Species richness and biodiversity conservation priorities in British Columbia, Canada

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn E Freemark ◽  
Mark Meyers ◽  
Denis White ◽  
Leanna D Warman ◽  
A Ross Kiester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Programming Algorithm ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Species At Risk ◽  
Distribution Ranges ◽  
Species Groups

Patterns in the geographic distribution of seven species groups were used to identify important areas for conservation in British Columbia, Canada. Potential priority sites for conservation were determined using an integer programming algorithm that maximized the number of species represented in the minimum number of sites. Sweep analyses were used to determine how well the set of priority sites identified for each species group represented the other species groups. Although areas of highest species richness were different for each species group, they all included sites in the southern interior of British Columbia, where there is limited protection. Furthermore, less than 13% of the distribution ranges for 23 of 25 bird species of special conservation concern were located within existing protected areas. Species at risk of extinction were poorly represented (26%–42%) in priority sets of sites selected for amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, since these sites were generally scattered throughout the province. However, priority sites for species at risk represented 72%–91% of the species in other groups. Therefore, conservation activities in sites identified for such species have the potential to benefit many other species. These sites could be investigated in more detail to augment existing conservation and protection efforts in British Columbia.

scholarly journals Avian species–area relationships indicate that towns are not different from natural areas

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
SIMONE FATTORINI ◽  
GIULIA LIN ◽  
CRISTINA MANTONI
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Bird Richness ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Species Area ◽  
Human Density

SUMMARYUrban areas host many bird species, and urban species richness can be compared with that in natural areas using species–area relationships (SARs). We used a multimodel selection approach to investigate the influence of area, human population, elevation and climatic variables on species richness of breeding birds from 34 towns and 54 nature reserves in Italy. Using the linearized power function, area was identified as the most important correlate of avian species richness in both urban and natural areas. The SARs did not differ significantly between towns and reserves, although human density had a negative effect on bird richness. These findings underline the possible importance of urban areas in biodiversity conservation, but also stress that human density is a factor reducing species richness. However, species richness alone cannot inform conservation priorities because it does not take into account the different conservation values of species.

scholarly journals Winter bird abundance, species richness and functional guild composition at Delhi’s ponds: does time of day and wetland extent matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prakhar Rawal ◽  
Swati Kittur ◽  
Murali Krishna Chatakonda ◽  
K S Gopi Sundar
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Bird Abundance ◽  
Functional Guilds ◽  
Β Diversity ◽  
Functional Guild ◽  
Guild Composition

Abstract Urbanisation can limit species persistence and bias composition of functional guilds with serious consequences for ecosystem functioning and conservation planning. Standardised biodiversity surveys are missing at most tropical urban cities where biodiversity levels are high alongside rapidly increasing rates of urbanisation. We explored the utility of time-bound surveys to document winter birds at ponds (wetlands ≤ 5 ha) in Delhi, India at two different times of the day (morning and evening) and in areas with varying extents of wetlands. Systematic surveys at 39 ponds during January–March 2020 yielded an estimated 173 ± 22 bird species (∼37% of Delhi’s birds). The total bird species assemblage at ponds did not vary significantly with time of day, but β-diversity increased marginally with increasing extent of wetlands. Total bird abundance and species richness varied substantially with time of day, with differences apparent across several species rich functional feeding and habitat guilds. Abundance and species richness of some guilds, including species-poor guilds, varied in ponds located in areas with differing extent of wetlands. Reliable and comparable measures of species abundance and species richness (both total and across functional guilds)— metrics commonly used to set research and conservation priorities—in urban habitats can be obtained after appropriately standardising field effort. Such standardised efforts can help underscore the importance of maintaining and improving erstwhile-ignored habitats such as unprotected ponds that are providing refugia to hundreds of bird species in mega-cities like Delhi.

scholarly journals Erratum: Species richness and biodiversity conservation priorities in British Columbia, Canada

2007 ◽  
Vol 85 (9) ◽  
pp. 1014-1014
Author(s):  
Kathryn E. Freemark ◽  
Mark Meyers ◽  
Denis White ◽  
Leanna D. Warman ◽  
A. Ross Kiester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Conservation Priorities

Efferia okanagana, a new species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) from the grasslands of southern British Columbia, Canada, with notes on taxonomy, biology, distribution, and conservation status

2011 ◽  
Vol 143 (6) ◽  
pp. 578-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Cannings
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Flight Period ◽  
Species At Risk ◽  
Key To Species ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
The Status ◽  
A New Species

AbstractEfferia okanagana sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in the grasslands of the southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada, mainly the Okanagan Valley. The male and female genitalia are described and illustrated. The existing key to species of Efferia Coquillett is modified to enable identification of male and female E. okanagana. The species belongs to the E. arida species group and perhaps is most closely related to E. arida (Williston) and E. pinali Wilcox. Efferia coulei Wilcox is the closest sympatric relative. Sequences of the cytochrome oxidase I gene (DNA barcode) for E. okanagana and E. coulei show distinct clusters for each species that are approximately 7.0% divergent (uncorrected p distance). Efferia okanagana has an early flight period (May and June) and lives in low-elevation grasslands dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Á. Löve) (Poaceae), especially where the soil is gravelly. It is considered a potential species at risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

scholarly journals Protecting biodiversity in British Columbia: Recommendations for developing species at risk legislation

FACETS ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alana R. Westwood ◽  
Sarah P. Otto ◽  
Arne Mooers ◽  
Chris Darimont ◽  
Karen E. Hodges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Provincial Government ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Species At Risk ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Species At Risk Act ◽  
Species Declines

British Columbia has the greatest biological diversity of any province or territory in Canada. Yet increasing numbers of species in British Columbia are threatened with extinction. The current patchwork of provincial laws and regulations has not effectively prevented species declines. Recently, the Provincial Government has committed to enacting an endangered species law. Drawing upon our scientific and legal expertise, we offer recommendations for key features of endangered species legislation that build upon strengths and avoid weaknesses observed elsewhere. We recommend striking an independent Oversight Committee to provide recommendations about listing species, organize Recovery Teams, and monitor the efficacy of actions taken. Recovery Teams would evaluate and prioritize potential actions for individual species or groups of species that face common threats or live in a common area, based on best available evidence (including natural and social science and Indigenous Knowledge). Our recommendations focus on implementing an adaptive approach, with ongoing and transparent monitoring and reporting, to reduce delays between determining when a species is at risk and taking effective actions to save it. We urge lawmakers to include this strong evidentiary basis for species recovery as they tackle the scientific and socioeconomic challenges of building an effective species at risk Act.

scholarly journals Distribution and status of Howell’s Quillwort (Isoetes howellii, Isoetaceae) in Canada and its relation to Bolander’s Quillwort (Isoetes bolanderi)

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-264
Author(s):  
Daniel F. Brunton ◽  
Margaret A. Krichbaum ◽  
Randall S. Krichbaum ◽  
Paul C. Sokoloff
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Species At Risk ◽  
Primary Reason ◽  
The North ◽  
Canadian Population ◽  
River Region ◽  
Shallow Ponds ◽  
Number Of Individuals

The sparsely documented lycophyte, Howell’s Quillwort (Isoetes howellii), occurs in Canada in four distinct areas of British Columbia in a variety of microhabitats. Before 2010, two areas of occurrence were known in Canada. Two additional clusters of occurrences have been discovered in the last decade. In Canada, I. howellii is found in open, ephemeral wet swales, shallow ponds, and periodically flooded shorelines, channels, and back beach meadows. Habitat rarity may be the primary reason for the large gaps between areas of occurrence. The current viability of the Canadian population is dependent on maintaining the recently discovered large number of individuals in the North Thompson River Region. Isoetes howellii shares many similarities with fellow diploid, Bolander’s Quillwort (Isoetes bolanderi). The possibility that it represents a low-elevation subspecies of I. bolanderi requires further investigation. Isoetes howellii is rare in British Columbia and warrants consideration as a species at risk in Canada.

Regeneration Success and Plant Species Diversity of Allegheny Hardwood Stands After Roundup Application and Shelterwood Cutting

1994 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 109-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen B. Horsley
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Plant Species Diversity ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Species Groups

Abstract The presence of desirable regeneration and plant species diversity was studied in five Allegheny hardwood stands before and for 7 yr after application of Roundup herbicide and shelterwood cutting to remove interfering understories of hayscented and New York fern, striped maple, and beech and to establish desirable hardwood regeneration. In each of five 20 ac stands, 10 ac were sprayed with 1 lb ai (active ingredient)/ac of Roundup in August 1979; the remaining 10 ac were unsprayed. The entire 20 ac stand received a shelterwood seed cut the following winter. On treated plots, fern was reduced from 57% stocking before treatment to 7% 1 yr after treatment; striped maple and beech stocking was reduced by 16% during the same time. By the fourth year after treatment, regeneration stocking of desirable hardwood species had doubled on treated plots but remained unchanged on untreated control plots. Species diversity was measured by species richness, three diversity indices--Berger-Parker, Margalef and Shannon, and index-free diversity ordering. Neither the herbicide treatment nor the shelterwood seed cut had a statistically significant effect on species richness of either woody species or herbaceous species groups. Nor was there a significant effect of treatments on woody species diversity as measured by the three diversity indices. Index-free diversity ordering showed. (1) a trend toward increase in less common species on Roundup-treated areas, and (2) the diversity of herbaceous species groups was higher in all 7 yr after treatment with Roundup. Values of the three diversity indices were higher for herbaceous species on Roundup-treated subplots for 2 to 7 yr after treatment. Much of this increase resulted from germination of seed bank grasses, sedges, and Rubus spp. With the qualification that long-term and current browsing by deer has impoverished the flora of the Allegheny hardwood forest, diminishing potential treatment effects, the study demonstrated that Roundup treatment aided desirable regeneration establishment, did not have a negative impact on woody species or herbaceous species group diversity, and may have increased diversity of herbaceous species. North. J. Appl. For. 11(4): 109-116.

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