Balancing between predation risk and food by boreal breeding ducks

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Wetlands belong to the globally most threatened habitats, and organisms depending on them are of conservation concern. Wetland destruction quality loss may affect negatively also boreal breeding ducks in which habitat selection often needs balancing between important determinants suitability. In Finland duck population trajectories habitat-specific, while reasons behind poorly understood. this research, we studied balance nest predation risk invertebrate food abundance at 45 lakes ponds 2017 2018. We surveyed pairs broods from these 18 additional water bodies. evaluated by monitoring artificial nests with camera traps over a 7-day exposure period sampled invertebrates bodies using emergence activity traps. Camera trap results indicate that was higher surrounded agricultural land than forestland. Ponds (seasonal, beaver, man-made) had lower risk, they were more invertebrate-rich permanent lakes. addition, further away survival shoreline nests. Habitat use not associated food, but preferred habitats rich food. High pressure shorelines especially landscapes contribute declining trends Finland. Controlling predators could be an action improve success. This research underlines benefits availability different body types for ducks. There is urgent need pay attention protecting seasonal ponds, lack flooded waters mitigated favouring beavers or creating man-made ponds.

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic bottom‐up and top‐down impacts on boreal breeding waterbirds

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(3)

Published: March 1, 2024

Abstract Wetland habitats are changing under multiple anthropogenic pressures. Nutrient leakage and pollution modify physico‐chemical state of wetlands affect the ecosystem through bottom‐up processes, while alien predators ecosystems in a top‐down manner. Boreal important breeding areas for several waterbird species, abundances which potentially reflect both processes. Here, we use long‐term national monitoring data gathered from c. 130 sites Finland 1980s to 2020s. We hypothesised that waters increasing predator abundance play role steering population trends. set out test this hypothesis by relating changes 17 species water chemistry regional indices allowing species‐specific effects vary with foraging niche (dabblers, invertivore divers, piscivorous herbivores), nesting site, female mass habitat (oligotrophic, eutrophic). found site‐specific, habitat‐dependent numbers. While associations higher phosphorus levels browning were overall positive at oligotrophic lakes, numbers piscivore diving ducks most strongly negatively associated eutrophic lakes. Furthermore, increased pH benefitted piscivores. Invertivore duck on had declined high indices. Large herbivorous preferring lakes seem be successful. conclude large‐scale decline is closely connected where negative emphasised especially Niche‐, nest site‐ habitat‐specific management actions required conserve declining populations. Managing catchments level together control may provide approaches future wetland management.

Language: Английский

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Water Quality and Its Influence on Waterbird Habitat Distribution: A Study Along the Lieve River, Belgium

Water, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(4), P. 595 - 595

Published: Feb. 19, 2025

Freshwater ecosystems face increasing pressures from human activities, leading to degraded water quality and altered habitats for aquatic species. This study investigates the relationship between waterbird distribution along Lieve River, Belgium, based on manually conducted counts data collected 48 transects in March 2024. Localized eutrophication was evident, with TN (2.7–5.6 mg L−1), TP (up 0.46 chlorophyll-a (median 70 ppb) exceeding environmental thresholds. Prati index analysis revealed that 58.3% of sampling points River were categorized as “polluted”, reflecting extensive degradation. Eurasian coots (71.4%) wild ducks (72.4%) predominantly found polluted areas, thriving nutrient-enriched linked high levels. In contrast, common moorhens (80.3%) preferred acceptable indicating higher requirements. These findings indicate phosphate is a key driver waterbody eutrophication, evidenced by concentrations measured on-site, which far exceed thresholds set standards. Future research should explore advanced monitoring approaches improve assessments, ensuring conservation one Europe’s oldest artificial canals, protection its habitats.

Language: Английский

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Duckling body mass increases with abundant aquatic invertebrates: experimental approach

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. e03490 - e03490

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Ecological Insights From Camera Trapping Span Biological Taxa, and the Globe

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Camera trap research has grown to encompass the globe, with applications in terrestrial, marine, and aquatic environments. Insights on plant, invertebrate, vertebrate communities are rapidly expanding our knowledge of ecological systems. A technological revolution was launched by advancements camera trapping (Kucera Barrett 2011; O'Connell, Nichols, Karanth 2011). "Trapping" an observation a species its environment at fixed place time allowed scientists sample widening range taxa ecosystems. With application appropriate sampling designs statistical models (Burton et al. 2015), have been able answer questions never before possible. Mammal ecologists were early adopters, taking advantage passive heat-in-motion detectors developed 2000s homeotherms (Finn 2005; Vercauteren, Smith, Stevenson 2005). The development larger memory cards long-lasting power enabled use repeated time-lapse photography for ectotherms vegetation, now insights derived from traps span biological hierarchies. In this special issue Ecology Evolution, we invited camera-trap papers around globe showcase depth breadth applications. We particularly aimed representation global south, which rich heretofore relatively untapped potential compared north (Steenweg 2017; Agha 2018; Fisher 2023; Mugerwa 2024). some great versatility scientific they offer (Figure 1). provide unique into species' behaviour, as allow observations without intrusive effects in-person observer (Caravaggi 2017, 2020). Research aspects such parental investment offspring care, can shed new light. Antarctic, Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) reproduction varies environmental factors, but also degree maternal building nests, limited resources (stones) (McLatchie revealed that occupying nests earlier, resulting earlier clutch initiation, associated high-quality increased reproductive success. Larger advantageous successful breeding, these more likely be created built Environmental factors mediated relationship, innovative study illustrates what emerge future combines behaviour heterogeneity. Behaviour is important part risk avoidance, many studies showing humans impose perceived mammals, even via non-consumptive activities recreation (Taylor Knight 2003; Larson 2016). British Columbia, Canada, Fennell (2023) examined spatiotemporal avoidance eight large mammals alpine protected area. They observed spatial co-occurrence between ungulates consistent human shield hypothesis (Berger 2007), not expected consequent segregation carnivores humans; instead, (and herbivores) temporally displaced recreationists (Fennell 2023). Scaling up (sensu Steenweg (2017)) landscape 10 landscapes across Canadian west, Granados conducted similar analysis. used hierarchical quantify influence (roads logging) ungulate carnivore site use. Across vast heterogeneous space, found support hypothesis, positive negative responses disturbance (Granados signal temporal ran contrary predictions, overlap people deer road density. Such macroecological studies—made possible networking arrays (Gallo 2019; Fidino 2021; Barnas 2024)–are revealing much about large-scale departures phenomena smaller scales. Territorial defence another behavioural mechanism minimised, sometimes means scent-marking. Previously, most scent-marking focused transmitting individual, receivers harder observe; filled gap. northern Botswana, latrines scent-marked African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) classify behaviours sniffing (less aggressive response) or overmarking (aggressive (Claase Wild exhibited "dear enemy" response competitors, less neighbours than strangers. This changed increasing size responding pack, switching strongly neighbour scent marks ("nasty hypothesis") Animals' activity pattern component illuminated traps, continuously through diel cycle (Frey 2017). Rhode Island, USA, Mayer multi-state occupancy-modelling framework informed data investigate how 14 mammal responded anthropogenic development. All respect magnitude season, illustrating plasticity trait, adaptation (Mayer body complexity species-human interactions their changing contexts, marked challenge coming century. One greatest strengths ability observe multiple syntopic simultaneously (Rovero Zimmermann 2016)–as opposed GPS collars, typically restricted one two species. Thus, community composition like before; being done regions previously rarely researched. Nepal, Regmi native occurrence forest cover livestock detections while declining proximity settlements. provided 15 studied species, including blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) giant flying squirrels (Petaurista magnificus) relationships diverse understudied region (Regmi South Africa, live uneasy coexistence, competing subject intraguild mortality. placed elephant (Loxodonta Africana) carcasses association shared peak periods black-backed jackals (Lupulella mesomelas) spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta), indicating resource sharing (Honiball Conversely, analysis showed lions (Panthera leo), suggesting latter dominates scavenging opportunities. Parsing apart dominance dynamics key area investigation facilitated Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, van den Bosch aardwolves (Proteles cristata) aardvarks (Orycteropus afer)—both nocturnal insectivores—to examine competitors. fact, multispecies occupancy modelling high evidence commensals: increase food accessibility (van Mozambique's Gorongosa Grabowski, Phillips, Gaynor (2024) explore patterns niche partitioning among mesocarnivores: large-spotted genet (Genetta maculata), civet (Civettictis civetta), honey badger (Mellivora capensis), marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus). Statistical analyses no and, indicated civets mongooses, competition syntopy different diets (Grabowski, Differing outcomes ecosystems reveal ways strategies affect coexistence. Many modern contain invasive major threat biodiversity (Rosenzweig 2001). Tianjin, China, Li generalised additive mixed see (Canis lupus familiaris Felis silvestris) three indigenous (Siberian weasels, Mustela sibirica; Amur hedgehogs Erinaceus amurensis, Tolai hares, Lepus tolai) densities along gradient urbanisation. Densities cats, urbanisation, green spaces urban areas predictors density (Li 2023)–a critical finding when growing (Seto Simkin 2022). urbanisation effect Australia Alting dingoes dingo). sought dispersion suggests concentrated should shrink home-range sizes. Both corroborated dingoes, subsidies (Alting 2024), repercussions Australian non-native diversity (Johnson, Isaac, 2007). Prior predator–prey ecology largely radiocollar predation rates predator prey (or both) observed. discern until capability bridged design how–for example–anthropogenic extraction affects predators space time. Boczulak deployed western Alberta, Canada wolves lupus) avoid features extraction, presumably due risk—unless occur those patches, point switch strong selection features. interaction novel availability understanding respond change (Boczulak cougars (Puma concolor) eastern Cougars positively only prey—particularly snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) (Gaston Invasive white-tailed (Odocoileus virginianus) played discernible role, defying predictions difficult it extrapolate conclusions within same guild. Scavenging, case interactions, prime research, yield competition. northeastern Norway, Lacombe asymmetric Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) red vulpes) sites supplied carrion. tended occupied heterospecific, either clearly benefitting. Geographic variation rodent (prey) abundance affected dynamics, yielding delicate interplay potentially cold systems (Lacombe There inherent trapping, so threatened endangered Mortality always concern, moreover, catchability often declines rarity. non-invasive sampler rare United Kingdom (UK), Shannon, Valle, Shuttleworth monitor squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) populations, image-capture rate correlated well live-capture rate. identify characteristics greater inform conservation planning, crucial UK's deforested (Shannon, Climate generate wholesale changes distributions (Pereira, Navarro, Martins 2012), devoted adapt (Boutin Lane 2014). Among pelage primary variably snowy environments, arise whether phenological mismatches snow may occur. Stokes network mountain hare timidus) coat colour climatic gradients. Mountain higher latitudes altitudes retained winter white coats longer did lower altitudes. Moreover, coastal climates inland variable conditions (Stokes spans marine well, continuous video feed commonly "trap" (Willis, Millar, Babcock 2000; Whitmarsh, Fairweather, Huveneers Bulger, Volpe, 2019). Red Sea coral reef, Lilkendey feeding mechanics foraging energy expenditure herbivorous brown surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) yellowtail tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum). Here, "camera trapping" included remote underwater stereo processed AI-driven recognition, classification, 3D tracking. exerted grazing pressure reef spite low biomass. Brown specialist strategy, tangs generalist differentiation maintaining efficiency. combination assisting technologies showcases revolutionary biotic sensing environments (Lilkendey Exciting opportunities lay land-water interface. Sullivan, Rittenhouse, Vokoun cold-water patches riverine These refuges aggregators fish seeking thermal refuges, there become susceptible Avian mammalian pervasive concentrate (Sullivan, southern Mexico, Delgado-Martínez ephemeral water bodies birds seasonally dry tropical forests. surface pools tree holes recorded behaviour. Terrestrial preferentially bodies, whereas arboreal scansorial small medium common bodies; complementary sources thus facilitate gamma (Delgado-Martínez Finland, Holopainen artificial (with eggs) wetlands ground-nesting boreal ducks. Predation surrounded agricultural land forested land. Shoreline had further away contribute duck population Finland (Holopainen summary, work illuminates importance spanning interface, ripe discoveries. Homeothermic focus taxonomic camera-based inquiry expanded greatly frequent timelapse photos. plant phenology (Hofmeester 2020; Sun 2021) plant-insect (Naqvi 2022) very holds exciting potential. California, Simokat pollinator endemic Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae). focal compare efficacy methods. discovered attended insect groups. Focal underreported approximately half images too low-resolution visually Cameras benefit recording activity; however, dominated Lepidopterans (Simokat study, Gao ground-facing imagery soil-dwelling invertebrate China. quantifying Formicidae, Diplopoda, Gastropoda, Araneae, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Chilopoda, Oligochaeta. Like scale problems (Levin 1992), abundance, richness, all quite sensitive frame (shooting area), authors effective protocol (Gao As image resolution increases gets cheaper, sure accelerate near future. field nascent endeavour, having newly evolved natural philosophy biogeography parentage past It still developing coherent theoretical framework, suffers scale, middle-number problems, lack unified theories, general laws (Peters 1991; Levin 1992; Lawton 1999; Allen Starr Nonetheless, march on, daily inexorably accumulate. plays role discoveries fast world. networks researchers citizen pooling data, scaling local continental scope 2017) efforts Snapshot USA (Kays 2022), Canada's WildCAM 2023), Safari (Pardo 2021). will scales help us concepts system function. Evolution promote endeavours continuing publish highlight camera-trapping papers, adding virtual online. Jason T. Fisher: conceptualization (lead), project administration software visualization (supporting), writing – original draft review editing (lead). Thanks & editors-in-chief, Drs. Moore, Andrew Beckerman, Gareth Jenkins, especially Marcus Lashley Arley Muth, contributions revisions. thanks, associate editors reviewers who gave generously make peer-review process successful. Jeff Dixon illustrated Figure 1 under direction licence JTF. funded JTF work. author declares conflicts interest. nothing report.

Language: Английский

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Forest habitat loss and human land use alter predation of artificial ground nests

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 561, P. 121858 - 121858

Published: April 5, 2024

Anthropogenic disturbances including forestry, urbanisation and agricultural expansion are causing significant habitat loss fragmentation in boreal forests, leading to changes ecosystem function. Here, we ask whether these anthropogenic alter predator–prey spatial overlap the forest landscape, increased nest predation rates on ground-nesting birds such as grouse. To study roles of survival, conducted an artificial experiment Finland using 370 camera traps across landscapes varying quantity (measured by edge length). Our nests mimicked early egg-laying stage primary hypotheses were that survival is higher with more continuous less habitat, predator communities differ based matrix between forests. findings revealed a negative association cover risk, but fragmentation, measured length, had no detectable relationship risk. Additionally, risk depended types, land urban areas exhibiting than clearcuts exhibited. Furthermore, number species observed was positively associated level area present. We found raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), rather novel invasive alien species, most common mammalian predator, indicating change community. results highlight possible impact both presence landscape avian habitats. conclude may be important factor affecting fragmentation.

Language: Английский

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Which Natural Wetland Characteristics Could be Used in Creating Temporary Wetlands?

Wetlands, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 44(7)

Published: Sept. 17, 2024

Abstract Temporary wetlands have mostly been disregarded in freshwater habitat regulation (with noticeable exceptions such as turloughs) leading to their global degradation despite high value terms of diverse ecosystem services. Wetland creation may be used mitigate this loss. In review, we compiled information on the ecological features temporary based 45 scientific publications. We identified seven types natural emulated wetland construction and restoration Northern Hemisphere, with hydroperiod lengths ranging from less than one month ephemeral ponds multi-year floods. highlight biodiversity associated various hydroperiods, show that different organisms use types. give examples how has for enhancement list characteristics created wetlands. Colonization newly by aquatic macroinvertebrates amphibians was rapid, but species compositions differed reference sites. Finally, provide management recommendations creating support biodiversity. importance management, banks gradual slopes, enhancing macrophyte vegetation fish absence promote Monitoring ongoing practices are discussed tools ensuring targets long term. For example, performing partial or full drawdowns at hydroperiods discussed. On landscape level, recommend planning a network well-connected heterogeneous enhance colonization dispersal, thereby

Language: Английский

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Riding the wetland wave: Can ducks locate macroinvertebrate resources across the breeding season?

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(6)

Published: June 1, 2024

Abstract Food availability varies considerably over space and time in wetland systems, consumers must be able to track those changes during energetically‐demanding points the life cycle like breeding. Resource tracking has been studied frequently among herbivores, but receives less attention of macroinvertebrates. We evaluated change resource across habitat types simultaneous density waterfowl throughout their breeding season a high‐elevation, flood‐irrigated system. also assessed whether macroinvertebrate better predicted habitats, compared consistency (i.e., temporal evenness) invertebrate or taxonomic richness. varied marginally was highest basin wetlands ponds) peaked early season, whereas it remained relatively low stable other habitats. Breeding duck positively related density, more so than stability, for all species. negatively duckling however. These results have potential not only elucidate mechanisms selection ducks landscapes suggest there is consequential trade‐off selecting sites based on energy versus stability that good‐quality provide both.

Language: Английский

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