scholarly journals Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) of open biotopes in the Poloniny National Park (north-eastern Slovakia)

2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
Ivan MIHÁL ◽  
◽  
Peter GAJDOŠ ◽  
Pavel ŽILA ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Thermophilic Species ◽  
Study Sites

Opiliofauna of open biotopes in the Poloniny National Park is presented. The biotopes include the variably utilized or successively overgrowing grasslands. During the period 2011–2013, we found 21 species of harvestmen which represent 60% of the Slovak opiliofauna. The highly eudominant species was Phalangium opilio. The open and sunny biotopes as meadows and pastures proved to be typical habitats for P. opilio and Oligolophus tridens. Other dominant species were: Trogulus nepaeformis and Lacinius ephippiatus. The Carpathian endemics: Paranemastoma kochi and Ischyropsalis manicata as well as thermophilic species Egaenus convexus, Lacinius horridus and Zachaeus crista were also found in the study sites.

scholarly journals Arboreal Coleoptera Associated with Leucosidea sericea (Rosaceae) at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Koedoe ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Schalk Louw
Keyword(s):  
Host Plant ◽  
National Park ◽  
Turnover Rate ◽  
Structural Complexity ◽  
Golden Gate ◽  
The North ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Activity Cycles ◽  
Sun And Shade ◽  
Study Sites

An analysis was made of arboreal Coleoptera on Leucosidea sericea from the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the north-eastern Orange Free State, Republic of South Africa. Five sites were selected from which samples were taken, using a beating technique, at equal intensity, during 13 consecutive months. A total of 117 species representing 35 families were recorded and allocated to four guilds, namely phytophages (47 species), predators (44 species), scavengers (16 species) and tourists (10 species). This diversity is attributed to the structural complexity and range of the host plant. The scarcity of a large number of these species is primarily ascribed to a high seasonal turnover rate. Species diversity and numbers of individuals were found to vary between the different study sites and are attributed to the growth stage and condition of the host plant, as well as the effect of sun and shade on activity cycles and the choice of feeding levels.

scholarly journals Excavation of Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Middens by Bears (Ursus spp.) in Limber Pine (Pinus flexilis) Habitat in Banff National Park, Alberta

2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (4) ◽  
pp. 281 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hamer
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Red Squirrel ◽  
Limber Pine ◽  
Banff National Park ◽  
Pine Stands ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Pinus Spp

Bears (Ursus spp.) in North America eat the seeds of several pines (Pinus spp.), including Limber Pine (P. flexilis E. James). Information on use of Limber Pine in Canada is limited to a report of three bear scats containing pine seeds found in Limber Pine stands of southwestern Alberta. After my preliminary fieldwork in Banff National Park revealed that bears were eating seeds of Limber Pine there, I conducted a field study in 2014–2015 to assess this use. Because bears typically obtain pine seeds from cone caches (middens) made by Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), I described the abundance, habitat characteristics, and use by bears of Red Squirrel middens in and adjacent to Limber Pine stands at six study sites. On Bow River escarpments, I found abundant Limber Pines (basal area 1–9 m2/ha) and middens (0.8 middens/ha, standard deviation [SD] 0.2). Of 24 middens, 13 (54%) had been excavated by bears, and three bear scats composed of pine seeds were found beside middens. Although Limber Pines occurred on steep, xeric, windswept slopes (mean 28°, SD 3), middens occurred on moderate slopes (mean 12°, SD 3) in escarpment gullies and at the toe of slopes in forests of other species, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). At the five other study sites, I found little or no use of Limber Pine seeds by bears, suggesting that Limber Pine habitat may be little used by bears unless the pines are interspersed with (non-Limber Pine) habitat with greater forest cover and less-steep slopes where squirrels establish middens. These observations provide managers with an additional piece of information regarding potential drivers of bear activity in the human-dominated landscape of Banff National Park’s lower Bow Valley.

scholarly journals A description of the physical properties of selected sediments of the Weichselian and Wartanian glaciations

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-132
Author(s):  
Ewa Labak-Mechowska
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Relative Density ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Plasticity Index ◽  
Geotechnical Parameters ◽  
Constrained Modulus ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Subsurface Sediments ◽  
Engineering Parameters ◽  
Study Sites

Abstract Subsurface sediments in Poland were deposited mainly in the Pleistocene, and have varying origins and, consequently, differing geological and engineering parameters. Fluvioglacial deposits were formed during both the glacial and interglacial periods, which differed from each other in climatic conditions. Based on the results of laboratory analysis and fieldwork, till and fluvioglacial sands were compared in Central and North-Eastern Poland. The research included consistency limits, relative density, plasticity index, constrained modulus of initial compressibility and modulus of initial deformation. Despite the existing view that there exists a large diversity of geological, engineering and geotechnical parameters of variously-aged deposits in Poland, no major differences in their properties were determined at the study sites.

scholarly journals Biodiversity of bulbous and tuberous geophytes from the El Kala National Park (North-Eastern Algeria): checklist, vulnerability and conservation

2019 ◽  
pp. 25-38
Author(s):  
Besma Dechir ◽  
Atef Chouikh ◽  
Tarek Hamel ◽  
Nawel Nadia Azizi ◽  
Nawel Ganaoui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
National Park ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Floristic Analysis ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Eastern Algeria ◽  
A New Species

Treinta estaciones en el Parque Nacional El Kala (Noreste de Argelia) fueron objeto de un inventario florístico que se centró en el estudio de la ecología de geófitos bulbosos y tuberosos. La flora se caracteriza por una alta proporción de taxones raros y/o endémicos, entre ellos, 6 especies son endemismos algero-tunecinos pertenecientes a la familia Orchidaceae. En este trabajo, se da a conocer la presencia de una nueva especie para la flora argelina, Ophrys fusca subsp. lupercalis. Los análisis multivariantes revelaron, ciertas variables ambientales que determinan la distribución de los geófitos. Los lugares de interés son particularmente sensibles a las amenazas, particularmente las de origen antrópico. Thirty stations at the El Kala National Park (North Eastern Algeria) were the subject of a floristic focused on the study of the ecology of bulbous and tuberous geophytes. The floristic analysis was used to draw up a checklist of 67 species belonging to 36 genera and 14 families, among of which 19 species a high proportion of rare and/or endemic taxa; among them six signed taxa are endemic to algerian-tunisian mainly represented by family of Orchidaceae. In this work, we recorded the presence of a new species for the Algerian flora which is Ophrys fusca subsp. lupercalis. Multivariate analyses revealed certain environmental variables determining the distribution of geophytes. The visited sites show an alarming vulnerability and subject to threats, particularly anthropogenic ones.

scholarly journals An Investigation into Marmot Migration in Grand Teton National Park

1996 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 78-82
Author(s):  
George Montopoli ◽  
Nick Visser ◽  
Hank Harlow
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Snow Melt ◽  
Marmota Flaviventris ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
The North ◽  
North Fork ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Long Distance Movement

In 1994 and 1995, a high abundant winter snowfall at higher elevations appeared to result in long distance movement patterns by yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) over snow to lower, snowfree elevations where food was more available. As the snow melted and food became abundant, the marmots return to higher altitudes. In 1996, we continued to investigate the potential for migrational movements, by studying two study sites at different elevations in the North Fork of Cascade Canyon. Four marmots at each site were implanted with intraperitoneal tracking transmitters. Of eight marmots that were equipped with intraperitoneal transmitters, six demonstrated significant movements of greater than 0.5 km, one did not, and one most likely died as a result of predation before any movement could be observed. Of the six that demonstrated significant movements within the canyon, only one moved distances greater than 1 km. Marmots, after emerging from hibernation, migrated down canyon to snowfree areas as they become available. With progressive snow melt, most marmots move upward to higher elevations, but not to the extent originally expected. Instead, they moved to the first available habitat where food was obtainable, and other (dominant) marmots accepted their presence. This movement is exhibited in both males and females, yearlings and adults, and melanistic and normal colored marmots.

scholarly journals The effect of invasive species Lantana Camara L. on soil nutrients at Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32
Author(s):  
M N Wekhanya ◽  
P. K. Mbugua ◽  
J. K. Mworia
Keyword(s):  
Soil Nutrients ◽  
National Park ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Lantana Camara ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Anova Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Sites

The aim of this study was to establish whether the invasive plant Lantana camara L. alters the soil chemical properties at Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park. The key objective was to evaluate the soil nutrient composition in areas invaded by L. camara and how these differ from areas without L. camara. Five study sites were selected by purposeful sampling, out of the existing 10 blocks. Soil samples were collected randomly from L. camara invaded areas and similarly from adjacent areas free from L. camara. The soil samples were subjected to determination of the following nutrients and parameters: pH, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) magnesium (Mg), total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), total organic carbon (TOC), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and sodium (Na). The data obtained was analysed using Two-way ANOVA test to determine difference in nutrients composition in L. camara invaded and non-invaded areas. Three-way ANOVA test was used to gauge the interactions between wet and dry season, invaded and non-invaded areas and study sites. A post-ANOVA test, Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference was done to separate the means. The results from the study indicated L. camara invaded areas had a significant difference in pH, P, N, Mn, Fe and total organic C compared to the patches that had native plants and not invaded by L. camara. High pH also makes P to be more available to plants that is why P was high in the L. camara invaded areas. This study revealed that L. camara remarkably changes the concentration and balance of soil nutrients resulting to a change in chemistry of soil nutrients. This is in a bid to suit its survival to the detriment of the native plant species. This study is hence vital for designing an effective eradication and preventive strategy of L. camara in Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park and other protected ecological habitats in Kenya.

scholarly journals The impact of the provision of water for game on the woody vegetation around a dam in the Kruger National Park

Koedoe ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Thrash ◽  
P.J. Nel ◽  
G.K. Theron ◽  
J. Du P. Bothma
Keyword(s):  
Relative Density ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
National Park ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Woody Vegetation ◽  
Colophospermum Mopane ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Combretum Apiculatum

Quantitative inventory surveys were done on the woody vegetation in permanently marked plots at distance intervals from the Wik-en-Weeg Dam, Kruger National Park, in 1973. The surveys were repeated in 1990 so that changes in the community composition, the density and the canopy cover and the survival of the woody vegetation could be determined in relation to distance from the dam. Relationships with distance from the dam were shown for the relative density ofCombretumapiculatum in all height classes, the relative canopy cover of the second height class of woody plants, the relative canopy cover of C. apiculatum plants, the survival of all height classes of woody plants and the survival of C. apiculatum and Colophospermum mopane plants. It was concluded that the provision of water for game at the Wik-en-Weeg Dam had an impact on the woody vegetation in the vicinity. The relationships of parameters of the two dominant species, Combretum apiculatum and Colophospermum mopane, with distance from the dam were compared. Combretum apiculatum parameters were more sensitive to impact associated with the dam than those of Colophospermum mopane.

scholarly journals Community Structure and Functional Role of Limber Pine (Pinus flexilis) in Treeline Communities in Rocky Mountain National Park

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 838
Author(s):  
Laurel A. Sindewald ◽  
Diana F. Tomback ◽  
Eric R. Neumeyer
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
Rocky Mountain National Park ◽  
Tree Islands ◽  
Pinus Flexilis ◽  
Tree Island ◽  
Limber Pine ◽  
Study Sites

Research Highlights: Limber pine (Pinus flexilis) is abundant in some alpine treeline ecotone (ATE) communities east of the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the Colorado Front Range. Limber pine may be able to colonize the ATE under changing climate aided by directed seed dispersal by Clark’s nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana). Cronartium ribicola, white pine blister rust, is a growing threat to limber pine and may affect its functional role within the ATE. Background and Objectives: The ATE is sensitive, worldwide, to increasing temperature. However, the predicted advance of treeline under a changing climate may be modified by tree species composition and interactions. We aimed to (1) examine the conifer species composition and relative abundances in treeline communities with limber pine; (2) assess which functional roles limber pine assumes in these communities—tree island initiator, tree island component, and/or solitary tree; and (3) determine whether limber pine’s occurrence as a tree island initiator can be predicted by its relative abundance as a solitary tree. Materials and Methods: We selected four study sites in RMNP above subalpine forest limber pine stands. We sampled the nearest tree island to each of forty random points in each study site as well as solitary tree plots. Results: Across study sites, limber pine comprised, on average, 76% of solitary trees and was significantly more abundant as a solitary tree than Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) or subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). Limber pine was a frequent component of multi-tree islands in three study sites, the major component in one study site, and dominated single-tree islands at two study sites. At three of four study sites, no species had significantly greater odds of being a tree island initiator. Limber pine was found less often as a tree island initiator than predicted from its relative abundance as a solitary tree, given the likely role of solitary trees in tree island formation.

scholarly journals Changing Microarthropod Communities in Front of a Receding Glacier in the High Arctic

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz J. Gwiazdowicz ◽  
Bogna Zawieja ◽  
Izabella Olejniczak ◽  
Piotr Skubała ◽  
Anna K. Gdula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dominant Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Pioneer Species ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Study Sites

This study was carried out at Ny-Ålesund on Spitsbergen in Svalbard (High Arctic). Eight study sites were established along a transect from the fjord to the snout of the glacier. The sites differed from each other by the type of vegetation cover and soil characteristics. Soil samples were collected and placed in Tullgren funnels. Extracted arthropods were represented by two groups of mites (Mesostigmata and Oribatida) and springtails (Collembola). The pioneer species that occurred first after retreat of the glacier were representatives of the Collembola (Agrenia bidenticulata and Hypogastrura concolor). Later, other springtails appeared including Folsomia alpha, Folsomia quadrioculata, Hypogastrura concolor, Isotoma anglicana, Sminthurinus concolor and the first species of oribatid mites; Camisia foveolata and Tectocepheus velatus velatus. Arthropod communities recorded along the transect were characterized by large variations in both species composition and abundance of individuals. The greater the distance from the glacier snout, the greater the species richness (2 to 22 species). The mean number of species per sample was the lowest at site 8 (1 ± 0.71) (the closest to the glacier) and greatest at site 1 (14 ± 1.41) (furthest from the glacier). The Simpson’s diversity index (D) was distinctly greater at sites 1 (4.61 ± 0.06) and 3 (3.94 ± 0.11) than at other sites, especially site 8 (1.07 ± 0.06). Densities were least in the samples closest to the glacier (30 to 101 individuals; density 3000–10,100 individuals/m2). At the other locations, abundance was highly variable (905 to 7432 individuals; density 90,500–743,200 individuals/m2). The mean abundances were greatest at sites 2 and 3. The great variations in total abundances observed were often due to the presence or absence of one or more dominant species exhibiting extreme abundance variability between sites. The microarthropod community of the High Arctic is composed of heterogeneous circumpolar species, yet on a landscape scale is extremely dependent on local environmental conditions which may be subject to rapid change.

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