scholarly journals First assessment of habitat suitability and connectivity for the golden jackal in north-eastern Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-643
Author(s):  
Elisa Torretta ◽  
Olivia Dondina ◽  
Claudio Delfoco ◽  
Luca Riboldi ◽  
Valerio Orioli ◽  
...  

AbstractCompared with the rapid expansion across Europe, the golden jackal colonization of Italy is still limited and slow. No study focused on the habitat selection or landscape connectivity for this species was performed in Italy; thus, the potential distribution and dispersal patterns in the country remain unknown. Our objectives were to evaluate the suitability of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region (north-eastern Italy) for the golden jackal, as well as to identify the ecological corridors connecting the areas currently occupied by the species. Corridors modelling allowed us both to hypothesize the dispersal dynamics occurring in the study region and to identify possible obstacles to future range expansion. We surveyed golden jackal presence in two study areas, covering an area of 500 km2, from March 2017 to February 2018. Using collected data, we modelled the species home-range scale habitat suitability based on an ensemble modelling approach. Subsequently, a habitat suitability prediction at a finer scale was used to estimate landscape resistance, starting from which, we modelled dispersal corridors among areas currently occupied by the species using a factorial least cost path and a cumulative resistant kernel approach. Our results indicated a moderate potential for large parts of the study region to support the occurrence of golden jackal family groups, whose presence seems to be mainly driven by the presence of wide areas covered by broadleaved forests and shrublands and by the absence of wide intensive agricultural areas. The predicted connectivity networks showed that three main permeable corridors are likely to connect golden jackal occurrence areas within the study region, while all the other corridors are characterized by a very low path density. Both the habitat selection and connectivity analyses showed a strong negative impact of the intensive cultivated plain on species stable presence and movement providing critical information for the conservation of the golden jackal in Italy.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Torretta ◽  
Valerio Orioli ◽  
Luciano Bani ◽  
Sergio Mantovani ◽  
Olivia Dondina

AbstractThe crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) underwent a rapid and widespread range expansion in Italy. Nowadays the species is moving towards the northernmost regions of the country and its occurrence is increasing in the highly anthropized Po Plain. Our objectives were to evaluate the suitability of the Po Plain for the species, as well as to identify dispersal corridors connecting the northern Apennines occurrence areas and the Prealps. We modelled the species home-range scale habitat suitability based on an ensemble modelling approach. Additionally, a habitat suitability prediction carried out at a finer scale was used to parametrize the landscape resistance, based on which we modelled the potential dispersal corridors for the species using a factorial least-cost path approach. The ensemble prediction estimated a potential occurrence of the crested porcupine in 27.4% of the study area. The species occurrence probability was mainly driven by the distribution of extensive cultivations, woodlands and shrublands, and water courses and by the annual mean temperature. Conversely, the movements of the species resulted mainly sustained by woodlands and shrublands and highly hindered by simple arable lands and rice paddies. The connectivity prediction showed that three main dispersal routes are likely to connect crested porcupine occurrence areas in the northern Apennines to currently unoccupied but highly suitable areas in the Prealps. The study allowed us to identify the areas in the Prealps with the highest probability to be colonized by the crested porcupine in the near future and provided important insights for the conservation of a strictly protected species in a human-dominated landscape.


Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1210
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Li ◽  
Gulinaer Suoerdahan ◽  
Zhenyu Shi ◽  
Zihan Xing ◽  
Yongxing Ren ◽  
...  

Rapid urbanization drives land cover change, affecting urban ecosystems and inducing serious environmental issues. The study region of Changchun, China was divided into three urbanization categories according to different urbanization levels and the characteristics of urban sprawl and changes and relationships between typical ecosystem services (ESs) under rapid urbanization were analysed. The results showed that Changchun has undergone considerable urban expansion since 2000, which has significantly impacted all ESs in terms of spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Habitat suitability and crop yield have relatively stronger service capacity in the study area. Since the expansion of large-scale infrastructures, the mean ES values of developed urban areas are the lowest among the three zones, except for water retention and sandstorm prevention in 2015, when the balance between all services decreased. Over the past 16 years, habitat suitability in developing urban areas has decreased to a large extent due to urban sprawl. Because of the improvement in agricultural science and technology, crop yield in three regions increased, while the area of cropland reduced from 1720 km2 to 1560 km2 (9.3%). Synergies between habitat suitability and carbon storage and habitat suitability and soil retention were detected in three areas. A trade-off between habitat suitability and water retention was detected in three areas. The interactions between crop yield and carbon storage, habitat suitability, and soil retention were more complex in this study region. In addition to water retention, urbanization index has a negative correlation with ESs. According to the results, some suggestions to alleviate ES loss during the process of rapid urbanization were proposed, which may guide scientific urban planning for sustainable urban development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-596
Author(s):  
Janusz Kaliński

Communication airports in Poland after 1918 The history of communication airports coincides with the century-long existence of the reborn Polish State, because it was only after 1918 that the first airports adapted to passenger traffic were established in the country. Two periods of their development deserve particular attention: the interwar period, in which the communication aviation was born, and the time after 2004, when its rapid expansion was noted. The establishment and development of the communication aviation of the Second Polish Republic was strongly associated with the statist policy aimed at modernizing the state. This is evidenced by the construction of airports in Warsaw, Gdynia, Katowice, Łódź and Vilnius, whose activities have helped to integrate the country after the years of partitions. In People’s Poland, civilian communication was based on a network of military airports, which was supplemented with a new airport in Gdańsk-Rębiechów. Large areas of the north-eastern voivodeships were excluded from air connections and timid attempts to overcome these disproportions only appeared in the Third Republic of Poland in the form of airports in Lublin and Radom. The fourfold increase in the number of passengers served by Polish airports in 2004–2016 was an unquestionable phenomenon influenced by the Open Sky policy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rayees Ahmed ◽  
Gowhar Farooq Wani ◽  
Syed Towseef Ahmad ◽  
Riyaz Ahmad Mir ◽  
Mansour Almazroui ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study is perhaps the first attempt to use satellite data (1990–2018) to analyze spatiotemporal changes in glacial lakes over the Kashmir Himalayas supplemented by field studies. Landsat images were used to delineate the spatial extent of glacial lakes at four-time points, i.e., 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2018. The total count of lakes as well as their spatial extent showed a discernible increase. The number increased from 253 in 1990 to 324 in 2018, with a growth rate of 21.4%. The area has increased from 18.84 ± 0.1 km2 in 1990 to 22.13 ± 0.12 km2 in 2018 with a growth rate of 14.7%. The newly formed glacial lakes, including supraglacial lakes, were greater in number than the lakes that disappeared over the study period. All glacial lakes are situated at elevations of 2700 m asl and 4500 m asl. More than 78% of lake expansion in the study region is largely due to the growth of existing glacial lakes. Through area change analysis, our findings reveal that certain lakes show rapid expansion needing immediate monitoring and observation. The analysis of the meteorological variables reveals that minimum and maximum temperatures in the Jhelum basin have shown an increasing trend. Tmax showed an increase of 1.25 °C, whereas Tmin increased to 0.7 °C from 1980 to 2020. On the other hand, precipitation has shown a decreasing trend, which can be attributed to one of the major causes of glacier recession and the expansion of glacial lakes in the Upper Jhelum basin. Consequently, this study could play a significant role in devising a comprehensive risk assessment plan for potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and developing a mechanism for continuous monitoring and management of lakes in the study region.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-75
Author(s):  
Nedealcov Maria ◽  
Donica Ala ◽  
Brașoveanu Valeriu ◽  
Grigoraș Nicolae ◽  
Deomidova Cristina

Abstract Assessment activity and surveillance of the forests health, held at the global, regional and local level, has continuously developed, culminating in the current period with interdisciplinary and extensive scientific researches, that evaluate the effects of the main factors on forest ecosystems state, in particular, air pollution and climate change. Scientific researches have shown that among trees ecophysiological processes, forest life processes and meteorological parameters there are direct dependences, particularly in the case of trees supply with water during the growing period (May-July), with major influences for critical months (July and August), which have a decisive impact on growth, vitality and production of organic matter in forests. Dry years, from the beginning of the third millennium can lead to a decrease of mesophilic forests area (beech, sessile oak and penduculate oak), which will tend to retreat towards the center of the area (central Europe) in favor of thermophilic forests with pubescent oak. It was determined that a most significant negative impact of climate aridization will feel the forest ecosystems from Southern and central regions of country (conditioned by the mean air temperature (July-August), monthly rainfall (May-August), evapotranspiration and geographic latitude), and less - the Northern part of the country (Forestry Aridity Index calculated for 3 experimental stations revealed variations of this index between 7.8 - 8.3 - in the Central part of country, and 8.4 - 8.6 - for Southern part of country). At the same time the impact of climate change will determine the spatial and temporal dynamics of pests and pathogenic species. The phenomenon of climate aridization was expressed also through the impact of the Microsphaera alphitoides disease, intensity of “mildew” attack being based on the climatic conditions of the study region. Obtained data, for confirmation, were correlated with indications of bioindicators, present in the study region.


Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 138 (Suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina de Graaf ◽  
Stefanie G Beesems ◽  
Ronald E Stickney ◽  
Paula Lank ◽  
Fred W Chapman ◽  
...  

Purpose: Automated external defibrillators (AED) prompt the rescuer to stop cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for ECG analysis. Any interruption of CPR has a negative impact on outcome. We prospectively evaluated a new algorithm (cprINSIGHT) which can analyse the ECG while rescuers continue CPR. Methods: We analysed data from patients with attempted resuscitation from OHCA who were connected to an AED with cprINSIGHT (Stryker Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2) between June 2017 and June 2018 in the Amsterdam Resuscitation Study region. The first analysis in the CR2 is a conventional analysis; subsequent analyses use the cprINSIGHT algorithm. This algorithm classifies the rhythm as shockable (S), non-shockable (NS), or no decision. If no decision, the AED prompts for a pause in CPR and uses its conventional algorithm. The characteristics of the first 3 cprINSIGHT analyses (analyses 2-4) were analysed. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) cases were both coarse and fine VF with a lower threshold of 0.08 mV. Results: Data from 132 consecutive OHCA cases were analysed. The initial recorded rhythm was VF or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 35 cases (27%), pulseless electrical activity in 34 cases (25%) and asystole in 63 cases (48%). In 114 cases (86%), 1 or more cprINSIGHT analyses were done. Analyses 2-4 covered 90% of all cprINSIGHT analyses. The analyzed rhythm was VF/VT in 12-17%, organised QRS rhythm in 29-35% and asystole in 51-56% (see table). cprINSIGHT reached a S or NS decision in 65-74% of cases, with a sensitivity of 90-100% and a specificity of 100%. When it reached no decision, the rhythm was asystole in 65-79% of analyses, VF/VT in 0-9% and QRS rhythm in 18-27%; conventional analysis followed. Chest compression fraction was 85-88%, CPR fraction was 99%. Conclusion: This new algorithm analysed the ECG without need for a pause in chest compressions 65-74% of the time and had 90-100% sensitivity and 100% specificity when it made a shock or a no shock decision.


2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid R. Heise-Pavlov ◽  
Sara L. Jackrel ◽  
Spenser Meeks

Success of conservation efforts of large and cryptic mammals is often limited due to a lack of knowledge of their habitat preferences. This study investigates factors that affect the habitat selection of the rare Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo, Dendrolagus lumholtzi, using signs of its activity. The presence and absence of scratch marks on tree trunks and faecal pellets within a 100-cm radius around them were surveyed on 23 ha within a 65-ha large fragment of rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands, north-eastern Australia in order to classify trees as ‘actively used’ or ‘inactive’. Structural features of the 315 surveyed tree trunks were also recorded. Using discriminant function analysis, ‘actively used’ trees were found to have no epiphytes on the main trunk, less obstruction by neighbouring trees, shrubs or lianas within a 0.5-m radius of the trunk (particularly in the eastern direction), and a smaller diameter at breast height than ‘inactive’ trees. Smaller tree trunks and less obstruction may facilitate a more rapid movement into the canopy as well as provide potential escape routes from predators. More specific knowledge on factors that affect habitat selection of the Lumholtz’ tree-kangaroo will help in a reclassification of the threatened status of this species and assist in more effective conservation efforts.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. e0214642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Connor F. White ◽  
Kady Lyons ◽  
Salvador J. Jorgensen ◽  
John O'Sullivan ◽  
Chuck Winkler ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Kołaczek ◽  
Mirosława Kupryjanowicz ◽  
Monika Karpińska-Kołaczek ◽  
Marta Szal ◽  
Hanna Winter ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The development of vegetation in the Skaliska Basin has been reconstructed on the basis of palynological analysis and radiocarbon dating (AMS technique) of 6 sites from the late phase of the Bolling- Allerod interstadial complex to modern times. Although the area covers 90 km2, the mosaic character of habitats led to the development of different patterns of vegetation changes during the Late Glacial and Holocene. Only one site located in the eastern part of the Skaliska Basin reflected the ‘pine phase’ of Allerod, and this is the oldest data on vegetation in the Skaliska Basin. Interesting discrepancies were recorded during the Younger Dryas when patches of shrublands with Juniperus were distinct around some of the sites, while steppe with Artemisia was common in others. The beginning of the Holocene brought an expansion of birch-pine forest, but around 9600 cal. BC a cold oscillation took place which was reflected in an increase in birch in the woodlands in the western and eastern part of the Skaliska Basin. In the Preboreal chronozone elm (Ulmus) also expanded in the area but its appearance was non-synchronous. The vegetation of the Boreal chronozone was similar in the whole area and the most characteristic feature was the rapid expansion of hazel (Corylus avellana) which displaced Betula from the most of its sites. At that time a distinct redeposition of pollen material in the Parchatka river valley was detected which was probably the effect of an increase in fluvial activity of the river (humid oscillation). The following stage of vegetation development was climax woodlands with Tilia cordata, Ulmus, Quercus, Corylus avellana, and Alnus in damp places. At the beginning of the Subboreal chronozone the expansion of Quercus took place, which was subsequently replaced by Picea abies and partly Carpinus betulus. The pattern of Picea abies expansion distinctly presents two maxima which is characteristic of many sites in the north-eastern Poland. The Subatlantic chronozone is represented only by the profile from the Skaliski Forest, where, because of sandy ground, Pinus sylvestris was the dominant element. Human impact was poorly reflected through the rare occurrence of pollen grains of Cerealia type in the pollen profiles spanning the time from the Subboreal chronozone to modern times. In most profiles AMS dating produced age discrepancies, which limited the possibility of establishment of a detailed chronology. However, dates obtained from the material contaminated by mixture of glycerine, thymol and ethyl alcohol, pretreated by alcohol, showed reliable results in most cases.


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