Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoxuan Li, Konrad Wessels, John Armston, Steven Hancock, Renaud Mathieu, Russell Main, Laven Naidoo, Barend Erasmus, Robert Scholes
Summary: This study validated the accuracy of GEDI's RH98orb in different vegetation conditions. It found that GEDI accurately estimates canopy height between 3 and 15 meters, but may have lower accuracy in leaf-off conditions. The study also highlighted the need for more complex waveform deconvolution to estimate the height of shrubs below 2.34 meters.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Tsitsi S. Maponga, Hilton G. T. Ndagurwa, Justice Muvengwi, Lovelater Sebele, Tendai M. Nzuma
Summary: Little is known about how woodland change caused by elephants affects nutrient fluxes. This study in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, assessed the impact of elephant utilization on litter quality, soil nitrogen attributes, and nitrogen transformations. The results showed that as elephant utilization increased, litter nitrogen and other substances increased, while soil ammonium concentration, moisture, nitrogen mineralization, and nitrification decreased. These findings suggest that elephant-induced woodland change plays a significant role in carbon and nutrient fluxes.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hollie Booth, M. Said Ramdlan, Ayesha Hafizh, Karto Wongsopatty, Susana Mourato, Thomas Pienkowski, Luky Adrinato, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: This study explores the use of payments for ecosystem services (PES) as a potential solution to reduce the impacts of overfishing on marine megafauna in small-scale fisheries (SSFs) in Indonesia. The results show that positive conditional incentives can significantly influence fisher behavior, leading to a reduction in the landing of endangered species. The study provides empirical evidence that PES can be a cost-effective and socially-just approach for marine conservation in SSFs.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Claudinei Oliveira dos Santos, Alexandre de Siqueira Pinto, Janete Rego da Silva, Leandro Leal Parente, Vinicius Vieira Mesquita, Maiara Pedral dos Santos, Laerte Guimaraes Ferreira
Summary: Brazil, the seventh largest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2020, showed that 73% of its emissions were related to land use. This study utilized the CENTURY model, georeferenced databases, and the R environment to map and analyze the dynamics of carbon stocks in the pasture areas of the Cerrado biome from 2000 to 2019. The results revealed a loss of approximately 103 MtC in Cerrado pasture soils over the past twenty years. Mapping and monitoring carbon stocks in this land use type are crucial in supporting Brazil's efforts to mitigate carbon emissions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hemant G. Tripathi, Emily S. Woollen, Mariana Carvalho, Catherine L. Parr, Casey M. Ryan
Summary: The study found that land use change is the main cause of global biodiversity loss, but the impact varies in different ecosystems. In miombo woodlands in northern Mozambique, tree and mammal abundance and diversity showed a non-linear relationship with small scale agricultural expansion, with a peak at intermediate expansion levels. Additionally, the research highlighted the importance of maintaining habitat cover and avoiding extreme levels of land use change to protect biodiversity in savanna landscapes.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fezile P. P. Mtsetfwa, Laurence Kruger, Robert A. A. McCleery
Summary: To understand the response of two dominant African savanna trees to climate changes, we examined their regeneration niche and adult tree distributions. We found that the distributional patterns of these trees were shifting and predicted future distributions under different climate change scenarios. Our results suggest that the species' ranges would shift toward cooler climates and suitable climate for both species would transition out of savannas and into grasslands. The idiosyncratic responses of these species to climate change are likely to have considerable cascading effects including the potential rearrangement of faunal communities.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lars A. Brudvig, Nash E. Turley, Savannah L. Bartel, Lukas Bell-Dereske, Sabrie Breland, Ellen I. Damschen, Sarah E. Evans, Jason Gibbs, Philip G. Hahn, Rufus Isaacs, Joe A. Ledvina, John L. Orrock, Quinn M. Sorenson, John D. Stuhler
Summary: Ecological restoration is a global priority, but the legacies of past land-use activities can have long-lasting effects on restoration outcomes. This study found that restoration effects were greater than legacy effects, but restoration did not completely mitigate the legacy effects, especially in soil-related properties.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
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.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Arundhati A. Das, Maria Thaker, Corli Coetsee, Rob Slotow, Abi T. Vanak
Summary: Over a 12-year period, a study in Kruger National Park found that the cumulative mortality rate of large trees was 47.6%, with an annual mortality rate ranging from 3-5% between 2006 and 2015 and increasing to 8.8% in 2018. The main factor attributed to tree mortality was elephant damage, occurring either once or across multiple census periods.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sarah Konare, Kouame Fulgence Koffi, Simon Boudsocq, Jacques Gignoux, Jean-Christophe Lata, Xavier Raynaud, Sebastien Barot
Summary: This study reveals that the spatial heterogeneity of nitrification induces spatial partitioning between ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-), promoting tree-grass coexistence in savannas. Tree clumping enhances this effect, reducing interspecific competition and favoring tree-grass coexistence.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Joel R. Lewis, George A. Verboom, Edmund C. February
Summary: This study investigated the functional trait differences between two dominant genera responsible for bush encroachment in Africa, Senegalia and Vachellia, during seedling establishment. The research found that the two genera coexist at a local scale, with Vachellia exhibiting faster growth in the absence of competition from grasses, while Senegalia increased root tissue density in the presence of grasses. Differences in seed morphology and the speculated dispersal modes were also observed. The study suggests a potential role for regeneration niche in structuring local co-occurrence.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Cory M. Redman, Jason R. Moore, David M. Lovelace, Julie A. Meachen
Summary: This study examines the stability of the local ecosystem surrounding Natural Trap Cave across the Late Pleistocene-Holocene transition by analyzing the rank abundance distribution of large-bodied vertebrates. The results show that the ecosystem composition and structure remained relatively stable, with a few dominant taxa. Rating: 7 out of 10.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
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
Ecology
Erustus M. Kanga, Joseph O. Ogutu, Hans-Peter Piepho, Han Olff
Summary: Large mammals like hipopotamuses can significantly alter the landscape and vegetation structure in savannas, but livestock grazing can change these effects. The study examines the impact of hippo grazing and livestock grazing on riparian vegetation in the Kenyan Maasai Mara ecosystem. Results show that both hippo and livestock grazing intensity affect vegetation structure, composition, and spatial heterogeneity, but livestock grazing has a more persistent impact.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Charles S. Wortmann, Zachary Stewart
Summary: Increased fertilizer use is crucial for sustainable intensification and economic growth in the upper elevation tropical savanna (UTS) and lower elevation tropical savanna (LTS) of Africa. Farmers' perceptions of high profit potential and low risk are key drivers for adoption. Crop nutrient response functions play a vital role in maximizing farm profits from fertilizer use.
Article
Forestry
Blaine C. Luiz, Christian P. Giardina, Lisa M. Keith, Douglass F. Jacobs, Richard A. Sniezko, Marc A. Hughes, James B. Friday, Philip Cannon, Robert Hauff, Kainana Francisco, Marian M. Chau, Nicklos Dudley, Aileen Yeh, Gregory Asner, Roberta E. Martin, Ryan Perroy, Brian J. Tucker, Ale'Alani Evangelista, Veronica Fernandez, Chloe Martins-Keli'iho'omalu, Kirie Santos, Rebekah Ohara
Summary: Metrosideros polymorpha is a keystone species in Hawaii's native forests and is of great cultural, ecological, and economic importance. However, these forests, especially on Hawaii Island, are being severely affected by Rapid 'Ohi'a Death (ROD), a disease caused by fungal pathogens. This article outlines the 'Ohi'a Disease Resistance Program (ODRP) which aims to identify and develop ROD resistance in Metrosideros polymorpha to mitigate the impacts of the disease and preserve the ecology, culture, and communities depending on this tree species.
Article
Ecology
Mary K. Donovan, Catherine Alves, John Burns, Crawford Drury, Ouida W. Meier, Raphael Ritson-Williams, Ross Cunning, Robert P. Dunn, Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, Leslie M. Henderson, Ingrid S. S. Knapp, Joshua Levy, Cheryl A. Logan, Laura Mudge, Chris Sullivan, Ruth D. Gates, Gregory P. Asner
Summary: This paper discusses how coral reef resilience is studied at different scales and explores emerging technologies that provide new insights. The authors also propose a framework for integrating insights across scales to guide management solutions.
Article
Ecology
Ellie Linden, Chadwick D. Rittenhouse, Michael J. S. Peel, Isaac M. Ortega, Izak P. J. Smit
Summary: This study analyzed the changes in vegetation metrics derived from remote sensing data before and after fence removal in different types of management areas. The results showed that the reserves that removed their fences had greater changes in vegetation compared to the fenced reserves and Kruger National Park. The findings suggest that managers may need to implement management regimes to address landscape changes and maintain landscape heterogeneity and ecological resilience.
Article
Geography, Physical
Yiqing Guo, Karel Mokany, Cindy Ong, Peyman Moghadam, Simon Ferrier, Shaun R. Levick
Summary: The diversity of terrestrial vascular plants plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability and productivity. This study evaluated the potential of using DESIS hyperspectral data to predict plant species richness in two different habitats in southeast Australia. The results showed that the DESIS data performed well in predicting plant species richness, with certain spectral regions being more important than others.
ISPRS JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Louise Terryn, Kim Calders, Markku Akerblom, Harm Bartholomeus, Mathias Disney, Shaun Levick, Niall Origo, Pasi Raumonen, Hans Verbeeck
Summary: Detailed 3D quantification of tree structure is crucial for understanding tree- and plot-level biophysical processes. Our ITSMe toolbox, which works with LiDAR tree point clouds and quantitative structure models, provides a robust framework for obtaining individual tree structural metrics from 3D data. It is open-source and aims to make the use of 3D data more straightforward and transparent for researchers interested in tree structure information.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Erica M. Gallerani, Jeff Burgett, Nicholas Vaughn, Lucas Berio Fortini, Geoffrey Andrew Fricker, Hanna Mounce, Thomas W. Gillespie, Lisa Crampton, David Knapp, Justin M. Hite, Roy Gilb
Summary: Translocation is a time-sensitive intervention for at-risk species facing a changing climate. Field-based approaches to gathering habitat information for translocation sites are often time intensive, so a remote sensing-based approach using fine-scale metrics can provide essential details. The study on Hawaiian honeycreepers found that canopy density is the most important variable in defining habitat suitability and identified potential translocation areas for the declining species. The research also assessed competition between endemic Maui species, showing limited potential for competition between Maui and Kaua'i bird habitat.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiwei Li, Gregory P. Asner
Summary: Three-dimensional shallow benthic complexity provides valuable information for coral reef conservation and management, as it reflects the physical conditions and biodiversity of shallow coral reef environments. This study mapped global shallow water benthic complexity using satellite images and found that high complexity regions are mainly concentrated in areas with high benthic biodiversity. However, a significant portion of coral reef regions with high benthic complexity remains unprotected. The global coral reef benthic complexity map generated in this study can contribute to improving marine protected areas, reef conservation, and management.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Nicholas R. Vaughn, R. Flint Hughes, Gregory P. Asner
Summary: Fungal pathogens of the genus Ceratocystis have caused significant mortality of native 'O over bar hi'a trees on the island of Hawai'i. High resolution imaging spectroscopy has enabled the easy detection of the associated disease, Rapid 'O over bar hi'a Death (ROD). By analyzing wall-to-wall maps of affected 'O over bar hi'a canopy over four years, the study reveals the relationship between changes in canopy distribution and density and environmental drivers at different scales.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
M. M. Seeley, E. A. Stacy, R. E. Martin, G. P. Asner
Summary: Imaging spectroscopy can be used to map closely related plant species at a larger scale. This research focused on understanding the differences in spectral reflectance between genotypes of a single species, Metrosideros polymorpha, and its hybrids. The study found that leaf reflectance patterns successfully distinguished different varieties of M. polymorpha on Hawaii Island and populations of the same variety on different islands. The findings contribute to the use of imaging spectroscopy in biodiversity studies at the genetic level.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Megan M. Seeley, Roberta E. Martin, Nicholas R. Vaughn, David R. Thompson, Jie Dai, Gregory P. Asner
Summary: Imaging spectroscopy is a useful tool for studying ecosystem functioning, but its application in assessing intra-specific trait variation across environmental gradients needs more testing. Selection of specific genotypes and their effects on trait variation and functional diversity are unclear.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Erin C. Netoskie, Kristina L. Paxton, Eben H. Paxton, Gregory P. Asner, Patrick J. Hart
Summary: The recent development of animal-borne sensors combined with location data has allowed researchers to study how animals modify their behavior in response to specific habitat features. In a study on the endemic Hawaiian thrush, researchers used a novel acoustic transmitter to investigate the vocal behaviors of the bird and how they interacted with different habitat characteristics in a fragmented forest landscape. The study revealed that the use of different vocalization types by the bird varied across the landscape and was associated with distinct habitat features. The research also showed context-specific changes in behavior, including courtship, aggression, and social interactions.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Nadine Keller, Ilja van Meerveld, Christopher David Philipson, Gregory P. Asner, Elia Godoong, Hamzah Tangki, Jaboury Ghazoul
Summary: As secondary tropical forests grow, the changes in canopy structure and density affect the interception loss. However, the effects of tropical forest regeneration on mean throughfall are poorly studied. This hampers the estimation of interception loss for regenerating forests.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Bernard W. T. Coetzee, Ashley M. Burke, Lizette L. Koekemoer, Mark P. Robertson, Izak P. J. Smit
Summary: There is growing interest in the interaction between artificial light at night and disease vectors, particularly mosquitoes. Most studies have been conducted in laboratories, so it is still unclear how artificial light affects disease vector risk. This article identifies five priorities to evaluate the impact of artificial light on disease vectors in socio-ecological systems.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)