Remotely sensed habitat quality index reliably predicts an umbrella species presence but not demographic performance: A case study with open pine forests and red-cockaded woodpeckers

Ecological Indicators, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 154, P. 110480 - 110480

Published: June 16, 2023

Remote sensing data can be a powerful and cost-effective method for determining the extent, composition, structure of ecosystems across large areas. To use this tool effective conservation individual species, we need to test assumption that remotely sensed habitat indices correspond both patch suitability (i.e., presence) value demographic rates) species reliant on those habitats. We built an open pine quality index (HQI) from spectral identify condition stands. correlated HQI with presence, group size, fledgling production avian (red-cockaded woodpecker, Dryobates (=Picoides) borealis, RCW) associated longleaf (Pinus palustris) using Bayesian logistic regressions structural equation models. The was RCW cavity tree foraging area 10.8 16.0 increased odds presence each unit increase in HQI, respectively. However, not performance. Given RCWs are umbrella currently limited by habitat, successfully identifies areas higher is useful planning. Improving specificity could improve link between performance, but might limit its application RCW, instead entire endemic community. Our study suggests linking generalized possible strengthens justification their cost-effective, large-scale imperiled ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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Changes in genetic diversity and differentiation in Red‐cockaded woodpeckers (Dryobates borealis) over the past century

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 9(9), P. 5420 - 5432

Published: April 8, 2019

Abstract Red‐cockaded woodpeckers (RCW; Dryobates borealis ) declined after human activities reduced their fire‐maintained pine ecosystem to <3% of its historical range in the southeastern United States and degraded remaining habitat. An estimated 1.6 million RCW cooperative breeding groups about 3,500 with no more than 10,000 birds by 1978. Management has increased population abundances since they were at lowest 1990s. However, range‐wide study been undertaken then investigate impacts this massive bottleneck or infer effects conservation management recent demographic recoveries. We used mitochondrial DNA sequences (mtDNA) nine nuclear microsatellite loci determine if declines resulted changes genetic structure diversity comparing samples collected before 1970 (mtDNA data only), between 1992 1995 microsatellites), 2010 2014 microsatellites). show that lost as detected a reduction number haplotypes. This was apparent comparisons pre‐1970 mtDNA from 1992–1995 2010–2014 time points, change latter two points analyses. The also revealed increases differentiation, genetically panmictic present throughout pre‐1970s subsequent development remained unchanged Genetic uncovered data, which like showed little sets. Temporal haplotype networks consistent, star‐like phylogeny, suggesting despite overall loss haplotypes, phylogenetically distinct lineages when declined. Our results may suggest during last decades prevented additional losses diversity.

Language: Английский

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Synthesis of Red-cockaded Woodpecker management strategies and suggestions for regional specificity in future management

Ornithological Applications, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 123(3)

Published: June 3, 2021

Abstract The Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis, RCW) was listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1973 due to significant population declines resulting from habitat loss and fragmentation, species has been intensively managed since then. We reviewed management strategies commonly used conserve RCW, emphasizing studies conducted after publication of most recent Recovery Plan 2003, evaluate efficacy each strategy across RCW’s range identify demographic environmental factors that influence success strategy. Of reviewed, outcomes prescribed fire vary range, because is influenced by site’s vegetation, abiotic conditions, land use history. abundance cavity kleptoparasites varies sites, but kleptoparasite control only a high priority small RCW populations. long-term effectiveness artificial cavities translocations, which are highly effective short-term, requires suitable habitat, strongly fire. Regional variation may be needed, populations not archetypical (sensu Standards) benefit methods for large habitats (e.g., installing many restrictor plates inserts). have studied South Central Plains Southeastern ecoregions, more research other ecoregions would valuable. encourage consideration how according demographics site characteristics as opposed “one-size fits all” approach inhabits broad geographic ranges sites varying productivity will continue rely on efforts downlisting or delisting Act.

Language: Английский

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Mitogenomics of a declining species, the Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus), with boom–bust population dynamics

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 143(1)

Published: Sept. 1, 2024

Abstract Large mitochondrial DNA fragments and nearly complete mitogenomes were obtained from nextera-tagmented reductively amplified (nextRAD) data the Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus). We used these to characterize variation across mitogenome evaluate changes in diversity a 20 year time series punctuated by marked species decline. observed different evolutionary rates among protein-coding genes inflated values of ratio non-synonymous change sites synonymous per site for several genes, violating assumptions selective neutrality. Analyses suggested that substitutions are effectively neutral, our results not consistent with genetic draft. Mitogenomes revealed large long-term effective population size minnow, time-series indicated recent reductions via drift associated bottlenecks. The presented this study show some cases, nextRAD sequences contain informative data.

Language: Английский

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Neighboring group density is more important than forest stand age to a threatened social woodpecker population

Wildlife Biology, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 2019(1)

Published: Dec. 5, 2019

Effective conservation of group-living forest wildlife requires information on how age moderates population parameters. Relationships between and demographics can guide long-term management for populations that are expanding in relatively young second-growth forests response to ongoing habitat management. We examined effects group density trends size fledgling production the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker Dryobates borealis (RCW) Savannah River Site, SC (SRS). used 32 years RCW monitoring data generalized additive models to: 1) model changes average production; 2) neighboring sizes across a gradient within 800 m group's cavity tree cluster. Average oscillated over 2–3 year periods, but longer term evaluation indicated oscillations dampened slightly decreased time. fluctuated abruptly periods from 1985 1994, general increase followed by declines 1995 2007, steady after 2010. increased as increased. In contrast, greater sizes. Stand did not affect these relationships. Collectively, results suggest does directly moderate or SRS population. Although structure has been linked productivity, our with management, will be driven primarily conditions rather than changing age.

Language: Английский

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Contrasting genetic responses to habitat fragmentation for two Lycaenid butterfly species

Insect Conservation and Diversity, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 15(3), P. 337 - 347

Published: Dec. 9, 2021

Abstract Biodiversity is currently declining at the global scale. Apart from species declines and lowered abundances, loss of genetic diversity equally concerning as it may undermine fitness potential to adapt future environmental change. We compared historical recent Alpine populations two butterfly species, Lycaena helle L. hippothoe , over a period about 10 years. Using microsatellite markers, we found no changes time in while decreased, differentiation increased . inhabits peat bogs wetland fallows with being strongly isolated, used occur population networks on hay meadows, latter exposed agricultural intensification. conclude that are due land use, resulting erosion potentially collapse networks.

Language: Английский

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