Climate‐Driven Vegetation Characteristics Shape Phytophagous and Carnivorous Insect Diversity in South African Savannahs DOI
Fernando P. Gaona, Sylvain Delabye, Pavel Potocký

и другие.

Journal of Biogeography, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Дек. 31, 2024

ABSTRACT Aim Despite the evidenced importance of insects in savannah ecosystems, drivers their diversity patterns remain poorly understood, particularly Afrotropical region. This study addresses part this gap by investigating effects climate, habitat, disturbance and vegetation variables on species richness community composition phytophagous predatory South African savannahs. Location Kruger National Park (KNP), Africa. Taxon Phytophagous (moths) carnivorous (mantises). Methods Moths mantises were light‐trapped 60 plots distributed across KNP during two seasons. Direct indirect environmental insect analysed using structural equation models, through distance‐based redundancy analyses (db‐RDA). Results Based an extensive dataset 65,593 moth individuals representing 817 3511 mantis 38 species, we identified plant communities as primary driver structure for both groups. The indirectly shaped mean temperature (negatively correlated with precipitation), its richness. Additionally, a complex interplay among bedrock type, water availability from large herbivores further diversity. Main Conclusions Our findings highlight critical role determining ecosystems. We also confirmed region's vulnerability to climate change, decreasing precipitation increasing temperatures alter biomass, consequently affecting communities. Effective conservation strategies should focus managing maintain diverse vegetation, which is crucial supporting Priority be given balancing intensity, preserving health rivers surroundings, mitigate adverse change these

Язык: Английский

The crossroads of tradition and modern technology: integrative approaches to studying carnivores in low density ecosystems DOI Creative Commons
Genevieve E. Finerty, Natalia Borrego,

Sky K. Alibhai

и другие.

Frontiers in Conservation Science, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 5

Опубликована: Июнь 7, 2024

The study of large carnivores in semi-arid ecosystems presents inherent challenges due to their low densities, extensive home ranges, and elusive nature. We explore the potential for synthesis traditional knowledge (i.e. art tracking) modern technology address conservation wildlife research these challenging environments. Our focuses on African lion ( Panthera leo ) Central Kalahari region Botswana as a model system demonstrate this integrative approach. Combining GPS tracking San trackers’ expertise, we present two case studies: (1) individual identification lions via combination footprint analysis (2) monitoring territorial behavior through collars handheld devices) non-invasive tracking. These approaches enhance our understanding carnivore ecology well support efforts by offering non-invasive, cost-effective, highly accurate means populations. findings underscore value merging skills with contemporary analytical technological developments offer new insights into This approach not only improves data collection accuracy efficiency but also fosters deeper wildlife, ensuring sustainable management species. work advocates inclusion indigenous science, highlighting its relevance applicability across various disciplines, thereby broadening methodologies used monitor populations, inform strategies.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

1

Storable, neglected, and underutilized species of Southern Africa for greater agricultural resilience DOI Creative Commons
Daniel J. Winstead, Michael Jacobson

Plant-Environment Interactions, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 5(4)

Опубликована: Авг. 1, 2024

The Southern African region suffers from drought and food system uncertainty with increased risks due to climate change, natural disasters, global catastrophes. Increasing crop diversity more appropriate resilient crops is an effective way of increasing resilience. We focus on species that are native or naturalized area because their resilience than those not naturally occurring. Additionally, easily stored useful in times disaster. In this systematic review, we use scientific interest neglected underutilized (NUS) Africa help define next steps toward cultivation development as a marketable crop. found although minimal for storable NUS, these worth scaling up economic nutritional value. outline actionable specific NUS production agrobiodiverse agriculture system.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0

Climate‐Driven Vegetation Characteristics Shape Phytophagous and Carnivorous Insect Diversity in South African Savannahs DOI
Fernando P. Gaona, Sylvain Delabye, Pavel Potocký

и другие.

Journal of Biogeography, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Дек. 31, 2024

ABSTRACT Aim Despite the evidenced importance of insects in savannah ecosystems, drivers their diversity patterns remain poorly understood, particularly Afrotropical region. This study addresses part this gap by investigating effects climate, habitat, disturbance and vegetation variables on species richness community composition phytophagous predatory South African savannahs. Location Kruger National Park (KNP), Africa. Taxon Phytophagous (moths) carnivorous (mantises). Methods Moths mantises were light‐trapped 60 plots distributed across KNP during two seasons. Direct indirect environmental insect analysed using structural equation models, through distance‐based redundancy analyses (db‐RDA). Results Based an extensive dataset 65,593 moth individuals representing 817 3511 mantis 38 species, we identified plant communities as primary driver structure for both groups. The indirectly shaped mean temperature (negatively correlated with precipitation), its richness. Additionally, a complex interplay among bedrock type, water availability from large herbivores further diversity. Main Conclusions Our findings highlight critical role determining ecosystems. We also confirmed region's vulnerability to climate change, decreasing precipitation increasing temperatures alter biomass, consequently affecting communities. Effective conservation strategies should focus managing maintain diverse vegetation, which is crucial supporting Priority be given balancing intensity, preserving health rivers surroundings, mitigate adverse change these

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0