iNEXT: an R package for rarefaction and extrapolation of species diversity (Hill numbers)

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 7(12), P. 1451 - 1456

Published: June 28, 2016

Summary Hill numbers (or the effective number of species) have been increasingly used to quantify species/taxonomic diversity an assemblage. The sample‐size‐ and coverage‐based integrations rarefaction (interpolation) extrapolation (prediction) H ill represent a unified standardization method for quantifying comparing species across multiple assemblages. We briefly review conceptual background along with two approaches standardization. present R package iNEXT (i N terpolation/ EXT rapolation) which provides simple functions compute plot seamless sampling curves three most widely members family (species richness, S hannon impson diversity). Two types biodiversity data are allowed: individual‐based abundance sampling‐unit‐based incidence data. Several applications packages reviewed: (i) Non‐asymptotic analysis: comparison estimates equally large or complete samples. (ii) Asymptotic estimated asymptotic true diversities. (iii) Assessment sample completeness (sample coverage) (iv) Comparison point diversities specified size level coverage. examples demonstrated, using (one other data) included in package, illustrate all graphical displays.

Language: Английский

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Ecological and evolutionary legacy of megafauna extinctions

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 93(2), P. 845 - 862

Published: Oct. 9, 2017

ABSTRACT For hundreds of millions years, large vertebrates (megafauna) have inhabited most the ecosystems on our planet. During late Quaternary, notably during Late P leistocene and early H olocene, Earth experienced a rapid extinction large, terrestrial vertebrates. While much attention has been paid to understanding causes this massive megafauna extinction, less given impacts loss other organisms with whom they interacted. In review, we discuss how disrupted reshaped ecological interactions, explore consequences ongoing decline Numerous Quaternary extinct species predators, parasites, commensals mutualistic partners were associated probably lost due their strict dependence upon them (co‐extinctions). Moreover, many extant megafauna‐adapted traits that provided evolutionary benefits under past megafauna‐rich conditions, but are now no or limited use (anachronisms). Morphological evolution behavioural changes allowed some these partially overcome absence megafauna. Although led number co‐extinction events, several likely co‐evolved established new interactions humans domestic animals. Species highly specialized in megafauna, such as commensalists (e.g. scavengers, dung beetles), could not adapt hosts prey more die out. Partners dependent persisted because plasticity by shifting dependency via domestication, facilitation pathogen spill‐over, through We argue Anthropocene will catalyse another wave co‐extinctions enormous diversity key functional roles

Language: Английский

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Paws without claws? Ecological effects of large carnivores in anthropogenic landscapes

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 283(1841), P. 20161625 - 20161625

Published: Oct. 26, 2016

Large carnivores are frequently presented as saviours of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning through their creation trophic cascades, an idea largely based on studies coming primarily out relatively natural landscapes. However, in large parts the world, particularly Europe, live returning to strongly human-modified ecosystems. At present, we lack a coherent framework predict effects these anthropogenic We review how human actions influence ecological roles by affecting density or behaviour those mesopredators prey species. argue that potential for density-mediated cascades landscapes is limited unproductive areas where even low carnivore numbers may impact densities landscape allowed reach ecologically functional densities. The behaviourally mediated be larger more widespread, because affect behaviour. conclude predator–prey interactions will highly context-dependent often attenuate carnivores. highlight knowledge gaps outline new research avenue study role

Language: Английский

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Towards achieving circularity and sustainability in feeds for farmed blue foods

Reviews in Aquaculture, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 15(3), P. 1115 - 1141

Published: Nov. 23, 2022

Abstract The aims of this review are to describe the role ‘blue‐food production’ (animals, plants and algae harvested from freshwater marine environments) within a circular bioeconomy, discuss how such framework can help sustainability resilience aquaculture summarise key examples novel nutrient sources that emerging in field fed‐aquaculture species. Aquaculture now provides >50% global seafood supply, share is expected increase at least 60% next decade. an important tool for reducing resource consumption protein production increasing climate change other disruptions (i.e. pandemics, geo‐political instability). Importantly, blue foods also provide essential nutrition growing human population. Blue helping goal ‘zero hunger’ (United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 2) while dependency on finite natural resources but further refinement new solutions needed make industry more ‘circular’ sustainable, particularly with respect sourcing raw materials aquafeeds. This describes feed available or may be created bioeconomy framework, their ultimately, these contribute de‐risking establishing resilient chain.

Language: Английский

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Behaviour of free ranging wild boar towards their dead fellows: potential implications for the transmission of African swine fever

Royal Society Open Science, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 4(5), P. 170054 - 170054

Published: May 1, 2017

The behaviour of free ranging wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) towards carcasses their conspecifics potentially infected with African swine fever (ASF) may significantly influence the course an ASF epidemic. This study aims to better understand dead fellows. Thirty-two on nine sites in northeast Germany were monitored under field conditions by photo-trapping from October 2015 until 2016. During this period, a total 122 160 pictures taken, thereof 16 111 boar. In both winter and summer, seemed be particularly interested soil next underneath carcasses. About one third visits led direct contact conspecifics. contacts consisted mostly sniffing poking carcass. Under given ecological climatic conditions, there was no evidence for intra-species scavenging. However, piglets observed several times chewing bare bones once skeletonization complete. It must assumed that all these types represent risk transmission. Both high tenacity virus long time can remain environment, allow persistence months or even years. We therefore consider rapid detection removal (or destruction spot) contaminated as important control measure against

Language: Английский

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Jackals as cleaners: Ecosystem services provided by a mesocarnivore in human-dominated landscapes

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 199, P. 51 - 55

Published: May 13, 2016

Language: Английский

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Scavenging in the Anthropocene: Human impact drives vertebrate scavenger species richness at a global scale

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 25(9), P. 3005 - 3017

Published: May 25, 2019

Abstract Understanding the distribution of biodiversity across Earth is one most challenging questions in biology. Much research has been directed at explaining species latitudinal pattern showing that communities are richer tropical areas; however, despite decades research, a general consensus not yet emerged. In addition, global patterns being rapidly altered by human activities. Here, we aim to describe large‐scale richness and diversity terrestrial vertebrate scavenger (carrion‐consuming) assemblages, which provide key ecosystem functions services. We used worldwide dataset comprising 43 sites, where assemblages were identified using 2,485 carcasses monitored between 1991 2018. First, evaluated how (number species) (Shannon index) varied among seasons (cold vs. warm, wet dry). Then, studied potential effects impact set macroecological variables related climatic conditions on assemblages. Vertebrate ranged from species‐poor rich (4–30 species). Both also showed some seasonal variation. However, general, did drive patterns, as affected temperature or rainfall. Rainfall seasonality slightly increased number community, but its effect was weak. Instead, index included our study main predictor richness. Scavenger highly human‐impacted areas sustained smallest species, suggesting activity may be overriding other processes shaping communities. Our results highlight scale. As species‐rich tend more functional, warn about possible reductions services provided scavengers human‐dominated landscapes Anthropocene.

Language: Английский

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Three Decades of Research on Iberian Wild Ungulates: Key Insights and Promising Research Avenues

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 6, 2025

ABSTRACT The Iberian Peninsula is witnessing ever‐faster environmental changes, and new challenges for wild ungulates are continuously emerging as they become more abundant widespread. We conducted a systematic review to analyse the knowledge on inhabiting Peninsula. used Web of Science Scopus search engines, complemented by searches in nonindexed journals, examine peer‐reviewed articles published between January 1990 July 2023. annual average growth rate number publications was 17%. Most studies focussed diseases pathogens (36%), physiology, endocrinology reproduction (19%), behaviour, population community ecology (17%). Red deer boar most targeted species scientific literature, followed goat, roe deer, fallow Southern chamois, mouflon aoudad. identify key gaps that deserve further attention such ecological social impacts (re)introductions, effects increasing ungulate densities ecosystem integrity impact different hunting management techniques (some unique Peninsula) dynamics. also highlight need stimulate collaboration extend discussion wider range stakeholders integrate perspectives research agenda ungulates.

Language: Английский

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Intra-guild competition and ecosystem services of mammal scavengers in a new colonized wolf landscape

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 79(2)

Published: Jan. 23, 2025

Language: Английский

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Carnivore carcasses are avoided by carnivores

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 86(5), P. 1179 - 1191

Published: June 13, 2017

Ecologists have traditionally focused on herbivore carcasses as study models in scavenging research. However, some observations of scavengers avoiding feeding carnivore carrion suggest that different types may lead to differential pressures. Untested assumptions about produced at trophic levels could therefore ecologists overlook important evolutionary processes and their ecological consequences. Our general goal was investigate the use mammalian by vertebrate scavengers. In particular, we aimed test hypothesis are avoided other carnivores, especially intraspecific level, most likely reduce exposure parasitism. We take a three-pronged approach this principle by: (i) providing data from field experiments, (ii) carrying out simulations strategies under risks parasitic infection, (iii) conducting literature-review two predictions regarding parasite life-history strategies. First, our experiments showed mean number species observed percentage consumed biomass were substantially higher than carcasses. This occurred even though scavenger visiting time needed detect similar between both addition, did not observe cannibalism. Second, demonstrated risk transmission leads evolution with generally low cannibalistic tendencies, emergence cannibalism-avoidance behaviour depends strongly parasite-based mortality rates. Third, literature review indicated potentially able follow carnivore-carnivore indirect cycle, well those transmitted via meat consumption, rare system. findings support existence novel coevolutionary relation carnivores parasites, play very roles food webs ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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