Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Naza E. Mmbaga
Summary: This study assessed the activities of hippos in the area surrounding Lake Babati and their impact on the local communities. The results showed that hippos mostly visit farmlands and residential areas close to the lake. Hippos were perceived as the major challenge to crops, especially during the rainy season. Maize was reported to be the crop most preferred by hippos. The study recommends implementing proper management strategies to protect hippos and promote local livelihoods.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark A. Titley, Stuart H. M. Butchart, Victoria R. Jones, Mark J. Whittingham, Stephen G. Willis
Summary: Sociopolitical factors have emerged as important determinants of wildlife population trends and conservation effectiveness. Climate change impacts may be disproportionately significant in countries with weaker governance and lower greenhouse gas emissions, raising questions of international justice. The importance of transboundary conservation and the potential impacts of species redistribution across political boundaries under climate change have been highlighted.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dinesh Neupane, Suraj Baral, Thomas S. Risch, Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz
Summary: This study evaluates the habitat availability and landscape connectivity of the Asian elephants in the Nepal-India transboundary region. The findings suggest that there is limited high-quality habitat in the region, but there is ample potential for further population growth. Connectivity between the subpopulations varies, with higher connectivity in the west and lower in the central and east. The study highlights the importance of maintaining current connectivity, restoring connectivity, and protecting high-quality habitats to ensure the conservation of elephants.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ruben Schols, Hans Carolus, Cyril Hammoud, Kudzai C. Muzarabani, Maxwell Barson, Tine Huyse
Summary: This study found significant issues with trematode parasites on common hippopotami in artificial water systems in Zimbabwe, primarily due to biological invasions caused by human activities. This information indicates that human activities may expedite the decline of wild herbivore populations.
Article
Ecology
Carson P. Hedberg, S. Kathleen Lyons, Felisa A. Smith
Summary: The study found that with the passage of time, the functional diversity of the local mammal community is decreasing, with lost species contributing higher than average distinct ecological function. Recently introduced species have partially restored some of the functional space of Late Pleistocene fauna.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andre M. D'Angioli, Andre L. Giles, Patricia B. Costa, Gabriel Wolfsdorf, Luisa L. F. Pecoral, Larissa Verona, Fernanda Piccolo, Alexandre B. Sampaio, Isabel B. Schmidt, Lucy Rowland, Hans Lambers, Ellen Kandeler, Rafael S. Oliveira, Anna Abrahao
Summary: Around 40% of the original Brazilian savanna territory is occupied by pastures dominated by fast-growing exotic C-4 grasses, which impact ecosystem nutrient cycling. The restoration of these areas depends on the re-establishment of soil processes. Abandoned pastures had faster nutrient turnover than native savanna, dominated by slow-growing native species. Compared with native savanna, restored areas had similar levels of soil enzyme activities, but lower microbial biomass and soil organic matter. The reduction of soil microbial biomass and organic matter content reduces the immobilization of soil nutrients and is expected to favor a fast nutrient turnover in the ecosystem. The restoration of abandoned pastures should consider a greater focus on restoring soil carbon and nutrient cycling.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joshua Thoresen, Marie-Liesse Vermeire, Zander Venter, Graeme Wolfaard, Jennifer Adams Krumins, Michael Cramer, Heidi-Jayne Hawkins
Summary: The study shows that herbivory and fire have negative impacts on soil arthropods, with the former having a stronger effect. Herbivory enhances soil arthropod diversity through indirect effects and decreasing soil nutrients. Further research should consider a range of fire frequencies, intensities, herbivore types, densities, and abundances.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacob O. Iteba, Thomas Hein, Gabriel A. Singer, Frank O. Masese
Summary: The study investigated the loading rates of organic matter and nutrients into the Mara River in Kenya by zebu cattle, finding that livestock activity leads to increased suspended materials and nutrients, consistent with historical findings in agricultural and livestock areas in the Mara River basin. These changes in carbon and nutrient transport and cycling patterns are significantly impacting the structure and functioning of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yue Wang, Hiroatsu Fukuda, Pengchong Zhang, Ting Wang, Guofu Yang, Weijun Gao, Yijun Lu
Summary: Urban wetlands play an important role in the urban ecological environment and can serve as refuges for endangered plants. This study identifies suitable habitats for Isoetes sinensis in urban wetlands and suggests that planting this endangered plant in urban wetlands can help protect the species. However, there are uncertainties related to successful reintroduction due to the plant's weed-like appearance, poor resistance to pesticides, and changes in urban wetland environment.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Camilla Flojgaard, Pil Birkefeldt Moller Pedersen, Christopher J. Sandom, Jens-Christian Svenning, Rasmus Ejrnaes
Summary: Large herbivores play a crucial role in ecosystem processes, but have experienced significant historical losses and are facing pressures in current ecosystems. Research indicates that African ecosystems generally have higher large-herbivore biomass and stronger consumer-producer relationships, while ecosystems outside Africa have lower-than-expected large-herbivore biomass. Management and rewilding of large herbivores without predefined density targets are recommended to restore natural grazing processes.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oswald J. Schmitz, Magnus Sylven, Trisha B. Atwood, Elisabeth S. Bakker, Fabio Berzaghi, Jedediah F. Brodie, Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt, Andrew B. Tilker, Shawn J. Leroux, Frans J. Schepers, Felisa A. Smith, Sari Stark, Jens-Christian Svenning, Andrew B. Tilker, Henni Ylanne
Summary: The authors argue for the importance of including animals in natural climate solutions, as the restoration and conservation of wild animals and their functional roles can enhance natural carbon capture and storage. They believe that this approach can contribute to preventing climate warming beyond 1.5 degrees C. However, they point out that the current understanding undervalues the role animals play in controlling the carbon cycle.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juliana Barros, Sahadevan Seena
Summary: The lack of protection for aquatic hyphomycetes is concerning, as they play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. To achieve a comprehensive conservation paradigm for freshwater biodiversity, it is important to expand our ecological understanding of microfungi, particularly aquatic hyphomycetes. More research is needed to conserve aquatic hyphomycetes, including information on rare and endangered species, biogeography, and the development of a global biodiversity database. This article explores the reasons for the missing biodiversity data of aquatic hyphomycetes and advocates for their inclusion in conservation strategies.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hugh F. Davies, Casey Visintin, Brett P. Murphy, Euan G. Ritchie, Sam C. Banks, Ian D. Davies, David M. J. S. Bowman
Summary: This study investigates the effects of grassland fires on the population dynamics of four mammal species and finds that the population size of all species declines regardless of fire spatial pattern and dispersal ability. However, the final population size of three species is significantly influenced by fire size, with declines being most severe under the small/dispersed fire scenario. Therefore, achieving biodiversity conservation through fire management requires a balance between the spatial and temporal aspects of pyrodiversity, as well as a thorough understanding of the requirements of the target species.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sean A. Parks, Lisa M. Holsinger, Caitlin E. Littlefield, Solomon Z. Dobrowski, Katherine A. Zeller, John T. Abatzoglou, Charles Besancon, Bryce L. Nordgren, Joshua J. Lawler
Summary: Protected areas are crucial for biodiversity conservation, but their effectiveness is challenged by climate change. This study examined disappearing and novel climates within the global protected area network and the potential for transboundary species range shifts. The results showed that 24% of protected lands will lose their protected climates, while 36% will gain novel climates. Moreover, potential transboundary range shifts are widespread and vary across regions. The study provides insights for strategic conservation actions to address the prevalence of novel and disappearing climates within the protected area network and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Paula Ribeiro-Souza, Mauricio E. Graipel, Diego Astua, Mauricio Humberto Vancine, Jose Salatiel Rodrigues Pires
Summary: Climate change can lead to a reduction in suitable habitat, potentially threatening species with extinction. It is crucial to prioritize conservation efforts for species impacted by climate change, such as small mammals, and use modeling to predict future distribution patterns.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Yong Zhou, A. Carla Staver, Andrew B. Davies
Summary: Termites consume large amounts of plant material and produce methane as a byproduct. The methane production rates vary greatly among different termite species and feeding groups. This study reviews research articles published from 1975 to 2021 and creates a standardized list of termite methane production rates, aiming to fill data gaps and improve our understanding of termites' role in biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem processes.
Article
Ecology
Evan G. Hockridge, Jenia Singh, Peter B. Boucher, Andrew B. Davies
Summary: Fire regimes have varying impacts on termite mound size and distribution, but overall, termite mounds are resistant to changes in fire seasonality and frequency.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kiara G. Lasch, Cheryl A. Tosh, Marthan N. Bester, P. J. Nico de Bruyn
Summary: This study analyzed satellite tracking data of male southern elephant seals from Marion Island and found that age affects their diving behavior. Younger seals traveled farther from the island and spent more time in transit mode, while older seals stayed closer to the island and spent more time in searching mode. Older seals dived more frequently, had longer dive and surface durations, and reached greater depths when searching.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Tyler C. Coverdale, Andrew B. Davies
Summary: Vegetation structural complexity (VSC), the three-dimensional distribution of plants, is an important ecological trait. Recent research shows that VSC is associated with stronger ecosystem functioning and more diverse plant communities tend to be more structurally complex. Active remote sensing technology has facilitated VSC research and provides evidence for the positive relationship between phytodiversity and VSC.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Kyle J. Lloyd, W. Chris Oosthuizen, Jay J. Rotella, Marthan N. Bester, P. J. Nico de Bruyn
Summary: Through studying male southern elephant seals, it was found that resource allocation decisions of polygynous males are influenced by density-related factors, which have important effects on survival, breeding success, and recruitment age. Males allocate more resources to reproduction and less to body maintenance when defending and servicing larger harems, and this cost is compounded for males that dominate large harems at a young age. Population density during early life has lasting effects on breeding success and recruitment age, indicating the interaction between density-dependent factors and intrinsic determinants of resource allocation.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zhengyang Wang, Jimmy Zeng, Hao Ran, Weilin Meng, Shanyi Zhou, Andrew B. Davies, Cong Liu
Summary: By monitoring online pet ant sales in China, we found that a total of 58,937 ant colonies from 209 species were sold by 206 sellers in 89 cities across the country in six months. More than a quarter of the traded species were not native to China. The most sought-after ants were found to have higher invasive potential than less popular species based on trait-based analysis.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jenia Singh, Peter B. Boucher, Evan G. Hockridge, Andrew B. Davies
Summary: Fire regime characteristics, such as frequency and season of burn, have unknown effects on the vegetation structure, biomass, and tree abundance in savanna ecosystems. This study uses LiDAR technology to investigate the long-term effects of fire manipulation on savanna vegetation in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Tercia Strydom, Izak P. J. Smit, Navashni Govender, Corli Coetsee, Jenia Singh, Andrew B. B. Davies, Brian W. W. van Wilgen
Summary: Woody thickening or 'bush encroachment' is a global concern in savannas, and high-intensity fires were initially thought to reverse it. However, after 10 years of monitoring, it was found that the different fire treatments did not result in a significant difference in woody encroachment, indicating that high-intensity fires may not be an effective solution.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Florian Reiner, Martin Brandt, Xiaoye Tong, David Skole, Ankit Kariryaa, Philippe Ciais, Andrew Davies, Pierre Hiernaux, Jerome Chave, Maurice Mugabowindekwe, Christian Igel, Stefan Oehmcke, Fabian Gieseke, Sizhuo Li, Siyu Liu, Sassan Saatchi, Peter Boucher, Jenia Singh, Simon Taugourdeau, Morgane Dendoncker, Xiao-Peng Song, Ole Mertz, Compton J. Tucker, Rasmus Fensholt
Summary: The continuous monitoring of trees is crucial for sustainable land management, but current systems lack consistent coverage. This study uses high-resolution imagery from the PlanetScope nanosatellite constellation to map tree cover in Africa, revealing that 29% of trees are found outside traditionally classified forest areas. This accurate mapping at the individual tree level has the potential to redefine land use impacts and contribute to natural climate solutions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Peter B. Boucher, Evan G. Hockridge, Jenia Singh, Andrew B. Davies
Summary: The flexibility of UAV-lidar remote sensing provides new opportunities for studying savanna ecology, but also introduces customizable variables that can impact data quality. By comparing lidar point clouds collected with different flight patterns and sensor parameters, it was found that altitude and pattern have significant impacts on vegetation metrics, with altitude having the largest impact.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Nicholas J. J. Russo, Andrew B. B. Davies, Rachel V. V. Blakey, Elsa M. M. Ordway, Thomas B. B. Smith
Summary: Vegetation structure and animal ecology form a feedback mechanism, where each influences the other. By integrating separate lines of research and utilizing remote sensing and animal tracking technologies, we can understand the consequences of these feedback loops for ecosystem functioning. Understanding how animals interact with vegetation structure in feedback loops is crucial for conserving ecosystems facing disruptions from climate and land-use change.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yong Zhou, Barbara Bomfim, William J. J. Bond, Thomas W. W. Boutton, Madelon F. F. Case, Corli Coetsee, Andrew B. B. Davies, Edmund C. C. February, Emma F. F. Gray, Lucas C. R. Silva, Jamie L. L. Wright, A. Carla Staver
Summary: A case study in South Africa combined with a synthesis of global data on tropical savannas shows that grasses contribute more than half of the soil organic carbon (SOC) across these regions. The assumption that increasing tree cover leads to significant gains in SOC may not reflect the actual changes, as SOC in savannas is also derived from grasses. The study highlights the substantial contribution of grasses to SOC and the uncertainty in SOC responses to increasing tree cover in tropical savannas.