Highlighting the role of biota in feedback loops from tundra ecosystems to the atmosphere DOI Creative Commons
Niels Martin Schmidt, Isabel C. Barrio, J. A. Kristensen

et al.

Frontiers in Environmental Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Dec. 20, 2024

The rapid climatic and environmental changes observed in the Arctic across globe general call for reliable model projections. In recent years our understanding of ongoing future through ecosystem modelling has increased tremendously. Yet, most models do not consider many feedback loops at play natural ecosystems. Particularly those influenced by biota, beyond vegetation to some extent microbes, are often neglected. As a first step towards better integration biotic influences into models, we provide broad overview various ways biota may influence between high-latitude biosphere atmosphere. We focus specifically on three key tundra atmosphere (carbon dynamics, albedo permafrost thaw) compartments (vegetation, decomposers herbivores) these. multifaceted appear patchy both space time. However, still important roles modulating loops, including these dynamics magnitude, accuracy credibility projections likely improve.

Language: Английский

Wolf reintroduction to Scotland could support substantial native woodland expansion and associated carbon sequestration DOI Creative Commons
Dominick V. Spracklen, Pippa J. Chapman, Tamara Fletcher

et al.

Ecological Solutions and Evidence, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Abstract Large carnivores, including the grey wolf ( Canis lupus ), play an important role in carbon cycle through modifying behaviour and population of wild herbivores. carnivores have been eradicated from much their former range are now absent UK, contributing to increased herbivore populations, which can prevent natural regeneration trees woodland. A reintroduction wolves UK could reduce deer populations associated browsing tree saplings, but potential impacts on woodland expansion sequestration not assessed. Here we estimate impact a Scottish Highlands red native colonisation sequestration. We use Markov predator–prey model that would lead 167 ± 23 wolves, sufficient below 4 km −2 , threshold at assume be sufficiently suppressed enable trees. Using new woodlands subsequent result average annual 1.0 0.1 Mt CO 2 with each 6080 t . Practical Implication Our analysis demonstrates ecosystem benefit provide control numbers, leading expansion. Large‐scale woodlands, facilitated return contribute national climate targets economic benefits landowners communities finance.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Integrating Network and Meta‐Ecosystem Models for Developing a Zoogeochemical Theory DOI
Shawn Leroux, Oswald J. Schmitz

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 28(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Human activities have caused significant changes in animal abundance, interactions, movement and diversity at multiple scales. Growing empirical evidence reveals the myriad ways that these can alter control animals exert over biogeochemical cycling. Yet a theoretical framework to coherently integrate predict when how controls cycling (i.e., zoogeochemistry) change is currently lacking. We present such general provides guidance on linking mathematical models of species interaction (network theory) organisms non‐living materials (meta‐ecosystem account for biotic abiotic feedback by which illustrate apply develop predictive specific ecosystem contexts using case study primary producer–herbivore bipartite trait network boreal forest ecosystem. further discuss key priorities enhancing model development, data–model integration application. The offers an important step enhance research better inform justify broader conservation efforts aimed conserving restoring populations, their critical functional roles support services nature‐based climate solutions.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Global Tiger Density Linked With Forest Carbon Stock, Top‐Down and Bottom‐Up DOI
Nathan James Roberts, Abishek Harihar, Xuhui Zhou

et al.

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(5)

Published: May 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Tiger ( Panthera tigris ) survival, as apex predators in forest ecosystems, largely depends on abundant prey healthy, intact forests. Because large herbivore are drivers of plant biomass, we reasoned that tiger distribution and density probably also closely linked with carbon (C) stock, the management which is critical for mitigating climate change. However, whether tigers exert top‐down control C stocks or passive surrogate indicators bottom‐up a salient unanswered question conservation management, particularly trophic rewilding. Here, compiled estimates global presence to test effects tiger‐carbon relationships along gradient from “empty forests” without “target state” ecosystems living at different abundances. Our results showed was associated higher vegetation stocks, lower emissions, inputs globally. Top‐down via ungulate biomass were stronger less established Furthermore, soil increased reached peaks four habitat types covering most range. findings reveal tigers, represented by their density, both an indicator driver ecosystem depending underlying ecological conditions, could safeguard forests against future emissions improve our understanding climate‐C cycle feedback.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
New insights to be gained from a Virtual Ecosystem DOI Creative Commons
Robert M. Ewers, Jacob Cook, Olivia Daniel

et al.

Ecological Modelling, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 498, P. 110866 - 110866

Published: Sept. 16, 2024

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Trading off nature for nature‐based solutions: The bioeconomics of forest management for wildlife, timber, and carbon DOI Creative Commons

Jonah Ury,

Matthew J. Kotchen, Oswald J. Schmitz

et al.

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(8)

Published: Aug. 1, 2024

Abstract Nature‐based solutions are attracting interest for their potential to enlist ecological processes as cost‐effective and safe ways capture store carbon in forest ecosystems. Such often need be implemented landscapes which there longer established values other ecosystem services including wildlife timber production. Here we develop an integrative model that illustrates the inherent trade‐offs will arise among competing landscape space how resolve them. The analysis characterizes boreal dynamics involving interactions main trophic compartments of intact ecosystem, aka “nature.” accounts accumulation via biomass growth trees (timber), loss due controls from moose herbivory varies with population density (hunting), soil inputs release, together determine sink strength ecosystem. We link economic by assigning a price stored within then weigh these impacts against benefits production hunting across range densities. Combined, this carbon‐bioeconomic program calculates total benefit modeled system, providing framework examining different harvest densities influence achievement storage targets, under levels pricing. shows promoting nature‐based merely may result key part “nature” structure functional

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Defaunation impacts on the carbon balance of tropical forests DOI
Jedediah F. Brodie, Carolina Bello, Carine Emer

et al.

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 28, 2024

Abstract The urgent need to mitigate and adapt climate change necessitates a comprehensive understanding of carbon cycling dynamics. Traditionally, global cycle models have focused on vegetation, but recent research suggests that animals can play significant role in dynamics under some circumstances, potentially enhancing the effectiveness nature‐based solutions change. However, links between animals, plants, remain unclear. We explored complex interactions defaunation ecosystem Earth's most biodiverse carbon‐rich biome, tropical rainforests. Defaunation patterns seed dispersal, granivory, herbivory ways alter tree species composition and, therefore, forest above‐ belowground. Most studies we reviewed show reduces storage 0−26% Neo‐ Afrotropics, primarily via population declines large‐seeded, animal‐dispersed trees. Asian forests are not predicted experience changes because their high‐carbon trees wind dispersed. Extrapolating these local effects entire ecosystems implies losses ∼1.6 Pg CO 2 equivalent across Brazilian Atlantic Forest 4−9.2 Amazon over 100 years ∼14.7−26.3 Congo basin 250 years. In addition being hard quantify with precision, highly context dependent; outcomes varied based balance antagonist mutualist interactions, abiotic conditions, human pressure, numerous other factors. A combination experiments, large‐scale comparative studies, mechanistic could help disentangle from anthropogenic forces face incredible complexity systems. Overall, our synthesis emphasizes importance of—and inconsistent results when—integrating animal into models, which is crucial for developing mitigation strategies effective policies.

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Highlighting the role of biota in feedback loops from tundra ecosystems to the atmosphere DOI Creative Commons
Niels Martin Schmidt, Isabel C. Barrio, J. A. Kristensen

et al.

Frontiers in Environmental Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Dec. 20, 2024

The rapid climatic and environmental changes observed in the Arctic across globe general call for reliable model projections. In recent years our understanding of ongoing future through ecosystem modelling has increased tremendously. Yet, most models do not consider many feedback loops at play natural ecosystems. Particularly those influenced by biota, beyond vegetation to some extent microbes, are often neglected. As a first step towards better integration biotic influences into models, we provide broad overview various ways biota may influence between high-latitude biosphere atmosphere. We focus specifically on three key tundra atmosphere (carbon dynamics, albedo permafrost thaw) compartments (vegetation, decomposers herbivores) these. multifaceted appear patchy both space time. However, still important roles modulating loops, including these dynamics magnitude, accuracy credibility projections likely improve.

Language: Английский

Citations

1