Article
Ecology
Felix Pellerin, Elvire Bestion, Laurane Winandy, Lucie Di Gesu, Murielle Richard, Robin Aguilee, Julien Cote
Summary: Contemporary climate change has varying effects on population dynamics depending on landscape structure. This study investigates the impacts of warm climates on lizard traits and population dynamics in habitats with different connectivity. The results show that warm climates have different effects on lizard populations depending on the connectivity among thermal habitats, and landscape fragmentation can drastically alter population responses to climate change.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Alejandro Gonzalez-Bernal, Julian A. Velasco, Tyson L. Swetnam, Zaira Y. Gonzalez-Saucedo, Jorge Servin, Carlos A. Lopez-Gonzalez, John K. Oakleaf, Stewart Liley, James R. Heffelfinger
Summary: The study aimed to develop an updated distribution model and habitat suitability analysis for the Mexican wolf, with results showing suitable habitat extending from central Arizona and New Mexico to high sierras of Oaxaca, Mexico. Large tracts of high-quality habitat were identified in the southwestern United States and Mexico, indicating potential for recovery within the historical range of the Mexican wolf.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Daniele Tonina, James A. McKean, Daniel Isaak, Rohan M. Benjankar, Chunling Tang, Qiuwen Chen
Summary: Climate change threatens biodiversity, particularly the habitats of cold-water fishes like Chinook salmon. The decline in summer flow caused by climate change leads to reductions in habitat area and connectivity for these fishes, posing risks to population abundance and persistence.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Onja H. Razafindratsima, Nasandratra Nancia Raoelinjanakolona, Rio R. Heriniaina, Rindra H. Nantenaina, Tianasoa H. Ratolojanahary, Amy E. Dunham
Summary: Edge effects, driven by human modification of landscapes, have critical impacts on ecological processes such as species interactions and biodiversity. In a diverse tropical rainforest, differences between frugivore communities at the forest edge and interior habitats affect animal-mediated seed dispersal and early seedling recruitment patterns. Although forest edges receive lower rates of animal-mediated seed dispersal, there are no significant differences in the number and seed size distribution of successful recruit species.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Milica Kurucki, Snezana Tomanovic, Ratko Sukara, Dusko Cirovic
Summary: This study presents the first evidence of Hepatozoon canis in grey wolf populations in Serbia, highlighting the high prevalence and genetic diversity of the pathogen. Further research is needed to understand the transmission mechanism, potential sources of infection, and the impact of this pathogen on wild carnivores.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jolanta Patamsyte, Carla Lambertini, Jurgita Butkuviene, Donatas Naugzemys, Donatas Zvingila
Summary: This study evaluated the patterns of genetic diversity in common reed stands located in habitats that are differently affected by anthropogenic factors. The results showed a negative relationship between nitrogen compound concentration and genetic richness, but no correlation between other chemical parameters and genetic diversity.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eliane Travers, Werner Haerdtle, Diethart Matthies
Summary: Habitat fragmentation and isolation are significant factors contributing to biodiversity loss in cultural landscapes. Linear ecological corridors are proposed as a solution to facilitate plant dispersal and connect isolated habitats, but they may also bring risks of spreading invasive species.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Kaija Klauder, Bridget L. Borg, Laura R. Prugh
Summary: Studies show that coyotes do not universally avoid wolves, but exhibit season-specific responses to wolf proximity and long-term landscape use by wolves. They avoid wolves in summer but prefer areas with wolves in winter, suggesting that mesopredators employ complex behavioral strategies to mediate apex predator effects.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Peng Wang, Wancai Xia, Enhua Zhou, Yanhong Li, Jie Hu
Summary: The wild populations of C. pictus and C. amherstiae are decreasing due to habitat fragmentation and poaching. Most suitable habitats are not in nature reserves and are highly fragmented. Recommendations are made for the Chinese government to formulate conservation plans for these species' populations.
Review
Plant Sciences
Jonathan O. O. Hernandez, Muhammad Naeem, Wajid Zaman
Summary: The ability of plants to find tolerable climatic ranges through seed dispersal varies greatly depending on their life-history traits and habitat characteristics. A systematic review on seed dispersal mechanisms was conducted to understand plant seed movements in changing environments. The review found that the majority of studies were conducted in Spain, Brazil, and the USA, while there was limited data from megadiverse countries and Africa. The effects of land use changes, habitat degradation/disturbances, climate, and extreme weather conditions had the most significant impact on seed dispersal mechanisms and agents.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Svitlana Kudrenko, Viktar Fenchuk, Julien Vollering, Andreas Zedrosser, Nuria Selva, Katarzyna Ostapowicz, James C. Beasley, Marco Heurich
Summary: Due to successful conservation initiatives and legislations, the grey wolf is expanding its historic range in Europe. A study was conducted to identify suitable wolf habitats in Polesia, a cross-border region in southern Belarus and northern Ukraine. The results provide important information for wolf monitoring and management programs, but the ongoing war and habitat degradation in the area pose significant challenges.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Damian C. Lettoof, Vicki A. Thomson, Jari Cornelis, Philip W. Bateman, Fabien Aubret, Marthe M. Gagnon, Brenton von Takach
Summary: Urbanisation impacts genetic diversity and fitness of tiger snake populations, with increased inbreeding and genetic drift observed in more isolated areas. Effective population sizes are small and reflect available habitat rather than urbanisation levels. Ecosystem management and restoration are crucial to prevent further loss of genetic diversity in urban wetlands.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oscar Johnson, Camila C. C. Ribas, Alexandre Aleixo, Luciano N. N. Naka, Michael G. G. Harvey, Robb T. T. Brumfield
Summary: Understanding the factors that influence genetic structure across species is essential for studying speciation and population genetics. This study examined population genetic data from bird species specialized in different Amazonian habitat types. The results showed that habitat type significantly affects population genetic structure, with species in more dynamic habitats having higher levels of gene flow. These differences in genetic variation across taxa specialized in distinct habitats could lead to divergent responses to environmental change and habitat-specific diversification dynamics over time.
Article
Plant Sciences
Eliane Travers, Witja Till Pitz, Andreas Fichtner, Diethart Matthies, Werner Haerdtle
Summary: The study suggests that semi-open habitats in European pasture landscapes may serve as dispersal corridors for plants, connecting woodlands and open habitats to mitigate habitat fragmentation. Woodland species have more specialized habitat requirements and dispersal traits, making them less capable of dispersing into semi-open habitats.
APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jacek Karamon, Malgorzata Samorek-Pierog, Jacek Sroka, Ewa Bilska-Zajac, Joanna Dabrowska, Maciej Kochanowski, Miroslaw Rozycki, Jolanta Zdybel, Tomasz Cencek
Summary: This study aimed to confirm the presence and molecular identification of Echinococcus tapeworms in wolves from south-eastern Poland. The investigation revealed the presence of adult E. ortleppi tapeworms in wolves for the first time, with PCR and sequencing showing high similarity to E. ortleppi (G5) sequences.
Article
Zoology
Alfredo Attisano, Kasper Hlebowicz, Roman Gula, Jorn Theuerkauf
Summary: The study found that adult fan-tailed gerygones can discriminate between different predator and brood parasite models and respond accordingly. Although adult gerygones do not show awareness of parasitism risk and do not increase nestling ejection rates following exposure to the cuckoo model.
Article
Ecology
Bernhard C. Stoeckle, Sebastian Beggel, Ralph Kuehn, Juergen Geist
Summary: The study established a species-specific eDNA detection system for the endangered thick-shelled river mussel and analyzed the relationships between mussel abundance, stream discharge, and sampling distance with freshwater mollusk DNA signal. The system proved efficient in detecting small mussel populations over long distances and excluding DNA from other species. Signal strength was found to be associated with population size and sampling distance, with a negative correlation with stream turbidity.
FRESHWATER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Christoffer Nagel, Melanie Mueller, Joachim Pander, Bernhard C. Stoeckle, Ralph Kuehn, Juergen Geist
Summary: The study investigated fish larval drift patterns in the heavily regulated River Inn in the alpine region, revealing multiple species drifting during the main reproduction period, including endangered species such as Chondrostoma nasus, Thymallus thymallus, Cottus gobio, and Aspius aspius. Genetic verification showed high homogeneity among phenotypically grouped larvae, with distinct seasonal patterns observed. This highlights the importance of bypass systems in providing spawning habitats and drift corridors for conservation target species in heavily modified waterbodies.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juergen Geist, Helmut Bayerl, Bernhard C. Stoeckle, Ralph Kuehn
Summary: Ensuring genetic integrity is crucial in conservation-oriented captive breeding programs, especially for endangered species like freshwater pearl mussels. A study comparing the genetic makeup of captive-bred mussels from different facilities with their original source populations found close resemblance but also signs of inbreeding. Long-term breeding over multiple years can minimize erosion of genetic diversity, while effective breeding strategies and collaboration networks can enhance resilience and effectiveness in conservation efforts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Katarzyna Bojarska, Luca Maugeri, Ralph Kuehn, Wieslaw Krol, Jorn Theuerkauf, Henryk Okarma, Roman Gula
Summary: The study found that during winter, wolves preferred resting sites that were farther from settlements and roads, closer to concealed areas, and during the day they rested in thickets and forests with understorey, while at night they chose more open habitats. Certain forestry practices that enhance concealment opportunities could be beneficial for wolves.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Herve Jourdan, Edouard Bourguet, Christian Mille, Roman Gula, Jorn Theuerkauf
Summary: The presence of little fire ants negatively affects the biomass of soil fauna, potentially impacting the endangered kagu bird by limiting its food resources. This could transform the rainforest into an unsuitable habitat for kagu conservation.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Jorn Theuerkauf, Camila P. Villavicencio, Nicolas M. Adreani, Alfredo Attisano, Adrian Craig, Pietro B. D'Amelio, Roman Gula, Alan T. K. Lee, Lucia Mentesana, Petra Quillfeldt, Veronica Quirici, Rene Quispe, Rodrigo A. Vasquez, John C. Wingfield, Juan F. Masello
Summary: The Southern Hemisphere differs from the Northern Hemisphere in many aspects. Most ecological and evolutionary research is conducted in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to overlooking unique characteristics of the south. Ornithology provides examples to demonstrate the importance of including a southern perspective in investigating fundamental biological questions. More research in the Southern Hemisphere, along with increased cooperation among researchers, will provide a broader global outlook into ecology and evolution.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Alfredo Attisano, Brian J. Gill, Michael G. Anderson, Roman Gula, Naomi E. Langmore, Yuji Okahisa, Nozomu J. Sato, Keita D. Tanaka, Rose Thorogood, Keisuke Ueda, Joern Theuerkauf
Summary: Decades of field data collected in Australia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand show that the shining bronze-cuckoo and its hosts, the Acanthizidae family, engage in coevolutionary interactions. Diversification at the nestling stage has led to the development of different subspecies. While the hosts have moderately effective defenses against parasitism during egg laying and egg stages, some have developed highly effective defenses at the nestling stage by recognizing and ejecting cuckoo nestlings from the nest.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jorn Theuerkauf, Sophie Rouys, Henri Bloc, Gavin R. Hunt, Ralph Kuehn, Roman Gula
Summary: This study assessed the impact of invasive mammalian species on the kagu bird and proposed specific conservation actions. Through 20 years of intensive research, it was found that invasive mammalian species in the wild did not pose a threat to the kagu bird, and only free-roaming domestic dogs caused significant predation and population fluctuations.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Ramy Mounir, Ahmed Shahabaz, Roman Gula, Jorn Theuerkauf, Sudeep Sarkar
Summary: Researchers propose a self-supervised perceptual prediction framework to solve the problem of temporal event segmentation by building a stable representation of event-related objects. The approach utilizes LSTM predictions of high-level features and an attention mechanism to filter input features before prediction. The self-learned attention maps effectively localize the object. Experimental results show significant performance improvement in wildlife video monitoring.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTER VISION
(2023)
Correction
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Ramy Mounir, Ahmed Shahabaz, Roman Gula, Jorn Theuerkauf, Sudeep Sarkar
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTER VISION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Jorn Theuerkauf, Patrick Barriere, Ken Cadin, Roman Gula
Summary: In this study, we deployed GPS collars and a harness-mounted GPS backpack with Iridium or Globalstar data transmission to feral pigs in the mountain rainforest of New Caledonia during the hot wet season. Both the Iridium-transmitted collar and backpack achieved high success rates of locations, which increased with shorter intervals. The Globalstar-transmitted collar had a very low fix rate at 13-hour intervals and was insufficient for robust results. The backpack harness remained functional after 20 months and proved to be a reliable alternative to collars.
AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Christina C. Belle, Bernhard C. Stoeckle, Alexander F. Cerwenka, Ralph Kuehn, Joachim Pander, Juergen P. Geist
Summary: The management of biological invasions relies on early and accurate detection of non-native species, which can be challenging due to the complicated species identification. A molecular phylogeny study on weatherfishes revealed distinct phylogenetic clusters, highlighting the importance of genetic analysis for accurate species identification in this group. Continuous updates of molecular genetic databases and consideration of past publications are essential for effective management of invasive species.
BIOINVASIONS RECORDS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Joern Theuerkauf, Sophie Rouys, Henri Bloc, Gavin R. Hunt, Ralph Kuehn, Roman Gula
Summary: Observations of rare behaviors in the flightless bird Kagu of New Caledonia revealed a high level of social flexibility, including the broken-wing display, adoption of chicks by neighboring families, and flexibility in selecting cooperative breeding partners. Despite being infrequent, these behaviors demonstrate the species' ability to counter population losses and may be overlooked due to restricted research objectives.
