scholarly journals Ecological restoration of habitats invaded by Leucanthemum vulgare that alters key ecosystem functions

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0246665
Author(s):  
Mohd Asgar Khan ◽  
Khursheed Hussain ◽  
Manzoor A. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Ecosystem Structure ◽  
Lower Altitude ◽  
Herbicide Treatment ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Restoration Strategies ◽  
Precise Assessment ◽  
Structure And Functions

Precise assessment of the impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) on ecosystem structure and functions is paramount for implementing appropriate management and restoration strategies. Here we investigated the impacts of Leucanthemum vulgare (ox-eye daisy), an aggressive invader in Kashmir Himalaya, on species diversity and primary productivity. We also evaluated bunch of strategies for the ecological restoration of the habitats invaded by this species. We found that uninvaded plots harbored on an average of 6.11 (±2.92) more species per 1m2 of quadrat than invaded plots. At multivariate scale, the ordination (nMDS) and ANOSIM exhibited significant differences between invaded and uninvaded plots with R = 0.7889 and p < 0.001. The decrease in diversity indices in invaded as compared to uninvaded plots was associated with more productive plant communities due to Leucanthemum invasion. Higher altitude Gulmarg site was more affected by Leucanthemum invasion than lower altitude Drung site. We tested different approaches for restoration and management of invaded habitats that include herbicide treatment at seedling stage, herbicide treatment before and after flowering stage, mowing and herbicide treatment together, joint mowing, digging and herbicide treatment and Leucanthemum uprooting. Among these treatments, uprooting and combined digging, mowing and herbicide treatment proved to be most effective in controlling Leucanthemum invasion. The implications of these results for effective management of ecologically sensitive and socio-culturally important landscapes are discussed.

scholarly journals On the Need to Differentiate the Temporal Trajectories of Ecosystem Structure and Functions in Restoration Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 194008292091031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvio Ferraz ◽  
Pedro H. S. Brancalion ◽  
Joannès Guillemot ◽  
Paula Meli
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Ecosystem Functioning ◽  
Ecosystem Restoration ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Time Lags ◽  
Ecosystem Structure ◽  
Land Planning ◽  
Planning Decision ◽  
Structure And Functions

Potential time lags between human-mediated disturbances and the subsequent responses of ecosystems are critical for planning and implementing conservation and restoration actions. In this context, decoupling between the temporal trajectories of ecosystems structure and functions is particularly critical. Here, we stand out the need to differentiate the temporal trajectories of ecosystem structure and functions to be considered in ecological restoration programs. In cases when ecosystem functions persist after the degradation of the ecosystem structure, and when functions do not recover at the same rate as structure, some kind of ecosystem functioning credits or debts can occur. In other situations, an ongoing loss of the ecosystem function can occur even in the absence of further disturbance. Ecosystem restoration outcomes could be optimized in regions with ecosystem functioning credit, since mitigating the decline in functioning will be more efficient than recovering functions in highly degraded conditions. Ecological restoration programs should not only focus on structure-derived indicators but they should also consider the dynamics of ecosystem functions to guide land-planning decision-making.

Remediation Research in the Jornada Basin: Past and Future

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey E. Herrick ◽  
Kris M. Havstad
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Bouteloua Eriopoda ◽  
Science And Policy ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Normal Ranges ◽  
Jornada Basin ◽  
Animal Community ◽  
Similar Area ◽  
Ultimate Objective

Land degradation in most of the Chihuahuan Desert is characterized by a shift from grass- to shrub-dominated plant communities (Ballín Cortés 1987; Grover and Musick 1990; Fredrickson et al. 1998; see also chapter 10). This shift is associated with increased soil resource redistribution and spatial variability at the plant-interspace scale (Schlesinger et al. 1990; see also chapter 6). Earlier descriptions focused more specifically on the loss of plant species, such as black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda), which were palatable to livestock (Nelson 1934). In 1958, it was estimated that one section (3.2 km2) of black grama grassland could support 18 animal units yearlong, while a similar area dominated by mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) dunes could support just three animal units (Jornada Experimental Range Staff 1958; see also chapter 13). It was recognized that overgrazing facilitated the increase of less palatable species, including shrubs. Consequently, the objectives of the first organized rangeland research in the Southwest were to identify proper techniques to restore grasslands that had been overgrazed (Jardine and Hurtt 1917; Havstad 1996). Today, we recognize the importance of multiple, interacting factors in addition to overgrazing, and research is more broadly focused on the recovery of ecosystem functions necessary to support multiple ecosystem services. This chapter details this extensive history of research to identify and develop technologies to revegetate, restore, reclaim, rehabilitate, or more generally remediate degraded rangelands. The Society for Ecological Restoration considers that “an ecosystem has recovered when it contains sufficient biotic and abiotic resources to continue its development without assistance or subsidy. It will demonstrate resilience to normal ranges of environmental stress and disturbance. It will interact with contiguous ecosystems in terms of biotic and abiotic flows and cultural interactions” (Society for Ecological Restoration Science and Policy Working Group 2002). Although restoration of perennial grasslands is often cited as the ultimate objective of management intervention in the Southwest, we recognize that in many if not most cases complete restoration of a preexisting plant and animal community is impossible, even if we had perfect knowledge of all of the elements they contained. We also recognize that many of the historic management interventions discussed herein had more limited objectives.

scholarly journals Plant community analysis and effect of environmental factors on the diversity of woody species in the moist Afromontane forest of Wondo Genet, South Central Ethiopia

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamo Kebede ◽  
Eshetu Yirdaw ◽  
Olavi Luukkanen ◽  
Mulugeta Lemenih
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Community Analysis ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Central Ethiopia ◽  
South Central ◽  
Afromontane Forest ◽  
Restoration Strategies

Abstract Floristic diversity and the composition of vascular plants are described for the moist Afromontane forest (MAF) of Wondo Genet, south-central Ethiopia. A total of 75 (20 x 20 m) quadrats were sampled and data on species identity, abundance, elevation, slope and aspect were recorded. Different diversity indices and ordination techniques were used to analyze the data. A total of 240 plant species including seven endemic plant species were found representing 94 families and 210 genera, of which trees constitute 23.8%, shrubs 25%, herbs 35%, lianas 11.3% and ferns 5%. Cluster and indicator species analyses revealed five plant communities described as: Teclea nobilis-Calpurnia aurea, Erythrococca trichogyne-Millettia ferruginea, Croton macrostachyus-Vernonia hochstetteri, Protea gaguedi-Rhus retinorrhoea and Dodonaea angustifolia-Hypericum quartinianum. Elevation (R2=0.48, P<0.001), slope (R2=0.14, P<0.001) and aspect (R2=0.04, P<0.01) correlated significantly and negatively with species richness, whereas only elevation (R2=0.30, P<0.001) and slope (R2=0.13, P<0.001) related significantly and negatively with abundance. Sørensen’s similarity coefficient indicates that the forest of Wondo Genet is similar to moist montane forests of southwestern and southeastern Ethiopia. Given the high diversity, coupled with the existence of endemic species, ecosystem conservation and restoration strategies with further research are warranted.

Genetic Considerations in Plant Ecological Restoration

Ecology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danny J. Gustafson ◽  
Alexis Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Outbreeding Depression ◽  
Founder Effects ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Fitness Consequences ◽  
Seed Provenance

Ecological restoration is most commonly described as the process of aiding in the recovery of a damaged or destroyed system. In many cases, restoration may not be possible when self-sustaining populations, functions, and trajectories cannot be maintained due to the type of disturbance sustained by a site; in these cases, revegetation or remediation are more achievable goals. The definition of ecological restoration has been expanded to incorporate scientific inquiry into the process of the recovery of a natural range of ecosystem composition, structure, and dynamics. Ecological restoration research spans different levels of organization from genes to ecosystems. Genetic considerations are fundamental to the success of ecological restoration, and considerations of this issue will impact choices from seed source selection to genetic control of ecosystem services. A major decision for restorationists is the use of local versus nonlocal plant material, as well as the mixing of source populations; ideally, these choices can be based on sound population genetic, ecological, and evolutionary theory research. Ultimately, selection of plant material to be used in ecological restoration is driven by the specific project goals, availability and quality of plant materials, site conditions, and scale of the project. Beyond the local versus nonlocal selection issue, genetic issues related to small population dynamics, gene flow in the modern landscape, and gene expression affecting community structure and ecosystem functions can affect the success of ecological restoration activities. This article focuses primarily on plants; however, issues related to genetics of small populations (inbreeding and outbreeding depression, founder effects, and fitness consequences of reduced genetic variation) are important considerations for animal species too. The readings contained within this bibliography include: Ecotypic Variation, Seed Provenance for Restoration, Seed Transfer Zones for Restoration, Seed Provenance for Revegetation, Life History Traits, Moving beyond Neutral Markers, Inbreeding Depression, Outbreeding Depression, Founder Effects, Fitness Consequences of Reduced Genetic Variation, Community and Landscape Genetics, Testing Genotypic Effects on Community and Ecosystem Processes, Evaluating Success, and Genetic Composition and Diversity in Restored Populations.

Assessment on the Water Quality Influenced by Large-Scale Controlled Planting of Water Hyacinth in the Dianchi Lake

2013 ◽  
Vol 726-731 ◽  
pp. 1782-1785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Zhang ◽  
Zong Shou Cai ◽  
Li Hong Chen ◽  
Jian Wen Ruan
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Water Hyacinth ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Present Situation ◽  
Dianchi Lake ◽  
The Future ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Ecological Treatment

Large-scale controlled planting of water hyacinth has become one of the most important measures of Dianchi Lake’s treatment in the “12th Five-Year Plan”. This paper firstly introduced the present situation of large-scale controlled planting of water hyacinth in Dianchi Lake. The water quality of Caohai and Waihai of Dianchi Lake were compared before and after the project of planting water hyacinth. This paper concluded that the effects of large-scale controlled planting of water hyacinth on the ecological restoration of Caohai lake were outstanding. The area of controlled planting could be spread among other water areas of Dianchi lake where is suitable for the growth of water hyacinth in the future, and water hyacinth will pay a greater role in the ecological treatment of Dianchi Lake.

scholarly journals Combining paleo-data and modern exclosure experiments to assess the impact of megafauna extinctions on woody vegetation

2015 ◽  
Vol 113 (4) ◽  
pp. 847-855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth S. Bakker ◽  
Jacquelyn L. Gill ◽  
Christopher N. Johnson ◽  
Frans W. M. Vera ◽  
Christopher J. Sandom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Landscape Structure ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Late Quaternary ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Ecosystem Structure ◽  
Large Herbivore ◽  
Large Herbivores ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Quaternary Extinctions

Until recently in Earth history, very large herbivores (mammoths, ground sloths, diprotodons, and many others) occurred in most of the World’s terrestrial ecosystems, but the majority have gone extinct as part of the late-Quaternary extinctions. How has this large-scale removal of large herbivores affected landscape structure and ecosystem functioning? In this review, we combine paleo-data with information from modern exclosure experiments to assess the impact of large herbivores (and their disappearance) on woody species, landscape structure, and ecosystem functions. In modern landscapes characterized by intense herbivory, woody plants can persist by defending themselves or by association with defended species, can persist by growing in places that are physically inaccessible to herbivores, or can persist where high predator activity limits foraging by herbivores. At the landscape scale, different herbivore densities and assemblages may result in dynamic gradients in woody cover. The late-Quaternary extinctions were natural experiments in large-herbivore removal; the paleoecological record shows evidence of widespread changes in community composition and ecosystem structure and function, consistent with modern exclosure experiments. We propose a conceptual framework that describes the impact of large herbivores on woody plant abundance mediated by herbivore diversity and density, predicting that herbivore suppression of woody plants is strongest where herbivore diversity is high. We conclude that the decline of large herbivores induces major alterations in landscape structure and ecosystem functions.

Observations on the Simulium neavei complex at Amani in Tanganyika.

1960 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Short Distance ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Follicular Epithelium ◽  
Wing Size ◽  
Lower Altitude ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Before And After ◽  
History Of ◽  
Efficient Vector ◽  
The Common

The paper deals with two members of the Simulium neavi Eoub. complex found at Amani in the forest of the Usambara Mountains, Tanganyika Territory. They have already been described but are at present termed the Amani unhanded and banded forms, scientific names being witheld until the taxonomy of the whole complex is better understood.Some methods of study are described.Pupae of the unhanded form constituted a large proportion of the total number found on the common local crab, Potamon (Potamonautes) lirrangensis Eathbun, which amounted to roughly one pupa to seven crabs. This form predominated in the lower and more open parts of the drainage system examined. The adults were not seen to bite man. This and the banded form were found at a much lower altitude than any hitherto reported for the complex, probably owing to the particular nature of the local climate. Neither form was abundant.The larvae and pupae of the banded form, like the unhanded one, live externally on the crabs. The variability of wing size of the banded form is described. Observations were made on the internal anatomy of the adult with special reference to the ovaries in which the follicular relics are usually very large, indicating that the female probably bites soon after laying eggs. As in S. damnosum Theo. there is an easily recognisable class of old flies with clear Malpighian tubes. Nulliparous and parous flies have rather different biting cycles. The banded form bit man readily but only about five were taken per hour in good catching places and far fewer elsewhere.Human onchorcerciasis has been reported from Amani but is not known to do any harm there. The existence of the disease in the presence of rather small numbers of Simuliids is of interest in relation to a belief that S. neavei is a more efficient vector of onchocerciasis than is S. damnosum. Out of 359 banded females dissected 41·2 per cent, were parous and 12·8 per cent, of these were infected with nematodes, at least some of which were not Onchocerca volvulus.Taxonomy, the ovarioles and the Simuliid-crab association are discussed. The formation of the large follicular relics of the banded form is considered in relation to the history of the follicular epithelium before and after ovulation. The crab association is regarded as commensalism-, and it is suggested that the crabs benefit the Simuliids by carrying them a short distance to a suitable current and that they thus enable them to live in fast rivers and so extend their range.

scholarly journals Biota of coastal wetlands of Praia da Vitória (Terceira Island, Azores): Part 2 - Bryophytes

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalina Gabriel ◽  
César Pimentel ◽  
David Claro ◽  
Mariana Brito ◽  
Javier Díaz-Castillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
New Taxa ◽  
Coastal Wetlands ◽  
Coastal Wetland ◽  
New Records ◽  
Biodiversity Assessment ◽  
Moss Species ◽  
Extensive Survey ◽  
Before And After ◽  
European Distribution

During the LIFE-CWR project "Ecological Restoration and Conservation of Praia da Vitória Coastal Wet Green Infrastructures", there was the opportunity to undertake a systematic record of bryophytes at Paul da Praia da Vitória (PPV), Paul do Belo Jardim (PBJ) and Paul da Pedreira do Cabo da Praia (PPCP), three coastal wetland areas of Praia da Vitória (Terceira, Azores, Portugal). The objective of the study was to perform a biodiversity assessment, comparing the three sites at two different moments, before and after the implementation of several conservation measures. This project also contributed to improve the knowledge of Azorean bryophyte diversity at both local and regional scales, including the recording of two new taxa for the Azores and three new taxa for Terceira Island. This paper reports the results of the first extensive survey of bryophyes of the three coastal wetland areas of Praia da Vitória (Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal). The identification of a total of 504 samples, 240 collected in 2013 and 2016 (before the LIFE-CWR intervention) and 265 in 2017 and 2018 (after the intervention), resulted in a list of 58 species of bryophytes (one hornwort, eight liverworts and 48 mosses). These include two new records for the Azores (Bryumklinggraeffii, Ptychostomumbornholmense), three new records for Terceira Island (Bryumtenuisetum, Dicranellahowei, Trichostomumcrispulum) and at least 15 new records for the municipality of Praia da Vitória (e.g., Cephaloziellahampeana). Some species that had not been recorded on the island since 1937 (e.g., Fissidenscrispus) were collected during this study, as well as a Macaronesian endemic liverwort (Radulawichurae), an Iberian-Macaronesian liverwort (Frullaniaazorica) and a moss species with European distribution (Ptychomitriumnigrescens). From the recorded species, only one moss (Leptophascumleptophyllum), of subtropical origin, is considered invasive in Europe.

scholarly journals Carbon and ecohydrological priorities in managing woody encroachment: An UAV perspective 63 years after a control treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Temuulen Tsagaan Sankey ◽  
Jackson Leonard ◽  
Margaret M. Moore ◽  
Joel B Sankey ◽  
Adam Belmonte
Keyword(s):  
Woody Species ◽  
Carbon Accumulation ◽  
Woody Encroachment ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Water Yield ◽  
Historical Records ◽  
Aboveground Carbon ◽  
Herbicide Treatment ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Woody Cover

Abstract Woody encroachment, including both woody species expansion and density increase, is a globally observed phenomenon that deteriorates arid and semi-arid rangeland health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Mechanical and chemical control treatments are commonly performed to reduce woody cover and restore ecohydrologic function. While the immediate impacts of woody control treatments are well documented in short-term studies, treatment impacts at decadal scales are not commonly studied. Using a controlled herbicide treatment from 1954 in the Sierra Ancha Experimental Forest in central Arizona, USA, we quantify woody encroachment and associated aboveground carbon accumulation in treated and untreated watersheds. Woody encroachment and aboveground carbon are estimated using high resolution multispectral images and photogrammetric data from a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). We then combine the contemporary UAV image-derived estimates with historical records from immediately before and after the treatment to consider long-term trends in woody vegetation cover, aboveground carbon, water yield, and sedimentation. Our results indicate that the treatment has had a lasting impact. More than six decades later, woody cover in two treated watersheds are still significantly lower compared to two control watersheds, even though woody cover increased in all four drainages. Aboveground woody carbon in the treated watersheds is approximately one half that accumulated in the control watersheds. The historical records indicate that herbicide treatment also increased water yield and reduced annual sedimentation. Given the sustained reduction in woody cover and aboveground woody biomass in treated watersheds, we infer that the herbicide treatment has had similarly long lasting impacts on ecohydrological function. Land managers can consider legacy impacts from control treatments to better balance carbon and ecohydrological consequences of woody encroachment and treatment activities.

scholarly journals Research on geo-ecological restoration of mountain towns upon the influence of earthquake disaster. A case study of 4.20 Lushan Earthquake

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na An ◽  
◽  
Wei Zeng ◽  
Binman Yang ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Ecological Footprint ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Dynamic Change ◽  
Lushan Earthquake ◽  
Ecological Environment ◽  
Destructive Effect ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Before And After

Earthquakes have a great destructive effect on the geo-ecological environment of mountain towns, and the restoration of the geo-ecological environment after the disaster is of great significance to the sustainable development of mountain towns. This paper applies the improved ecological footprint method to build a geo-ecological restoration footprint evaluation model from the aspects of factors affecting the geological ecology. Moreover, Comprehensive evaluation of geo-ecology were selected to analyse the dynamic change process of geological ecology before and after the Lushan earthquake in 2010-2017. The results show that earthquake disasters have a long-term and dual impact on the geo-ecological environment of mountainous towns. Earthquake disasters can change the geo-ecological footprint by reducing the output of ecological products, changing the population composition, diet structure and even the fuel ratio, thereby affecting the geo-ecological restoration process for a long time. On the one hand, the effect of sustainable restoration of the ecology after the disaster in Lushan County has achieved initial results, the geo-ecological deficit has been reduced by more than 43%. But on the other hand, the comprehensive evaluation of ecological restoration in Lushan County is in an unsustainable state and the geo-ecological environment is facing tremendous pressure. Based on this, this article considers the degree of geoecological restoration in Lushan County, and proposes a countermeasure for future geological and ecological restoration in Lushan County.

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