Showing papers in "Hystrix-italian Journal of Mammalogy in 2016"
TL;DR: A meta-analysis of the published literature to review the history of the use of SDMs in bat research and their application in conservation, climate change assessments and genetic studies concludes that despite an increase in bat SDM studies, their scope and application can be further enhanced through incorporating dispersal, landscape connectivity and biotic interactions between bats, their prey and their pathogens.
Abstract: Species distribution models (SDMs) offer an effective tool for identifying species conservation requirements and forecasting how global environmental changes will affect species diversity and distribution. This approach is particularly relevant for bats because their nocturnal behaviour hinders detectability and identification in flight. Despite their important contribution to global biodiversity and wide geographical ranges, bats have been under-represented in early SDM studies, and only in the last few years has this approach become more widely used in bat research. We carried out a meta-analysis of the published literature to review the history of the use of SDMs in bat research and their application in conservation, climate change assessments and genetic studies. We focus on the geographical coverage, theme and modelling algorithm of published studies, and compare studies that are uniquely dedicated to bats to multi-taxa studies that include bats. We provide recommendations for good modelling practices through considering spatial scale and spatial biases, selecting ecologically relevant variables, following rigorous modelling protocols, and recognising the limitations of extrapolation across temporal scales. We suggest future developments that will further favour the use of SDMs to study bat ecology and biogeography, as well as inform conservation management. We conclude that despite an increase in bat SDM studies, their scope and application can be further enhanced through incorporating dispersal, landscape connectivity and biotic interactions between bats, their prey and their pathogens. Click here to access supplementary files
49 citations
TL;DR: A strong species–specific response to climate change is emphasized, which could also affect invasive species by making them less competitive, therefore potentially leading to a retreat from the invaded ranges.
Abstract: Assessing invasion risk by alien organisms implies evaluating the likelihood of successful establishment and spread once they are accidentally or deliberately introduced. The importance of implementing accurate risk–assessment procedures is further stressed by the evidence that ongoing climate change can promote invasion processes, from initial introduction through establishment and spread. Although squirrels are considered powerful invaders with well–documented negative impacts on biodiversity and human activities, there is a noticeable gap of comprehensive investigations specifically focused on this group, especially as far as the effect of climate change on worldwide invasion risk is concerned. In this study we predicted current and 2070 potential distributions of eight squirrel species with a SDM–based framework, also detecting current potential hotspots of invasion and evaluating how these could be modified by climate change in 2070. SDM predicted the eight species to potentially occur in large areas worldwide (12.12% to 39.23% of the mainland), with 70 to 129 countries vulnerable to a potential invasion. Model projections over the 2070 climate change scenarios predicted five to seven squirrel species undergoing an increase in their future potential distribution in non–native ranges. Current hotspots of potential invasion were predicted to occur in southeastern Asia, northeastern Australia, tropical Africa and South America, as well as Central and North America. Projections to 2070 showed most of the hotspots of invasion to remain substantially stable in terms of number of potential invasive species, regardless of the scenario. The most relevant increase/reduction in extent of species distribution and in the number of potential invasive species in invasiveness hotspots were predicted for 2070 under the most severe scenarios. We emphasize a strong species–specific response to climate change, which could also affect invasive species by making them less competitive, therefore potentially leading to a retreat from the invaded ranges.
43 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used eco-geographical variables trialled to build a Maxent model for focal bat species in southern Africa and found that 80% of the variables were derived from the environment.
Abstract: Table S1 Seventy-six eco-geographical variables trialled to build Maxent model for
focal bat species in southern Africa.
39 citations
TL;DR: The creation of a new habitat, such as the reforestation, might influence the interactions among some species and apparently, could reduce interspecific competition and thus contribute to their co-existence at the study zone though niche differentiation in time and space.
Abstract: To mitigate deforestation effects, reforestation programs with native and/or exotic species have been implemented in the Colombian Andes, but little is known about how such reforestations affect wildlife. Using camera-traps, we studied the species richness, activity patterns, and habitat use of middle and large mammals in two adjacent forests, a native forest and a Eucalyptus grandis reforestation located at the Colombian Central Andes. Since the two forests were adjacent, we expected no differences between species richness in the two forests. The reforestation was a monoculture and an artificial ecosystem, thus we expected differences in activity and habitat use by mammals in the two forest types. We did not find significant differences in the species richness between the forests. The activity of Sciurus granatensis and Mazama rufina was influenced by the time of the day, and there was a temporal and spatial segregation among the soil forager species Nasua nasua , Nasuella olivacea and Dasypus novemcinctus . The species N. nasua y D. novemcinctus used the Andean forest more than the reforestation, whereas N. olivacea used the reforestation more. D. novemcinctus and N. olivacea were mainly nocturnal and/or crepuscular, whereas N. nasua was mainly active during daytime. This suggests that the creation of a new habitat, such as the reforestation, might influence the interactions among some species and apparently, could reduce interspecific competition and thus contribute to their co-existence at the study zone though niche differentiation in time and space.
38 citations
TL;DR: Two gap analyses overlapping the network of protected areas present on the island respectively with the occurrence records of all species and the binarized maps obtained from maximum entropy models concluded that all species considered require more extensive protection than is currently granted.
Abstract: Sardinia is home to three bat species of chief conservation importance, the endemic Plecotus sardus as well as Myotis punicus and Rhinolophus mehelyi , for which Sardinia is the Italian stronghold. We carried out two gap analyses overlapping the network of protected areas present on the island respectively with 1) the occurrence records of all species and 2) the binarized maps obtained from maximum entropy models. Unlike the other two species, P. sardus known records are confined to the central sector of the island and its suitable habitat partly overlaps with that of M. punicus but not with R. mehelyi . Due to its uniqueness and restricted range P. sardus requires a very specific management strategy for its protection to be successful. Both analyses led to the conclusion that all species considered require more extensive protection than is currently granted so that urgent measures should be taken to improve the current situation.
34 citations
TL;DR: It is believed that the Italian population of water voles belongs to a distinct species, Arvicola italicus Savi, 1838, with the type locality near Pisa, although a morphological assessment of the entire skull is necessary to define it.
Abstract: We characterized eighteen water voles, Arvicola amphibius (s.l.), from five populations along the Italian peninsula by means of mtDNA cytochrome b (Cytb) sequences. The samples included aquatic voles and one fossorial population from northern Italy. The standard karyotype of four voles from one central Italian population was also analysed and was identical to the one found in other populations outside Italy. Phylogenetic analyses, including vole Cytb haplotypes from the entire range, indicated the existence of a well supported and highly divergent Italian lineage (4.3%), sister to all the other haplotypes. The fossorial voles are not genetically differentiated from the aquatic voles from a nearby population and belong to the same taxon. Given the high Cytb divergence and the results of previous investigations on allozymes and hybrid fertility, we believe that the Italian population of water voles belongs to a distinct species, Arvicola italicus Savi, 1838, with the type locality near Pisa, although a morphological assessment of the entire skull is necessary to define it.
28 citations
TL;DR: This study updated the current knowledge on the distribution and habitat selection patterns of the analysed mammals in the West Sahara-Sahel to identify suitable areas for mammal occurrence, biogeographic affinities among taxa, and local hotspots of species richness.
Abstract: The West Sahara-Sahel is a remote region where knowledge gaps on mammal distribution have hampered accurate local biodiversity assessments and the development of optimised conservation planning in the region. Using a geographical information system and ecological niche-based modelling tools, this study combines high resolution presence data from 22 mammals and environmental factors from the West Sahara-Sahel to identify suitable areas for mammal occurrence, biogeographic affinities among taxa, and local hotspots of species richness. The maximum entropy approach was used to relate environmental factors with mammal distributions and to predict suitable areas of species’ occurrence. Biogeographic groups were defined based on the spatial similarities of predicted distributions. Ecological niches of analysed taxa were summarized through Principal Components Analyses based on topoclimatic and habitat variables. Distributions of most mammals were related with climate and/or habitat features, and some were associated with topography. Suitable areas were predicted mostly within known distributions of mammalian taxa. Low values of niche breadth were estimated for all taxa, indicating a tendency for specialization in the study area. Shared distributional ranges among taxa allowed the identification of five groups with different biogeographic affinities. Most groups occurred in the ecoregions North Saharan steppe and woodlands and Sahelian Acacia savanna, reflecting their availability and stressing the importance of these ecoregions for local mammal conservation. Predicted suitable areas were poorly represented in the current network of protected areas, especially in Mauritania. The southern Mauritanian mountains accumulated most of the studied mammals, but are largely unprotected. This study updated the current knowledge on the distribution and habitat selection patterns of the analysed mammals in the West Sahara-Sahel. The fine scale ecological niche-based models built with high resolution data can be used to identify key-areas for conservation and management, and could be applied to other remote regions and taxonomic groups worldwide.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the factors limiting the distribution of the endangered African wild dog, Lycaon pictus, and determine how biotic interactions and changing climate and land cover will affect future range suitability.
Abstract: Apex predators play an important role in regulating ecological interactions, and therefore their loss can affect biodiversity across trophic levels. Large carnivores have experienced substantial population and range declines across Africa, and future climate change is likely to amplify these threats. Hence it is important to understand how future environmental changes will affect their long-term habitat suitability and population persistence. This study aims to identify the factors limiting the distribution of the endangered African wild dog, Lycaon pictus, and determine how biotic interactions and changing climate and land cover will affect future range suitability. We use Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to predict the current and future distribution of suitable conditions for L. pictus and its dominant competitor Panthera leo . We show that range suitability for L. pictus is limited by climatic and land cover variables, as well as high niche and range overlap with P. leo . Although both species are predicted to experience range contractions under future climate change, L. pictus may benefit from release from the effect of interspecific competition in eastern and central parts of its range. Our study highlights the importance of including land cover variables with corresponding future projections and incorporating the effects of competing species when predicting the future distribution of species whose ranges are not solely limited by climate. We conclude that SDMs can help identify priority areas for the long-term conservation of large carnivores, and therefore should be used to inform adaptive conservation management in face of future climate change.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors carried out an exploratory analysis of European hare abundance in 26 lowland farms in Tuscany, Central-Italy, with similar basic features (large estates with the same game management) but that differ for crops, landscape structure and farming options (organic vs. conventional farming).
Abstract: European hare ( Lepus europaeus ) is a typical species of farmland habitat that has been negatively affected by agricultural intensification and, for this reason, may be considered a good indicator of farmland habitat quality. We carried out an exploratory analysis of hare abundance in 26 lowland farms in Tuscany, Central-Italy, with similar basic features (large estates with the same game management) but that differ for crops, landscape structure and farming options (organic vs. conventional farming). We used multiple regression analysis with theoretic information approach and multi-model inference to evaluate the effect of habitat variables and type of farming on hare abundance. Habitat structure (variety of crops) was the most important factor positively affecting hare abundance. We did not find a benefit of organic farming on this species; on the contrary, the highest hare densities were registered in conventional farms. Our findings suggest that organic farming regulations may fail to provide a sufficient habitat heterogeneity and, consequently, do not enhance wildlife abundance in farmland habitat. Click here to access supplementary files
23 citations
TL;DR: Italian population showed highest genetic variability, if compared to other two European refugia (Iberian and Balkan) and can be in agreement with post-glacial recolonization theories, as well as with the long history of human-mediated translocations of Sus scrofa in the Mediterranean basin.
Abstract: The wild boar, Sus scrofa , is an important game species widely distributed in Eurasia. Whereas the genetic variability of most European wild boar populations is well known, the status of wild boar living in Southern Italy is not as clear. We evaluated the present and past genetic diversity (D-loop, mtDNA) of the South Italian population, comparing it with that observed in other Mediterranean glacial refugia. Italian population showed highest genetic variability, if compared to other two European refugia (Iberian and Balkan). Most of samples from Italy carried sequences belonging to the European E1 haplogroup (80.9%) with a small proportion of the private Italian E2 (10.2%) and of the Asian (8.9%) ones. Italian samples carrying an Asian haplotype were genotyped by MC1R nuclear gene, failing to disclose a recent introgression from domestic pigs. Mismatch distribution analysis of the Italian population was affected by secondary contacts between these different lineages. This genetic melting pot was detected since the Mesolithic and the Neolithic age, during which we found samples belonging to the indigenous Italian and European haplogroups. Further, a Near-Eastern haplotype was found in 1800 AD samples from Southern and Central Italy. Our results can be in agreement with post-glacial recolonization theories, as well as with the long history of human-mediated translocations of Sus scrofa in the Mediterranean basin.
21 citations
TL;DR: A deterministic model of the squirrel system in which the competition and infection dynamics are well understood is modified to produce a stochastic model which includes a realistic representation of the heterogeneous habitat in Southern Scotland.
Abstract: There is increasing evidence that invading species can gain an advantage over native species by introducing novel disease. A clear understanding of the role of disease in the expansion of introduced and invading species is therefore essential for the conservation of native species. In this study we focus on the case study system of the UK red and grey squirrel system in which disease-mediated competition has facilitated the replacement of red squirrels by greys. We modify a deterministic model of the squirrel system in which the competition and infection dynamics are well understood to produce a stochastic model which includes a realistic representation of the heterogeneous habitat in Southern Scotland. The model is used to examine the potential spread of infection (squirrelpox virus) through the squirrel system and to examine the impact of conservation measures that control grey squirrel numbers in an attempt to contain disease spread. The results have direct implications for conservation management and we discuss how they have helped shape current and future policy for red squirrel conservation in Scotland. The methods in this study can be readily adapted to represent different systems and since the stochastic population and disease dynamics are underpinned by classical deterministic modelling frameworks the results are applicable in general.
TL;DR: It is confirmed that wild boars are a potential source of pathogenic Leptospira spp.
Abstract: Wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) is considered a potential source of several viral and bacterial pathogens that represent a risk to humans and other mammals. Among these the spirochete of the genus Leptospira causes Leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic disease. This study investigates the presence of antibodies against pathogenic Leptospira spp. serovars in wild boar in different areas of the Lombardy region (northern Italy) and the risk factors associated with its presence in a specific population. Blood and tissue samples from wild boars were collected from 2008 to 2013 during a wildlife survey. A total of 2101 serum samples were analysed using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) to detect antibodies against Leptospira interrogans sensu lato . Culture isolation and Leptospira DNA detection by PCR were carried out using 189 kidney and 159 urine samples, respectively. Antibodies against 5 serovars were detected in 321 serum samples (15.3 %). Bratislava was the most frequently identified serovar (14.6%; 95% C.I. 13.1–16.2%), followed by Copenhageni (1.48%; 95% C.I. 1.0–2.1%), Grippotyphosa and Pomona (0.48%; 95% C.I. 0.23–0.87%), and Canicola (0.05%; 95% C.I. 0–0.3%). Genotyping by multilocus sequence typing and multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis of a single leptospire isolate confirmed the presence of L. interrogans serovar Bratislava with the same genetic profile as Jez Bratislava. The statistical analyses confirmed the wild boar’s age class as an important risk factor for the seroprevalence of leptospirosis, whereas no effect of wild boar abundance on seroprevalence was observed. In addition, a positive seroprevalence trend was observed, in particular that of Australis Bratislava showed a general increasing pattern over the years. Our results confirmed that wild boars are a potential source of pathogenic Leptospira spp., which can infect humans, domestic animals and other wild animal species in low-density regions, such as those on the Alps.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the spatial distribution in a 10×10 UTM grid square (cells) obtained using TR with their distribution described in the Atlas and Red Book of Spanish Terrestrial Mammals (ARBSTM) for three European ungulate species (wild boar, roe deer and red deer).
Abstract: Traffic reports (TR) about wildlife-vehicle collisions drafted by traffic safety authorities or the departments of transportation constitute a source of information only rarely taken into account in biological studies, but one that could be useful because it is constant, abundant, inexpensive, and has nearly complete territorial coverage in many parts of the world. To assess the usefulness of TR in species distribution for three European ungulate species (wild boar, roe deer and red deer) we compared the spatial distribution in a 10×10 UTM grid square (cells) obtained using TR with their distribution described in the Atlas and Red Book of Spanish Terrestrial Mammals (ARBSTM). The study was carried out in north-central Spain. The results show that TR offers a good complement to the data sources from the ARBSTM, contributing to new distribution sites in insufficiently sampled areas. The average increase in areas inhabited by the species studied was 41.52%. However, TR cannot be used as the sole source of information. Thus, for 35.16% of the positive cells reflected in the ARBSTM there were no reported roadkills. In the mountainous periphery of the study area, with higher population densities of ungulates, the TR method was as good as those used in the ARBSTM in cells with medium road density, but was unable to detect the presence of wildlife in zones with low road density. The repeatability across time in roadkills using TR increased with the level of development of the road network and the percentage of area suitable for the species. However, despite the temporary repeatability demonstrated in the study, the method is not able to differentiate between occasional and stable species presences which could lead to overestimated distributions. Nevertheless, ARBSTM distribution have the same limitation.
TL;DR: In this article, a distribution model of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra ) in Spain was published, based on the results of a countrywide otter survey published in 1998.
Abstract: Species distribution and ecological niche models are increasingly used in biodiversity management and conservation. However, one thing that is important but rarely done is to follow up on the predictive performance of these models over time, to check if their predictions are fulfilled and maintain accuracy, or if they apply only to the set in which they were produced. In 2003, a distribution model of the Eurasian otter ( Lutra lutra ) in Spain was published, based on the results of a country-wide otter survey published in 1998. This model was built with logistic regression of otter presence-absence in UTM 10 km 2 cells on a diverse set of nvironmental, human and spatial variables, selected according to statistical criteria. Here we evaluate this model against the results of the most recent otter survey, carried out a decade later and after a significant expansion of the otter distribution area in this country. Despite the time elapsed and the evident changes in this species’ distribution, the model maintained a good predictive capacity, considering both discrimination and calibration measures. Otter distribution did not expand randomly or simply towards vicinity areas, but specifically towards the areas predicted as most favourable by the model based on data from 10 years before. This corroborates the utility of predictive distribution models, at least in the medium term and when they are made with robust methods and relevant predictor variables.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the process of scaling up population persistence targets to the species level using habitat distribution models, and test their approach in a case study on the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus).
Abstract: Setting operational targets for the protection of species is crucial for identifying conservation priorities and for monitoring conservation actions' effectiveness. The use of quantitative targets for global species conservation has grown in the past ten years as a response to the commitment of reducing extinction rates established by the Convention on Biological Diversity. We reviewed the use of conservation targets in global scale conservation analyses, and found that most of the publications adopted species representation targets, corresponding to an amount of area to be protected. We found no work adequately targeting species' persistence, i.e. the complement to species extinction risk. Despite the adoption of pragmatic population targets, consisting in a number of individuals to be protected, has been recently proposed for global species conservation, the use of these targets at the species level is not always warranted. Pros and cons of using population persistence targets for species conservation have been discussed, yet the fundamental issue of how to scale these targets from populations to species is still unresolved. We discuss the process of 'scaling up' population persistence targets to the species level using habitat distribution models, and test our approach in a case study on the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus). We identified three main steps to be followed: (i) definition of a population target, (ii) characterisation of the species' populations by means of a habitat suitability model, and (iii) definition of a scaled species target. An up-scaled species target should include multiple conditions reflecting species persistence (number, size, location of the populations to be protected), uniqueness (e.g. evolutionary potential) and representativeness (e.g. presence in different ecosystems). Adopting scaled up species persistence targets within conservation planning approaches can allow protected area plans to give the highest contribution to reducing global species extinction risk.
TL;DR: A complex but coherent pattern of size and shape differentiation in Cerdocyon groups is found, consistent with the effects of both competition and Bergmann's rule, which suggests that shape differences serve the goal of reducing competition between Cerdocytes and Lycalopex to the South, as size differences do to the North.
Abstract: In South America, the crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous occurs in sympatry to the ecologically similar, and phylogenetically close Lycalopex vetulus to the North, and Lycalopex gymnocercus to the South of its range. We studied character displacement in Cerdocyon under the effect of Bergmann's rule and the presence (or absence either) of Lycalopex within the crab-eating fox range. We performed skull shape analysis on 191 C. thous specimens and divided them in three distinct groups, depending on whether Cerdocyon occurs in sympatry or in allopatry to Lycalopex species. We tested for differences in size and shape between Cerdocyon groups and regressed both skull size and sexual size dimorphism against latitude and temperature, while controlling for spatial autocorrelation in the phenotypes. Southern Cerdocyon specimens present enlarged temporalis muscle and slender carnassial, both suggestive of a shift towards increased carnivory. Such a niche shift is interpreted as a mean to reduce competition to the larger Lycalopex species, which is still smaller than Cerdocyon . Consistently with the above, the degree of sexual shape and size dimorphism in Cerdocyon increases southward. We found a complex but coherent pattern of size and shape differentiation in Cerdocyon groups, which is consistent with the effects of both competition and Bergmann's rule. Cerdocyon reduces competition to Lycalopex by growing larger in the North. To the South, Cerdocyon is still larger, in keeping with Bergmann's rule, but strongly differs in skull shape from both its Lycalopex competitor and from any other Cerdocyon . Since the Southern Lycalopex species is much more similar in size to Cerdocyon than its Northern congeneric, this suggests that shape differences serve the goal of reducing competition between Cerdocyon and Lycalopex to the South, as size differences do to the North. The absence of the hypercarnivorous canid Speothos venaticus from the southern range of Cerdocyon may have allowed such a pattern to take place.
TL;DR: Results seem to indicate that positive association between home range overlap and relatedness was mainly a consequence of common female philopatry rather than kin-biased tolerance, suggesting that spatial segregation is unlikely to play a role in preventing encounters between kin.
Abstract: Genetic relatedness among individuals can play a major role in the socio-spatial organization of mammals. However, only a few studies have documented kin-related spatial pattern in solitary medium-sized carnivores. Using radiotelemetry and genetic data from 15 individuals (seven males and eight females), we investigated the relationship between kinship and spatial organization (distance and overlap between home ranges) in the European pine marten Martes martes in a wooded area of central Italy. Data analysis included 45 pairs (10 individuals) tracked in spring and summer and 66 pairs (12 individuals) tracked in autumn and winter. Kinship, distance between home ranges and proportion of home range overlap were also compared among inter- and intra-sexual pairs. Spatial distribution of pine martens was affected by genetic relatedness, so that individuals living in close proximity or occupying the same area were also more likely to be closely related. Female pairs had a higher proportion of overlap of their home and core ranges than male pairs. Male pairs were also less related than female and inter-sexual pairs, showing a pattern of space use consistent with male-biased dispersal and female philopatry. Most of the females that overlapped their home and core ranges were genetically related, while only a third of the few male pairs occupying the same territories were kin. However, our results seem to indicate that positive association between home range overlap and relatedness was mainly a consequence of common female philopatry rather than kin-biased tolerance. Male-female dyads had the highest percentage of related individuals overlapping their home and core ranges, suggesting that spatial segregation is unlikely to play a role in preventing encounters between kin.
TL;DR: The rodent genus Geoxus was largely considered as monotypic; however, a growing body of evidence suggests that this figure is incorrect and one species is described herein as new, endemic of Guafo Island, a small island on southern Pacific Chile.
Abstract: The rodent genus Geoxus was largely considered as monotypic; however, a growing body of evidence suggests that this figure is incorrect. In this work, based on qualitative and quantitative morphological evidence and DNA sequence data, we reviewed the alpha taxonomy of this genus. Based on the examination of 134 specimens, four species are recognized within Geoxus : G. annectens (until recently referred to the genus Pearsonomys ), G . michaelseni , G . valdivianus , and one species described herein as new. The four species have unique combinations of qualitative and quantitative morphological characters and were recovered as monophyletic using mitochondrial DNA sequences. The new species diagnosed and named here is endemic of Guafo Island, a small island of 299 square kilometers on southern Pacific Chile. Phylogenetic analysis placed the new species as sister of G. michaelseni , a form widely distributed in southern Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia.
TL;DR: The effect of a large wildfire on an introduced population of the Abert’s squirrel that has invaded the high elevations inhabited by the critically endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel is examined.
Abstract: Fire is a natural component of and serves as a tool for the restoration of forested ecosystems worldwide; however, disturbance due to fire also has been implicated in the proliferation of invasive species. How these fires affect occupancy and use of the forest by wildlife is of great concern, in particular, the differential response of non-native and native species. In the American Southwest, prior to European settlement, frequent wildfires helped to maintain forest structure. We examined the effect of a large wildfire on an introduced population of the Abert’s squirrel ( Sciurus aberti ) that has invaded the high elevations inhabited by the critically endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis ). We found that introduced Abert’s squirrels were more common than native red squirrels in burned areas. Abert’s squirrels did not abandon burned areas but nested, foraged, and tended to have small home ranges in burned areas. This suggests that invasive Abert’s squirrels are better able to exploit burned areas than are native red squirrels and that fire can favor non-native species. This interaction between non-native species, native species, and fire adds new insight into the complexities of conservation and restoration of ecosystems and helps to inform conservation activities worldwide.
TL;DR: This protocol represents a useful tool for population genetic studies on mouse-eared bats that could likely be extended to other bat species and provide useful information to implement effective conservation plans.
Abstract: In the last century bat populations significantly declined mainly due to habitat fragmentation and degradation. As management-dependent species, bats need appropriate monitoring programs for the implementation of sound conservation strategies. However, bats’ small size, high mobility, elusiveness and nocturnal lifestyle make them difficult to survey. Non-Invasive Genetic Sampling (NIGS) may offer safe and cost-effective solutions, but requires well-planned sampling strategies, informative molecular markers and reliable laboratory protocols. Here we developed a NIGS protocol for species and individual identification of three mouse-eared bats, the Geoffroy’s bat ( Myotis emarginatus ), the long-fingered bat ( Myotis capaccinii ) and the Daubenton’s bat ( Myotis daubentonii ). Species identification was accomplished by mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequencing of reference tissue (n=49) and droppings (n=285) from Central-Northern Italy. In addition, we optimized a multiplex panel of seven microsatellites suitable for species and individual identification of the three species from droppings. We obtained a good success with mtDNA sequencing (245/285; 86%) and microsatellite genotyping (129/245; 53%). All microsatellites were successfully amplified with low error rates, and were polymorphic in the three Myotis species, with probabilities of identity 6 0.001 and observed heterozygosities of H o =0.48 in M. emarginatus , 0.62 in M. capaccinii and 0.71 in M. daubentonii . Our protocol represents a useful tool for population genetic studies on mouse-eared bats that could likely be extended to other bat species and provide useful information to implement effective conservation plans.
TL;DR: The presence of hazel dormice at its altitudinal limits in the Alps indicates that this species can adapt to less diverse habitats and extreme climatic conditions.
Abstract: The hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius is commonly considered a typical lowland species,though occasional observations have also been reported at higher altitudes in mountains. In this work, we checked the presence of this species at its altitudinal limits in the Alps. Summer nests were searched along two valley floors at progressively higher altitudes. Fifteen nests were found, 10 in Valsavarenche and 5 in Val di Rhemes, from 1600 m up to the upper tree line at 2032 m, which represents the current altitudinal record for the species. All the nests were composed by layers of different plant matter. This structure may promote insulation and protection from wind and low temperatures, and is typical of reproductive females. Nests were also found in sites surrounded by few woody species, which hardly cover the food requirements of the dormice throughout their season of activity, suggesting the use of alternative resources such as insects or other invertebrates. The presence of hazel dormice at these altitudes indicates that this species can adapt to less diverse habitats and extreme climatic conditions.
TL;DR: In this paper, a mathematical modelling framework that examined the impacts of potential felling and restocking plans for two reserves, Kidland and Uswayford forests, in northern England, was presented.
Abstract: The Eurasian red squirrel is under threat in the UK from the introduced North American grey squirrel. National measures to save the species include large conifer forest reserves where management encompasses measures to bolster the native species. However, forests are multi-purpose environments and foresters have to balance different timber production, amenity and conservation objectives. We present a mathematical modelling framework that examined the impacts of potential felling and restocking plans for two reserves, Kidland and Uswayford forests, in northern England. In collaboration with forest managers, we employed an iterative model-forest design plan development process to assess four felling and restock scenarios to help improve red squirrel population viability. Overall extinction in both forest systems was rare, but high in Uswayford (84%). Survival could be drastically increased (from 16 - 70%) by felling and restocking adjustments, and improving dispersal between the two adjacent forests. The process has been an exemplar of how modelling can have a direct input to land management to help managers objectively balance the differing pressures of multipurpose forestry.
TL;DR: In this paper, a new integrated approach based on different aspects of the species ecology was proposed to predict potential species distribution in ecology, biogeography, and conservation in Sardinia by combining an SDM calibrated with an ensemble modelling approach with a morphological spatial pattern analysis and a model of structural connectivity.
Abstract: Species distribution models (SDMs) are commonly used to predict potential species distribution in ecology, biogeography, and conservation. However, the lack of consideration for many different aspects of the species’ ecology often result in maps of limited practical value. Yet the wealth of information that is often available (especially for larger vertebrates) could help improve these models. Here, considering the mouflon ( Ovis aries ) in Sardinia as a case study, we propose a new integrated approach based on different aspects of the species ecology. In particular, we combined an SDM calibrated with an ensemble modelling approach with a morphological spatial pattern analysis and a model of structural connectivity. With this approach it was possible to map at the same time the distribution of potentially suitable habitat patches (and particularly of those being able to host pregnant females) and of the structural corridors connecting these patches. Overall, while the SDM predicted that 14.5% (3480 km 2 ) of Sardinia was suitable for the presence of the mouflon, with our new integrated approach the percentage of areas suitable dropped to a much lower and more realistic 6.6% (1584 km 2 ). Our results have potentially important consequences for the practical conservation and management of the species in Sardinia.
TL;DR: It is found no work adequately targeting species' persistence, i.e. the complement to species extinction risk, in global scale conservation analyses, and adopting scaled up species persistence targets within conservation planning approaches can allow protected area plans to give the highest contribution to reducing global species extinctionrisk.
Abstract: Setting operational targets for the protection of species is crucial for identifying conservation priorities and for monitoring conservation actions' effectiveness. The use of quantitative targets for global species conservation has grown in the past ten years as a response to the commitment of reducing extinction rates established by the Convention on Biological Diversity. We reviewed the use of conservation targets in global scale conservation analyses, and found that most of the publications adopted species representation targets, corresponding to an amount of area to be protected. We found no work adequately targeting species' persistence, i.e. the complement to species extinction risk. Despite the adoption of pragmatic population targets, consisting in a number of individuals to be protected, has been recently proposed for global species conservation, the use of these targets at the species level is not always warranted. Pros and cons of using population persistence targets for species conservation have been discussed, yet the fundamental issue of how to scale these targets from populations to species is still unresolved. We discuss the process of "scaling up" population persistence targets to the species level using habitat distribution models, and test our approach in a case study on the European ground squirrel ( Spermophilus citellus ). We identified three main steps to be followed: (i) definition of a population target, (ii) characterisation of the species' populations by means of a habitat suitability model, and (iii) definition of a scaled species target. An up-scaled species target should include multiple conditions reflecting species persistence (number, size, location of the populations to be protected), uniqueness (e.g. evolutionary potential) and representativeness (e.g. presence in different ecosystems). Adopting scaled up species persistence targets within conservation planning approaches can allow protected area plans to give the highest contribution to reducing global species extinction risk.
TL;DR: This work addressed the effects of phylogeny, ecology, and allometry on shape variation in ventral cranium, mandible and maxillary tooth-row in all five extant bandicoot rats to hypothesize that they respond differently to the interplay between phylogenetic constrains and selective pressures.
Abstract: We addressed the effects of phylogeny, ecology, and allometry on shape variation in ventral cranium, mandible and maxillary tooth-row in all five extant bandicoot rats. These rats are classified into two genera ( Bandicota and Nesokia ) and occupy different ecological niches along fossorial to aquatic gradient. The analysed structures are controlled by different gene loci, have diverse developmental patterns and different functional roles what induced us to hypothesize that they respond differently to the interplay between phylogenetic constrains and selective pressures. This was indeed the case in our results. Ventral cranial shape contained an apparent phylogenetic signal at various levels of taxonomic hierarchy of bandicoot rats and therefore accurately replicated the taxonomic hierarchy within the group. Molar crowns, which are less rich in anatomical complexity than the ventral cranium, provided a taxonomic grouping that was less straightforward in comparison with the skull. The phylogenetic signal was diluted in the mandible, probably by adaptive trends for the ecological niche. Unsurprisingly, an ecological gradient from a fossorial to aquatic ecotype explained 19.1% of mandibular shape variation. The major differences between ecotypes were on mandibular landmarks associated with insertion of major muscles that move the mandible during chisel-tooth drilling in fossorial B. bengalensis and N. indica . Among the three structures, the mandible was also the most affected by allometry, with size accounting for 14.0% of shape variability. Nesokia and Bandicota are by far the youngest murine taxa still attributed to a generic level. Small genetic differences however sharply contrast with unique shape features, evident in craniodental structures of these rats. This is particularly relevant for the endangered N. bunnii which is only known from a small range and peripheral isolate in Iraq. Morphological uniqueness emphasizes its ‘value’ in conservation policies more accurately than genetic metrics, making it more “visible” in a bunch of pest rats.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a method to use NRDMS division of Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India; Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation, UK; Idea Wild, USA
Abstract: NRDMS division of Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India; Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation, UK; Idea Wild, USA
TL;DR: The six molariform cheek teeth analyzed consistently yielded smaller intra- than interspecific variation, permitting high accuracy of taxonomic classification, and these particular teeth should be preferred, if available, as bases for recognizing extinct species of procyonids or reevaluating currently recognized extinct species, as a means to prevent nomina dubia.
Abstract: The family Procyonidae (raccoons, coatis, olingos, ringtails, kinkajous, and their extinct relatives) consists of six extant genera and is restricted to North and South America. Currently recognized fossil species suggest that procyonid diversity was previously much greater, including six extinct genera throughout South America. However, it is unusual that so many confamilial taxa are represented in a relatively brief span of time and restricted geographic region, and, considering that six of ten are based on badly preserved specimens, often fragments of bone with worn teeth, the validity of many of these taxa is suspect. As a step towards reevaluating past procyonid diversity in South America, we sought to identify the degree of intra- and interspecific variation in six molariform teeth of extant Procyon , particularly to identify which teeth are potentially most useful for identifying fossil procyonids. The six molariform cheek teeth analyzed consistently yielded smaller intra- than interspecific variation, permitting high accuracy of taxonomic classification. However, this accuracy varied by tooth, and the upper and lower first molars proved to be the most reliable. Thus, these particular teeth should be preferred, if available, as bases for recognizing extinct species of procyonids or reevaluating currently recognized extinct species, as a means to prevent nomina dubia .
TL;DR: The molecular analysis of a partial sequence of the mitochondrial DNA control region shows that the animal bore a haplotype identical to haplotype Ba169 considered as typical of individuals from North Atlantic population.
Abstract: The stranding of a suckling calf of Common Minke Whale ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata ) on the coast near Salerno (Campania, Southern Italy) is reported. The molecular analysis of a partial sequence of the mitochondrial DNA control region shows that the animal bore a haplotype identical to haplotype Ba169 considered as typical of individuals from North Atlantic population. Historical data and our results suggest the possibility that the Mediterranean Sea might be a potential calving or nursery ground for this species.
TL;DR: The morphological pattern observed was determined principally by the evolutionary history of the family, and major events of expansion of occupied morphospace with the origination of large species such as those in Eumops and Cynomops were identified.
Abstract: Molossid bats exhibit a great diversity of size and skull morphology which likely reflect a trophic function and may be indicative of the degree of resource partitioning and overlap. We explored the morphofunctional variation of the skull in molossid species from Argentina, where 18 species had been recorded, and are representative of the vast South American Southern Cone region. We measured 18 craniodental variables in 377 specimens representing all 18 species. We performed a multivariate analysis using craniodental variables, and we used a comparative phylogenetic method, to determine the importance of phylogeny in morphofunctional variation. The specimens distribution in morphospace showed a clear segregation between species on the basis of skull size and morphological differences related with prey selection, and associated with other important factors such as echolocation and flight. We show that the morphological pattern observed was determined principally by the evolutionary history of the family, we identified major events of expansion of occupied morphospace with the origination of large species such as those in Eumops as well as small species of Molossops and Cynomops . We believe that the joint effects of history, size and functional morphology busted the evolution of Neotropical molossids and facilitated the coexistence of related species.
TL;DR: Coypus appear to make more use of the heavier nitrogen isotope in hind-leg muscle during winter, presumably associated with muscle tissue metabolism contributing to weight loss, and these higher metabolic requirements together with the decreased availability of aquatic vegetation suggest that baiting near waterways in winter could be an effective method to control invasive coypu populations.
Abstract: Since their introduction in 1985, coypus ( Myocastor coypus ) have spread widely throughout South Korea and are now considered an invasive species, with negative impacts on both agriculture and native biodiversity. Management of the species began in 2005, and related research has focused on factors influencing population control. Cold weather may cause significant population declines but the basis of that susceptibility has yet to be identified. Therefore, based on the analysis of 28 coypus trapped on Eulsuk Island in theNakdong River over a 12-month period, we sought to: (1) investigate coypu diet and body condition using the relationships between the δ 13 C and δ 15 N stable isotope values of coypu liver and hind-leg muscle tissues, mean temperature, and body condition index (log weight/log body length); (2) clarify the relative use of aquatic and terrestrial food plants, and (3) determine seasonal variations in coypu diet. Carbon and Nitrogen isotope values both differed seasonally and, in winter, between adults and juveniles. Carbon, but not Nitrogen, isotope values were influenced by temperature in the weeks before sampling. The δ 15 N values of liver tissues were influenced by sex and life stage at low temperatures; otherwise, with regard to diet, isotope ratios suggested that coypu primarily fed on aquatic vegetation. Coypus appear to make more use of the heavier nitrogen isotope in hind-leg muscle during winter, presumably associated with muscle tissue metabolism contributing to weight loss. During winter, these higher metabolic requirements together with the decreased availability of aquatic vegetation suggest that baiting near waterways in winter could be an effective method to control invasive coypu populations.