Anthropogenic Transformation Of Landscapes Research Articles

Helechos y licofitas del sudeste del Sistema de Tandilia (Buenos Aires, Argentina): composición, afinidad biogeográfica y patrones de diversidad ecológica

Background and aims: The Tandilia system is a fundamental refuge for a highly diverse biota throughout the wide climatic variability of the mid-late Cenozoic that affected the Pampean steppe, especially for fern and lycophyte flora. The geology and proximity to the sea in the southeast of the Tandilia system raise questions about the composition and biogeographical affinities of the fern and lycophyte flora. Furthermore, given the anthropogenic landscape transformation, it is necessary to inventory the status of the frequency and microenvironments in which these species develop. Thus, we present an inventory and frequency of ferns and lycophytes of the southeast of Tandilia associated with different microenvironments and biogeographical affinity and develop a dichotomous key for the area. M&M: We collected fern and lycophyte between 2006 and 2024 in Balcarce and General Pueyrredon hill ranges and they were compared with those fern and lycophyte flora from Ventania and Tandilia. Results: This study shows that 51% of the ferns and licophytes reported at Tandilia rangeland System develope in the southeastern of Tandilia. An increase of AustroBrazilian elements and decrease of Austral-Antarctic elements were observed, linked to latitudinal and biogeographical aspects. Adaptive traits related to a water availability gradient and different microenvironments were established. Eight species were cataloged as rare due to their low frequency. Conclusions: The results highlight the need to plan conservation areas for the fern and lycophyte flora of the Tandilia mountain system.

Assessment of sustainability of natural complexes of the Minyarsky physiographic region of the Western slope of the Southern Urals

The article considers the evaluation of sustainability of natural complexes of low-mountain sections of the western slope of the Southern Urals (Minyarsk physical and geographical area) on the basis of analysis of landscape profiles on the indicator of sustainability of natural complexes. Peculiarities of the study area are highlighted: specific climatic conditions, complex geological and geomorphological conditions with ongoing industrial development, as well as a variety of soil and hydrological conditions combined with anthropogenic transformation of the territory. In the course of landscape profiling, as well as the application of methods of assessment of anthropogenic transformation of landscapes (at the level of the terrain), a decrease of diversity in natural complexes on the studied slopes was established, Replacement of typical plant communities by secondary successional communities in lowland areas dominated by horsetail. It has also been established that the aggregate of conditions in natural complexes indicates anthropogenic transformation of slope landscapes, the aggregate leading factor of which is the geochemical position on the element of the slope, Low resistance to external influence of the soil with a rinsing type of water regime defining plant associations. The obtained materials can be used as a basis for analysis of ecological condition of landscapes of the western slope of the Southern Urals, as well as characteristics of slope types of locations. Materials allow to further assess the recreational attractiveness of landscapes and the choice of ways of natural use of the studied area.

Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Reptiles in a Heterogeneous Landscape of Jalisco State, West-Central Mexico

Reptiles are threatened by anthropogenic landscape transformation, largely due to agriculture. However, ecosystems nowadays constitute a matrix of fragmented landscapes. We analyzed a heterogeneous landscape’s reptile taxonomic and functional diversity patterns across ten land cover/use types in Jalisco state, in west-central Mexico. At the alpha diversity level, we assessed the taxonomic diversity using q-order indices, and functional diversity with multidimensional indices (FRic, FDiv, and FEve) by land cover/use. We evaluated the differences in species composition among land cover/use types (beta diversity). We utilized multidimensional distance-based analyses (dbRDA) to evaluate the association between reptile diversity, habitat structure, and environmental variables. Species richness did not correlate with functional richness across land cover types overall, except for riparian habitat surrounded by crops (RH-C), which exhibited higher species richness and functional diversity. Secondary vegetation surrounded by temperate forest (SV-TF), riparian habitat surrounded by tropical dry forest (RH-TDF), and RH-C were the land cover/use types with the most functional groups. Herbaceous cover is crucial for preserving both reptile diversity facets in this landscape. These findings suggest that the availability of resources (e.g., riparian habitat and herbaceous cover) regardless of perturbation level could be more relevant for reptile diversity than the condition (tropical vs. temperate) due to the high plasticity and adaptation of the group. It is essential to recognize the ecological value of these habitats by adopting a holistic approach that values the intrinsic and ecological importance of reptile diversity.

Endocrine mechanisms controlling the migratory disposition in birds

On Earth, billions of birds make seasonal migrations every year. Some species fly thousands of kilometers, overcoming seas, mountains and deserts on their way. For migration to be successful, birds must have perfect mechanisms for controlling its beginning, duration and termination. On the way, birds have to make many decisions: how much in energy reserves to accumulate; when to depart, how long and in which direction to fly; how to select optimal weather conditions for flight; and, finally, when and where to terminate migration. Prior to migration, birds develop a migratory disposition – a suite of changes in physiology and behavior (e.g. migratory fattening and expression of nocturnal migratory activity) which are typical for this important life-history stage. Such physiological changes and migratory behavior are the subject of hormonal regulation. The central structure that controls activity of various hormonal systems and development of migratory disposition is the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The hypothalamus controls the secretion of regulatory hormones by the pituitary gland and these hormones, in turn, regulate the activity of downstream endocrine glands. It has been established that spring migratory disposition is triggered by an increasing photoperiod, which stimulates the production of testosterone, prolactin and modulates the signaling of thyroid hormones. In contrast, it is practically unknown how autumn migratory disposition develops when the photoperiod decreases and does not stimulate release of the abovementioned hormones. While in migratory disposition, the endocrine control of behavior on the smaller temporal scales (for example, the level of fuel accumulation, or decision to depart from a migratory stopover) is associated with the combined action of melatonin, corticosterone, insulin, glucagon, adipokines, and other hormones and neurotransmitters. In this review, I will describe the role of these hormones in the control of migratory traits, highlight the existing inconsistencies, and present possible ways to progress in this area of research. A knowledge of endocrine regulation of migratory behavior will help to predict the limits of species adaptability, explain current population trends, and inform conservation actions, which is especially important in the light of modern climate change and anthropogenic transformation of landscapes.

Integrated Assessment of the Geomorphological Hazard of the Mining Territories within the Baikal Region

Abstract—A method for calculating the complex index of the eco-geomorphological hazard of mining territories according to their influence on the ecological situation in the Baikal region is proposed. The described approach makes it possible to characterize in detail the consequences of mining for the ecological situation in the region. The proposed assessment takes into account not only the area of disturbed lands, but also other factors affecting the possibility of transport of pollutants and the degree of their hazard (in particular, the type of raw material extracted, the geomorphological position of the mining territories, the degree of the anthropogenic transformation of landscapes, the composition of anthropogenic deposits and the degree of reclamation of disturbed lands). To test the methodology, the complex index of the eco-geomorphological hazard of lands disturbed by mining was calculated for municipalities of the Baikal region for 2020. Municipalities were ranked according to the value of the complex index and a corresponding map was compiled.

Substantial light woodland and open vegetation characterized the temperate forest biome before Homo sapiens.

The extent of vegetation openness in past European landscapes is widely debated. In particular, the temperate forest biome has traditionally been defined as dense, closed-canopy forest; however, some argue that large herbivores maintained greater openness or even wood-pasture conditions. Here, we address this question for the Last Interglacial period (129,000-116,000 years ago), before Homo sapiens-linked megafauna declines and anthropogenic landscape transformation. We applied the vegetation reconstruction method REVEALS to 96 Last Interglacial pollen records. We found that light woodland and open vegetation represented, on average, more than 50% cover during this period. The degree of openness was highly variable and only partially linked to climatic factors, indicating the importance of natural disturbance regimes. Our results show that the temperate forest biome was historically heterogeneous rather than uniformly dense, which is consistent with the dependency of much of contemporary European biodiversity on open vegetation and light woodland.

ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND THE EVOLUTION OF GNILOE LAKE (SOUTH-EASTERN PRIMORYE) DURING THE LAST 3300 YEARS<a href="#FN1"><sup>1</sup></a>

A continuous record of paleogeographic events in south-eastern Primorye has been reconstructed based on the deposits of Gniloe Lake. The lake is located on the northern coast of Nakhodka Bay. Starting from 3240 cal. BP. 5 warming periods were identified: 3240–2500, 1865–1653, 1330–838, 733–624 cal. BP and from the second half of the 17th century to the present; 4 periods of cooling: 2500–1865, 1653–1330, 838–733 and 624–322 cal. BP; 6 wet periods: 3240–2500, 1865–1653, 1479–1330, 1056–838, 733–624 cal. BP and last 280 years; 5 dry periods: 2500–1865, 1653–1479, 1330–1056, 838–733 and 624–210 cal. BP. According to palynological analysis, the expansion of Pinus koraiensis and dark coniferous species occurred during the second phase of the Mid-Subatlantic cooling of 1479–1330 cal. BP. In the last 150 years, the most significant changes have been associated with the anthropogenic transformation of landscapes as a result of urbanization. The area of forests and their species composition have decreased. At present, shrubs have occupied areas of the deforested oak forests. Based on the results of diatom analysis, 7 stages of the development of Gniloe Lake were identified. There was a shallow semi-open lagoon at a sea level 1–1.5 m higher than the present day about 3240 cal. BP. Cooling and decrease in humidity about 2500 cal. BP led to the formation of a slightly saline semi-enclosed lagoon. Shallowing of the lagoon about 2000 cal. BP was due to a decrease in sea level. Finally, the lagoon separated from the sea about 1450 cal. BP. The transformation of the lagoon into a fresh lake occurred around 1080 cal. BP. During the period of cooling 840–733 cal. BP the shallowing of the lake began, which continued in the Little Ice Age. The increase of the lake level associated with moderate warming and an increase in humidity began at 210 cal. BP. Traces of three catastrophic events were recorded in the sediments of Gniloe Lake – a high-intensity storm about 3000 cal. BP and 2 tsunamis around 2000 and 1560 cal. BP.

Functional diversity of snakes is explained by the landscape composition at multiple areas of influence.

Roadkill and landscape composition affect snakes at different spatial scales, depending on the functional trait value of the species, which is reflected in the functional diversity indices at the assemblage level. This study evaluated the effect of roads and landscape composition on snakes' functional diversity at different areas of influence (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 m buffer areas). We compared roadkill snake species with those assemblages inhabiting the adjacent vegetation in the Orinoco region, Colombia. We surveyed snakes using transects on the road and adjacent areas on 13 landscapes along the road. We evaluated the effect of 16 landscape metrics at six land cover classes on the snake's functional diversity at four different areas of influence (from 250 to 2000 m around the sampled sites). The functional redundancy index was higher for roadkill species, suggesting that roads eliminate species that play similar roles in the assemblage and ecosystem processes. Likewise, the low values of functional redundancy in the adjacent vegetation call attention to the fact that each species surviving in this transformed landscape has a crucial active role in ecosystem processes in snake assemblages. For roadkill snakes, forest metrics explained changes in functional richness and functional evenness at a 250 m area of influence. In comparison, transient crop and pasture metrics explained changes in functional evenness and divergence at 2000 m. For snakes inhabiting the adjacent vegetation, the cohesion of pasture explained changes in functional richness at 250 m, and forest metrics explained changes in functional redundancy and evenness at 2000 m. Anthropogenic landscape transformation may have a greater effect on snake functional diversity at local scales than roadkill. In savanna ecosystems, the presence of native forest at 2000 m radius around roads promotes the conservation of snake assemblages. However, within a 250 m radius, the risk of snake roadkill increases when the road borders native forest. Therefore, it is necessary to implement wildlife crossing in these sections of the road.

Tracing the legacies of anthropogenic landscape transformation in the Iberian atlantic margin: Historical and geoarchaeological investigations in the Bidasoa estuary (Basque Country)

Human activity is a primary factor of environmental transformation in coastal and estuarine areas. The appropriation and exploitation of a given space and its resources is conditioned by socially driven practices, which are of a different nature depending on the historical contingencies and result in a variety of material imprints. This paper addresses the history of human-environment interactions in an estuary of the Iberian Atlantic Margin, and their long-term effects on the local morphosedimentary and hydrological dynamics. The study, based on an interdisciplinary combination of historical documentary sources, field survey, and core sampling, highlights the dynamic evolution of these interactions, with five main groups of human practices related to the estuarine environment: fisheries; port and road infrastructures; hydraulic infrastructures; land reclamation; and urban and industrial expansion. Hence, three main historical phases are outlined, with gradually increasing human impacts. The 16th century is characterised by a relatively low impact, based on the exploitation of fisheries and hydraulic structures. The 17th-18th centuries reflect an extensive land reclamation. Finally, the 19th-20th centuries are marked by the impact of urban and industrial expansion. These results provide a valuable pathway for the reflection on the manifold and dynamic nature of human-environment interactions, with multiple geological, ecological, and anthropogenic processes converging in the present-day layout of the estuarine environments.

Anthropogenic transformation of landscapes in arid climate conditions and their risks


 
 
 The article represents the outcomes of our study materials on the branch of technogenic transformation of landscapes based on scientific methods. We have analyzed landscape ele- ments, such as relief, climate, vegetation, dynamics of forests, precipitations and etc. We classify the anthropogenic activities in the study area. Consequently, we have determined risks and problems in the landscapes of the coastal zone of the Caspian Sea due to human impact. Transformation characterizes of Salyan and Lankaran, South-eastern Shirvan plains due to anthropogenic effects have been researched in the article. Dynamic analyzes of old and modern topo maps, satellite images, surveys of older people let to determine transformation degrees and development levels of natural and natural-an- thropogenic landscapes. Ecosystems of the protected areas are compared with landscapes undergoing anthropogenic impacts based on the analogy method. NDVI, dynamic of technogenic landscapes, forest ecosystem maps allow the creation of an anthropogenic transformation map of the study area. We divided the investigation into 5 parts due to the transformation degrees: unchanged landscapes that retain their natural structure, poorly transformed landscapes, medium transformed landscapes, strongly transformed landscapes, natural-technogenic landscapes. Risks and hazards are then assessed. We have prepared a system of measures to overcome environmental risks and hazards.
 
 

GEOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS OF TRANSFORMATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS FOR NEW ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS OF VOLYN REGION

Aim. The purpose of this study is a geographical analysis of the anthropogenic transformation of the landscape mosaic of the Volyn region as a result of uncontrolled land reclamation works. The article was a continuation of a series of publications devoted to the study of the processes and consequences of the transformation of the components of the natural environment in the context of the course of administrative and territorial reform in Ukraine. Method. In the scientific work, to take into account the influence of qualitative indicators on the process of transformation of landscapes of the Volyn region under the influence of drainage reclamation, the methodology of P. G. Shishchenko was used. A number of additions were made to the methodology in order to determine the coefficient of anthropogenic transformation of landscapes for calculating the coefficient of transformation of terrain and soils. Forests, meadows and pastures, and arable land in drained areas with an index of the depth of anthropogenic transformation were allocated to separate groups. For eroded lands, the index of the depth of anthropogenic transformation was taken as the same as for lands of industrial use. The results. Ukraine is characterized by a very high level of agricultural development of the territory, however, at the administrative-territorial level - by oblasts, districts, and even territorial communities, there are some differences in this regard. Determining the depth and condition of lands transformed in the process of drainage reclamation provides an opportunity to understand the consequences of the influence of a group of factors on the land fund and encourages the scientific study of various components of the environment. The types of land in the Volyn region, where agricultural land occupies 53% of the total territory and is unevenly distributed, have a colorful palette - it is arable land, and perennial plantations, and hayfields and pastures, etc. One of the consequences of drainage reclamation is the intensive mineralization of the organic part of the soil, so the results obtained using the adjusted method allow for a more differentiated assessment of the state of transformation of the landscapes of the Volyn region. The results are adequate, because there is a connection with the industrial development of territories and the level of use of land resources. The scientific novelty consists in the structural and geographical analysis of the impact of drainage reclamation on the territory of the Volyn region on various types of environment, in particular, relief and soils. The study was conducted for the newly formed administrative districts of the Volyn region in the course of the administrative and territorial reform in Ukraine. Practical significance. The results of the research can be used in the educational process of the Volyn National University named after Lesya Ukrainka, the National University of Water Management and Nature Management, the Rivne Professional Technical College of the National University of Water Management and Nature Management and other educational institutions in the teaching of geographic, economic and tourism disciplines. The results will find their application in the legislative and executive work of local self-government bodies when developing programs for the socio-economic development of territorial communities. Research materials will contribute to the rational use of natural and anthropogenically transformed resources of the Volyn region, which will allow to qualitatively influence the course of administrative and territorial reform. A number of provisions can be used in similar studies of other regions of Ukraine.

Leptospirosis in Vietnam

Leptospirosis poses a serious public health problem in many countries because about 1 million people suffer annually from this severe, often fatal, infection. At present, its importance has been increasing due to development of integration processes, globalization and intensification of economic activities, inevitable anthropogenic transformation of landscapes as well as rise in number of people with occupational risk of pathogen exposure. The burden of human leptospirosis is expected to rise with demographic shifts and climate change that result in heavy rainfall and flooding. Regarding leptospirosis, Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, is among the most vulnerable global regions. The objective of the review was to analyze available published data on the spread of leptospirosis in Vietnam. More than 100 research articles were analyzed allowing to state that in Vietnam synanthropic rodents (rats), agricultural (buffaloes, cattle, pigs) and domestic animals (cats, dogs) are the main sources of leptospirosis infection in humans. It is essential that rats (cats and dogs also) in Vietnam are used for food. Among all farm animals, pigs are of maximal importance as a source of infection in humans. In Vietnam, Leptospira prevalence in pigs varies widely, up to 73%. It depends significantly on the location, farm size, age and gender of animals, etc. A large variety of Leptospira serovars have been identified in pigs in Vietnam: Tarassovi, Bratislava, Australis, Javanica, Autumnalis, Grippotyphosa, and some others. Official Vietnam reporting of leptospirosis cases based on clinical data does not reflect the real-life incidence rate in humans. However, the available seroprevalence studies reveal that, on average, about 10% of the Vietnamese population are infected with Leptospira. Work in agriculture is the dominant risk factor for acquiring this infection. The highest Leptospira seroprevalence rates were detected in farmers, 63.2%. Serovar diversity is typical for pathogenic Leptospira circulating in Vietnam. In humans, the most frequent are antibodies to Hebdomadis, Wolffi and Icterohaemorrhagiae, but the frequency varied markedly across the country depending on the site, possibly with relation to the environment, as well as with economic activity of the local population. In Vietnam, geographic, climatic and social differences between northern, central and southern regions contribute to the specificity of local leptospirosis epidemiology. This emphasizes the advisability of developing special measures for leptospirosis prevention taking into account regional peculiarities.

Subrecent Pollen Spectra of the Middle Volga Region and their Applicability for Climate and Land-Use History Reconstruction

The paper presents the results of spore-pollen analysis of 47 surface soil samples from the Middle Volga region, taken both in territories with vegetation close to zonal one and in heavily disturbed vegetation areas and agricultural lands. The analysis showed an ambiguous relationship between subrecent spectra and modern vegetation, both local and regional. This is explained by strong anthropogenic transformation of landscapes and the spread of conifer plantations, which form the basis of the modern “pollen rain”. Comparison of the soil subrecent spectra with the spectra of the buried soils uncovered during archaeological excavations in Bolgar showed that the soils of different archaeological eras differ in the composition of the pollen preserved in them, which reflects significant changes in the landscape over time. These changes are associated mainly with the change of the dominant types of land use. It is shown that the pollen spectra of the trampled open areas (roadsides, wastelands and cattle tracks) have characteristic distinctive features, which can be used in the interpretation of the results of archaeological-soil studies.

Identification of materials used for earthwork construction: the semi-circular fortification rampart of Hedeby, Northern Germany

The protected status of archaeological sites requires using minimally invasive methods of material investigation such as coring. In contrast to excavations, the coring method does not present a complete view of the inner structure, and the limited amount of material in cores represents a small portion of the study object. This complicates the interpretation of material genesis. This problem is particularly relevant for complex structures such as earthworks. Nonetheless, the proper interpretation of the construction materials in earthworks is crucial for geoarchaeological investigations of the anthropogenic transformation of landscapes. We proposed a method for classifying and identifying the earthwork materials, sampled by the coring technique. It was developed using an example of the semi-circular fortification rampart around the former Viking settlement Hedeby, which was an important early medieval international trading center and today is a UNESCO world heritage site. Materials from the coring transect across the semi-circular rampart were described. The physicochemical properties of 139 samples from three cores were determined: grain size distribution, weight percentages of gravel, artefacts, bones, and charcoal, loss on ignition, magnetic susceptibility, and element concentrations. The statistical methods (normalization, correlation, standardization, principal component analysis, cluster analysis) were applied to distinguish and group materials according to their physicochemical properties. The resulting clusters were used as a basis for material classification. Some clusters were mildly transformed according to the morphological properties of the material. Consequently, 20 groups were distinguished based on the physicochemical and morphological properties of the material. The rampart was constructed from soil horizons, cultural deposits, and Pleistocene material, which were used in different proportions along the investigated transect. In addition, the constituents of mixed layers were identified. Overall, the presented method for the statistical classification of the material considerably facilitates and objectifies the identification of material genesis. This is particularly valuable in tackling the challenges of coring-based investigations of earthworks.

Do national parks protect natural landscapes?

Establishing national parks should result from a desire to protect natural or near natural landscapes with the lowest degree of anthropogenic transformation. This paper tries to ascertain whether national parks in Poland protect the most natural landscapes and how far they have been affected by humans. The level of anthropogenic transformation of natural landscapes was assessed based on an analysis of the percentage of natural, semi-natural and anthropogenic land cover. The vast majority of national parks in Poland (21 out of 23) protect landscapes which have been minimally transformed by humans (RATTNP ranges from 1.01 to 1.16). Only two kinds of natural landscapes, those that are the most transformed by humans, are not represented within the set of the Polish national parks. Hence, the distribution of national parks reflects the degree of anthropogenic landscape transformation. The proposed method could be applied to any type of spatial unit and thus be the basis for designating areas that should be protected.

Stages of anthropogenic transformation of surface morphology in the Arctic zone of Russia

Information about the occurrence and age of anthropogenic objects and accompanying surface morphology transformations in the Arctic zone of Russia was collected and systematized. 6 chronological stages of antropogenic surface transformations were distinguished: before 1918 a.d., 1919-1932 a.d., 1933-1963 a.d., 1964-1987 a.d., 1988-1998 a.d. and after 1999 a.d. The leading types of land-use on the territory of the Arctic zone of Russia for different time slices are identified, the areas affected by development are outlined, and the inherent types of anthropogenic transformation of landscapes are indicated. Rythms of economic development and antropogenic surface morphology transformation due to social-economic and political causes were established. Maximum of antropogenic transformation occurred during Soviet period in 1933-1963 and 1964-1987 a.d.. Periods between 1919-1932 a.d and 1988-1998 a.d. coinciding with collapse of Russian Empire and USSR respectively marked with significant decrease of antropogenic activity in Russian Arctic. Four types of territories differing with duration of antropogenic development, intensity and set of antropogenic objects and accompanying surface morphology transformations were revealed: 1) territories of old (before 1918 a.d) development with significant grade of antropogenic transformation (4,3% of Russian Arctic); 2) territories of Soviet (1918-1987) development with significant grade of antropogenic transformation (25,8% of Russian Arctic); 3) territories of Postsoviet (1988+) development with significant grade of antropogenic transformation (2,9% of Russian Arctic); 2) territories without significant amount of antropogenic objects and with well-preserved natural surface morphology (67% of Russian Arctic).

Environmental conditions of the landscape functioning in the Pribaikalskii National Park: historical perspective

The history of the economic development of the valley complexes of the Goloustnaya River basin is considered. Forestry and agricultural activities are designated as the main activities developed by the local population. Fluctuation changes in the intensity of their implementation are highlighted, specifically. the slowly developing process of economic development of valley landscapes due to low population in the second half o f the 17th century and until the first half of the 20th century; expansion of agricultural land and growth of industrial development of forest resources, starting from the middle of the 20th century until the end of the 1980s; and a decrease in economic activities since the end of the last century, which is connected both with the state reorganization of the country’s economy and with creation of specially protected natural territories within the studied area. The valley complexes of the Goloustnaya River are at risk from the recreational development of coastal areas of Lake Baikal that have been actively developing in recent years. Taiga landscapes of the upper and middle reaches of the river are at risk of spreading forest fires. Negative consequences from economic activities have been contributing to a significant anthropogenic transformation of landscapes of the Pribaikalskii National Park for a long period.

Species-landscape interactions drive divergent population trajectories in four forest-dependent Afromontane forest songbird species within a biodiversity hotspot in South Africa.

Species confined to naturally fragmented habitats may exhibit intrinsic population complexity which may challenge interpretations of species response to anthropogenic landscape transformation. In South Africa, where native forests are naturally fragmented, forest‐dependent birds have undergone range declines since 1992, most notably among insectivores. These insectivores appear sensitive to the quality of natural matrix habitats, and it is unknown whether transformation of the landscape matrix has disrupted gene flow in these species. We undertook a landscape genetics study of four forest‐dependent insectivorous songbirds across southeast South Africa. Microsatellite data were used to conduct a priori optimization of landscape resistance surfaces (land cover, rivers and dams, and elevation) using cost‐distances along least‐cost pathway (LCP), and resistance distances (IBR). We detected pronounced declines in effective population sizes over the past two centuries for the endemic forest specialist Cossypha dichroa and Batis capensis, alongside recent gene flow disruption in B. capensis, C. dichroa and Pogonocichla stellata. Landscape resistance modelling showed both native forest and dense thicket configuration facilitates gene flow in P. stellata, B. capensis and C. dichroa. Facultative dispersal of P. stellata through dense thicket likely aided resilience against historic landscape transformation, whereas combined forest‐thicket degradation adversely affected the forest generalist B. capensis. By contrast, Phylloscopus ruficapilla appears least reliant upon landscape features to maintain gene flow and was least impacted by anthropogenic landscape transformation. Collectively, gene flow in all four species is improved at lower elevations, along river valleys, and riparian corridors— where native forest and dense thicket better persist. Consistent outperformance of LCP over IBR land‐cover models for P. stellata, B. capensis and C. dichroa demonstrates the benefits of wildlife corridors for South African forest‐dependent bird conservation, to ameliorate the extinction debts from past and present anthropogenic forest exploitation.

Classification of dry land and ocean landscapes

The paper presents the elaborated unified classification of the landscapes of different spheres: dry land (terrigene), oceanic, river, lake (aquatic); subterranean and mud flow, and also natural and anthropogenic. The landscape is viewed as a three-dimensional geosystem at all the taxonomic levels. At the level of the division the three-dimensionality is manifested by the formation of the landscape levels of the continents and oceans. The paper distinguishes the landscape levels of the dry land (hydromorphic, foothills, middle mountain, and highland) as well as of the ocean landscape (shelf, mainland slope, ocean bed, oceanic trenches). The following taxa are the basis for the classification: the landscape sphere – the environment contacts (atmo-, litho-, hydrosphere); order – the prevailing system generating component: liquid or solid; divisions – landscape levels of the continents and oceans; section – the differences at the level of landscape (geographic) zones; family – the degree of the illumination; class – morphostructural megarelief; subclass – morphostructural macrorelief; type – zonal differences; genus – morphology and the relief genesis (genetical landscape type); subgenus – lithology of the surface deposits; kind – the similarity of the prevailing countries. Each taxon considers the degree of the anthropogenic landscape transformation.

Blow flies, synanthropy and sex ratio: Are the deviations in the sex proportion linked to human transformation of landscapes?

In most species, several factors like time of emergence, age at maturation, reproductive life span, survival of males and females, mating behavior, differential resource use, and migration patterns may affect the adult sex ratio. Anthropogenic landscape transformation is known to change diversity, favoring colonization by exotic species but other populational parameters, such as the sex ratio, have not been assessed. The aim of the present study was to describe the sex-ratio patterns of adult necrophagous blow flies captured using carrion-baited traps along habitats representing different levels of human impact. We describe the sex bias for four species: the exotic Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya putoria, and the native Cochliomyia macellaria. Three types of habitats were selected: highly anthropized (urbanized), moderately anthropized (rural), and native forest (natural) within a humid subtropical ecoregion in Northeastern Argentina. We found an overall trend to female bias among the four species when considering the total number of each sex. However, our study showed a changing sex-ratio pattern along the gradient of human influence. Our results indicate that a higher likelihood of trapping more males in unsuitable habitats seems to be widespread among blow flies. Urban exploiters, such as Ch. megacephala and Ch. putoria, locally shifted their trends, becoming male-biased in natural habitats. The opposite trend was detected in the urban avoider Co. macellaria (which shifted to male-biased in urban habitats). The exception was Ch. albiceps, whose sex proportion did not shift to a male-biased sex ratio. The results of this study highlight the changing sex-ratio patterns displayed by Calliphoridae in response to different conditions along a human-influence gradient. The biological traits and underlying mechanisms promoting the intraspecific changes of the sex ratio are discussed.