High Restoration Potential Research Articles

Towards a characterisation of the wild legume bitter vetch (Lathyrus linifolius L. (Reichard) Bässler): heteromorphic seedgermination, root nodule structure and N-fixing rhizobial symbionts.

Lathyrus linifolius L. (Reichard) Bässler (Fabiaceae, bitter vetch) is a nitrogen (N) fixing species. A coloniser of low nutrient (N) soils, it supports biodiversity such as key moth and butterfly species, and its roots are known for their organoleptic and claimed therapeutic properties. Thus, the species has high potential for restoration, conservation, novel cropping and as a model species. The last because of its genetic synteny with important pulse crops. However, regeneration and functional attributes of L. linifolius remain to be characterised. Seeds of L. linifolius were characterised using physical, colorimetric and chemical data. Ultrastructural and functional characterisation of the N-fixing root nodules included immunolabelling with nifH protein antibodies (recognising the N-fixing enzyme, nitrogenase). Endosymbiotic bacteria were isolated from root nodules and characterised phylogenetically using 16S rRNA, nodA and nodD gene sequences. L. linifolius yielded heteromorphic seed of distinct colour classes: green and brown. Seed morphotypes had similar C:N ratios and were equally germinable (ca. 90%) after scarification at differing optimal temperatures (16 and 20°C). Brown seeds were larger and comprised a larger proportion of the seed batch (69%). L. linifolius root nodules appeared indeterminate in structure, effective (capable of fixing atmospheric N) and having strains very similar to Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae. The findings and rhizobial isolates have potential application for ecological restoration and horticulture using native seeds. Also, the data and rhizobial resources have potential applications in comparative and functional studies with related and socio-economically important crops such as Pisum, Lens and Vicia.

Distinct tree regeneration patterns in Araucaria forest and old monoculture tree plantations

Throughout the world, plantations of tree species (native and exotic) for production purposes make up an important part of tree cover, often at the expense of natural forests. Monocultures of exotic and native species generally show a very distinct vegetation physiognomy when compared to natural forests. In the case of abandoned plantations, existing tree regeneration may provide a high potential for restoration of these areas. In this study, we evaluated composition and structure of the adult (upper layer) and regenerative (lower layer) tree component of natural Araucaria forest and of monoculture plantations of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze and Pinus sp., and their relationship with edaphic variables and sunshade discontinuity. We aimed to answer the following questions: To which extent do regeneration patterns of native species in the plantations resemble those in natural forests? Does natural regeneration provide a potential for transformation of plantations into natural forests? Does the exotic species regenerate in high abundances, and do other exotic/invasive species establish? Which environmental factors influence regeneration of native species? We expected to find differences in the species composition of the planted areas in relation to the native forest, and more pronounced in the regenerative component. Therefore, the soil parameters and the canopy discontinuity should also be distinct in the distinct vegetation formations. Density of species and tree individuals of the regenerative layer was significantly lower in the plantations, especially in the pine plantation, at the plot level. However, overall species richness was quite similar between vegetation types, with a total of 98 species distributed into 38 families. While light availability did not differ significantly, the soil parameters organic matter, pH, phosphorus and potassium showed significant differences among the vegetation types (in general, lower fertility in plantations). These variables were related to the specific composition of areas, indicating influence of the vegetation on soil conditions and regeneration patterns. Overall, we conclude that restoration of plantations into natural forest based on the existing forest regeneration seems possible, but should be done with caution and under monitoring.

Potential contribution of soil diversity and abundance metrics to identifying high nature value farmland (HNV)

Identifying and halting the decline of High Nature Value farmland (HNV) is seen as essential to the EU meeting its 2020 biodiversity targets. Data on HNV farmland is used to target policy instruments and monitor changes in HNV to assess policy impact and development. Initial estimates of HNV land were based on land cover data with limited spatial resolution. The EU has since taken a distributed approach, allowing countries to develop their own data and metrics to report on the presence of HNV land, and changes to it. Land cover type has been the main data used for reporting but no consistent set of data metrics have been agreed. Therefore, there is interest in both developing standardised reporting metrics and identifying land with high restoration potential to increase the area of HNV land. We explore the relationship between soil associations and broad habitats across a member state (Wales) to determine if any discernible patterns exist between soil and habitat diversity and if soils information might be useful for identifying areas with high restoration potential. We developed a set of criteria to identify soil abundance, combining soil diversity with ecological rare species approaches. The rare (<1000ha) and occasional (1000–10,000ha) soils identified were associated with significantly higher levels of habitat diversity than the national average. We propose that soil diversity information could supplement habitat information in identifying areas of potential restoration interest. Two iconic areas of Wales, the Llŷn Peninsula and Conwy Valley, were compared for restoration potential. Soil diversity in both areas is higher than the national average; habitat diversity was average, or lower in the case of the Llŷn Peninsula. These areas with higher soil diversity offer greater potential for restoration to type-2 HNV. Soil diversity and habitat diversity were found to be positively correlated at a national level despite major management modification of habitats. Given this relationship it is proposed that soil diversity information offers useful metrics alongside land cover data for identifying or comparing areas with regard to potential restoration for HNV.

Variabilidad intraespecífica en la calidad de semillas de especies forestales nativas en bosques montanos en el sur del Ecuador: Implicaciones para la restauración de bosques

Uno de los aspectos importantes a considerarse en la producción eficiente de plántulas con fines de restauración es la calidad de semillas y su variabilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los parámetros de semillas de acuerdo con las reglas del “International Seed Testing Association” entre diferentes árboles madre o individuos de siete especies nativas (Cedrela montana, Morella pubescens, Inga acreana, Tabebuia chrysantha, Ocotea heterochroma, Oreocallis grandiflora y Myrcianthes rhopaloides) en dos bosques de montaña del sur del Ecuador. Estas especies fueron seleccionadas por la importancia ecológica, socioeconómica, y su gran potencial para la restauración. De un total de 35 árboles madre de todas las especies, se colectaron las semillas en sus respectivos periodos de fructificación, y en el laboratorio fueron analizados los siguientes parámetros: pureza, peso, contenido de humedad y germinación; adicionalmente se determinó el coeficiente de velocidad de germinación. Los resultados mostraron una similitud intraespecífica en cada especie para la mayoría de los parámetros; no obstante, el peso presentó alta variabilidad intraespecífica para todas las especies. El parámetro germinación obtuvo diferencias entre individuos para C. montana, T. chrysantha, O. heterochroma y M. rophaloides. En cuanto a la velocidad de germinación, individuos de especies como O. grandiflora e I. acreana mostraron un alto coeficiente en contraste a los individuos de O. heterochroma y M. pubescens. La información generada en este estudio podría ser el primer paso en la formulación de pautas para la producción masiva de plántulas de especies nativas con fines de restauración.

The frankincense tree Boswellia neglecta reveals high potential for restoration of woodlands in the Horn of Africa

Boswellia neglecta S. Moore is a frankincense-producing tree species dominantly found in the dry woodlands of southeastern Ethiopia. Currently, the population of this socio-economically and ecologically important species is threatened by complex anthropogenic and climate change related factors. Evaluation of tree age and its radial growth dynamics in relation to climate variables helps to understand the response of the species to climate change. It is also crucial for sustainable forest resource management and utilization. Dendrochronological and remote-sensing techniques were used to study periodicity of wood formation and leaf phenology and to assess the growth dynamics of B. neglecta. The results show that B. neglecta forms two growth rings per year in the study area. The growth ring structure is characterized by larger vessels at the beginning of each growing season and smaller vessels formed later in the growing season, suggesting adaptation to decreasing soil moisture deficits at the end of the growing season. Seasonality in cambial activity matches with a bimodal leaf phenological pattern. The mean annual radial growth rate of B. neglecta trees is 2.5mm. Tree age varied between 16 and 28years, with an average age of 22years. The young age of these trees indicates recent colonization of B. neglecta in the study region. The growth rate and seasonal canopy greenness (expressed by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index – NDVI) were positively correlated with rainfall, suggesting that rainfall is the main climatic factor controlling growth of B. neglecta. The observed temporal changes in leaf phenology and vessel size across the growth rings indicate that the species is drought tolerant. Therefore, it can be regarded as a key tree species for restoration of moisture-related limited areas across the Horn of Africa.

Contrasting effects of land use legacies on grassland restoration in burnt pine plantations

Legacies of previous land use may affect ecosystem recovery after the specific land use has ceased. Determining which legacies do limit ecosystem recovery is critical to perform effective ecological restoration. Pine (Pinus spp.) plantations have replaced various natural habitats including woodlands, shrublands and grasslands worldwide. Following pine tree removal, the restoration of these habitats may be complicated by pine plantation legacies. In this study, we tested three factors that may constrain grassland recovery in a former pine plantation following burning in an inland sand dune region in Hungary. We evaluated the effects of pine litter removal, native grass seeding and the presence of invasive Asclepias syriaca on vegetation composition during seven years of recovery using generalised linear mixed effect models and non-metric multidimensional scaling. We found that litter removal did not facilitate grassland regeneration. Grass seeding led to a fast recovery of grass cover, but negatively affected the abundance of unseeded target species. The presence of Asclepias had only transient effects on seeded grasses but positively affected unseeded target species richness. We conclude that sand grasslands have high restoration potential in burnt pine plantations despite the presence of several land use legacies. We found no evidence that pine litter or the presence of Asclepias would negatively influence grassland recovery, which implies that their removal is not necessary for a successful restoration. We suggest that moderate seeding densities of native grasses need to be applied to avoid the suppression of other target species.

Microbial response to the restoration of a Technosol amended with local organic materials

Farmers of western Rwanda directly cultivate tantalite mine soils due to land scarcity with sole reliance on farmyard manure (FYM) as fertilizer. However, there is limited knowledge of its effects on soil microbial properties. We therefore investigated the effects of FYM, Canavalia brasiliensis and Tithonia diversifolia biomass, and Markhamia lutea leaf litter on C and N mineralization and microbial properties in a Technosol (unrestored tantalite mine soil) and an arable soil in a laboratory study. Fresh soils (0–20cm) were amended and incubated for twelve weeks. C mineralization was measured weekly by alkali trap while N mineralization and microbial properties were determined from the incubated soils after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of incubation. The amendments substantially increased (P<0.01) CO2 efflux, N mineralization, and microbial properties compared with non-amended soils. Canavalia and FYM mineralized N while Markhamia and Tithonia immobilized it. Canavalia had the greatest increase in CO2 efflux, net N mineralization, and microbial biomass C and N by 340%, 30–140%, 240–600%, and 240–380%, respectively, compared to non-amended soils after four weeks. Tithonia had the largest increase in ergosterol content by roughly 240% and the greatest contribution of ergosterol to microbial biomass C with marginal effects on microbial biomass C and N. The Technosol had the utmost increases in microbial properties and C and N mineralization, suggesting a greater response to the amendments and seems to have a high potential for quick restoration of soil productivity. The effects of each amendment also suggest optimum benefits through combined use.

Can native plant species be preserved in an anthropogenic forest landscape dominated by aliens? A case study from Mediterranean Chile

Plantations with fast growing exotic tree species can negatively affect native plant species diversity and promote the spread of alien species. Mediterranean Chile experienced major landscape changes with a vast expansion of industrial plantations of Pinus radiata in the past. However, with increasing knowledge of biodiversity effects on ecosystem services Chilean forest owners now aim to integrate the conservation of native biodiversity into forest management, but data on native species diversity and establishment within a plantation landscape is scarce. Here we investigated plant species diversity and composition in four forest management options applied within a landscape dominated by P. radiata plantations in comparison to an unmanaged reference: (i) a clear cut, (ii) a strip cut, (iii) a native canopy of Nothofagus glauca and (iv) a young P. radiata plantation. We wanted to assess if native plant species can be maintained either by natural regeneration or by planting of native tree species (Nothofagus glauca, N. obliqua, Quillaja saponaria) within this landscape. Results show a high diversity of native and forest plant species within the different management options indicating a high potential for native biodiversity restoration within an anthropogenic landscape. In particular, herbaceous species can benefit from management. They are rare in unmanaged natural forests that are characterized by low light conditions and a thick litter layer. Management, however, also promoted a diversity of alien species. The rapid spread of alien grass species after management can deter an initial establishment of native tree species or the survival and growth after planting mainly under dry but less under sufficient moisture conditions. The most unsuccessful option for promoting native plant species was clear cutting in a dry area where alien grasses were abundant. For drought-tolerant tree species such as Quillaja saponaria, though, even a joint establishment with Pinus radiata seems possible.

Current status and restoration options for floodplains along the Danube River

Floodplains are key ecosystems of riverine landscapes and provide a multitude of ecosystem services. In most of the large river systems worldwide, a tremendous reduction of floodplain area has occurred in the last 100years and this loss continues due to pressures such as land use change, river regulation, and dam construction. In the Danube River Basin, the extent of floodplains has been reduced by 68% compared to their pre-regulation area, with the highest losses occurring in the Upper Danube and the lowest in the Danube Delta. In this paper, we illustrate the restoration potential of floodplains along the Danube and its major tributaries. Via two case studies in the Upper and Lower Danube, we demonstrate the effects of restoration measures on the river ecosystem, addressing different drivers, pressures, and opportunities in these regions. The potential area for floodplain restoration based on land use and hydromorphological characteristics amounts to 8102 km2 for the whole Danube River, of which estimated 75% have a high restoration potential. A comparison of floodplain status and options for restoration in the Upper and Lower Danube shows clear differences in drivers and pressures, but certain common options apply in both sections if the local context of stakeholders and societal needs are considered. New approaches to flood protection using natural water retention measures offer increased opportunities for floodplain restoration, but conflicting societal needs and legal frameworks may restrict implementation. Emerging issues such as climate change and invasive non-native species will need careful consideration in future restoration planning to minimize unintended effects and to increase the resilience of floodplains to these and other pressures.

A spatially explicit empirical model on actual and potential ancient forest plant diversity in a fragmented landscape

Spatio-temporal forest cover changes often cause a change of forest plant species diversity. Slow colonizing ancient forest plant species (AFS) can be negatively affected, as they depend to a certain degree on the continuity of the forest cover in space and time. The implementation of conservation and restoration strategies for AFS can be supported by a map that represents the actual AFS diversity of the current forest, as well as the potential AFS diversity that open land can achieve when converted to forest. To create such a map for Flanders (northern Belgium), an empirical model was constructed using spatially explicit data on habitat suitability and continuity. The model calculated a high AFS diversity for suitable mesophilous sites covered by forest in 1775 and in the early 20th century. Sites near a concave edge of a forest patch in 2000, either inside or outside forest, were also rated high. This is the first operational landscape model on AFS diversity that can be used to select hotspots of AFS diversity in the present-day forest and sites with a high restoration potential in the open landscapes. Application of the AFS diversity map on a local scale should include additional information on linear landscape elements, soil conditions and forest management, as we assume that these factors account for a high proportion of the unexplained deviance.

Green perspectives for public health: a narrative review on the physiological effects of experiencing outdoor nature.

Natural environments offer a high potential for human well-being, restoration and stress recovery in terms of allostatic load. A growing body of literature is investigating psychological and physiological health benefits of contact with Nature. So far, a synthesis of physiological health outcomes of direct outdoor nature experiences and its potential for improving Public Health is missing. We were interested in summarizing the outcomes of studies that investigated physiological outcomes of experiencing Nature measuring at least one physiological parameter during the last two decades. Studies on effects of indoor or simulated Nature exposure via videos or photos, animal contact, and wood as building material were excluded from further analysis. As an online literature research delivered heterogeneous data inappropriate for quantitative synthesis approaches, we descriptively summarized and narratively synthesized studies. The procedure started with 1,187 titles. Research articles in English language published in international peer-reviewed journals that investigated the effects of natural outdoor environments on humans by were included. We identified 17 relevant articles reporting on effects of Nature by measuring 20 different physiological parameters. We assigned these parameters to one of the four body systems brain activity, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, and immune function. These studies reported mainly direct and positive effects, however, our analyses revealed heterogeneous outcomes regarding significance of results. Most of the studies were conducted in Japan, based on quite small samples, predominantly with male students as participants in a cross-sectional design. In general, our narrative review provided an ambiguous illustration of the effects outdoor nature exerted on physiological parameters. However, the majority of studies reported significant positive effects. A harmonizing effect of Nature, especially on physiological stress reactions, was found across all body systems. From a Public Health perspective, interdisciplinary work on utilizing benefits of Nature regarding health promotion, disease prevention, and nature-based therapy should be optimized in order to eventually diminish given methodological limitations from mono-disciplinary studies.

Spatial Prioritization for Biodiversity Restoration: A Simple Framework Referencing Past Species Distributions

AbstractThe spatial prioritization of biodiversity restoration sites on a national scale lags behind that of protected areas. We present a simple framework for spatial restoration prioritization using complementarity analysis based on the differences between past and present species distributions and restoration feasibility. In the framework, sites that were not only diverse or unique in the past (high restoration potential), but also have high restoration feasibility (e.g. low anthropogenic pressures) are ranked higher. We applied the framework to endangered bird species that breed in Japan for which distribution data were available from nationwide distribution censuses conducted in 1978 and 1998. The data were compiled in a 20‐km grid resolution across Japan. We incorporated the degree of urbanization and number of farmers as a cost to optimize the sets of cells with regard to restoration feasibility. We successfully identified candidate sets of restoration cells, in which at most six can be allocated for each species under the constraint that the total area selected does not exceed 15% of the degraded cells. At most, 11 cells were allocated for each species under the constraint that restoration cells were within 15% of all ecosystem types. Comparison with the distribution of existing nature restoration sites revealed that only 9.3 or 9.7% (depended on the constraint) of high‐priority cells overlapped cells including existing restoration sites. Our framework provides an objective, efficient method to obtain a testable plan for biodiversity restoration, which might contribute to the attainment of the 2020 target set by the Convention on Biological Diversity.

HYDROPOWER COSTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS AND CLIMATE WARMING IN CALIFORNIA'S UPPER YUBA RIVER WATERSHED

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the trade‐offs between water for the environment and water for hydropower in regulated rivers can inform decision making about hydropower system planning, policy and operations, especially with anticipated climate warming–induced changes in runoff. This study used a multireservoir optimisation model to assess the hydropower effects of increasing minimum instream flows (MIFs) and imposing weekly scale down ramp rates (DRRs) in three locations in California's Upper Yuba River (UYR). The UYR is currently used for hydropower generation yet has high potential for freshwater habitat restoration. Trade‐offs between DRRs, MIFs and hydropower generation and revenue are explored with uniform air temperature increases of 0 °C, 2 °C, 4 °C and 6 °C to approximate anticipated regional climate warming. With 6 °C warming, the most ecologically beneficial MIF and DRR reduced hydropower generation by 7.9% and revenue by 5.5% compared with base case management and a historical climate. This has important implications for licensure of the UYR project and other hydropower projects, where multiple benefits under current and potential future conditions must be balanced. This study provides a methodological approach that can be used by water managers, regulators and stakeholders to better understand inherent trade‐offs in allocating water for multiple beneficial uses in a nonstationary hydroclimate. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Carbon dioxide fluxes and DOC concentrations of eroding blanket peat gullies

ABSTRACTUK peatlands are affected by severe gully erosion with consequent impacts on ecosystem services from these areas. Incision into the peat can damage the vegetation and hydrology and lead to increases in carbon loss and sediment transfer downstream. Gullies represent then a conduit for and a hotspot of carbon loss but the relatively high water tables of gullies have meant that they have been identified as areas with a high restoration potential because of easily restored peat‐forming conditions. This study uses a series of gully sites, subject to different restoration interventions, to investigate differences in carbon pathways (DOC, CO2) and hydrology between restoration strategies and gully position. The results show that the position within the gully (interfluve, gully side, or gully floor) does not significantly affect water quality but that it plays a significant role in CO2 exchange. Gully floors are areas of high photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration, though net ecosystem exchange is not significantly different across the gully. While gully position plays a role in the cycling of some carbon species, this study highlights the importance of vegetation as a key control on carbon cycling. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

A new approach to comprehensive quantification of linear landscape elements using biotope types on a regional scale

The structure of a landscape is highly relevant for research and planning (such as fulfilling the requirements of the Water Framework Directive – WFD – and for implementation of comprehensive catchment planning). There is a high potential for restoration of linear landscape elements in most European landscapes. By implementing the WFD in Germany, the restoration of linear landscape elements could be a valuable measure, for example to reduce nutrient input into rivers. Despite this importance of landscape structures for water and nutrients fluxes, biodiversity and the appearance of a landscape, specific studies of the linear elements are rare for larger catchment areas. Existing studies are limited because they either use remote sensing data, which does not adequately differentiate all types of linear landscape elements, or they focus only on a specific type of linear element. To address these limitations, we developed a framework allowing comprehensive quantification of linear landscape elements for catchment areas, using publicly available biotope type data. We analysed the dependence of landscape structures on natural regions and regional soil characteristics. Three data sets (differing in biotopes, soil parameters and natural regions) were generated for the catchment area of the middle Mulde River (2700 km 2) in Germany, using overlay processes in geographic information systems (GIS), followed by statistical evaluation. The linear landscape components of the total catchment area are divided into roads (55%), flowing water (21%), tree rows (14%), avenues (5%), and hedges (2%). The occurrence of these landscape components varies regionally among natural units and different soil regions. For example, the mixed deciduous stands (3.5 m/ha) are far more frequent in foothills (6 m/ha) than in hill country (0.9 m/ha). In contrast, fruit trees are more frequent in hill country (5.2 m/ha) than in the cooler foothills (0.5 m/ha). Some 70% of avenues, and 40% of tree rows, are discontinuous; in contrast, only 20% of hedges are discontinuous. Using our innovative framework, comprehensive information about landscape elements can now be obtained for regional applications. This approach can be applied to other regions and is highly relevant for landscape planning, erosion control, protection of waters and preservation of biotopes and species.

Reclamation of Derelict Industrial Land in Portugal: Greening is not Enough

A negative effect of the globalization on industry over the past decades was a vast array of obsolete industrial facilities and the various impacts, which were generated from them. In this context, abandonment, sale or demolition of such facilities, were fairly common approaches. However, the creation of new and more severe environmental legislation, the high price of urban land, and the public pressure related with the need to protect the environment, increased the number of post-industrial sites that returns to productive use. Within every problem there is an opportunity. Derelict and contaminated industrial sites have high potential for urban regeneration, ecological restoration and reintegration into the surrounding community. To exemplify the importance of those spaces in the urban landscape, this paper will analyze two industrial reclamation projects realized in Portugal during the last decade (Parque Tejo-Trancao – Expo 98 and Braga Stadium – Euro 2004). The significance of these projects in achieving a sustainable urban landscape is discussed. This article shows that the industrial landscape should be viewed as a resource and its recovery as an opportunity to develop new multifunctional landscapes in which new forests are indispensable.

Mountain Fen Distribution, Types and Restoration Priorities, San Juan Mountains, Colorado, USA

Mountain fens are vital ecosystems for habitat, biodiversity, water and carbon cycling, but there is little comprehensive information on their distribution, abundance or condition in any region of the western U.S. Our study objectives were to: 1) evaluate fen distribution, abundance and characteristics in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, 2) quantify disturbances, and 3) prioritize restoration needs of fens. We mapped 624 fens in 37 watersheds and collected field data on 182 of these fens. We estimated that approximately 2,000 fens occur in the San Juan Mountains, primarily in the subalpine zone at an average elevation of 3,288 m. Fens ranged from 0.2 to 20.5 ha in size, peat thickness ranged between 0.40 to >4.00 m, and surface slope ranged from 0-21%. Groundwater pH ranged from 3.1-7.6 and Ca +2 from 1-341 mg/L, reflecting the diverse geochemistry of watershed parent materials. We identified 188 vascular and 63 bryophyte taxa, and classified the 309 sampled stands into 20 plant communities that formed along complex hydrogeomorphic and geochemical gra- dients. The majority of fens were in excellent condition; however 10% of our sampled fens had high to very high restoration potential due to impacts from roads, mining, and ditching.

A spatial autocorrelative model for targeting stream restoration to benefit sensitive nongame fishes

Stream restoration projects often aim to benefit aquatic biota and frequently use the reappearance of sensitive nongame fish species as a measure of restoration success. However, mitigation of human influence will only benefit a given species where static habitat characteristics are suitable for that species and where potential source populations are within the range of their dispersal capability. We used spatial autoregressive habitat models to simulate the effect of watershed-scale stream restoration on the distributions of six sediment-sensitive fish species in Wisconsin, USA, streams. These models consider the probability of occurrence of a species in a given stream segment as a function of characteristics of that segment as well as the characteristics of neighboring segments. Populations of individual species are predicted to be restorable in 0.2%–2.8% of Wisconsin streams. Streams with high restoration potential for one or more species generally have high watershed human land use but are also closely connected through the stream network to relatively undisturbed streams. These results indicate that habitat restoration for nongame stream fishes will be most effective when it builds onto existing suitable habitat because of both dispersal limitation and spatial autocorrelation of habitat characteristics.

Role of soil seed bank along a disturbance gradient in an alpine meadow on the Tibet plateau

We examined the role of the soil seed bank along a grazing disturbance gradient and its relationship with the vegetation of alpine meadows on the Tibet plateau, and discussed the implications for restoration. The seed bank had a high potential for restoration of species-rich vegetation; 62 species were identified in the vegetation and 87 in the seed bank, 39 species being common to both. Mean seed density was 3069–6105 viable seeds m −2. The density of buried seeds increased significantly with increasing disturbance, indicating that restoration of disturbed areas is not seed limited. Seed density and species richness decreased with depth. The proportion of perennial species decreased with decrease in disturbance both in seed bank and in vegetation. A large portion of species with persistent seeds in the disturbed areas indicate that this seed type can be regarded a strategy of adaptation to current disturbances. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) showed significant differences of species composition between seed bank and vegetation, except for the seriously disturbed site. Our results suggest that the establishment of new species in severely disturbed areas is more dependent on the seed bank. By contrast, the restoration in less-disturbed and mature meadows does not rely on seed banks, and the establishment of the vegetation in these communities is more likely to rely on seed dispersal from the standing vegetation and on species with vegetative reproduction.

Changes in water clarity during fish manipulation and post-manipulation periods in a shallow eutrophic lake

A food web manipulation experiment was conducted in the small, shallow, eutrophic Lake Major, part of the Kis-Balaton Water Protection System (KBWPS) wetland area. Several factors affected the development of turbid water during the fish manipulation period (FMP) in 2000-2001 versus clear water during the post manipulation period (PMP) in 2002 and 2005-2006. A > 40 % percentage macrophyte cover was the most important factor to differentiate between the years with diverse water quality. However, the concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) did not change significantly between the periods. Lake Major exhibited maximum fish species richness (12 species) during PMP, when richness was twice as high as during FMP. There was a clear succession of macrophyte taxa, mostly related to the natural variability in fish. Initially, the macrophyte community was dominated by Najadosum marini, but after fish removal and restocking of piscivores, Ceratophyllum demersi became dominant. This study showed that there is a high potential for restoration of species-rich submerged macrophyte stands even in a hypertrophic lake having been for more than two decades in a turbid state. Water of Lake Major, as the whole KBWPS wetland area, had not previously been in such a good ecological condition since its establishment in 1986. However, it cannot be concluded from this study whether the new trophic state created by fish manipulation is sustainable for longer period.