Habitat Evaluation Research Articles

Investigation of juvenile angelshark (Squatina squatina) habitat in the Canary Islands with recommended measures for protection and management

Abstract The identification and effective protection of nursery areas is critical for elasmobranch conservation. Research on the angelshark (Squatina squatina) is in its infancy, and is particularly challenging during the early life stages, in part because of their rarity, but also because of their camouflage and cryptic behaviour. Focused research on the identification and protection of juvenile angelshark habitat in their stronghold of the Canary Islands has been identified as a priority action to help safeguard the future of this species. This study combines citizen‐science data, satellite imagery, and focused snorkel surveys to complete a first evaluation of juvenile angelshark habitat in the region, upon which further research can be built. One confirmed nursery area, 13 potential nursery areas, and 21 beaches needing further study were identified in this study, based on the existing nursery area criteria. The results were used to develop eight key recommendations on how local and national governments can better protect juvenile angelsharks in the Canary Islands. Further research is urgently needed to confirm whether other beaches in the archipelago meet the nursery area criteria.

Caspian Sea environmental variables: an extension of the Bio-ORACLE ocean data set.

The Caspian Sea hosts unique native and endemic faunas. However, it is also a source and sink of invasive alien species (IAS), with some listed among the worst 100 invasive species by the IUCN. A common approach to study biodiversity and biogeographic patterns or to predict the invasive potential of species is the application of ecological niche models and species distribution models. These are statistical methods using spatially gridded environmental data and species occurrence information. As the Caspian Sea is not connected to the world's oceans, spatially gridded environmental data for the Caspian Sea are not available in the widely used Bio-ORACLE marine data set. To address this issue, we compiled 28 ecologically relevant spatially gridded environmental variables using Kriging interpolation of point data to model minimum, maximum, mean, and range of temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen for the surface and benthic zones of the Caspian Sea. Data were retrieved from the World Ocean Database. Additionally, we utilized raster statistics to create surface layers of maximum, mean, minimum, and range of chlorophyll a from remotely sensed data. We developed these environmental variables as they were previously confirmed to be relevant for the biogeographical classification of the Caspian Sea. To allow projections of models across the world's oceans into the Caspian Sea (and vice versa), we matched our raster dimensions with those of the Bio-ORACLE data set. Our extension of the Bio-ORACLE data set with data from the Caspian Sea provides an important basis for the monitoring and evaluation of suitable habitats for native species as well as predicting the invasive potential of Caspian Sea species into world oceans. Please cite this Data Paper and the associated Figshare data set if the data are used in publications.

Fish habitat evaluation based on width-to-depth ratio and eco-environmental diversity index in small rivers

We estimated the performance of river fish habitat evaluation using width-to-depth ratio (WDR) in comparison with eco-environmental diversity (EED) to propose an inexpensive and easy-to-use habitat evaluation procedure, which is applicable to small river construction works. WDR calculation costs less than that of EED. For verification, 25 stations in eight rivers were selected and fish were captured using electrofishing. pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature, fraction of forest, farmland, and residential area in each basin were measured to examine possible influence of water quality. Results show that there is no major water quality issue in the target rivers. Although fish habitat is classified as good when WDR is higher than 6, it cannot be evaluated by WDR when it is lower than 6. EED has positive relationship with fish habitat for any WDR value. Thus, if a river geometry design in a river work results in WDR higher than 6, no measures need to be taken regarding fish habitat condition; however, if it is less than 6, it is necessary to examine whether the construction work lowers the EED or not.

HEM Impoundment—A Numerical Prediction Tool for the Water Framework Directive Assessment of Impounded River Reaches

A novel prediction tool is presented as a component of the Habitat Evaluation Model (HEM), which allows the assessment of the ecological status of impounded water bodies based on environmental factors that were shown in literature to correlate with the abundance of benthic macro-invertebrates. Main model parameters are the observed grain sizes and depth-averaged flow velocities obtained from a hydrodynamic simulation. The tool was tested in three Austrian river reaches. It was found that the river lengths predicted to be ecologically affected by the impoundments were substantially shorter for mean flow conditions than previously assessed when employing a physical mapping approach. The differences disappeared for low discharge conditions. The numerical prediction tool allows us to perform a status assessment for discharge conditions, which are potentially more representative of the annual discharge spectrum than those within the in-situ observable range. This property, thus, bears the potential to facilitate the recommendation of sediment management strategies in impounded river reaches in the future.

“Adapted” Habitat Evaluation Procedure and Choice Experiment: Substitutes or Complements?

In this paper, we assess the environmental benefits derived from a wetland restoration plan. We assume that some of these benefits are “familiar” and thus fully perceived by the population; whereas those with more complex origins are “unfamiliar” and thus poorly perceived and valued. Well perceived benefits can often be assessed from carefully constructed conventional economic approaches based on preferences. However, the biases of these approaches become too significant for poorly perceived benefits which require alternative valuation methods. The “adapted” Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEPa) “benefit” seeks to value environmental benefits through a non-monetary metric, the habitat unit. It evaluates marginal environmental changes using ecological indicators instead of preferences. Our aim is to test the possibility of combining a conventional monetary valuation method (choice experiment) with a non-monetary alternative valuation method (HEPa) to see whether such a combination could improve the assessment of benefits stemming from positive impacts of environmental policies. By so doing, we seek to contribute to a better integration of ecosystem services into the processes of planning, management, and decision-making regarding natural areas.

Different Criteria for Evaluation of the Conservation Status of Ceratozamia Miqueliana (Zamiaceae)

Ceratozamia miqueliana is a cycad (Zamiaceae) species endemic to southeastern Mexico. It is currently listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as “Critically Endangered” and under Mexican law as “Endangered”. The objective was to complement the evaluation of C. miqueliana based on criterion B of the IUCN, and the method proposed by the Mexican Norm. This information is in turn reinforced with the potential distribution model. We collected data from different herbaria and field visits and obtained the EOO and AOO using GIS and the GeoCat portal, the distribution of the species was modeled using the Maxent program. According to the IUCN guidelines (Geographic distribution, Criterion B) and Mexican law, the species could be considered Endangered and Subject to Special Protection, respectively. The comparison of AOO and EOO obtained by GIS and the GeoCat portal show that both methodologies used coincide in assigning the same categories based on geographic criteria. The integration of the potential distribution helps to identify the environmental factors that influence its habitat, in addition to identifying the ideal sites for its conservation. Is necessary to carry out evaluations of microendemic species such as Ceratozamia miqueliana from different approaches (populations, geographic aspects and habitat evaluation) to obtain more precise results. C. miqueliana must be protected by national and international laws.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT UNDER ENCROACHMENT AREA OF SARISKA TIGER RESERVE: A FUTURE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Wild tigers experience unparalleled coercion due to habitat destruction, prey reduction and commercial poaching. The Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) one of the world's most endangered carnivore species, and is now thought to be in the verge of extinction in the wild. Sariska National Park in India is considered to be a highly suitable habitat for the tigers. Relocation and change in habitat of these living giant creatures is a thought of study for their survival and existence in the coming future considering change in climatic conditions. But the main problem for the tigers in the new habitat will be poaching and the human-wildlife conflicts. Integrated geospatial techniques provide accurate, cost-effective as well as time-effective method for habitat evaluation. The aim of the study is current status followed by opportunities and challenges. The results point out a large and comprehensive research on each of these issues, in particular on the community involvement in wildlife management and government policies.

Evaluation of Habitat Range and Physical Habitat of Black Shinner (Pseudopungtungia nigra) from Yongdam to Daecheong Dam in Geum River

Evaluation of Habitat Range and Physical Habitat of Black Shinner (Pseudopungtungia nigra) from Yongdam to Daecheong Dam in Geum River

Multi-source datasets for habitat evaluation of rice sheath blight in typical areas of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River

Multi-source datasets for habitat evaluation of rice sheath blight in typical areas of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River

An assessment of the potential impacts of climate change on freshwater habitats and biota of Indiana, USA

Recent climate-driven, physico-chemical changes documented in aquatic systems throughout the world are expected to intensify in the future. Specifically, changes in key environmental attributes of aquatic systems, such as water quantity, clarity, temperatures, ice cover, seasonal flow regimes, external loading, and oxygen content, will undoubtedly have a broad set of direct and indirect ecological consequences. Some anticipated impacts may be similar across different aquatic ecosystems, while others may be system-specific. Here, we review the potential effects of climatic changes for different freshwater habitats within the state of Indiana, USA, a Midwestern state with diverse land and water features. Given this heterogeneity and that the state is among the southernmost states of the US Midwest, evaluation of freshwater habitats of Indiana provides a useful perspective on potential impacts of climate change. In our study, we first review expected or anticipated changes to physico-chemical and habitat conditions in wetlands, lotic systems, small glacial lakes and Lake Michigan. We then highlight anticipated responses of select aquatic biota to these changes. We describe how climatic changes may interact with other anthropogenic stressors affecting freshwater habitats and consider the potential for evolutionary adaptation of freshwater aquatic organisms to mediate any responses. Given anticipated changes, we suggest aquatic ecosystem managers take a precautionary approach broadly applicable in temperate regions to (a) conserve a diversity of aquatic habitats, (b) enhance species diversity and both inter- and intra-population genetic variation, and (c) limit stressors which may exacerbate the risk of decline for aquatic biota.

Wasur National Park Hall's Role In Raising The Local People's Income Wasur Village


 The welfare level of the population in Wasur Park village is still very low and most still hang its life by taking the result of the forest. This study aims to analyze the role of Wasur Park National Park in increasing local people's income. The method by which researchers use a qualitative approach, while the data collection techniques consist of library studies and field studies through observation, interviews. The process of data analysis includes data reduction, data presentation, and the conclusion of the empowerment of the National Park Wasur Park Hall is counseling to the local community in the framework of the Empowerment Program of local Kampung Wasur Park. In the empowerment, Wasur Park National Park is coordinating with local governments to see the development of local community data. The real evidence of Wasur Park National Park through empowerment is the establishment of a rural forestry Counseling Center (SPKP). The establishment of a rural forestry Counseling Center (SPKP) in Wasur Village, implemented after the implementation of education and training of village studies in participatory. Furthermore, Wasur Park National Park Hall conducts construction. The construction is a construction of small industry of eucalyptus oil refining, the manufacture of salted fish, medicinal plants, and the cultivation of commercial crops. Then the community in providing coaching through socialization by providing science about preserving the forest and protection and safeguarding the potential of Wasur National Park area. Then Wasur Park National Park Hall conducts supervision. Supervision conducted by the National Park Hall Wasur Park is monitoring against the hunting of many protected animals located in Wasur Park National Park area. In the Garden Hall program, Wasur Park is monitoring and evaluation of habitat and population. The Wasur Park National Park Hall conducts a regular patrol, preventing wild hunters from Wasur Park National Park. Then patrol is also done to prevent forest fires.

Modeling habitat suitability for Yunnan Snub-nosed monkeys in Laojun Mountain National Park.

We provide new information on Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) behavioral ecology, contributing to future conservation efforts within the Laojun Mountain National Park. Habitat evaluation procedures are used to quantify the value of land as a habitat for a species. We analyzed environmental variables hypothesized to influence habitat suitability for Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, and mapped the distribution of suitable habitats across the study area and adjacent areas. Spatial analysis with GPS data was conducted to investigate home-range change of these monkeys. Predictor variables were generated using ArcMap and R programming language. We prepared 34 environmental variables at 30-m spatial resolution. Maxent was used to analyze environmental variables that contributed to suitability. Using satellite remote sensing and GIS, we modeled the distribution of suitable habitat for Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in the Jinsichang area of the Laojun Mountains in China. This study did not describe the frequency or intensity of habitat use. Habitat suitability was affected by several variables, the most influential, as determined by permutation importance, being mean diurnal temperature range (31.6%), precipitation during the wettest quarter of the year (30.4%), average annual precipitation (17%), normalized difference vegetation index (5%), wetness (4.6%), and aspect (4.5%). This habitat suitability model provides information about the current distribution of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, which is important for appropriate implementation of conservation actions.

Testing the habitat suitability index for great crested newt in Central Poland

AbstractAs amphibians decline at alarming rates worldwide, there is a growing need for developing and perfecting tools for predicting species occurrence, abundance and demography. One of those tools are Habitat Suitability Indices (HSI) that are widely used in conservation for habitat evaluation. We have used HSI developed for great crested newt Triturus cristatus to assess its predictive capability, and to determine which of the indices that make the final HSI are the most important factors in shaping this species presence in waterbodies in forest landscape of Central Poland. Our focus was at the local scale variables. We found that the occurrence of T. cristatus could be predicted by the HSI, and the three most important factors in shaping that prediction were the pond area as well as the presence and abundance of invertebrates or predatory fish. We argue that biotic factors could have, along landscape features, significant influence on habitat suitability of this species.

Searching for a Salamander: Distribution and Habitat of the Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) in Southeast Ohio Using eDNA as a Rapid Assessment Technique

Habitat destruction and anthropogenic drivers have led to amphibian population declines worldwide, but the conservation status of many species remains in question. This study reports on the distribution of Mudpuppies, Necturus maculosus, in southeast Ohio, where widespread acid mine drainage and other forms of habitat destruction have led to severe declines and extinction in many waterways. Within the last century, however, the region has reforested, and damage to some streams has been mitigated, providing opportunities for Mudpuppy recolonization and population recovery. However, being a relatively secretive species, Mudpuppies require difficult and time intensive field surveys to detect. Therefore, the current distribution and conservation status of Mudpuppies in southeast Ohio is unclear. As a first step in documenting the current distribution and abundance of Mudpuppies in southeast Ohio, we conducted a rapid species assessment using environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys (September–November 2016) at 10 stream sites. We detected Mudpuppies at six of 10 streams using eDNA, including four streams in which they were known to occur from historical records and two streams from which Mudpuppies had not been previously reported. We also collected habitat data at each site, including concentrations of heavy metals and nutrients, physical stream habitat, conductivity, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, and oxygen levels. Using logistic regression, we found composite Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) scores were the best predictor of Mudpuppy presence. Our results suggest Mudpuppy eDNA is not easily detected when they are at low density, and animals may need to be within approximately 182 m of sampling points to be detected.

Development of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay and environmental DNA sampling methods for Giant Gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas).

The Giant Gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas) is a low density visually evasive species with a low detection probability based on standard field survey methods (e.g., traps, visual census). Habitat loss has resulted in extirpations or serious declines for T. gigas populations throughout the southern two thirds of its historic range. Uncertainty regarding its current distribution and occupancy present management challenges for the species. Enhancing survey sensitivity through development of environmental DNA sampling (eDNA) methods would improve compliance monitoring under the Endangered Species Act, recovery planning for T. gigas, and evaluation of California’s Central Valley tule marsh habitat on which this species depends. To address these needs, we designed and validated diagnostic quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) assays for identifying portions of the Cytochrome B (CytB) and the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) genes of the T. gigas mitochondrial genome. The designed ND4 qPCR assay was not specific to T. gigas DNA and amplified DNA from a closely related and spatially co-occurring Thamnophis species (T.s. fitchi). The CytB T. gigas qPCR assay proved specific to a species level with a sensitivity that reliably detected T. gigas DNA at a concentration of 2.0x10-5 ng μL-1. To assess detection range, coordinated field sampling was conducted at aquatic sites with an observed and documented population of T. gigas. The T. gigas qPCR assay reliably detected DNA from samples taken 300m downstream from the known source. We then used environmental eDNA sampling and qPCR analysis to augment unsuccessful trap surveys in the southern range of T. gigas and detected DNA in 28 of the 52 locations sampled, confirming that T. gigas was still present at some sites where physical trapping failed to identify presence. QPCR-based DNA detection coupled with eDNA sampling methods provides an effective means to obtain critical population metrics from this otherwise cryptic, federally protected and hard to study organism, offering great promise for elucidating patterns of occupancy with greater efficiency and at far less cost than trapping methods, particularly where detection probabilities are low.

Habitat evaluation for the endangered fish species Lefua echigonia in the Yagawa River, Japan

Spring-fed streams in Tokyo are important habitats for various aquatic species, whereas urbanization as well as introduction of invasive species is threatening the sustainability of such aquatic ecosystems. This study applies the System for Environmental Flow Analysis (SEFA) in a small urban river in Tokyo to assess the dynamics of the suitable habitats for the endangered freshwater fish Lefua echigonia (Jordan and Richardson 1907). A set of Habitat Suitability Curves (HSCs) for water depth, velocity and substrate was developed to evaluate the suitable habitats. The habitat assessment indicated that the Area Weighted Suitability (AWS) reached the maximum at 0.02 m3/s, which is close to the base flow of the target river; a gradual decrease in AWS was observed for higher flows. The temporal distribution of AWS, during forty-one consecutive months, showed that, on average, the best habitat conditions for adult L. echigonia occur during the period between January and July, whereas the worst situation occurs during the period between August and December. This work presents information and tools for instream habitat analysis that should help managers to conserve this aquatic species and prioritize actions to further rehabilitate urban rivers, using L. echigonia as a case study.

Monitoring a Norwegian freshwater crayfish tragedy: eDNA snapshots of invasion, infection and extinction

Abstract The European noble crayfish Astacus astacus is threatened by crayfish plague caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci, which is spread by the invasive North American crayfish (e.g. signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus). Surveillance of crayfish plague status in Norway has traditionally relied on the monitoring survival of cage‐held noble crayfish, a method of ethical concern. Additionally, trapping is used in crayfish population surveillance. Here, we test whether environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring could provide a suitable alternative to the cage method, and a supplement to trapping. We took advantage of an emerging crayfish plague outbreak in a Norwegian watercourse following illegal introduction of disease‐carrying signal crayfish, and initiated simultaneous eDNA monitoring and cage‐based surveillance, supplemented with trapping. A total of 304 water samples were filtered from several sampling stations over a 4‐year period. eDNA data (species‐specific quantitative real‐time PCR [qPCR]) for the presence of A. astaci, noble and signal crayfish within the water samples were compared to cage mortality and trapping. This is the first study comparing eDNA monitoring and cage surveillance during a natural crayfish plague outbreak. We show that eDNA monitoring corresponds well with the biological status measured in terms of crayfish mortality and trapping results. eDNA analysis also reveals the presence of A. astaci in the water up to 2.5 weeks in advance of the cage method. Estimates of A. astaci and noble crayfish eDNA concentrations increased markedly during mortality and vanished quickly thereafter. eDNA provides a snapshot of the presence, absence or disappearance of crayfish regardless of season, and constitutes a valuable supplement to the trapping method that relies on season and legislation. Synthesis and applications. Simultaneous eDNA monitoring of Aphanomyces astaci (crayfish plague) and relevant native and invasive freshwater crayfish species is well‐suited for early warning of invasion or infection, risk assessments, habitat evaluation and surveillance regarding pathogen and invasive/native crayfish status. This non‐invasive, animal welfare friendly method excludes the need for cage‐held susceptible crayfish in disease monitoring. Furthermore, eDNA monitoring is less likely to spread A. astaci than traditional methods. This study resulted in the implementation of eDNA monitoring for Norwegian crayfish plague and crayfish surveillance programmes, and we believe other countries could improve management strategies for freshwater crayfish using a similar approach.

Qualitative habitat evaluation index and some selected macroinvertebrate taxa metrics as a diagnostic tool for assessing pollution loads in a municipal river in north central Nigeria

Pollution load in a municipal river in north central Nigeria was assessed using qualitative habitat evaluation index and some selected macroinvertebrate taxa metrics. The study was conducted for a period of twelve (12) months, spanning from March, 2017 to February, 2018, in four sampling stations. Station 1 was the reference site located in a relatively unperturbed area close to the river source. Macroinvertebrates were sampled using the kick sampling method of a D-frame net. Percentages of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) and Chironomidae+Oligochaeta were calculated to ascertain the ecological state of the river. The Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) values portray a moderately impaired site. Station 1 QHEI was 76.15% which was the highest value recorded while station 4 was the worst hit among the sampled stations with 42.69%. Percentage EPT calculated showed that station 1 had the highest composition of the group with 13.12% while station 4 % EPT was 0.147. Further lending credence to the heavily perturbed state of station 4 is the percentage Chironomidae + Oligochaeta with 7.34% composition, which is much lower than that of station 1 the relatively unperturbed station. The study was able to elucidate the level of pollution loads in each of the stations sampled and it was noticed that pollution load was increased downstream from station 1 to station 4. A more detailed study on the use of biotic indices to assess the ecological status of rivers in the North central region of Nigeria were the River Chanchaga is located is recommended to further ascertain the level of disturbance the rivers are undergoing. This can be best done using macroinvertebrates predictive protocols and traits based monitoring approach.Keywords: Ecological Integrity, Pollution loads, QHEI, EPT, River Chanchaga, Nigeria

Application of Habitat Evaluation Procedure with Quantifying the Eco-Corridor in the Process of Environmental Impact Assessment.

In contrast to other fields, environmental protection (e.g., habitat protection) often fails to include quantitative evaluation as part of the existing environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, and therefore the EIA is often a poor forecasting tool, which makes selecting a reasonable plan of action difficult. In this study, we used the Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) to quantify the long-term effects of a road construction project on an ecosystem. The water deer (Hydropotes inermis) was selected as the species of study since it uses an optimum habitat; water deer habitat data were collected on vegetation cover, stream water density, geographic contour, land use class, and road networks. The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) and Cumulative Habitat Unit (CHU) values for the water deer were estimated to investigate the major land cover classes, the national river systems, and vegetation cover. Results showed that the environmental impact in the road construction project area would result in a net ecological loss value of 1211 without installation of an eco-corridor, which reduced to 662 with an eco-corridor, providing a 55% increase in the net value after 50 years of the mitigation plan. Comparing the 13 proposed ecological mitigation corridors, the corridor that would result in the highest net increase (with an increase of 69.5), was corridor #4, which was regarded as the most appropriate corridor to properly connect water deer habitat. In sum, the study derived the net increase in quantitative values corresponding with different mitigation methods over time for a road construction project; this procedure can be effectively utilized in the future to select the location of ecological corridors while considering the costs of constructing them.

Methods of habitat reports’ evaluation

Abstract A building investment, especially in nature valuable areas, is almost always inseparable with a bigger or smaller environmental interference. For a few years there are legal regulations created to protect these areas. One of them is the requirement to conduct a habitat evaluation and to prepare a habitat report if there is a indication of significant impact on the Natura 200 site. The quality of such a report is crucial for completion an investment in a chosen localisation as well as for shortening a preparation stage with respect to environmental requirements. A defective report can result in a agreement refusal of investment completion conditions of an investment by an authorised body, and can be a reason for protests of a community which is affected by the planned investment. A well-made report, on the other hand, results in a smooth acceptance of the project without the need for consultation of the investor with the proceeding body and saving the cost of correction of a defective documentation. An review of the literature done by the authors and the talks carried out with the staff making an assessment of reports of an impact on Natura 2000 sites showed the lack of common use in practise of a formalised set of criteria of evaluation of such documents. The aim of the study was to prepare a set of evaluation criteria for reports on environmental impact on Natura 2000 sites. The set was tested on already made reports and it showed their basic omissions and disparities. The set prepared can be used by an investor in the course of making a report. It can be also a useful tool for a verifying clerk while evaluating a report for its completeness and adequacy. On the basis of the prepared set of evaluation criteria, a procedure was proposed allowing an impartial verification of reports. As a result of analyses made, a procedure was worked out which is presented in the diagram concluding this paper.