scholarly journals Spatial and temporal variation of epigaeic beetle assemblages (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Staphylinidae) in aspen-dominated mixedwood forests across north-central Alberta

ZooKeys ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1044 ◽  
pp. 951-991
Author(s):  
H. E. James Hammond ◽  
Sergio García-Tejero ◽  
Greg R. Pohl ◽  
David W. Langor ◽  
John R. Spence

Epigaeic beetle assemblages were surveyed using continuous pitfall trapping during the summers of 1992 and 1993 in six widely geographically distributed locations in Alberta’s aspen-mixedwood forests prior to initial forest harvest. Species composition and turnover (β-diversity) were evaluated on several spatial scales ranging from Natural Regions (distance between samples 120–420 km) to pitfall traps (40–60 m). A total of 19,885 ground beetles (Carabidae) representing 40 species and 12,669 rove beetles (non-AleocharinaeStaphylinidae) representing 78 species was collected. Beetle catch, species richness, and diversity differed significantly among the six locations, as did the identity of dominant species. Beetle species composition differed significantly between the Boreal Forest and Foothills Natural Regions for both taxa. Staphylinidae β-diversity differed significantly between Natural Regions, whereas Carabidae β-diversity differed among locations. Climate variables such as number of frost-free days, dry periods, and mean summer temperatures were identified as significant factors influencing beetle assemblages at coarse spatial scales, whereas over- and understory vegetation cover, litter depth, shade, slope, and stand age influenced beetle assemblages at finer spatial scales. Significant interannual variation in assemblage structure was noted for both taxa. Because composition of epigaeic beetle assemblages differed across spatial scales, forest management strategies based only on generalized understanding of a single location will be ineffective as conservation measures. In addition, site history and geographic variation significantly affect species distributions of these two beetle families across the landscape. Thus, we underscore Terry Erwin’s suggestion that biodiversity assessments focused on species assemblages at different spatial scales provide a sound approach for understanding biodiversity change and enhancing conservation of arthropod biodiversity.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús N. Pinto-Ledezma ◽  
Jeannine Cavender-Bares

AbstractBiodiversity is rapidly changing due to changes in the climate and human related activities; thus, the accurate predictions of species composition and diversity are critical to developing conservation actions and management strategies. In this paper, using satellite remote sensing products as covariates, we constructed stacked species distribution models (S-SDMs) under a Bayesian framework to build next-generation biodiversity models. Model performance of these models was assessed using oak assemblages distributed across the continental United States obtained from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). This study represents an attempt to evaluate the integrated predictions of biodiversity models—including assemblage diversity and composition—obtained by stacking next-generation SDMs. We found that applying constraints to assemblage predictions, such as using the probability ranking rule, does not improve biodiversity prediction models. Furthermore, we found that independent of the stacking procedure (bS-SDM versus pS-SDM versus cS-SDM), these kinds of next-generation biodiversity models do not accurately recover the observed species composition at the plot level or ecological-community scales (NEON plots are 400 m2). However, these models do return reasonable predictions at macroecological scales, i.e., moderately to highly correct assignments of species identities at the scale of NEON sites (mean area ~ 27 km2). Our results provide insights for advancing the accuracy of prediction of assemblage diversity and composition at different spatial scales globally. An important task for future studies is to evaluate the reliability of combining S-SDMs with direct detection of species using image spectroscopy to build a new generation of biodiversity models that accurately predict and monitor ecological assemblages through time and space.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús N. Pinto-Ledezma ◽  
Jeannine Cavender-Bares

Abstract Biodiversity is rapidly changing due to changes in the climate and human related activities; thus, the accurate predictions of species composition and diversity are critical to developing conservation actions and management strategies. In this paper, using oak assemblages distributed across the continental United States obtained from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), we assessed the performance of stacked species distribution models (S-SDMs), constructed using satellite remote sensing as covariates and under a Bayesian framework, in order to build the next-generation of biodiversity models. This study represents an attempt to evaluate the integrated predictions of biodiversity models—including assemblage diversity and composition—obtained by stacking next-generation SDMs. We found three main results. First, environmental predictors derived entirely from satellite remote sensing represent adequate covariates for biodiversity modeling. Second, applying constraints to assemblage predictions, such as imposing the probability ranking rule, not necessarily results in more accurate species diversity predictions. Third, independent of the stacking procedure (bS-SDM versus pS-SDM versus cS-SDM), this kind of biodiversity models do not accurately recover the observed species composition at plot level or ecological scales (NEON plots), however, they do return reasonable predictions at macroecological scales, i.e., mid to high correct assignment of species identities at the scale of NEON sites. Our results provide insights for the prediction of assemblage diversity and composition at different spatial scales. An important task for future studies is to evaluate the reliability of combining S-SDMs with direct detection of species using image spectroscopy to build a new generation of biodiversity models to accurately predict and monitor ecological assemblages through time and space.


Rangifer ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Øystein Holand ◽  
Anders Aa. Ims ◽  
Robert B. Weladji

The ongoing dispute about reindeer overabundance in the West Finnmark (Norway) herding region has accentuated the need for an in-depth understanding of the density-dependent and -independent processes driving this pastoral system, as well as the spatial and temporal scale(s) they operate on. Using 20 604 records of individual male reindeer yearlings we assessed the spatial and temporal variation in animals’ performance (measured by their autumn carcass mass), and investigated summer density dependent effects on autumn carcass masses at different scales. We defined three spatial scales; a regional scale represented by the whole summer range of West Finnmark, a sub-regional scale represented by the mainland (14) and the island (11) summer districts, and a fine scale represented by eight individual summer districts. We defined two temporal scales; the whole collection phase (13 years) and a temporal dimension based on the three periods of population growth. We found carcass masses to be higher at island than at mainland and to vary among districts. Effect of period was found at the regional, sub-regional and often at the district scale. The autumn carcass masses were sensitive to density at West Finnmark and mainland scales, but not at island scale, the effect being negative. This suggests intra-specific competition for summer forage due to consistent higher density resulting in reduced range quality at mainland as compared to island. On the finest scale the density effect was highly variable. Response of carcass mass to density appeared to be scale dependent both in space and time at regional and sub-regional scales. These findings underline the importance, for skilful management, of site specific biological understanding of (1) the density dependent processes and (2) the spatial and temporal scales these processes are operating on. Adaptive management strategies for sustainable use of the summer forage resources in West Finnmark have therefore to be district specific.Skala-avhengige virkninger av antallet rein på høstslaktevektene i Vest-FinnmarkAbstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag: Den stadig pågående diskusjon omkring reintall og overbelastning av beitene i Vest- Finnmark krever en bedre forståelse av tetthetsavhengige, så vel som tetthetsuavhengige prosesser som påvirker dette beitesystemet og på hvilke skalaer disse opererer. Vi benyttet 20 604 slaktevekter av varit (1,5 års gamle bukker) før brunst for å undersøke variasjonen i tid og rom i disse, og om sommerbeitebelegget på ulike skalaer påvirket vektene. Vi definerte tre romlig skalaer: 1) hele sommerbeiteområdet i Vest-Finnmark, 2) to underregioner: innlandsdistriktene samlet og øy/halvøydistriktene samlet og 3) det enkelte sommerbeitedistrikt. På distriktsnivå ble bare slaktedata fra 8 distrikt benyttet. Videre ble to tidsskalaer definert: 1) hele perioden samlet, 2) tre perioder basert på utviklingen i reintallet i Vest-Finnmark - økning i periode 1 (1983-87) og i periode 3 (2001-2004) og nedgang i periode 2 (1996 -2000). Slaktevektene var høyere for øy/halvøydistriktene sammenlignet med innlandsdistriktene samlet og varierte mellom distrikt. Periode påvirket også slaktevektene regionalt, subregionalt og ofte på distriktsnivå. Vi fant en negativ tetthetsavhengig effekt på slaktevektene for Vest-Finnmark samlet. Det samme gjaldt for innlandsdistriktene samlet, men ikke for øy/halvøydistriktene samlet. Dette forklares ved fødekonkurranse på innlandsdistriktenes sommerbeiter, sannsynligvis på grunn av at vedvarende høye tettheter har forringet beitekvaliteten, sammenlignet med øy/halvøydistriktene samlet. På distriktsnivå varierte effekten av tetthet. Resultatene tyder videre på skala-avhengige tetthetseffekter i tid og rom, i Vest-Finnmark samlet, så vel som på innlands- og øy/halvøynivå. Tetthet er et mangesidig og komplekst begrep som ikke kan sees uavhengig av skala. Det er derfor viktig å analysere slike prosesser på flere skalanivå for bedre å kunne forstå samspillet mellom vegetasjon og beitedyr. Dette innebærer i praksis at hvert sommerdistrikt (siida), som er den funksjonelle enheten i forvaltningssammenheng, må behandles uavhengig og danne grunnenheten i en fornuftig forvaltning.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús N. Pinto-Ledezma ◽  
Jeannine Cavender-Bares

AbstractAccurate predictions of species composition and diversity are critical to the development of conservation actions and management strategies. In this paper using oak assemblages distributed across the conterminous United States as study model, we assessed the performance of stacked species distribution models (S-SDMs) and remote sensing products in building the next-generation of biodiversity models. This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the integrated predictions of biodiversity models—including assemblage diversity and composition—obtained by stacking next-generation SDMs. We found three main results. First, environmental predictors derived entirely from remote sensing products represent adequate covariates for biodiversity modeling. Second, applying constraints to assemblage predictions, such as imposing the probability ranking rule, results in more accurate species diversity predictions. Third, independent of the stacking procedure (bS-SDM versus cS-SDM), biodiversity models do not recover the observed species composition with high spatial resolution, i.e., correct species identities at the scale of individual plots. However, they do return reasonable predictions at macroecological scales (1 km). Our results provide insights for the prediction of assemblage diversity and composition at different spatial scales. An important task for future studies is to evaluate the reliability of combining S-SDMs with direct detection of species using image spectroscopy to build a new generation of biodiversity models to accurately predict and monitor ecological assemblages through time and space.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulalo M. Muluvhahothe ◽  
Grant S. Joseph ◽  
Colleen L. Seymour ◽  
Thinandavha C. Munyai ◽  
Stefan H. Foord

AbstractHigh-altitude-adapted ectotherms can escape competition from dominant species by tolerating low temperatures at cooler elevations, but climate change is eroding such advantages. Studies evaluating broad-scale impacts of global change for high-altitude organisms often overlook the mitigating role of biotic factors. Yet, at fine spatial-scales, vegetation-associated microclimates provide refuges from climatic extremes. Using one of the largest standardised data sets collected to date, we tested how ant species composition and functional diversity (i.e., the range and value of species traits found within assemblages) respond to large-scale abiotic factors (altitude, aspect), and fine-scale factors (vegetation, soil structure) along an elevational gradient in tropical Africa. Altitude emerged as the principal factor explaining species composition. Analysis of nestedness and turnover components of beta diversity indicated that ant assemblages are specific to each elevation, so species are not filtered out but replaced with new species as elevation increases. Similarity of assemblages over time (assessed using beta decay) did not change significantly at low and mid elevations but declined at the highest elevations. Assemblages also differed between northern and southern mountain aspects, although at highest elevations, composition was restricted to a set of species found on both aspects. Functional diversity was not explained by large scale variables like elevation, but by factors associated with elevation that operate at fine scales (i.e., temperature and habitat structure). Our findings highlight the significance of fine-scale variables in predicting organisms’ responses to changing temperature, offering management possibilities that might dilute climate change impacts, and caution when predicting assemblage responses using climate models, alone.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Marcinko ◽  
Robert Nicholls ◽  
Tim Daw ◽  
Sugata Hazra ◽  
Craig Hutton ◽  
...  

<p>The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their corresponding targets are significantly interconnected, with many interactions, synergies and trade-offs between individual goals across multiple temporal and spatial scales.  We propose a framework for the Integrated Assessment Modelling (IAM) of a complex deltaic socio-ecological system in order to analyse such SDG interactions. We focus on the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR), India within the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta. It is densely populated with 4.4 million people (2011), high levels of poverty and a strong dependence on rural livelihoods. It is only 50 km from the growing megacity of Kolkata (about 15 million people in 2020). The area also includes the Indian portion of the world’s largest mangrove forest – the Sundarbans – hosting the iconic Bengal Tiger. Like all deltaic systems, this area is subject to multiple drivers of environmental change operating across different scales. The IAM framework is designed to investigate current and future trends in socio-environmental change and explore associated policy impacts, considering a broad range of sub-thematic SDG indicators. Integration is achieved through the soft coupling of multiple sub-models, knowledge and data of relevant environmental and socio-economic processes.  The following elements are explicitly considered: (1) agriculture; (2) aquaculture; (3) mangroves; (4) fisheries; and (5) multidimensional poverty. Key questions that can be addressed include the implications of changing monsoon patterns, trade-offs between agriculture and aquaculture, or the future of the Sundarbans mangroves under sea-level rise and different management strategies, including trade-offs with land use to the north.  The novel high-resolution analysis of SDG interactions allowed by the IAM will provide stakeholders and policy makers the opportunity to prioritize and explore the SDG targets that are most relevant to the SBR and provide a foundation for further integrated analysis.</p>


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng-Yu Jin ◽  
Lu Tian ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
Xiao-Yue Hong

Understanding pest species composition and their geographic distribution of important spider mites is fundamental and indispensable to establish an integrated pest management program. From a long-term survey during 2008–2017 in mainland China, we found that Tetranychus truncatus was the most frequently sampled Tetranychus spider mite (48.5%), followed by T. pueraricola (21.2%), T. kanzawai (12.5%), T. urticae (red) (5.7%) and T. urticae (green) (4.5%). Among them, T. truncatus was the major mite pest in the north of China. T. kanzawai was the dominant species in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Region and T. pueraricola was the most important species in the southwest region. Other common and serious pests include Amphitetranychus viennensis (6.8%) and Panonychus citri (3.8%). This pattern was largely different from that in 2002–2004, when T. urticae (green and red) was believed to be the most serious mite pest. The factors involved in the change of species composition are not clear and need more exploration. We suggested that the increasing corn planting range may be partly responsible for the conversion of dominant species from other spider mites to T. truncatus. Further research on the mechanisms underlying the change of dominant species will help develop integrated management strategies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-129
Author(s):  
Cecep Kusmana ◽  
Anggun Rahayu Melyanti

BKPH Tampomas is part of the FMU area of Sumedang entirely classified into protected forest area. However, part of treated as CBFM with the aim of involfing the community in forest concervation activities the aim of this research is to describe and compare the structure and composition of the plant species between the subjected to CBFM and non CBFM Tampomas. The reaserch location was based on forest status of the protected area as having the same stand age and tree spacing. Data collection conducted throught the analysis of vegetation and soil sampling at each observation location species richness of BKPH Tampomas protection forest was relatively low either non CBFM of protected forest, CBFM protection forest of coffe and CBFM protection forest of cardamon. At the level of seedling stage there are 9 species and Calliandra haematocephala, the dominant. Species at the pole stage are found 3 species with Pinus merkusii species as the dominant species, at the tree stage are 2 species that dominated by Pinus merkusii. The covercrop found were 30 species and dominated by Lepturus repens. The low soil fertility and sandy soil texture composition also account for the low plant species in the BKPH Tampomas protection forest areas.Key words : CBFM cardamon, CDFM coffee, species composition, structure vegetation, Tampomas Mountain


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