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

<p>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’ occurrence. Ecological modelling on habitat suitability for terrestrial species is usually based on climatic and topographic features, whilst river hydrodynamics is rarely considered.</p><p>Our study aims at predicting suitable habitat for a characteristic pioneer species for dynamic riverine habitats, the German Tamarisk (<em>Myricaria</em> <em>germanica</em>). 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.</p><p>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.</p>

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 Enhancing ecosystem restoration efficiency through spatial and temporal coordination

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (19) ◽  
pp. 6236-6241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Neeson ◽  
Michael C. Ferris ◽  
Matthew W. Diebel ◽  
Patrick J. Doran ◽  
Jesse R. O’Hanley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Space And Time ◽  
Ecosystem Connectivity ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Local Expert ◽  
Conservation Projects

In many large ecosystems, conservation projects are selected by a diverse set of actors operating independently at spatial scales ranging from local to international. Although small-scale decision making can leverage local expert knowledge, it also may be an inefficient means of achieving large-scale objectives if piecemeal efforts are poorly coordinated. Here, we assess the value of coordinating efforts in both space and time to maximize the restoration of aquatic ecosystem connectivity. Habitat fragmentation is a leading driver of declining biodiversity and ecosystem services in rivers worldwide, and we simultaneously evaluate optimal barrier removal strategies for 661 tributary rivers of the Laurentian Great Lakes, which are fragmented by at least 6,692 dams and 232,068 road crossings. We find that coordinating barrier removals across the entire basin is nine times more efficient at reconnecting fish to headwater breeding grounds than optimizing independently for each watershed. Similarly, a one-time pulse of restoration investment is up to 10 times more efficient than annual allocations totaling the same amount. Despite widespread emphasis on dams as key barriers in river networks, improving road culvert passability is also essential for efficiently restoring connectivity to the Great Lakes. Our results highlight the dramatic economic and ecological advantages of coordinating efforts in both space and time during restoration of large ecosystems.

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 Anticipated climate changes reveal shifting in habitat suitability of high-altitude selaginellas in Java, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
AHMAD DWI SETYAWAN ◽  
Jatna Supriatna ◽  
Nisyawati ◽  
Ilyas Nursamsi ◽  
SUTARNO SUTARNO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Climate Changes ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Presence Data ◽  
Pessimistic Scenario

Abstract. Setyawan AD, Supriatna J, Nisyawati, Nursamsi I, Sutarno, Sugiyarto, Sunarto, Pradan P, Budiharta S, Pitoyo A, Suhardono S, Setyono P, Indrawan M. 2020. Anticipated climate changes reveal shifting in habitat suitability of high-altitude selaginellas in Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 5482-5497. High-altitude ecosystems with humid and cool climate are the preferred habitat for some Selaginella species (selaginellas). Such habitats are available in Java, Indonesia, which also has fertile soils with rich mineral contents resulted from volcanic activities. However, the high-altitude ecosystems in Java are threatened by various anthropogenic activities as well as changes in climate conditions, potentially affecting some Selaginella species. This study aimed to investigate the shift in suitable habitat of four species of high-altitude Selaginella spp. (Selaginella involvens, S. opaca, S. ornata, and S. remotifolia) in Java Island under current and future climate conditions predicted by several representative greenhouse gas concentration pathways. Presence data of Selaginella localities were collected from field survey between 2007 and 2014 across the island, as well as occurrence points from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database. A total of 1,721 occurrence points data along with environmental and climate data were used to develop species distribution models using MaxEnt. Future habitat distributions were projected under four climate scenarios to see the shift in suitable habitat and altitudinal ranges. The results showed that the distribution of the four high-altitude Selaginella species are strongly influenced by altitude, annual average temperature, and annual rainfall. In the present time, 37.32% (48,974 km2) of the area of Java has been predicted to be suitable for high-altitude Selaginella. Under the optimistic climate scenario (RCP 2.6), the highly suitable area will likely to decrease by almost 35% in the year 2080, whereas the medium and low suitable areas will reduce by about 37.2% and 18.3%, respectively. Under the pessimistic scenario (RCP 8.5), about 21.2% of low suitable areas will be lost in 2080, whereas the medium and highly suitable areas are predicted to decrease by around 38.1% and 33.4%, respectively. Under the pessimistic scenario, there will be upward shift by 51.1 m in the year 2030 from the current’s mean altitude and will shift by almost 150 m in the year 2080. The maximum altitude of predicted suitable habitat is also predicted to increase to reach almost 3500 m asl in the year 2080. The results of this study imply that habitat shift of four high-altitude Selaginella species varies depending on the scenario, but in all cases, the losses are greater than gains.

scholarly journals Expert elicitation as a method for exploring illegal harvest and trade of wild meat over large spatial scales

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Swan ◽  
Jos Barlow ◽  
Luke Parry
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Expert Elicitation ◽  
Field Validation ◽  
Cost Effective Technique ◽  
Wild Meat ◽  
Urban Consumption ◽  
New Evidence

AbstractNew evidence of commercialization and consumption of wild meat in Amazonian cities has exposed an alarming yet poorly understood threat to Neotropical biodiversity. In response to the limitations of field sampling for large-scale surveys, we sought to develop a method of rapidly assessing wildlife harvest and trade in multiple areas using expert knowledge. Using caiman as a model taxon, we surveyed experts across the Brazilian Amazon. Expert responses to a Likert-style questionnaire suggest that caiman hunting, generally considered a localized rural activity, is in fact common and geographically widespread. Contrary to previous assumptions we found evidence that urban demand is partly driving the harvest, including via interstate trafficking. We highlight the need for further field validation of wild-meat trade and urban consumption patterns in Amazonia. We conclude that expert elicitation is a simple, cost-effective technique that can be a valuable precursor to inform and direct applied conservation research, especially where there are significant knowledge gaps and at large spatial scales.

scholarly journals Changing climate requires shift from refugia to sanctuaries for floodplain forests

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 1423-1439
Author(s):  
Sabine Fink ◽  
Christoph Scheidegger
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Landscape Planning ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Floodplain Forests ◽  
Changing Climate ◽  
Dispersal Vectors ◽  
Riparian Plant

Abstract Context Riparian areas are considered to undergo major alterations under changing climate, making floodplain habitats targets for conservation and landscape planning. Protected areas might provide sanctuaries especially for sessile riparian plant species, but these niches are not always persistent over time. Objectives We investigate if plant species of floodplain forests are provided with suitable habitat within currently protected areas and if these refugia persist. A coupled-modelling approach is used to gain spatially explicit information on new areas for sanctuaries. Methods We use species distribution models to predict the niche of 12 Salicion albae and 7 Fraxinion floodplain forest species along rivers in Switzerland, under current, moderate and extreme climate change scenarios up to 80 years to the future (2100). The spread of plant species from current habitat to suitable future habitat is simulated using dispersal vectors and life history traits. Results Salicion albae species are more flexible under both climate change scenarios than Fraxinion species. The main limitation for the spread of species is their dispersal ability, as only a minority of the suitable cells is colonized during the simulation process. The predicted future presence within currently protected areas decreases under both climate change scenarios in the model. Conclusions Current protected floodplains do not provide persistent refugia for the plants studied, but might still be of importance to other organisms. Planning of sanctuaries for riparian plant species and communities need to focus on connectivity along rivers to maintain viable source populations in dynamic riverine landscapes under changing climate.

Spatial variability in diet, condition and growth of juvenile plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) at sandy beach nursery grounds on the south-west coast of Ireland

2010 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 1215-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. De Raedemaecker ◽  
J. Keating ◽  
D. Brophy ◽  
I. O'Connor ◽  
D. Mc Grath
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Pleuronectes Platessa ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
South West Coast

Characterization of suitable habitat for settlement of juvenile flatfish is important for the management of nursery areas. Food availability is one important determinant of habitat quality that can affect the condition and growth, and thus survival, of flatfish. Spatial and temporal variation in diet has been widely studied for several species of flatfish. However, levels of intraspecific variation in diet at small spatial scales are relatively unknown, with most studies focusing only on large scale variability. This study investigates how diet, growth and condition of juvenile plaice, Pleuronectes platessa, varies over two spatial scales (10s of kilometres and 100s of metres). Juvenile plaice were collected from three beaches and from three replicate hauls on each beach using a beach seine in September 2007 and 2008. Gut content analyses of 108 juvenile plaice within the size-range of 70–90 mm were carried out. Diet composition in plaice guts differed among beaches and hauls suggesting that food abundance and availability differed at both spatial scales. A significant positive correlation was observed between a morphological condition index and the prey diversity in the gut. This suggests that fish which specialize on a limited number of prey items (perhaps due to a greater abundance of certain prey) may do better than fish which feed on a wide range of prey types. Significant differences in condition were observed between hauls and between beaches, while recent and total otolith growth varied between beaches but not between hauls. The results highlight the importance of considering small scale variation when attempting to link habitat quality to feeding, growth and condition of juvenile flatfish.

Predicting bycatch hotspots based on suitable habitat derived from fishery-independent data

2020 ◽  
Vol 641 ◽  
pp. 159-175
Author(s):  
J Runnebaum ◽  
KR Tanaka ◽  
L Guan ◽  
J Cao ◽  
L O’Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Homarus Americanus ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
American Lobster ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Suitability Index

Bycatch remains a global problem in managing sustainable fisheries. A critical aspect of management is understanding the timing and spatial extent of bycatch. Fisheries management often relies on observed bycatch data, which are not always available due to a lack of reporting or observer coverage. Alternatively, analyzing the overlap in suitable habitat for the target and non-target species can provide a spatial management tool to understand where bycatch interactions are likely to occur. Potential bycatch hotspots based on suitable habitat were predicted for cusk Brosme brosme incidentally caught in the Gulf of Maine American lobster Homarus americanus fishery. Data from multiple fisheries-independent surveys were combined in a delta-generalized linear mixed model to generate spatially explicit density estimates for use in an independent habitat suitability index. The habitat suitability indices for American lobster and cusk were then compared to predict potential bycatch hotspot locations. Suitable habitat for American lobster has increased between 1980 and 2013 while suitable habitat for cusk decreased throughout most of the Gulf of Maine, except for Georges Basin and the Great South Channel. The proportion of overlap in suitable habitat varied interannually but decreased slightly in the spring and remained relatively stable in the fall over the time series. As Gulf of Maine temperatures continue to increase, the interactions between American lobster and cusk are predicted to decline as cusk habitat continues to constrict. This framework can contribute to fisheries managers’ understanding of changes in habitat overlap as climate conditions continue to change and alter where bycatch interactions could occur.

scholarly journals Analysis of 220 Years of Floodplain Population Dynamics in the US at Different Spatial Scales

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 141
Author(s):  
Firoza Akhter ◽  
Maurizio Mazzoleni ◽  
Luigia Brandimarte
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
National Level ◽  
State Level ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
The Us ◽  
Over Time

In this study, we explore the long-term trends of floodplain population dynamics at different spatial scales in the contiguous United States (U.S.). We exploit different types of datasets from 1790–2010—i.e., decadal spatial distribution for the population density in the US, global floodplains dataset, large-scale data of flood occurrence and damage, and structural and nonstructural flood protection measures for the US. At the national level, we found that the population initially settled down within the floodplains and then spread across its territory over time. At the state level, we observed that flood damages and national protection measures might have contributed to a learning effect, which in turn, shaped the floodplain population dynamics over time. Finally, at the county level, other socio-economic factors such as local flood insurances, economic activities, and socio-political context may predominantly influence the dynamics. Our study shows that different influencing factors affect floodplain population dynamics at different spatial scales. These facts are crucial for a reliable development and implementation of flood risk management planning.

scholarly journals Insectivorous songbirds as early indicators of future defoliation by spruce budworm

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Germain ◽  
Daniel Kneeshaw ◽  
Louis De Grandpré ◽  
Mélanie Desrochers ◽  
Patrick M. A. James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Maximum Probability ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Probability Of Presence ◽  
Time Lagged ◽  
One Year ◽  
Local Sampling

Abstract Context Although the spatiotemporal dynamics of spruce budworm outbreaks have been intensively studied, forecasting outbreaks remains challenging. During outbreaks, budworm-linked warblers (Tennessee, Cape May, and bay-breasted warbler) show a strong positive response to increases in spruce budworm, but little is known about the relative timing of these responses. Objectives We hypothesized that these warblers could be used as sentinels of future defoliation of budworm host trees. We examined the timing and magnitude of the relationships between defoliation by spruce budworm and changes in the probability of presence of warblers to determine whether they responded to budworm infestation before local defoliation being observed by standard detection methods. Methods We modelled this relationship using large-scale point count surveys of songbirds and maps of cumulative time-lagged defoliation over multiple spatial scales (2–30 km radius around sampling points) in Quebec, Canada. Results All three warbler species responded positively to defoliation at each spatial scale considered, but the timing of their response differed. Maximum probability of presence of Tennessee and Cape May warbler coincided with observations of local defoliation, or provided a one year warning, making them of little use to guide early interventions. In contrast, the probability of presence of bay-breasted warbler consistently increased 3–4 years before defoliation was detectable. Conclusions Early detection is a critical step in the management of spruce budworm outbreaks and rapid increases in the probability of presence of bay-breasted warbler could be used to identify future epicenters and target ground-based local sampling of spruce budworm.

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