Patchy indirect effects of predation: predators contribute to landscape heterogeneity and ecosystem function via localized pathways

Oikos, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2023(10)

Published: Aug. 17, 2023

Predators are widely recognized for their irreplaceable roles in influencing the abundance and traits of lower trophic levels. also have shaping community interactions ecological processes via highly localized pathways (i.e. effects with well‐defined measurable spatio–temporal boundaries), irrespective influence on prey density or behavior. We synthesized empirical theoretical research describing how predators – particularly medium‐ large‐sized carnivores indirect confined to discrete landscape patches, we termed ‘patchy (PIEs) predation'. generate PIEs three main pathways: generating distributing carcasses, creating hotspots by concentrating nutrients derived from prey, killing ecosystem engineers that create patches. In each pathway, limited areas spatial temporal boundaries patches). Our synthesis reveals diverse complex ways indirectly affect other species ranging mediating scavenger parasite/disease transmission risk, altering biogeochemistry facilitating local biodiversity. provide basic guidelines these can be quantified at patch scales, discuss predator‐mediated patches ultimately contribute heterogeneity functioning. Whereas density‐ trait‐mediated predation generally occur through population‐scale changes, individual‐ patch‐level pathways. provides a more holistic view functional role ecosystems addressing patchy landscapes pathways, addition behavior

Language: Английский

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Disentangling the Anacondas: Revealing a New Green Species and Rethinking Yellows

Diversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(2), P. 127 - 127

Published: Feb. 16, 2024

Anacondas, genus Eunectes, are a group of aquatic snakes with wide distribution in South America. The taxonomic status several species has been uncertain and/or controversial. Using genetic data from four recognized anaconda across nine countries, this study investigates the phylogenetic relationships within Eunectes. A key finding was identification two distinct clades Eunectes murinus, revealing as cryptic yet genetically deeply divergent. This led to recognition Northern Green Anaconda separate (Eunectes akayima sp. nov), its southern counterpart (E. murinus), Southern Anaconda. Additionally, our challenge current understanding Yellow by proposing unification deschauenseei and beniensis into single notaeus. reclassification is based on comprehensive phylogeographic analyses, suggesting closer than previously realization that their geographic ranges insufficient justify use separation criterion. We also present hypothesis traces Miocene diversification anacondas western Beyond academic significance, vital implications for conservation these iconic reptile species, highlighting lack knowledge about diversity American fauna need revised strategies conserve newly identified reclassified species.

Language: Английский

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Conserving the evolutionary history of birds

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 37(6)

Published: July 10, 2023

In the midst of sixth mass extinction, limited resources are forcing conservationists to prioritize which species and places will receive conservation action. Evolutionary distinctiveness measures isolation a on its phylogenetic tree. Combining species' evolutionary with globally endangered status creates an EDGE score. We use scores that should be managed conserve bird history. analyzed all birds in countries important areas. examined parrots, raptors, seabirds depth because these groups especially threatened relatively speciose. The three focal had greater median history than other taxa, making them for conserving Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar, New Zealand, Philippines were critical they most endemic seabirds. Increased enforcement international agreements is needed protect hundreds millions years Decisive action required into Anthropocene.

Language: Английский

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Movement of avian predators points to biodiversity hotspots in agricultural landscape

Royal Society Open Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Global agricultural landscapes are witnessing a concerning decline in biodiversity, and this trend is predicted to persist. To safeguard these biodiversity-rich areas, it crucial pinpoint hotspots effectively. In doing so, we used various species of avian predators as suitable sentinel animals due their mobility dependence on prey diversity abundance. Between 2019 2021, tracked 62 individuals from four bird using GPS loggers Estonian farmland. Dividing the study area into 50 m grids overlaying them with individuals' locations enabled us differentiate between activity control sites. We conducted surveys amphibian, bird, small mammal plant abundance determine if predator correlated overall biodiversity. Our findings revealed significantly higher surveyed groups within compared These continued be frequently by raptors subsequent year, albeit not two years later. conclusion, multispecies telemetry emerges an objective, dependable spatially accurate biodiversity indicator. With accumulation movement data, anticipate increased interest adoption approach monitoring.

Language: Английский

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Time for a paradigm shift? Small carnivores' sensitivity highlights the importance of monitoring mid‐rank predators in future global change studies

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 93(2), P. 126 - 131

Published: Jan. 18, 2024

Abstract Research Highlight : Jachowski, D. S., Marneweck, C. J., Olfenbuttel, C., & Harris, S. N. (2024). Support for the size‐mediated sensitivity hypothesis within a diverse carnivore community. Journal of Animal Ecology , https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.13916 . A current paradigm in ecological research suggests that top predators are suitable sentinel species to identify ecosystem dysfunctions and monitor effects climate change. However, adequacy systematically take this function may be mistakenly inferred or unintentionally conflated from fact these regarded as biodiversity indicators keystone, umbrella flagship most ecosystems. Regarding terrestrial mammalian carnivores (order Carnivora), some researchers recently suggested smaller likely possess higher environmental changes than large because their biological attributes intermediate position food webs. To test hypothesis, Jachowski et al. (2024) used camera trapping followed by occupancy structural equation modelling explore dynamics community factors influence them. Their results confirmed small more sensitive habitat interconnected greater number significant pathways compared with larger carnivores. This support strengthens proposition (and other mid‐rank predators) ideal monitoring wide range contemporary future changes. Time will tell whether new ‘middle‐out ecology’ considered global change studies.

Language: Английский

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Gyrfalcon Prey Abundance and Their Habitat Associations in a Changing Arctic

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

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Arctic habitats are changing rapidly and altering trophic webs ecosystem functioning. Understanding how species' abundances distributions differ among is important in predicting future species shifts trophic‐web consequences. We aimed to determine the habitat–abundance relationships for three small herbivores on Seward Peninsula of Alaska, USA by fitting data from 983 point counts (collected during 2019, 2021, 2022) with N‐mixture models that account imperfect detection. These herbivore species, Willow Ptarmigan ( Lagopus lagopus ), Rock L. muta ground squirrels Urocitellus parryii) , fundamental tundra food webs, primary prey raptors including Gyrfalcons Falco rusticolus ). Second, we map densities within Gyrfalcon breeding territories. Third, evaluate whether were more likely occupy territories higher using a multi‐season occupancy model coupled observations helicopter surveys conducted 2016–2022 at 97 found male abundant areas greater cover tundra, tall shrubs, tussock tundra. Conversely, sparse vegetation elevations low shrubs. widespread territories, whereas had patchier few high abundance. Lastly, squirrels. As Artic continues warm, may be vulnerable ongoing shrub encroachment, benefit. By tying occupancy, our results contribute understanding potential impacts levels this web.

Language: Английский

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Multidimensional niche partitioning allows coexistence of multiple snake species

Journal of Zoology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 9, 2025

Abstract Investigations on resource use by predators are important for understanding the mechanisms of biological coexistence. Although time, habitat, and diet considered three major dimensions niche partitioning, studies that comprehensively investigate these in predator guilds limited. Snakes one whose populations have been reported to be declining worldwide. While has as a fundamental variable allows snakes coexist, importance spatiotemporal resources also noted especially temperate regions. To clarify coexistence terrestrial snakes, we assessed partitioning patterns Sado Island, Japanese island rich snake species, from perspectives dietary resources. Specifically, investigated daily seasonal occurrences temporal niches, landscape‐level distribution spatial niche, stomach content niche. We found all occurred among species island. Daily occurrence was partitioned into groups: completely diurnal, nocturnal, active during both periods. Seasonal widely spring autumn, mainly summer, autumn. Distribution two distributed lowlands even mountainous areas. Food habits were rodents, frogs, earthworms main prey, respectively. Our results provide empirical evidence can coexist through multidimensional an force Furthermore, suggest subtle differences along axes, conservation variety rather than single will increase diversity local snakes.

Language: Английский

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Global assessment of ecosystem services and disservices associated with owls

Ecosystem Services, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 72, P. 101707 - 101707

Published: March 4, 2025

Language: Английский

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No effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on predatory fish abundance in the Caño Island Biological Reserve, Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean

Regional Studies in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 104107 - 104107

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic Disturbance Mediates Trophic Niche Overlap Between Sympatric Generalist Predators

Integrative Zoology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 28, 2025

Abstract Human activities generally increase trophic overlap in predator guilds through resource subsidies, whereas the effects on whether sympatric species or separate their niches are context‐dependent. Mesocarnivores (order Carnivora, Mammalia) often adaptive and tolerant to human activities, allowing them establish populations human‐modified landscapes. Here, we examined how niche overlaps between wide‐ranging mesocarnivores, red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) martens (genus Martes ), influenced by geo‐environmental anthropogenic factors, using a systematic literature review meta‐analysis at Eurasian continental scale. We hypothesized that extent of would areas with greater disturbance less productive environments associated availability. included total 35 publications 76 observations from Europe Japan then calculated relative overlap. Their were relatively high because they shared common resources, such as small mammals, invertebrates, fruits. Contrary our predictions, multivariate statistical modeling demonstrated declined increasing decreasing vegetative Our findings indicate disturbances forced use separate, potentially due depletion land modifications intense vegetated habitats moderated direct indirect competition. Based these results, conclude patterns interactions largely depend spatiotemporal availabilities. suggest maintaining regional abundance is crucial for successful sympatry competing carnivores balancing stable intraguild

Language: Английский

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