Overcoming biotic homogenization in ecological restoration

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(9), P. 777 - 788

Published: June 1, 2022

Language: Английский

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Monitoring vegetation degradation using remote sensing and machine learning over India – a multi-sensor, multi-temporal and multi-scale approach

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7

Published: June 6, 2024

Vegetation cover degradation is often a complex phenomenon, exhibiting strong correlation with climatic variation and anthropogenic actions. Conservation of biodiversity important because millions people are directly indirectly dependent on vegetation (forest crop) its associated secondary products. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) propose to quantify the proportion as total land area all countries. Satellite images form one main sources accurate information capture fine seasonal changes so that long-term can be assessed accurately. In present study, Multi-Sensor, Multi-Temporal Multi-Scale (MMM) approach was used estimate vulnerability degradation. Open source Cloud computing system Google Earth Engine (GEE) systematically monitor evaluate potential multiple satellite data variable spatial resolutions. Hotspots were demarcated using machine learning techniques identify greening browning effect coarse resolution Normalized Difference Index (NDVI) MODIS. Rainfall datasets Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation Station (CHIRPS) for period 2000–2022 also find rainfall anomaly in region. Furthermore, hotspot areas identified high-resolution major based analysis understand verify cause change whether or nature. This study several State/Central Government user departments, Universities, NGOs lay out managerial plans protection vegetation/forests India.

Language: Английский

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Ecological communities in white‐sand Amazonian rainforests are sensitive to deforestation—A dung beetle case

Insect Conservation and Diversity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 13, 2025

Abstract Campinarana is a fragile white‐sand rainforest ecosystem in Amazonia, where mining activities have been an important driver of landscape transformation, threatening biodiversity. Despite its importance for biodiversity, few studies investigated insects' response to environmental disturbance campinaranas . Here, we assess the differences between dung beetle assemblages undisturbed and disturbed The studied differ substantially their vegetation structure, one strongly affected by activities. Dung taxonomic diversity, abundance, biomass, assemblage structure (species' distribution relative abundances) from total functional group perspective indicator species were recorded A 1592 beetles belonging 42 collected 459 11 Undisturbed encompassed higher number species, assemblages' distinct abundance roller was only parameter that not habitat type. Our results suggest host sensitive ecological communities, with most unable cope changes brought In addition, can be useful monitoring Considering extension latter across Amazon, this study provides information support public policies mitigate losses caused deforestation hyperdiverse area.

Language: Английский

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Divergent drought responses in two cold desert shrublands

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

Published: March 1, 2025

Abstract The frequency and intensity of extreme droughts are projected to increase in the future, yet current research indicates that ecosystem sensitivity extremes will vary. Despite hundreds observational experimental drought studies across ecosystems, underlying mechanism explaining inconsistent responses remains poorly understood. Differences magnitude or duration drought, land use history, existing plant communities, unique site conditions might all influence response a site. Due unresolved questions related additional needed improve our predictions about ecosystems. Here, we minimized differences intensity, climatic variation, history by conducting rainfall manipulation study two adjacent (~60 m apart) communities with distinct dominant species ( Artemisia arbuscula cana ) eastern Oregon, USA. We used shelters create 1‐in‐100‐year at each understand how chronic (4‐year) impact common, but understudied sagebrush steppe communities. found above‐ belowground net primary production both sites was remarkably resistant four years drought. Interestingly, litter increased over time plots more productive site, hypothesize hydraulic lift interacted shallow soil water content under harsher edaphic features duripan experienced fewer changes community composition than potentially due presence specialized Non‐native cover (primarily from Ventenata dubia native forb density decreased sampling years. This suggests management may be conserve diversity limit invasion, especially as climate historic fire regimes change.

Language: Английский

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Silent changes in taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of birds in Qiyunshan National Nature Reserve, south China

Biodiversity Data Journal, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: March 25, 2025

Temporal taxonomic shifts have been documented in bird communities within protected areas. However, the potential impact of these changes on functional diversity and phylogenetic remains poorly understood. In this study, we monitored Qiyunshan National Nature Reserve southern China for nine years (2014-2022). We examined temporal trends taxonomic, metrics compared observed values with expected to determine mechanisms driving community assembly. Additionally, evaluated trend beta diversity. A total 118 species were recorded, dominant including Chestnut Bulbul (Hemixoscastanonotus), Grey-cheeked Fulvetta (Alcippemorrisonia) Great Tit (Parusmajor). found that turnover was principal driver variations composition. richness, fluctuated throughout study period, showing no clear increase or decrease. Our findings indicate composition is shaped by environmental filtering neutral processes. The taxonomics may be due availability resources random substitution arising from dispersion process. Protected areas attract new similar genetic relationships those already present. This leads minimal overall diversity, suggesting a degree redundancy amongst are replaced added. Notably, persistent loss over time, raising concerns about future stability system. highlight asynchronous patterns birds emphasise importance multidimensional metrics. Consequently, suggest should regarded as essential indicators alongside richness when evaluating conservation outcomes nature reserves. approach provides more comprehensive understanding complexity ecological information effective strategies.

Language: Английский

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Forest area predicts all dimensions of small mammal and lizard diversity in Amazonian insular forest fragments

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 36(12), P. 3401 - 3418

Published: Aug. 13, 2021

Abstract Context Although hydropower development is one of the primary drivers habitat loss and insular fragmentation, its impacts on species identity their functional phylogenetic roles have often been overlooked. Objectives Here we use an integrative approach, considering taxonomic, dimensions at multiple scales, to understand processes underlying (dis)assembly two taxa exhibiting relatively low dispersal ability: small mammals lizards. Methods We surveyed 26 islands within Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir, adjacent continuous forest, in Central Amazonia. Each dimension diversity was related spatial variables. also examined composition using community-weighted mean trait values, community redundancy uniqueness. β-diversity partitioned into richness (β rich ) replacement repl components. Results Functional α-diversities both mirrored taxonomic dimension, all which increased with forest area. Individual mammal (body mass matrix tolerance), lizard traits length, heliothermic mode type) were predicted by For groups, uniqueness decreased area, predominantly β . Conclusions The environmental filter created area resulted conservation value associated islands, only occupied a set comprised generalist lizards matrix-tolerant mammals. On other side, large sites ensured ecosystem resilience disturbance. To maintain integrity, creating myriad over expanses floodwaters should be avoided future development.

Language: Английский

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A bird in the hand: Global‐scale morphological trait datasets open new frontiers of ecology, evolution and ecosystem science

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 25(3), P. 573 - 580

Published: Feb. 24, 2022

The recent prominence of functional traits in ecological analyses is based on the premise that measurable attributes an organism's phenotype can take us beyond simple lists species and closer to valid tests mechanisms processes (Cadotte et al., 2011). However, full potential trait-based ecology evolutionary biology ultimately constrained by incomplete coverage completeness, particularly case morphological (Etard 2020). Filling these gaps data has proved challenging, with even best-sampled major taxonomic groups—such as vascular plants—still lacking comprehensive measurements for well over 50% worldwide (Hietz 2021; Kattge 2020; Violle 2014). A step now been taken towards addressing this challenge completion datasets containing multiple all 11000 bird (Tobias 2022). goal special issue present wider use alongside a series studies summarising advances analyses, highlighting their application research policy. most widely used macroecological macroevolutionary are categorical variables, mainly including information habitat, life-history or diet (Jones 2009; McLean Wilman These have highly influential, yet overall progress impeded because many relatively crude uninformative, reducing utility indices function (Kohli & Jarzyna, 2021). Moreover, they offer imperfect framework some statistical models phylogenetic since assigned same values distance between categories arbitrary. An obvious solution continuous vastly improve resolution (Chira 2018) metrics community assembly (Blonder 2018; Ricklefs Travis, 1980). To date, availability complete trait largely restricted body mass (Wilman 2014), which only weakly connected (Pigot hawk duck may share size, example, but tells very little about role ecosystem. Analyses more detailed compilations not possible outside few well-studied families, leading variety problems sampling bias inaccurate (Chang Mouillot Tobias Birds best opportunity address number reasons. First, richness (~11,000 species) far lower than plants, instance, offering achievable target. Second, birds distributed across oceans terrestrial biomes, where perform range key services (Şekercioǧlu, 2006). Third, visibility appeal, best-studied clade at global scale, extensive available distribution, abundance, life history almost (Bird Callaghan Sullivan 2014; Pigot, 2019; Fourth, morphology offers classic system investigating novel questions beaks, legs wings provide insight into trophic interactions, locomotion dispersal respectively (Dehling 2016; Trisos, Sheard Indeed, unique specific combinations shown predict characteristics, dietary niche foraging behaviour, greater accuracy alone (Kennedy Pigot al. power was initially established papers communities from 1960 onwards (e.g. Miles Ricklefs, 1984). Although were small samples (see 2022, Figure 1), provided conceptual foundation field 'ecomorphology' (Bock, 1994; Wainwright Reilly, 1994) turn drove subsequent (post-2000) development avian variables. Over last two decades, several groups compiled analysed gradually increasing targeting manageable hundred suboscines: Claramunt, 2010; corvides: Kennedy 2016) local assemblages Manu National Park, Peru: Dehling, Fritz, Bregman, 2016), recently spanning thousands Cooney 2017; Phillips resources until fragmented, raw incompatible unpublished. integrated resource broad utility, managers different joined forces merge work AVONET, compendium morphological, geographical published flagship article AVONET inspired success TRY plant database, potent catalyst high-impact ecosystem science decade (Kattge maximise likelihood similar positive impact, align Open Science principles (Gallagher 2020), released individual specimens averages, without restrictions access. degree, publication marks endpoint personal journey. My fascination began 1980s schoolboy walking tidelines powerlines Northumberland search corpses dismembering. I owe belated debt thanks my mother abiding bedroom shelves skulls cabinets loaded malodorous tarsi. But story extends that, deeper time. first iteration—AVONET 1.0—is truly international effort, vital expertise contributed 115 authors 106 institutions 30 countries. important shifts momentum occurred when project colleagues managing own datasets, Santiago Claramunt (Uruguay), Matthias Schleuning Susanne Fritz (Germany), Carsten Rahbek (Denmark), Gavin Thomas (United Kingdom) Gustavo Bravo (Colombia). common denominator among reliance museum specimens. Across whole, measured Natural History Museum, London American Museum History, New York, smaller further 76 collections Fig. 4). would contributions countless curators, assistants specimen collectors mid-1800s, luminaries them, Charles Darwin, Alfred Russell Wallace, Ernest Shackleton John James Audubon, whom prepared subsequently data. Ultimately, given importance well-preserved material ecology, monument crucial service it provides scientific human society general (Suarez Tsutsui, 2004). Many sources distilled summary contained AVONET. Using resource, anyone extract traits, spatial context any taxon assemblage—indeed, entire radiation extant birds. be fit models, test hypotheses, calculate biodiversity metrics, various dimensions diversity. Comprehensive validity methods increase scale applied. For executed well-sampled clades Drury 2014) also tracts tree (Crouch Tobias, Similarly, using quantify differences no longer limited 2013) applied (Drury Freeman 2022; 2018). feature presented alignment three alternative treatments: BirdLife International, Clements BirdTree In theory, will time-saver users, facilitating integration maps IUCN Red List data, eBird citizen-science (Sullivan phylogeny (Jetz 2012). Interoperability allows array addressed ways. following sections summarise applying fields along horizon-scan emerging opportunities. current 2012) perfect urgently requires update, nonetheless valuable tool analyses. Recent combining phylogenies downloaded elsewhere explored topics, interactions McEntee 2018), Crouch 2022) Benítez-López 2021) driving phenotypic evolution. With rapid ongoing improvement associated toolkit unparalleled template future kind. particular, there scope new wave focused intraspecific variation sex differences, both made open release underlying 90,000 Avian genomics another advancing frontier research, efforts sequence genomes underway (Jarvis, 2016). At rate progress, whole-genome assemblies soon sampled genera (>2000), putting forefront comparative (Stiller Zhang, 2019). play next phase programme, terms providing genome-wide association (GWAS) predictors exploring drivers demographic patterns responses deep time (Nogués-Bravo mapped scales reduced bias. such included gradients dispersal-related (Sheard 2020) island colonisation driver predictable trajectories evolution—the so-called 'island rule' (Benítez-López Further needed explore numerous other putative ecogeographical patterns, Bergmann's Allen's rules, detail. up possibility partitioning effects components phenotype, trophic, locomotory traits. Quantification niches via help illuminate complex (McGill 2006; Trisos well-established connection suggests inferred structure communities. Until recently, approaches estimating sensitive biases Bregman This morphometric 3-d scanning beaks thousand (Hughes 2022), while sufficiently estimate sites Cannon Chapman continental Sol Stewart Movement—or dispersal—is cross-cutting theme relevance biological questions. promising hand-wing index (HWI), metric wing-shape related flight efficiency ability (Claramunt, calculations HWI linear wing (wing chord secondary length). earlier versions demonstrated shaping allopatric speciation (Claramunt build-up alpha diversity 2015). Other ideas fields, (Menezes Palaoro, Stoddard 2017) conservation (Thaxter 2017). updated prove useful model analysis testing hypotheses dispersal, wherein needs accounted for. forecasting under climate change scenarios (Stewart Zooming assemblage-level brings set opportunities focus. relationships validates divergence expansion invasion species. results previous inconclusive, suggesting similarity either constrain promote coexistence (Sol depending context. exploration warranted (HWI) extent overlaps, predictive macroecology biogeography While understanding goal, applications research. Correlative hundreds investigate whether Neate-Clegg techniques developed begun how affected (Bender urbanisation agricultural (Cannon Rurangwa approach give insights turnover states. invasive oceanic islands does offset loss through anthropogenic extinctions (Sayol Similar ripe investigation global-change contexts. impact environmental communities, awareness drive changes particular (Ryding One example idea consistent evolution, selection sizes higher temperatures (Weeks addition metadata, should allow thorough trends, tracked centuries dated Another line involves quantification trait–environment relationships. If then correlative forecast biomes (Boonman Enquist could indeed combination multi-trophic perspective. Trait-matching levels monitor (Schleuning empirical steps target local-scale plants projections (Nowak feasible scale. Assemblage-based incorporate assess impacts threats vary landscape contexts, highlight land-use management practices minimise damage reveal inverse relationship extinction risk, strategies ecosystems effective preventing Diversity plugged multi-level clarify dynamics Purves provision Díaz 2013). paves way rethink indicators. disturbed landscapes compared against undisturbed baselines intactness, calculated partitioned delivering services, seed (by frugivores) pest control invertivores). indicators habitat quality health, untapped commercial governmental policy settings, instance identify offsets (Gamarra nature-based solutions (Seddon Now we appropriate hand, implementing outputs required. Among ambitious visions those proposing fuller resolved quantitative 2013; Tilman 1997). linking metabolic allometric scaling basis theory scaled understand (Enquist objectives brought reach approaches—loosely defined biogeography—involves mapping geographic distribution animal form (Violle uses matching mediated kinds interaction networks, connecting producers plants) consumers birds). Previous assumed (Bregman Töpfer Dehling globally McFadden Finally, network improve, apply develop assessing correlations large (Albrecht Wilkes 1.0 respects, beginning. Progress 2.0 underway, behavioural nearing completion. There plenty improving Deeper area required, dates collection specimens, adaptation changing environments space iterations include spectrum correlated niches, light intensity (predicted eye size; Ausprey thermal constraints plumage colour reflectance; Medina Amassing require collective effort amateur ornithologists: everyone welcome join measurement expanding protocol Supplementary material). Two limitations worth mentioning. quantified simplistic which, capture axes beak shape (length, width depth) accounting subtle aspects like curvature. curvature perhaps irrelevant factor systems, coevolution hummingbird flower corollas (Leimberger Data parameters accessed parallel openly issue: Macrobird database beak-shape on-screen landmarks scans contains extinct species, taxa currently missing. Some gap achieved measuring Sayol bridge fossil focusing comparable tarsus skeletal characters). already unexpected ways, asking what characteristics explain cultural people (Echeverri creative doubt arise rapidly covering wide species-level information. eBird, access millions georeferenced observations worldwide, allowing fine-grained monitoring occurrence population trends (McEntee addition, interface databases demography Salguero-Gómez off horizon, enticing, vision online consisting interconnected interoperable architecture connections animals navigated quantified. fieldwork conducted decades involved collecting expeditions mist-netting surveys. ornithologists. Building efforts, ready-made teaching desk-based lab-based settings. preceding pointers breadth undergraduate post-graduate projects. During lockdowns, seasons, training courses, lab practicals in-person put hold Covid-19 pandemic, global-scale came its own, continue home. PhD projects changed tack redesigned coursework masters modules. uses, students devise conserving gives multi-purpose, lockdown-proof materials internet Major macroevolution catalysed arrival ranges (Orme 2006) near-complete 2012), together allowed identified datasets. revolutionise evolution assembly, informative response By presenting diverse radiation, takes integrative 2011; conjunction re-invigorate (Mouquet 2015), sophisticated corporate strategies, treaties frameworks (Díaz author Ben Freeman, David Nogues-Bravo, Ken Norris, Alex Rob Salguero-Gómez, Eliot Miller, Schleuning, Nathalie Seddon, Catherine feedback discussion.

Language: Английский

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Drivers of functional diversity in small-bodied mammals across a deforestation frontier in the Southern Brazilian Amazon

Mammal Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 69(2), P. 271 - 282

Published: Feb. 13, 2024

Abstract Deforestation remains the most pervasive driver of biodiversity erosion across tropical forests. Understanding how species can cope with such habitat changes is particularly important along rapidly expanding agricultural frontiers. To do so, we used a functional perspective examining small mammal responses to loss, fragmentation, and degradation ‘Arc Deforestation’ in Southern Brazilian Amazon. Small mammals were surveyed using combination conventional pitfall traps 20 forest fragments—ranging from 42 4743 ha—in addition two relatively continuous sites (> 7000 ha). These fragments lie isolated by cattle pasture matrix varying grazing intensity. We then analysed taxonomic diversity patterns—represented Simpson Diversity Rao Quadratic entropy indices—in Generalised Linear Models containing local- landscape-scale predictors variation. Further, trait composition approach based on community-weighted mean values depict predict variations this gradient. From total 847 individuals recorded belonging 24 taxa, tended follow diversity, both increasing fragment area. The dimension further was promoted low fire-related disturbance. Functional mainly driven quality, represented tree density, arthropod biomass, Our results reinforce that sustain depauperate assemblages taxonomically functionally. Accounting for quality allows boosting persistence groups. findings be improve efficiency management practices thereby maximising multiple dimensions their associated ecosystem services deforestation

Language: Английский

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Assessing the impact of land use change on different components of plant diversity in a tropical montane cloud forest of Mexico

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(4), P. 1523 - 1559

Published: March 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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Effects of Land Use Change on Avian Diversity in the Semi-Arid Area of Longxi Loess Plateau

Diversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(4), P. 235 - 235

Published: April 16, 2024

Biodiversity is under threat due to human-induced changes in land use. While various aspects of biodiversity are increasingly studied response these changes, there limited understanding their effects on the structure and composition bird communities dryland regions. We examined impacts use change birds semi-arid area Longxi Loess Plateau by considering taxonomic diversity, functional phylogenetic diversity. analyzed both α- β-diversity avian across different dimensions diversity calculated structures using net relatedness index. Our findings revealed that species richness was highest farmland abandoned farmland, while artificial mixed forests exhibited number unique species. Functional α-diversity greater when compared other four types. Moreover, forests, Caragana korshinskii Platycladus orientalis surpassed typical grasslands, but no differences were observed Regarding β-diversity, turnover patterns dominated multidimensional dissimilarity, with total dissimilarity lower than counterparts higher counterparts. Based present findings, we emphasize long-term cessation ongoing silvicultural initiatives safeguard region Plateau. This crucial for narrowly distributed such as Alectoris magna, they face heightened vulnerability losses.

Language: Английский

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