The Experts below are selected from a list of 9273 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Teresa Alcoverro - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The richness of small pockets: Decapod species peak in small seagrass patches where fish predators are absent
Marine environmental research, 2018Co-Authors: Jordi Boada, Jordi F. Pagès, Alessandro Gera, Enrique Macpherson, Yaiza Santana, Javier Romero, Teresa AlcoverroAbstract:Patchy landscapes behave differently from continuous ones. Patch size can influence species behaviour, movement, feeding and predation rates, with flow-on consequences for the diversity of species that inhabit these patches. To understand the importance of patchiness on regional species pools, we measured decapod richness and abundance in several seagrass patches with contrasting sizes. Additionally, we evaluated potential drivers of patch-specific species distribution including resource abundance, predator Habitat use and the structural complexity of patches. Our results showed a non-random distribution of decapod species: small patches were clear hotspots of diversity and abundance, particularly of larger-bodied epifaunal decapods. Interestingly, these hotspots were characterized by lower nutrient resources, lower canopy height, but also lower predator use. Small fish invertivores such as Coris julis and several species of Symphodus were mostly restricted to large patches. These resident predators may be critical in clumping predation in large patches with consequences for how biodiversity of their prey is distributed across the seascape. Our results highlight the idea that a Habitat Mosaic with both large and small seagrass patches would potentially bolster biodiversity because preys and predators may seek refuge in patches of different sizes.
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Generation and maintenance of predation hotspots of a functionally important herbivore in a patchy Habitat Mosaic
Functional Ecology, 2017Co-Authors: Simone Farina, Jordi Boada, Javier Romero, Aitana Oltra, Frederic Bartumeus, Teresa AlcoverroAbstract:By modifying how critical ecosystem functions are distributed across the landscape, the spatial configuration and characteristics of patches can play a strong role in structuring communities. In strongly predator‐controlled ecosystems, this patchy distribution of function can have complex downstream consequences, subjecting some areas to disproportionately high rates of predation, leaving other areas susceptible to herbivore outbreaks. In this study, we assess how spatial attributes at patch and landscape scales potentially influence the spatial and temporal distribution of predation on a functionally important herbivore in a patchy Mediterranean marine macrophyte community characterized by strong top‐down control. We experimentally tracked how predation risk of tethered sea urchins varied across space over a 10‐day period in a patchy seagrass meadow. We related these patterns with patch and landscape‐level attributes across the Habitat Mosaic. At the level of the patch, predation risk was the highest in seagrass patches with low canopies, without access to sheltering rocks. Scaling up to the landscape Mosaic however, predation risk increased in dense aggregations of patches with high perimeter‐to‐area ratios close to rocky Habitats. Predation aggregated in spatially explicit hotspots and coldspots that were maintained through time. Interestingly, this pattern of predation risk correlated well with the natural abundance of sea urchins. Our results show that spatial patch configuration can be a strong mediator of top trophic functions in marine ecosystems, causing significant clumping in the way predation—and therefore herbivory—are distributed across space. Given the importance of top‐down control for these shallow marine ecosystems, it is crucial to incorporate landscape attributes in understanding the impact of functionally important herbivores on highly fragmented Habitats. A plain language summary is available for this article.
Ashleigh B. Cable - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Habitat suitability and connectivity modeling reveal priority areas for indiana bat myotis sodalis conservation in a complex Habitat Mosaic
Landscape Ecology, 2021Co-Authors: Ashleigh B. Cable, Jill L. Deppe, Tara C. Hohoff, Steven J. Taylor, Joy M Okeefe, Mark A. DavisAbstract:Conservation for the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), a federally endangered species in the United States of America, is typically focused on local maternity sites; however, the species is a regional migrant, interacting with the environment at multiple spatial scales. Hierarchical levels of management may be necessary, but we have limited knowledge of landscape-level ecology, distribution, and connectivity of suitable areas in complex landscapes. We sought to (1) identify factors influencing M. sodalis maternity colony distribution in a Mosaic landscape, (2) map suitable maternity Habitat, and (3) quantify connectivity importance of patches to direct conservation action. Using 3 decades of occurrence data, we tested a priori, hypothesis-driven Habitat suitability models. We mapped suitable areas and quantified connectivity importance of Habitat patches with probabilistic Habitat availability metrics. Factors improving landscape-scale suitability included limited agriculture, more forest cover, forest edge, proximity to medium-sized water bodies, lower elevations, and limited urban development. Areas closer to hibernacula and rivers were suitable. Binary maps showed that 30% of the study area was suitable for M. sodalis and 29% was important for connectivity. Most suitable patches were important for intra-patch connectivity and far fewer contributed to inter-patch connectivity. While simple models may be effective for small, homogenous landscapes, complex models are needed to explain Habitat suitability in large, mixed landscapes. Suitability modeling identified factors that made sites attractive as maternity areas. Connectivity analysis improved our understanding of important areas for bats and prioritized areas to target for restoration.
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Habitat suitability and connectivity modeling reveal priority areas for Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) conservation in a complex Habitat Mosaic
Landscape Ecology, 2020Co-Authors: Ashleigh B. Cable, Joy M. O’keefe, Jill L. Deppe, Tara C. Hohoff, Steven J. Taylor, Mark A. DavisAbstract:Context Conservation for the Indiana bat ( Myotis sodalis) , a federally endangered species in the United States of America, is typically focused on local maternity sites; however, the species is a regional migrant, interacting with the environment at multiple spatial scales. Hierarchical levels of management may be necessary, but we have limited knowledge of landscape-level ecology, distribution, and connectivity of suitable areas in complex landscapes. Objectives We sought to (1) identify factors influencing M. sodalis maternity colony distribution in a Mosaic landscape, (2) map suitable maternity Habitat, and (3) quantify connectivity importance of patches to direct conservation action. Methods Using 3 decades of occurrence data, we tested a priori , hypothesis-driven Habitat suitability models. We mapped suitable areas and quantified connectivity importance of Habitat patches with probabilistic Habitat availability metrics. Results Factors improving landscape-scale suitability included limited agriculture, more forest cover, forest edge, proximity to medium-sized water bodies, lower elevations, and limited urban development. Areas closer to hibernacula and rivers were suitable. Binary maps showed that 30% of the study area was suitable for M. sodalis and 29% was important for connectivity. Most suitable patches were important for intra-patch connectivity and far fewer contributed to inter-patch connectivity. Conclusions While simple models may be effective for small, homogenous landscapes, complex models are needed to explain Habitat suitability in large, mixed landscapes. Suitability modeling identified factors that made sites attractive as maternity areas. Connectivity analysis improved our understanding of important areas for bats and prioritized areas to target for restoration.
Mark A. Davis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Habitat suitability and connectivity modeling reveal priority areas for indiana bat myotis sodalis conservation in a complex Habitat Mosaic
Landscape Ecology, 2021Co-Authors: Ashleigh B. Cable, Jill L. Deppe, Tara C. Hohoff, Steven J. Taylor, Joy M Okeefe, Mark A. DavisAbstract:Conservation for the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), a federally endangered species in the United States of America, is typically focused on local maternity sites; however, the species is a regional migrant, interacting with the environment at multiple spatial scales. Hierarchical levels of management may be necessary, but we have limited knowledge of landscape-level ecology, distribution, and connectivity of suitable areas in complex landscapes. We sought to (1) identify factors influencing M. sodalis maternity colony distribution in a Mosaic landscape, (2) map suitable maternity Habitat, and (3) quantify connectivity importance of patches to direct conservation action. Using 3 decades of occurrence data, we tested a priori, hypothesis-driven Habitat suitability models. We mapped suitable areas and quantified connectivity importance of Habitat patches with probabilistic Habitat availability metrics. Factors improving landscape-scale suitability included limited agriculture, more forest cover, forest edge, proximity to medium-sized water bodies, lower elevations, and limited urban development. Areas closer to hibernacula and rivers were suitable. Binary maps showed that 30% of the study area was suitable for M. sodalis and 29% was important for connectivity. Most suitable patches were important for intra-patch connectivity and far fewer contributed to inter-patch connectivity. While simple models may be effective for small, homogenous landscapes, complex models are needed to explain Habitat suitability in large, mixed landscapes. Suitability modeling identified factors that made sites attractive as maternity areas. Connectivity analysis improved our understanding of important areas for bats and prioritized areas to target for restoration.
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Habitat suitability and connectivity modeling reveal priority areas for Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) conservation in a complex Habitat Mosaic
Landscape Ecology, 2020Co-Authors: Ashleigh B. Cable, Joy M. O’keefe, Jill L. Deppe, Tara C. Hohoff, Steven J. Taylor, Mark A. DavisAbstract:Context Conservation for the Indiana bat ( Myotis sodalis) , a federally endangered species in the United States of America, is typically focused on local maternity sites; however, the species is a regional migrant, interacting with the environment at multiple spatial scales. Hierarchical levels of management may be necessary, but we have limited knowledge of landscape-level ecology, distribution, and connectivity of suitable areas in complex landscapes. Objectives We sought to (1) identify factors influencing M. sodalis maternity colony distribution in a Mosaic landscape, (2) map suitable maternity Habitat, and (3) quantify connectivity importance of patches to direct conservation action. Methods Using 3 decades of occurrence data, we tested a priori , hypothesis-driven Habitat suitability models. We mapped suitable areas and quantified connectivity importance of Habitat patches with probabilistic Habitat availability metrics. Results Factors improving landscape-scale suitability included limited agriculture, more forest cover, forest edge, proximity to medium-sized water bodies, lower elevations, and limited urban development. Areas closer to hibernacula and rivers were suitable. Binary maps showed that 30% of the study area was suitable for M. sodalis and 29% was important for connectivity. Most suitable patches were important for intra-patch connectivity and far fewer contributed to inter-patch connectivity. Conclusions While simple models may be effective for small, homogenous landscapes, complex models are needed to explain Habitat suitability in large, mixed landscapes. Suitability modeling identified factors that made sites attractive as maternity areas. Connectivity analysis improved our understanding of important areas for bats and prioritized areas to target for restoration.
Jordi Boada - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The richness of small pockets: Decapod species peak in small seagrass patches where fish predators are absent
Marine environmental research, 2018Co-Authors: Jordi Boada, Jordi F. Pagès, Alessandro Gera, Enrique Macpherson, Yaiza Santana, Javier Romero, Teresa AlcoverroAbstract:Patchy landscapes behave differently from continuous ones. Patch size can influence species behaviour, movement, feeding and predation rates, with flow-on consequences for the diversity of species that inhabit these patches. To understand the importance of patchiness on regional species pools, we measured decapod richness and abundance in several seagrass patches with contrasting sizes. Additionally, we evaluated potential drivers of patch-specific species distribution including resource abundance, predator Habitat use and the structural complexity of patches. Our results showed a non-random distribution of decapod species: small patches were clear hotspots of diversity and abundance, particularly of larger-bodied epifaunal decapods. Interestingly, these hotspots were characterized by lower nutrient resources, lower canopy height, but also lower predator use. Small fish invertivores such as Coris julis and several species of Symphodus were mostly restricted to large patches. These resident predators may be critical in clumping predation in large patches with consequences for how biodiversity of their prey is distributed across the seascape. Our results highlight the idea that a Habitat Mosaic with both large and small seagrass patches would potentially bolster biodiversity because preys and predators may seek refuge in patches of different sizes.
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Generation and maintenance of predation hotspots of a functionally important herbivore in a patchy Habitat Mosaic
Functional Ecology, 2017Co-Authors: Simone Farina, Jordi Boada, Javier Romero, Aitana Oltra, Frederic Bartumeus, Teresa AlcoverroAbstract:By modifying how critical ecosystem functions are distributed across the landscape, the spatial configuration and characteristics of patches can play a strong role in structuring communities. In strongly predator‐controlled ecosystems, this patchy distribution of function can have complex downstream consequences, subjecting some areas to disproportionately high rates of predation, leaving other areas susceptible to herbivore outbreaks. In this study, we assess how spatial attributes at patch and landscape scales potentially influence the spatial and temporal distribution of predation on a functionally important herbivore in a patchy Mediterranean marine macrophyte community characterized by strong top‐down control. We experimentally tracked how predation risk of tethered sea urchins varied across space over a 10‐day period in a patchy seagrass meadow. We related these patterns with patch and landscape‐level attributes across the Habitat Mosaic. At the level of the patch, predation risk was the highest in seagrass patches with low canopies, without access to sheltering rocks. Scaling up to the landscape Mosaic however, predation risk increased in dense aggregations of patches with high perimeter‐to‐area ratios close to rocky Habitats. Predation aggregated in spatially explicit hotspots and coldspots that were maintained through time. Interestingly, this pattern of predation risk correlated well with the natural abundance of sea urchins. Our results show that spatial patch configuration can be a strong mediator of top trophic functions in marine ecosystems, causing significant clumping in the way predation—and therefore herbivory—are distributed across space. Given the importance of top‐down control for these shallow marine ecosystems, it is crucial to incorporate landscape attributes in understanding the impact of functionally important herbivores on highly fragmented Habitats. A plain language summary is available for this article.
Robert R. Dunn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Homogenizing an urban Habitat Mosaic: arthropod diversity declines in New York City parks after Super Storm Sandy
Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America, 2017Co-Authors: Amy M. Savage, Elsa Youngsteadt, Robert R. Dunn, Andrew F. Ernst, Shelby A. Powers, Steven D. FrankAbstract:The frequency and intensity of hurricanes are increasing globally, and anthropogenic modifications in cities have created systems that may be particularly vulnerable to their negative effects. Organisms living in cities are exposed to variable levels of chronic environmental stress. However, whether chronic stress ameliorates or exacerbates the negative effects of hurricanes remains an open question. Here, we consider two hypotheses about the simultaneous consequences of acute disturbances from hurricanes and chronic stress from urbanization for the structure of urban arthropod communities. The tipping point hypothesis posits that organisms living in high stress Habitats are less resilient than those in low stress Habitats because they are living near the limits of their environmental tolerances; while the disturbance tolerance hypothesis posits that high stress Habitats host organisms pre-adapted for coping with disturbance, making them more resilient to the effects of storms. We used a before-after-control-impact design in the street medians and city parks of Manhattan (New York City, New York, USA) to compare arthropod communities before and after Super Storm Sandy in sites that were flooded and unflooded during the storm. Our evidence supported the disturbance tolerance hypothesis. Significant compositional differences between street medians and city parks before the storm disappeared after the storm; similarly, unflooded city parks had significantly different arthropod composition while flooded sites were indistinguishable. These differences were driven by reduced occurrences and abundances of arthropods in city parks. Finally, those arthropod groups that were most tolerant to urban stress were also the most tolerant to flooding. Our results suggest that the species that survive in high stress environments are likely to be the ones that thrive in response to acute disturbance. As storms become increasingly common and extreme, this juxtaposition in responses to storm-associated disturbance may lead to diversity loss in cities, potentially leading entire urban landscapes to mirror the reduced diversity of street medians.
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fine scale heterogeneity across manhattan s urban Habitat Mosaic is associated with variation in ant composition and richness
Insect Conservation and Diversity, 2015Co-Authors: Amy M. Savage, Britné Hackett, Benoit Guénard, Elsa Youngsteadt, Robert R. DunnAbstract:Global urbanisation is rapidly expanding and most of the world's humans now live in cities. Most ecological studies have, however, focused on protected areas. 2. To address this issue, we tested predictions from studies of protected areas in urban ecosystems. 3. Because most cities are heterogeneous Habitat Mosaics which include habi- tats with varying levels of chronic environmental stress, we focused on predic- tions from studies of less modified ecosystems about community-wide responses to variation in chronic stress. 4. We sampled ants across Manhattan's urban Habitat Mosaic, at sites with varying levels of chronic environmental stress. 5. Many predictions derived from less modified ecosystems were supported by our findings: despite being the most intensively sampled Habitat, high stress urban medians had less variability in ant composition -both within and among sites - than either urban parks or urban forests, the lowest stress Habitat - urban forests-had significantly more accumulated species and a higher number of unique species than higher stress Habitats, and urban parks, which have intermediate levels of chronic environmental stress, also had intermediate levels of variation in among-site species composition, accumulated species richness, and the incidence of unique species. The most common species also differed across Manhattan's urban Habitat Mosaic. 6. Nevertheless, the prediction that exotic species would occur more fre- quently in higher stress Habitats was not supported; exotic species were equally common across all Habitats. 7. These findings suggest that fine-scale heterogeneity in the chronic stress of urban Habitats may be an underappreciated, but important structuring force for urban animal communities.
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Fine‐scale heterogeneity across Manhattan's urban Habitat Mosaic is associated with variation in ant composition and richness
Insect Conservation and Diversity, 2014Co-Authors: Amy M. Savage, Britné Hackett, Benoit Guénard, Elsa Youngsteadt, Robert R. DunnAbstract:Global urbanisation is rapidly expanding and most of the world's humans now live in cities. Most ecological studies have, however, focused on protected areas. 2. To address this issue, we tested predictions from studies of protected areas in urban ecosystems. 3. Because most cities are heterogeneous Habitat Mosaics which include habi- tats with varying levels of chronic environmental stress, we focused on predic- tions from studies of less modified ecosystems about community-wide responses to variation in chronic stress. 4. We sampled ants across Manhattan's urban Habitat Mosaic, at sites with varying levels of chronic environmental stress. 5. Many predictions derived from less modified ecosystems were supported by our findings: despite being the most intensively sampled Habitat, high stress urban medians had less variability in ant composition -both within and among sites - than either urban parks or urban forests, the lowest stress Habitat - urban forests-had significantly more accumulated species and a higher number of unique species than higher stress Habitats, and urban parks, which have intermediate levels of chronic environmental stress, also had intermediate levels of variation in among-site species composition, accumulated species richness, and the incidence of unique species. The most common species also differed across Manhattan's urban Habitat Mosaic. 6. Nevertheless, the prediction that exotic species would occur more fre- quently in higher stress Habitats was not supported; exotic species were equally common across all Habitats. 7. These findings suggest that fine-scale heterogeneity in the chronic stress of urban Habitats may be an underappreciated, but important structuring force for urban animal communities.
