Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Ronaldo Sousa, Dariusz Halabowski, Anna M. Labecka, Karel Douda, Olga Aksenova, Yulia Bespalaya, Ivan Bolotov, Juergen Geist, Hugh A. Jones, Ekaterina Konopleva, Michael W. Klunzinger, Carlos A. Lasso, Iga Lewin, Xiongjun Liu, Manuel Lopes-Lima, Jon Mageroy, Musa Mlambo, Keiko Nakamura, Mitsunori Nakano, Martin osterling, John Pfeiffer, Vincent Prie, Lucas R. P. Paschoal, Nicoletta Riccardi, Rogerio Santos, Spase Shumka, Allan K. Smith, Mikhail O. Son, Amilcar Teixeira, Frankie Thielen, Santiago Torres, Simone Varandas, Ilya V. Vikhrev, Xiaoping Wu, Alexandra Zieritz, Joana G. Nogueira
Summary: Anthropogenic freshwater habitats offer potential for long-term conservation of freshwater mussels, but may also act as ecological traps. These habitats are not a cure-all for conservation problems, and more research is needed to understand the trade-offs between human use and conservation within them.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Olivia F. Morris, Charlie J. G. Loewen, Guy Woodward, Ralf B. Schaefer, Jeremy J. Piggott, Rolf D. Vinebrooke, Michelle C. Jackson
Summary: The study found that the impacts of climate warming on freshwater ecosystems are usually determined by the stronger stressor, especially when this stressor is associated with human land use. Predicting the effects of multiple stressors depends on the identity of the stressors and the asymmetry of their effects.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. S. Sinclair, R. Briland, M. E. Fraker, J. M. Hood, K. T. Frank, M. D. Faust, C. Knight, S. A. Ludsin
Summary: The study found that human-induced changes have affected intraspecific interactions within predator populations, which in turn can impact predator-prey dynamics and community structure. The study found that anthropogenic alterations have reduced density-dependent intraspecific interactions in Lake Erie's walleye population.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stamatis Zogaris, Nicholas Koutsikos, Yorgos Chatzinikolaou, Saniye Cevher Ozeren, Kaan Yence, Vassiliki Vlami, Pinar Guler Kohlmeier, Gurcay Kivanc Akyildiz
Summary: This research study focuses on the fish assemblages and associated ecosystem degradation patterns in the Buyuk Menderes River in Turkey. Electrofishing was used to sample 44 river sites, and the distribution and abundance of fish species were recorded. The study also assessed anthropogenic pressures and their impact on fish habitats using a site quality index. Cluster analysis and bipartite network analysis were conducted to classify fish assemblages. The widely used European Fish Index (EFI+) was applied, but it failed to accurately assess the severity of anthropogenic degradation. The study recommends the development of a new multimetric index for the region and highlights the importance of fish-based indicators for river management and conservation in Turkey.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carla Carolina Miranda dos Santos, Alana Rodrigues Nauar, Johnata Azevedo Ferreira, Caroline da Silva Montes, Franciele Rovasi Adolfo, Gabriela Leal, Gabriel Moraes Reis, Jessica Lapinsky, Leandro Machado de Carvalho, Lilian Lund Amado
Summary: The mineral resources in the Amazon region are heavily exploited, leading to the mobilization of metals in ecosystems. Additionally, various human activities contribute to the imbalance of this important environment. The Par 'a River, an important water body in the Amazon basin, is influenced by disorderly urbanization, port activities, and mineral processing. This study analyzed metal concentrations and biomarkers in different environmental compartments along the Para River, which showed seasonal patterns and the effects of anthropogenic influences.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marco Milardi, Aaron Iemma, Ian R. Waite, Anna Gavioli, Elisa Soana, Giuseppe Castaldelli
Summary: By analyzing a case study of freshwater fish in a Mediterranean country, we found that human factors, particularly eutrophication, and climate, especially temperature, were significant drivers of overall biological invasions. Geography also played a relevant role in both overall invasion and single species levels. In general, human factors were less prominent than natural factors in driving the spread and prevalence of invasion.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao Xiang, Xianghong Dong, Tao Ju, Lei Shi, Gael Grenouillet
Summary: Over the past centuries, freshwater fish introductions and extinctions have posed major crises to various water bodies in China, but their consequences on freshwater fish biodiversity remain understudied. This study evaluated the temporal changes in taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic facets of fish biodiversity across Chinese basins and identified the drivers behind these changes. The results showed extreme changes in the biodiversity facets of fish assemblages in Northwest and Southwest China, largely driven by environmental factors. Given the ongoing homogenization of fish faunas in the majority of China's water bodies, targeted conservation and management strategies are needed.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Francesco Polazzo, Andreu Rico
Summary: Different agricultural stressors have varying effects on multiple dimensions of ecological stability, requiring specific management actions to promote ecosystem stability.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Valentin Marin, Ignasi Arranz, Gael Grenouillet, Julien Cucherousset
Summary: This study explored the use of fish community size spectrum as a complementary bioindicator in 51 natural lakes and 102 reservoirs. Results showed that the size spectrum was influenced by water quality degradation, habitat loss, and fish invasion. The size spectrum was more sensitive to habitat loss in natural lakes. Using fish community size spectrum can provide additional insights into the responses of freshwater ecosystems to global changes and improve management efficiency.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andria Ostrowski, Rod M. Connolly, Christopher J. Brown, Michael Sievers
Summary: Ecosystems are being degraded and lost due to multiple anthropogenic stressors. Static experiments that ignore stressor variability and its effects across trophic levels may underestimate the impacts of stressors on ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the effects of fluctuations and timing of stressor intensity on a seagrass community. Our results show that fluctuating stressor treatments led to declines in seagrass shoot density, leaf surface area, and crustacean abundance compared to static stressor exposure. Static treatments increased seagrass leaf surface area and crustacean abundance relative to the control group. These findings suggest that stress response mechanisms change when stressors fluctuate and highlight the importance of considering dynamic stressor effects in ecosystem management models.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Atsler Luana Lehun, Gisele S. C. Duarte, Ricardo M. Takemoto
Summary: This study investigated the potential use of Geophagus brasiliensis parasites as bioindicators of environmental changes. The results showed that the parasitic community of G. brasiliensis in polluted areas has low diversity, and the species compositions vary significantly between different sampling points.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jacob J. Stasso, Rachel H. Pieniazek, Dennis M. Higgs
Summary: This study examines the behavioral responses of freshwater species to boat noise. The results show that freshwater fish can respond to increased levels of anthropogenic noise, but the severity of the response may differ based on auditory structures and therefore presumed hearing ability. The choice of metrics used in assessing fish responses to underwater noise is also crucial in developing exposure guidelines.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ahmet Oktener, Doru Banaduc
Summary: This study examined records of mass fish deaths in different data sources and created a map of mass fish deaths in Turkey for the first time. The study found that pollution and fish parasites are both significant factors contributing to mass fish deaths in freshwater ecosystems. It suggests that the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of fish parasites should be assessed and monitored as potential indicators of fish communities' degradation and freshwater ecosystems' conditions.
Article
Environmental Studies
Laima Cesoniene, Daiva Sileikiene, Midona Dapkiene
Summary: The study on 24 rivers in Lithuania revealed a significant impact of transit and agricultural pollution on the ecological status of rivers, with agricultural activities having the most pronounced negative influence on river ecosystems.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maurizio Pinna, Francesco Zangaro, Benedetta Saccomanno, Chiara Scalone, Fabio Bozzeda, Lucia Fanini, Valeria Specchia
Summary: In order to halt the loss of global biodiversity and considering the United Nations Decade for Ocean Conservation Agenda, increasing efforts to improve biomonitoring programs and assessment of ecosystem health are needed. Aquatic environments are among the most complex to monitor, requiring an array of tools to assess their status and to define conservation targets. Shifts in fish composition and abundance are often good indicators of ecosystem health status in relation to anthropogenic activities. However, traditional monitoring methods are strictly related to the habitat under study and cannot be applied universally.
Article
Ecology
Ndivhuwo Shivambu, Tinyiko C. Shivambu, Colleen T. Downs, Sandi Willows-Munro
Summary: This study assessed the taxonomy and genetic diversity of 149 rodents sold in pet shops across South Africa using mitochondrial gene regions. The findings revealed that non-native species are widely distributed in the South African pet trade industry, while the trade of native species is regulated.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
David Ehlers A. Smith, Yvette C. Smith, Harriet T. Davies-Mostert, Lindy J. Thompson, Daniel M. Parker, Deon de Villiers, Dean Ricketts, Brent Coverdale, Peter J. Roberts, Christopher Kelly, Duncan N. Macfadyen, Nomthandazo S. Manqele, R. John Power, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown restrictions were believed to have potential benefits to wildlife, but concerns were raised about the impact on nature conservation. This study examined the effects of these restrictions on biodiversity conservation in South Africa, a country with rich biodiversity but also economic inequality and reliance on wildlife resources. Expert opinions were gathered using a structured questionnaire based on the IUCN's Threats Classification Scheme, and supported by case studies from both government and non-governmental conservation organizations. The most commonly reported threats were related to biological resource use, developments, invasive species, and human intrusions. Lack of tourism revenue and funding were identified as barriers to conservation efforts. The study calls for the implementation of mechanisms to prevent environmental degradation during global emergencies, in order to protect conservation efforts.
Article
Ecology
Jesse M. Alston, Christen H. Fleming, Roland Kays, Jarryd P. Streicher, Colleen T. Downs, Tharmalingam Ramesh, Bjorn Reineking, Justin M. Calabrese
Summary: Resource selection functions (RSFs) are widely used in animal ecology, but autocorrelation in tracking data can lead to biased estimates and narrow confidence intervals. This study proposes a likelihood weighting method to mitigate the negative effects of autocorrelation on RSFs. The method improves the quality of inferences derived from RSFs and provides a workflow for applying the method to animal tracking data.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mbalenhle T. Sosibo, David Ehlers A. Smith, Yvette Ehlers C. Smith, S. Thobeka Gumede, Samukelisiwe P. Ngcobo, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Microhabitats are crucial for the persistence of mammalian species and communities. This study focuses on the forest biome in South Africa and investigates the microhabitat characteristics that influence the presence and absence of mammalian species. Camera traps were used to monitor the species and data on vegetation were collected. The results highlight the importance of leaf litter, crown closure, and grass cover in supporting the presence and persistence of large and medium-sized mammals in the Southern Mistbelt Forests.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Camille J. A. Fritsch, Jarryd P. Streicher, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: The common hippopotamus is an important player in African savannah ecosystems, but the ecological impacts of hippos lack behavioral data. In this study, GPS transmitters were used to track male hippos in Kruger National Park, South Africa, revealing smaller home range sizes than previously documented. This research provides valuable baseline behavioral data for managing hippos in Kruger National Park and southern Africa.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Everton B. P. de Miranda, Carlos A. Peres, Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues Oliveira-Santos, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Apex predators like harpy eagles in Amazonian Forests affect nutrient distribution through deposition of prey carcasses and excreta. Surprisingly, their nests had negative effects on soil nutrient profiles, but canopy tree leaves around nests showed significant increases in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This study highlights the importance of understanding the ecological role of central-place foragers in nutrient deposition and ecosystem stability.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ntaki D. Senoge, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: In this study, the use of cellular telecommunication towers as nesting sites by pied crows in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa was investigated. It was found that out of 36 towers, 17 were used as nesting sites by the crows. The presence of cropland, forest, grassland, schools and relief were important factors influencing the choice of nesting sites.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Donald T. McKnight, Kendall Ard, Renoir J. Auguste, Gaurav Barhadiya, Michael F. Benard, Paige Boban, Martin L. Dillon, Colleen T. Downs, Brett A. DeGregorio, Brad M. Glorioso, Rachel M. Goodman, Coen Hird, Ethan C. Hollender, Malcolm Kennedy, Rosie A. Kidman, Andrhea Massey, Pearson McGovern, Max Muehlenhaupt, Kayhan Ostovar, Danusia Podgorski, Cormac Price, Beth A. Reinke, Louise M. Streeting, Jane Venezia, Jeanne Young, Eric J. Nordberg
Summary: Recent studies have found that some species of freshwater turtles engage in nocturnal basking behavior, suggesting that environmental temperature may play a role in this behavior. We conducted a global collaborative effort to document and quantify basking activity in various freshwater turtle species. Our study revealed that 13 species engaged in nocturnal basking, primarily in tropical and sub-tropical locations. The frequency and duration of nocturnal basking varied among species and seasons, with events often being longer than diurnal basking.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Albert Myburgh, Jan Myburgh, Johan Steyl, Colleen T. Downs, Hannes Botha, Liam Robinson, Stephan Woodborne
Summary: In this study, the histology and growth patterns of Nile crocodile claws were investigated, revealing similarity to other reptilian claws and an age profile. The study also validated previous dietary reconstruction assumptions using radiocarbon dating. This research contributes to understanding the role of Nile crocodile claws in dietary reconstruction studies and emphasizes the importance of age-related assumptions.
JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew J. Burnett, Vanessa Suessle, Terence Saayman, Graham Jewitt, Gordon C. O'Brien, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Fish behaviour data is an important indicator for assessing freshwater ecosystem status. The use of activity sensors and the EWMA model allows for real-time monitoring and management of fish behaviour changes, combined with environmental data, to improve freshwater management.
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nasiphi Bitani, Craig P. Cordier, David A. Ehlers Smith, Yvette C. Ehlers Smith, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Forest transformation has significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study investigated the influence of forest structure and composition on bird species community structure and functional diversity. The results showed that forest patches with high structural complexity and tree species richness had higher functional richness. Different forest characteristics influenced habitat use by different bird species, and tree species diversity had positive effects on some species while negative effects on others.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kerushka R. Pillay, Jarryd P. Streicher, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Urbanisation generally has a negative impact on biodiversity, but some species, like the vervet monkey, thrive in urban areas. In this study, we used GPS transmitters to track vervet monkeys in an urban forest mosaic landscape in Durban, South Africa. The monkeys had relatively small home range sizes and preferentially used forest, thicket, and built-up habitats. The spatial ecology of urban vervet monkeys provides important information for future management interventions and addressing human-monkey conflicts.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kyrone K. Josiah, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: The study "Nesting Ecology of Spotted Thick-knee in an Urban Mosaic Landscape in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa" examined the nesting behavior of the bird species in urbanized areas. The research found that Spotted Thick-knee showed preferences for certain habitats and nest sites, with successful nesting outcomes being significantly higher than failed outcomes. Incubation activity was longer during the day and negatively impacted by disturbance in human-modified habitats.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Zoology
Jonah Gula, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: The nests of the Hammerkop bird play a key role in the breeding biology of other avian species. At least 20 different bird species across 18 African countries use Hammerkop nests for breeding.