ratcliffe, Thomas Mattern, David Thompson, Mary-Anne Lea, Simon Wotherspoon, Pablo Garcia Borboroglu, Ursula Ellenberg, Kyle W. Morrison, Klemens Puetz, Paul M. Sagar, Philip J. Seddon, Leigh G. Torres, Mark A. Hindell
Summary: The study found that allochrony plays a significant role in influencing the segregation of foraging distribution and ecology between Snares and Fiordland penguins during the non-breeding season. The difference in migration phenology between the two species results in them utilizing different areas during their core non-breeding periods.
Article
Biology
Mariano Rodriguez-Recio, Camilla Wikenros, Barbara Zimmermann, Hakan Sand
Summary: Wolves are returning to regions in Europe, which has led to opposition due to their predatory habits on game species. Using data on prey selection, kill rates, and territory size, researchers estimated the impact of wolf recolonization in southern Sweden. The study showed that the current five-ungulate species system in southern Sweden could potentially support a higher wolf density. Such research can help anticipate and address conservation conflicts that arise with the return of large carnivores to the wild.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. Rodriguez-Recio, T. Burgos, M. Krofel, J. Lozano, M. Moleon, E. Virgos
Summary: Movement is essential in animal ecology, and this study focuses on the roaming requirements of leopards and the factors influencing their spatial behavior, including ecological and anthropogenic factors. The results show that human activities worldwide can impact the roaming behavior of leopards, potentially leading to consequences for their populations. This research provides crucial information for conservation efforts and policies addressing global change.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sara Martin-Garcia, Mariano Rodriguez-Recio, Ivan Peragon, Itzcoatl Bueno, Emilio Virgos
Summary: This study compared the relationships and derived models of relative abundance between different indices and found discrepancies between relative abundance models and N-mixture models in terms of predictor selection. Additionally, indices based on scats and captures per occasion may be biased, suggesting the use of the NI index for abundance models.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Thor Elley, Thomas Mattern, Ursula Ellenberg, Melanie J. Young, Rachel P. Hickcox, Yolanda van Heezik, Philip J. Seddon
Summary: The yellow-eyed penguin population in New Zealand has declined by 72% within its mainland range, primarily due to fisheries-related bycatch. A study on penguins breeding on Stewart Island showed that they exhibit some adaptability in foraging behavior, but also display individual and site-specific consistency. Therefore, implementing marine protection measures can help reduce the mortality risk caused by fishing activities.
Article
Ecology
Nicholas J. Foster, Richard F. Maloney, Philip J. Seddon, Mariano Rodriguez-Recio, Yolanda van Heezik
Summary: This study aims to assess whether high-elevation landforms can limit the movements of invasive small mammals and improve the success of eradication programs. Based on species' distributions and spatial predictions, the researchers identified landforms that can act as dispersal barriers. The findings suggest that high-elevation landforms have the potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of eradication programs by restricting the movement of target species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rachel P. Hickcox, Thomas Mattern, Mariano Rodriguez-Recio, Melanie J. Young, Yolanda van Heezik, Philip J. Seddon
Summary: Yellow-eyed penguins, an endangered species, exhibit regional variation in foraging habitat selection and are influenced by oceanographic characteristics and proximity to breeding areas. Prey availability and environmental variables play important roles in their habitat selection during different seasons.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Melanie J. Young, Philip J. Seddon, Klemens Puetz, Philippa Agnew, Thomas Mattern, Rachel P. Hickcox, Bruce C. Robertson, Yolanda van Heezik
Summary: This study tracked the dispersal of juvenile yellow-eyed penguins and identified the overlap with commercial gillnet fishing, a known cause of mortality. The findings highlight the vulnerability of young penguins and suggest the need for improved protection measures.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Teresa Oliveira, David Carricondo-Sanchez, Jenny Mattisson, Kristina Vogt, Andrea Corradini, John D. C. Linnell, John Odden, Marco Heurich, Mariano Rodriguez-Recio, Miha Krofel
Summary: An accurate estimation of kill rates is crucial but may be affected by errors in identifying kill sites. In this study, a large GPS dataset of lynx was used to address these issues and provide recommendations for future studies.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Scott D. Bourke, Liz Brown, Philip J. Seddon, Yolanda van Heezik
Summary: Captive-rearing of wildlife has been used to protect and increase vulnerable populations. This study examined the factors influencing hatchability and post-release survival of kaki, finding that factors such as clutch characteristics, parental incubation, and age of the dam influenced hatchability, while release variables, captive-rearing conditions, supplementary feeding, and individual health were important for post-release survival. Results revealed that hatchability rates were generally high, suggesting a need to focus on improving the survival of released individuals. The study also identified trends in survivability, such as the importance of releasing sub-adults, providing supplementary food, and reducing inbreeding for better outcomes.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
S. W. Forrest, M. R. Recio, P. J. Seddon
Summary: This study assessed the effects of vegetation and topography on the fix success rate and location error of GPS devices using the SWIFT fix algorithm. Results showed that canopy closure, number of satellites, and horizontal dilution of precision influence location error. Field tests in forest environments yielded similar results to stationary tests, with an average battery life of 147 days and 1087 successful fixes per device.
ANIMAL BIOTELEMETRY
(2022)
Article
Remote Sensing
M. Saif I. Khan, Ralf Ohlemuller, Richard F. Maloney, Philip J. Seddon
Summary: The study compared the efficiency of manned aircraft and drones in monitoring restoration efforts, with results showing that drones were more efficient in technological and logistical aspects, while manned aircraft had an advantage in terms of image acquisition quantity.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
James Hunter-Ayad, Scott Jarvie, Glen Greaves, Andrew Digby, Ralf Ohlemuller, Mariano R. Recio, Philip J. Seddon
Summary: Conservation translocations are being used increasingly to combat species' population and range declines, but moving animals to new environments introduces uncertainty that can undermine decision making. This study proposes conservative and extrapolative strategies for managing novelty and uncertainty in conservation translocations, with each strategy having specific risks and opportunities depending on the scenario. Examples of the application of these strategies to endemic New Zealand species, such as tuatara and takahe, are provided.
FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE
(2021)