Central European Species Research Articles

Adhesives free bark panels: An alternative application for a waste material.

The proportion of bark in tree trunks is in the range of ~ 10-20%. This large amount of material is currently mainly considered as a by- or even waste-product by the timber processing industry. Recently, efforts towards the use of bark have been made, e.g. as a raw material to harvest different chemical compounds or as an additive for wood particle boards. Our motivation for this work was to keep the bark in an almost natural state and explore alternative processes and applications for use. The traditional method of de-barking tree trunks by peeling was used to harvest large bark pieces. Two pieces of peeled bark were placed crosswise, with the rhytidom side (outer bark) facing each other. After different conditioning steps, bark pieces were hot pressed to panels without adding adhesives. These experiments on bark samples of different Central European tree species suggest that production of panels with species dependent properties is possible and feasible. This is a step towards producing sustainable panels by using a natural waste material, while retaining its beneficial structure and its natural chemical composition.

A new species of Dasypogon (Diptera: Asilidae) from Central Europe

Dasypogon is a widely distributed Palearctic genus. This contribution reviews the species from Central Europe. Two species are identified, including one new species-Dasypogon diabolicus sp. nov. An identification key of the Central European species and descriptions of the male and female of both species are provided along with illustrations of the habitus and male and female terminalia. An updated map with species distributions is presented, and a new corrected list of synonyms of D. diadema is proposed. The following new synonymy is established: Leptarthrus brevirostris (Meigen, 1804) = Dasypogon caudatus Bigot, 1881 syn. nov.

Vertical distribution of spiders (Araneae) in Central European shallow subterranean habitats

Shallow subterranean habitats are among the last habitats in Central Europe to be arachnologically researched. Using stratified pipe traps, we studied the vertical distribution of spiders in soil and interspaces in bedrock (shallow subterranean habitats). Specifically, we sampled fauna in different substrates, including limestone, sandy marlstone, sandy marl, claystone, loess, and artificial gravel accumulation. Employing stratified pipe traps allowed us to identify the depth at which particular species occurred. Across multiple years and sampling sites, we collected 76 spider species, 21 of which showed an affinity for subterranean microhabitats. Some of these species occurred in interspaces in soil and bedrock, whereas others have been previously found in subterranean ant nests and animal burrows. We collected five species (Iberina microphthalma, Centromerus cf. piccolo, Porrhomma cambridgei, P. microcavense, and P. microps) almost exclusively at depths over half a meter, suggesting the strong affinity of these species for a subterranean lifestyle. We provide diagrams of these species’ vertical distribution and photo-document eye reduction. Our study demonstrates that poorly studied shallow subterranean habitats harbor diverse subterranean spider fauna, including several previously considered rare species in Central Europe.

Bumble bee nest thermoregulation: a field study

Careful control of brood temperature is important for successful colony development in social insects. Six bumble bee colonies of six common Central European species (B. hypnorum, B. hortorum, B. argillaceus, B. pascuorum, B. humilis, B. sylvarum) were continuously monitored for several weeks. We recorded the brood temperature as well as the air temperature in the nest and outside once per minute using a homemade electronic setup. Two colonies succeeded in producing new queens and males during the measurement period while the other four colonies were attacked by parasites at some point during the equilibrium stage. We discuss the nest thermoregulation in view of species and the number of workers in the colony. The results show that the strongest colonies were able to maintain very stable brood temperature over longer periods (standard deviations below 0.5 °C), which is in agreement with previous studies. Colonies with 25 or more workers typically kept the standard deviation below 1 °C. There are two main contributions to the paper. First, we discuss the applicability of a multi-sensor monitoring setup for an outdoor study. Second, due to fast temperature sampling, we were able to observe different thermoregulation strategies that colonies may apply, including keeping the temperature above 31 °C at night and letting it rise during the day in B. argillaceus and short heating cycles in B. sylvarum.

Results of the malacological assemblage from the moat of sultan Suleiman’s türbe at Szigetvár (SW Hungary)

A total of 25 samples were taken from the section of the moat bordering the former türbe of Sultan Suleiman in Szigetvár. Altogether 5 713 identifiable mollusc remains that cover 20 terrestrial snail species were found. Based on the dominance changes of species and palaeoecological groups and the detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), three malacological zones (Türbe Malacological Zone: TMZ) could be separated in the profile of the moat. In the first malacological zone (between 250 and 140 cm) the high number of Eurosiberian species (hygrophilous and cold resistant species, Succinea: amber snail) were found. Their presence and significant amount are in relation with the colder meso- and microclimate of the 17th century. As a result, it can be assumed that the climate of the Little Ice Age (LIA) in the Carpathian Basin changed according to the micro-topography and vegetation cover, and was not uniform. In the second malacological zone (between 140 and 50 cm) the number of cold-tolerant and hygrophilous, Eurosiberian fauna elements decreased, and gradually disappeared from the profile. In parallel, mesophilous and thermophilous, open-vegetation favouring Central and South-eastern European taxa became dominant. So, the moat filled up and a dry habitat with more open vegetation, which was no longer favourable for moistureloving (and shade-loving) species developed. The third malacological zone (from 50 cm towards the surface) indicated a major transformation in the fauna composition. The ratio of mesophilous species decreased drastically. Central and South-eastern European thermophilous species, favouring open vegetation dominated in this level of the profile. Very likely, the upper 40–50 cm part of the profile was filled up at the end of the 17th century, or at the beginning of the 18th century. The changes in the malacofauna composition indicate mesoclimatic and microclimatic alterations and strong human impact. Based on our data, we need to treat climate change and its effects on agriculture in the Carpathian Basin in a more differentiated way for the 17th century, and we cannot and should not extend the negative effects of the North Atlantic to the Carpathian Basin. Since, on the basis of former malacological studies, the mosaic-like nature of the Carpathian Basin was able to compensate for the unfavourable climatic changes of the Little Ice Age.

Fagus sylvatica and Quercus pyrenaica: Two neighbors with few things in common

BackgroundThe Iberian Peninsula comprises one of the largest boundaries between Mediterranean and Eurosiberian vegetation, known as sub-Mediterranean zone. This ecotone hosts many unique plant species and communities and constitutes the low-latitude (warm) margin of numerous central European species which co-occur with Mediterranean vegetation. Two of the main species found in this region are the Eurosiberian European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and the Mediterranean Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica Willd.). It remains unclear how the different physiological and adaptive strategies of these two species reflect their niche partitioning within a sub-Mediterranean community and to what extent phenotypic variation (intraspecific variability) is driving niche partitioning across Eurosiberian and Mediterranean species. MethodsWe quantified functional niche partitioning, based on the n-dimensional hypervolume to nine traits related to resource acquisition strategies (leaf, stem and root) plus relative growth rate as an additional whole-plant trait, and the environmental niche similarity between Pyrenean oak and European beech. Further, we analyzed the degree of phenotypic variation of both target species and its relationship with relative growth rates (RGR) and environmental conditions. Plant recruitment was measured for both target species as a proxy for the average fitness. ResultsSpecies’ functional space was highly segregated (13.09% overlap), mainly due to differences in niche breadth (59.7%) rather than niche replacement (25.6%), and beech showed higher trait variability, i.e., had larger functional space. However, both species shared the environmental space, i.e., environmental niches were overlapped. Most plant traits were not related to abiotic variables or RGR, neither did RGR to plant traits. ConclusionsBoth target species share similar environmental space, however, show notably different functional resource-use strategies, promoting a high complementarity that contributes to maintaining a high functionality in sub-Mediterranean ecosystems. Therefore, we propose that conservation efforts be oriented to preserve both species in these habitats to maximize ecosystem functionality and resilience.

Machine learning model ensemble based on multi-scale predictors confirms ecological segregation and accurately predicts the occurrence of net-spinning caddisfly larvae species groups (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) at catchment-scale

In riverine ecosystems the species distribution, determined primarily by their environment often shows zonation patterns that are also typical in the case of net-spinning caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). In the present research, we aimed to build an ensemble of base learner machine learning (ML) models based on the most important environmental parameters shaping the sequential distribution of ten Central European species of the genus Hydropsyche in the North Hungarian catchment area of Tisza, one of the major rivers of Central and Eastern Europe. The model could explain and effectively predict the occurrence of species and/or groups of them with similar niche preferences. Variable selection revealed the importance of predictors, measured at various spatial scales and with gradient-like characteristics, such as elevation, annual means of discharge, water temperature or the composition of habitat substrates as well as those related to the ecological quality of water or anthropogenic impacts, like annual means of dissolved oxygen and orthophosphate-phosphorous content. Trained on the predictions of different base learner models a final ensemble model predicted the presence and absence of three individual species and three species-groups with significantly improved overall accuracy. High group-wise balanced accuracies of the final model shows that longitudinal, catchment-scale distribution models in stream ecosystems are best built on predictors with variable spatial scales, several of which are routinely measured or recorded in environmental monitoring programmes. Accurate species distribution models (SDMs), capable of adequately predicting presence and absence of bio-indicator taxa, such as Hydropsyche species, can be applied to support environmental management or conservation measures regarding streams and rivers, that are among the most vulnerable of anthropogenic pollution, hydrologic alteration, climate change and biodiversity loss.

Suitability of Natura 2000 sites for threatened freshwater species under projected climate change

Abstract As part of the world's largest coordinated network of protected areas, Natura 2000, European Union member states designate special areas of conservation (SACs) to maintain or achieve favourable conservation status for imperilled aquatic species listed under Annex II of the Habitats Directive. Long‐term suitability of SAC habitats is potentially challenged by continuing climate change. To examine this emerging threat to aquatic species conservation, the habitat suitability of designated SACs (n = 8,221) for 24 Central European freshwater species (18 teleosts, two lampreys, two crayfish and two bivalves) was assessed under current and projected end‐of‐century climate using environmental niche models calibrated on species occurrences reported under the Habitats Directive (n = 33,995). Potential future conditions included three climate‐change scenarios representing a gradient from effective climate protection measures to a worst‐case warming scenario. Habitat suitability of SACs was consistently calculated as high under present climate but projected to decline severely for two‐thirds of the species under future climate conditions, with the magnitude of decline generally paralleling that of projected climate change. Under high emission scenarios, one third to more than half of the species were predicted to face unsuitable conditions in ≥75% of SACs. Predicted change in habitat suitability varied across biogeographical regions, with Alpine SACs often undergoing lower or no decline in predicted suitability. Given the discrepancy between the location of currently designated SACs and predicted areas of suitable habitat under projected end‐of‐century climate, climate change can be expected to undermine the long‐term effectiveness of currently protected areas. Fostering climate resilience of freshwater habitats within SACs, restoring stream connectivity among SACs, assisted migration to newly suitable SACs where natural dispersal is not possible, as well as designation of new protected areas within climate refugia represent key actions to overcome this potential future conservation gap.

In both directions: Expansions of European land snails to the north and south from glacial refugia

AbstractAimWere postglacial recolonizations facilitated by persistence close to the colonized areas rather than by dispersal ability allowing for colonization from distant sources? This question is particularly relevant for organisms with low active dispersal abilities and lacking specialized propagules. Here we identified glacial refugia of four Central European land snail species, including one for which a northern glacial refugium in the region was indicated by indirectly dated fossils.LocationCentral Europe and the Balkans.TaxonPulmonate land snails: Monachoides incarnatus (Hygromiidae) and Helix pomatia, Helix thessalica and Caucasotachea vindobonensis (Helicidae).MethodsWe used continuous phylogeographic analysis of mitochondrial sequence data to trace the origin of postglacially expanding lineages. We assessed the credibility of results from our focal species, M. incarnatus, by comparison to three other broadly sympatric land snail species. In addition, we performed direct radiocarbon dating of fossil shells to verify the presumed glacial presence of M. incarnatus on the territories of Czechia and Slovakia and to test the reliability of the available fossil data.ResultsIn three of the four species, the molecular data supported refugia located south of the Pannonian Basin, from the south‐eastern Alps to the south‐western Carpathians, but not more northerly. The direct radiocarbon dating resulted in younger dates than previously assumed. However, the molecular data also revealed unexpected, yet substantial postglacial southward expansions of M. incarnatus and C. vindobonensis into the Balkans.Main ConclusionsNeither the phylogeographic analyses nor the direct radiocarbon dating provided evidence for the glacial survival of studied land snail species in Central Europe. The refugia located adjacent to the Pannonian Basin were the most important source of postglacial expansions to Central Europe, but were also the source of the expansion southwards. Both climatic factors and biological interactions might explain why such southward expansions seem rather rare in Europe.

Coping with Central European climate – xylem adjustment in seven non-native conifer tree species

The introduction of tree species raises the question of whether they find suitable conditions in their secondary range and whether they can successfully adapt to the new conditions in the context of an unstable climate. Stem secondary growth of trees and the changes in xylem cell structure make it possible to trace the adaptation process to the new climate on an inter- and intra-seasonal scale. The objective of this study was to determine whether the seven non-native conifer species in Central Europe differ in climate sensitivity and to what extent late frost and spring-summer drought can influence xylem changes. In our study, we investigated the growth pattern and xylem cell structure modifications of seven introduced conifer species Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus strobus, Tsuga canadensis, Abies grandis, Pinus banksiana, Pinus rigida, Pinus nigra, growing under uniform conditions in Poland. To determine species-specific temporal variations in climate sensitivity, we used stationary and non-stationary correlations of ring width with daily climate variables: mean, minimum, and maximum temperatures, precipitation sum, and SPEI, supported by a pointer-year analysis. Changes in xylem structure (frost rings and intra-annual density fluctuations) were analyzed using light and fluorescence microscopy. Warming of the winter-spring period benefits both southern European and North American introduced conifers, as reflected in the extended responsiveness period. However, as the growing season warms and the risk of late frosts increases, the potential for acclimatization of non-native species decreases, especially with respect to their juvenile growth phase. Negative precipitation and evapotranspiration balance at spring-summer period can lead to reduced growth and anomalies in earlywood xylem structure, commonly referred to as intra annual density fluctuations. P. strobus, the species that loses both frost-induced cambium damage and drought-induced xylem anomalies in summer is the fastest growing non-native species, along with P. menziesii. Although the results presented here show the potential and the limitations in the acclimatization of coniferous species, the obvious limitations related to local environmental conditions and the different ages of the trees make us cautious in generalizing the conclusions. Therefore, we call for the creation of a pan-European dendro-network of sites of non-native coniferous species.

Suitability of Fagus orientalis Lipsky at marginal Fagus sylvatica L. forest sites in Southern Germany

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the most important tree species in Central Europe and is considered to be relatively resistant to climate warming. However, dry summers in the last five years led to considerable damage in beech stands in Southern Germany (SG). Assisted migration of drought resistant beech provenances including those of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) may help to stabilise Central European beech forests under climate change. The focus of this study is to compare the climatic ranges of F. sylvatica and F. orientalis using quantile distribution of climatic variables based on WorldClim data at forest sites within their natural distribution area. Temperature, precipitation, and aridity quantile ranges showed that F. orientalis is better adapted to warmer and drier climate compared to F. sylvatica. The quantile distribution method was applied to the whole range of the species to map the habitat suitability for both species at marginal sites in the target region (SG) in the current climatic scenario (1970-2000) and in a warmer scenario (+2°C) using the climate marginality index (CMI), i.e., the distance of sites to the xeric edge at low-latitude and low-altitude distribution limits for the species. To this purpose we applied the simple BIOCLIM algorithm using annual temperature and precipitation as climatic variables. According to our results, F. orientalis seems a promising species with a high potential for future afforestation activities in Southern Germany, especially at marginal sites of European beech forests. However, before introducing F. orientalis on a larger scale in the study area, further research on the species ecology and genetics are needed. For further application of the quantile range method, we produced tables of the vigintiles of the climatic range for both species, which can be used for estimating CMI based on WorldClim data in other regions.

Quantitative and qualitative assessment of pine seedlings under controlled undergrowth disturbance: Fire and soil scarification

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is the most widespread forest tree species in Central Europe. The range of Scots pine depends on the influence of forest management on stand species composition, as the potential for the natural regeneration of Scots pine monocultures is smaller than the current range of the species. To achieve regeneration, pine requires specific ecological conditions, including adequate soil preparation. The literature notes that the effective natural regeneration of pine requires fire or mixing the organic soil layer with the mineral layer. This hypothesis was critically evaluated carrying out work with the main objective of comparing the germination and growth dynamic of pine seedlings in two variants, simulating fire or soil scarification against natural conditions. The research focused on analyzing the growth of pine seedlings from germination to the final number of seedlings, which remained unchanged until the end of the experiment. The evaluation was carried out in soil monoliths from Kampinos National Park (KNP), in which seeds from a homogeneous mother stand were planted. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the seedlings were statistically evaluated, including analyses of their root system characteristics. The results confirmed the positive effect of mixing an organic and mineral layer at the germination stage and during the subsequent growth of the pine. The seedlings had a high survival rate (65.3%). However, the positive effect of fire on the regenerative capacity of pine could not be confirmed; the number of obtained seedlings (29.5%) was significantly lower than in the control variant. In addition, the “fire variant” was characterized by high seedling mortality immediately after germination. Root systems were important for the survival of the seedlings, the development of which was affected by the tested variant. The analyses performed may have implications for the development of research on the possible natural regeneration of Pines after natural disturbances. Additional topic that needs further research is the response of seedling root systems to changes in soil conditions.

European beech dieback after premature leaf senescence during the 2018 drought in northern Switzerland.

During the particularly severe hot summer drought in 2018, widespread premature leaf senescence was observed in several broadleaved tree species in Central Europe, particularly in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). For beech, it is yet unknown whether the drought evoked a decline towards tree mortality or whether trees can recover in the longer term. In this study, we monitored crown dieback, tree mortality and secondary drought damage symptoms in 963 initially live beech trees that exhibited either premature or normal leaf senescence in 2018 in three regions in northern Switzerland from 2018 to 2021. We related the observed damage to multiple climate- and stand-related parameters. Cumulative tree mortality continuously increased up to 7.2% and 1.3% in 2021 for trees with premature and normal leaf senescence in 2018, respectively. Mean crown dieback in surviving trees peaked at 29.2% in 2020 and 8.1% in 2019 for trees with premature and normal leaf senescence, respectively. Thereafter, trees showed first signs of recovery. Crown damage was more pronounced and recovery was slower for trees that showed premature leaf senescence in 2018, for trees growing on drier sites, and for larger trees. The presence of bleeding cankers peaked at 24.6% in 2019 and 10.7% in 2020 for trees with premature and normal leaf senescence, respectively. The presence of bark beetle holes peaked at 22.8% and 14.8% in 2021 for trees with premature and normal leaf senescence, respectively. Both secondary damage symptoms occurred more frequently in trees that had higher proportions of crown dieback and/or showed premature senescence in 2018. Our findings demonstrate context-specific differences in beech mortality and recovery reflecting the importance of regional and local climate and soil conditions. Adapting management to increase forest resilience is gaining importance, given the expected further beech decline on dry sites in northern Switzerland.

Unravelling morphological overlap of the rock-dwelling snails Pyramidula saxatilis (Hartmann, 1842) and P. pusilla (Vallot, 1801)

ABSTRACT Pyramidula saxatilis and P. pusilla are two Central European rock-dwelling snail species that frequently co-occur and show substantial overlap in overall shell morphology. The two species can be separated from each other by differences in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA (mtDNA and nDNA) sequences. Recent studies have not shown consistent differences between these species in shell shape but have suggested possible species-specific features in shell microstructure. We investigated this issue by studying variation in the microsculpture of the upper shell surface (based on five shells per population from a total of nine populations for each species) and by analysing the geometric morphometrics of shell shape (based on 51 individuals and 12 populations of P. saxatilis and 54 individuals and 14 populations of P. pusilla), with species identifications based on mtDNA and nDNA markers. While geometric morphometrics and canonical variance analysis did reveal some statistical differences in overall shell shape, these differences were too subtle to be consistently detected by the eye. However, the density and development of growth ridges on the upper shell surface of the two species were found to be statistically different, with P. saxatilis having denser and very regular ridges. As a final verification of the utility of shell miscrosculpture, we were able to separate these two species even in two mixed populations with highly overlapping shell phenotypes, the shell-based identifications being confirmed by cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequence data for all of the collected individuals. We therefore recommend using shell microsculpture to distinguish these two species.

Distribution of Diaphanosoma (Diplostraca: Sididae) genus in Central Europe – morphological and molecular approach

Diaphanosoma brachyurum is a dominant component of summer zooplankton in Central Europe. So far only this species has been known from Poland, and other species from this genus have been found in neighboring countries. The aim of the present study was to present the factual distribution of Diaphanosoma species in Central Europe. We investigated Diaphanosoma individuals in 109 water bodies in Central Europe (mostly from Poland) by combining morphological analyses and molecular methods (mtDNA COI gene). Our research confirmed the presence of three other species - D. orghidani, D. mongolianum, and D. cf. lacustris. We provided a detailed morphological description for every species and pointed out that each species can be easily distinguished morphologically by armament of postero-ventral valve margins. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 27 haplotypes of mtDNA COI gene lead to the same conclusion as morphology. Our genetic and morphological analysis confirms a close affinity between D. mongolianum and D. lacustris, as well as the presence of hybrids between these species. Nevertheless, the most common was D. brachyurum - it was found in 97 water bodies, and other Diaphanosoma species begin to penetrate Central Europe via rivers.

Drastic decline of extensive grassland species in Central Europe since 1950: Forester moths of the genus Jordanita (Lepidoptera, Zygaenidae) as a type example.

The decline of biodiversity in general and of insect diversity in particular has been recognized as a major environmental problem in recent years. In this study, we analyze the distribution and the decline of populations of forester moths of the genus Jordanita in Central Europe since 1950 as a type example of the loss of grassland biodiversity, and discuss potential drivers causing this decline. Based on the extensive work in museums and private collections, a literature review and own observations, and including data as far back as 1834, this genus helps to understand the deeper reasons of insect population and biodiversity decline, as the well investigated six Central European species cover a broad range of extensive grassland habitats (fens to low‐production grassland and xerothermic steppes) from low altitudes to high alpine meadows. Therefore, they monitor processes relevant also to other, less investigated grassland species. Although there are differences in research intensity over time and in different natural areas, we show that in the whole of Central Europe, the populations of all six investigated Jordanita species broke down massively in the past decades, both in terms of number of populated habitats (about 400 recorded localities after the year 2000 compared with a total number of about 1600 at all times, cumulated for all six species) and in terms of number of individuals. On the other hand, some natural areas on a regional scale have more or less maintained their Jordanita populations, due to conservative land use and due to the early implementation of conservation and protection management plans. The reasons of decline are manifold and monitored in detail by the different species with their different habitat requirements. They comprise (1) loss of habitats due to land use changes (both intensification and abandonment), (2) loss of habitats due to urbanization and construction work, (3) loss of habitat networks to cope with small‐scale extinction events, (4) more intensive growth of grass at the expense of other plants in otherwise undisturbed habitats due to fertilization through the air (increased nitrogen levels due to human activities) and (5) use of pesticides.

Seasonal variations in phenolic natural products in Fagus sylvatica (European beech) leaves

Fagus sylvatica L. (Fagaceae), European beech, is one of the most important deciduous tree species in Central Europe and the most common broadleaved tree species in Germany. We investigated the leaves of six individual Fagus sylvatica trees growing in a beech forest in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, for seasonal variations in the content of phenolic natural products over three consecutive growing seasons. The investigated compound classes comprised hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid derivatives. The content of phenolic compounds showed clear trends in all years. A sharp decline in the total content of phenolic substances was observed from mid-April to the end of May. During the summer months, the content of phenolic compounds remained stable with only slight fluctuations until fall. The values for individual trees deviated more pronouncedly from one another in spring, but converged during the course of the growing period. These trends, despite differences in absolute values, were identical in three consecutive growing seasons (2016–2018). Our results contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of plant natural products of deciduous trees in temperate climates caused by seasonal variations.

Understanding the drivers of β-diversity improves conservation prioritization for Central European dung beetles

The conversion and degradation of natural habitats has caused global declines in terrestrial insect diversity. Conserving insect diversity has therefore gained increasing attention in international conservation agendas. Dung beetles (Geotrupidae, Scarabaeidae) are diverse and abundant coprophagous insects who remove dung and enhance nutrient cycling. Today, half of Central European dung beetle species are threatened. While past research has concentrated on local (α-diversity) of dung beetles, the compositional differences between sites (β-diversity) have been largely neglected. However, maximizing the overall outcome of conservation measures requires a detailed understanding of the factors determining compositional differences between sites. We separated β-diversity of dung beetle communities, sampled across the Czech Republic, into independent components of spatial turnover and nestedness. We tested the relative importance of space, temperature, precipitation, elevation, season, grazing herbivore and antiparasitic treatment via multiple regressions for distance matrices to reveal which factors drive the β-diversity of dung beetle communities. Our results show that β-diversity of dung beetle communities is mostly driven by spatial distance, followed by similarly strong effects of season and mean temperature. Herbivore type and antiparasitic treatment had lesser influence than environment but can be influenced by conservation management. Nevertheless, antiparasitic treatment increased nestedness and resulted in an overall lower γ-diversity. Based on the principle of complementarity, we recommend – in order of decreasing importance – giving (1) conservation priority to the most distant sites, under (2) the largest differences in mean annual temperature, ensure (3) year-round grazing by (4) multiple herbivore species, and (5) avoid using antiparasitics.

Climate envelope analyses suggests significant rearrangements in the distribution ranges of Central European tree species

Key messageClimate envelope analysis of nine tree species shows that Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies H. Karst could lose 58% and 40% of their current distribution range. Quercus pubescens Willd and Quercus cerris L. may win areas equal with 47% and 43% of their current ranges. The ratio of poorly predictable areas increases by 105% in southern and south-eastern Europe.ContextClimate change requires adaptive forest management implementations. To achieve climate neutrality, we have to maintain and expand forest areas. Impact assessments have great importance.AimsThe study estimates the potential climate envelopes of nine European tree species for a past period (1961–1990) and for three future periods (2011–2040, 2041–2070, 2071–2100) under two emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) based on the current species distribution.MethodsClimate envelopes were estimated simultaneously using the random forest method. Multi-resolution segmentation was used to determine the climatic characteristics of each species and their combinations. Models were limited to the geographical area within which the climatic conditions correspond to the climatic range of the training areas.ResultsResults showed remarkable changes in the extent of geographic areas of all the investigated species’ climate envelopes. Many of the tree species of Central Europe could lose significant portions of their distribution range. Adhering to the shift in climate, these tree species shift further north as well as towards higher altitudes.ConclusionEuropean forests face remarkable changes, and the results support climate envelope modelling as an important tool that provides guidelines for climate adaptation to identify threatened areas or to select source and destination areas for reproductive material.

Weather conditions determine reproductive success of a ground-nesting bird of prey in natural dune grasslands

The Short-eared Owl (Asioflammeus) inhabits open grasslands and belongs to the ground-breeding birds that have experienced the most severe declines during recent decades. Here, we studied nest and fledgling survival of the owl species in relation to (i) habitat composition, (ii) vegetation structure, (iii) weather conditions and (iv) vole abundance. The study was conducted on the East Frisian Island of Spiekeroog (southern North Sea, Lower Saxony, Germany), which harbours one of the last remaining permanent populations of the species in Central Europe. With a mean hatching success of 5.6 young per nest (N = 34) and an average probability of nest survival of 0.9 (N = 28), values ascertained in this study exceeded those reported in previous research. We attribute this to the special environmental conditions on the island, i.e. (i) the absence of mammalian mesopredators such as the Red Fox (Vulpesvulpes), (ii) nearly no disturbance through agricultural measures and (iii) low level of human disturbance due to legal regulations of the National Park. By contrast, the survival of fledglings was lower than survival of nests and varied considerably between the investigated years. Weather conditions were the key driver of fledgling survival. Maximum wind speed and sunshine duration had a negative effect on the probability that chicks successfully fledged. Both lead to reduced hunting success, and the former is also associated with increased costs for thermoregulation. Consequently, increasing frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change could negatively impact the breeding success of vole-dependent raptors, such as the Short-eared Owl.