Local environmental context determines the colonisation of leaf shelters by arthropods: an experimental study

The magnitude of facilitation by shelter-building engineers on community structure is expected to be greater when they increase limited resources in the environment. We evaluated the influence of local environmental context on the colonisation of leaf shelters by arthropods in a Mexican evergreen tropical rainforest. We compared the species richness and abundance of arthropods (total and for different guilds) colonising artificially rolled leaves in habitats differing in understory heterogeneity (forest edge > old-growth forests > living fences). Arthropod abundance of the most representative arthropod taxa (i.e., Araneae, Blattodea, Collembola and Psocoptera) colonising the rolled leaves was greater at forest edge, a trend also observed for average arthropod abundance, and for detritivore and predator guilds. In addition, fewer arthropod species and individuals colonised the rolled leaves in the living fence habitat, a trend also observed for most arthropod guilds. As forest edge is expected to have a greater arthropod diversity and stronger density-dependent interactions, a greater limitation of refuges from competitors or predators may have determined the higher colonisation of the rolled leaves in this habitat. Our results demonstrate that local environment context is an important factor that affects the colonisation of arthropods in leaf shelters.

Seasonality and forest edge as drivers of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse invasion in the Atlantic Forest

As a result of biodiversity and ecosystem service losses associated with biological invasions, there has been growing interest in basic and applied research on invasive species aiming to improve management strategies. Tradescantia zebrina is a herbaceous species increasingly reported as invasive in the understory of disturbed forest ecosystems. In this study, we assess the effect of spatial and seasonal variation on biological attributes of this species in the Atlantic Forest. To this end, we measured attributes of T. zebrina associated with plant growth and stress in the four seasons at the forest edge and in the forest interior of invaded sites in the Iguaçu National Park, Southern Brazil. The invasive plant had higher growth at the forest edge than in the forest interior and lower leaf asymmetry and herbivory in the winter than in the summer. Our findings suggest that the forest edge environment favours the growth of T. zebrina. This invasive species is highly competitive in the understory of semi-deciduous seasonal forests all over the year. Our study contributes to the management of T. zebrina by showing that the summer is the best season for controlling this species.

Syntaxonomy of secondary communities formed instead of earlier agricultural lands in the middle and south taiga subzones of the European North-East of Russia

We have identified the diversity of secondary communities formed instead of earlier agricultural lands (middle and south taiga subzones of the European North-East of Russia). The work describes 8 associations, 2 subassociations of the classes Papaveretea rhoeadis, Artemisietea vulgaris,Epilobietea angustifolii, Molinio–Arrhenatheretea, Vaccinio–Piceetea. 3 associations (Urtico dioicae–Chamaenerietum angustifolii, Centaureo phrygiae–Dactyletum glomeratae, Deschampsio cespitosae–Salicetum capreae), 1 subassociation (Galeopsietum bifidae galeopsietosum speciosae)were fixed for the first time. We noted a replacement of segetal communities (subass. Galeopsietum bifidae galeopsietosum speciosae) by meadow communities (аss. Centaureo phrygiae–Dactyletum glomeratae) through the domination stage of Cirsium setosum and Elytrigia repens (аss. Cirsio setosi–Elytrigietum repentis). Favorable conditions for development of woody plants (small size of study area, its close position to forest ecosystems, poorly sodded soil) respond for replacement of meadow succession stage by young woody plants towards the second decade of succession. Earlier agricultural lands are an appropriated place for formation of birch forests with a well-developed undergrowth of Salix caprea and herb layer of meadow and forest edge plants (аss. Deschampsio cespitosae–Salicetum capreae). Big-size study areas with a well-formed grass stand are dominated by meadow communities towards the second succession decade even in case of no haying. The highly competitive nitrophytes as Heracleum sosnowskyi, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Anthriscus sylvestris form the following communities as аss. Urtico dioicae–Heracleetum sosnowskyi, аss. Urtico dioicae–Chamaenerietum angustifolii, аss. Symphyto officinalis–Anthriscetum sylvestris. Being highly competitive, these species lead to degradation of first-formed meadow communities.

Topographic Variation in Forest Expansion Processes across a Mosaic Landscape in Western Canada

Changes to historic fire and grazing regimes have been associated with the expansion of tree cover at forest–grassland boundaries. We evaluated forest expansion across a mosaic landscape in western Canada using aerial photos, airborne laser scanning, and field transects. The annual rate of forest expansion (0.12%) was on the low end of rates documented across North America and was greater from the 1970s to the 1990s than from the 1990s to 2018. Most forest expansion occurred within 50 m of established forests, and 68% of all tree regeneration in grasslands was within 15 m of the forest edge. The intensity of cattle grazing did not affect the tree regeneration density. Despite the slow pace of land cover change, grassland areas near the forest edge had an average of 20% canopy cover and 9 m canopy height, indicating the presence of tall but sporadic trees. The rate of forest expansion, density of tree regeneration, and tree cover within grasslands were all greater at lower elevations where trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and white spruce (Picea glauca) were the dominant tree species. We conclude that proportions of forest–grassland cover on this landscape are not expected to change dramatically in the absence of major fire over the next several decades.

Colonization Pattern of Abandoned Croplands by Quercus pyrenaica in a Mediterranean Mountain Region

Land abandonment is a major global change driver in the Mediterranean region, where anthropic activity has played an important role in shaping landscape configuration. Understanding the woodland expansion towards abandoned croplands is critical to develop effective management strategies. In this study, we analyze the colonization pattern of abandoned croplands by Quercus pyrenaica in the Sierra Nevada mountain range (southern Spain). We aimed to assess differences among populations within the rear edge of the Q. pyrenaica distribution. For this purpose, we characterized (i) the colonization pattern of Q. pyrenaica, (ii) the structure of the seed source (surrounding forests), and (iii) the abundance of the main seed disperser (Eurasian jay, Garrulus glandarius). The study was conducted in five abandoned croplands located in two representative populations of Q. pyrenaica located on contrasting slopes. Vegetation plots within three habitat types (mature forest, edge-forest and abandoned cropland) were established to compute the abundance of oak juveniles. The abundance of European jay was determined using data of bird censuses (covering 7 years). Our results indicate that a natural recolonization of abandoned croplands by Q. pyrenaica is occurring in the rear edge of the distribution of this oak species. Oak juvenile abundance varied between study sites. Neither the surrounding-forest structure nor the abundance of jays varied significantly between study sites. The differences in the recolonization patterns seem to be related to differences in the previous- and post-abandonment management.

Natural Regeneration of the Tree Stand in the Bilberry Spruce Forest—Clear-Cutting Ecotone Complex in the First Post-Logging Decade

Bilberry spruce forests are the most widespread forest type in the European boreal zone. Limiting the clear-cuttings size leads to fragmentation of forest cover and the appearance of large areas of ecotone complexes, composed of forest (F), a transition from forest to the cut-over site under tree canopy (FE), a transition from forest to the cut-over site beyond tree canopy (CE), and the actual clear-cut site (C). Natural regeneration of woody species (spruce, birch, rowan) in the bilberry spruce stand—clear-cut ecotone complex was studied during the first decade after logging. The effects produced by the time since cutting, forest edge aspect, and the ground cover on the emergence and growth of trees and shrubs under forest canopy and openly in the clear-cut were investigated. Estimating the amount and size of different species in the regeneration showed FE and CE width to be 8 m—roughly half the height of first-story trees. Typical forest conditions (F) feature a relatively small amount of regenerating spruce and birch. The most favorable conditions for natural regeneration of spruce in the clear-cut—mature bilberry spruce stand ecotone are at the forest edge in areas of transition both towards the forest and towards the clear-cut (FE and CE). Clear-cut areas farther from the forest edge (C) offer an advantage to regenerating birch, which grows densely and actively in this area.

NEW OBSERVATIONS OF STOAT (Mustela erminea L.) IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

UDK: 599.742.4(497.6) The Stoat occupies a wide range of habitats. It is often found in successional or forest-edge habitats, in the scrub, alpine meadows, marshes, riparian woodlands, hedgerows, and riverbanks that have high densities of small mammals, especially Microtus and Arvicola voles (KİNG, 1983). PULLİAİNEN, (1999) stated that coniferous and mixed woodlands are preferred, but that many other habitats are used including tundra and the summits of fells and mountains. Dense forests and deserts are avoided (KİNG, 1983). Although mentioned in all to-day's Laws on Hunting (1893 – 2014) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, there are not so many records of this species or official reports in hunting bag. Considering its geographic range (IUCN 2020), in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the stoat is recorded only in the western and northern parts of the country. İn this paper, we presented new localities where the stoat was observed in Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as types of habitats where it was recorded.

Shaping the Ecotone Zone in Forest Communities That Are Adjacent to Expressway Roads

As a result of forest fragmentation, ecotones have become an important contribution to the landscape. The areas that include ecotones are constantly growing, thus creating new habitats for plants and animals. The factor that has the greatest impact on the configuration and extent of an ecotone is called the “edge effect”. The aim of this study was to determine the width of the ecotones in forests that are adjacent to an expressway and to characterize the edge effect they produced. The research was performed along ten transects situated at the edge of a forest and in the interior part of a forest (plots from 0 to 200 m). The structures of the forest stand, trees, shrubs, dwarf shrubs and herbs were determined and data on the species composition and species cover were also collected. Results of the statistical analyses (linear mixed models as well as detrended and canonical correspondence analyses) indicated significant changes in the structure, species composition, and species turnover that were dependent on the distance from the edge of the forest. It was shown that shrubs (cover, density, species richness) were the most affected while vascular plants were the least affected. However, the changes were ambiguous. There was either an increase or decrease in the individual parameters of the forest structure and the coverage of forest species. The extent of the forest edge began at a minimum distance of 0–20 m.

Community income of honey bee cultivation in protected forest edge area

This study aims to analyze the level of income, the minimum scale of the amount of honey beekeeping, and the minimum selling price for the honey produced so that farmers get profits. Determination of the location of the study using the purposive method with the consideration that Pempatan Village, Rendang District, Karangasem Regency is one of the honey centers. The population in this study amounted to 63 people who cultivate honey bees. Sampling in this study using purposive sampling method with the number of respondents as many as 30 people. The types of data needed in this study are primary data and secondary data. Primary data was obtained by conducting observations and interviews with respondents. The data analysis methods used in this study are (1) Revenue Analysis, (2) Revenue Cost Ratio, (3) Break Event point. Based on the research results, the community's income from honey bee cultivation is IDR. 3.369.300,-/month while the R/C ratio of honey bee cultivation in Pempatan Village is 2.1, which means it is feasible to cultivate. If it is seen from the BEP Production from beekeeping is 7.08 liters, BEP Prices from honey bee cultivation are IDR. 154,516,-/liter and BEP Revenue from beekeeping is IDR. 2,337,145.

Bulk deposition of base cations in a subalpine natural forest landscape estimated by canopy budget model: A focus on the forest edge canopy

Calculations of base cation inputs of loads in forest edge canopies are rare, although forest edge canopies play a paradoxical role in the effective capture of atmospheric deposition. Throughfall deposition and canopy exchange of base cations were studied with a continuous throughfall investigation under a natural forest edge and a closed canopy in a subalpine forest over a period of 2 years. Compared with precipitation, the concentration of base cations in the throughfall of both canopies was enriched as expected, but the enrichment level in the forest edge was less than that in the closed canopy. Moreover, the throughfall deposition of base cation fluxes in the closed canopy (35.19 kg ha-1 y-1) was slightly higher than that in the forest edge canopy (33.50 kg ha-1 y-1). Seasonally, the base cation input in the rainy season was 2.32–2.70 times higher than that in the snowy season in throughfall in forest edge canopy and the closed canopy. Furthermore, the canopy budget model suggested that the direction and magnitude of canopy exchange and dry deposition controlled the net throughfall fluxes (NTF) of base cations, and obvious differences could be observed between the canopy and seasonal scales. Compared with other elements, K and Mg leached from the main canopy exchange process, while Ca was absorbed by both canopy types in the annual NTF. These results highlight the spatial variability of base cation chemical characteristics, enhance cognitive the deposition of nutrients and regulatory factors in different forest landscapes, preferably guide the formulation forest ecological management strategies.