Article
Biology
Karissa O. Lear, Nicholas M. Whitney, John J. Morris, Adrian C. Gleiss
Summary: Niche partitioning is crucial for the coexistence of competitor species, and temporal partitioning was found to play an important role in the studied marine predator guild. The distinct diel patterns of activity suggest strong temporal partitioning of foraging times in this marine ecosystem.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Taro Saito, Rosemarije Buitenhuis, Michael Brownbridge
Summary: A new biocontrol agent called Anystis baccarum was developed in Canada and has been found to be compatible with other commonly used biocontrol agents. However, its predation on other pests is reduced when an alternative food source is available.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Emily K. Lester, Tim J. Langlois, Mark McCormick, Stephen D. Simpson, Todd Bond, Mark G. Meekan
Summary: The study found that in coral reef systems, the behavior of mesopredatory teleosts is influenced by the number of similar-sized competitors and surrounding habitat features, rather than the presence of larger predators such as sharks. Competition appears to have a more widespread and continuous impact on these fish species compared to predation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dapeng Liu, Boshan Zhu, Qihang Liang, Hanzun Zhang, Shipeng Dong, Fang Wang
Summary: Despite the urgent threats marine heatwaves pose to marine life, our understanding of their influence on interactions between key species in marine ecosystems remains inadequate. This study examined the behavioral mechanisms by which heat regulates multiple predator effects in different foraging systems involving Asian paddle crabs and swimming crabs. The results showed that non-independent effects occurred in the conspecific treatment of Asian paddle crabs and in the interspecific treatment, while independent effects occurred in the conspecific treatment of swimming crabs. High temperatures increased the strength of multiple predator effects but did not alter their types due to the negative impact of heat on predation through enhancing aggressive interactions.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Yuhua Long, Lin Wang, Jia Li
Summary: This paper examines a population model consisting of two predators and one prey, taking into account both inter-specific and intra-specific competition. It is found that with intra-specific competition, coexistence of the two predator species becomes possible, and they may maintain at two different equilibrium populations.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Marco Tamburini, Jasmine Ferrario, Laura Piazzese, Anna Occhipinti-Ambrogi
Summary: This study investigates the role of native predators in controlling or facilitating non-indigenous species in fouling assemblages. The results suggest that predators have a significant impact on the diversity of the assemblage, but have opposite effects on the coverage area of native species. The study also found that both facilitation and limitation of individual non-indigenous species settlement occur. These findings highlight the important role of native predators in controlling non-indigenous species and encourage further research.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Entomology
Emma Jeavons, Cecile Le Lann, Joan van Baaren
Summary: Interspecific interactions play a significant role in shaping ecological communities, but understanding their impact on ecosystem functioning remains a challenge. In the context of agricultural biodiversity loss, sustaining populations of organisms that provide essential ecosystem services is crucial. This review emphasizes the importance of studying the effects of interactions among natural enemies and pollinators on their effectiveness in controlling pests and providing pollination services in agricultural settings.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Frantisek Xaver Jiri Sladecek, Tomas Zitek, Martin Konvicka, Simon Tristram Segar
Summary: This study focuses on coexistence and assembly in a species rich community of dung-inhabiting predators, finding that succession and seasonality patterns could potentially reduce or eliminate negative interactions among species. This suggests that both temporal trends may help promote high species richness in communities of dung-inhabiting insects.
ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Elisa Caudera, Simona Viale, Sandro Bertolino, Jacopo Cerri, Ezio Venturino
Summary: A mathematical model was built to validate field study results on a three-species system, including two prey species and a predator. The study found that the introduction of an invasive species, the Eastern cottontail, had a negative impact on the native European hare due to increased predation rates by foxes. The model results supported the hypothesis of hyperpredation by increasing fox populations on native hares.
BULLETIN OF MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Justin O. Schmidt, Li S. Schmidt
Summary: Vinegaroons are apex arthropod predators in the high desert grasslands of southeastern Arizona, overpowering and preying on most potential prey within a suitable size range, and appearing to be dominant in interactions with other predator guild members. While cannibalism among adult and fourth instar vinegaroons does not occur under natural conditions, the smaller instars may engage in cannibalism and spend minimal time foraging, possibly due to this behavior.
JOURNAL OF ARACHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ashley N. Peterson, Matthew J. McHenry
Summary: This study examines the strategy of red lionfish in pursuing faster prey. The behavior of successfully capturing prey is defined as the "persistent-predation strategy", which includes pure pursuit, uninterrupted motion, and high success rate in strike.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Christina M. Prokopenko, Tal Avgar, Adam Ford, Eric Vander Wal
Summary: Foragers must consider the costs and gains in their pursuit of food. By integrating foraging costs into functional responses, we added mechanism and precision to foundational ideas. Through a model system, we found that the density and antipredator traits of costly prey can influence the energy gain rate of predators, leading to a stabilizing Type III functional response. We provide testable predictions and guidance for applying optimal foraging theory to scenarios with varying predator foraging costs.
Article
Biology
Alberto Bortoni, Sharon M. Swartz, Hamid Vejdani, Aaron J. Corcoran
Summary: A predator's ability to catch prey depends on its navigation skills in response to prey movements. The pursuit behavior of Townsend's big-eared bat varies, as it relies on a slow and agile flight to stealthily approach prey and reacts to prey movements using a combination of pure pursuit and proportional navigation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
William J. Resetarits, Jason R. Bohenek, Matthew R. Pintar
Summary: Predators affect prey through both consumptive and non-consumptive effects, and prey typically face threats from multiple simultaneous predators. Our study aimed to determine avoidance responses to multiple predatory fish species and responses to predator richness. The results indicate that effects of multiple predators are not predictable based on individual effects, illustrating the importance and complexity of effects of demographic habitat selection on distribution and abundance.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Varpu Parssinen, Kaj Hulthen, Christer Bronmark, Caroline Bjorneras, Gustaf Ekelund Ugge, Raphael Gollnisch, Lars-Anders Hansson, Simon David Herzog, Nan Hu, Emma Johansson, Marcus Lee, Karin Rengefors, Yongcui Sha, Martin Skerlep, Jerker Vinterstare, Huan Zhang, R. Brian Langerhans, P. Anders Nilsson
Summary: Research shows that varying levels of predation risk can lead to differences in behaviors associated with resource competition in prey, but these effects can strongly differ between sexes.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Gordon H. Copp, Lorenzo Vilizzi, Hui Wei, Shan Li, Marina Piria, Abbas J. Al-Faisal, David Almeida, Usman Atique, Zainab Al-Wazzan, Rigers Bakiu, Tea Basic, Thuyet D. Bui, Joao Canning-Clode, Nuno Castro, Ratcha Chaichana, Tulin Coker, Dimitriy Dashinov, F. Guler Ekmekci, Tibor Eros, Arpad Ferincz, Teresa Ferreira, Daniela Giannetto, Allan S. Gilles, Lukasz Glowacki, Philippe Goulletquer, Elena Interesova, Sonia Iqbal, Katarina Jakubcinova, Kamalaporn Kanongdate, Jeong-Eun Kim, Oldrich Kopecky, Vasil Kostov, Nicholas Koutsikos, Sebastian Kozic, Petra Kristan, Yoshihisa Kurita, Hwang-Goo Lee, Rob S. E. W. Leuven, Tatsiana Lipinskaya, Juliane Lukas, Agnese Marchini, Ana Isabel Gonzalez Martinez, Laurence Masson, Daniyar Memedemin, Seyed Daryoush Moghaddas, Joao Monteiro, Levan Mumladze, Rahmat Naddafi, Ion Navodaru, Karin H. Olsson, Norio Onikura, Daniele Paganelli, Richard Thomas Pavia, Costas Perdikaris, Renanel Pickholtz, Dariusz Pietraszewski, Meta Povz, Cristina Preda, Milica Ristovska, Karin Rosikova, Jose Maria Santos, Vitaliy Semenchenko, Wansuk Senanan, Predrag Simonovic, Evangelia Smeti, Barbora Stevove, Kristina Svolikova, Kieu Anh T. Ta, Ali Serhan Tarkan, Nildeniz Top, Elena Tricarico, Eliza Uzunova, Leonidas Vardakas, Hugo Verreycken, Grzegorz Zieba, Roberto Mendoza
Summary: Environmental changes caused by introductions and translocations of non-native species are a global concern. Decision-support tools in multiple languages can reduce language-based uncertainty and enhance communication between stakeholders.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
N. W. Thunnissen, F. P. L. Collas, R. S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: Invasive alien snails pose a threat to agriculture and horticulture, necessitating the need for reliable methods to predict their impact. Functional response tests provide insights into the potential impact of these species on crops. This study examined the grazing effect of common garden snails on agricultural crops and assessed interspecific competition to improve impact predictions.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiaqi Wang, Leonie S. Lautz, Tom M. Nolte, Leo Posthuma, K. Remon Koopman, Rob S. E. W. Leuven, A. Jan Hendriks
Summary: Chemical pollution affects the quality of water systems and the ecosystem services they provide. This study developed an approach to quantify the impact of sediment pollution on the total ecosystem service value. The results showed a correlation between the multi-substance potentially affected fraction of species and the total value loss of ecosystem services.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. Y. Flores, F. P. L. Collas, K. Mehler, M. M. Schoor, C. K. Feld, R. S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: The longitudinal training dams in the river Waal provide suitable habitats for both native and alien mussel species, with recommendations to enhance habitats for native species by increasing fine and sandy substrate types while reducing hard substrate areas. Future research should include additional abiotic parameters to improve habitat suitability predictions and compare the results across different riverine habitats.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELING & ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Naomi W. Thunnissen, Sytske A. de Waart, Frank P. L. Collas, Eelke Jongejans, A. Jan Hendriks, Gerard van der Velde, Rob S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: Over 910 terrestrial planarian species have been described worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. In The Netherlands, 9 alien terrestrial planarian species have been found, with 3 species established in gardens. Alien terrestrial planarians can have a negative impact on biodiversity and soil quality by reducing earthworm populations, but assessing their impact is challenging. Risk assessments show that the New Zealand land planarian Arthurdendyus triangulatus poses a potentially significant risk due to its ability to reduce earthworm densities. Regular updates of risk assessments and phytosanitary measures are recommended.
MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Janneke M. M. van der Loop, Martijn van de Loo, Wouter de Vries, Laura S. van Veenhuisen, Hein H. van Kleef, Rob S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: The eradication of the aquatic invasive Australian swamp stonecrop Crassula helmsii in North-western Europe usually fails. However, in the wetland of Terschelling in the Netherlands, the plant was successfully eradicated through excavation and replenishment methods at a total cost of 1.5 million euros. After a two-year monitoring period, no regrowth of C. helmsii was observed. The eradication measures were effective but complex, time-consuming, and costly.
MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Natasha Y. Flores, Frank P. L. Collas, Rob S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: Longitudinal training dams (LTDs) are hydraulic engineering structures that provide navigation and refuge for aquatic biota. Monitoring data analysis showed a pattern of riverbed aggradation towards the LTDs and erosion in the shore channels. The retreat rate of the shorelines in the LTD channels was 1.4-1.6 m/year. Compared to traditional groyne fields, the LTD channels offer more complex and continuous littoral zones while maintaining river multifunctionality.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jennifer A. Dodd, Gordon H. Copp, Hannah J. Tidbury, Rob S. E. W. Leuven, Eric Feunteun, Karin H. Olsson, Stephan Gollasch, Anders Jelmert, Kathryn A. O'Shaughnessy, David Reeves, Jorge Brenner, Hugo Verreycken
Summary: In recent decades, gobies have been dispersed or introduced from eastern Europe to North America and western Europe, while the naked goby is the only known gobiid species to have been introduced in the opposite direction. The potential invasiveness of the naked goby was assessed for both sides of the North Sea using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK). The results showed that under current climate conditions, it has a low-medium invasiveness risk, but this risk is expected to increase under future climate conditions.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mark A. J. Huijbregts, Steef Hanssen, Nicole Derks, Frank Collas, Ilse Erich, Rob S. E. W. Leuven, Ad M. J. Ragas, Aafke M. Schipper, Jacqueline A. Vos, Fanny Huijbregts-Verheyden
Summary: Team-based learning (TBL) is a structured form of collaborative learning that is particularly beneficial in courses where students need to understand a significant amount of information to answer complex questions. This study evaluates the implementation of TBL in a sustainability course and finds that it improves exam pass rates and increases students' appreciation of the learning method.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natasha Y. Flores, Stephanie B. Oswald, Rob S. E. W. Leuven, Frank P. L. Collas
Summary: Plastic pollution in the ocean mainly comes from rivers. Monitoring floating plastics in rivers is time consuming, so exploring remote sensing options is necessary. Two imaging sonar technologies, ARIS and SSS, were tested in standing water and found to detect 100% of macroplastics. ARIS provided higher resolution images but had a lower detection rate in flowing water. SSS, a low-cost option, integrated with CHIRP sonar technology, provided 3D position of targets.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Niels W. P. Breve, Rob S. E. W. Leuven, Anthonie D. Buijse, AlberTinka J. Murk, Jorrit Venema, Leopold A. J. Nagelkerke
Summary: Sturgeons are one of the most endangered vertebrates in the world, but their populations in aquaculture are thriving. Through exotic pet trade, sturgeons are introduced outside their natural ranges, which can lead to competition, hybridization, and spread of parasites and diseases with native species. This study provides an in-depth inventory of alien sturgeons in the Rhine and Meuse river delta, aiming to support the reintroduction of the critically endangered European sturgeon. The findings highlight the need for strict trade regulations and practical measures to prevent the spread of alien sturgeons, preferably at the spatial scale of river basins.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pim Lemmers, Roos van der Kroon, Hein H. van Kleef, Joris J. F. Verhees, Gerard van der Velde, Rob S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: Invasive alien crayfish species pose significant risks to global ecological and hydrological systems. Constructing natural-like banks can reduce the negative impacts of crayfish burrowing, while factors such as slope, soil type, and vegetation structure influence crayfish movement on land. Well-designed embankments can minimize the colonization risk of nearby high-value water bodies by crayfish.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Janneke M. M. van der Loop, Laura S. van Veenhuisen, Martijn van de Loo, Joost J. Vogels, Hein H. van Kleef, Rob S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: The invasive species Crassula helmsii is spreading rapidly in Europe, impacting ecosystem functioning and native vegetation. However, its effects on fauna, specifically amphibians, have received less attention. This study found that the presence of C. helmsii reduced the spawning rate and egg survival of Epidalea calamita, an endangered toad species in Northwestern Europe. However, the growth rate of the larvae was higher in C. helmsii dominated treatments. These effects may be related to differences in water temperature and chemistry. The population viability of E. calamita in the presence of C. helmsii remains uncertain, and appropriate management measures are needed to protect this toad against the invader.
Article
Ecology
Janneke M. M. van Der Loop, Hein H. van Kleef, Laura S. van Veenhuisen, Leon L. Lamers, Rob S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: The invasive Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) poses a threat to shallow soft water lakes and pools in Europe, especially under nutrient enrichment and anthropogenic disturbances. Eradication of this clonal plant is difficult once established, thus an ecosystem resilience approach (ERA) that promotes native vegetation is explored. The introduction of native species reduces the abundance of C. helmsii and can effectively decrease the invasibility of ecosystems. Incorporating ERA in nature and water management provides sustainable solutions for invasive alien species prevention and control, with benefits in terms of biodiversity and cost-effectiveness.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Natasha Y. Flores, Frank P. L. Collas, Rob S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: This study assessed the passability of longitudinal training dams for migratory fish species and found that the flow velocity at the inflows of the shore channels was high during high river discharges. It is recommended to increase the cross-sectional area of the inflow sills to reduce the flow velocities experienced by migrating fish during high river discharges.
KNOWLEDGE AND MANAGEMENT OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
