Local environmental context determines the colonisation of leaf shelters by arthropods: an experimental study

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Samuel Novais ◽  
Vicente Hernández-Ortiz ◽  
Karla Rodríguez-Hernández ◽  
Mauricio Quesada ◽  
G. Wilson Fernandes ◽  
...  

Abstract The magnitude of facilitation by shelter-building engineers on community structure is expected to be greater when they increase limited resources in the environment. We evaluated the influence of local environmental context on the colonisation of leaf shelters by arthropods in a Mexican evergreen tropical rainforest. We compared the species richness and abundance of arthropods (total and for different guilds) colonising artificially rolled leaves in habitats differing in understory heterogeneity (forest edge > old-growth forests > living fences). Arthropod abundance of the most representative arthropod taxa (i.e., Araneae, Blattodea, Collembola and Psocoptera) colonising the rolled leaves was greater at forest edge, a trend also observed for average arthropod abundance, and for detritivore and predator guilds. In addition, fewer arthropod species and individuals colonised the rolled leaves in the living fence habitat, a trend also observed for most arthropod guilds. As forest edge is expected to have a greater arthropod diversity and stronger density-dependent interactions, a greater limitation of refuges from competitors or predators may have determined the higher colonisation of the rolled leaves in this habitat. Our results demonstrate that local environment context is an important factor that affects the colonisation of arthropods in leaf shelters.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1646
Author(s):  
Eric A. Graham ◽  
Mark Hansen ◽  
William J. Kaiser ◽  
Yeung Lam ◽  
Eric Yuen ◽  
...  

As landscapes become increasingly fragmented, research into impacts from disturbance and how edges affect vegetation and community structure has become more important. Descriptive studies on how microclimate changes across sharp transition zones have long existed in the literature and recently more attention has been focused on understanding the dynamic patterns of microclimate associated with forest edges. Increasing concern about forest fragmentation has led to new technologies for modeling forest microclimates. However, forest boundaries pose important challenges to not only microclimate modeling but also sampling regimes in order to capture the diurnal and seasonal dynamic aspects of microclimate along forest edges. We measured microclimatic variables across a sharp boundary from a clearing into primary lowland tropical rainforest at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Dynamic changes in diurnal microclimate were measured along three replicated transects, approximately 30 m in length with data collected every 1 m continuously at 30 min intervals for 24 h with a mobile sensor platform supported by a cable infrastructure. We found that a first-order polynomial fit using piece-wise regression provided the most consistent estimation of the forest edge, relative to the visual edge, although we found no “best” sensing parameter as all measurements varied. Edge location estimates based on daytime net shortwave radiation had less difference from the visual edge than other shortwave measurements, but estimates made throughout the day with downward-facing or net infrared radiation sensors were more consistent and closer to the visual edge than any other measurement. This research contributes to the relatively small number of studies that have directly measured diurnal temporal and spatial patterns of microclimate variation across forest edges and demonstrates the use of a flexible mobile platform that enables repeated, high-resolution measurements of gradients of microclimate.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 45-53
Author(s):  
John Ayieko Aseta

The main objective of this study was to establish the spatial and temporal characteristics of climate change in the Kakamega Tropical Rainforest. This study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design and relied on a mixed methods methodology. Anthropogenic Global Warming Theory and Adaptive Management Theory were used to guide the study. A conceptual framework showing the interrelationship between the dependent and independent variables was outlined. The study utilized both secondary and primary data. The target population was 200 households living up to 10 km from the forest edge in the selected communities neighbouring Kakamega Tropical Rainforest and 20 government officials within Kakamega County. A total of 119 members of the households and 20 forest officers were sampled as respondents in the study. The study findings revealed that the spatial and temporal characteristics of climate change were very extreme temperatures and precipitation (the results revealed that temperature is increasing by 0.04 °C per annum while rainfall amounts have dropped by 150 mm for the past fifty-three years in the region). The study recommended that there is a need to conserve the forest to get rid of extreme temperatures and precipitation since it was a source of many services to the surrounding communities and that the forest ecosystem also helped to adapt or mitigate climate change among others.  


2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Leonardo Lima Magalhães ◽  
Maria Aparecida Lopes

ABSTRACTThe composition and structure of the low-trunk epiphytic herb assembly as well as its vertical distribution were studied. DBH of host tree and bark type influence species richness and abundance in a nonlooded lowland tropical rainforest in Eastern Amazonia (1º57’36"S 51º36’55"W). A total of 37 epiphytic herb species were identified, among which 60% were Araceae. Species richness and abundance of epiphytic herbs showed tendency of positive correlation with host tree size and no relationships with bark type. Low positive correlation may be a by-product of the predominance of trees with smaller diameter in our sample rather than a reflection of neutral relationship. The absence of relationships with bark type may be partially explained by the large number of secondary, generalist, hemi-epiphytes and also may reflect the absence of suitable substrate in trees with smaller diameter.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Lutfi Afifah ◽  
Darso Sugiono

Pangkalan Sub-district is a forest edge area in Karawang that is rich in flora and fauna that has not been much identified. Because of its unique location that is bordered by primary forest, agricultural ecosystems in the area will not be separated from the influence of the surrounding forest. So, it is necessary to know more about the diversity and abundance of insects in the wetland rice ecosystems.The research was conducted in Pangkalan sub-district, Karawang regency. The size of each plot was 5 x 5 m (25 m2) and each treatment was repeated five times. Treatments carried out with integrated pest management (IPM), chemical pest management techniques (P-K), and Mixed Pest Management (P-C). Insect retrieval technique using sweep net method, yellow pan trap, and direct observation. The abundance of arthropod species found in 12 Orders consist of: Thysanoptera Order (2.4%), Orthoptera (0.5%), Odonata (1.4%), Mantodea (0%), Lepidoptera (8.7%), Hymenoptera (2.4%), Hemiptera (61.8%), Diptera (2.4%), Derma ptera (3.6%), Coleoptera (8.3%), Architaenioglossa (0.5%), and Aranea (8.0%). Based on the species richness, it was found that the orders of Diptera (25 species), Coleoptera (19 species), and Hymenoptera (18 species) showed higher numbers than other orders. The H 'diversity index in this study ranged from 1.99 to 2.45, the D index ranged from 0.73 to 0.88, and the E index ranged from 0.5 to 0.7. Overall the P-K plots showed a lower population abundance compared to IPM and P-C plots. Intense and scheduled spraying of insecticides on P-K plots causes a lower population abundance, which makes the diversity become low. Keywords: Rice pests, diversity of insects, natural enemies, pesticides, integrated pest control (IPM)


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (01) ◽  
pp. 135-170
Author(s):  
Mohammad Fathi Royyani

This is an ethnobotanical article that explains the use of plants by the people of Simeulue Island, Aceh to protect open agricultural fields (ladang) and rice fields (sawah) from free roaming-grazing livestock, particularly water buffalo, cows, and goats. In Simeulue, the livestock  are released roaming free for food.  In order to protect the open agricultural and rice fields, the people of Simeulue Island various species of plants are planted as living fences. The species selected are based on the local knowledge of plant morphology. The result of the current study indicates that 23 species of plants are implemented, in which the seeds and seedlings are found in the forests near the villages. In 2007, one foreign species known locally as ‘gamel’ (Gliricidia sepium; Fabaceae, the South American original) has been introduced for their easy planted, fast growing nature, and have been widely planted since.   Kajian ini hendak melihat pemanfaatan tumbuhan sebagai pagar hidup yang melindungi lahan pertanian dan perkebunan dari hewan ternak yang dilepas-liarkan sehingga masuk ke lahan perkebunan masyarakat dan memakan tanaman. Untuk mengantisipasinya, masyarakat membuat pagar hidup yang berupa jenis-jenis pohon yang ditanam mengelilingi lahan. Melalui penelitian etnobotani diketahui bahwa masyarakat memilih jenis-jenis pohon yang dijadikan pagar hidup berdasarkan pengetahuan lokal terkait dengan tumbuhan. Jenis-jenis yang dipilih adalah jenis-jenis yang mudah tumbuh dan bisa bertahan dalam kerapatan. Dari hasil penelitian diketahui terdapat 23 jenis tumbuhan yang digunakan untuk pagar hidup. Dari jumlah tersebut sebagian besar tumbuh di hutan sekitar pemukiman mereka. Sejak tahun 2007 satu jenis baru, ‘gamel’ (Gliricidia sepium; Fabaceae, jenis asli Amerika Selatan) didatangkan dan ditanam menggantikan jenis lama. Tanaman baru ini lebih mudah ditanam, cepat tumbuh, dan kini sudah ditanam secara luas.  


Author(s):  
Imam Widhiono ◽  
Eming Sudiana

<p>In agricultural landscape in northern slope of Mount Slamet, diversity of wild bee species as pollinator depend on forested habitats. This study aimed to assess the effects of distance from the forest edge on the diversity of wild bees on strawberry and tomato crops. This study was conducted from July 2014 to October 2014. The experimental fields contained tomato and strawberry with a total area of 4 ha (2 ha each) and divided into five plots based on distance from the forest edge (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 m). Wild bee was catched with  kite netting  in 7.00 -9.00 in ten consecutive days. Wild bee diversity differed according to distance from the forest edge, the highest value was at 0 m for strawberry plots (H’ = 2.008, E = 0.72 and Chao1= 16) and for tomato plots, the highest diversity was at 50 m from the forest edge (H’ = 2.298, E = 0.95 and Chao1= 11) and the lowest was at 200 m in both plots. Wild bee species richness and abundance decreased with distance, resulting in the minimum diversity and abundance of wild bee at 200 m from forest edge in both crops.</p><p> </p><p><strong>How to Cite</strong></p><p>Widhiono, I., &amp; Sudiana, E. (2016). Impact of Distance from the Forest Edge on The Wild Bee Diversity on the Northern Slope of Mount Slamet. <em>Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology &amp; Biology Education</em>, 8(2), 148-154.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Meghan Dawn Cooling

<p>Invasive ants are a serious ecological problem around the world. The Argentine ant has had devastating effects on resident ant communities and may negatively impact other invertebrates in its introduced range. First detected in Auckland in 1990, this invader has since spread widely around the country. The effect of Argentine ants on invertebrates in New Zealand was investigated by comparing ground-dwelling arthropod species richness and abundance between and among paired uninvaded and invaded sites in seven cities across this invader's New Zealand range. In order to study density-dependent effects, invaded sites were chosen so as to differ in Argentine ant population density. The effects of rainfall and mean maximum temperature on Argentine ant abundance and the species richness and abundance were also examined. Argentine ant population persistence in New Zealand was examined by re-surveying sites of past infestation across this species range. The influence of climate on population persistence was investigated, and how this effect may vary after climate change. Additionally, the potential of community recovery after invasion was also examined. Epigaeic (above ground foraging) ant species richness and abundance was negatively associated with Argentine ant abundance; however, no discernable impact was found on hypogaeic (below ground foraging) ant species. The effect of Argentine ant abundance on non-ant arthropod species richness and abundance was mixed, with most arthropod orders being unaffected. Diplopoda was negatively influenced by Argentine ant abundance while Hemiptera was positively influenced. Annual rainfall and mean maximum temperature were found to have no effect on Argentine ant abundance or resident ant species richness and abundance, though these variables did help explain the distribution of several non-ant arthropod orders. Argentine ant populations appear to be collapsing in New Zealand. Populations had a mean survival time of 14.1 years (95% CI= 12.9- 15.3 years). Climate change may prolong population survival, as survival time increased with increasing temperature and decreasing rainfall, but only by a few years. Formerly invaded Auckland ant communities were indistinguishable from those that had never been invaded, suggesting ant communities will recover after Argentine ant collapse.</p>


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takao Itioka ◽  
Kohei Takenaka Takano ◽  
Keiko Kishimoto-Yamada ◽  
Taizo Tzuchiya ◽  
Yasuhiro Ohshima ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Meghan Dawn Cooling

<p>Invasive ants are a serious ecological problem around the world. The Argentine ant has had devastating effects on resident ant communities and may negatively impact other invertebrates in its introduced range. First detected in Auckland in 1990, this invader has since spread widely around the country. The effect of Argentine ants on invertebrates in New Zealand was investigated by comparing ground-dwelling arthropod species richness and abundance between and among paired uninvaded and invaded sites in seven cities across this invader's New Zealand range. In order to study density-dependent effects, invaded sites were chosen so as to differ in Argentine ant population density. The effects of rainfall and mean maximum temperature on Argentine ant abundance and the species richness and abundance were also examined. Argentine ant population persistence in New Zealand was examined by re-surveying sites of past infestation across this species range. The influence of climate on population persistence was investigated, and how this effect may vary after climate change. Additionally, the potential of community recovery after invasion was also examined. Epigaeic (above ground foraging) ant species richness and abundance was negatively associated with Argentine ant abundance; however, no discernable impact was found on hypogaeic (below ground foraging) ant species. The effect of Argentine ant abundance on non-ant arthropod species richness and abundance was mixed, with most arthropod orders being unaffected. Diplopoda was negatively influenced by Argentine ant abundance while Hemiptera was positively influenced. Annual rainfall and mean maximum temperature were found to have no effect on Argentine ant abundance or resident ant species richness and abundance, though these variables did help explain the distribution of several non-ant arthropod orders. Argentine ant populations appear to be collapsing in New Zealand. Populations had a mean survival time of 14.1 years (95% CI= 12.9- 15.3 years). Climate change may prolong population survival, as survival time increased with increasing temperature and decreasing rainfall, but only by a few years. Formerly invaded Auckland ant communities were indistinguishable from those that had never been invaded, suggesting ant communities will recover after Argentine ant collapse.</p>


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