scholarly journals Review of Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius distribution in the Karst region (W Slovenia), results of the first systematic census and first recorded breeding of the species in the area

Acrocephalus ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (172-173) ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Sara Cernich ◽  
Domen Stanič
Keyword(s):  
Species Abundance ◽  
Flood Plain ◽  
Deciduous Forests ◽  
Karst Region ◽  
Oak Forests ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Active Nest ◽  
Oak Woodlands ◽  
Middle Spotted Woodpecker

AbstractThe Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius is a highly specialised woodpecker inhabiting mature deciduous forests. The presence of large mature oaks Quercus sp. is a very important factor determining the species' presence and distribution. In Slovenia it is more common in the eastern part, where it inhabits mainly lowland flood-plain oak forests. In other parts of the country it is more localised, as is the case in western Slovenia, where small isolated populations were recently discovered. In this paper we present the currently known observations of Middle Spotted Woodpecker in the Karst region (W Slovenia), the results of the first systematic survey and the first documented breeding of the species in this area. The survey was carried out on the 20 of March 2016 in the wooded hills between the villages of Senožeče and Veliko polje. Using playback method we recorded a total of 8 territorial woodpeckers, confirming our initial expectations about the species' abundance in that area. Breeding was also confirmed in the hills of Senožeče, an active nest-hole was found on 23 Apr 2017. On 18 May 2017 at least 3 juveniles successfully left the nest. Middle Spotted Woodpeckers have recently been observed also in other oak woodlands across the Karst and nearby areas, especially outside the breeding season. These areas include Lipica, Bazovica, the Brkini hills and the Gorica Karst. From summer 2016 onwards several observations of Middle Spotted Woodpeckers have been reported from Lipica, involving up to four different individuals. Repeated sightings in this area and the presence of suitable habitat suggest a probable breeding. The increased number of data in western Slovenia during the last decade might be a consequence of more frequent field visits by ornithologists. Moreover, the presence of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker in this part of the country might be linked to the gradual spreading of forests and the maturing of oak stands already present here. In the above-mentioned areas, further investigations and systematic censuses are therefore needed in the coming springs.

scholarly journals Save Our Species: A Blueprint for Restoring Butternut (Juglans cinerea) across Eastern North America

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn C Pike ◽  
Martin Williams ◽  
Andrea Brennan ◽  
Keith Woeste ◽  
James Jacobs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
North America ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Resistance Breeding ◽  
Eastern North America ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Range Edge ◽  
Moderate Resistance

Abstract Butternut is a relatively uncommon hardwood tree native to eastern North America. The species’ abundance has declined over the past 50 years, primarily because of an invasive pathogen (Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum [Oc-j]) and loss of suitable habitat for regeneration. Although genetic diversity of butternut is highest along the southern range edge, genetic diversity rangewide is fairly high, except in small and isolated populations. Although there is little evidence for even moderate resistance in native butternut, hybrids with Japanese walnut, a closely related species, display enough tolerance to infection to persist on the landscape and bear abundant nut crops year after year. Cryostorage of native embryogenic axes has yielded promising initial results as a strategy for gene conservation, but additional action is needed to conserve the remaining native gene pool. We describe a strategy for canker-resistance breeding in butternut using naturally occurring hybrids, hybrids in research orchards, and sources of native trees from as many regions as possible. Forest managers are encouraged to find surviving trees and collect seed for planting in suitable habitat to develop actionable knowledge that will enable the restoration of butternut with enough resistance to be self-sustaining on the landscape.

Potenzielle Eichenwuchsgebiete und aktuelle Eichenmischwälder der Schweiz | Potential oak sites and actual mixed oak forests in Switzerland

2008 ◽  
Vol 159 (5) ◽  
pp. 103-111
Author(s):  
Urs Mühlethaler ◽  
Yvonne Reisner ◽  
Nele Rogiers
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Quercus Robur ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Oak Forests ◽  
Natural Growth ◽  
Growth Area ◽  
Entire Country ◽  
Middle Spotted Woodpecker ◽  
Evaluation Matrix ◽  
Common Oak

On behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the Swiss College for Agriculture established the basis to foster oak species in Switzerland. For this, the growth areas of three oak species, common oak (Quercus robur), sessile oak (Q. petraea) and pubescent oak (Q. pubescens) were assessed throughout the entire country. The assessment was based on their physiological potential, their natural growth area and on the appearance of the middle spotted woodpecker. In addition, the older mixed oak stands were surveyed. These fundamental data were collected with a geographical information system and analyzed for each canton. Altogether, approximately one-fourth of the Swiss forest area is suitable for oak. The natural oak growth area covers however 38 500 ha only. About 19 000 ha of forest are populated by the middle spotted woodpecker and extended older mixed oak forests are found on approximately 24 500 ha. According to the applied evaluation matrix, the greatest potential for fostering oak species lies in eight cantons: Aargau, Zürich, Solothurn, Thurgau, Vaud, BaselLandschaft, Ticino and Schaffhausen.

Reithrodontomys mexicanus (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (996) ◽  
pp. 114-124
Author(s):  
Daily Martínez-Borrego ◽  
Elizabeth Arellano ◽  
Francisco X González-Cózatl ◽  
Duke S Rogers
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Distribution Range ◽  
Deciduous Forests ◽  
Oak Forests ◽  
International Union ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Northwestern Region ◽  
Harvest Mouse

Abstract Reithrodontomys mexicanus (Saussure, 1860) is a cricetid rodent commonly called the Mexican harvest mouse and is one of 24 recognized species in the genus. It has grooved upper incisors distinctive of Reithrodontomys, and a medium to relatively large size, with tail longer than head and body; dorsal pelage varies from brown to cinnamon orange. It is distributed from Mexico to Nicaragua and in the northwestern region of South America. It occupies different habitats including humid pine-oak forests, cloud forests, and deciduous forests at elevations from about 1,000 to 3,800 m. R. mexicanus is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, although information about population size throughout its distribution range is unknown.

scholarly journals Woodpecker Nest Tree Characteristics in Upper Midwestern Oak Forests

2005 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collette L. Adkins Giese ◽  
Francesca J. Cuthbert
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Oak Forests ◽  
Upper Midwest ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Active Nest ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
Tree Characteristics

Characteristics of woodpecker nest trees have been widely studied in some regions of North America. However, there is little research from the Upper Midwest. Forest managers need information on woodpecker nest tree characteristics so they can recommend leaving during harvest trees that meet the needs of cavity-dwelling wildlife. Information specific to the Upper Midwest is especially important given that declines in several species of cavity nesting birds have been predicted by an environmental analysis of timber harvest in Minnesota. Our purpose was to identify attributes of nest trees used by primary cavity-nesting birds. We compared nest trees to unused trees and examined differences in nest trees among woodpecker species. We found 166 active woodpecker nests in upper midwestern oak forests in 1997 and 1998. For each nest tree, we recorded height, diameter, status, and aspects of tree decay. We also measured four potential nest trees (non-nest trees, within size requirements of cavity-nesting birds, with at least 2 indicators of heartwood decay) closest to each active nest tree. Additionally, we recorded these measurements for 137 randomly selected potential nest trees. Using paired t-tests and chi-square analysis, we found each woodpecker species had a unique set of characteristics that separated nest trees from potential nest trees. Using an extension of the McNemar test for related samples, we found woodpeckers as a group used trees that were larger, both in diameter and height, more often elm (Ulmus americana, U. rubra) or aspen (Populus tremuloides, P. grandidentata), more likely to have old cavities present, and with more decay indicators than adjacent potential nest trees. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) differed from the other woodpecker species by nesting in living Trembling Aspens (Populus tremuloides) with intact tops, complete bark cover, and heartwood fungus. Diameters of nest trees differed significantly among woodpecker species, but unlike findings from other studies, the height of nest hole and nest tree did not. Woodpecker nest entrances faced south or southeast significantly more often than by chance alone, even when excluding leaning trees. This study suggests that generic forest management for all woodpecker species may not be adequate because individual species have specific nest tree requirements. Management recommendations for cavity-nesting birds need to be tailored to meet the needs of a diversity of species.

Elusive but widespread? The potential distribution and genetic variation of Hyalosaurus koellikeri (Günther, 1873) in the Maghreb

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan M. Pleguezuelos ◽  
Elisa Mora ◽  
Philip de Pous ◽  
Daniel Escoriza ◽  
Margarita Metallinou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Deciduous Forests ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Distribution Modelling ◽  
The Core ◽  
Mitochondrial Nd1 ◽  
Genetic Results

AbstractThe genetic variability and the potential distribution under past (Last Glacial Maximum; LGM (MIROC and CCSM simulations)) and present conditions were studied for the anguid Hyalosaurus koellikeri, using analyses of two mitochondrial (ND1 and ND2) and one nuclear (PRLR) gene and species distribution modelling (SDM) including 19 geographical coordinates, covering most of its distribution range. Unexpectedly, the genetic results show that H. koellikeri presents a very low level of variability both in the mitochondrial and nuclear genes studied. The present predicted distribution of H. koellikeri revealed a large potential distribution in both north and eastwards directions, with suitable areas predicted in places where the species has never been reported before, as for instance the Rif Mountains in Morocco, as well as into most parts of northern Algeria and Tunisia. The LGM distribution is even larger compared to the present, with a continuous predicted distribution from Morocco to Tunisia, and even into Libya under the MIROC simulation. The results of the genetic and SDM analyses suggest that the now isolated populations from Debdou and Tlemcen have probably been in contact during the LGM, but its absence from both present and past predicted suitable areas is still a mystery. Hyalosaurus koellikeri depends mainly on closed deciduous forests (typically Cedrus atlantica and Quercus sp.) and open deciduous shrubland with high amounts of annual rainfall. The results of this study and the absence of recent sightings of the species outside the core distribution might indicate a regression of the species. Hence, a reevaluation of the conservation status of the species seems warranted.

scholarly journals Contrasting Hydraulic Efficiency and Photosynthesis Strategy in Differential Successional Stages of a Subtropical Forest in a Karst Region

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2604
Author(s):  
Guilin Wu ◽  
Dexiang Chen ◽  
Zhang Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Drought Tolerance ◽  
Wood Density ◽  
Photosynthetic Rate ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Resource Acquisition ◽  
Karst Region ◽  
Turgor Loss Point ◽  
Successional Stages ◽  
Early Succession

Understanding the successional process from a disturbed forest to a mature forest is essential for species recovery and conservation initiatives. The resource acquisition and drought tolerance of plants can be instructive to predictions of species abundance and distribution for different forests. However, they have not been adequately tested at different successional stages in karst regions. Here, we selected seven dominant species in an early-succession forest and 17 species in a late-succession forest in a karst region of southwestern China. Resource acquisition-related traits such as hydraulic conductivity and photosynthetic rate, and drought tolerance-related traits, including turgor loss point and wood density, were measured. We found that species in the early-succession forest had a higher hydraulic conductance and photosynthetic rate than those in the late-succession forest, while leaf water potential at turgor loss point and wood density showed nonsignificant differences between the two forests. In addition, we observed a significant negative relationship between photosynthetic rate and drought tolerance in the early-succession forest, which was not identified in late-succession forests. Our study indicates that resource acquisition rather than drought tolerance was the key factor explaining plant distributions in forests at different successional stages in karst regions. We also suggest that the resource acquisition and drought tolerance trade-off hypothesis is not always supported for karst region species. Our study could inform about the design of species replacements in successional forests and provide forest management and restoration guidelines for karst regions.

The ecology of Canada Yew (Taxus canadensis Marsh.): A review

Botany ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve K. Windels ◽  
David J. Flaspohler
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Growth Form ◽  
Deciduous Forests ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Taxus Canadensis ◽  
Intensive Forest Management ◽  
Canada Yew ◽  
Common Plant

Canada yew (Taxus canadensis Marsh.) is a shade-tolerant evergreen shrub native to the understories of the boreal and deciduous forests of northeastern North America. Canada yew has a relatively unique growth form, with low sprawling branches capable of forming dense clusters of stems. Historic accounts suggest that before Euro-American settlement, Canada yew was a common plant across its range in many forest types and that it was locally abundant or dominant in 5%–20% of forest stands in the northern part of its range. Canada yew’s range has declined during the last century as a result of browsing by native ungulates, fire, intensive forest management, and clearing of land for agriculture and other development. It is considered uncommon throughout most of its present North American range, except for often isolated populations in areas that remain free from heavy browsing pressure by moose and deer (e.g., islands, areas with heavy snow cover, or areas naturally low in ungulate abundance). Its decline has likely resulted in changes to abiotic and biotic conditions, including structure and composition of understory vegetation and concomitant effects on understory vertebrates. Increasing white-tailed deer populations and reduced snowfall as a result of climate change in eastern North America threaten to extirpate this species from additional parts of its range in the next century. Suggestions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals An Efficient Tool for the Maintenance of Thermophilous Oak Forest Understory—Sheep or Brush Cutter?

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 582
Author(s):  
Bogdan Jaroszewicz ◽  
Małgorzata Jankowska-Błaszczuk ◽  
Michał Żmihorski ◽  
Tomasz Hałatkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Deciduous Forests ◽  
Oak Forests ◽  
Oak Forest ◽  
Herb Layer ◽  
Mechanical Removal ◽  
Forest Herb

Research Highlights: Thermophilous oak forests are among the most species-rich forest ecosystems in Central Europe. In the temperate zone, they evolved from mixed deciduous forests due to centuries-long livestock grazing. The abandonment of traditional forms of landscape use resulted in a constant decline in the number of patches of these communities, their area and species richness, which has been ongoing for decades and calls for their urgent conservation. The commonly used approaches to the conservation of this community are the reestablishment of grazing or mechanical removal of undergrowth. However, there are a limited number of works comparing their effects on the forest herb layer separately and in combination. Background and Objectives: The purpose of our research was to evaluate the effectiveness of grazing, mechanical brush removal and their combination for the conservation of the oak forest herb layer. Materials and Methods: Our work was based on a fully crossed experimental design set in a 60-year-old oak forest. The individual and combined influences of sheep grazing and brush cutting on forest floor vegetation were compared to control plots. We surveyed plant species twice—before the application of treatments and one year later on 600 one-square-meter subplots selected randomly in the limits of twelve fenced 20 m × 20 m treated and untreated study plots. Results: Both grazing by sheep and mechanical removal served well for total plant species richness and their cover, if applied separately. But these effects were not additive—plant species richness and plant cover on plots with combined treatment did not differ from plots, where just a single treatment was applied. Application of both treatments (but separately) had positive influence on species cover of the target group of plants typical to xerothermic oak forests and non-target species of mixed deciduous forests. Mechanical removal allowed also for successful control of woody species. Active conservation measures resulted also in negative effects—we observed increase in the species richness and cover of ruderal species on grazed plots. Conclusions: Both tested methods can be used for active conservation of open oak forest understorey vegetation. The method of active conservation should be chosen depending on the goal and the species composition of the forest floor and undergrowth found at the beginning of the restoration process, however, combining of these treatments does not bring any extra advantage. In our opinion a monitoring of the reaction of vegetation on treatments is of paramount importance.

Distribution and population genetic structure of the critically endangered skink Nangura spinosa, and the implications for management

2010 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian C. Borsboom ◽  
Patrick J. Couper ◽  
Andrew Amey ◽  
Conrad J. Hoskin
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Population Fragmentation ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Extent Of Occurrence ◽  
Park Area ◽  
Two Populations

Many threatened species occur as small, isolated populations. Understanding the extent and genetic distinctiveness of these populations is essential for management. Nangura spinosa is a critically endangered skink known from two small populations in dry rainforest in south-east Queensland. We conducted targeted surveys between 2001 and 2010 at the two known N. spinosa sites (Nangur National Park, Oakview National Park area) and in 22 nearby forest blocks with potentially suitable habitat. N. spinosa was found only at the two previously known sites, which are ~36 km apart. The skink appears to be declining at Nangur NP, to an estimated extent of occurrence of 7.4 ha and potentially no more than 35 adults. In contrast, we increase the extent of occurrence at Oakview to 360 ha, where the population is at least in the hundreds. Sequencing of two mtDNA genes revealed considerable genetic divergence between the two populations (3.8% for ND4; 1.2% for 16S), suggesting an extended period of separation. Population fragmentation is therefore not the result of recent land clearing, but of long-term isolation by unsuitable habitat. Each population should be considered a distinct management unit. More data are required on population size and trends, recruitment and threats, particularly for the Nangur population.

scholarly journals Isolation and endemism in subterranean aquatic snails: unexpected case of Montenegrospeum bogici (Pešić et Glöer, 2012) (Gastropoda: Truncatelloidea: Hydrobiidae)

Hydrobiologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Falniowski ◽  
Vladimir Pešić ◽  
Brian Lewarne ◽  
Jozef Grego ◽  
Aleksandra Rysiewska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Markers ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Isolation By Distance ◽  
Karst Region ◽  
Aquatic Species ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Dinaric Karst ◽  
Distance Model ◽  
Single Locality

AbstractThe subterranean aquatic snails may serve as a model of endemism and isolation vs. migration in subterranean habitats. The aim of the present paper is to verify the hypothesis that subterranean aquatic snails can migrate through diverse subterranean habitats, applying four molecular markers as well as a RAPD technique and shell morphometry. They were used to estimate the differences and gene flow between populations of the hydrobiid subterranean aquatic species Montenegrospeum bogici, collected in the Dinaric karst region. Three molecularly distinct taxonomic units were distinguished. The mOTU B was found at single locality, mOTU C at two, but the mOTU A at ten localities, scattered along 236 km distance, at two of them in sympatry with either mOTU B or C. Within mOTU A, the estimated levels of the gene flow were high. The pairwise measures of genetic differentiation were statistically significantly associated with geographic distances between the populations. In general, neither the infinite-island model of interpopulation differentiation, expected for isolated populations, nor the stepping-stone one, but rather the isolation-by-distance model explained the observed pattern. Our results suggest that interstitial habitats provide ways of migration for the stygobiont M. bogici, as has been already suggested for other subterranean gastropods.

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