Resource selection by an ancient taxon (Onychophora) in a modern urban landscape: A multi-scale analysis approach to assist in the conservation of an animal phylum

Abstract

Invertebrates are a neglected but important component of urban ecosystems. Although cities are a heterogeneous landscape most studies of urban invertebrates focus on specific habitat fragment types. We modeled the resource selection of an undescribed species of Onychophora – the Dunedin peripatus – at multiple scales across an urban gradient in the city of Dunedin, New Zealand. We aimed to identify habitat variables that influence the presence of the species in a modified urban environment, to assist in management strategies focused on conserving Onychophora as a phylum. We modeled resource selection at micro-and macro-scales within selected parks and habitat fragments using resource selection probability functions (RSPF), and using maximum entropy (Maxent) models at the landscape-scale. We identified 12 relevant environmental variables within habitat fragments and the surrounding urban matrix. The Dunedin peripatus was positively associated with shaded, moist sites with an abundance of large decayed cover objects, including living native tree fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) and downed woody material. Dunedin peripatus persisted in fragments dominated by exotic vegetation and a history of disturbance, including urban gardens and forest plantations, although the period between disturbances necessary to maintain peripatus populations remains unclear. Our results highlight the importance of studying habitat use at multiple scales within urban areas for biodiversity conservation proposes, even for relatively sessile invertebrates such as onychophorans. We also demonstrate the need for researching and conserving Onychophora populations in terrain that is traditionally discounted as being inhospitable due to disturbance.