Anthropic Threats Research Articles

Reproductive biology of the threatened Lilium pomponium (Liliaceae), a species endemic to Maritime and Ligurian Alps.

Pollination ecology and breeding system of Lilium pomponium L. were studied, and their effect on the reproductive outcome was assessed. This species has high conservation interest in Europe, because it is included in Annex V of the EU Habitat Directive and it is one out of the five Lilium species listed in IUCN Global Red List. To achieve our aim, the pollen vectors as well as the effect of bagging, emasculation and artificial pollination on reproductive output were studied. The most frequent visitor was the Lepidopteran Gonepteryx rhamnii. In general, reproductive outputs were close to zero for all the self-pollination treatments; however, geitonogamy and facilitated selfing seem slightly more efficient than autogamy, as also confirmed by self-compatibility and autofertility indices. Altogether, our results suggest a self-incompatible outcrossing breeding system, with a poor capacity for selfing. Nevertheless, climate change and anthropic threats might promote a shift toward self-fertilization, even maladaptive, favouring the few individuals able to produce selfed seeds.

Urban development of the coastal system of the Italian largest islands: Sicily and Sardinia

The phenomenon of urban sprawl has already been recognized as one of the major anthropic threats to natural ecosystems. This study investigates the spatial distribution of urban expansion with reference to two Italian Islands, Sicily and Sardinia, from post-war to the first decade of the 2000s (i.e. noughties). The two Regions are an important tourist destination in the Mediterranean basin, owing to their landscapes and climate. The analysis produced a series of interesting results, such as the average annual speed of transformation of the coastal strip or the size and modalities of urban development, correlated with demographic and morphological parameters. The study also focused on the urban transformations that have affected the protected areas within these Regions. The final part of the work is fully devoted to the policies and techniques that should be adopted in the remaining coastal stretches, that is those not yet affected by urban transformation. In fact, for these areas policies should be focused on the preservation of community habitats and the protection of ecological connections with relevant consequences in the national biodiversity conservation. With regards to the processed data allowed to draw a map of management responsibilities at municipal and regional levels for the review of future urban planning in terms of sustainable governance.

Native plant species with economic value from Minas Gerais and Goiás: a discussion on the currentness of the data recovered by the French naturalist Auguste de Saint-Hilaire

ABSTRACT Given the increasing anthropic threats faced by natural ecosystems all around the world, this work holds an important role by recovering primary information of the Brazilian biodiversity. In this study we discuss data collected at a time when the native vegetation in Brazil was still preserved, and the use of plants was primarily made from species of autoctone flora. Those areas were visited by European naturalists in the 19th century, including the French Auguste de Saint-Hilaire, who described the use of numerous native species. The possibility of current economic use of some species cited by him in the 19th century is discussed.

Inventory and Assessment of Palaeontological Sites in the Sousa Basin (Paraíba, Brazil): Preliminary Study to Evaluate the Potential of the Area to Become a Geopark

The Rio do Peixe rift basin developed during the Lower Cretaceous (Neocomian) and comprises the Sousa, Uirauna-Brejo das Freiras, Pombal and Vertentes basins. In these basins, there is an abundant ichnofauna mainly composed of theropod, sauropod and ornithopod dinosaur trackways that represent the palaeontological heritage of the region. As the majority of the fossiliferous areas are located in the Sousa basin, an inventory and assessment of the scientific, educational and touristic values, together with the vulnerability of 25 palaeontological sites, is here presented and discussed. The aims of the study are to guide the strategies of geoheritage protection in the Sousa basin and to evaluate the scientific potential of the area as a geopark. In general, the geosites of the Sousa basin have low scientific and touristic values, moderate educational value and high vulnerability. The fossiliferous areas are suffering from strong natural and anthropic threats and are at high risk of degradation. For these reasons, based on the quality of the palaeontological sites, the region currently has little potential to become a geopark.

Urban Development in Tuscany. Land Uptake and Landscapes Changes

The phenomenon of urban sprawl has been already recognized as one of the major anthropic threats to natural ecosystems and landscapes while the negative aspects of the phenomenon are still only marginally taken into consideration in the scientific and local government circles. The recent decision of the European Parliament points out that the degradation, fragmentation and non-sustainable use of land in the EU is jeopardizing several important ecosystem services, threatening biodiversity and increasing Europe’s vulnerability to climate change, natural disasters and desertification. The study regards the processing of data on urban land conversion over the past 50 years and the effects in the areas of high environmental vulnerability in one of the most important Italian region: Tuscany. The historical data were compared from a qualitative and quantitative viewpoint with the present-day geography of settlements, which showing changes found in today’s settlement-territorial structure. The conclusion reports focuses on collated environmental criticalities and the margins for recovery of the compromised territories that still today receive little attention from central institutions and local authorities, in addition to data on landscape effects to be construed as signs of specific trends underway today and scarcely taken into account by land management tools.

The Demographic Success of Marsilea Quadrifolia L. in a Man-Made Water Body from Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation

Abstract Marsilea quadrifolia L. (water clover) is a unique species from Romanian flora that belongs to the Marsileaceae family and is one of the most vulnerable plants in Europe due to the loss of its habitats. In this paper, the demographic evolution of a new M. quadrifolia population in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and its natural and anthropic threats are reported. The aquatic fern, M. quadrifolia, has colonized a suitable man-made water body. After a decade of monitoring, the demographic trend is positive but the support capacity of habitat for the water clover remains limited in the long term. The population is vulnerable due to succession of vegetation and its vicinity with a human settlement. The establishment of a micro-reserve represents a suitable method to protect and maintain this threatened M. quadrifolia population.

Anthropic Threats to Geological Heritage: Characterization and Management: A Case Study in the Dinosaur Tracksites of La Rioja (Spain)

This paper focuses on the management of geological heritage and particularly on the anthropic activities that stress these geological sites. Anthropic threats to geoheritage arise from two main sources: public use and the anthropic vulnerability of a geosite. Threats from public use include mining, quarrying, infrastructure construction, conflicts with other territorial uses, and possible conflicts with other types of natural or cultural heritages. Anthropic vulnerability comprises threats raised from the scientific, educational, and recreational uses of the geosites, as well as collecting and vandalism. All of these threats are discussed through the study case of the paleontological sites in La Rioja (Spain) where significant Cretaceous dinosaur footprints occur. The categorization and analysis of several cases allow for the discussion and proposal of diverse management strategies. The solutions provided derive from a management philosophy based on two basic principles: prevention and monitoring. These two premises entail changes both in the conservation of geological heritage and in general environmental management.

Analysing Landscape Fragmentation and Classifying Threats for Habitats of Community Interest in the “Iron Gates” Natural Park (Romania)

Abstract Our study aims at evaluating the ecological impact of landscape fragmentation, identifying, and classifying the threats affecting habitats of community interest in the “Iron Gates” Natural Park. We used landscape metrics for assessing the fragmentation process, results expressing decreases in the values of three metrics (MPS, ED, SDI) and increases for two metrics (NumP and IJI). We observed an insignificant increase in landscape fragmentation related to a reduced decrease of its landscape diversity for the 1990-2006 timeframe. We classified the main anthropic threats to habitats of community interest in three main categories: diversification and densification of buildings and transportation infrastructures, land use and industrial activities.

Natura 2000 habitats in Tuscany (central Italy): synthesis of main conservation features based on a comprehensive database

We analyse and report a synthesis of a long-term project leading to the creation of a database of habitats of conservation interest in Tuscany (Italy). All available floristic and vegetation literature from 1960 to date and relating to the Tuscan territory, and all terrestrial and inland water (non-marine) Habitats of European Community Interest as listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive present in Tuscany have been identified and taken into account. A total of 2,691 sites were attributed to 82 different conservation interest habitat types and were geo-localised and uploaded to the database. For each habitat site, threat and pressure factors are indicated and a quick expert-based assessment made on the basis of three parameters: rarity, vulnerability and a quality estimate. For the analysis, all database information was referred to a vectorial 10 × 10 km grid. The territorial distribution of habitats is discussed with respect to: the level of information available, the numbers of reports and the habitat-type concentration. The major threats and pressures affecting these Tuscan habitats are highlighted and discussed. Vegetation dynamics proved to be the most important natural/seminatural threat. Another important threat is invasion by/competition with other organisms, mainly invasive alien species. Among anthropic threats, the management of riparian and aquatic vegetation together with water management all strongly affect many habitat types with links to wetlands. Infrastructures, particularly those connected with tourism and recreation, are an important threat factor especially in coastal areas. Some positive effects of certain anthropic pressures are also illustrated. Lastly, some actions to improve habitat knowledge, evaluation and conservation are suggested.

Sistema de información geográfica participativo como herramienta de diagnóstico de las condiciones de vulnerabilidad de una comunidad rural

Se describe el desarrollo de un sistema de información geográfica participativo-SIGP, empleado como herramienta de diagnóstico de las condiciones de vulnerabilidad en la Vereda Las Ánimas del Municipio de Amalfi (Antioquia-Colombia). Con los mapas de síntesis de la vulnerabilidad elaboradosa través del análisis de diferentes factores, se obtuvo una imagen de la realidad del territorio y su comunidad que sirviera para desarrollar una propuesta de incorporación de mecanismos de reducción de la vulnerabilidad ante las amenazas antrópicas, naturales y socionaturales presentes. La propuesta resultante del uso del SIGP fue incorporada en el proceso de planificación del desarrollo y de la gestión del riesgo por parte de la administración local.

Aspectos etnoecológicos e implicações para a conservação de Tursiops truncatus (Cetartiodactyla: Delphinidae) no Arquipélago das Cagarras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The objectives of this study were to understand the ecological aspects of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Cagarras Archipelago, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and possible anthropogenic impacts by comparing the knowledge of local small-scale fishermen (GA) and the regulars in the archipelago (GB). The data obtained were compared with those available in the literature to propose strategies for monitoring and preservation. Between August and December 2010, we applied the methods of participant observation, interviews-questionnaires and use of illustrative posters. Sixty-one interviews were conducted, from which 83.6% were selected by considering correct answers about the identification of the species on posters (morphological characteristics) and description of time of occurrence in the archipelago (July to December) as reported for the species in the literature. Regarding the seven questions analyzed statistically, a significant difference was found between the accounts of the two groups with respect to anthropic threats to T. truncatus. Gill-nets and the decrease of fishing resources were the main causes identified by the GA group whereas the GB group pointed to the disorganized use of space, pollution and predatory fishing as the factors that have threatened the common bottlenose dolphins. The use of ethnobiological data in conservation programs brings opportunities for the collaboration and participation of the community that is directly inserted into the ecosystem as well as a chance for locals to get involved in issues concerning the sustainability of the archipelago.

Impacts of exurban sprawl: The effects of the perceptions and practices of new residents toward the spur‐thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)

AbstractUrbanization is one of the main drivers threatening biodiversity. Together with the direct effects of exurban sprawl (e.g., habitat loss), the behavior of new residents may have important implications for species conservation. This manuscript addresses the effects of exurban sprawl on the collection and captivity of the endangered spur‐thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) in southeastern Spain. In June 2004, we undertook 362 structured interviews with exurban residents. Our results showed that most of the 12% of new residents who keeps tortoises in captivity have collected them from the wild (51%). Reintroductions and captive breeding were also frequent practices (24% and 26%, respectively). These practices, which are expected to increase in forthcoming years, might have important implications for the conservation of the species (local extinction, disease spread, or genetic mixing). Paradoxically, new residents collect tortoises to “protect” wild individuals from natural and anthropic threats. Therefore, even though many new residents are concerned about the spur‐thighed tortoise, they do not practice sound conservation measures. This study highlights the importance of incorporating human dimensions for wildlife into planning for urban sprawl. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.

Reporte de las serpientes del municipio de Tamalameque, Cesar - Colombia

RESUMENObjetivo. Identificar preliminarmente los ofidios del municipio de Tamalameque, departamento del Cesar-Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Entre enero y mayo de 2009, mediante búsqueda libre y captura manual se efectuaron muestreos de serpientes, con dos muestreos por mes y un esfuerzo de captura de cuatro horas/hombres. Resultados. Se reporta para esta localidad la presencia de tres familias de serpientes, distribuidas en 12 géneros y 13 especies; La familia Colubridae fue la mejor representada con el 76.93% de las especies reportadas, seguida de la familia Boidae 15.38% y Anomalepidae 7.69%. Conclusiones. Los resultados permiten deducir que la familia Colúbridae es un componente herpetológico importante para la Ciénaga del Cristo y que las amenazas antropicas para los ofidios en esta localidad son la destrucción de hábitat y falta de conocimiento ecológico y etológico por parte de los pobladores