scholarly journals Diversity of EU habitat types is correlated with geography more than climate and human pressure

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Cervellini ◽  
Michele Di Musciano ◽  
Piero Zannini ◽  
Simone Fattorini ◽  
Borja Jiménez-Alfaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Additive Models ◽  
Boosted Regression Trees ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Human Pressure ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
European Environmental Agency ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables

Aims: Habitat richness, i.e. the diversity of ecosystem types, is a complex, spatially explicit aspect of biodiversity, which is affected by bioclimatic, geographic and anthropogenic variables. The distribution of habitat types is a key component for understanding broad-scale biodiversity and for developing conservation strategies. To test which factors are related with habitat richness we used EU habitat distribution data to answer the following questions: i) how do bioclimatic, geographic, and anthropogenic variables affect habitat richness? ii) which category is the most important? iii) how do interactions among these variables influence habitat richness and which combinations produce the strongest interactions? Study area: European Union (excluding Greece) plus the United Kingdom. Methods: We used the distribution maps of 233 terrestrial habitat types defined by the European Environmental Agency, to calculate habitat richness for the EU 10 km x 10 km grid map. We then investigated how environmental variables affect habitat richness, using generalized linear models, generalized additive models and boosted regression trees. Results: The main factors associated with habitat richness were geographic variables, with negative relationships observed for both latitude and longitude, and a positive relationship for terrain ruggedness. Bioclimatic variables played a secondary role, with habitat richness increasing slightly with annual mean temperature and overall annual precipitation. An interaction between anthropogenic variables was important: the combination of increased landscape fragmentation and increased population density strongly decreased habitat richness. Main conclusions: This is the first attempt to disentangle spatial patterns of habitat richness at the continental scale, as a key tool for protecting biodiversity. The diversity of European habitats is correlated withgeography more than climate and human pressure, reflecting a major component of biogeographical patterns similar to the drivers observed at the species level. The interaction between anthropogenic variables highlights the need for coordinated, continental-scale management plans for biodiversity conservation.

Scale-dependent habitat analysis and implications for climate change risk for the southern hairy-nosed wombat

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria M. Marshall ◽  
David A. Taggart ◽  
Bertram Ostendorf
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Habitat Analysis ◽  
Suitable Climate ◽  
Burrowing Activity

Understanding factors determining the distribution of a species is critical for developing strategies and policies in natural resources management. The southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) is an excellent model species to examine species distribution patterns because of its conspicuous burrowing behaviour, making it possible to obtain highly accurate distribution maps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative importance of biophysical factors impacting on the species’ distribution at regional and continental scales. At the fine scale, we digitised the distribution of individual warrens within a population, whereas at the continental scale we utilised the entire species’ distribution. At the regional level, the strongest predictors of burrowing activity were soil characteristics and geology with little influence of climate. In contrast, at the continental scale, species distribution was most strongly influenced by climatic variables, with most of the distribution located in regions with narrow ranges of mean annual maximum temperature (23−25°C) and mean annual rainfall (200–300 mm). This discrepancy suggests that the species’ distribution is limited to small geographic areas where both a suitable climate and appropriate soil and geology exist and, consequently, that conservation strategies need to adopt a long-term view considering the combined effect of both regional and continental factors.

Can we predict the distribution of heathland butterflies with heathland bird data?

2009 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-349
Author(s):  
Luc De Bruyn ◽  
Henk Sierdsema ◽  
Hans Van Dyck ◽  
Chris van Swaay ◽  
Glenn Vermeersch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Focal Region ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Model Sets ◽  
Combined Models ◽  
Taxonomic Groups ◽  
Better Than

AbstractNational or regional conservation strategies are usually based on available species distribution maps. However, very few taxonomic groups achieve a full coverage of the focal region. Distribution data of well-mapped taxonomic groups could help predict the distribution of less well-mapped groups and thus fill gaps in distribution maps. Here, we predict the distribution of five heathland butterflies in Flanders (north Belgium) using typical heathland bird distribution data as predictor variables. We compare predictions with those using only biotope or a combination of both biotope and bird data as variables. In addition, we test the transferability of 'bird', biotope and combined models to the Netherlands, an ecologically similar region. Transferability was tested in three separate sandy regions in the Netherlands at different distances from the region in which the models were built. For each of the five heathland butterflies, we applied logistic regressions on ten random model sets and tested the models on ten random evaluation sets within Flanders. We used the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) plots to estimate model accuracy. Overall, bird models performed significantly better than biotope models but were not significantly different from the combined models in Flanders. In the Netherlands, the transferred biotope and the combined models performed better than the transferred 'bird models'. We conclude that on a local scale, birds can, to some extent, serve as proxies for biotope quality, but that biotope models are more robust when transferred to another region.

scholarly journals The Modeling and Forecasting of Carabid Beetle Distribution in Northwestern China

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 168
Author(s):  
Xueqin Liu ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Dahan He ◽  
Xinpu Wang ◽  
Ming Bai
Keyword(s):  
Generalized Additive Models ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Carabid Beetle ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Environmental Predictors ◽  
Temperate Steppe ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Steppe Ecosystems ◽  
Modeling And Forecasting ◽  
Richness Patterns

Beetles are key insect species in global biodiversity and play a significant role in steppe ecosystems. In the temperate steppe of China, the increasing degeneration of the grasslands threatens beetle species and their habitat. Using Generalized Additive Models (GAMs), we aimed to predict and map beetle richness patterns within the temperate steppe of Ningxia (China). We tested 19 environmental predictors including climate, topography, soil moisture and space as well as vegetation. Climatic variables (temperature, precipitation, soil temperature) consistently appeared among the most important predictors for beetle groups modeled. GAM generated predictive cartography for the study area. Our models explained a significant percentage of the variation in carabid beetle richness (79.8%), carabid beetle richness distribution seems to be mainly influenced by temperature and precipitation. The results have important implications for management and conservation strategies and also provides evidence for assessing and making predictions of beetle diversity across the steppe.

scholarly journals Application Natura 2000 Data For The Invasive Plants Spread Prediction

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 159-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Pěknicová ◽  
D. Petrus ◽  
K. Berchová-Bímová
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Invasive Plants ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Occurrence Data ◽  
Heracleum Mantegazzianum

AbstractThe distribution of invasive plants depends on several environmental factors, e.g. on the distance from the vector of spreading, invaded community composition, land-use, etc. The species distribution models, a research tool for invasive plants spread prediction, involve the combination of environmental factors, occurrence data, and statistical approach. For the construction of the presented distribution model, the occurrence data on invasive plants (Solidagosp.,Fallopiasp.,Robinia pseudoaccacia,andHeracleum mantegazzianum) and Natura 2000 habitat types from the Protected Landscape Area Kokořínsko have been intersected in ArcGIS and statistically analyzed. The data analysis was focused on (1) verification of the accuracy of the Natura 2000 habitat map layer, and the accordance with the habitats occupied by invasive species and (2) identification of a suitable scale of intersection between the habitat and species distribution. Data suitability was evaluated for the construction of the model on local scale. Based on the data, the invaded habitat types were described and the optimal scale grid was evaluated. The results show the suitability of Natura 2000 habitat types for modelling, however more input data (e.g. on soil types, elevation) are needed.

scholarly journals Co-occurring cryptic species pose challenges for conservation: a case study of the African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemusspp.) in Cameroon

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 584-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. Smolensky
Keyword(s):  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Encounter Rates ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Threatened Taxa ◽  
Population Structures

AbstractThe conservation status of threatened taxa may be obfuscated by the detection of cryptic species complexes, in both vertebrate and invertebrate species. African dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemusspp.) are hunted throughout their range but their conservation status is unknown. Few population assessments have been carried out and there has been a taxonomic revision of the number of species in the genus. The similar morphologies ofOsteolaemus tetraspisandOsteolaemus osbornipose a challenge for conservation in Cameroon, where they are still managed as a single species. Nocturnal spotlight surveys were conducted in three regions during August–November 2010 and December 2011–February 2012 to provide population assessments ofO. tetraspisandO. osborniand raise awareness of the two species in Cameroon. The mean encounter rates ofO. tetraspisandO. osborniwere 1.02 ± SD 1.34 (65 individuals in 39 surveys) and 0.61 ± SD 0.38 (three in four surveys) crocodiles per km, respectively. TheO. tetraspispopulation comprised juveniles predominantly and had a male-biased sex ratio. The fewO. osbornidetected comprised both adults and juveniles. Both species are threatened in Cameroon, based on low encounter rates, young population structures and the threats of habitat loss and hunting pressure. This study provides distribution maps and serves as a baseline to quantify population trends and inform conservation strategies.

Diversity and distribution of Phanaeini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in Mexico

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4358 (2) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
VIRIDIANA LIZARDO ◽  
FEDERICO ESCOBAR ◽  
OCTAVIO ROJAS-SOTO
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Volcanic Belt ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Biological Databases ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Distribution Ranges ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Sierra Madre

In this study, we systematized available distribution data, obtained from biological databases and relevant literature, for Mexican species belonging to the tribe Phanaeini. The main objectives were to provide an overall description of the distribution records in biological collections, to detect potential sampling biases, to describe the seasonality of collections and to obtain species distribution models using the Desktop GARP algorithm. A total of 5,562 records, corresponding to 32 species in Mexico, were compiled, including the recently described Phanaeus zoque Moctezuma & Halffter, 2017. This compilation includes 784 unique collection records at 325 localities. These records were mainly distributed along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental mountain ranges and throughout the states of Chiapas and Veracruz. The Mexican High Plateau, the state of Tlaxcala and the Yucatan Peninsula are lacking in records. Distribution maps were created for species of three genera (Phanaeus MacLeay, 1819, Coprophanaeus Olsoufieff, 1924, and Sulcophanaeus Olsoufieff, 1924) and for 29 species present in Mexico. These species distributions are largely delimited by geomorphological features and vegetation types and coincide with expert descriptions of this tribe; some species show expanded distribution ranges. These maps provide a starting point for further analyses, the planning of future field studies, and the verification of possible new species in the Mexican territory. 

scholarly journals The persistence in time of distributional patterns in marine megafauna impacts zonal conservation strategies

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Lambert ◽  
G. Dorémus ◽  
V. Ridoux
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Habitat Model ◽  
Spatial Extent ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Bay Of Biscay ◽  
Mobile Species ◽  
Distributional Patterns ◽  
Marine Megafauna ◽  
Mpa Network

AbstractThe main type of zonal conservation approach corresponds to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are spatially defined and generally static entities aiming at the protection of some target populations by the implementation of a management plan. For highly mobile species the relevance of an MPA over time might be hampered by temporal variations in distributions or home ranges. In the present work, we used habitat model-based predicted distributions of cetaceans and seabirds within the Bay of Biscay from 2004 to 2017 to characterise the aggregation and persistence of mobile species distributional patterns and the relevance of the existing MPA network. We explored the relationship between population abundance and spatial extent of distribution to assess the aggregation level of species distribution. We used the smallest spatial extent including 75% of the population present in the Bay of Biscay to define specific core areas of distributions, and calculated their persistence over the 14 studied years. We inspected the relevance of the MPA network with respect to aggregation and persistence. We found that aggregation and persistence are two independent features of marine megafauna distributions. Indeed, strong persistence was shown in both aggregated (bottlenose dolphins, auks) and loosely distributed species (northern gannets), while some species with aggregated distributions also showed limited year-to-year persistence in their patterns (black-legged kittiwakes). We thus have demonstrated that both aggregation and persistence have potential impact on the amount of spatio-temporal distributional variability encompassed within static MPAs. Our results exemplified the need to have access to a minimal temporal depth in the species distribution data when aiming to designate new site boundaries for the conservation of mobile species.

scholarly journals Regional Red List assessment of tree species in upper montane forests of the Tropical Andes

Oryx ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Tejedor Garavito ◽  
Adrian C. Newton ◽  
Sara Oldfield
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Tropical Andes ◽  
Conservation Assessment ◽  
Distribution Maps

AbstractThe Tropical Andes are characterized by a high level of endemism and plant species richness but are under pressure from human activities. We present the first regional conservation assessment of upper montane tree species in this region. We identified 3,750 tree species as occurring in this region, of which 917 were excluded because of a lack of data on their distribution. We identified a subset of 129 taxa that were restricted to higher elevations (> 1,500 m) but occurred in more than one country, thus excluding local endemics evaluated in previous national assessments. Distribution maps were created for each of these selected species, and extinction risk was assessed according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria (version 3.1), drawing on expert knowledge elicited from a regional network of specialists. We assessed one species, Polylepis microphylla, as Critically Endangered, 47 species as Endangered and 28 as Vulnerable. Overall, 60% of the species evaluated were categorized as threatened, or 73% if national endemics are included. It is recommended that extinction risk assessments for tree species be used to inform the development of conservation strategies in the region, to avoid further loss of this important element of biodiversity.

scholarly journals The origin, current diversity and future conservation of the modern lion ( Panthera leo )

2006 ◽  
Vol 273 (1598) ◽  
pp. 2119-2125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross Barnett ◽  
Nobuyuki Yamaguchi ◽  
Ian Barnes ◽  
Alan Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Modern Human ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
African Origin ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
History Of ◽  
Physical Barriers ◽  
Geographic Populations ◽  
Sub Saharan

Understanding the phylogeographic processes affecting endangered species is crucial both to interpreting their evolutionary history and to the establishment of conservation strategies. Lions provide a key opportunity to explore such processes; however, a lack of genetic diversity and shortage of suitable samples has until now hindered such investigation. We used mitochondrial control region DNA (mtDNA) sequences to investigate the phylogeographic history of modern lions, using samples from across their entire range. We find the sub-Saharan African lions are basal among modern lions, supporting a single African origin model of modern lion evolution, equivalent to the ‘recent African origin’ model of modern human evolution. We also find the greatest variety of mtDNA haplotypes in the centre of Africa, which may be due to the distribution of physical barriers and continental-scale habitat changes caused by Pleistocene glacial oscillations. Our results suggest that the modern lion may currently consist of three geographic populations on the basis of their recent evolutionary history: North African–Asian, southern African and middle African. Future conservation strategies should take these evolutionary subdivisions into consideration.

Environmental factors determining the distribution pattern of leeches (Clitellata: Hirudinida) in large river systems: A case study of the Oder River system

Biologia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Izabela Jabłońska-Barna ◽  
Aleksander Bielecki ◽  
Joanna M. Cichocka ◽  
Edyta Buczyńska ◽  
Pawel Buczyński ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Distribution Pattern ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
River System ◽  
Large River ◽  
Taxonomic Structure ◽  
Human Pressure ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Oder River

AbstractThe largest rivers in Europe are under strong human pressure, resulting in habitat changes and consequently in structural changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of fauna assemblages. The aim of this study was to identify the taxonomic structure of leech assemblages and the main environmental factors influencing their distribution pattern on a 306 km stretch of the Oder River encompassing different habitat types. Representatives of 28 leech taxa were recorded in 527 samples of bottom macrofauna. The most abundant and most frequently recorded species was the eurytopic

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