Variable importance and scale of influence across individual scottish wildcat hybrid habitat models

Ecological Modelling, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 491, P. 110698 - 110698

Published: March 29, 2024

Understanding the scale dependence of species-habitat relationships is an important area research in species distribution modeling. There has been little focused on how habitat selection may depend individual variation among organisms, geographical location and ecological context that location. Furthermore, known about extent drivers heterogeneity individuals a inhabiting different contexts, few studies have compared variable importance spatially replicated framework. Two most factors for interpreting models include: (1) relative variables model (2) spatial at which each largest influence. Based existing evidence we hypothesize priori landcover will generally be predictors, followed by topography, then soil type (which influence both vegetation prey), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as indicator total density perhaps proxy prey density, cover rabbit abundance. We also expected there would consistent patterns across wildcat hybrid related to groups. topographical features selected broad scales, they broad-scale climatic conditions. land classes relatively scales given past showing influences scales. NDVI finer their resources limiting conditions within landscapes. Finally, abundance linear affect occurrence finest these are vary over short distances strongly behavior use. Our results were with hypothesis consistency regarding or groups predictors Scotland. previous our identify clear trend increasing frequency inclusion increasingly This retained increased. suggests monotonic pattern more frequent retention

Language: Английский

---

Identifying gaps in the conservation of small wild cats of Southeast Asia

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 20, 2025

Abstract Southeast Asia hosts more felid species than any other region and, although smaller (< 30 kg) felids have important ecological roles, regional conservation has mainly focused on a few charismatic big cats. Information the ecology and status of small is often lacking or geographically limited. We used empirically derived scale-optimized models for seven in three regions (mainland, Borneo Sumatra) to evaluate effectiveness existing protected areas network preserving suitable habitats, map protection. Finally, we assessed whether are good proxies broader terrestrial biodiversity. On mainland, largest most habitats occurred Northern Forest Complex Myanmar between Eastern Myanmar, Laos Vietnam. In these also highlighted areas. Borneo, central highlands Sabah. Sumatra, strongholds habitat suitability were Barisan Mountains, western extent island, highly concentrated within found that aggregated was correlated strongly vertebrate biodiversity single individually, suggesting multiple an association with high overall Overall, our assessment distribution highlights fundamental importance conservation, given associated large extents forest. Our results clarion call expand extent, improve management, remaining core Asia, work enhance protect connectivity them ensure long-term demographic genetic exchange among region’s wildlife populations.

Language: Английский

---

Habitat suitability of common leopard in northern Pakistan

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(3)

Published: March 1, 2025

Abstract Habitat fragmentation and loss are considered primary threats to common leopards ( Panthera pardus ) across their geographical range. We investigated anthropogenic environmental factors influencing the habitat suitability of in northern Pakistan using an ensemble model direct indirect leopard signs during 2014–2022. Using location data from 206 sightings model's performance was good (true skill statistic, TSS = 0.52). highest forest cover negatively related density settlements roads. peaked at intermediate elevations (about 1000–2000 m). Based on model, we estimated 4543 km 2 Pakistan, which 3144 (69%) occurred six contiguous patches least 58 (range 65–951 ), minimum size support one female leopard. There patch within a protected area, overall, 36% total areas were as suitable. Our findings suggest that current network does not adequately represent suitable for leopards; increasing expanding area could improve suitability.

Language: Английский

---

Where have all the lions gone? Establishing realistic baselines to assess decline and recovery of African lions

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 28(11), P. 2388 - 2402

Published: Oct. 3, 2022

Abstract Aim Predict empirically the current and recent historical (c1970) landscape connectivity population size of African lion as a baseline against which to assess conservation species. Location Continental Africa. Methods We compiled records distribution generate range for Historical was predicted using generalized additive model. Resistant kernel factorial least‐cost path analyses were used predict compare this with contemporary at continental, regional country scales. Results estimate ~92,054 (83,017–101,094 95% CI) lions in c1970, suggesting Africa's has declined by ~75%, over last five decades. Although greatly reduced from extents (c1500AD), habitat substantially connected. However, comparison, dramatically, many populations now isolated, well large declines within remaining core areas. This decline most marked West Central region, 90% connected compared its c1970 extent. The Eastern Southern regions have experienced lower, though significant, (44% 55%, respectively). Contemporary are three non‐core linkages 15 potential corridors (spanning unconnected habitat) that may allow dispersal gene flow. Declining mirrors studies showing loss genetic diversity increasing isolation populations. Main conclusions provide an derived size, extent present evaluate species, avoiding shifting syndrome where success/failure is measured only or range. recommend priorities existing connections avoid further fragmentation.

Language: Английский

---

Using a crime prevention framework to evaluate tiger counter-poaching in a Southeast Asian rainforest

Frontiers in Conservation Science, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 4

Published: Aug. 23, 2023

Tigers are a conservation-reliant species, as multiple populations face the risk of local extinction due to poaching arising from continued demand for their body parts. Preventing tiger poses challenge rangers responsible protection, particularly in Southeast Asia, where protected areas typically large, mountainous tropical forests guarded by small teams rangers. Improving counter-wildlife crime tactics is hindered without robust evaluations, and inefficient approaches perpetuated. We evaluate an eight-year project aiming recover population Peninsular Malaysia. Three distinct problems Vietnamese, Thai Cambodian groups, differing organisation, target species tactics, were prioritised, ranger counter-poaching tailored reduce these. Applying framework developed prevention known acronym EMMIE, here we: (1) examine evidence our intervention was Effective reducing threat; (2) resolve Mechanisms which caused reduction harm how effectiveness Moderated three types; (3) define elements necessary Implementation Economic costs involved. found incursion frequency fell 40% baseline years treatment across all types while depth declined, with disrupted incursions on average, 2.6 km (Thai) 9.1 (Cambodian) closer forest edge. However, wire snares increased Vietnamese poachers number per eightfold. No observed during Covid-19 pandemic. Tiger density remained below recovery potential (0.48/100km 2 2014 0.53/100 2021) but stabilised key females survived detected breeding. Leopard, sun bear, muntjac wild boar densities stable. Disarming active seizing proportion before being deployed directly reduced mortality medium-large mammals once began. Attributing decline attempts supported via plausible mechanisms: cost reoffending repatriated team leaders; detailed knowledge sharing imitation peers; general deterrence at community level awareness elevated arrest low likelihood enjoying rewards. performance enhancements critical stages instrumental increasing certainty, this made possible institutionalising learn-and-adapt cycle underpinned dedicated site analyst. This study highlights investing problem analysis going beyond simple assumptions can greatly enhance efficiency wildlife protection teams.

Language: Английский

---

Microevolutionary Processes in a Foundation Tree Inform Macrosystem Patterns of Community Biodiversity and Structure

Forests, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(5), P. 943 - 943

Published: May 3, 2023

Despite an increased focus on multiscale relationships and interdisciplinary integration, few macroecological studies consider the contribution of genetic-based processes to landscape-scale patterns. We test hypothesis that tree genetics, climate, geography jointly drive continental-scale patterns community structure, using genome-wide SNP data from a broadly distributed foundation species (Populus fremontii S. Watson) two dependent communities (leaf-modifying arthropods fungal endophytes) spanning southwestern North America. Four key findings emerged: (1) Tree genetic structure was significant predictor for both communities; however, strength influence scale- community-dependent. (2) genetics primary driver endophytes, explaining 17% variation in whereas (3) climate strongest arthropod (24%). (4) Power detect genotype—community phenotype associations changed with scale organization, increasing individuals populations ecotypes, emphasizing need nonstationarity (i.e., changes effects factors ecological across scales) when inferring macrosystem properties. Our highlight role as drivers macroscale provide macrosystems ecology theoretical framework linking fine- intermediate-scale Management diversity harbored within is critical consideration conserving sustaining regional biodiversity.

Language: Английский

---

Anthropogenic disturbance has altered the habitat of two Azorean endemic coastal plants

BMC Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(1)

Published: Aug. 20, 2024

Abstract Background Anthropogenic threats are causing alteration of coastal areas worldwide. Most the biodiversity is endangered, taking a particular toll on island ecosystems, like Azores. To better understand biotic and abiotic factors constraining distribution conservation status two endemic plants, Azorina vidalii (Campanulaceae) Lotus azoricus (Fabaceae), we performed global survey plant communities in archipelago, also covering environmental descriptors, natural anthropogenic threats. Moreover, revised their IUCN estimated population fractions within protected areas. Results Non-indigenous plants were commonly found plots with or without target endemics, contributing to absence well-defined communities. Nonetheless, indigenous taxa occurred at L. . With larger area occurrence, A. ecological niche differed from that , latter being restricted dry rocky sea cliffs, mostly Santa Maria Island. Besides presence invasive signs habitat destruction, trampling grazing, threats, such as erosion, observed. Conclusions Occurrence data indicated an endangered for both species, although this would change critically when using smaller-sized occurrence cells. Both species threatened since very narrow vegetation belt, strongly limited by influence human pressure, frequent plants. While focusing our study allowed broader view impact disturbance Azorean

Language: Английский

---

Seeing the Big‐ to Fine‐Grained Picture: Exploring the Baseline Status of Mammal Occupancy Across Myanmar Using Scale‐Optimised Modelling

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(11)

Published: Oct. 15, 2024

ABSTRACT Aim Myanmar, an Indo‐Burmese biodiversity hotspot, lacks baseline data on species occurrence and distribution. This hinders monitoring optimisation of conservation development plans. We aim to document mammal occupancy, interactions with environmental factors scale‐dependent responses. Location Hkakaborazi National Park, Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Alaungdaw Kathapa Rakhine Yoma Elephant Range, Say Taung Myinmoletkhat Key Biodiversity Areas distributed across Myanmar. Methods Camera trap throughout Myanmar were used analyse occupancy. conducted a multiscale hierarchical spatial modelling process, using local pooled also optimised scale five scales six predictors, univariate occupancy models. then selected scale‐optimised variables for multivariate modelling, repeating this process each local, regional national datasets. Results The study identified 47 terrestrial observed strong nonstationarity in estimates. Relationships differed among highly dependent. Importantly, estimates produced by pooling sites greatly different from any the individual sites, suggesting that high heterogeneity abundance requires or nested account variation. Main Conclusions Future efforts should focus Northern if range‐restricted rare are be protected, while still given common which serve as potential indicators overall community structure. results datasets underscores misleading interpretations aggregated nonstationary ecological systems. Metareplicated analyses geographically ecologically proximal provide important view variation patterns guiding design improving understanding drivers change large regions, such Southeast Asia.

Language: Английский

---

How fish traits and functional diversity respond to environmental changes and species invasion in the largest river in Southeastern China

PeerJ, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 9, P. e11824 - e11824

Published: July 23, 2021

Freshwater fish populations are facing multiple stressors, including climate change, species invasion, and anthropogenic interference. Temporal studies of functional diversity community assembly rules based on trait-environment relationships provide insights into structure in riverine ecosystems.Fish samples were collected 2015 the Min River, largest freshwater system Southeastern China. Fish was compared with background investigation 1979. Changes richness, evenness, divergence, beta analyzed. Relationships between environmental factors modeled by random forest regression. Correlations traits detected fourth-corner combined RLQ analysis.Functional richness significantly reduced Functional higher than that 1979, nestedness being driving component. Reduction domination is associated loss. Trait convergence dominant mechanism temporal changes diversity. Precipitation, temperature, human population most significant Higher precipitation, presence invasive swimming factor relative eye diameter, while opposite conditions pectoral fin length eurytopic water flow preference.Environmental filtering shaping structure. This work contributes to understanding associations local conditions, which will be informative for future conservation.

Language: Английский

---

Smoothing and the environmental manifold

Ecological Informatics, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 66, P. 101472 - 101472

Published: Oct. 30, 2021

Language: Английский

---