scholarly journals Invasion of Alien Solidago Taxa into Urban Habitats: A Study of Selected Towns in Southern Poland

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 97-104
Author(s):  
Damian Chmura ◽  
Patrycja Dyba ◽  
Paulina Kraj ◽  
Natalia Peplińska ◽  
Agnieszka Pilorz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
North America ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Urban Habitats ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
Basic Parameters ◽  
Wetland Habitats

Abstract In Poland there are three invasive species of the genus Solidago native to North America. In the years 2010-2015 field survey in five tows in Oswiecim Basin and its vicinity was performed which aimed to examine frequency, habitat preferences and basic parameters of populations of these species. Amongst invasive goldenrods S. canadensis (79 localities) and S. gigantea (74) prevailed in the study area and are much more frequent than S. graminifolia (8). Populations of goldenrods were not very abundant and did not occupy large area, however, there were populations exceeding 500 m2 and that had more than 500 ramets except for S. graminifolia which occur at low densities. The Canadian goldenrod S. canadensis tended to occur more frequently in ruderal and segetal habitats than S. gigantea whereas S. graminifolia was encountered only at fallows. Both S. gigantea and S. canadensis were reported to occur in wetland habitats and sometimes formed monospecific stands what prove negative influence on biodiversity.

scholarly journals From Phenology and Habitat Preferences to Climate Change: Importance of Citizen Science in Studying Insect Ecology in the Continental Scale with American Red Flat Bark Beetle, Cucujus clavipes, as a Model Species

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 369
Author(s):  
Radomir Jaskuła ◽  
Marta Kolanowska ◽  
Marek Michalski ◽  
Axel Schwerk
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
North America ◽  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Separate Species ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Body Coloration

The American red flat bark beetle, Cucujus clavipes, is a wide distributed saproxylic species divided into two subspecies: ssp. clavipes restricted to eastern regions of North America and ssp. puniceus occurring only in western regions of this continent. Unique morphological features, including body shape and body coloration, make this species easy to recognize even for amateurs. Surprisingly, except some studies focused on physiological adaptations of the species, the ecology of C. clavipes was almost unstudied. Based on over 500 records collected by citizen scientists and deposited in the iNaturalist data base, we studied phenological activity of adult beetles, habitat preferences and impact of future climate change for both subspecies separately. The results clearly show that spp. clavipes and ssp. puniceus can be characterized by differences in phenology and macrohabitat preferences, and their ranges do not overlap at any point. Spp. clavipes is found as more opportunistic taxon occurring in different forests as well as in urban and agricultural areas with tree vegetation always in elevations below 500 m, while elevational distribution of ssp. puniceus covers areas up to 2300 m, and the beetle was observed mainly in forested areas. Moreover, we expect that climate warming will have negative influence on both subspecies with the possible loss of proper niches at level even up to 47–70% of their actual ranges during next few decades. As the species is actually recognized as unthreatened and always co-occurs with many other species, we suggest, because of its expected future habitat loss, to pay more attention to conservationists for possible negative changes in saproxylic insects and/or forest fauna in North America. In addition, as our results clearly show that both subspecies of C. clavipes differ ecologically, which strongly supports earlier significant morphological and physiological differences noted between them, we suggest that their taxonomical status should be verified by molecular data, because very probably they represent separate species.

scholarly journals All Shades of Shrimp: Preferences of Colour Morphs of a Freshwater Shrimp Neocaridina davidi (Decapoda, Atyidae) for Substrata of Different Colouration

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1071
Author(s):  
Zuzanna Plichta ◽  
Jarosław Kobak ◽  
Rafał Maciaszek ◽  
Tomasz Kakareko
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Choice Experiments ◽  
Freshwater Shrimp ◽  
Invasive Potential ◽  
Proper Management ◽  
Aquarium Hobby ◽  
Colour Morphs ◽  
Background Pattern

An ornamental freshwater shrimp, Neocaridina davidi, is popular as an aquarium hobby and, therefore, a potentially invasive species. There is a growing need for proper management of this species to determine not only their optimum breeding conditions, but also their ability to colonise novel environments. We tested habitat preferences of colour morphs (brown, red, white) of N. davidi for substratum colour (black, white, grey shades, red) and fine or coarse chess-board patterns to recognise their suitable captivity conditions and predict their distribution after potential release into nature. We conducted laboratory choice experiments (n = 8) with three individuals of the same morph exposed for two hours to a range of backgrounds. Shrimp preferred dark backgrounds over light ones irrespective of their own colouration and its match with the background colour. Moreover, the brown and red morphs, in contrast to the white morph, preferred the coarse background pattern over the finer pattern. This suggests that the presence of dark, uniform substrata (e.g., rocks, macrophytes) will favour N. davidi. Nevertheless, the polymorphism of the species has little effect on its total niche breadth, and thus its invasive potential.

Activity patterns and habitat preferences of insectivorous bats in a West African forest–savanna mosaic

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph F. J. Meyer ◽  
Christian J. Schwarz ◽  
Jakob Fahr
Keyword(s):  
Open Space ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Constant Frequency ◽  
Insectivorous Bats ◽  
Bat Activity

We studied activity patterns and habitat use by insectivorous bats in Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast. Bat foraging activity was quantified along five transects representing three different habitat types using acoustic monitoring and captures with mist nets and harp traps. Aerial insect abundance was assessed using a light trap; in addition shrub and tree arthropods were sampled. Bat activity was significantly and positively related to insect availability and ambient temperature, whereas increased visibility of the moon had a negative influence on flight activity. Together, these factors best explained both total bat activity and activity of bats hunting in open space and edge habitats. The interaction between temperature and light intensity was the best predictor of activity by species foraging in obstacle-rich forest habitats, however, the regression model had a low predictive value. Overall, a large proportion (c. 50%) of the variation in bat activity appeared to be a consequence of transect- and/or habitat-specific influences. We found a significant non-linear relationship between the activity of QCF (quasi-constant frequency) and FM–QCF (frequency modulated – quasi-constant frequency) bats and the phase of the moon, with lowest levels of activity occurring near full moon. We interpret this lunar-phobic behaviour as a reflection of a higher predation risk during moonlit periods. For FM (steep frequency modulated) and CF (constant frequency) bats, no significant correlation was found, although there was a trend suggesting that these bats at least were not negatively affected by bright moonlight. Foraging activity of bats was positively correlated with the abundance of atympanate moths; however, no such correlation was found for tympanate moths.

Interactions between invasive plants and heavy metal stresses: a review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Li ◽  
Zhanrui Leng ◽  
Yueming Wu ◽  
Yizhou Du ◽  
Zhicong Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Invasive Plants ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Escape Behavior ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Plant Litter ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Anthropogenic Contamination ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Global changes have altered the distribution pattern of the plant communities, including invasive species. Anthropogenic contamination may reduce native plant resistance to the invasive species. Thus, the focus of the current review is on the contaminant biogeochemical behavior among native plants, invasive species and the soil within the plant-soil ecosystem to improve our understanding of the interactions between invasive plants and environmental stressors. Our studies together with synthesis of the literature showed that a) the impacts of invasive species on environmental stress were heterogeneous, b) the size of the impact was variable, and c) the influence types were multidirectional even within the same impact type. However, invasive plants showed self-protective mechanisms when exposed to heavy metals (HMs) and provided either positive or negative influence on the bioavailability and toxicity of HMs. On the other hand, HMs may favor plant invasion due to the widespread higher tolerance of invasive plants to HMS together with the “escape behavior” of native plants when exposed to toxic HM pollution. However, there has been no consensus on whether elemental compositions of invasive plants are different from the natives in the polluted regions. A quantitative research comparing plant, litter and soil contaminant contents between native plants and the invaders in a global context is an indispensable research focus in the future.

An Archaeological Survey of Caves in Washington

1954 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-389
Author(s):  
Earl Swanson ◽  
Alan Bryan
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
Archaeological Survey ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Columbia Plateau ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Western Washington ◽  
The University ◽  
Private Collections

During a long period of the time when archaeological research was in progress in other areas of North America, the Columbia Plateau and western Washington lay relatively untouched and unknown. Only recently have systematic studies been undertaken by the University of Washington.The archaeological survey of cave sites in Washington, during the summer of 1952, is a part of those studies. The plan was to locate as many caves as possible, to determine if they had been occupied aboriginally, and to evaluate them with an eye to future excavation.Prior to the field work, reports had been received of caves in various parts of Washington, but the total was small, and we had little expectation of swelling the known number. Many of these had been learned of through newspaper clippings and letters, and from amateur activities. The problem, then, was not simply to examine a few choice caves for testing and excavation, but of surveying a large area in order to initiate an immediate program of excavation to save what remained. In addition to the survey of the caves, the University provided money for the examination of private collections.

Knotweed Management Strategies in North America with the Advent of Widespread Hybrid Bohemian Knotweed, Regional Differences, and the Potential for Biocontrol Via the Psyllid Aphalara itadori Shinji

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Clements ◽  
Todd Larsen ◽  
Jennifer Grenz
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
North America ◽  
North American ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
The United States ◽  
The North ◽  
Variable Nature ◽  
Available Resources

AbstractInvasive species with distributions that encompass much of the North American environment often demand a range of management approaches, for several key reasons. Firstly, the North American environment includes a large number of highly variable habitats in terms of climatic, edaphic, and landscape features. Secondly, these regional habitat differences are accentuated by jurisdictions within Canada and the United States, whereby approaches and available resources differ at local, regional, and national scales. Another important consideration is whether an invasive species or complex also possesses genetic variation. All three of these factors render the knotweed complex in North America a highly variable target for management. In this paper we review existing knowledge of the variable nature of knotweed species (Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr., Fallopia sachalinensis (F. Schmidt ex Maxim) Ronse Decr., and Fallopia × bohemica, (Chrtek and Chrtková) J. P. Bailey in North America, and evaluate how herbicidal, mechanical and biological control measures must account for this genetic variation, as well as accounting for regional differences and the potential northward expansion of knotweed under climate change. The imminent release of the psyllid, Aphalara itadori Shinji as a biological control agent in North America must also navigate regional and genetic differences. Prior European experience dealing with the three knotweed species should prove useful, but additional research is needed to meet the emerging challenge posed by F. × bohemica in North America, including the possibility of glyphosate resistance. Managers also face challenges associated with posttreatment restoration measures. Furthermore, disparities in resources available to address knotweed management across the continent need to be addressed to contain the rapid spread of this highly persistent and adaptable species. Linking practitioners dealing with knotweed “on the ground” with academic research is a crucial step in the process of marshalling all available resources to reduce the rapidly spreading populations of knotweed.

Prevalence and phenology of white-nose syndrome fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans in bats from Poland

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konrad Sachanowicz ◽  
Arkadiusz Stępień ◽  
Mateusz Ciechanowski
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Mass Mortality ◽  
Parasitic Fungus ◽  
Pseudogymnoascus Destructans ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
White Nose Syndrome ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Myotis Myotis ◽  
Myotis Daubentonii ◽  
Fungal Dna

AbstractPseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), a parasitic fungus (being responsible for a disease known as white-nose syndrome, WNS) that caused mass mortality of cave-dwelling, hibernating bats in North America, appears to be native of Europe, where it also occurs on wintering bats, but no similar outbreaks of WNS have been recorded. Herein, we provide the first account on prevalence and phenology of P. destructans in Poland. Bats were counted once per month, from October or January to May (2010-2013), in an abandoned ore mine in southern Poland. Presence of P. destructans in two samples was confirmed by sequencing of isolated fungal DNA. Observations of phenotypically identical mycosis on bats hibernating at this site in March 2006 are likely to be the first known records of P. destructans from Poland. All Pd-suspected individuals were Myotis myotis with an exception of one Myotis daubentonii. The first Pd-suspected bats were noted in mid-February, but their number was the highest in March, what overlapped with maximum numbers of hibernating M. myotis. The prevalence in March was 7%–27% of M. myotis individuals. No mass mortality of bats was observed in the mine, with only three dead individuals found in the hibernaculum which hosted up to 130 bats, representing 6–7 species.

Wild proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) is genetically variable and distinct from crop varieties of proso millet

Weed Science ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph C. Colosi ◽  
Barbara A. Schaal
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
North America ◽  
Genetic Relationships ◽  
Random Amplified Polymorphic Dna ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Row Crops ◽  
Multiple Introductions ◽  
Proso Millet ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
Two Hybrid

Proso millet occurs both as a crop and a weed in North America. In 1970, an olive-black seeded biotype called ‘wild proso millet’ was found as an aggressive weed in row crops in Minnesota and Wisconsin and has since spread over a large area. We used Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to assess genetic relationships among biotypes, measure genetic variation within wild proso millet across its range, and detect hybridization between wild proso millet and crop biotypes of proso millet. We found 97 RAPD genotypes among 398 individuals: 69 wild proso millet genotypes, 26 crop and crop-like weed genotypes, and two hybrid genotypes. Five RAPD markers consistently differentiated wild proso millet from crop cultivars and crop-like weeds. About 10% of the genotypes had at least one marker of the other type, suggesting possible hybridization between wild proso millet and crop biotypes. Most genotypes occurred in only one or two of the over 100 populations tested. The most widespread wild proso millet genotype occurred in 12 populations distributed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin. More genetic variation exists among populations of wild proso millet than expected for a plant that presumably experienced a severe genetic bottleneck only 20 generations ago. Hypermutation rates and crossing between wild proso millet and crop cultivars could not account for the degree of genetic variation found in wild proso millet. The pattern of genetic variation among wild proso millet populations suggests multiple introductions of wild proso millet to North America.

scholarly journals Molecular evidence for multiple introductions of the banded grove snail (Cepaea nemoralis) in North America

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 392-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.K.S. Layton ◽  
C.P.K. Warne ◽  
A. Nicolai ◽  
A. Ansart ◽  
J.R. deWaard
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
North America ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Multiple Introductions ◽  
Cepaea Nemoralis ◽  
Haplotype Networks ◽  
Base Pair Fragment

Global identification and monitoring programs for invasive species aim to reduce imminent impacts to biodiversity, ecosystem services, agriculture, and human health. This study employs a 658 base pair fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to identify and categorize clades of the banded grove snail (Cepaea nemoralis (Linnaeus, 1758)) from native (European) and introduced (North American) ranges using a maximum-likelihood phylogeny and haplotype networks. This work corroborates the existence of eight clades within C. nemoralis and further identified three clades that were common to both Europe and North America (A, D, O). Clades A and D were found in eastern Canada, Ontario (Canada), and British Columbia (Canada), whereas clade O was restricted to Ontario, possibly introduced from Poland or central Europe. Haplotype networks suggest clade A was introduced from northern Europe, whereas clade D was introduced from western and central Europe. Networks contained many private haplotypes and a lack of haplotype sharing, suggesting strong genetic structure in this system, possibly resulting from reduced dispersal in this species. This study describes the contemporary distribution of C. nemoralis in Canada and demonstrates the efficacy of DNA barcoding for monitoring the spread of invasive species, warranting its widespread adoption in management policies.

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