Indigenous‐led research on traditional territories highlights the impacts of forestry harvest practices on culturally important plants

Earth stewardship., Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 2(1)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Abstract Indigenous knowledge and governance are critical to successful conservation Peoples' ability live sustainably on their lands. However, various industrial land use practices impact the value traditional resources these lands provide. Here, we evaluated effects of harvest, glyphosate application, fire 51 edible medicinal plant species identified by Peoples in western boreal forest Canada, a landscape rapid industrialized change. We collected vegetation data between 2007 2020 used linear models machine learning model richness abundance species. Glyphosate application harvest best explained Despite our models' indication that were higher harvested treated study sites, detailed qualitative based local suggest forestry negatively impacted plants. Importantly, plants areas with unsuitable for human consumption exhibited abnormal color flavor presentations. Concerns over access increasingly important as impacts continue expand globally. Thus, hope this Indigenous‐led design leveraging both quantitative can result partnerships better reflect environmental concerns Peoples.

Language: Английский

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Camera trapping in ecology: A new section for wildlife research

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(3)

Published: March 1, 2023

Ecological research is undergoing a substantial transformation. Camera trapping—"capturing" photograph remotely, allowing observation of wildlife separately from the observer—has been around for over century. However, it emerged as substantive mode sampling occurrence only about three decades ago (Kucera & Barrett, 2011; O'Connell et al., 2011) and now rapidly improving innovating, changing face ecology (Burton 2015). With repeated made possible across space time, limited by logistics resources, observations can be gathered analyzed at unprecedented spatial temporal scales. engineering relatively inexpensive camera models that do not require costly support systems (such those needed satellite telemetry), traps also serve to democratize research. trapping has consequently spread global south developing countries (Agha 2018; Cremonesi 2021; Galindo-Aguilar 2022). Many private citizens run their own traps; networking these citizen scientists have yielded great insights will continue so (McShea 2016). are being employed Indigenous peoples ask questions on traditional territories (Artelle Fisher 2021), an important step towards meeting principles United Nations Declaration Rights Peoples (Gilbert, 2007). Camera-trap spans ecological hierarchy, with applications animal behavior (Caravaggi 2017, 2020) such diel activity (Frey 2017; Rowcliffe 2014), populations (Bischof 2020; Gardner 2010), species' distributions (Rich Tobler 2015), communities (Ahumada Wittische 2021). adequate inferential logic analysis, more complex processes species interactions discerned (Beirne Clare 2016; Niedballa 2019). The field rich planting seeds new ideas. In fact, though largely used mammals, expanding taxonomically include vegetation (Seyednasrollah 2019; Sun herptiles (Moore Welbourne 2020), avifauna (Jachowski 2015; Murphy 2018). Software advanced in-step hardware. Converting images numerical data easier custom software, much open-source (Greenberg Young Processes automatic identification developed greatly speed up image classification process "big data" (Duggan Shepley Conceptual advances, frameworks understanding how detections sample underlying processes, paving way sophisticated (Glover-Kapfer Hofmeester Tremendous discoveries lay in future. Networking arrays different landscapes—even globally, similar weather networks (Steenweg 2017)—will allow macroecological scale never before (Chen 2022; Magle Rich 2017). Notwithstanding, await small focal studies too—these foundations inference. We endeavors Ecology Evolution's section Trapping Ecology. journal's mandate author-friendly, without gatekeeping assessments importance barrier, makes us place welcomes both small-scale autecological large-scale syntheses. This philosophy help authors work read scientific community—we believe this Section goal. first volume featured its camera-trapping study (Fisher 2011), paper desk-rejected several other journals "interesting but improbable" among fare. Editorial team gave chance, 100 citations later, continues stimulate debate (Stuber Fontaine, Since then, we published s camera-trap studies. eagerly anticipating many papers dedicated Section, Evolution plans forefront proliferation research, platform thought debate. Jason Thomas Fisher: Conceptualization (equal); writing – original draft (equal). None. No available.

Language: Английский

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Characterizing Sparse Spectral Diversity Within a Homogenous Background: Hydrocarbon Production Infrastructure in Arctic Tundra near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska

Remote Sensing, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(2), P. 244 - 244

Published: Jan. 11, 2025

We explore a new approach for the parsimonious, generalizable, efficient, and potentially automatable characterization of spectral diversity sparse targets in spectroscopic imagery. The focuses on pixels which are not well modeled by linear subpixel mixing Substrate, Vegetation Dark (S, V, D) endmember spectra dominate variance most Earth’s land surface. illustrate using AVIRIS-3 imagery anthropogenic surfaces (primarily hydrocarbon extraction infrastructure) embedded background Arctic tundra near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Computational experiments further sensitivity to spatial resolution. Analysis involves two stages: first, computing mixture residual generalized model; second, nonlinear dimensionality reduction via manifold learning. Anthropogenic lakeshore sediments successfully isolated from background. Dependence resolution is observed, with substantial degradation topology as images blurred 5 m native ground sampling distance simulated 30 projected instantaneous field view hypothetical spaceborne sensor. Degrading mimicking Sentinel-2A MultiSpectral Imager (MSI) also results loss information but less severe than blurring. These inform varying

Language: Английский

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Indigenous‐Led Analysis of Important Subsistence Species Response to Resource Extraction

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: March 28, 2025

ABSTRACT Subsistence hunting, or “country food,” on traditional territories is essential for numerous Indigenous Peoples who face food insecurity. For many First Nations of Canada, subsistence hunting also inextricably linked to conservation practices, as an important way engaging with nature. In Canada's boreal forest, large game such moose ( Alces alces ) a primary source protein. However, resource extraction—including forestry and oil gas—has shifted distributions affected the availability abundance resources. Here, authors designed study processed remote camera trap data, then sought out Western scientists generate generalized linear models evaluate habitat use spatial‐numerical responses possible stressors in north‐central Alberta, including fire, harvest, gas extraction, other disturbances. Together, through coproduction knowledge, we examined effects human‐caused by sex age class. The proportion various land cover types human extraction was use. Notably, male, female, young all used differently at different spatial scales. (with their mothers) strongly selected natural forest disturbances burned areas but avoided human‐created petroleum exploration “seismic” lines. Female attempts maximize forage opportunities do not human‐disturbed forests same ways they naturally disturbed areas. Our findings, context interpretation from cameras community insights, have disturbance declines densities displacement grounds. Evaluating predicting shifts critical supporting security sovereignty identifying where industries operating lands can better engage responsibly Nations.

Language: Английский

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A Framework for Doing Things in a Good Way: Insights on Mshiikenh (Freshwater Turtle) Conservation Through Weaving Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge in Whitefish River First Nation

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(5)

Published: May 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Co‐developed conservation programs for Species At‐Risk, created in partnership between Indigenous Nations and non‐Indigenous researchers, represent a vital shift toward effective species recovery strategies that are culturally respectful contribute to reconciliation within the natural sciences. By weaving together diverse knowledge systems prioritizing laws, values, community priorities, these collaborations aim restore at‐risk populations prevent extirpation—a task of increasing urgency amid global biodiversity decline. As similar partnerships gain momentum across Canada, it is critical reflect on approaches honor perspectives actively avoid historical harms associated with colonial research practices lands. This paper draws insights from community‐driven initiative at Whitefish River First Nation, or Wiigwaaskingaa (Elder Arthur McGregor baa, 2000), Northern Mnidoo Gamii (Georgian Bay), Ontario, where members researchers co‐developed mshiikenh (freshwater turtle) project. We present this as chance our iterative collaborative process, its challenges, successes, key lessons learned. focus six themes meaningful collaboration: co‐developing project objectives, honoring respecting data sovereignty, journey learning unlearning, focusing community‐guided trajectory, promoting tangible outcomes. highlighting specific examples Nation's project, we demonstrate value community‐engaged pathway forward At‐Risk Canada beyond.

Language: Английский

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A synthetic review of terrestrial biological research from the Alberta oil sands region: 10 years of published literature

Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 18(2), P. 388 - 406

Published: Sept. 12, 2021

In the past decade, a large volume of peer-reviewed papers has examined potential impacts oil and gas resource extraction in Canadian sands (OS). A proportion focuses on terrestrial biology: wildlife, birds, vegetation. We provide qualitative synthesis condition environment region (OSR) from 2009 to 2020 identify gaps progress cumulative effects assessments. Our objectives were (1) qualitatively synthesize critically review knowledge OSR; (2) consistent trends generalizable conclusions; (3) pinpoint need greater monitoring or research effort. visualize foci by allocating conceptual model for OS. Despite recent increase publications, focus remained concentrated few key stressors, especially landscape disturbance, taxa interest. Stressor response is well represented, but direct pathways (linkages between stressors responses) limited. Important include understanding at multiple spatial scales, mammal health monitoring, focused local resources important Indigenous communities, geospatial coverage availability, including higher attribute resolution human footprint, comprehensive land cover mapping, up-to-date LiDAR coverage. Causal attribution based proximity operations orientation common may be limited strength inference that it provides. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:388-406. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment Management published Wiley Periodicals LLC behalf Society Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Language: Английский

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Native prey, not landscape change or novel prey, drive cougar (Puma concolor) distribution at a boreal forest range edge

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(4)

Published: April 1, 2024

Abstract Many large carnivores, despite widespread habitat alteration, are rebounding in parts of their former ranges after decades persecution and exploitation. Cougars ( Puma concolor ) apex predator with remaining northern core range constricted to mountain landscapes areas western North America; however, cougar populations have recently started several locations across America, including northward boreal forest landscapes. A camera‐trap survey multiple Alberta, Canada, delineated a edge; within this region, we deployed an array 47 camera traps random stratified design landscape spanning gradient anthropogenic development relative the predicted expansion front. We completed hypotheses information‐theoretic framework determine if occurrence is best explained by natural land cover features, or competitor prey activity. that features from resource extraction invading white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virgianius explain distribution at edge. Counter our predictions, activity native prey, predominantly snowshoe hare Lepus americanus ), was predictor Small‐bodied items particularly important for female sub‐adult cougars may support breeding individuals northeast forest. Also, counter there not strong relationship detected between gray wolf Canis lupus However, further investigation recommended as possibility into multi‐prey system, where wolves been controlled, could negative consequences conservation goals region (e.g. recovery woodland caribou [ Rangifer tarandus ]). Our study highlights need monitor contemporary distributions inform management objectives carnivores recover America.

Language: Английский

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Grey wolves (Canis lupus) shift selection of anthropogenic landscape features following predator control in the Nearctic boreal forest

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 296, P. 110677 - 110677

Published: June 15, 2024

Language: Английский

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A mixed‐methods assessment of human‐elephant conflict in the Western Okavango Panhandle, Botswana

People and Nature, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5(2), P. 557 - 571

Published: Feb. 5, 2023

Abstract Human‐wildlife conflict, where interactions have negative impacts on both people and animals, is complex with underlying drivers broad ecological social impacts. From individual incidents perceptions, to contemporary patterns long‐term trends, a range of information about human‐wildlife conflict can help understand manage challenges. However, many studies focus single data type or spatiotemporal scale. In the Western Okavango Panhandle in Botswana, rural farming communities share compete for resources growing African savanna elephant population. Few previous focused this region. We assessed trends human‐elephant using reported (2008–2016), surveys perceptions encompassing late 1990s–2016, detailed field raid assessments from 2016. found complementary among types at different geographic spatial scales. that number annual HEC increased over time, although not evenly across space, increases primarily northern region Panhandle. Crop raiding presents chronic acute challenges farmers, amount damage incurred per incident largely dependent size group involved rather than factors within farmers' control such as guarding crops grown. Our results provide characterization despite scarce historical data. Combining reporting assessment surveyed local knowledge offered multidimensional understanding was lacking. It an important precursor effective collaborative management mitigation. When possible, mixed‐methods approach may facilitate support diverse stakeholders conflict‐related Read free Plain Language Summary article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Integration of aerial surveys and resource selection analysis indicates human land use supports boreal deer expansion

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 33(1)

Published: Aug. 21, 2022

Landscape change is a driver of global biodiversity loss. In the western Nearctic, petroleum exploration and extraction major contributor to landscape change, with concomitant effects on large mammal populations. One those continued expansion invasive white-tailed deer populations into boreal forest, ramifications for whole ecosystem. We explored resource selection within oil sands region forest using novel application aerial ungulate survey (AUS) data. Deer locations from AUS were "used" points together randomly allocated "available" informed in relation variables forest. created candidate set generalized linear models representing competing hypotheses about role natural features, harvesting, cultivation, roads, features. ranked these an information-theoretic framework. A combination anthropogenic features best explained selection. strongly selected seismic lines other associated extraction, likely as movement corridors subsidies. Forest harvesting important contributors parts range, not here. Stemming conserve native ungulates maintain key predator-prey processes will require management restore widespread crossing vast region.

Language: Английский

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