scholarly journals Nectar larceny in the trainbearers (Lesbia, Trochilidae)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Igić ◽  
Ivory Nguyen ◽  
Phillip B. Fenberg
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Nectar Robbing ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
Nectar Foraging ◽  
Published Report ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Original Field ◽  
Total Proportion ◽  
Floral Larceny

ABSTRACTMany flower visitors engage in floral larceny, a suite of so-called ‘illegitimate’ visits in which foragers take nectar without providing pollination services. The data on prevalence of illegitimate visits among hummingbirds, as well as the total proportion of foraging and diet that such visits comprise is broadly lacking. Here, we report the occurrence of nectar larceny in both currently recognized species of trainbearers and analyze the proportion of plant visits categorized by mode of interaction as: primary robbing, secondary robbing, theft, and/or pollination. To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first published report identifying robbing in these species. We augment our original field observations using a trove of data from citizen science databases and literature. Although it is difficult to distinguish primary vs. secondary robbing and theft vs. pollination, we conservatively estimate that ca. 40% of the recorded nectar foraging visits involve nectar robbing. Males appear to engage in robbing marginally more than females, but further studies are necessary to confidently examine the multi-way interactions among sex, species, mode of visitation, and other factors. We discuss the significance of these findings in the context of recent developments in study of nectar foraging, larceny, and pollination from both avian and plant perspectives.

scholarly journals Nectar robbing in the trainbearers (Lesbia, Trochilidae)

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9561
Author(s):  
Boris Igić ◽  
Ivory Nguyen ◽  
Phillip B. Fenberg
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Territorial Defense ◽  
Nectar Robbing ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
Nectar Foraging ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Original Field ◽  
Total Proportion ◽  
Floral Larceny

Many flower visitors engage in floral larceny, a suite of so-called ’illegitimate’ visits in which foragers take nectar without providing pollination services. The data on prevalence of illegitimate visits among hummingbirds, as well as the total proportion of foraging and diet that such visits comprise is broadly lacking. Here, we report the occurrence of nectar larceny in the two currently recognized species of trainbearers and analyze the proportion of plant visits categorized by mode of interaction as: robbing, theft, and/or pollination. We augment our original field observations using a trove of data from citizen science databases. Although it is difficult to distinguish primary vs. secondary robbing and theft vs. pollination, we conservatively estimate that ca. 40% of the recorded nectar foraging visits involve nectar robbing. Males appear to engage in robbing marginally more than females, but further studies are necessary to confidently examine the multi-way interactions among sex, species, mode of visitation, and other factors. Our results also indicate that the suggested relationship between serrations on bill tomia and traits such as nectar robbing or territorial defense may be complicated. We discuss the significance of these findings in the context of recent developments in study of nectar foraging, larceny, and pollination from both avian and plant perspectives.

scholarly journals Biting the hand that feeds you: wedge-billed hummingbird is a nectar robber of a sicklebill-adapted Andean bellflower

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mannfred M.A. BOEHM
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Corolla Tube ◽  
Nectar Robbing ◽  
Pollination System ◽  
Recent Developments

ABSTRACT I report on nectar robbing behavior of the wedge-billed hummingbird, Schistes geoffroyi (Trochilidae) on the Andean bellflower, Centropogon granulosus (Campanulaceae). Many species of Centropogon are characterized by an abruptly curved corolla tube which is likely specialized for pollination by sicklebill hummingbirds (Eutoxeres), as evident from the matching curvature of flower and bill. Nectar robbing has been documented for some Centropogon spp., but not for sicklebill pollinated C. granulosus. Given recent developments and interest in the Centropogon-sicklebill mutualism, it is pertinent to document any natural history observations that may underlie the ecology and evolution of this pollination system. The establishment of wedge-billed hummingbird as a nectar robber of C. granulosus calls for a new assessment of the ecology and evolution of the highly specialized Centropogon-sicklebill mutualism.

scholarly journals Using citizen science to monitor pollination services

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 3-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
LINDA BIRKIN ◽  
DAVE GOULSON
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Pollination Services

scholarly journals Effects of the availability of floral resources and neighboring plants on nectar robbery in a specialized pollination system

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Júlia Mendonça Almeida ◽  
Caio César Corrêa Missagia ◽  
Maria Alice Santos Alves
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Floral Resources ◽  
Floral Display ◽  
Nectar Robbing ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Nectar Foraging ◽  
Nectar Robbery

Abstract Many plants pollinated by nectar-foraging animals have to maintain a balance between legitimate visitor attraction strategies and mechanisms that minimize illegitimate visits. This study investigated how floral display and neighboring species composition influences nectar robbing in the tropical ornithophilous herb Heliconia spathocircinata. We tested the role of inflorescence display, flower abundance, and neighboring species in the reduction of nectar robbing in H. spathocircinata. Our results indicate that nectar robbing hummingbird activity was higher in moderately large inflorescence displays and that the frequency of nectar robbing in H. spathocircinata decreases with increased flower abundance and the presence of neighboring plant species. Neighboring non-ornithophilous plants decreased the frequency of nectar robbing in H. spathocircinata flowers to a greater extent than ornithophilous ones. These results suggest that nectar robbing hummingbirds are attracted to similar conditions that attract legitimate visitors, and that spatial aggregation and mixed-species displays may represent a mechanism to dilute nectar robbing effects at an individual level.

Neue Formate transdisziplinärer Forschung: Ausdifferenzierte Brücken zwischen Wissenschaft und Praxis

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-114
Author(s):  
Armin Grunwald ◽  
Martina Schäfer ◽  
Matthias Bergmann
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Real World ◽  
Conceptual Development ◽  
Transdisciplinary Research ◽  
Science And Society ◽  
New Approaches ◽  
Academic Qualification ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Funding Opportunities ◽  
New Research

Das Feld der transdisziplinären Forschung wird zusehends unübersichtlicher. Neben Reallaboren werden vielfältige neue Formate wie Fortschrittskollegs (akademische Qualifizierung), Innovationsgruppen (Bereitstellung von Innovationen) und Citizen Science (neue Verhältnisse von Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft) erprobt. Der Beitrag schafft Überblick und Orientierung und reflektiert ,,Neuheit“ und Erwartungen an spezifische Wirkungen der Formate.Transdisciplinary research has gained new momentum in recent years. Several new research formats have been developed and tested, primarily motivated by new funding opportunities, and based on new initiatives from research communities. These new formats comprise real-world lab research, new approaches to academic qualification, new approaches to innovation co-development, and the exploration of new relationships between science and society. In this paper, we considered real-world labs, advanced graduate schools, innovation groups and recent developments in the field of citizen science. We analyzed and compared these formats with respect to their novelty in an effort to develop and explore overarching hypotheses for transdisciplinary research, for example, with respect to potentials and paths of impact. This was all done with the aim of creating oversight to promote further conceptual development in the increasingly fragmented field of transdisciplinary research.

scholarly journals Increasing understanding of alien species through citizen science (Alien-CSI)

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Roy ◽  
Quentin Groom ◽  
Tim Adriaens ◽  
Gaia Agnello ◽  
Marina Antic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Educational Value ◽  
Rate Of Spread ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
On Line ◽  
The Eu

There is no sign of saturation in accumulation of alien species (AS) introductions worldwide, additionally the rate of spread for some species has also been shown to be increasing. However, the challenges of gathering information on AS are recognized. Recent developments in citizen science (CS) provide an opportunity to improve data flow and knowledge on AS while ensuring effective and high quality societal engagement with the issue of IAS (Invasive Alien Species). Advances in technology, particularly on-line recording and smartphone apps, along with the development of social media, have revolutionized CS and increased connectivity while new and innovative analysis techniques are emerging to ensure appropriate management, visualization, interpretation and use and sharing of the data. In early July 2018 we launched a European CO-operation in Science and Technology (COST) Action to address multidisciplinary research questions in relation to developing and implementing CS, advancing scientific understanding of AS dynamics while informing decision-making specifically implementation of technical requirements of relevant legislation such as the EU Regulation 1143/2014 on IAS. It will also support the EU biodiversity goals and embedding science within society. The Action will explore and document approaches to establishing a European-wide CS AS network. It will embrace relevant innovations for data gathering and reporting to support the implementation of monitoring and surveillance measures, while ensuring benefits for society and citizens, through an AS CS European network. The Action will, therefore, increase levels of participation and quality of engagement with current CS initiatives, ensuring and evaluating educational value, and improve the value outcomes for potential users including citizens, scientists, alien species managers, policy-makers, local authorities, industry and other stakeholders.

scholarly journals Diversity of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Associated withEucalyptusin Africa and Madagascar

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Ducousso ◽  
Robin Duponnois ◽  
Daniel Thoen ◽  
Yves Prin
Keyword(s):  
Ectomycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Fungal Diversity ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Ectomycorrhizal Fungus ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
Putative Origin ◽  
Original Field ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Species Being

Use of the Australian genusEucalyptusin short rotation plantations in Africa and Madagascar has developed over the last century to such an extent that it is becoming the most frequently planted genus in Africa. In order to find ecologically well-adapted eucalypts, foresters have tested different species of various origins and the number of testedEucalyptusspecies now exceeds 150 in Africa. Due to the ability of eucalypts to naturally form ectomycorrhizae, even in the absence of any controlled introduction of compatible ectomycorrhizal fungal partners, their introduction in new ecosystems has direct consequences for ectomycorrhizal fungus communities. A bibliographical compilation, together with original field observations on putative ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with eucalypts in Africa and in Madagascar, has been drawn up in two lists: one for Africa and one for Madagascar where surprisingly high fungal diversity was observed. The level of diversity, the putative origin of the fungi, and their potential impact on native ectomycorrhizal fungi are discussed. The development of eucalypts plantations will inexorably lead to the increase of exotic fungal species being potentially invasive in the considered region.

scholarly journals Citizen Science and Environmental Protection Agencies: Engaging Citizens to Address Key Environmental Challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Miguel Rubio-Iglesias ◽  
Triin Edovald ◽  
Robert Grew ◽  
Timo Kark ◽  
Ahmet Erkan Kideys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Interest Group ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Science Data ◽  
Environmental Challenges ◽  
Recent Developments

Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) have been involved in citizen science initiatives for decades, engaging with citizens with the goal of protecting and restoring our environment. Yet the data and knowledge generated and the possibilities for engaging citizens have grown significantly in the last decades thanks to the recent developments in mobile technologies and the access to internet, resulting in a transformation of how environmental protection can be done. This perspective provides some examples on how European EPAs and their partners are currently addressing key environmental challenges and exploring new institutional approaches by bringing in citizen science data and methods. It also points out challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of citizen science as a complement to the monitoring efforts by these agencies. Finally, it presents the Interest Group on Citizen Science of the Network of the Heads of Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA Network), an informal forum where EPAs across Europe share examples and bring together strategic insights on citizen science approaches into their daily activities.

Systematic revision of the genus Cerocoma Geoffroy, 1762 (Coleoptera: Meloidae: Cerocomini)

Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2853 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
FEDERICA TURCO ◽  
MARCO A. BOLOGNA
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Systematic Revision ◽  
Morphological Approach ◽  
Original Field ◽  
Three New Species ◽  
Type Information

The taxonomy of the Palaearctic genus Cerocoma is revised using a classical morphological approach. A catalogue to species with current synonyms, type information and repositories is provided as well as diagnostic keys to species (male and female) and subspecies (only male), illustrations of male dimorphic and diagnostic characters and detailed distribution data, including literature and collection records. The biology of Cerocoma is summarised, based on available literature and original field observations. Three new species are described and figured: Cerocoma confusa sp.n. (= C. syriaca Auctorum), C. longiseta sp.n. and C. martae sp.n. New status is assessed for two taxa: C. latreillei sterbai stat.n. and C. marginiventris stat.n. New synonymies are proposed as follows: C. syriaca Abeille de Perrin, 1880 = C. barthelemyi Baudi, 1878 syn. nov.; C. latreillei schah Kaszab, 1968 = C. latreillei sterbai Mařan, 1944 syn. nov.; C. scovitzi mirabilis Dvořák, 1993 = C. scovitzi intermedia Mařan, 1944 syn. nov. Adult morphological characters and molecular datasets (nuclear ITS2 and mitochondrial 16S) are used, separately and combined, to carry out the first attempt to elucidate the Cerocoma phylogeny, using Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Inference. The resulted phylogeny supports the arrangement of Cerocoma into five subgenera: Cerocomina, Mesocerocoma and Metacerocoma as previously defined; the nominate subgenus, restricted to the species group of C. schaefferi Linnaeus, 1758; and Meloides Piller & Mitterpacher, 1783, recently resurrected on morphological data only.

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