Species Frequency Of Occurrence Research Articles

Extensive and Continuing Loss of Seagrasses in Florida's Big Bend (USA).

Florida's Big Bend in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico contains the second-largest contiguous seagrass meadow in the continental United States, providing numerous ecosystem functions and services, including carbon cycling and storage. We present 21 years of mapping data and 13 years of annual in-water monitoring that reveal extensive declines in area, species frequency of occurrence (FO), and percent cover of seagrass. Seagrass area declined by 15% to 85,170 ha in 2022. Subregions in the southern Big Bend experienced extensive seagrass losses of 90-100%. North of the Steinhatchee River, the Northern Big Bend contained 85% of the total seagrass area and experienced losses of only 8.4%. The FO of seagrass and bare quadrats exhibited similar trends to areal coverage. The lowest FO along with complete loss of species was observed near the mouth of the Suwannee River. At a distance from the Suwannee River, FO also declined, but no species were lost. In the remainder of the Big Bend, FO remained stable except for short-term reductions in 2013-2014, which were likely related to anomalously high runoff from rainfall and tropical storm activity. Mean percent cover, however, declined throughout Big Bend, reaching minimal levels in 2014, with little to no recovery through 2019. The persistence of low percent cover may increase vulnerability of beds to continuing areal losses, but the persistence of seagrass species at a distance from the Suwannee River mouth may allow recovery if environmental conditions improve.

Regional anthropogenic disturbance and species-specific niche traits influence the invasiveness of European beetle species

Coleoptera are key elements of terrestrial trophic interactions and generate significant economic and ecological benefits, but their representatives also represent severe pest species. Understanding how invasive species operate is indispensable to identify and anticipate potential invasion areas. However, few studies have explored niche dynamics and drivers of invasions in this group. Here we examined niche dynamics across 54 invasive beetle species native to Europe and assessed whether factors such as human influence index, feeding habits, body size, and niche breadth are associated with the degree of invasion. The realized niches had low similarity in invasive and native ranges (i.e., invaded areas are climatically dissimilar to native ranges). This included a high degree of niche expansion in invaded areas but also environments occupied in the native ranges but unoccupied in the invasive range (unfilling), suggesting that altered species–climate relationships during invasion processes are common. Niche expansions showed positive association with small native niche breadth sizes and movements from highly disturbed native areas to less disturbed invaded ranges; unfilling was associated with invaded niche breadth size and frequency of species occurrence. Both were related to dissimilar realized climatic niches in invaded ranges. Colonization of invaded areas might be triggered by low quality resources in native areas. Unfilling levels might be related to the year of introduction and loss of biotic constraints present in their native distribution, leading to the use of different climatic spaces in the invasive areas. This idea is reinforced by larger invasive climatic niche breadth. Our results provide insight into patterns of invasive species, and initial holistic exploration towards the understanding of invasive species dynamics.

Forest conversion into pasture selects dung beetle traits at different biological scales depending on species pool composition.

The conversion of forests into open areas has large effects on the diversity and structure of native communities. The intensity of these effects may vary between regions, depending on the existence of native species adapted to open habitats in the regional pool or the time since habitat change.We assess the differences in species richness and functional diversity of dung beetle communities (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) between native forests and novel pasturelands of the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, two biomes with contrasting histories of human occupation in Brazil. We conducted standardized surveys in seven forest fragments and adjacent pastures in each region and measured 14 traits in individuals collected in each type of habitat at each particular site. We calculated functional richness, functional evenness, functional divergence, and community-weighted mean of traits for each area, and analyzed individual variation through nested variance decomposition and Trait Statistics.Communities were richer and more numerous at the Cerrado. We did not find any consistent relationship between functional diversity and forest conversion beyond the changes in species diversity. Although landscape changes were more recent at the Cerrado, the colonization of the new habitat by native species already adapted to open habitats lessens the functional loss in this biome. This indicates that habitat change's effects on trait diversity depend on the regional species pool rather than on time since land conversion.Forest conversion effects were primarily due to internal filtering. The effects of external filtering only appear at the intraspecific variance level, with contrasting differences between the Cerrado, where traits related to relocation behavior and size are selected, and the Atlantic Forest, where selection operates for traits related to relocation behavior and flight. These results evidence the importance of considering individual variance to address the responses of dung beetle communities to forest conversion.

Biodiversity change and extinction risk in Plio-Pleistocene Mediterranean bivalves: the families Veneridae, Pectinidae and Lucinidae

Abstract Understanding species vulnerability to extinction is one of the goals of conservation. Here we analyse a dataset of Plio-Pleistocene Mediterranean bivalve occurrences (families Veneridae, Pectinidae and Lucinidae), to reconstruct biodiversity change through time, and to test whether species occurrence frequency, geographical range and habitat specialization explained species survival or extinction. We found that biodiversity loss started soon after the mid-Piacenzian warming Period, at c. 3.0 Ma, and continued as climate progressively cooled, up to the Gelasian. It was more gradual than expected, as some species found a temporary refugium in the warmer, eastern Mediterranean. Extinction was more intense for the epifaunal, mobile pectinids, compared to the infaunal, siphonate venerids and lucinids. Occurrence frequency, geographical range and habitat specialization were good predictors of species extinction for the Veneridae and the Lucinidae. For the Pectinidae habitat specialization was a good predictor of extinction, but not occurrence frequency and geographical range, as also some common and geographical widespread Pliocene species became extinct. In this family, extinction risk was better predicted by latitudinal range than geographical range. Habitat loss due to the fragmentation of carbonate palaeoenvironments and high metabolic rates related to large body size also played a role in pectinid extinction.

Determination of intertidal macroalgae community patterns using the power law model.

The spatial heterogeneity of macroalgae in intertidal zones affects the stability of marine ecosystem communities, contributes to the maintenance of coastal biodiversity, and has an essential role in ecosystem and habitat maintenance. We explored the feasibility of applying the power law model to analyze the spatial distribution of macroalgae on Lvhua Island (Zhejiang Province, China) and characterized the intertidal spatial heterogeneity of the macroalgae present. The results showed a strong association between the spatial distribution of macroalgae in the intertidal zone and the power law model (R2 = 0.98). There was a positive association between species occurrence frequency and the spatial heterogeneity index of macroalgae species. The model also indicated there was macroalgal habitat structure at the site as the spatial heterogeneity within the community was greater than that of random distribution. The power law model reported here provides a new method for macroalgae community ecology research and could be broadly utilized to analyze the spatial pattern of macroalgae in intertidal zones.

Water quality mediated community variations and niche differentiation of macroinvertebrates in Qingyijiang River Basin, China

In order to understand the community characteristics of macroinvertebrates in Qingyijiang River, a survey was conducted in September 2020 and July 2021. In this paper, the change of water quality was analyzed by using water environment quality and comprehensive index, and the niche of macroinvertebrates was further analyzed by using the substitution method based on the occurrence frequency of species, simulated null distribution of niche breadth and Mantel test. The results are revealed as follows: (1) There were significant changes in the number of macroinvertebrates between 2020 and 2021, but no significant changes in community composition (percentage of taxa); (2) The comprehensive evaluation results of water quality showed that the water environment of Qingyijiang River Basin in 2020 and 2021 was generally cleanest-clean. This also reflects that a series of water environmental governance measures in China have achieved remarkable results; (3) The constraints of natural and social status should also be taken into account when selecting the biological indices; (4) The results of ecological niche partitioning of macroinvertebrates show that the survival strategies of the generalists species are characterized by strong tolerance to water pollution, strong aggressive nature and mobility while the specialists species are Gastropoda with poor mobility, species that are relatively intolerant to water pollution, clingers and rare species. Mantel tests showed that only the ammonium nitrogen in 2020 had a significant effect on the specialists species; (5) When the water environment tends to be stable, clean and healthy, the specialists species can also become the generalists species.

EDNA Metabarcoding Benchmarked towards Conventional Survey Methods in Amphibian Monitoring.

Simple SummaryAmphibian species are declining worldwide, and precise monitoring is key to ensuring timely protection and thereby ceasing deteriorating populations. Conventional monitoring methods are invasive, time-consuming, and dependent on expert knowledge. eDNA methods have been suggested as a replacement for or supplement to conventional survey methods. The present study assessed amphibian detection of conventional survey methods and eDNA metabarcoding in Danish lakes and ponds to address how the application of eDNA surveys can supplement the currently applied methodology. The study found eDNA metabarcoding to detect five out of six species detected through conventional methods. Furthermore, it is expected that the results in the present study reflect the time of sampling for the applied methods. The findings in the present study indicate that eDNA metabarcoding detects multiple Danish amphibian species and can produce knowledge on the occurrence and distribution for amphibian species. Implementing it as a supplement for conventional survey methods in nature monitoring will enable a higher frequency of monitoring and yield knowledge of species composition.A keystone in protection work is accurate and thorough the monitoring of amphibian species, and the currently applied conventional survey methods are invasive, time-consuming, and dependent on expert knowledge. Research suggests that eDNA metabarcoding is a precise and cost-efficient method that could supplement the currently applied methods. The present study assessed the efficiency of conventional survey methods and eDNA metabarcoding in terms of species richness, the average number of detected species per site, the relative frequency of species occurrence, and the similarity of applied methods. The study found eDNA metabarcoding surveys to detect Lissotriton vulgaris (smooth newt), Triturus cristatus (great crested newt), Rana arvalis (moor frog), Rana temporaria (common frog), and Bufo bufo (common toad), as well as an average of 0.9 species per site, reflecting the species composition at the time of sampling in mid-July 2020. In addition to the species mentioned above, the conventional survey detected Epidalea calamita (natterjack toad) and an average of 1.7 species per site, reflecting the species composition at the time of sampling in early June 2020. The similarity between the methods applied in the present study was 27%, thus indicating a large number of unique observations of both eDNA metabarcoding and conventional surveys. The differences in detection can most likely be explained by the time of sampling, which was conducted a month apart. eDNA metabarcoding was efficient in detecting multiple amphibian species and produced unique observations that were not detected using conventional survey methods. Applying eDNA techniques as a supplement will most likely produce important knowledge on species distribution and presence, as well as enable more frequent monitoring due to cost efficiency and disturbance.

NEW RECORDS AND RARE TAXA FOR THE FRESHWATER EPILITHIC DIATOMS OF COTE DIVOIRE

The aim of the present study was to contribute to knowledge of the freshwater epilithic diatoms flora of Cote dIvoire. Diatoms were sampled in February and July 2012 on glass slides previously immersed during a period of 30 days at ten stations.The species composition of new and rare taxa was compiled, accompanied by illustrations. Forty two taxa distributed among 16 genera, 8 families and 5 orders were recorded in the temporal survey.Based on species occurrence frequency, 32 rare, 2 occasional, and 8 common species were registered. According to geographic distribution, taxa recorded were mostly cosmopolitan (47.72%) and tropical (43.18%), while 9.09% were endemic.Taking into account their affinity towards pH, 3 classes of diatoms : acidophilic taxa (35.47%), indifferent taxa (59.52%) and alkaliphilic taxa (4.76%)were found in the Me River.

Species composition and biodiversity indexes of weeds in paddy rice on two sides of dike system during three crops in an Giang Province, Vietnam

Aim: This study was conducted to provide data on weed species composition and biodiversity indexes at different rice crops inside and outside of the dike system in An Giang province, Vietnam. Methodology: Weeds were collected from paddy rice of inner and outer side of dike system from six districts of An Giang province, Vietnam. From each sampling sites, two quadrats with 100 m2 (10 m × 10 m) per quadrat were selected to collect weed after 75-80 days of rice planting. Weeds were collected and identified for their scientific name, and the number of each species was defined, followed by calculation of the occurrence frequency and density of samples. Biodiversity indices viz. Shannon-Weaver (H’), Simpson (1- λ), Margalef (d), and similarity index were also studied among three crops and two sides of dike system. Results: The weed composition in the paddy rice in An Giang was diversity with 137 species. Among them, the most species belonged to families Poaceae, Cyperaceae, and Compositae. The species composition of Crop 3 was the highest one. Species occurrence frequency and weed density of groups C, D, E reached the highest value in Crop 1, followed by Crop 2 and 3. The biodiversity indices of weed species composition in the studied sites were high, reaching the highest value in Crop 3. Interpretation: The results of this study enhance the knowledge of weed species composition and biodiversity indexes to effectively manage and control weeds in rice cultivation.

An automatic method for removing empty camera trap images using ensemble learning.

Camera traps often produce massive images, and empty images that do not contain animals are usually overwhelming. Deep learning is a machine‐learning algorithm and widely used to identify empty camera trap images automatically. Existing methods with high accuracy are based on millions of training samples (images) and require a lot of time and personnel costs to label the training samples manually. Reducing the number of training samples can save the cost of manually labeling images. However, the deep learning models based on a small dataset produce a large omission error of animal images that many animal images tend to be identified as empty images, which may lead to loss of the opportunities of discovering and observing species. Therefore, it is still a challenge to build the DCNN model with small errors on a small dataset. Using deep convolutional neural networks and a small‐size dataset, we proposed an ensemble learning approach based on conservative strategies to identify and remove empty images automatically. Furthermore, we proposed three automatic identifying schemes of empty images for users who accept different omission errors of animal images. Our experimental results showed that these three schemes automatically identified and removed 50.78%, 58.48%, and 77.51% of the empty images in the dataset when the omission errors were 0.70%, 1.13%, and 2.54%, respectively. The analysis showed that using our scheme to automatically identify empty images did not omit species information. It only slightly changed the frequency of species occurrence. When only a small dataset was available, our approach provided an alternative to users to automatically identify and remove empty images, which can significantly reduce the time and personnel costs required to manually remove empty images. The cost savings were comparable to the percentage of empty images removed by models.

Structure and spatial distribution of the rotifer assemblages along a tropical reservoir.

The construction of reservoirs is a common practice in the world. These systems modify the hydric landscape and alter the flow of rivers, becoming lotic environments in lentic. Here we investigated the structure and spatial distribution of rotifers along a tropical reservoir. We sampled four points in the Pedra do Cavalo Reservoir, Bahia, Brazil, bimonthly, between August 2014 and June 2015. We registered more than 70 taxa distributed in 17 families, with the majority of species belonging to the Lecanidae, Brachionidae and Trichocercidae families. The species rarefaction curve did not achieve a total asymptote, indicating that species richness in the reservoir is higher than what was registered. Based in the species frequency of occurrence, we identified 48 rare species, 16 common species, five constant species and one frequent species. The highest beta diversity values were registered in riverine P1 (0.513) and intermediate P2 (0.503), although there were no significant differences between the sampling points. Despite the high abundance values in P1, P2 and P3 no significant differences were found between the studied points. Thus, this study substantially increases the knowledge on the rotifer community in the Paraguaçu River and contributes to future studies that focus on biodiversity, ecology and conservation in the Brazilian reservoir ecosystems.

Declines in occurrence of plants characteristic for a nutrient-poor meadow habitat are partly explained by their responses to nutrient addition and competition.

Species losses and local extinctions are alarmingly common, frequently as a consequence of habitat destruction. Nevertheless, many intact habitats also face species losses, most likely due to environmental changes. However, the exact drivers, and why they affect some species more than others in apparently intact habitats, are still poorly understood. Addressing these questions requires data on changes in occurrence frequency of many species, and comparisons of the responses of those species to experimental manipulations of the environment. Here, we use historic (1911) and contemporary (2017) data on the presence–absence of 42 plant species in 14 seemingly intact Molinia meadows around Lower Lake Constance to quantify changes in occurrence frequency. Then, we performed a common‐garden experiment to test whether occurrence frequencies in 1911 and changes therein by 2017 could be explained by responses of the 42 species to nutrient addition and competition with the acquisitive generalist grass Poa pratensis. Within the 14 still intact Molinia meadows, 36 of the 42 species had declined since 1911. As expected, nutrient addition generally led to increased biomass production of the 42 target species, and competition with P. pratensis had a negative effect. The latter was stronger at high nutrient availability. The more frequent species were in 1911 and the more they declined in frequency between 1911 and 2017, the less above‐ground biomass they produced in our experiment. Competition with P. pratensis magnified this effect. Our work highlights that environmental change can contribute to local extinction of species in otherwise intact habitat remnants. Specifically, we showed that increased nutrient availability negatively affected formerly widespread Molinia‐meadow species in competition with P. pratensis. Our study thus identified a likely mechanism for the decline in occurrence frequency of species in the remaining Molinia meadows.

ДЕКОРАТИВНЫЕ ДЕРЕВЬЯ И КУСТАРНИКИ ПОСЕЛКА РЫБАЧЬЕ (ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНЫЙ КРЫМ)

The results of studying the ornamental trees and shrubs in green areas of Rybachye settlement (South-Eastern Crimea) are presented. A taxonomic, biomorphological, botanical and geographical analysis of dendroflora was carried out, the frequency of species occurrence was given, and the state of plants was evaluated. Dendroflora includes 89 species belonging to 68 genera of 41 families. The best represented families are: Rosaceae (16 species), Cupressaceae and Pinaceae – 8 species each, Caprifoliaceae and Oleaceae – 5 species each. The other families include 1–3 species. The following trees and shrubs are widespread in Rybachye: Cupressus sempervirens, Hibiscus syriacus, Jasminum nudiflorum, Mahonia aquifolium, Prunus laurocerasus, Pyracantha coccinea, Rosmarinus officinalis, Viburnum tinus. Most of the species (29.2 %) come from the Mediterranean floristic region. Significant number of species (38.2 %) of natural flora of the peninsular used in cultural phytocenoses indicates that the Crimean flora has a large potential of ornamental woody plants for landscaping, taking into account their good adaptation to local soil and climatic conditions. Deciduous trees prevail in species diversity (25.8 %) in green areas of Rybachy. Deciduous shrubs (20.2%), coniferous trees (19.1%), evergreen deciduous shrubs (18.0%) grow there in practically equal percentages. They play an important ecological and aesthetic role in creating favorable comfortable environment for the settlement. The state of almost all examined trees and shrubs is good: they are quite tolerant to summer drought and periodically repeated low winter temperatures. Most of them are located on the territories of recreational complexes and, therefore, get the necessary care. The microclimate of the region makes it possible to grow some heat-loving crops here for decorative purposes (not on an industrial scale). The existing assortment of trees and shrubs can be used as a basic one.

Development and evaluation of the soil water balance model in an inland arid delta oasis: Implications for sustainable groundwater resource management

Sampling and testing were conducted on the groundwater level depth, soil water content, and vegetation coverage in the delta oasis of the WeiGan-KuChe River Basin, and a method for analyzing soil water balances for groundwater-dependent vegetation (GDV) was developed using the soil water balance model with the Richards equation. Three typical observation points (sites A, B, and C) were selected to understand the relationship between plant transpiration, soil water content changes, and groundwater level depth via HYDRUS-1D model simulations. The model calibration results showed that the simulated water contents at each site and in each soil layer fit well with the measured data and the comparison results of each sites are R2A = 0.81, R2B = 0.89, R2C = 0.78, in respectively. The soil water balance model of the three different sites demonstrated that vegetation transpiration was related to the groundwater level depth, vegetation cover, and plant age (P. euphratica). According to field observations within the WeiGan-KuChe River delta oasis, the groundwater level depth influenced the soil moisture and soil salinity, which are the most important environmental factors determining the distribution and changes in GDV. When the groundwater level depth was below 1 m or above 6 m, the plant species occurrence frequency decreased by 10%, and the degree of land desertification was severe. These simulations and field investigation results showed that the groundwater level threshold for salinity control was approximately 1 m, the ecological warning threshold varied by approximately 5 m, and the preferred groundwater level for GDV growth varied between 2 and 4 m. The findings of this study have important implications for groundwater resource management and ecological preservation in arid and semiarid areas.

ФІТОРІЗНОМАНІТТЯ УРОЧИЩА «ГАЇВКА» (ПЕРЕДКАРПАТТЯ)

The flora and vegetation of the forest range “Haivka” were studied. On the given territory 112 species of higher vascular plants were recorded. They belong to 98 genera, 45 families and 5 divisions. The article presents the results of biomorphological, ecological analysis and the frequency of species occurrence. In the biomorphological structure herbaceous perennials dominate (67.86 %), in the ecological structure – mesophytes (67.86 %), mesotrophs (78.57 %) and sciogeliophytes (55,36 %), as for the occurrence – species with a fairly abundant occurrence (44.62 %). Typical forest and meadow associations (Symphyto cordati-Fagetum, Luzulo sylvaticae-Piceetum) are descкibed. The sozological status of five species (Lilium martagon L., Galanthus nivalis L., Leucojum vernum L., Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich., Lycopodium annotinum L.) has been determined.

To what degree do spatial and limnological predictors explain the occurrence of a submerged macrophyte species in lotic and semi-lotic/lentic environments of a dammed river?

Insufficient knowledge about ecology of weed macrophytes from a large-scale perspective narrows the necessary decision-making for biodiversity conservation. The present study aimed to assess the occurrence frequency of Egeria densa in lotic and lentic/semi-lotic environments from a Brazilian dammed river, as well as to quantify the attributed explanation (pure or combined) by limnological and spatial variables on species occurrence frequency. Between 2006 and 2010, we repeatedly visited sample points classified as lotic (45) or lentic/semi-lotic environments (23) to collect data on species occurrence and limnological variables. We also generated spatial variables derived from latitude and longitude of sample points. E. densa showed a recurrent occurrence in the sample points classified as lentic/semi-lotic. Both spatial variables (16) and limnological variables (total phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, transparency and turbidity) significantly contributed to explaining the species occurrence frequency. Forty-nine percent of the occurrence frequency variation was accounted purely by spatial variables. However, less than five percent of occurrence frequency variation was accounted purely by limnological variables. The several dams placed along the river determined the lentic/semi-lotic environments formation and regulated the dispersion processes of individuals of E. densa, consequently causing a recurrent occurrence of this species in particular environmental classes.

Dataset of macrobenthic species in urban coastal reef environments in Brazilian northeast.

This dataset presents the macrobenthic species occurrence frequency in four coastal intertidal reefs environment of Paraiba state Brazil. The species were classified in bioindicators groups based in morpho-anatomical, physiological and ecological characteristics. In the dry and wet season in each reef, the sampling units were randomly positioned and photographed inside a circular area with a 10 m radius. Thirty points were plotted over photos to quantify the percentage of species occurrence frequency. Taxons hard to identify by photo were grouped in a unique category. Currently, macrobenthic species are used as bioindicators of the local state of conservation by managing agencies. The population ecology monitoring of macrobenthic species with bioindicator potential is useful to recognize seasonal environmental patterns or local anthropic impactful. The research article on these data [1] will be published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management for some interpretive insights. Title: Evaluation of the conservation status and monitoring proposal for the coastal reefs of Paraíba, Brazil: bioindication as an environmental management tool.

More than Fish – The Potential of Baited Remote Underwater Video to Assess Freshwater Herpetofauna and Dolphins

We discuss new applications of baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems based on recordings of Amazonian freshwater fauna during a long-term fish monitoring program in the Xingu River, Brazil. BRUVs facilitated estimates of relative abundance and frequency of occurrence for species of river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis, P. expansa, Rhinoclemmys punctularia), river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) in a variety of habitats including rocky rapids, submerged sandy beaches, an artificial reservoir and the Xingu Ria.

Species composition, diversity and traditional uses of homegarden in Kumaun Himalaya, India

The aim of present study was to analyse the status, plant diversity and their utilization in homegardens of Kumaun Himalaya. After the recognizance survey, 12 villages were selected in Hill and Bhabhar regions and in each village10 homegardens were selected for detailed study. Out of 120 selected homegardens, 51 were large (>0.004 ha), 42 were medium (0.001-0.004 ha) and 27 were small (<0.001 ha). A total of 70 plant species belonging to 35 families were recorded. Herb density was maximum in large sized homegardens (479 ind./ha) followed by medium (317 ind./ha) and small sized homegardens (249 ind./ha). Tree density was maximum in large (825 ind./ha) as compared to medium (750 ind./ha) and small sized homegardens (317 ind./ha). Similarly, frequency of species occurrence increased with increasing homegarden size. Shannon-Weiner Index for both herbs (H'= 3.65) and trees (H' = 2.51) were maximum in the large sized and minimum in small sized homegardens. Among the usable components, vegetable shared the half (50.78%) of the total plant diversity followed by fruits (22.57%), medicinal plants (18.03%), fodder (12.21%), fuel wood (7.35%) and ornamental species (1.43%) across all the homegardens in both the regions. Mangifera indica, Artocarpus integrifolia, Litchi chinensis, Bohermaria olerosa were the most frequent and dominant trees in all sized homegardens. This study suggested that large homegardens are more efficient than the small and medium sized homegardensand are ecologically, socially and economically diversified.

Probabilistic key for identifying vegetation types in the field: A new method and Android application

AbstractQuick identification of vegetation types in the field, based on species composition but not requiring time‐consuming plot sampling, is often needed for vegetation mapping, conservation assessment, teaching and other applications of vegetation classification. Here, we propose a new method that identifies the probability of belonging to the units of an established vegetation classification for vegetation stands encountered in the field. The method is based on calculating the probability that a few species observed in the field would co‐occur in a priori defined vegetation types, using the existing information on species occurrence frequency in these types. The method has been implemented in a freely available Android application called Probabilistic Vegetation Key, which makes it possible to employ it in the field using smartphones or tablets, even in the absence of internet access.