Preference for Artificial Refugia over Natural Refugia in an Endangered Fish

The availability of appropriate refugia may ameliorate some impacts of habitat degradation and can aid in the conservation of target species. In addition to natural refugia, the provision of artificial refugia may be viable, particularly in degraded habitats. We examined the conservation potential of natural and artificial refugia for the endangered Eastern Cape redfin, Pseudobarbus afer. We show that deeper water is preferred so is likely to constitute a natural refuge. However, this preference is overridden by the provision of artificial refugia (a plastic pipe). We highlight that the most important habitat factor in the conservation of P. afer is availability of suitable natural refugia through avoidance of habitat destruction. However, when redfin habitat is already compromised, appropriate artificial refugia may supplement the protection provided by natural refugia and may provide benefits to the whole aquatic community.

An evaluation of methods for studying natterjack toads (Bufo calamita) outside the breeding season

We have investigated methods for finding natterjack toads (Bufo calamita) outside the breeding season at a range of sites in England. Success in locating toads in burrows or in other natural refugia was very variable between sites, depending on the nature of the substrate and availability of accessible alternative hiding places. Provision of artificial refugia (flat tiles) was also variable in success rate depending on local conditions, and even at the best site, tile use was highly seasonal with maxima in spring and autumn. Night searching was the most successful method for finding toads, readily applicable to all sites and facilitating contact with around 10% of the population in a single night, especially when weather conditions were optimal (i.e. after rain and with air temperatures above 9° C).