A protocol for reproducible functional diversity analyses

Ecography, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 2022(11)

Published: Aug. 30, 2022

The widespread use of species traits in basic and applied ecology, conservation biogeography has led to an exponential increase functional diversity analyses, with > 10 000 papers published 2010–2020, 1800 only 2021. This interest is reflected the development a multitude theoretical methodological frameworks for calculating diversity, making it challenging navigate myriads options report detailed accounts trait‐based analyses. Therefore, discipline ecology would benefit from existence general guideline standard reporting good practices We devise eight‐step protocol guide researchers conducting overarching goal increasing reproducibility, transparency comparability across studies. based on: 1) identification research question; 2) sampling scheme study design; 3–4) assemblage data matrices; 5) exploration preprocessing; 6) computation; 7) model fitting, evaluation interpretation; 8) data, metadata code provision. Throughout protocol, we provide information on how best select questions, designs, trait compute interpret results discuss ways ensure reproducibility results. To facilitate implementation this template, further develop interactive web‐based application ( stepFD ) form checklist workflow, detailing all steps allowing user produce final ‘reproducibility report' upload alongside paper. A thorough transparent analyses ensures that ecologists can incorporate others' findings into meta‐analyses, shared be integrated larger databases consensus available reused by other researchers. All these elements are key pushing forward vibrant fast‐growing field research.

Language: Английский

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Agriculture erases climate‐driven β‐diversity in Neotropical bird communities

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 24(1), P. 338 - 349

Published: Aug. 18, 2017

Abstract Earth is experiencing multiple global changes that will, together, determine the fate of many species. Yet, how biological communities respond to concurrent stressors at local‐to‐regional scales remains largely unknown. In particular, understanding local habitat conversion interacts with regional climate change shape patterns in β‐diversity—differences among sites their species compositions—is critical forecast Anthropocene. Here, we study bird β‐diversity across land‐use and precipitation gradients Costa Rica. We mapped forest cover, modeled precipitation, collected data on community composition, vegetation structure, tree diversity 120 20 farms answer three questions. First, do more strongly land use or northwest Rica? Second, does eliminate gradients? Third, control and, if so, how? After correcting for imperfect detection, found determined shifts along gradient. forests, were distinct between differed structure precipitation. agriculture, however, was uniform, contributing 7%–11% less turnover than forests. addition, responses agriculture linked: agricultural gradient shared dry wet communities. These findings suggest anticipated drying will act together exacerbate biotic homogenization.

Language: Английский

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A roadmap to identifying and filling shortfalls in Neotropical ornithology

Ornithology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 137(4)

Published: Aug. 21, 2020

Abstract Securing the long-term resilience of world’s most speciose avifauna, that Neotropics, requires spatially and temporally explicit data to inform decisions. We examine gaps in our knowledge region’s avifauna through lens biodiversity shortfall concept: between realized complete knowledge. This framework serves as a useful tool take stock last 25 yr Neotropical ornithological work since untimely death Ted Parker. Here, we highlight 7 key shortfalls: taxonomy, distribution, abundance, evolutionary patterns, abiotic tolerances, species traits, biotic interactions. then propose an eighth—and new—“Parkerian” reflects lack basic natural history understanding how might respond environmental challenges. Bridging this will help reverse declines by informing reintroduction, recovery network, habitat restoration efforts. discuss challenges imposed each strategies such citizen-science initiatives technological advances can either remedy or mitigate uncertainty they generate.

Language: Английский

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Potentiality and limitations of N‐mixture and Royle‐Nichols models to estimate animal abundance based on noninstantaneous point surveys

Population Ecology, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 62(1), P. 151 - 157

Published: Nov. 17, 2019

Abstract Reliable and accurate information on animal abundance is fundamental for the conservation management of wildlife. Recently, a number innovative devices (such as camera traps) have been widely used in field surveys largely improved survey efficiency. However, these often constitute noninstantaneous point surveys, resulting multiple counts same individuals within single sampling occasion (i.e., false‐positive errors). Many commonly‐used statistical models do not explicitly account error, with its effects estimates being poorly understood. Here, I tested performance Poisson‐binomial N ‐mixture Royle‐Nichols model presence both negative errors population might be detected). also implemented Poisson‐Poisson mixture Bayesian framework to evaluate reliability. The results simulation using random walks based Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck processes showed that was robust errors. In comparison, provided reasonable animals whose home range included point. inherently influenced by size ranges, thus cannot surrogate density. Although are used, their utility restricted this limitation. conclusion, studies should clearly define objective carefully consider whether valid.

Language: Английский

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The structure and organisation of an Amazonian bird community remains little changed after nearly four decades in Manu National Park

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 26(2), P. 335 - 346

Published: Jan. 5, 2023

Abstract Documenting patterns of spatiotemporal change in hyper‐diverse communities remains a challenge for tropical ecology yet is increasingly urgent as some long‐term studies have shown major declines bird undisturbed sites. In 1982, Terborgh et al. quantified the structure and organisation community 97‐ha. plot southeastern Peru. We revisited same 2018 using methodologies original study to evaluate community‐wide changes. Contrary longitudinal other neotropical (Tiputini, Manaus, Panama), we found little organisation, with increases 5, decreases 2 no 7 foraging guilds. This apparent stability suggests that large forest reserves such Manu National Park, possibly due regional topographical influences on precipitation, still provide conditions establishing refugia from at least effects global communities.

Language: Английский

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Surveying tropical birds is much harder than you think: a primer of best practices

Biotropica, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 50(6), P. 846 - 849

Published: Oct. 15, 2018

Abstract Birds are tempting to include in studies of tropical ecology and conservation. Yet, they deceptively difficult detect, identify and, particularly, count. We briefly review some common challenges surveying birds, offer guidance on the most important decisions consider when selecting methodologies, recommend best practices ensure collection reliable, repeatable, reviewer‐friendly survey data.

Language: Английский

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Revisiting methods for estimating parrot abundance and population size

Emu - Austral Ornithology, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 118(1), P. 67 - 79

Published: Nov. 27, 2017

Estimating abundance and population size is essential for many ecological conservation studies of parrots. Achieving these goals requires methods that yield reliable estimates, but parrot traits can make them difficult to detect, count, capture. We review established emergent sampling analytical used estimate size, focusing on their assumptions, requirements, limitations. Roost surveys are cost-effective if all roost locations in a region known stable, which uncommon. Capture–recapture incorporate detection probability, capturing, marking resighting parrots be difficult. Distance estimates probability multiple species simultaneously, sensitive the spatial distribution individuals excludes birds flight. Roadside transects cover large areas survey species, habitats near roads may differ from surrounding areas, biasing estimates. Occupancy hierarchical models usually require spatially temporally replicated datasets. Both allow estimation probability; former dispenses with count data, while latter versatile set processes influencing abundance. Finally, passive acoustic sample identification vocalisations time-consuming.

Language: Английский

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Greater pollination generalization is not associated with reduced constraints on corolla shape in Antillean plants

Evolution, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 72(2), P. 244 - 260

Published: Dec. 13, 2017

Flowers show important structural variation as reproductive organs but the evolutionary forces underlying this diversity are still poorly understood. In animal‐pollinated species, flower shape is strongly fashioned by selection imposed pollinators, which expected to vary according guilds of effective pollinators. Using Antillean subtribe Gesneriinae (Gesneriaceae), we tested hypothesis that pollination specialists pollinated one functional type pollinator have maintained more similar corolla shapes through time due constant and stronger constraints compared species with generalist strategies. geometric morphometrics models, showed hummingbird specialists, bat a mixed‐pollination strategy (pollinated hummingbirds bats; thus strategy) distinct these evolved under constraints. However, did not find support for greater disparity in species. This could be because Gesneriinae, has multiple times, finely adapted effectively both bats hummingbirds. These results suggest ecological generalization necessarily associated relaxed

Language: Английский

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The effects of conservation easements on bird biodiversity in the Shenandoah and Piedmont regions of Virginia

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 25, 2025

Abstract Conservation easements—voluntary legal agreements in which a landowner forfeits some development rights exchange for tax incentives—have become central part of efforts to limit the US. Given importance biodiversity conservation on private lands and rapid growth easements, they are often celebrated as win‐win scenario. However, there also increasing questions about ecological benefits easements. The kinds studies necessary better understand this issue challenging several reasons, is special need more field studies. We draw unique cooperative study bird conducted by Virginia Working Landscapes, program Smithsonian Institution. compared species abundance farmland protected easement not easement. estimated probability 0.90 that was weak positive effect easements at full community level but found no smaller subset grassland‐obligate birds. relationship varied highly across species, with individual showing or negative associations argue (a) these results support recent calls promote mandate specific practices eased properties; (b) limitations publicly available data present significant challenges assessing impacts easements; (c) given limitations, researchers should exercise caution when making generalized claims effects biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Within-season movements of Alpine songbird distributions are driven by fine-scale environmental characteristics

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 10(1)

Published: April 1, 2020

Abstract Information about distribution and habitat use of organisms is crucial for conservation. Bird within the breeding season has been usually considered static, but this assumption questioned. Within-season movements may allow birds to track changes in quality or adjust site choice between subsequent attempts. Such are especially likely temperate mountains, given substantial environmental heterogeneity occurring during bird season. We investigated within-season songbirds European Alps spring-summer 2018, using repeated point counts dynamic occupancy models. For all four species which we obtained sufficient data, strongly indicated occurrence movements. Species changed according fine-scale vegetation/land-cover types, while microclimate (mean temperature) affected initial two species. The overall rate increased throughout season, suggesting settlement new individuals coming from outside area. A static cannot be assumed mountains. This needs when planning monitoring conservation Alpine birds, as affect proportion population/distribution interested by programs.

Language: Английский

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