Mean Species Diversity Research Articles

Composition, Distribution, and Biodiversity of Zooplanktons in Tropical Lentic Ecosystems with Different Environmental Conditions

A study was conducted to evaluate zooplankton species composition, abundance, and diversity in both natural and artificial lakes with varying trophic levels and to determine the relationship between zooplankton community structure and lake environmental conditions. This study hypothesized that correlations exist between zooplankton community structures and environmental parameters associated with eutrophication in natural and artificial lakes. Sampling was conducted across 16 distinct freshwater lentic ecosystems in Malaysia, including natural lakes/swamps, reservoirs, constructed lakes/ponds, and old mining lakes, spanning a range of trophic levels from mesotrophic to hypereutrophic conditions. Physicochemical parameters were measured in situ, while water and zooplankton samples were collected for nutrient analyses, as well as for zooplankton identification and enumeration. Throughout this study, a total of 58 zooplankton species, consisting of 36 species of rotifers, 12 species of cladocerans, and 10 species of copepods, were recorded. The highest zooplankton density (365.7 ± 13.7 ind L−1) was recorded in constructed lakes/ponds while the lowest density was recorded in natural shallow lakes/swamps (200.5 ± 25.5 ind L−1). On the other hand, significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean species diversity was observed in natural lakes/swamps (H’ = 2.2 ± 0.0); whereas, the lowest diversity was in old mining lakes (H’ = 1.5 ± 0.1). The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) scores indicated that Polyarthra vulgaris and Chydorus ventricosus were the discriminating species in natural shallow lakes/swamps associated with high water transparency. Meanwhile, the small-sized cladocerans (Ceriodaphnia cornuta) and rotifers (Keratella spp., Brachionus spp., and Trichocerca spp.) were the most discriminating species in lakes with high turbidity, nutrients, and chlorophyll a concentrations, which are the main features of reservoirs and constructed lakes/ponds. Low density and diversity in old mining lakes were due to a low species number and the dominance of two species, Lophocharis curvata (38.8%) and Ptygura libera (39.7%). Overall, the high dominance of a specific zooplankton species resulted in lower biodiversity in artificial ecosystems compared to natural ecosystems. This study elucidated that zooplankton community structure in lakes was significantly influenced by the environmental conditions related to the lake trophic status.

Woody debris structures on large clearcut openings: Oases for small mustelids and prey species?

Restoration structures such as post-harvest woody debris piles on large clearcut openings may provide habitat for many mammal species. Mustelids such as the American marten (Martes americana) and several weasel (Mustela spp.) species are important furbearers in temperate and boreal forests and are negatively affected by clearcutting. We ask if constructed piles of woody debris on large (e.g., 30–50 ha) openings will be used by these mustelids and their small mammal prey species? We tested the hypotheses (H) that (H1) the presence (index of activity patterns) of small mustelids, (H2) abundance, species richness, and species diversity of the forest-floor small mammal community, and (H3) reproduction of the major species: southern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), long-tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus), and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), would be greater on sites with woody debris piles than on sites with dispersed debris. A fourth hypothesis (H4) predicted that the above response variables would be similar across a linear configuration of debris piles on the large openings. Mustelid presence and populations of forest-floor small mammals were sampled on four replicated (n = 4) large (30–50 ha) clearcut sites from 2017 to 2022 in south-central British Columbia, Canada.Mean presence of mustelids was significantly higher (4.5 to 8.0 times) in piles than dispersed sites during the first four post-harvest years, thereby supporting H1. Mean index of mustelid activity per line was similar among pile index-lines across these clearcut openings. Mean abundance of C. gapperi was similar statistically between treatment sites but with numbers 3 to 10 times higher, on average, in the piles than dispersed sites and was likely biologically important. Mean abundance of M. longicaudus was significantly higher (1.2–4.4 times) in the piles than dispersed sites. Mean abundance of P. maniculatus and Sorex spp. were similar between treatment sites. Mean abundance of total small mammals, including the less common species, was significantly higher (1.4–1.9 times) in piles than dispersed sites. Similarly, mean species richness and diversity were both significantly higher in piles than dispersed sites. Mean number of total recruits was higher in piles than dispersed sites for M. longicaudus and P. maniculatus, but most measures of reproductive attributes were similar, thereby providing only partial support for H3. As per support for H4, response variables were similar across a linear array of debris piles on large openings. Our study is the first to measure responses of small mustelids and forest-floor small mammals to constructed piles of woody debris as a means of habitat restoration on relatively large (mean area 40.5 ha) openings created by conventional clearcutting. Piles of debris seem to act as oases for mustelids and their prey species in ecological restoration of cutover forest land.

Estimating mountainous plant species richness and diversity for monitoring global change in a protected grassland park

AbstractAssessments of species diversity and richness are essential to understand present ecological and biodiversity conditions for effective conservation management strategies. Biodiversity indicators determine rangeland health and response to grazing, fire regimes and climate change. This research examined species richness, diversity and composition in a protected mountainous grassland. Two data sets, both collected from a 30 × 30 m plot, with similar species composition and cover were combined. One data set was collected using a 100‐step point survey and the other from a series of 16 plots. A single‐factor analysis of variance was used to test if the mean species richness and diversity of the sites differed across the study area. Species accumulation curves were used to determine the relationship between species richness and the number of sampling units per site. The results from fitting a species–area equation showed that the estimated maximum species richness was slightly greater than the observed species pool in all sites, meaning that the sampling units were not adequate (albeit by small margins) to capture all vascular plant species in the sites. Diversity metrics could, thus, be used to monitor species change within grassland plant communities.

Response of dung beetle diversity to remediation of soil ecosystems in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Efforts to alleviate the negative effects of oil spills in the Ecuadorian Amazon include remediation activities such as cleaning, reshaping, and revegetation of polluted areas. However, studies of the diversity of biological communities in these hydrocarbon-degraded ecosystems have never been carried out. Here, we evaluated the diversity of dung beetles on remediated soil ecosystems (Agricultural Soils and Sensitive Ecosystems) and on non-contaminated soils (Natural Forests and Palm Plantations). The study was conducted in Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces, in the Ecuadorian Amazon at four sampling sites per ecosystem type (a total of 16 sites). At each sampling site, six pitfall traps remained active for 120 consecutive h per month for 1 year. We collected 37 species and 7,506 individuals of dung beetles. We observed significant differences in mean species abundance, richness, and diversity between non-contaminated soil ecosystems and remediated soil ecosystems, with Natural Forests presenting the highest values, and Agricultural Soils the lowest values. Regarding sampling month, we also found significant differences among ecosystems, which were also higher in Natural Forests. The results suggest that hydrocarbon-degraded ecosystems tend to conserve lower beetle diversity one year after remediation highlighting the importance of Natural Forests for the conservation of tropical biodiversity. Therefore, dung beetle diversity could be used for future landscape management of these hydrocarbon-degraded ecosystems.

Diversity and distribution of orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Euglossini) in Belize.

Orchid bees are abundant and widespread in the Neotropics, where males are important pollinators of orchids they visit to collect fragrant chemicals later used to court females. Assemblages of orchid bees have been intensively surveyed in parts of Central America, but less so in Belize, where we studied them during the late-wet and early-dry seasons of 2015-2020. Using bottle-traps baited with chemicals known to attract a variety of orchid bee species, we conducted surveys at sites varying in latitude, historical annual precipitation, elevation, and the presence of nearby agricultural activities. Each sample during each survey period consisted of the same number of traps and the same set of chemical baits, their positions randomized along transects. In 86 samples, we collected 24 species in four genera: Euglossa (16 species), Eulaema (3), Eufriesea (3), and Exaerete (2). During our most extensive sampling (December 2016-February 2017), species diversity was not correlated with latitude, precipitation, or elevation; species richness was correlated only with precipitation (positively). However, a canonical correspondence analysis indicated that species composition of assemblages varied across all three environmental gradients, with species like Eufriesea concava, Euglossa imperialis, and Euglossa viridissima most common in the drier north, and Euglossa ignita, Euglossa purpurea, and Eulaema meriana more so in the wetter southeast. Other species, such as Euglossa tridentata and Eulaema cingulata, were common throughout the area sampled. Mean species diversity was higher at sites with agricultural activities than at sites separated from agricultural areas. A Chao1 analysis suggests that other species should yet be found at our sites, a conclusion supported by records from adjacent countries, as well as the fact that we often added new species with repeated surveys of the same sites up through early 2020, and with the use of alternative baits. Additional species may be especially likely if sampling occurs outside of the months/seasons that we have sampled so far.

Plant microbiota dysbiosis and the Anna Karenina Principle.

Microorganisms are associated with all plants, recently leading to the hologenome concept. We reviewed the assembly processes of plant microbiota and analyzed its structure during the emergence of dysbioses. In particular, we discussed the Anna Karenina Principle (AKP) based on Leo Tolstoy's assertion applied to plant microbiota: 'All healthy microbiota are alike; each disease-associated microbiota is sick in its own way.' We propose the AKP to explain how stochastic processes in plant microbiota assembly due to several external stressors could lead to plant diseases. Finally, we propose the AKP to conceptualize plant dysbioses as a transitory loss of host capacity to regulate its microbiota, implying a loss of function that leads to a reduction of the host's fitness.

Long-Term Changes in Abundance and Composition of Forest-Floor Small Mammal Communities in a Landscape with Cumulative Clearcutting

Responses of forest-floor small mammals to clearcutting are species-specific with generalists occupying a range of habitats, and specialists persisting on clearcuts for variable periods. We investigated the responses in abundance and species composition of small mammal communities to cumulative clearcutting of coniferous forests on a landscape that had four independent clearcutting events (Periods 1 to 4) over a 42-year interval from 1979 to 2020 in south-central British Columbia, Canada. We ask if the small mammal communities have changed significantly over these decades owing to removal of old-growth forest by clearcut harvesting. Hypotheses (H) predicted that the small mammal community would (H1) increase in abundance, species richness, and diversity on new clearcuts owing to the availability of early seral post-harvest habitats from cumulative clearcutting; and (H2) have higher mean abundance, species richness, and species diversity in clearcut than uncut forest sites, owing to availability of vegetative food and cover. A third hypothesis (H3) predicted that abundance of (i) early seral vegetation (herbs and shrubs) and (ii) small mammal populations, will be greater in ungrazed clearcut sites than in those grazed by cattle (Bos taurus). Mean total numbers of small mammals on new clearcuts declined in Periods 3 and 4, and hence did not support the abundance part of H1. Much of this decline was owing to low numbers of the long-tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus) and meadow vole (M. pennsylvanicus). Two generalist species: the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) and northwestern chipmunk (Neotamias amoenus), contributed to high mean species richness and diversity in Periods 2 and 3 before these metrics declined in Period 4, and hence partly supported H1. The similarity in mean total numbers of small mammals in Periods 2 to 4 did not support the abundance prediction of H2 that total numbers would be higher in clearcut than uncut forest sites. Higher mean species richness (Periods 2 and 3) and diversity (Period 3) measurements on clearcut than forest sites, particularly in the early post-harvest years, did support these parts of H2. The vegetation part (i) of H3 was not supported for herbaceous plants but it was for shrubs. The small mammal part (ii) of H3 that populations would be higher in ungrazed than grazed clearcut sites was supported for abundance but not for species richness or diversity. The decline and near disappearance of both species of Microtus was possibly related to the reduction in plant community abundance and structure from grazing (at least for shrubs) and potentially from drought effects associated with climate change. Loss of microtines from these early seral ecosystems may have profound negative effects on various ecological functions and predator communities.

Microbiome profile informs cleansing and storage practices for reusable feeding tube stylets in critical care.

Cleansing and storage practices for reusable feeding tube stylets are varied and lack consensus guidelines. Almost 40% of critical care nurses do not cleanse reusable stylets. Our proof-of-concept study aimed to identify potential microbial contamination of stylets before and after cleansing with 70% isopropyl alcohol to establish practice standards. This prospective, exploratory pilot study sampled reusable feeding tube stylets using three different stylet sample sets. Set 1 included human participant stylets sampled for microbiome profile precleansing, and postcleansing and reinsertion into feeding tubes (n = 4). Sets 2 and 3 included stylets stored at the bedside. Set 2 included precleansed stylets for microbiome profiles (n = 5). Set 3 included precleansed and postcleansed stylets sampled for quantitative cultures (n = 5). Careful handling and storage protocols were used. Microbiome profiling used 16s ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. Bacterial species identified on stylets were primarily common microflora and opportunistic pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fulva, Cutibacterium acnes, Prevotella melaninogenica, and Lactobacillus paracasei. Microbiological culturing of stylet samples (set 3) did not yield growth for 9/10 samples; Staphylococcus capitis was identified in one postcleansed sample. Mean bacterial species diversity (alpha diversity) decreased following alcohol cleansing (M = 2.54 pre, M = 1.5 post; P = 0.006). The abundance of several potentially opportunistic pathogens indicated plausible risk for gut contamination secondary to reinsertion of stylets into small-bore feeding tubes. Stylet cleansing with 70% isopropyl alcohol reduced bacterial burden on the stylets, although viability was unknown. Careful cleansing, handling, and storage protocols for reusable stylets are necessary to minimize contamination.

Indigenous legume fodder trees and shrubs with emphasis on land use and agroecological zones: Identification, diversity, and distribution in semi-humid condition of southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundFodder trees and shrubs are among the strategic feed resources that complement the dry season feed supply in the tropics. They are an integral element of the farming system incorporated into different land uses and deliver multiple functions, even though their diversity relies on various anthropogenic, physiographic, and agroecological factors.ObjectiveThe study aimed to identify indigenous legume fodder trees and shrubs (ILFTS) and estimate their diversity in terms of land use and agroecological zones in southern Ethiopia's Gamo landscape.MethodRespondent households were selected using a stratified multistage sampling procedure. Information about the ILFTS was gathered through key informant interviews conducted in each agro‐ecological zone. A total of 273 households from three agro‐ecological zones were selected and interviewed using a semi‐structured questionnaire to assess ILFTS. The information acquired by the questionnaire survey was complemented with a focus group discussion held with 10 respondents in each agro‐ecological zone. Herbarium samples were collected for each of the species for identification and confirmation of the botanical names. Sixty randomly selected sampling plots of each with a dimension of 20 m × 20 m were created, and inventories of ILFTS species were performed and recorded on species inventory sheets. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H) was used to determine the species diversity.ResultThe study identified 21 ILFTS that have been an integral constituent of the land uses recognised for their multiple functions in all agroecological zones. The mean species richness and diversity indices of the ILFTS differed significantly with land use and agroecological zones, where the lowland area closure exhibited the highest, and the highland homesteads and highland grazing land revealed the least.ConclusionFarmers’ indigenous knowledge and previous experience determined the species richness and diversity of ILFTS in farmlands and homesteads; however, the level of exploitation or protection was the reason for variation in area closure and grazing lands.

Unravelling the sponge diversity of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

Porifera are considered key components of benthic communities, being typical inhabitants of both shallow and deep waters, from the mesolittoral to the bathyal zone. Although sponges are one of the most common organisms in Western Mediterranean ecosystems, in many areas the knowledge on this taxon is still very limited. In the current study, we aim to analyse and compare the sponge communities characterising the hard bottoms of two islands, Montecristo and Giglio, belonging to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park (TANP, Italy), in relation to a bathymetric gradient. A total of 340 samples were collected, 13 orders and 48 species (46 Demospongiae and 2 Calcarea) identified, with Chondrosia reniformis representing the most recorded species, being found at all sites at almost all depths. Depth was the only significant factor in the observed pattern, while the sponge community is shared between the two Islands. In addition, our data were analysed together with data available in the literature on sponges of the Tuscan Archipelago, to assess the sampling effort. Among all the Islands of the Archipelago, Giglio and Montecristo showed the higher mean species diversity. Nonetheless, the sampling effort resulted not sufficient for each Island and future studies targeting Porifera are needed. Our work is the first summarising the sponge diversity of the entire Tuscan Archipelago, and one of the few focussing entirely on the sponge fauna. These results provide new important information on the area of the TANP, aimed to become a future Marine Protected Area, adding new records, and highlighting the high diversity of a poorly known area.

Metabarcoding of canopy arthropods reveals negative impacts of forestry insecticides on community structure across multiple taxa

Abstract Insecticides used to combat outbreaks of forest defoliators can adversely affect non‐target arthropods. Forestry insecticides typically suppress Lepidoptera larvae which are the cornerstone of the canopy community of deciduous oak forests. The abrupt removal of this dominant component of the food web could have far‐reaching implications for forest ecosystems, yet it is rarely investigated in practice owing to several methodological shortcomings. The taxonomic impediment and the biased nature of arthropod sampling techniques particularly impede the assessment of insecticide impacts on diverse communities. To tackle this issue, we propose an experimental approach combining sampling by pyrethrum knockdown and species determination via DNA metabarcoding, using community subsampling to derive estimates of species abundances. We applied this protocol to investigate the short‐term effects of the insecticides diflubenzuron (DFB) and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (BTK) on canopy‐dwelling arthropod communities in German oak woodlands. Our approach allowed us to detect most of the diversity and integrate species abundances in our analyses. By classifying arthropod species into assemblages based on their expected sensitivity rather than coarse taxonomic groupings, we could unveil substantial effects of DFB across multiple taxa 5 weeks after application. Although strong effects on single species appear related to direct toxicity, substantial impacts of DFB on parasitoids and xylophagous beetles suggest that anti‐defoliator treatments can have previously unsuspected indirect effects on some components of forest arthropod communities. The impacts of BTK on community structure were consistent with that of DFB though much weaker. Synthesis and applications. Comparing diversity patterns in the arthropod communities of sprayed and unsprayed oak canopies, our results show that selective insecticides can alter species diversity in presumably non‐sensitive taxa. Even though the ecological significance of these impacts has yet to be assessed in an operational setting, their existence calls for increased regulatory scrutiny on indirect effects. As community approaches become more attainable with the rapid development of DNA metabarcoding, we suggest the inclusion of community‐level end points as regulatory requirements for the approval of forest‐use insecticides.

Seedling Diversity Considerably Changes Near Localities in Three Salinity Zones of Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, Bangladesh

The status of natural seedlings near localities in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest was assessed through a stratified random sampling method to observe seedling composition and diversity, importance value index, family importance value, and species evenness. A total of 63 sample plots of 3,990 m2 area were surveyed in three natural and anthropogenic influenced salinity zones of Sundarbans. A total of 16,166 seedlings of 15 species under 12 families were found. Family Euphorbiaceae showed the highest (59.59%) family relative density and Rhizophoraceae presented the highest (20%) family relative diversity Index (FRDI). The maximum family importance value (FIV) showed by Euphorbiaceae (66.26) and the maximum importance value index (IVI) of species has been observed in Excoecaria agallocha (114.74). Excoecaria agallocha showed the highest relative density (59.6%) and relative abundance (39.87%) where the highest relative frequency (15.27%) was observed by Heritiera fomes. The mean stem density and species diversity index in the whole survey area was 2701 stem ha-1 and 0.0009 correspondingly. The Shannon-Wienner's diversity index was 1.52 where the maximum Shannon-Wienner's diversity index was 2.708. The Simpson's diversity index and Dominance of Simpson index were 0.38 and 0.62 with Simpson's reciprocal index 2.632. The Species evenness index, Menhinick’s, and Margalef's indices were 0.561, 0.118, and 1.445 respectively. The Species diversity index of the three salinity zones were 0.0017, 0.0029, and 0.0035 respectively. The Shannon-Wienner's diversity index of Low Salinity Zone (LSZ), Moderate Salinity Zone (MSZ), and Strong Salinity Zone (SSZ) were 0.887, 1.369, and 1.845 correspondingly where LSZ (0.632) showed the highest Simpson's diversity index follow ed by MSZ (0.394) and SSZ (0.21). The Species evenness index for LSZ, MSZ, and SSZ were 0.346, 0.505, and 0.742 where Menhinick’s Index were 0.148, 0.210, and 0.207 respectively. The analysis showed poor diversity indices and the area was dominated by few species with few families. The status is also reduced with increasing salinity.

Responses of mustelids and small mammal prey to combined retention on clearcuts: Woody debris, green trees, and riparian structures

Small mustelids such as the American marten (Martes americana) and short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) are important furbearers in temperate and boreal forests and are negatively affected by clearcutting. A major prey species, the southern red-backed vole (Myodes gapperi), also disappears from clearcuts and does not return to abundance levels of uncut forest for many decades. We tested the hypotheses (H) that on newly clearcut sites, (H1) the presence of small mustelids, (H2) abundance, species richness, and species diversity of the forest-floor small mammal community, and (H3) reproduction of the major species: M. gapperi and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), would be greater on sites with combined retention treatments of woody debris piles, riparian, and green-tree retention than on sites with no retention. A fourth hypothesis (H4) predicted that the above response variables on sites with combined structural retention would be comparable to or higher than those in uncut old-growth forest. Mustelid presence and populations of forest-floor small mammals were sampled on five replicated (n = 4) treatment sites from 2017 to 2020 in south-central British Columbia, Canada.Mean presence (index of activity patterns) of mustelids was statistically similar among sites but in the combined treatments was 1.4 to 2.9 times higher than that in the dispersed (no retention) and uncut forest sites and was likely biologically important. Mustelid presence was particularly evident in the debris piles and riparian sites. Mean abundance of M. gapperi was 11.1 to 16.6 times higher in the combined retention and uncut forest sites than the dispersed sites. Mean abundance of P. maniculatus was higher in the dispersed than uncut forest, but similar in the combined retention to these treatments. Mean total abundance, species richness, and species diversity of eight small mammal species were all higher (1.3 to 1.6 times) in the combined retention sites than the dispersed and uncut forest sites. Although not formally significant (P = 0.08), results for mustelid presence tended to support H1 that these small carnivores would occur more frequently on sites with combined structural treatments than the dispersed and uncut forest sites. The overall high total numbers (and species richness and diversity) of small mammal prey species supported H2 that abundance would be greater on sites with the combined retention than on the dispersed sites with no retention. Reproduction and survival followed the pattern of abundance for the major species, and hence H3 was supported. Higher mean total abundance in combined retention sites than in uncut forest supported H4 in 2017–2018 but not in 2019–2020 when an influx of generalist species increased total abundance in the dispersed sites. This study is the first to measure the responses of small mustelids and small mammal prey species to combined structural retention. One or more of these retention treatments is highly recommended during most harvesting regimes in these forests.

Soil heterogeneity within a vineyard impacts the beta but not the alpha microbial agro-diversity

Here we investigate the effect of agricultural integrated management on soil microbial diversity within a vineyard with a history (20 years) of exposure to frequent applications of fertilizers and pesticides each season. Considering that these practices were mainly directed to the target plant (i.e. grapevine) and its surrounding area, we expected that these practices have influenced the soil alpha and beta bacterial and fungal diversity differently. Soil samples were collected from three different sites: row, inter-row (space between vines rows) and headland.The soil microbial community was investigated by targeted amplicon sequencing of the 16SrRNA gene (for bacteria) and the ITS region (for fungi), and the chemical and physical soil properties have been characterized.Soil samples collected in row and inter-row were chemically and microbiologically different from the headland soil (PERMANOVA: row/inter-row vs headland P ≤ 0.01), exhibiting this latter a significantly lower concentration of heavy metals. This soil heterogeneity seemed to play a crucial role in the variation of species diversity of microbial communities among sites (i.e. beta-diversity). In contrast, the mean species diversity in each site (i.e. alpha-diversity) did not change among the sites.The sole variation of the beta-diversity could indicate a possible turnover of soil microbial communities to agricultural practices without compromising the alpha-diversity values.

Acceleration of Forest Structural Development for Large Trees and Mammals: Restoration in Decades or Centuries?

There is a demand for more progressive restoration directives to regenerate forest ecosystems impacted by harvesting, wildfire, insect outbreaks, and mineral resource extraction. Forest restoration may take many decades and even centuries without active silvicultural intervention to grow large trees that provide suitable habitat for various wildlife species. We tested the hypotheses (H) that, compared with unmanaged (unthinned and old-growth) stands, large-scale precommercial thinning (heavy thinning to <500 stems/ha) of young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), at 20–25 years post-treatment, would enhance: (H1) the architecture of large overstory trees (e.g., diameter, height, and crown dimensions); (H2) mean (i) total abundance and species diversity of forest-floor small mammals, (ii) abundance of tree squirrels; and (H3) relative habitat use by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). There were three levels of thinning with mean densities of crop trees/ha: 353 (low), 712 (medium) and 1288 (high), an unthinned, and old-growth stand replicated at three areas in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Mammal abundance and habitat use were measured during the period 2013 to 2015. Mean diameter of crop trees was significantly different among stands with the low-density, medium-density, and old-growth stands having diameters larger than the high-density and unthinned stands. Mean height of crop trees was highest in the old-growth stands. Mean crown volume of crop trees was significantly different among stands with the low-density stands 2.1 to 5.8 times higher than the high-density, unthinned, and old-growth stands, and hence partial support for H1. Mean total abundance of forest-floor small mammals was significantly different among stands with the low-density and old-growth stands 1.9 to 2.4 times higher than the other three treatment stands. Mean abundances per stand of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) (range of 4.8 to 12.0) and the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) (range of 3.2 to 4.3) were similar among stands. Mean relative habitat use by mule deer was similar among stands, but variable with counts of pellet-groups/ha in the thinned stands were 3.8 to 4.2 and 2.1 to 2.3 times higher than the unthinned and old-growth stands, respectively. Thus, mean total abundance of forest-floor small mammals of H2 was supported, but species diversity and abundance of tree squirrels was not. Enhanced relative habitat use by mule deer (H3) was not supported. To our knowledge, this is the first concurrent measurement of several mammal species in heavily thinned, unthinned, and old-growth forest across three replicate study areas at 20–25 years post-treatment. Although not all mammal responses were significant, there was a strong indication that restored forests via heavy thinning (<500 trees/ha) produced large overstory trees (at least for diameter and crown dimensions) in stands 33 to 42 years old. Comparable old-growth stands, albeit with crop trees of greater height and merchantable volume, ranged from 120 to 167 years of age. Restored forests with large trees capable of supporting at least these mammal species may be achieved in decades rather than centuries.

Habitat Associations of Carrion Beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) Across a Full Annual Cycle.

Necrophagous insects play an important role in decomposition and nutrient recycling of decomposing vertebrates. Ecological studies of carrion-associated beetles enhance forensic investigations by providing information about community assemblages and predictable patterns of succession. However, lack of standardized protocols that include replication, spatial scale, and phenology reduce detection of patterns and predictions. To address these gaps and examine the influence of habitat (woodlands vs grasslands) and abiotic factors on carrion beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) communities, we developed an experimental approach from broad to finer scale located within the Kansas Flint Hills across a full annual cycle (12 contiguous months). In total, 3,333 adult carrion beetles in nine species were collected from pitfall traps baited with rat carrion over thirteen 4-wk collecting periods. PERMANOVA and NMDS demonstrate that the silphid beetle community was significantly different in species composition between grassland and woodland habitats, but communities did not differ significantly in overall mean abundance, mean species richness, or mean species diversity. Two species exhibited strong habitat associations; one associated with grassland habitat (Nicrophorus marginatus F.) and one with woodland habitat (Nicrophorus orbicollis Say). Our results reveal that habitat associations of silphid beetles can be useful in forensic investigations by determining corpse relocation and in ecological studies that explore niche filtering.

Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Hard Bottom Polychaete Assemblages in the North Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean)

The knowledge on the hard bottom polychaete assemblages in the Northern Adriatic Sea, a Mediterranean region strongly affected by environmental pressures, is scarce and outdated. The objective of this paper was to update the information on polychaete diversity and depict their patterns of natural spatial variation, in relation to changes in algal coverage at increasing depth. Hard bottom benthos was quantitatively sampled by scraping off the substrate from three stations at Sveti Ivan Island (North Adriatic) at three depths (1.5 m, 5 m and 25 m). Polychaete fauna comprised 107 taxa (the majority of them identified at species level) belonging to 22 families, with the family Syllidae ranking first in terms of number of species, followed by Sabellidae, Nereididae, Eunicidae and Serpulidae. Considering the number of polychaete species and their identity, the present data differed considerably from previous studies carried out in the area. Two alien species, Lepidonotus tenuisetosus, which represented a new record for the Adriatic Sea, and Nereis persica, were recorded. The highest mean abundance, species diversity and internal structural similarity of polychaete assemblages were found at 5 m depth, characterised by complex and heterogeneous algal habitat. The DISTLM forward analysis revealed that the distribution of several algal taxa as well as some algal functional-morphological groups significantly explained the observed distribution patterns of abundance and diversity of polychaete assemblages. The diversity of the North Adriatic hard bottom polychaete fauna is largely underestimated and needs regular updating in order to detect and monitor changes of benthic communities in the area.

청도군 운문사 입구 수구막이 소나무림 식생구조 및 생육 특성

This study was designed to come up with a way of managing a cultural landscape forest by conducting research on the vegetation structure and growth characteristics. This study’s target site, which was 45,201m² in size, was <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest for Sugumagi placed at the entrance of Unmun Temple, Sinwon-ri, Unmun-myeon, and Cheongdo-gun in the southernmost part of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. Sugumagi means the water of the valley flows far away, and where no downstream is visible according to feng shui. The historical sources of the Sugumagi <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest at the entrance of Unmun Temple isn’t clear. It waw only found at that location. The <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest at the entrance of Unmun Temple is located in the waterway in terms of Feng Shui. The present condition of growth was investigated through a grid surveys of 98 trees and <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> growth. As a result of the analysis of growth status, <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>, <italic>Larix leptolepis, Zelkova serrata, Celtis sinensis</italic>, and <italic>Rhus javanica</italic> were distributed in the conopy layer, and 28 species including <italic>Ailanthus altissima</italic> were grown in the understroy layer, and 92 species, including <italic>Ampelopsis brevipedunculata</italic>, in the shrub layer. The plant community structure was divided into low, medium and high-density <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forests in the study area, based on the number in the conopy layer and the grade of and the trees analyzed. As a result of the analysis, the <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> dominated the low, medium and high-density <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forests, and there were no competitive species. The relative dominance of the low-density <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forests was 46.9% on average, medium-density was 62.6% and 50.2% was found in high-density. The mean species diversity of Shannon in the low-density study was 0.7055, medium -density study was 0.8966 and the average species diversity of Shannon in the high-density study was 0.8317. The analysis of the age and growth of 25 sample trees in the Sugumagi <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest shows that the distribution of the chest diameter (DBH) of the sample <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> is 38 to 77cm with the average chest diameter being 61.1cm. The age was 84-161 years and the average was 114 years. In the <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest, most(670,659, or 98.3%) of the tree trunk wound was collected for rosins during the Japanese colonia Era, Of the total 670, 659 were <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>, 98.3% of the total. 394 were surgically repaired in 2005. For the preservation of the Sugumagi <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest, dead trees should be replaced with substitute trees appropriate to the middle and south topography. It is demanded that foreign species such as <italic>Larix leptolepis</italic> in the research area should be removed and <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> that underwent surgical operations should be regularly sterilized. It is also emphasized that the management of insecticide is important.

Response of Understory Bird Feeding Groups to Deforestation Gradient in a Tropical Rainforest of Cameroon

Birds are crucial in maintaining the balance of many ecosystems and provide various ecological services. Understanding their sensitivity to human disturbances should be prioritized in understudy areas for effective conservation practices. Using mist nets, this study characterized mostly understory bird communities (insectivorous, frugivorous, granivorous, and nectarivorous birds) in three habitat types (pristine forest, selectively logged forest, and young oil palm plantation) in the Talangaye rainforest, Southwest Cameroon. A total of 845 birds belonging to 27 families and 85 species were recorded in the three habitats after 294 h of mist netting. Overall, the mist-netted community was largely dominated by insectivores, followed by frugivores, nectarivores, granivores, and carnivores. Although mean species richness, abundance, and Simpson diversity index did not vary significantly among habitat types, mean species abundance and diversity index decreased in selectively logged forest and young oil palm plantation and species richness increased in both habitats. The species richness, abundance, and diversity index for insectivorous and frugivorous birds were lowest in the young oil palm plantations. For granivores, species richness and abundance increased following selective logging and the establishment of oil palm plantation. The highest mean species richness and diversity index in nectarivores were recorded in the young oil palm plantations. The study showed that selective logging and establishment of oil palm plantation had variable effects on the bird communities in the Talangaye rainforest. Also, the frugivorous birds appeared to be more sensitive to both types of disturbances, while the insectivores were more sensitive to habitat loss/conversion.

Similarity in occupancy of different-sized forest patches by small mammals on clearcuts: conservation implications for red-backed voles and small mustelids

Many mammalian species decline on forest sites that are harvested by clearcutting because of a loss of food, cover, and other components of stand structure. Small mustelids are impacted negatively as is the southern red-backed vole (Myodes gapperi), a principal prey species, that disappears from clearcuts within a year of harvest. These effects may be potentially ameliorated by aggregated retention harvests that leave unlogged patches on clearcuts. We tested three hypotheses (H) that (H1) abundance, reproduction, and survival of M. gapperi populations, (H2) total abundance, species richness, and diversity of the forest-floor small mammal community, and (H3) the presence of small mustelids would be greater in large than small patches of retention forest on new clearcuts. We measured demographic responses of M. gapperi, total small mammals, and the presence of small mustelids (American marten, Martes americana, and small weasels (Mustela spp.)) from 2014 to 2016 in replicated treatments of four sizes (ha) of retention patches (means of 0.53, 1.50, 4.13, and 18.73) near Elkhart in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Mean abundance, reproduction, and survival attributes of M. gapperi were similar among treatment sites over the 3-year study. Overall mean abundance ranged from 3.5 to 5.3 voles per line in patches while this microtine was extirpated on clearcut sites (i.e., no forest patches). The similarity in population dynamics among the various forest patches across a gradient of increasing patch size of 4.5 to 35.3 times did not support H1. Mean abundance, species richness, and diversity of total forest-floor small mammals were similar among treatment sites, and hence did not support H2. Although not formally significant, mean species diversity did show a consistent increase from the largest (0.82) to the smallest (1.11) patch size, owing primarily to the presence of several generalist species such as Neotamias amoenus, Microtus, and Sorex in nearby early successional habitat. Small mustelids were present at similar levels among patch sizes, presumably in response to abundance of small mammal prey, and hence did not support H3. Although our results were relatively short-term, the detailed assessment of population dynamics of M. gapperi indicated that habitat quality was sufficient to maintain this species regardless of patch sizes, ranging from 0.3 to 20.0 ha. Similarly, the total forest-floor small mammal community and presence of small mustelids also followed this pattern. All sizes of forest patches have conservation value and will help to maintain abundance and diversity of forest mammals, both predator and prey species, on clearcuts. Longer-term studies (e.g., at 5- to 10-year intervals) are essential to determine if our results are sustainable in augmenting forest restoration.