scholarly journals Does regional diversity recover after disturbance? A field experiment in constructed ponds

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren M. Woods ◽  
Elizabeth G. Biro ◽  
Muxi Yang ◽  
Kevin G. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Aquatic Invertebrates ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Null Model ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Species Loss ◽  
Fish Removal ◽  
Regional Diversity ◽  
Local Species ◽  
One Year

The effects of disturbance on local species diversity have been well documented, but less recognized is the possibility that disturbances can alter diversity at regional spatial scales. Since regional diversity can dictate which species are available for recolonization of degraded sites, the loss of diversity at regional scales may impede the recovery of biodiversity following a disturbance. To examine this we used a chemical disturbance of rotenone, a piscicide commonly used for fish removal in aquatic habitats, on small fishless freshwater ponds. We focused on the non-target effects of rotenone on aquatic invertebrates with the goal of assessing biodiversity loss and recovery at both local (within-pond) and regional (across ponds) spatial scales. We found that rotenone caused significant, large, but short-term losses of species at both local and regional spatial scales. Using a null model of random extinction, we determined that species were selectively removed from communities relative to what would be expected if species loss occurred randomly. Despite this selective loss of biodiversity, species diversity at both local and regional spatial scales recovered to reference levels one year after the addition of rotenone. The rapid recovery of local and regional diversity in this study was surprising considering the large loss of regional species diversity, however many aquatic invertebrates disperse readily or have resting stages that may persist through disturbances. We emphasize the importance of considering spatial scale when quantifying the impacts of a disturbance on an ecosystem, as well as considering how regional species loss can influence recovery from disturbance.

scholarly journals Local species diversity, β-diversity and climate influence the regional stability of bird biomass across North America

2020 ◽  
Vol 287 (1922) ◽  
pp. 20192520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher P. Catano ◽  
Trevor S. Fristoe ◽  
Joseph A. LaManna ◽  
Jonathan A. Myers
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Local Stability ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Regional Stability ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Β Diversity ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Local Species

Biodiversity often stabilizes aggregate ecosystem properties (e.g. biomass) at small spatial scales. However, the importance of species diversity within communities and variation in species composition among communities (β-diversity) for stability at larger scales remains unclear. Using a continental-scale analysis of 1657 North American breeding-bird communities spanning 20-years and 35 ecoregions, we show local species diversity and β-diversity influence two components of regional stability: local stability (stability of bird biomass within sites) and spatial asynchrony (asynchronous fluctuations in biomass among sites). We found spatial asynchrony explained three times more variation in regional stability of bird biomass than did local stability. This result contrasts with studies at smaller spatial scales—typically plant metacommunities under 1 ha—that find local stability to be more important than spatial asynchrony. Moreover, spatial asynchrony of bird biomass increased with bird β-diversity and climate heterogeneity (temperature and precipitation), while local stability increased with species diversity. Our study reveals new insights into the scale-dependent processes regulating ecosystem stability, providing evidence that both local biodiversity loss and homogenization can destabilize ecosystem processes at biogeographic scales.

scholarly journals Species abundance plays a dominant role in local and regional extinctions in freshwater communities and allows the identification of selective extinctions

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan J. Almeida ◽  
Elizabeth G. Biro ◽  
Lauren M. Woods ◽  
Kevin G. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Null Model ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Lepomis Cyanellus ◽  
Random Loss ◽  
Stochastic Extinction

ABSTRACTRecent declines in global biodiversity emphasize that understanding the factors that determine extinction risk should be a priority for ecologists and conservation biologists. A key question is whether extinctions are nonrandom and selective, in which case knowledge of selectivity may help predict and prevent future extinction. We suggest, however, that a premature focus on the identification of selective, trait-based determinants of extinctions risk is problematic if the potential importance of stochastic extinction processes are not first considered. Within this context we aimed to determine the roles that stochastic extinction and species abundance play in extinction risk by applying a rarefaction-based null model approach to analyzing biodiversity declines and extinctions in an experimental system. We focused on aquatic macroinvertebrate declines and extinction caused by predation by fish (Lepomis cyanellus) in semi-natural freshwater mesocosms. We found that null-predicted local extirpations based on the random loss of individuals were a significant predictor of observed local extirpations, and that the majority of observed extinctions were consistent with stochastic mechanisms of extinction, as predicted by a rarefaction model. We were able to identify a number of selective extinctions that were not predicted by the rarefaction model, and while these were relatively rare, they contributed to greater-than-expected loss of diversity at both local (mesocosm) and regional (whole experiment) spatial scales. Our results confirm that species abundance and occupancy are among the most important factors in identifying extinction risk in response to a disturbance. Moreover, owing to our use of a stochastic null model, we also conclude that measures of abundance are important indicators of extinction probability because they are operated on by the random loss of individuals, suggesting that stochastic extinction is an important process in this system and in biodiversity loss in general.

Immigration and the Maintenance of Local Species Diversity

1999 ◽  
Vol 154 (4) ◽  
pp. 427
Author(s):  
Loreau ◽  
Mouquet
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Local Species

scholarly journals Insectivorous songbirds as early indicators of future defoliation by spruce budworm

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Germain ◽  
Daniel Kneeshaw ◽  
Louis De Grandpré ◽  
Mélanie Desrochers ◽  
Patrick M. A. James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Maximum Probability ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Probability Of Presence ◽  
Time Lagged ◽  
One Year ◽  
Local Sampling

Abstract Context Although the spatiotemporal dynamics of spruce budworm outbreaks have been intensively studied, forecasting outbreaks remains challenging. During outbreaks, budworm-linked warblers (Tennessee, Cape May, and bay-breasted warbler) show a strong positive response to increases in spruce budworm, but little is known about the relative timing of these responses. Objectives We hypothesized that these warblers could be used as sentinels of future defoliation of budworm host trees. We examined the timing and magnitude of the relationships between defoliation by spruce budworm and changes in the probability of presence of warblers to determine whether they responded to budworm infestation before local defoliation being observed by standard detection methods. Methods We modelled this relationship using large-scale point count surveys of songbirds and maps of cumulative time-lagged defoliation over multiple spatial scales (2–30 km radius around sampling points) in Quebec, Canada. Results All three warbler species responded positively to defoliation at each spatial scale considered, but the timing of their response differed. Maximum probability of presence of Tennessee and Cape May warbler coincided with observations of local defoliation, or provided a one year warning, making them of little use to guide early interventions. In contrast, the probability of presence of bay-breasted warbler consistently increased 3–4 years before defoliation was detectable. Conclusions Early detection is a critical step in the management of spruce budworm outbreaks and rapid increases in the probability of presence of bay-breasted warbler could be used to identify future epicenters and target ground-based local sampling of spruce budworm.

scholarly journals Altitudinal Vascular Plant Richness and Climate Change in the Alpine Zone of the Lefka Ori, Crete

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
George Kazakis ◽  
Dany Ghosn ◽  
Ilektra Remoundou ◽  
Panagiotis Nyktas ◽  
Michael A. Talias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Species Loss ◽  
Total Species Richness

High mountain zones in the Mediterranean area are considered more vulnerable in comparison to lower altitudes zones. Lefka Ori massif, a global biodiversity hotspot on the island of Crete is part of the Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments (GLORIA) monitoring network. The paper examines species and vegetation changes with respect to climate and altitude over a seven-year period (2001–2008) at a range of spatial scales (10 m Summit Area Section-SAS, 5 m SAS, 1 m2) using the GLORIA protocol in a re-survey of four mountain summits (1664 m–2339 m). The absolute species loss between 2001–2008 was 4, among which were 2 endemics. At the scale of individual summits, the highest changes were recorded at the lower summits with absolute species loss 4 in both cases. Paired t-tests for the total species richness at 1 m2 between 2001–2008, showed no significant differences. No significant differences were found at the individual summit level neither at the 5 m SAS or the 10 m SAS. Time series analysis reveals that soil mean annual temperature is increasing at all summits. Linear regressions with the climatic variables show a positive effect on species richness at the 5 m and 10 m SAS as well as species changes at the 5 m SAS. In particular, June mean temperature has the highest predictive power for species changes at the 5 m SAS. Recorded changes in species richness point more towards fluctuations within a plant community’s normal range, although there seem to be more significant diversity changes in higher summits related to aspects. Our work provides additional evidence to assess the effects of climate change on plant diversity in Mediterranean mountains and particularly those of islands which remain understudied.

scholarly journals Contrasting responses of above- and belowground diversity to multiple components of land-use intensity

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaëtane Le Provost ◽  
Jan Thiele ◽  
Catrin Westphal ◽  
Caterina Penone ◽  
Eric Allan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Land Use Intensity ◽  
Trophic Groups ◽  
Multiple Components ◽  
Belowground Diversity ◽  
Landscape Level

AbstractLand-use intensification is a major driver of biodiversity loss. However, understanding how different components of land use drive biodiversity loss requires the investigation of multiple trophic levels across spatial scales. Using data from 150 agricultural grasslands in central Europe, we assess the influence of multiple components of local- and landscape-level land use on more than 4,000 above- and belowground taxa, spanning 20 trophic groups. Plot-level land-use intensity is strongly and negatively associated with aboveground trophic groups, but positively or not associated with belowground trophic groups. Meanwhile, both above- and belowground trophic groups respond to landscape-level land use, but to different drivers: aboveground diversity of grasslands is promoted by diverse surrounding land-cover, while belowground diversity is positively related to a high permanent forest cover in the surrounding landscape. These results highlight a role of landscape-level land use in shaping belowground communities, and suggest that revised agroecosystem management strategies are needed to conserve whole-ecosystem biodiversity.

scholarly journals Habitat heterogeneity drives scale-dependent biodiversity loss in a temperate marine ecosystem

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Starko ◽  
Lauren Bailey ◽  
Elandra Creviston ◽  
Katelyn James ◽  
Alison Warren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Heterogeneity ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Extreme Temperature ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
Diversity Loss ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Local Wave

AbstractBiodiversity loss is driven by interacting factors operating at different spatial scales. Yet, there remains uncertainty as to how fine-scale environmental conditions mediate biological responses to broad-scale stressors. We surveyed mid-latitude kelp bed habitats to determine whether local habitat heterogeneity has mediated changes in community diversity after more than two decades of extreme temperature events, most notably the 2013-2016 heat wave. Local wave exposure conditions were key in determining responses, with some habitats remaining stable and others experiencing near complete diversity loss, leading to local declines without regional extinctions. Wave-sheltered shores, which saw the largest declines, are a very common habitat type in the Northeast Pacific and may be especially sensitive to climate-related losses in kelp diversity and abundance. Our findings highlight how local gradients can interact with global drivers to facilitate diversity loss and demonstrate how incorporating differences between habitat patches can be essential to capturing scale-dependent biodiversity loss across the landscape.

Introductions as Factors in Diseases of Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates

1991 ◽  
Vol 48 (S1) ◽  
pp. 110-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
James E. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Invertebrates ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Pet Trade ◽  
Inland Fisheries ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Advisory Commission ◽  
Local Species ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Trade Control

Fish and invertebrates are subject to a wide range of disease agents. Many of their diseases are probably local in origin although a lengthy list of infections were probably imported via the vast array of exotic species which have been transferred to virtually all areas of the world. Since ail living organisms carry a full suite of microorganisms and larger parasites the likelihood of there being pathogens for local species among them is good. Introductions can occur in at least one of three separate ways: (1) intentional introductions for specific purposes, (2) accidental transport of biological agents via massive transfers of ballast waters or (3) through the ornamental or aquatic pet trade. Control measures and information services devised by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission and the Office International des Epizooties are described.

Increased community compositional dissimilarity alleviates species loss following nutrient enrichment at large spatial scales

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 376-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Zhou ◽  
Xudong Liu ◽  
Pengfei Zhang ◽  
Zhi Guo ◽  
Guozhen Du
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Enrichment ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Species Loss

scholarly journals Contrasting the Effect of Forest Landscape Condition to the Resilience of Species Diversity in a Human Modified Landscape: Implications for the Conservation of Tree Species

Land ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulugheta Ghebreslassie Araia ◽  
Paxie Wanangwa Chirwa ◽  
Eméline Sêssi Pélagie Assédé
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Forest Landscape ◽  
Leading Change ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Local Species Richness ◽  
Β Diversity ◽  
Local Species

Using landscape moderation insurance and Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH) as frameworks, this study assessed the response of local assemblage among different land use regimes (mean β-diversity), using the Jaccard dissimilarity matrix in contrasting Human Modified Forest Landscapes (HMFLs). The study was conducted at the relatively simplified Mafhela Forest Reserve and the complex Thathe Vondo Forest Reserve in South Africa. The patterns of overall β-diversity between HMFL and State-protected Indigenous Forests (SIF) were compared and the leading change drivers were then untangled. This study found that human disturbance affects mean β-diversity of local assemblages among land use regimes between the two HMFLs in an ecologically contrasting manner. The HMFL in Mafhela Forest Reserve had distinct local assemblages among land use regimes and did not conform to the expectation of IDH. On average, HMFL had the same average local species richness as SIF, mainly due to change in species composition (species replacement) induced by land use disturbance. Land use intensity gradient was the leading change driver to explain the overall β-diversity of the Mafhela Forest Reserve. The findings in the Thathe Vondo Forest Reserve were in contrast with the Mafhela Forest Reserve. Although on average the HMFL had the same local species richness as SIFs, this was mainly due to a trade-off of species gain in trees along the rivers and streams and species loss in Culturally Protected Areas (sacred forests) (CPA) as expected by IDH. The contrasting findings imply that the effectiveness of any alternative conservation strategy is context-dependent. The resilience of local assemblages and conservation value of HMFL depends on the condition of the overall forest landscape complexity and cannnot be captured by one theory, nor by one species diversity matrix (e.g., β-diversity or Richness). It thus demands the application of complementary theoretical frameworks and multilevel modeling.

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