Grassland birds in North America face many problems as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation; understanding their habitat requirements is critical for their conservation and management. The ...sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) can be found throughout North American grasslands and is a species of economic and cultural importance, but it has experienced population declines over the last few decades. A large part of sharp-tailed grouse life history is focused on and around lekking grounds, which makes leks an essential feature for sharp-tailed grouse management. We used information from 596 leks and landcover predictors within 1-km and 5-km squares to perform Habitat Suitability Index modeling for sharp-tailed grouse on the Northern Great Plains in Saskatchewan, Canada. The proportion of grasslands at the 5-km scale and the 1-km scale were the two most important factors affecting lek occurrence (permutation importance = 34.8% and 26.9%, respectively). In every case, the 5-km scale predictors were ranked as having a more significant influence on lek occurrence than the 1-km scale. Other factors of importance included topographic roughness (9.7% permutation importance), and the proportion of human disturbance at the 5-km scale (5% permutation importance). Our study highlights the importance of large patches of grassland to support the occurrence of sharp-tailed grouse leks, and that a diverse set of habitat features are needed for sharp-tailed grouse management.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Simulium qinghaiense, endemic to the Huangshui River, serves as a critical environmental indicator for assessing the ecological health of both the river and its surrounding landscapes. Notably, the ...female adults of S. qinghaiense could directly cause severe economic losses for farmers. Despite its ecological importance, there is currently a gap in research regarding the potential areas of this species within the region. This study marks the first comprehensive integration of the MaxEnt model (with parameter optimization), GARP, BIOCLIM, and DOMAIN models. Utilizing actual survey data on the geographical distribution of S. qinghaiense in the Huangshui River Basin, coupled with bioclimatic and altitudinal variables, we conduct a comparative prediction of the potential areas for this species. All four models exhibit excellent predictive accuracy, surpassing random models, with MaxEnt showcasing superior performance. The primary concentration of suitable areas is observed in the central and southern regions of the Huangshui River Basin. The MaxEnt model is then employed to simulate predictions of distribution and changes across different periods, revealing that the Qilian Mountains may provide a potentially favorable refuge for this species during the ice age. In conclusion, the findings of this study offer a scientific foundation for ecosystem conservation in the Huangshui River Basin, as well as monitoring and early warning for threshold densities of S. qinghaiense. The Huangshui River, a vital tributary in the upper reaches of the Yellow River within the eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, is home to the endemic black fly species S. qinghaiense. In this study, we conducted a systematic survey of the distribution of the species in the Huangshui River basin, revealing its predominant presence along the river’s main stem. Based on four ecological niche models—MaxEnt with parameter optimization; GARP; BIOCLIM; and DOMAIN—we conduct a comparative analysis; evaluating the accuracy of AUC and Kappa values. Our findings indicate that optimizing parameters significantly improves the MaxEnt model’s predictive accuracy by reducing complexity and overfitting. Furthermore, all four models exhibit higher accuracy compared to a random model, with MaxEnt demonstrating the highest AUC and Kappa values (0.9756 and 0.8118, respectively), showcasing significant superiority over the other models (p < 0.05). Evaluation of predictions from the four models elucidates that potential areas of S. qinghaiense in the Huangshui River basin are primarily concentrated in the central and southern areas, with precipitation exerting a predominant influence. Building upon these results, we utilized the MaxEnt model to forecast changes in suitable areas and distribution centers during the Last Interglacial (LIG), Mid-Holocene (MH), and future periods under three climate scenarios. The results indicate significantly smaller suitable areas during LIG and MH compared to the present, with the center of distribution shifting southeastward from the Qilian Mountains to the central part of the basin. In the future, suitable areas under different climate scenarios are expected to contract, with the center of distribution shifting southeastward. These findings provide important theoretical references for monitoring, early warning, and control measures for S. qinghaiense in the region, contributing to ecological health assessment.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Ambient temperature is a main external parameter in the life of ectothermic insects. It affects egg and larval development as well as adults’ survival, thriving and propagation, and successful ...overwintering. We conducted temperature measurements in Central Europe in the habitat and in the microhabitats of Pyrrhocoris apterus, a herbivorous bug species almost ubiquitous in Eurasia, with a high invasive potential (USA, Central America, India and Australia). and set them against freely available climate data commonly used to characterize habitat climate. Our temperature measurements were also compared to the bug species’ thermal limits (critical thermal minima and maxima). Ambient temperatures outside the thermal boundaries of P. apterus can and do occur in the habitat. Microhabitat measurement showed that in summer, individuals simply moved from hot areas to cooler ones, and in winter they sought areas with bearable temperatures for hibernation. Temperatures in these particular areas are not (always) represented in large-scale climate tables, leading to possible misinterpretation of the future dispersal behavior, e.g., of invasive species. Ambient temperature is a main parameter that determines the thriving and propagation of ectothermic insects. It affects egg and larval development as well as adults’ survival and successful overwintering. Pyrrhocoris apterus is a herbivorous bug species almost ubiquitous in Eurasia. Its distribution extends from the Atlantic Coast to Siberia, Northwest China and Mongolia. After introduction, it established successfully in the USA, Central America, India and Australia, which indicates a high invasive potential of this species. We determined the climatic conditions in Central Europe in a habitat where P. apterus has been continuously observed for decades. We conducted temperature measurements in the habitat and in the microhabitats where individuals could be found during the year and set them against freely available climate data commonly used to characterize habitat climate. Our temperature measurements were also compared to thermal limits (critical thermal minima and maxima). Although ambient temperatures outside the thermal boundaries of P. apterus can and do occur in the habitat, the bugs thrive and propagate. Microhabitat measurement in winter showed that individuals sought areas with favorable temperatures for hibernation. In particular, these areas are not (always) represented in large-scale climate tables, leading to possible misinterpretation of future patterns of spread of invasive species spread.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
 Mejicanotrichia Harris & Holzenthal, 1997 is a small genus of Hydroptilidae (Trichoptera), which consists of seven species, six of them distributed in Mexico, and one more in Guatemala. Larval ...descriptions of only two species (M. blantoni and M. estaquillosa ) were previously known, as well as only females of three species (M. blantoni , M. estaquillosa , and M. tamaza ) previously described. The present study provides descriptions of the larvae of M. harrisi and M. tridentata , as well as a description of the female of M. harrisi . Identification keys for adult males, known females, and known larvae are also provided. This work aims to incorporate more information into the taxonomy of the genus, its ecology, and facilitate additional characters of potential use in future phylogenetic studies. Keywords: Biodiversity, caddisflies, immature stages, madicolous habitat, Neotropics, water quality
Habitats of the World Campbell, Iain; Behrens, Ken; Hesse, Charley ...
01/2021
eBook
"The first field guide to all of the world's major land habitats-richly illustrated and packed with essential information to help you get the most out of your outdoor adventures. Accurately ...identifying and understanding habitats in detail is essential to any birder, naturalist, outdoors enthusiast, or ecologist who wants to get the most out of their experiences in the field. Habitats of the World is the first field guide to the world's major land habitats-189 in all. Using the format of a natural history field guide, this compact, accessible, and comprehensive book features concise identification descriptions and is richly illustrated-including more than 650 color photographs of habitats and their wildlife, 150 distribution maps, 200 diagrams, and 150 silhouettes depicting each habitat alongside a human figure, providing an immediate grasp of its look and scale. Each major habitat has an illustrated "climate box" that allows easy compar
In Habitats and Ecological Communities of Indiana, leading experts assess the health and diversity of Indiana's eight wildlife habitats, providing detailed analysis, data-generated maps, color ...photographs, and complete lists of flora and fauna. This groundbreaking reference details the state's forests, grasslands, wetlands, aquatic systems, barren lands, and subterranean systems, and describes the nature and impact of two man-made habitats-agricultural and developed lands. The book considers extirpated and endangered species alongside invasives and exotics, and evaluates floral and faunal distribution at century intervals to chart ecological change.
Verifying habitats, including the foraging and nesting areas for sea turtles, enables an understanding of their spatial ecology and successful planning of their conservation and management ...strategies. Recently, the observation frequency and bycatch of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles have increased in the northern limit of their distribution range, in the northern part of the East China Sea and East (Japan) Sea. We conducted satellite tracking to investigate the habitat use of seven loggerhead and eight green turtles from June 2016 to August 2022 in this area, where little is known about their spatial ecology. We applied a 50 percent volume contour method to determine their main foraging areas and analyzed 6 environmental variables to characterize their habitats. Loggerhead turtles mainly stayed in and used the East China Sea as a foraging area during the tracking period, while two individuals among them also used the East Sea as a seasonal foraging area. Most green turtles also used the East China Sea as a foraging area, near South Korea and Japan, with one individual among them using the lower area of the East Sea as a seasonal foraging area. Notably, one green turtle traveled to Hainan Island in the South China Sea, a historical nesting area. Our results showed that the two sea turtle species included the East Sea as a seasonal foraging area, possibly owing to the abundance of food sources available, despite its relatively lower sea temperature. Considering that loggerhead and green sea turtles were observed using the northern part of the East China Sea and East Sea more frequently than previously known and that the sea temperature gradually increases due to climate change, conservation and management activities are required for sea turtles in these areas.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Habitat use of loggerhead Kim, Il-Hun; Park, Il-Kook; Park, Daesik ...
PloS one,
04/2024, Letnik:
19, Številka:
4
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Verifying habitats, including the foraging and nesting areas for sea turtles, enables an understanding of their spatial ecology and successful planning of their conservation and management ...strategies. Recently, the observation frequency and bycatch of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles have increased in the northern limit of their distribution range, in the northern part of the East China Sea and East (Japan) Sea. We conducted satellite tracking to investigate the habitat use of seven loggerhead and eight green turtles from June 2016 to August 2022 in this area, where little is known about their spatial ecology. We applied a 50 percent volume contour method to determine their main foraging areas and analyzed 6 environmental variables to characterize their habitats. Loggerhead turtles mainly stayed in and used the East China Sea as a foraging area during the tracking period, while two individuals among them also used the East Sea as a seasonal foraging area. Most green turtles also used the East China Sea as a foraging area, near South Korea and Japan, with one individual among them using the lower area of the East Sea as a seasonal foraging area. Notably, one green turtle traveled to Hainan Island in the South China Sea, a historical nesting area. Our results showed that the two sea turtle species included the East Sea as a seasonal foraging area, possibly owing to the abundance of food sources available, despite its relatively lower sea temperature. Considering that loggerhead and green sea turtles were observed using the northern part of the East China Sea and East Sea more frequently than previously known and that the sea temperature gradually increases due to climate change, conservation and management activities are required for sea turtles in these areas.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Misty Groupers (Hyporthodus mystacinus) are one of the largest and most geographically widespread grouper species and one of the few grouper species known to occur at depths greater than 200 m. ...However, aspects of their basic biology, behavior, and ecology remain poorly understood, leaving significant gaps in our ability to evaluate their functional role throughout the vertical water column, as well as our understanding of their conservation needs in a changing ocean. Through in-situ video observation obtained using deep-sea landers in both The Bahamas and Cayman Islands over multiple years, we documented Misty Grouper occurrence up to 470 m depth in the mesopelagic zone. These observations provide a new depth range extension for the species and illuminate the potential importance of deep-water habitats for large grouper species in the wider Caribbean.
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