scholarly journals The detection of thermophilous forest hotspots in Poland using geostatistical interpolation of plant richness

2014 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Kiedrzyński ◽  
Janina Jakubowska-Gabara
Keyword(s):  
Regional Scale ◽  
Actual State ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Relict Species ◽  
Forest Flora ◽  
Habitat Indicators ◽  
Geostatistical Interpolation ◽  
Priority Species ◽  
High Conservation

Attempts to study biodiversity hotspots on a regional scale should combine compositional and functionalist criteria. The detection of hotspots in this study uses one ecologically similar group of high conservation value species as hotspot indicators, as well as focal habitat indicators, to detect the distribution of suitable environmental conditions. The method is assessed with reference to thermophilous forests in Poland – key habitats for many rare and relict species. Twenty-six high conservation priority species were used as hotspot indicators, and ten plant taxa characteristic of the <em>Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae</em> phytosociological order were used as focal habitat indicators. Species distribution data was based on a 10 × 10 km grid. The number of species per grid square was interpolated by the ordinary kriging geostatistical method. Our analysis largely determined the distribution of areas with concentration of thermophilous forest flora, but also regional disjunctions and geographical barriers. Indicator species richness can be interpreted as a reflection of the actual state of habitat conditions. It can also be used to determine the location of potential species refugia and possible past and future migration routes.

scholarly journals Human-Water Dynamics and their Role for Seasonal Water Scarcity – a Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Nicolaidis Lindqvist ◽  
Rickard Fornell ◽  
Thomas Prade ◽  
Linda Tufvesson ◽  
Sammar Khalil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Water Dynamics ◽  
Actual State ◽  
Increasing Demand

AbstractEnsuring sustainable management and an adequate supply of freshwater resources is a growing challenge around the world. Even in historically water abundant regions climate change together with population growth and economic development are processes that are expected to contribute to an increase in permanent and seasonal water scarcity in the coming decades. Previous studies have shown how policies to address water scarcity often fail to deliver lasting improvements because they do not account for how these processes influence, and are influenced by, human-water interactions shaping water supply and demand. Despite significant progress in recent years, place-specific understanding of the mechanisms behind human-water feedbacks remain limited, particularly in historically water abundant regions. To this end, we here present a Swedish case study where we, by use of a qualitative system dynamics approach, explore how human-water interactions have contributed to seasonal water scarcity at the local-to-regional scale. Our results suggest that the current approach to address water scarcity by inter-basin water transports contributes to increasing demand by creating a gap between the perceived and actual state of water resources among consumers. This has resulted in escalating water use and put the region in a state of systemic lock-in where demand-regulating policies are mitigated by increases in water use enabled by water transports. We discuss a combination of information and economic policy instruments to combat water scarcity, and we propose the use of quantitative simulation methods to further assess these strategies in future studies.

scholarly journals Terrestrial gastropods (Mollusca, Gastropoda) of the Bulgarian part of the Alibotush Mts.

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 17-20
Author(s):  
Ivailo Kanev Dedov
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Karst Area ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Conservation Value ◽  
Terrestrial Gastropods ◽  
High Conservation

This work presents results of two years collecting efforts within the project “The role of the alpine karst area in Bulgaria as reservoir of species diversity”. It summarizes distribution data of 44 terrestrial gastropods from the Bulgarian part of Alibotush Mts. Twenty-seven species are newly recorded from the Alibotush Mts., 13 were confirmed, while 4 species, previously known from the literature, were not found. In the gastropod fauna of Alibotush Mts. predominate species from Mediterranean zoogeographic complex. A large part of them is endemic species, and this demonstrates the high conservation value of large limestone areas in respect of terrestrial gastropods.

scholarly journals Among-site variability in the stochastic dynamics of East African coral reefs

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A Allen ◽  
John F Bruno ◽  
Fiona Chong ◽  
Damian Clancy ◽  
Tim R McClanahan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Stochastic Dynamics ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
East African ◽  
Vector Autoregressive ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
Site Variability

Coral reefs are dynamic systems whose composition is highly influenced by unpredictable biotic and abiotic factors. Understanding the spatial scale at which long-term predictions of reef composition can be made will be crucial for guiding conservation efforts. Using a 22-year time series of benthic composition data from 20 reefs on the Kenyan and Tanzanian coast, we developed Bayesian vector autoregressive state-space models for reef dynamics, incorporating among-site variability, and quantified their long-term behaviour. We estimated that if there were no among-site variability, the total long-term variability would be approximately one third of its current value. Thus, our results showed that among-site variability contributes more to long-term variability in reef composition than does temporal variability. Individual sites were more predictable than previously thought, and predictions based on current snapshots are informative about long-term properties. Our approach allowed us to identify a subset of possible climate refugia sites with high conservation value, where the long-term probability of coral cover \(\leq\) 0.1 was very low. Analytical results show that this probability is most strongly influenced by among-site variability and by interactions among benthic components within sites. These findings suggest that conservation initiatives might be successful at the site scale as well as the regional scale.

Flora of Mt. Mantalingahan Range, Palawan Island, Philippines: Basis for Prioritizing Protected Areas

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
LITA B. SOPSOP ◽  
GLENN O. SOPSOP
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Plant Ecology ◽  
Ecological Design ◽  
Forest Flora ◽  
Tropical Plant ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
Underground River ◽  
Palawan Island ◽  
Tropical Plant Communities

In Palawan Island, Philippines, Mt. Mantalingahan is given high conservation value because its varied habitats harbor different organisms including important wildlife, but little is known about its floristic composition. Using the Variable Transect Method for Rapid Assessment of Tropical Plant Communities, its peripheral forest flora in four surrounding municipalities was surveyed to describe the community structure and assess the priority areas for protection. The mountain’s peripheral forest is rich in diversified flora having at least 351 species in 214 genera and 92 families. Endemism is remarkably high having at least 50 species of which nine are only found in Palawan, higher than the six species found in Puerto Princesa City Underground River National Park. It contains numerous plant species that are rare with narrow habitat range, economically important, and 13 vulnerable, four endangered and five critically endangered. From the criteria in prioritizing areas for protection, Rizal municipality ranked first, followed by Bataraza, Sofrono Española, and Brooke’s Point municipalities. Results from rapid floral assessment demonstrate that Mt. Mantalingahan Range is one of the most important sites in Palawan Corridor for biodiversity conservation. The best and strictest measures should be applied to prevent any degradation of such a rich genetic resource. Keywords - Plant Ecology, flora, threatened species, ecological design, Palawan, Philippines

scholarly journals Yedoma Ice Complex of the Buor Khaya Peninsula (southern Laptev Sea)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutz Schirrmeister ◽  
Georg Schwamborn ◽  
Pier Paul Overduin ◽  
Jens Strauss ◽  
Margret C. Fuchs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
Thermal State ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Laptev Sea ◽  
Western Coast ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
South Central ◽  
Ice Complex

Abstract. The composition of permafrost deposits holds information on the paleo-environment during and following deposition. Sampling natural exposures and drilling are two methods used to access permafrost archives. In this study, we combine both approaches at the western coast of the Buor Khaya Peninsula in the south-central Laptev Sea (Siberia) to study late Pleistocene permafrost; namely the Yedoma Ice Complex (IC), which is prominent across much of eastern Siberia. Two Yedoma IC exposures and one drill core were studied for cryolithological (i.e. ice and sediment features), geochemical, and geochronological parameters. Borehole temperatures were measured for three years to capture the current thermal state of permafrost. The studied sequences were composed of ice-oversaturated silts and fine-grained sands with considerable amounts of organic matter (0.2 to 24 wt %). Syngenetic ice wedges intersect the frozen deposits. The deposition of the Yedoma IC, as revealed by radiocarbon dates of sedimentary organic matter, took place between 54.1 and 30.1 kyr BP. Continued Yedoma IC deposition until about 14.7 kyr BP is shown by dates from organic matter preserved in ice-wedge ice. For the lowermost and oldest Yedoma IC part, infrared-stimulated luminescence dates on feldspar show deposition ages between 51.1 ± 4.9 and 44.2 ± 3.6 kyr BP. End-member modelling was applied to grain-size-distribution data to unmix sedimentation processes during Yedoma IC formation. Three to five statistical end-members were detected within Yedoma IC deposits of different ages, which we interpret as signals of alluvial, proluvial, and aeolian transport and redeposition as well as in-situ frost weathering in a polygonal tundra landscape. The study captures the internal variation of Yedoma IC characteristics and puts its local stratigraphy into regional scale. The cryolithological inventory of the Yedoma IC preserved on the Buor Khaya Peninsula is closely related to the results of other IC studies, for example, to the west on the Bykovsky Peninsula, where formation time (mainly during the late Pleistocene MIS 3 interstadial) and conditions were similar. Local freezing conditions on Buor Khaya, however, differed, and created solute-enriched (salty) and isotopically-light porewater pointing to deep active-layer and thaw-bulb freezing after deposition. Due to intense coastal erosion, the biogeochemical signature of the studied Yedoma IC represents the terrestrial end-member for, and is closely related to organic matter currently being deposited in the marine realm of the Laptev Sea shelf.

scholarly journals Among-site variability in the stochastic dynamics of East African coral reefs

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Allen ◽  
John F. Bruno ◽  
Fiona Chong ◽  
Damian Clancy ◽  
Tim R. McClanahan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Stochastic Dynamics ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
East African ◽  
Vector Autoregressive ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
Site Variability

Coral reefs are dynamic systems whose composition is highly influenced by unpredictable biotic and abiotic factors. Understanding the spatial scale at which long-term predictions of reef composition can be made will be crucial for guiding conservation efforts. Using a 22-year time series of benthic composition data from 20 reefs on the Kenyan and Tanzanian coast, we developed Bayesian vector autoregressive state-space models for reef dynamics, incorporating among-site variability, and quantified their long-term behaviour. We estimated that if there were no among-site variability, the total long-term variability would be approximately one-third of its current value. Thus, our results showed that among-site variability contributes more to long-term variability in reef composition than does temporal variability. Individual sites were more predictable than previously thought, and predictions based on current snapshots are informative about long-term properties. Our approach allowed us to identify a subset of possible climate refugia sites with high conservation value, where the long-term probability of coral cover ≤0.1 (as a proportion of benthic cover of hard substrate) was very low. Analytical results show that this probability is most strongly influenced by among-site variability and by interactions among benthic components within sites. These findings suggest that conservation initiatives might be successful at the site scale as well as the regional scale.

scholarly journals Regional Mapping and Spatial Distribution Analysis of Canopy Palms in an Amazon Forest Using Deep Learning and VHR Images

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 2225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabien H. Wagner ◽  
Ricardo Dalagnol ◽  
Ximena Tagle Casapia ◽  
Annia S. Streher ◽  
Oliver L. Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Deep Learning ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Amazon Forest ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
Palm Trees ◽  
Local Soil

Mapping plant species at the regional scale to provide information for ecologists and forest managers is a challenge for the remote sensing community. Here, we use a deep learning algorithm called U-net and very high-resolution multispectral images (0.5 m) from GeoEye satellite to identify, segment and map canopy palms over ∼3000 km 2 of Amazonian forest. The map was used to analyse the spatial distribution of canopy palm trees and its relation to human disturbance and edaphic conditions. The overall accuracy of the map was 95.5% and the F1-score was 0.7. Canopy palm trees covered 6.4% of the forest canopy and were distributed in more than two million patches that can represent one or more individuals. The density of canopy palms is affected by human disturbance. The post-disturbance density in secondary forests seems to be related to the type of disturbance, being higher in abandoned pasture areas and lower in forests that have been cut once and abandoned. Additionally, analysis of palm trees’ distribution shows that their abundance is controlled naturally by local soil water content, avoiding both flooded and waterlogged areas near rivers and dry areas on the top of the hills. They show two preferential habitats, in the low elevation above the large rivers, and in the slope directly below the hill tops. Overall, their distribution over the region indicates a relatively pristine landscape, albeit within a forest that is critically endangered because of its location between two deforestation fronts and because of illegal cutting. New tree species distribution data, such as the map of all adult canopy palms produced in this work, are urgently needed to support Amazon species inventory and to understand their distribution and diversity.

scholarly journals The vascular flora of Mt. Oiti National Park and the surrounding area in Greece

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 10) ◽  
pp. 435-454
Author(s):  
George Karetsos ◽  
Alexandra D. Solomou ◽  
Panayiotis Trigas ◽  
Konstantinia Tsagari
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Plants ◽  
National Park ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Surrounding Area ◽  
Wild Fauna ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Priority Species ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
Local Endemic ◽  
Natura 2000 Site

This paper presents the first comprehensive checklist of vascular plants for an especially important area for biodiversity, namely National Park “Ethnikos Drymos Oitis” – Natura 2000 site (GR2440004) and the surrounding area in Greece. This list includes a total of 1,153 plant taxa, including 79 endemic taxa and two local endemic species (Allium lagarophyllum Brullo, Pavone &amp; Tzanoudakis and Veronica oetaea Gustavsson). It is noteworthy that 551 plants are new records for the flora of Mt. Oiti. A total of 67 taxa are protected by national and international legislation, while 52 orchid taxa are also protected by the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Veronica oetaea, a priority species of Annex II of the Directive 92/43, is also protected by the Berne Convention. The high plant species diversity and endemism make Mt. Oiti National Park an important area with high conservation value, thus providing baseline information which could be utilized for further research.

scholarly journals The DPSIR Approach for Coastal Risk Assessment under Climate Change at Regional Scale: The Case of Apulian Coast (Italy)

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 531
Author(s):  
Maria Francesca Bruno ◽  
Alessandra Saponieri ◽  
Matteo Gianluca Molfetta ◽  
Leonardo Damiani
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Actual State ◽  
Coastal Zones ◽  
Climate Change Effects ◽  
South Italy ◽  
Coastal Risk Assessment ◽  
Coastal Risk

In the present paper, the coastal risk is assessed, at a regional scale, to produce a risk map that will help to prioritize policies and economic resources in coastal management and planning activities. The DPSIR method is here used taking into account processes and cause/effect relationship between Drivers and Pressures, which induce an alteration of actual State and, hence, Impacts on the environment, society and economy. The study area is located in South Italy (Apulia region), where the Risk Index is calculated and mapped for all municipalities facing the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Both coastal Vulnerability and Exposure Indexes are firstly calculated according to the procedure suggested in the EUrosion project (EU model) as the product of specific indicators describing the state of coastal zones, their natural characteristics and both natural and anthropic pressures. Based on both EU model results and knowledge of states and pressures of the study area, a new modified model is then proposed (Mod.E.M.) and final risk maps compared. The comparison shows that new Vulnerability and Exposure indexes better describe the ongoing coastal processes and pressures and allow us to identify hot-spot sites where more detailed analyses could be further focused on. The Mod.E.M. has more than just a local significance since the case study includes coastal areas with so different characteristics, that it can be easily applied to other coastal regions. Moreover, to take into account climate change effects, Risk Index is evaluated under Representative Concentration Pathways R C P 4.5 and R C P 8.5 , mainly affecting the sea level rise and the storm surge level.

scholarly journals Identifying high-value areas to strengthen marine conservation in the channels and fjords of the southern Chile ecoregion

Oryx ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 308-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro R. Vila ◽  
Valeria Falabella ◽  
Mauricio Gálvez ◽  
Aldo Farías ◽  
Daniela Droguett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Planning Process ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Marine Conservation ◽  
Tierra Del Fuego ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Conservation Value ◽  
Southern Chile ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
High Conservation

AbstractAlthough Chile has been establishing marine protected areas since the 1960s, studies to identify representative areas for marine biodiversity conservation at the ecoregional scale are lacking. Using the Marxan decision support tool we conducted a systematic planning process to identify High Conservation Value Areas in the channels and fjords of the southern Chile ecoregion. We involved 74 experts and other stakeholders in identifying conservation features, setting targets and compiling distribution data. Current distributions of 39 features were used in Marxan analyses. In one scenario we locked planning units that contained the Francisco Coloane Marine Protected Area. In a second scenario we also excluded planning units that overlapped with Appropriate Areas for Aquaculture, defined by the Chilean government's coastal zoning process. One-hundred percent of the proposed conservation targets were met in both scenarios. Although the distribution of 12 conservation features overlapped to a certain extent (>10%) with Appropriate Areas for Aquaculture, Marxan identified conservation solutions avoiding these areas. Our suggested portfolio of High Conservation Value Areas comprises a network of 33 sites, covering 99,432 km2 (12% of the ecoregion). These results provide the first science-based roadmap for decision makers and conservationists, and were used by the Chilean government in its coastal zoning process to define priority areas for conservation. Consequently, salmon farming has been excluded from Tierra del Fuego island.

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