Landscape predictors of pathogen prevalence and range contractions in US bumblebees

Several species of bumblebees have recently experienced range contractions and possible extinctions. While threats to bees are numerous, few analyses have attempted to understand the relative importance of multiple stressors. Such analyses are critical for prioritizing conservation strategies. Here, we describe a landscape analysis of factors predicted to cause bumblebee declines in the USA. We quantified 24 habitat, land-use and pesticide usage variables across 284 sampling locations, assessing which variables predicted pathogen prevalence and range contractions via machine learning model selection techniques. We found that greater usage of the fungicide chlorothalonil was the best predictor of pathogen ( Nosema bombi ) prevalence in four declining species of bumblebees. Nosema bombi has previously been found in greater prevalence in some declining US bumblebee species compared to stable species. Greater usage of total fungicides was the strongest predictor of range contractions in declining species, with bumblebees in the northern USA experiencing greater likelihood of loss from previously occupied areas. These results extend several recent laboratory and semi-field studies that have found surprising links between fungicide exposure and bee health. Specifically, our data suggest landscape-scale connections between fungicide usage, pathogen prevalence and declines of threatened and endangered bumblebees.

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Using non-invasive sampling methods to determine the prevalence and distribution of Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus in a remnant koala population with conservation importance

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr17184 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 366 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Faye Wedrowicz ◽

Jennifer Mosse ◽

Wendy Wright ◽

Fiona E. Hogan

Keyword(s):

Native Species ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

The South ◽

Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽

Urogenital Infection ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Chlamydia Pecorum ◽

Genetic Sampling ◽

Pathogen Prevalence ◽

Koala Retrovirus

Context Pathogenic infections are an important consideration for the conservation of native species, but obtaining such data from wild populations can be expensive and difficult. Two pathogens have been implicated in the decline of some koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations: urogenital infection with Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus subgroup A (KoRV-A). Pathogen data for a wild koala population of conservation importance in South Gippsland, Victoria are essentially absent. Aims This study uses non-invasive sampling of koala scats to provide prevalence and genotype data for C. pecorum and KoRV-A in the South Gippsland koala population, and compares pathogen prevalence between wild koalas and koalas in rescue shelters. Methods C. pecorum and KoRV-A provirus were detected by PCR of DNA isolated from scats collected in the field. Pathogen genetic variation was investigated using DNA sequencing of the C. pecorum ompA and KoRV-A env genes. Key results C. pecorum and KoRV-A were detected in 61% and 27% of wild South Gippsland individuals tested, respectively. KoRV-A infection tended to be higher in shelter koalas compared with wild koalas. In contrast with other Victorian koala populations sampled, greater pathogen diversity was present in South Gippsland. Conclusions In the South Gippsland koala population, C. pecorum is widespread and common whereas KoRV appears less prevalent than previously thought. Further work exploring the dynamics of these pathogens in South Gippsland koalas is warranted and may help inform future conservation strategies for this important population. Implications Non-invasive genetic sampling from scats is a powerful method for obtaining data regarding pathogen prevalence and diversity in wildlife. The use of non-invasive methods for the study of pathogens may help fill research gaps in a way that would be difficult or expensive to achieve using traditional methods.

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An updated understanding of Texas bumble bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) species presence and potential distributions in Texas, USA

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.3612 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. e3612 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jessica L. Beckham ◽

Samuel Atkinson

Keyword(s):

Citizen Science ◽

Species Distributions ◽

Field Studies ◽

The United States ◽

Bumble Bee ◽

Suitable Habitat ◽

Distribution Models ◽

Species List ◽

Central Texas ◽

Declining Species

Texas is the second largest state in the United States of America, and the largest state in the contiguous USA at nearly 700,000 sq. km. Several Texas bumble bee species have shown evidence of declines in portions of their continental ranges, and conservation initiatives targeting these species will be most effective if species distributions are well established. To date, statewide bumble bee distributions for Texas have been inferred primarily from specimen records housed in natural history collections. To improve upon these maps, and help inform conservation decisions, this research aimed to (1) update existing Texas bumble bee presence databases to include recent (2007–2016) data from citizen science repositories and targeted field studies, (2) model statewide species distributions of the most common bumble bee species in Texas using MaxEnt, and (3) identify conservation target areas for the state that are most likely to contain habitat suitable for multiple declining species. The resulting Texas bumble bee database is comprised of 3,580 records, to include previously compiled museum records dating from 1897, recent field survey data, and vetted records from citizen science repositories. These data yielded an updated state species list that includes 11 species, as well as species distribution models (SDMs) for the most common Texas bumble bee species, including two that have shown evidence of range-wide declines: B. fraternus (Smith, 1854) and B. pensylvanicus (DeGeer, 1773). Based on analyses of these models, we have identified conservation priority areas within the Texas Cross Timbers, Texas Blackland Prairies, and East Central Texas Plains ecoregions where suitable habitat for both B. fraternus and B. pensylvanicus are highly likely to co-occur.

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Alpine limnology of the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the USA in the context of environmental change

Environmental Reviews ◽

10.1139/er-2017-0046 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 231-238 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laura E. Redmond

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Rocky Mountains ◽

Multiple Stressors ◽

Ultra Violet ◽

Future Climate Change ◽

Monitoring Methods ◽

Freshwater Biodiversity ◽

Nutrient Deposition ◽

Alpine Regions ◽

The Usa

The cumulative impacts of multiple environmental and anthropogenic stressors on freshwater biodiversity have been studied in systems across the globe. The magnitude of multiple interdependent stressors on alpine systems may lead to increased primary productivity and jeopardize these unique communities. In this review, the consequences of individual stressors on alpine lake and pond ecology are synthesized, as well as the cumulative and potentially synergistic or antagonistic effects of multiple stressors. Beside temperature variability, other stressors reviewed include ultra violet (UV) radiation, organic pollutants, nutrient deposition, and biological invasions. Each stressor was evaluated individually and in combination with increasing water temperatures. In alpine environments, climatic warming is anticipated to increase with elevation, therefore amplifying the effects of temperature-related responses. The purpose of this review is to highlight the ecological effects of climate change on alpine lakes and ponds in the Rocky Mountains of North America and fill knowledge gaps between disciplines of aquatic studies. This work underscores that to better understand and face the overall effects of climate change on alpine biota, investigations must continue to assess the compounded impacts of multiple stressors. Emphasis must be put on the standardization of monitoring methods across alpine regions to aid in consistent trend and prediction analysis within the context of both current and future climate change.

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The omics approach to bee nutritional landscape

Metabolomics ◽

10.1007/s11306-019-1590-6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Priyadarshini Chakrabarti ◽

Jeffery T. Morré ◽

Hannah M. Lucas ◽

Claudia S. Maier ◽

Ramesh R. Sagili

Keyword(s):

Multiple Stressors ◽

Primary Source ◽

Colony Growth ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Colony Losses ◽

Protein Supplements ◽

Brood Rearing ◽

Bee Colony ◽

The Usa ◽

Artificial Protein

Abstract Background Significant annual honey bee colony losses have been reported in the USA and across the world over the past years. Malnutrition is one among several causative factors for such declines. Optimal nutrition serves as the first line of defense against multiple stressors such as parasites/pathogens and pesticides. Given the importance of nutrition, it is imperative to understand bee nutrition holistically, identifying dietary sources that may fulfill bee nutritional needs. Pollen is the primary source of protein for bees and is critical for brood rearing and colony growth. Currently, there is significant gap in knowledge regarding the chemical and nutritional composition of pollen. Methods Targeted sterol analysis and untargeted metabolomics were conducted on five commercially available crop pollens, three bee-collected crop pollens, three vegetable oils (often added to artificial protein supplements by beekeepers), and one commonly used artificial protein supplement. Results This study reports key phytosterols and metabolites present across a spectrum of bee diets, including some of the major bee-pollinated crop pollens in the western United States. Significant differences were observed in sterol concentrations among the dietary sources tested. Among all quantified sterols, the highest concentrations were observed for 24-methylenecholesterol and further, pollen samples exhibited the highest 24-methylenecholesterol among all diet sources that were tested. Also, 236 metabolites were identified across all dietary sources examined. Conclusion Information gleaned from this study is crucial in understanding the nutritional landscape available to all bee pollinators and may further assist in future efforts to develop comprehensive database of nutrients and metabolites present in all bee diets.

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Descriptive Analysis of the Varroa Non-Reproduction Trait in Honey Bee Colonies and Association with Other Traits Related to Varroa Resistance

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects11080492 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 492 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sonia E. Eynard ◽

Christina Sann ◽

Benjamin Basso ◽

Anne-Laure Guirao ◽

Yves Le Conte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Honey Bee ◽

Empirical Bayes ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Field Studies ◽

Colony Losses ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Bee Health ◽

Honey Bee Health ◽

Varroa Resistance ◽

Resistance Traits

In the current context of worldwide honey bee colony losses, among which the varroa mite plays a major role, the hope to improve honey bee health lies in part in the breeding of varroa resistant colonies. To do so, methods used to evaluate varroa resistance need better understanding. Repeatability and correlations between traits such as mite non-reproduction (MNR), varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH), and hygienic behavior are poorly known, due to practical limitations and to their underlying complexity. We investigate (i) the variability, (ii) the repeatability of the MNR score, and (iii) its correlation with other resistance traits. To reduce the inherent variability of MNR scores, we propose to apply an empirical Bayes correction. In the short-term (ten days), MNR had a modest repeatability of 0.4, whereas in the long-term (a month), it had a low repeatability of 0.2, similar to other resistance traits. Within our dataset, there was no correlation between MNR and VSH. Although MNR is amongst the most popular varroa resistance estimates in field studies, its underlying complex mechanism is not fully understood. Its lack of correlation with better described resistance traits and low repeatability suggest that MNR needs to be interpreted cautiously, especially when used for selection.

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Improving herpetological surveys in eastern North America using the environmental DNA method

Genome ◽

10.1139/gen-2015-0218 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 59 (11) ◽

pp. 991-1007 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Anaïs Lacoursière-Roussel ◽

Yohann Dubois ◽

Eric Normandeau ◽

Louis Bernatchez

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Habitat Type ◽

Environmental Dna ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Detection Rates ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Declining Species ◽

Species Specific ◽

Wood Turtle

Among vertebrates, herpetofauna has the highest proportion of declining species. Detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising method towards significantly increasing large-scale herpetological conservation efforts. However, the integration of eDNA results within a management framework requires an evaluation of the efficiency of the method in large natural environments and the calibration of eDNA surveys with the quantitative monitoring tools currently used by conservation biologists. Towards this end, we first developed species-specific primers to detect the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) a species at risk in Canada, by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The rate of eDNA detection obtained by qPCR was also compared to the relative abundance of this species in nine rivers obtained by standardized visual surveys in the Province of Québec (Canada). Second, we developed multi-species primers to detect North American amphibian and reptile species using eDNA metabarcoding analysis. An occurrence index based on the distribution range and habitat type was compared with the eDNA metabarcoding dataset from samples collected in seven lakes and five rivers. Our results empirically support the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding to characterize herpetological species distributions. Moreover, detection rates provided similar results to standardized visual surveys currently used to develop conservation strategies for the wood turtle. We conclude that eDNA detection rates may provide an effective semiquantitative survey tool, provided that assay calibration and standardization is performed.

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Defining the key wintering habitats in the Sahel for declining African-Eurasian migrants using expert assessment

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270913000531 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 477-491 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

PHILIP W. ATKINSON ◽

WILLIAM M. ADAMS ◽

JOOST BROUWER ◽

GRAEME BUCHANAN ◽

ROBERT A. CHEKE ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bird Species ◽

Field Studies ◽

Habitat Associations ◽

Expert Assessment ◽

Rapid Decline ◽

Breeding Populations ◽

Western Palearctic ◽

Wintering Area ◽

Declining Species ◽

Migrant Bird

SummaryThe Sahel in West Africa is a major wintering area for many western Palearctic migrants. The breeding populations of many of these have declined over the past 50 years. However, there have been few intensive field studies on migrant ecology in the Sahel and these were generally within a very restricted area. Consequently our knowledge of the distribution of species within this extensive area and the habitat associations of these species is limited. Understanding these habitat associations is essential for the effective conservation management of populations. We brought together a group of experts and consulted a wider group by email to assess the main Sahelian habitat types used by 68 African-Eurasian migrant bird species. Those species that showed strongest declines during 1970–1990 were associated with more open habitats than those newly declining during 1990–2000, when declining species were associated with habitats with more shrubs and trees. Populations of species that winter in the Sahel are generally stable or increasing now as rainfall has increased and is now near the long-term average for the Sahel. Those which use the Sahel only as a staging area are, in many cases, in rapid decline at present.

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The interplay between habitat structure and chemical contaminants on biotic responses of benthic organisms

10.7287/peerj.preprints.1783v1 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Mariana Mayer Pinto ◽

Miguel G Matias ◽

Ross A Coleman

Keyword(s):

Habitat Structure ◽

Multiple Stressors ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Benthic Organisms ◽

Chemical Contaminants ◽

Natural Systems ◽

Different Types ◽

Management And Conservation ◽

Insight Into

Habitat structure influences the diversity and distribution of organisms, potentially affecting their response to disturbances by either affecting their ‘susceptibility’ or through the provision of resources that can mitigate impacts of disturbances. Chemical disturbances due to contamination are associated with decreases in diversity and functioning of systems and are also likely to increase due to coastal urbanisation. Understanding how habitat structure interacts with contaminants is essential to predict and therefore manage such effects, minimising their consequences to marine systems. Here, we manipulated two structurally different habitats and exposed them to different types of contaminants. Effects of contamination and habitat structure interacted, affecting species richness. More complex experimental habitats were colonized by a greater diversity of organisms than the less complex habitats. These differences disappeared, however, when habitats were exposed to contaminants, suggesting that contaminants can override effects of habitats structure at small spatial scales. These results provide insight into the complex ways that habitat structure and contamination interact and the need to incorporate evidence of biotic responses from individual disturbances to multiple stressors. Such effects need to be taken into account when designing and planning management and conservation strategies to natural systems.

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Individual-based eco-evolutionary models for understanding adaptation in changing seas

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2021.2006 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 288 (1962) ◽

Author(s):

Amanda Xuereb ◽

Quentin Rougemont ◽

Peter Tiffin ◽

Huijie Xue ◽

Megan Phifer-Rixey

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Multiple Stressors ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Adaptive Potential ◽

Marine Systems ◽

Individual Based Models ◽

Demographic Processes ◽

Genetic Responses ◽

Further Development ◽

Effective Conservation

As climate change threatens species' persistence, predicting the potential for species to adapt to rapidly changing environments is imperative for the development of effective conservation strategies. Eco-evolutionary individual-based models (IBMs) can be useful tools for achieving this objective. We performed a literature review to identify studies that apply these tools in marine systems. Our survey suggested that this is an emerging area of research fuelled in part by developments in modelling frameworks that allow simulation of increasingly complex ecological, genetic and demographic processes. The studies we identified illustrate the promise of this approach and advance our understanding of the capacity for adaptation to outpace climate change. These studies also identify limitations of current models and opportunities for further development. We discuss three main topics that emerged across studies: (i) effects of genetic architecture and non-genetic responses on adaptive potential; (ii) capacity for gene flow to facilitate rapid adaptation; and (iii) impacts of multiple stressors on persistence. Finally, we demonstrate the approach using simple simulations and provide a framework for users to explore eco-evolutionary IBMs as tools for understanding adaptation in changing seas.

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Field studies of a high elevation population of northern Greater glider Petauroides volans minor in the Bluff State Forest, Far North Queensland

Australian Zoologist ◽

10.7882/az.2021.003 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

C.R. Starr ◽

R.T. Hughes ◽

M.S. Hemmings ◽

J.F. Coase ◽

M. D. Jess

Keyword(s):

Field Studies ◽

High Elevation ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Radio Tracking ◽

Field Site ◽

Local Conservation ◽

Field Surveys ◽

Far North ◽

Sclerophyll Forest ◽

Blue Gum

ABSTRACT We present the results of field surveys and a radio-tracking study of the Greater glider Petauroides volans minor in the Bluff State Forest, North Queensland. Twenty-three spotlighting transects were surveyed twice in July 2018, mean abundance of P. v. minor was 0.24 ha−1 in wet sclerophyll and 0.38 ha−1 in dry sclerophyll forest. Field observations (n= 330) were collected from nine radio-collared animals across three field sites from July to October 2019. 95% kernel home range estimates varied, ranging from 1.03–11.45 ha. Observations of denning (n=66) across 22 den trees identified that the gliders utilised between 1 and 4 dens during the study. Den trees were predominantly large Blue gum Eucalyptus tereticornis, with Gum-topped box Eucalyptus moluccana, Narrow-leafed ironbark Eucalyptus drepanophylla, Tindale’s stringybark Eucalyptus tindaliae and unidentifiable tree stags were used to lesser extent in one field site. Mean availability of suitable den trees was 2.07±1.12 per ha in Site 1 and 2, and 1.57±1.24 in Site 3. Foraging observations (n=148) were collected, Pink Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia and E. moluccana were the most commonly observed feed trees utilised by the study animals during the tracking period. This study provides baseline data for P. v. minor within high elevation habitat (950 to 1000 m) at its most northern extent. Given the widespread decline of P. volans across much of its range, these data may be used for developing local conservation strategies for the species in North Queensland.

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