Urbanisation drivers and underlying mechanisms of terrestrial insect diversity loss in cities

Ecological Entomology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 46(4), P. 757 - 771

Published: April 30, 2021

1. Urbanisation is one of the main land‐use changes behind global insect collapse. Despite that previous studies have described negative effects urbanisation on communities, so far there no synthesis considers multiple urban drivers, their combined effects, and role species traits altogether. 2. Here we developed an integrative framework underlying mechanisms terrestrial loss in cities by exploring five leading drivers: impervious surfaces, habitat fragmentation, heat island, pollution, exotic plants. For each driver, identified direct indirect (mediated through interactions or resources) populations emphasising as moderators such effects. 3. Body size, mobility, oviposition/nesting requirements were frequently defined vulnerability to drivers. Urban island pollution deserve further research from a community‐level approach. Direct drivers dominated literature, while most paths mediated resources rather than interactions. 4. In conclusion, our review showed challenges recognising particular for driver By doing so, intended encourage researchers address some gaps noticed order fully understand how affecting communities. Finally, outlined recent planning strategies future successfully conserve biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Cascading extinctions as a hidden driver of insect decline

Ecological Entomology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 46(4), P. 743 - 756

Published: Nov. 30, 2020

1. The decline in insect abundance and diversity observed many ecosystems is of major concern because the long‐term consequences for ecosystem function stability. 2. Species ecological communities are connected through interactions forming complex networks. Therefore, initial extinctions can cause further species losses co‐extinctions extinction cascades, where single lead to waves secondary extinctions. Such knock‐on effects multiply impact disturbances, thereby largely adding erosion biodiversity. However, our knowledge their importance current hampered challenging both detect predict. 3. In this review, we bring together theory about light main drivers decline. We evaluate potential evidence cascading different identify pathways. By providing selected examples discuss how habitat loss, pollution, invasions, climate change overexploitation argue that loss pollution particular have largest such by changing community structure, physical environment, robustness. 4. Overall, part an ecosystems' response anthropogenic but so far not explicitly measured contribution when evaluating biodiversity loss. This necessary predict find strategies buffer against devastating change.

Language: Английский

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Are declines in insects and insectivorous birds related?

Ornithological Applications, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 123(1)

Published: Jan. 5, 2021

Abstract A flurry of recently published studies indicates that both insects and birds have experienced wide-scale population declines in the last several decades. Curiously, whether insect bird are causally linked has received little empirical attention. Here, we hypothesize an important factor contributing to decline insectivorous birds. We further suggest populations essential whenever non-native lumber, ornamental, or invasive plant species replace native communities. support our hypothesis by reviewing show (1) due host specialization, herbivores typically do poorly on plants; (2) often food limited; (3) fluctuate with supply prey; (4) not all arthropod prey reproduction equally well; (5) terrestrial for which source declined 2.9 billion individuals over 50 years, while depend during their life history gained 26.2 million individuals, a 111-fold difference. Understanding consequences declines, particularly as they affect charismatic animals like birds, may motivate land managers, homeowners, restoration ecologists take actions reverse these favoring most productively.

Language: Английский

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The Present and Future of Insect Biodiversity Conservation in the Neotropics: Policy Gaps and Recommendations

Neotropical Entomology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 52(3), P. 407 - 421

Published: March 14, 2023

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that insect populations may be declining at local and global scales, threatening the sustainability of ecosystem services insects provide. Insect declines are particular concern in Neotropics, which holds several world’s hotspots endemism diversity. Conservation policies one way to prevent mitigate declines, yet these usually biased toward vertebrate species. Here, we outline some key policy instruments for biodiversity conservation Neotropics discuss their potential contribution shortcomings conservation. These include species-specific action policies, protected areas Indigenous Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs), sectoral offsetting, market-based mechanisms, international underpin efforts. We highlight although can potentially benefit indirectly, there avenues could better incorporate specific needs into mentioned above. propose improvement. Firstly, evaluating extinction risk more Neotropical target at-risk species with conserve habitats within area-based interventions. Secondly, alternative pest control methods enhanced monitoring a range land-based production sectors. Thirdly, incorporating measurable achievable targets conventions. Finally, emphasise important roles community engagement public awareness achieving improvements policies.

Language: Английский

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Beneficial effects of native broadleaved forests on canopy beetle diversity are not reduced by admixture of non‐native conifers

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 61(5), P. 1000 - 1014

Published: March 14, 2024

Abstract Biodiversity loss and vast forest diebacks due to climate change‐induced disturbances require adapted management strategies that reconcile economic interests conservation. Tree species selection, including admixture of fast‐growing drought‐tolerant non‐native native forests, is an increasingly considered approach. However, we lack data on how such mixtures affect biodiversity, especially for the sparsely researched major above‐ground part trees, canopy. In 40 temperate plots in northwest Germany, investigated monocultures admixtures introduced conifers (native Norway spruce planted outside its natural range Douglas fir) broadleaved European beech forests abundance, biomass, taxonomic functional diversity community composition canopy beetles across trophic guilds. Diverse arthropod communities are vital contributors health resilience, therefore valuable indicators assess evaluate forestry measures. Monospecific stands fir reduced beetle abundance compared beech, exceeding negative effects spruce. These were more pronounced herbivorous beetles, while they less strong predators. Beetle monospecific had low richness. with high dissimilarity between local (turnover, i.e. beta diversity) total at landscape scale (gamma diversity). Mixtures generally mitigated conifers, shifts beech. Synthesis applications : occurrence showed undesirable as a shifted mixed specifically admixed did not reduce turnover landscape‐scale diversity. line recent studies other taxa, conclude but plantations, can potentially serve compromise conservational interests.

Language: Английский

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Tree-cover dynamics in a rapidly urbanising tropical mega-city – are trees of greater biodiversity and ecosystem service value less likely to be lost?

Urban forestry & urban greening, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 128669 - 128669

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Biodiversity Change in Cultural Landscapes—The Rural Hotspot Hypothesis

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT A dramatic decrease of biodiversity is currently questioning human‐environment interactions that have shaped ecosystems over thousands years. In old cultural landscapes Central and East European (CEE) countries, a vast species decline has been reported for various taxa although intensive land cultivation reduced in favor agroecological transformation, nature conservation sustainable management the past 30 Thus, recent history, agricultural intensification cannot solely be discussed as major driver controlling biodiversity. landscapes, we state drivers pressures mainly emerge from backyards rural settlements act interconnected hotspots therefore form an ecological metapopulation which small‐scale backyard habitats are capable preserving exchanging pools historical landscape. We further argue shifting sociocultural norms significantly affecting survival source populations drastically limit their dispersal pathways, triggers degradation times. Pressures shift, landscape decoupling, structural homogenization, use technology agrochemicals identified negatively preservation, particularly surrounding Spatiotemporal dimensions involving material fluxes, exchange retention, alternation site conditions, local genetic adaptation delineated different features, including building structures, gardens, lawns, paved grounds. Finally, propose future research agenda to quantify effects trends followed patterns altered dynamics. give example on satellite time series remotely map reveal significant spatiotemporal induced by human behavior may lead new socioecological perception stimulate actions shape dynamics emerging settlements.

Language: Английский

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Radio‐tracking urban breeding birds: The importance of native vegetation

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 35(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Abstract As urban areas continue to expand globally, a deeper understanding of the functioning green spaces is crucial for maintaining habitats that effectively support wildlife within our cities. Cities typically harbor wide variety nonnative vegetation, providing limited insect populations. The resulting scarcity arthropods has been increasingly linked adverse effects at higher trophic levels, such as reduced reproductive success insectivorous birds in environments. However, responses by which breeding cope with challenges food limitation remain largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, Central European city, we employed radiotelemetry tracking and real‐time observations on urban‐breeding female great tits' habitat use, combined detailed plant surveys video recordings nestlings' diet. This integrated approach enabled us establish direct links between foraging behavior, vegetation preferences, nestling We found besides tree canopies, tits also frequently foraged ground availability bird feeders notably affected birds' use. Foraging generally avoided plants, particularly broadleaved species. When searching food, were most time‐efficient conifers, albeit these trees provided low amounts caterpillars (a preferred prey type). Great more likely forage deliver from large native less collected fewer items abundant Our results underscore importance several factors may help improve quality birds, preserving increasing diverse being key elements endeavor.

Language: Английский

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Exploring plant volatile-mediated interactions between native and introduced plants and insects

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Sept. 14, 2022

Abstract In invasion scenarios, native and introduced species co-occur creating new interactions modifying existing ones. Many plant–plant plant–insect are mediated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), however, these have seldom been studied in an context. To fill this knowledge gap, we explored some VOCs between plants insects a New Zealand system. We investigated whether plant, Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka), changes its profile when grown adjacent to two European plants, Calluna vulgaris (heather) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom), semi-field trial using potted without above- or below-ground physical contact. also the influence of plant cues on host-searching behaviour beetles, Pyronota festiva (mānuka beetle), biocontrol agent Lochmaea suturalis (heather offering them their host-plant non-host volatiles versus clean air, combination Y-tube olfactometer. As follow-up, performed preference/feeding tests Petri dishes with fresh material. Results experiment show significant reduction green leaf volatiles, sesquiterpenes total emissions mānuka neighbouring heather. assays, beetle P. poorly discriminating host based only. However, it relatively well dish tests, where other (i.e., visual, gustatory tactile) were present. contrast, L. showed high host-specificity both assays. This study illustrates importance mediating species, suggesting that invasive can disrupt plants’ communication affect insects. It reinforces relevance regular testing weed agents avoid unwanted shifts host-range expansion.

Language: Английский

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The ecological role of native‐plant landscaping in residential yards to birds during the nonbreeding period

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Abstract Residential yards are a form of urban land use that cover considerable amount area in cities worldwide and provide important habitat for wildlife, especially when landscaped with native plants. Nevertheless, most native‐plant landscaping wildlife research the northern temperate regions world has been conducted during spring summer breeding period, leaving gap our understanding importance residential plants as habitats animals nonbreeding period. To fill this gap, we quantified ecological role native‐landscaped to avifauna throughout Greater Los Angeles (LA), California, winter which is time year region hosts high abundance diversity migratory resident birds. We surveyed birds features from October March 2020 2021 at 22 pairs native‐ non‐native‐landscaped plus 10 additional yards. had three objectives study. First, compared avifaunal communities, including feeding nonfeeding behaviors, between Second, relationships bird richness, abundance, behaviors—focusing on species affiliated or natural terrestrial ecosystems region. Third, documented behaviors by non‐native Native‐landscaped greater trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, higher elements, leaf litter bare‐ground cover. Bird richness abundance—especially tree‐ shrub‐dominated ecosystems—were than Further, supported numbers birds, individuals focusing their foraging distinct trees Quercus spp. (oak), Heteromeles (toyon), Arctostaphylos (manzanita), Salvia (sage). Our results suggest period viable approach residents if improving conditions annual cycle goal.

Language: Английский

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