scholarly journals Planning the peninsula-wide recovery of the Iberian lynx: identification of favourable habitat areas

Mammalia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 413-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Germán Garrote ◽  
Javier Fernández-López ◽  
Eva Rojas ◽  
Guillermo López ◽  
Miguel Angel Simón
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Iberian Lynx ◽  
Lynx Pardinus ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Presence Data

AbstractThe creation of new populations through reintroductions in their former range is still necessary for the long-term conservation of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). A large-scale assessment of habitat suitability is a necessary prerequisite for evaluating the possibility of carrying out lynx reintroductions. We modelled habitat suitability for the Iberian lynx in the Iberian Peninsula using MaxEnt. Lynx presence data for 2010–2013 from Andujar-Cardeña and Doñana populations were used. Habitat variables were quantified using the CORINE Land Cover. This habitat suitability model predicted an environmentally suitable area of 87,747 km2, which represents 14.08% of the whole Iberian Peninsula. Of the total suitable habitat identified, 45% is located in a large continuous area in the south-western quadrant coinciding with the historical range of the species in the mid-20th century. However, there are also relevant patches mainly in the north-eastern quadrant. About 55% of the potential area suitable for the lynx falls outside protected areas. If Iberian lynx populations are to attain levels that will facilitate their long-term survival, it will be necessary to consider potential habitat for the species throughout the whole of the Iberian Peninsula.

scholarly journals Ongoing decline of suitable habitat for the Critically Endangered Gurney's pitta Hydrornis gurneyi

Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Tommaso Savini ◽  
Nay Myo Shwe ◽  
Niti Sukumal
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Development ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Long Term Survival ◽  
Lowland Forests

Abstract From 1999 onwards, level, lowland forests (altitude < 150 m, slopes < 10°) in the Tanintharyi Region of southern Myanmar have been cleared on a large scale and replaced by oil palm plantations. This has resulted in a drastic decline in suitable habitat for several species, including Gurney's pitta Hydrornis gurneyi (Passeriformes, Pittidae). The habitat for this species has decreased by > 80%, leading to its categorization as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2019. As threats in the region have continued, we updated information on the status of the species’ habitat in January 2020, and examined forest loss in the three strongholds where the species still persists in the wild. Since the previous estimate in 2017, suitable habitat in these locations has decreased by 8% (from 656 to 603 km2), with > 10% of the remaining area now in fragments of < 1 km2, which are unsuitable for the mid- to long-term survival of the species. Forest degradation and edge effects from increased fragmentation have led to further loss of suitable habitat in these strongholds. Projections indicate that unless conservation action is taken, all suitable habitat will disappear by 2080. The main threat to the long-term survival of Gurney's pitta is the lack of legal protection of primary lowland forests, resulting in uncontrolled clearance for small- and large-scale agriculture and industrial development. We provide recommendations to reduce the rate of loss of the remaining suitable habitat for the species.

A hierarchical approach linking hydraulic and ecological modeling for habitat predictions for riverine pioneer vegetation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Fink ◽  
Erik van Rooijen ◽  
Davide Vanzo ◽  
David F. Vetsch ◽  
Annunziato Siviglia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Ecological Modelling ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Flood Level ◽  
Presence Data ◽  
Riparian Plant

&lt;p&gt;The distribution of sessile riparian plant species and their habitats along riverways are highly dependent on river dynamics and connectivity. River restoration and conservation of riparian plant species rely on expert knowledge and more recently also on modelling approaches to predict species&amp;#8217; occurrence. Ecological modelling on habitat suitability for terrestrial species is usually based on climatic and topographic features, whilst river hydrodynamics is rarely considered.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our study aims at predicting suitable habitat for a characteristic pioneer species for dynamic riverine habitats, the German Tamarisk (&lt;em&gt;Myricaria&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;germanica&lt;/em&gt;). Habitat predictions are tested in a case study on a floodplain along Moesa river in canton Grisons in South-East Switzerland. We link two modeling approaches having two different spatial scales using a hierarchical process. First, we define a large-scale habitat suitability matrix based on climatic, geological and topographic predictors. Using a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model, inundation frequency maps and flood level maps for several significant months for German Tamarisk establishment are constructed, to further refine the niche for the riparian plant.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The predicted habitat suitability is evaluated with species presence data for both adult and offspring plants. Our results allow gaining insights into the importance of linking ecological and hydraulic models having different spatial and temporal scales, for more refined predictions of riparian species distribution.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Predicting the distribution of vulnerable fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus in Nepal

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rama Mishra ◽  
Hans de Iongh ◽  
Herwig Leirs ◽  
Babu Ram Lamichhane ◽  
Naresh Subedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Genetic Connectivity ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Potential Habitats ◽  
Effective Conservation

The fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus is a wetland specialist endemic to South and Southeast Asia. Nepal represents the northern limit of its biogeographic range, but comprehensive information on fishing cat distribution in Nepal is lacking. We compiled fishing cat occurrence records (n=154) from Nepal, available in published literature and unpublished data (2009 – 2020), to assess their distribution. Bioclimatic and environmental variables associated with their occurrence were used to predict the potential fishing cat range using MaxEnt modeling. Fishing cat distribution was influenced by elevation, precipitation of the warmest quarter (18_bio), precipitation of the driest month (14_bio) and land cover. Wetlands and forest cover were the important predictors of fishing cat distribution. The model predicted an area of 4.4% (6,679 km2) of Nepal as potential habitat for the fishing cat. About two third of the predicted potentially suitable habitat lies outside protected areas, however a large part of the highly suitable habitat (67%) falls within protected areas. The predicted habitat map serves as a reference for future investigation into fishing cat distribution as well as formulating and implementing effective conservation programs for fishing cats in Nepal. Fishing cat conservation initiatives should include habitats both inside and outside the protected areas to ensure long-term survival. We recommend conservation of wetland sites, surveys of fishing cats in the identified potential habitats, and study of their genetic connectivity and population status.

scholarly journals Prediction of leopard habitat suitability in Taman Negara main forest complex, Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3(SI)) ◽  
pp. 806-811
Author(s):  
N.F. Khodri ◽  
◽  
T. Lihan ◽  
M.A. Mustapha ◽  
T.M. Taher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Urban Habitat ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Suitability Modeling ◽  
Presence Data ◽  
Gis Data

Aim: This research assessed the distribution of leopard to predict the habitat suitability in Taman Negara National Park and adjacent forest area. Methodology: Environmental factors for habitat suitability were derived from geographical information system (GIS) data such as elevation, slope, land-use, distance from urban and distance from river. Leopard presence data from 1993 to 2008 were integrated with the environmental parameters using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling to assess habitat suitability across the study area. Results: The results showed that distance from river contributed the most (39.3%) in the habitat suitability modeling followed by distance from urban (31.4%), elevation (12.3%), land use types (10.1%), and slope (6.9%). Distance from river and urban showed highest contribution that influenced leopard distribution in which most suitable habitat occurred in proximity with river and further from urban. Habitat suitability of leopard were distributed among 48% over 2,218,389 ha of the study area. Interpretation: The findings of this study provides knowledge on how the species move and exploit different habitat niches for more effective conservation management. It provide models for future wildlife conservation and urban planning.

scholarly journals Monitoring of Gyps species vulture in Nawalparasi district, Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-43
Author(s):  
P Subedi
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
School Children ◽  
Veterinary Drug ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Conservation Awareness ◽  
Vulture Conservation ◽  
Gyps Bengalensis ◽  
Breeding Status

Critically endangered White-rumped vulture (WRV), Gyps bengalensis and Slender-billed vulture (SBV), Gyps tenuirostris monitoring was conducted in Nawalparasi district in the winter of 2005 following Postupalsky criterion. The objectives of this study were to identify and monitor nest localities, behaviour and to explore information about the vultures. A total of 48 Gyps vulture nest was located at six colonies. Of these nests, 18 were found to be active nets, six nests belonged to SBV and 12 nests belonged to WRV. Hundred percent nestling successes were observed in the study area. Restricted pesticides i.e. BHC and DDT were found used in this area. Diclofenac was the commonly used veterinary drug in the treatment of livestock. Carcasses disposal practice was found favorable to the vulture's survival. Gyps vulture richness found in this area is due to the availability of food i.e. floating carcass along the edge of the Narayani river and suitable habitat for roosting and nesting. The majority of the respondents had found favorable attitude towards vulture conservation. Further studies on Gyps vulture to identify the breeding status, head droppings behavior as well as conservation awareness program for local people and school children are recommended for long-term survival of these lords of the sky in the study area. Key words: Gyps vulture, monitoring, diclofenac, pesticides   doi: 10.3126/banko.v18i2.2171 Banko Janakari, Vol. 18, No. 2, 35-43

scholarly journals Potential habitat suitability of Iraqi amphibians under climate change

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad Kaky
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Conservation Planning ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Rcp 8.5 ◽  
Threaten Species

Abstract. Kaky E. 2020. Potential habitat suitability of Iraqi amphibians under climate change. Biodiversitas 21: 731-742. Biodiversity management and conservation planning are two techniques for reducing the rate of biodiversity loss, especially under the effect of climate change. Here 289 records of five species of amphibians from Iraq and seven environmental variables were used with MaxEnt to predict potential habitat suitability for each species under current and future conditions, using the 5th IPCC assessment  (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 for the year 2050). The models suggest that annual precipitation and the mean temperature of the wettest quarter are the main factors that shape the distributions of these species. The estimated current habitat suitability was closely similar to that for 2050 under both scenarios, with a high niche overlap between them for all species. Among species, there were low niche overlaps between the frogs Bufo viridis, Hyla savignyi and Rana ridibunda, and also between the salamanders Neurergus crocatus and Neurergus microspilotus. Future sampling should focus on areas not currently covered by records to reduce bias. The results are a vital first step in long-term conservation planning for these species. Via sharing these results with decision-makers and stakeholders a crucial conservation actions need to increase Iraqi Protected Areas to avoid losing biodiversity in Iraq especially the unique populations and threaten species.

scholarly journals Using MaxEnt algorithm to assess habitat suitability of a potential Iberian lynx population in central Iberian Peninsula

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Alfaya ◽  
J. G. Casanovas ◽  
J. Lobón-Rovira ◽  
B. Matallanas ◽  
A. Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Iberian Lynx ◽  
Maxent Algorithm

Identifying Potential Habitat for the Endangered Aleutian Shield Fern Using Topographical Characteristics

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-310
Author(s):  
Adam Duarte ◽  
Daniel M. Wolcott ◽  
T. Edwin Chow ◽  
Mark A. Ricca
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Slope Aspect ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Gis Model ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Suitability Map ◽  
Habitat Suitability Map ◽  
The U.S

Abstract The Aleutian shield fern Polystichum aleuticum is endemic to the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska and is listed as endangered pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Despite numerous efforts to discover new populations of this species, only four known populations are documented to date, and information is needed to prioritize locations for future surveys. Therefore, we incorporated topographical habitat characteristics (elevation, slope, aspect, distance from coastline, and anthropogenic footprint) found at known Aleutian shield fern locations into a Geographical Information System (GIS) model to create a habitat suitability map for the entirety of the Andreaonof Islands. A total of 18 islands contained 489.26 km2 of highly suitable and moderately suitable habitat when weighting each factor equally. This study reports a habitat suitability map for the endangered Aleutian shield fern using topographical characteristics, which can be used to assist current and future recovery efforts for the species.

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