scholarly journals A reconnaissance survey for Collared Pika (Ochotona collaris) in northern Yukon

2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (2) ◽  
pp. 130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sydney G. Cannings ◽  
Thomas S. Jung ◽  
Jeffrey H. Skevington ◽  
Isabelle Duclos ◽  
Saleem Dar
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
New Records ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Aerial Survey ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Distribution Modelling ◽  
Reconnaissance Survey ◽  
Ochotona Collaris ◽  
Northern Portion ◽  
Richardson Mountains

Collared Pika (Ochotona collaris) is a cold-adapted Beringian species that occurs on talus slopes and is sensitive to climate warming. Collared Pikas are patchily distributed throughout the sub-Arctic mountains of northwestern Canada and Alaska; however, information on their occurrence in the northern part of their distributional range is limited. In particular, no survey information is known from the southern Richardson Mountains and the Nahoni Mountains. We conducted aerial- and ground-based surveys to document Collared Pika occurrence and general habitat suitability in northern Yukon. We flew 505 km of aerial survey (not including ferrying to targetted survey areas) and performed ground surveys at 22 sites within the Richardson Mountains (including a portion of Dàadzàii Vàn Territorial Park) and the Nahoni Mountains in and adjacent to Ni’iinlii Njik (Fishing Branch) Territorial Park. Overall, suitable habitat for Collared Pikas was patchy in the mountains of northern Yukon—talus was sparse and many patches of talus appeared to be unsuitable. Collared Pikas were detected at eight of 22 (36%) sites visited, representing important new records for the species in the northern portion of their range. Our reconnaissance provides a first approximation of habitat suitability for Collared Pikas of the mountains of northern Yukon, as well as new records for the species in the region. These data are useful in better determining the contemporary distribution of Collared Pika through species distribution modelling, and may serve to identify areas for more detailed survey and monitoring initiatives for this climate-sensitive mammal.

Climate and environmental changes driving idiosyncratic shifts in the distribution of tropical and temperate worm reefs

2017 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 1023-1035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larisse Faroni-Perez
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Range Shifts ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Tropical Species ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Distribution Modelling ◽  
Marine Life ◽  
Current Distributions ◽  
Low Latitudes

An increasing number of studies have forecast the potential responses of marine life to future climate change. This study predicts how the distributional range of temperate and tropical worm reefs (WRs) might respond to climate and environmental changes (CECs). Compared with current distributions, the tested hypotheses were: (i) under a low CO2 concentration and active atmospheric carbon capturing scenario (RCP2.6), both tropical and temperate WRs will maintain their current distributions and face only slight multi-directional biogeographic changes along the century; and (ii) under a high CO2 concentration scenario (RCP8.5) WRs will shift toward higher latitudes, with marked changes for tropical species and slight changes for temperate species, specifically at the end of the 21st century. The hypotheses were tested using species distribution modelling, and exploratory statistical analyses were performed to tune model settings. Under scenario RCP2.6, in the middle of the century, areas of suitable habitat are predicted to slightly increase for the temperate WRs and conversely contract for tropical WRs. At the end of the century, multi-directional shifts without range retraction were predicted for both species, but tropical WRs showed major changes in their distribution. Under scenario RCP8.5 and throughout the century, multi-directional shifts increased the areas of suitable habitat for temperate WRs, whereas tropical WRs experienced shifts toward high latitudes and significant retraction at low latitudes. Results indicate that biogeographic range shifts are idiosyncratic for temperate and tropical WRs depending on the CECs scenarios considered.

scholarly journals Assessment of potential invasion for six phytophagous quarantine pests in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Ting Yeh ◽  
Harn-Yeu Cheah ◽  
Ming-Chih Chiu ◽  
Jhih-Rong Liao ◽  
Chiun-Cheng Ko
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
Macrosiphum Euphorbiae ◽  
Seasonal Temperature ◽  
Distribution Modelling ◽  
Pest Risk Assessment ◽  
Pest Risk

AbstractPest risk assessment is typically performed by expert taxonomists using a pest’s biological data. However, the biological data or expert taxonomists may be difficult to find. Here, we used species distribution modelling to predict potential invasion in which phytophagous quarantine pests survive in Taiwan; the pests (unrecorded yet in Taiwan) included were three notorious quarantine whiteflies (Crenidorsum aroidephagus, Aleurothrixus trachoides, and Paraleyrodes minei) and three aphids (Nasonovia ribisnigri, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, and Viteus vitifoliae). In brief, maximum entropy modelling (MaxEnt) was used to predict the suitability of the pests’ habitats under certain climatic conditions, and then receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed (to verify the prediction result). We then analysed environmental variables affecting the habitat suitability and matched them with Taiwan’s crop cultivation areas for the assessment of potential invasion. We observed that the habitat suitability of the cultivation areas of host plants was low for C. aroidephagus, A. trachoides, and N. ribisnigri but was high for the remaining three species. Moreover, precipitation of coldest quarter negatively affected habitat suitability for C. aroidephagus, P. minei, N. ribisnigri, and M. euphorbiae. Seasonal temperature changes also negatively affected the habitat suitability for A. trachoides. This is the first study to demonstrate the use of species distribution modelling as the preliminary step for the pest risk assessment of these emerging pests with limited biological data before their invasion.

scholarly journals The geographic distribution of Senecio glastifolius in New Zealand: past, current and climatic potential

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Josef Rehua Beautrais
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Native Range ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Distribution Modelling ◽  
Temperature Range

<p>Senecio glastifolius (Asteraceae) is an invasive species in New Zealand, where it threatens rare and vulnerable coastal floristic communities. It has expanded its range dramatically over recent years and continues to spread. It is subject to control programs in parts of its distribution. Uncertainty over its future distribution and invasive impacts in New Zealand contribute to the difficulty of its management. To address this knowledge gap, the potential distribution of S. glastifolius in New Zealand was predicted, based on its bioclimatic niche.  Existing information on its current distribution and historic spread is incomplete, stored in disparate sources, and is often imprecise or inaccurate. In this study, available information on its distribution and spread was synthesised, processed, and augmented with new data collected in the field by the author. This data set was optimised for use in species distribution modelling.  The distribution of S. glastifolius is described in its native range of South Africa, plus invaded regions in Australia, the British Isles and New Zealand. The data set describing its distribution is of higher quality than any known previous data set, is more extensive, and more suitable for use in species distribution modelling. The historic spread of S. glastifolius in New Zealand is presented, illustrating its expansion from sites of introduction in Wellington, Gisborne, plus several subsequent sites, to its now considerable range throughout much of central New Zealand.  A predictive model of the potential distribution of S. glastifolius was created based on the three main climatic variables observed to limit its distribution: mean annual temperature range, aridity, and minimum temperature of the coldest month. MaxEnt models were trained on data from all regions for which georeferenced records of the species were available; South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Isles of Scilly. Predictions were evaluated using methods appropriate to the special case of range-expanding species. Models performed well during validation, suggesting good predictive ability when applied to new areas.  Analysis of the realised niche space of S. glastifolius in the two climatic dimensions most influencing its distribution: Annual Temperature Range and Aridity, indicated that it is exploiting almost totally disjunct niche spaces in New Zealand and South Africa. Of the climate space occupied in New Zealand, almost none is available to the species in its native range of South Africa.  Predictions of S. glastifolius’s potential distribution in New Zealand reveal significant areas of suitable habitat yet to be invaded. Much of this suitable habitat is contiguous with the current range and active dispersal front of S. glastifolius, suggesting that invasion is highly likely under a scenario of no management intervention. Specifically, it is suggested that control and surveillance in coastal Taranaki are required to prevent invasion of an area covering most of the northern third of the North Island.</p>

scholarly journals Modelling the distribution and relative abundance of feral camels in the Northern Territory using count data

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. McLeod ◽  
A. R. Pople
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Additive Model ◽  
Aerial Survey ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Association ◽  
Generalised Additive Model ◽  
Suitability Maps ◽  
Index Of Abundance

The objectives of this study were to predict the potential distribution, relative abundance and probability of habitat use by feral camels in southern Northern Territory. Aerial survey data were used to model habitat association. The characteristics of ‘used’ (where camels were observed) v. ‘unused’ (pseudo-absence) sites were compared. Habitat association and abundance were modelled using generalised additive model (GAM) methods. The models predicted habitat suitability and the relative abundance of camels in southern Northern Territory. The habitat suitability maps derived in the present study indicate that camels have suitable habitat in most areas of southern Northern Territory. The index of abundance model identified areas of relatively high camel abundance. Identifying preferred habitats and areas of high abundance can help focus control efforts.

scholarly journals The geographic distribution of Senecio glastifolius in New Zealand: past, current and climatic potential

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Josef Rehua Beautrais
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Native Range ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Distribution Modelling ◽  
Temperature Range

<p>Senecio glastifolius (Asteraceae) is an invasive species in New Zealand, where it threatens rare and vulnerable coastal floristic communities. It has expanded its range dramatically over recent years and continues to spread. It is subject to control programs in parts of its distribution. Uncertainty over its future distribution and invasive impacts in New Zealand contribute to the difficulty of its management. To address this knowledge gap, the potential distribution of S. glastifolius in New Zealand was predicted, based on its bioclimatic niche.  Existing information on its current distribution and historic spread is incomplete, stored in disparate sources, and is often imprecise or inaccurate. In this study, available information on its distribution and spread was synthesised, processed, and augmented with new data collected in the field by the author. This data set was optimised for use in species distribution modelling.  The distribution of S. glastifolius is described in its native range of South Africa, plus invaded regions in Australia, the British Isles and New Zealand. The data set describing its distribution is of higher quality than any known previous data set, is more extensive, and more suitable for use in species distribution modelling. The historic spread of S. glastifolius in New Zealand is presented, illustrating its expansion from sites of introduction in Wellington, Gisborne, plus several subsequent sites, to its now considerable range throughout much of central New Zealand.  A predictive model of the potential distribution of S. glastifolius was created based on the three main climatic variables observed to limit its distribution: mean annual temperature range, aridity, and minimum temperature of the coldest month. MaxEnt models were trained on data from all regions for which georeferenced records of the species were available; South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Isles of Scilly. Predictions were evaluated using methods appropriate to the special case of range-expanding species. Models performed well during validation, suggesting good predictive ability when applied to new areas.  Analysis of the realised niche space of S. glastifolius in the two climatic dimensions most influencing its distribution: Annual Temperature Range and Aridity, indicated that it is exploiting almost totally disjunct niche spaces in New Zealand and South Africa. Of the climate space occupied in New Zealand, almost none is available to the species in its native range of South Africa.  Predictions of S. glastifolius’s potential distribution in New Zealand reveal significant areas of suitable habitat yet to be invaded. Much of this suitable habitat is contiguous with the current range and active dispersal front of S. glastifolius, suggesting that invasion is highly likely under a scenario of no management intervention. Specifically, it is suggested that control and surveillance in coastal Taranaki are required to prevent invasion of an area covering most of the northern third of the North Island.</p>

scholarly journals Predicted declines in suitable habitat for greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) under future climate and land use change scenarios

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganesh Pant ◽  
Tek Maraseni ◽  
Armando Apan ◽  
Benjamin Allen
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
R Package ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Wildlife Species

Aim Rapidly changing climate is likely to modify the spatial distribution of both flora and fauna. Land use change continues to alter the availability and quality of habitat and further intensifies the effects of climate change on wildlife species. We used an ensemble modelling approach to predict changes in habitat suitability for an iconic wildlife species, greater one-horned rhinoceros due to the combined effects of climate and land use changes. Location Nepal. Methods We compiled an extensive database on current rhinoceros distribution and selected nine ecologically meaningful environmental variables for developing ensemble models of habitat suitability using seven different species distribution modelling techniques in the BIOMOD2 R package; and we did this under current climatic conditions and then projected them onto two possible climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSp5-8.5) and two different time frames (2050 and 2070). Results Out of seven algorithms, random forest performed the best, and four environmental variables — distance from grasslands, distance from wetlands, annual precipitation, and slope, contributed the most in the model. The ensemble model estimated the current suitable habitat of rhinoceros to be 1,875 km2, about 1.3% of the total area of Nepal. The future habitat suitability under the lowest and highest emission scenarios was estimated to be: (1) 1,637 km2 and 1,417 km2 in 2050; and (2) 1,562 km2 and 1,301 km2 in 2070, respectively. Main conclusions Our results suggest that nearly one-third of the current rhinoceros habitat would become unsuitable within a period of 50 years, with the predicted declines being influenced to a greater degree by climatic changes than land use changes. We have recommended several measures to moderate these impacts, including relocation of the proposed Nijgad International Airport given that a considerable portion of potential rhinoceros habitat will be lost if the airport is constructed on the currently proposed site.

scholarly journals Negros Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba keayi prefers dense understorey vegetation and dense canopy cover, and species distribution modelling shows little remaining suitable habitat

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly Mynott ◽  
Mark Abrahams ◽  
Daphne Kerhoas
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Distribution Modelling ◽  
Understorey Vegetation ◽  
Natural Park

AbstractThe Philippines is a global biodiversity hotspot, with a large number of Threatened bird species, one of which is the Critically Endangered Negros Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba keayi. The aim of this study was to investigate the habitat preference of the Negros Bleeding-heart and undertake species distribution modelling to locate areas of conservation importance based on identified suitable habitat. A survey of 94 point counts was undertaken and eight camera traps were deployed from May to August 2018 in the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, Panay, Philippines. Habitat variables (canopy cover, understorey cover, ground cover, altitude, presence of rattan and pandan, tree diameter at breast height and branching architecture) were measured in 93 5 m-radius quadrats. To identify areas of potentially suitable habitat for the Negros Bleeding-heart, species distribution modelling was undertaken in MaxEnt using tree cover and altitude data on Panay and Negros. Using a Generalised Linear Model, Negros Bleeding-heart presence was found to be significantly positively associated with high understorey cover and dense canopy cover. Species distribution modelling showed that the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park is currently the most effectively located protected area for Negros Bleeding-heart conservation, while protected areas in Negros require further protection. It is imperative that protection is continued in the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, and more survey effort is needed to identify other critical Negros Bleeding-heart populations, around which deforestation and hunting ban enforcement is strongly recommended.

scholarly journals Negros Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba keayi prefers dense understorey vegetation and dense canopy cover, and species distribution modelling shows little remaining suitable habitat

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
HOLLY MYNOTT ◽  
MARK ABRAHAMS ◽  
DAPHNE KERHOAS
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Distribution Modelling ◽  
Understorey Vegetation ◽  
Natural Park

Summary The Philippines is a global biodiversity hotspot, with a large number of threatened bird species, one of which is the ‘Critically Endangered’ Negros Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba keayi. The aim of this study was to investigate the habitat preference of the Negros Bleeding-heart and undertake species distribution modelling to locate areas of conservation importance based on identified suitable habitat. A survey of 94 point-counts was undertaken and eight camera traps were deployed from May to August 2018 in the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, Panay, Philippines. Habitat variables (canopy cover, understorey cover, ground cover, elevation, presence of rattan Calamus or Daemonorops spp. and pandan Pandanus sp., tree diameter at breast height, and branching architecture were measured in 5 m-radius quadrats. To identify areas of potentially suitable habitat for the Negros Bleeding-heart, species distribution was modelled in MaxEnt using tree cover and elevation data on Panay and Negros. Using a Generalised Linear Model, Negros Bleeding-heart presence was found to be significantly positively associated with dense understorey cover and dense canopy cover. Species distribution modelling showed that the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park is currently the most suitably located protected area for Negros Bleeding-heart conservation, while protected areas in Negros require further law enforcement. It is imperative that protection is continued in the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, and more survey effort is needed to identify other critical Negros Bleeding-heart populations, around which deforestation and hunting ban enforcement is strongly recommended.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document