Shelter Area Research Articles

Using albedo to reform wind erosion modelling, mapping and monitoring

Wind erosion and dust emission models are used to assess the impacts of dust on radiative forcing in the atmosphere, cloud formation, nutrient fertilisation and human health. The models are underpinned by a two-dimensional geometric property (lateral cover; L) used to characterise the three-dimensional aerodynamic roughness (sheltered area or wakes) of the Earth’s surface and calibrate the momentum it extracts from the wind. We reveal a fundamental weakness in L and demonstrate that values are an order of magnitude too small and significant aerodynamic interactions between roughness elements and their sheltered areas have been omitted, particularly under sparse surface roughness. We describe a solution which develops published work to establish a relation between sheltered area and the proportion of shadow over a given area; the inverse of direct beam directional hemispherical reflectance (black sky albedo; BSA). We show direct relations between shadow and wind tunnel measurements and thereby provide direct calibrations of key aerodynamic properties. Estimation of the aerodynamic parameters from albedo enables wind erosion assessments over areas, across platforms from the field to airborne and readily available satellite data. Our new approach demonstrated redundancy in existing wind erosion models and thereby reduced model complexity and improved fidelity. We found that the use of albedo enabled an adequate description of aerodynamic sheltering to characterise fluid dynamics and predict sediment transport without the use of a drag partition scheme (Rt) or threshold friction velocity (u∗t). We applied the calibrations to produce global maps of aerodynamic properties which showed very similar spatial patterns to each other and confirmed the redundancy in the traditional parameters of wind erosion modelling. We evaluated temporal patterns of predicted horizontal mass flux at locations across Australia which revealed variation between land cover types that would not be detected using traditional models. Our new approach provided new opportunities to investigate the dynamics of wind erosion in space and time and elucidate aeolian processes across scales.

Factors influencing wild boar damage to agricultural crops in Sardinia (Italy).

Crop damage by wildlife is a frequent source of human–wildlife conflict. Understanding which factors increase the risk of damage is crucial to the development of effective management strategies. The aims of this study were to provide a general description of agricultural damage caused by wild boar Sus scrofa meridionalis over a 7-year period in North-eastern Sardinia (Mediterranean Italy), and to formulate a predictive model of damage risk. We recorded a total of 221 cases of wild boar damage, with economic losses amounting to 483,982 Euros. Damage events mostly involved vineyards, meadows and oat fields, and were characterized by a peak incidence in summer and early autumn, and a minimum in spring. Damaged fields were characterized by an increasing presence of permanent crops, a decreasing presence of woodlands, maquis and urban areas, and a reduced distance from shelter areas (forests and shrublands). The analysis of spatiotemporal variation of boar-induced damage and the identification of factors that augment the risk of damage provides essential information for contributing to the development of a more effective plan for managing wild boar populations.

The fate of Cystoseira crinita, a forest-forming Fucale (Phaeophyceae, Stramenopiles), in France (North Western Mediterranean Sea)

In the Mediterranean Sea, Fucales, and in particular the species of the genus Cystoseira C. Agardh, are habitat-forming species dominating several benthic assemblages from the littoral fringe down to 70–80 m depth in the clearest waters. They generate high primary production involved in the maintenance of diversified trophic levels, they provide shelter, food, habitat and nursery areas to many species, and they are long-lived species that constitute a good model for studying human impact on species diversity. Cystoseira crinita Duby is a Mediterranean endemic cespitose species, living in shallow waters (0–5 m depth), in places with little wave action and high solar irradiance. To reconstruct the long-term patterns of change in its distribution along the French Mediterranean coast (French Catalonia, Languedoc, Provence, French Riviera and Corsica), all the historical data (published articles, unpublished reports and herbarium vouchers) collected since the 18th century were searched and analysed. To assess the current status of the species, several field surveys were conducted between 2010 and 2016 by snorkelling and SCUBA diving. Cystoseira crinita is currently extinct in French Catalonia, near-extinct in Languedoc and western Provence, and functionally extinct on the French Riviera coast, while the eastern Provence and Corsican populations have remained stable. The main probable causes of decline are habitat destruction and overgrazing by herbivores.

Practical measures for improving the ecological state of Lake Marken using in‐depth system knowledge

AbstractHigh suspended sediment concentrations in Lake Marken in the Netherlands result in reduced ecological values and prevent goals and standards from being met (Water Framework Directive, Natura 2000). A practical measure to improve the ecology currently being studied is the construction of sheltered areas in the north‐west part of Lake Marken. A strategy is being followed for implementation of these measures that combines in‐depth system knowledge with stakeholder aspects. This study discussed what knowledge of the underlying physical and ecological processes was needed and how it was applied, in the strategy. A coupled silt model for Lake Marken was used to study the effects of the structures on hydrodynamics, waves and sediments. The results of the silt model simulations were interpreted with in‐depth ecological expert knowledge to assess the ecological impacts of the structures. The effects of the considered sheltered areas on water transparency and wave and silt dynamics are limited, compared to the scale of the lake. These changes nevertheless provide local opportunities for ecology, and its effectiveness may be enhanced by local undeepening.

Maritime climate change research in the semicircle of the typhoon hazard area

The typhoon is one of the disaster which the man will overcomes. Till now many scientist have studied on the typhoon for a long time but it remains for a man that it will study in future. So we have interested in the typhoon and have studied on climate change by approaching of the typhoon at the shelter area of ship. The surveys are carried out during 2 days from 9th. July. to 10th. July. in 2014 by the training ship “Dong Beak” of Chonnam National University. The model of the survey was the Typhoon “NEOGURI” born at the 4th. July in 2014. The results obtained can be summarized as follows; The journey period of Typhoon Neoguri from the birth point of the typhoon to the sea area of Korea was about 6 days, and the approach velocity of the typhoon was rapidly increasing after passing through 25 degrees of the latitude. Meanwhile, considering most typhoons formed from the ocean at lower latitude take more than 7 days to reach Korea, the period of the Typhoon Neoguri was shorter than the average approaching period. Thus, it is considered that making preparation of vessels and ships for typhoon is needed from the point of over 25 degrees of the latitude. When it comes to the change of barometric pressure by a barometer had been taking place gradually till the day before the typhoon approached. The change of barometric pressure, however, was varied very sharply from the time of 12 hours before the typhoon approached to the time of 3 hours after the typhoon. The change of wind velocity by an anemometer was varied very widely for 3 hours after passing through the closest point where the typhoon was headed, but was rapidly in a state of tranquility after the 3-hour. The maximum instantaneous wind velocity was 33 knots, being the closest to the typhoon’s path, 1010hours 9th,Jul. The change of wind direction by a wind direction indicator had been shown before 9 hours when the radical change accelerated, and the trend of wind direction was general clockwise that the beginning was the east wind and it was changed as the south wind. Also, when approaching typhoon nearly, and reaching the highest point of wind velocity, the prevailing wind was the north wind. In a nut shell, regarding the change of barometer pressure, the wind velocity and the wind direction was widely varied on the basis of the approaching point of the typhoon. Therefore, the vessels or ships which are heading for sea need to figure out how to handle the situation related with typhoon by using the result of this paper. In other words, as it has been shown from the Typhoon Neoguri, we should find the sea area reducing the south wind while the dangerous semicircle and the south wind of typhoon can deal a fatal outcome to vessels and ships, and should decide the best area as a shelter of ship at typhoon area, which can protect the wind and wave by obtaining confidential information.

Establishing vegetated foreshores to increase dike safety along lake shores

Vegetated foreshores in front of existing dikes can contribute to the overall reduction of wave loads on the dike. In order to test this concept in large shallow lakes a field pilot was constructed along the Houtribdijk in Lake Markermeer (the Netherlands) in 2014 to gain experience with construction, stability, maintenance and governance aspects. A large scale monitoring programme was set up to follow the hydrodynamic forcing, morphological changes and vegetation development on the pilot. The pilot is located on an exposed south-westerly direction, and experiences substantial wave impact. As a result the desired vegetation on the land-water interface has not been able to establish, but a rather dynamic sandy beach is currently the main feature along the waterline of the site. Higher up the slope planted reeds, and a mixture of willows has well established itself in the first growing season. The exposed position of the location makes that hardly any natural pioneer vegetation has settled, only in small sheltered areas some annuals were able to germinate and maintain themselves.

The invasive amphipod Gammarus tigrinus Sexton, 1939 displaces native gammarid amphipods from sheltered macrophyte habitats of the Gulf of Riga

The North-American amphipod Gammarus tigrinus Sexton, 1939 is a successful invader in European waters due to its high reproductive potential and tolerance to severe environmental conditions and various pollutants. In this study, we followed the invasion and establishment of this exotic species in a species-poor ecosystem of the northern Baltic Sea. Two years after the establishment of G. tigrinus, over half of the sampling sites were occupied exclusively by G. tigrinus, whereas G. tigrinus coexisted with native gammarids in only one tenth of all sites. There was a clear separation of habitat occupancy between native species and G. tigrinus in terms of abiotic environment and macrophytic habitat. G. tigrinus preferred shallow sheltered areas dominated by vascular plants, while native species mainly occurred in more exposed, deeper habitats with phaeophytes and rhodophytes. In its suboptimal habitats, G. tigrinus exhibited moderate abundances, which allowed for the coexistence of native gammarids and the invasive gammarid. Since its establishment, the abundance of G. tigrinus has showed no signs of decline, with abundances exceeding almost fifteen times those of native gammarids at some locations. The results suggest that, irrespective to the competitive superiority of G. tigrinus over the native gammarids, the invasive G. tigrinus does not monopolize the entire coastal area of the northern Baltic Sea but mostly outcompetes native species in its favoured habitats..

Measurement of Wind Flow Behavior at the Leeward Side of Porous Fences Using Ultrasonic Anemometer Device

Efficiency of wind fences is evaluated by the reduction of wind velocity and the effective shelter area behind the fence. Fence porosity is the most influential structural parameters in the porous fence design, and has significant impact on the structure of wind velocity and turbulence leeward. In this work, three fences with porosity of 23%, 35% and 45% have been tested under 10m/s inlet velocity in an environmental wind tunnel. An ultrasonic anemometer was used to measure three dimensional velocity vectors and the fluctuations of velocity vectors with a designed spatial resolution. The obtained data were used to calculate velocity magnitudes, turbulence intensities and turbulent kinetic energies in the test domain. Porosity influencing the structure of turbulence intensity and effective fence zone were discussed in this paper. Neither the distribution of wind velocities nor the structure of turbulence alone can provide sufficient information to assess the performance of porous fences. Consideration of the targeted reduction rate of wind velocity needs to be taken for optimal fence design.

Scenario-Based Multi-Objective Optimum Allocation Model for Earthquake Emergency Shelters Using a Modified Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm: A Case Study in Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.

The correct location of earthquake emergency shelters and their allocation to residents can effectively reduce the number of casualties by providing safe havens and efficient evacuation routes during the chaotic period of the unfolding disaster. However, diverse and strict constraints and the discrete feasible domain of the required models make the problem of shelter location and allocation more difficult. A number of models have been developed to solve this problem, but there are still large differences between the models and the actual situation because the characteristics of the evacuees and the construction costs of the shelters have been excessively simplified. We report here the development of a multi-objective model for the allocation of residents to earthquake shelters by considering these factors using the Chaoyang district, Beijing, China as a case study. The two objectives of this model were to minimize the total weighted evacuation time from residential areas to a specified shelter and to minimize the total area of all the shelters. The two constraints were the shelter capacity and the service radius. Three scenarios were considered to estimate the number of people who would need to be evacuated. The particle swarm optimization algorithm was first modified by applying the von Neumann structure in former loops and global structure in later loops, and then used to solve this problem. The results show that increasing the shelter area can result in a large decrease in the total weighted evacuation time from scheme 1 to scheme 9 in scenario A, from scheme 1 to scheme 9 in scenario B, from scheme 1 to scheme 19 in scenario C. If the funding were not a limitation, then the final schemes of each scenario are the best solutions, otherwise the earlier schemes are more reasonable. The modified model proved to be useful for the optimization of shelter allocation, and the result can be used as a scientific reference for planning shelters in the Chaoyang district, Beijing.

Ranking coastal flood protection designs from engineered to nature-based

Compared to traditional hard engineering, nature-based flood protection can be more cost effective, use up less raw materials, increase system adaptability and present opportunities to improve ecosystem functioning. However, high flood safety standards cause the need to combine nature-based structures with traditional civil engineered structures. This increases complexity assessing when and how ecological and engineering objectives of such flood protection systems are achieved. This study classifies the degree to which coastal designs are nature based using criteria for ecosystem-based management (EBM). For the engineering criterion the distinction between main and supporting structures is introduced. To evaluate the ecological criterion five design concepts have been introduced, ranging from completely engineered to completely nature-based.The method results in an EBM-ranking of the coast, showing where a particular flood protection design stands on the range between completely engineered (low EBM-rank) and nature-based (high EBM-rank). It thus facilitates comparison of different flood protection systems.The method was the applied on the North-Sea coast of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. The results show that combinations of civil-engineered and nature-based structures are widely applied. However, due to the overall low contribution to flood protection by the nature-based structures, about 85% of the coast is dominated by engineered structures. The majority of these stretches is located in relatively sheltered areas. Improving the flood protection capacity of the nature based structures in these areas is hard to achieve. Therefore, application of more nature-based design concepts on the main structures is the most promising way to improve the EBM-rank of many flood protection systems.

Islam and Environment: Education Perspective

A Muslim views that nature belongs to God and human beings must show that they are grateful by learning how to use and manage it well so that it can provide benefits to the mankind. Exploiting nature taught by Islam is based on the utilization of responsibility that provides benefits not only for its content but also its intact and sustainable opportunities to cultivate and for rehabilitation or to help speed up its recovery. Humans are required to have certain characters towards nature, which means dealing with nature by maintaining sustainability. Therefore, God gives cues to enable people to control themselves in exploitation of the natural resources which causes defection that can harm and even destroy human life. For that reason, Islam forbids destructing or harming the environment ranging from very small actions and trivial such as prohibiting throwing human faces under a fruit tree, in the river, on the road, or in the shelter areas. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is also very concerned about the preservation of wildlife, as described in the Hadith narrated by Abu Dawood. Even Prophet never reprimanded one of his companions during the Hijrah period to take the chicks out of the nest. Similarly, Islam cares about the environment created by God which human beings are mandated to maintain nature properly and responsibly. Keywords: Concept of Islam, the environment, education.Copyright © 2015 by Al-Ta'lim All right reserved

도로경사와 연령별 보행속도 차이를 고려한 자연재난 대피소의 입지분석 - 서울시 사례분석

In Korea, local governments have decided the location of shelters as part of their disaster planning. However, no quantitative standards, such as assuming different hazard and shelter types, shelters` capacity, are specified in that planning. To propose the direction of disaster evacuation policy, first of all, the current state of shelters` location and evacuation area is needed to be analyzed. In addition, considering topographical condition such as road slope and physical strength by age are important factors to measure optimal evacuation route. The purpose is to suggest a new methodology of estimating optimal evacuation route considering resistance of road slope and difference of walking speed by age. Moreover, as a case study of Seoul, Korea, using coverage analysis of GIS analysis tool, the accessible area (or vulnerable area) to the shelters is evaluated based on the spatial distribution of disaster evacuation shelters and their accommodation capacity, according to evacuation time within 7.5, 15 and 30 minutes. The main results are summarized as follows: 1) The average area of disaster evacuation shelter per person is calculated as 0.45 square meters. Considering that the minimum shelters` area per person is 1 square meters, only 45% of people in Seoul can be accommodated. 2) The ratio of inhabitants who live in accessible area within 7.5 minutes presents only 33% of all. Furthermore, the ratio of inhabitants by age group of 5~9 or over 65 years old shows significantly lower percentage in comparison with 15~49 years old people.

Patrones de residencia y movimientos a largo plazo de las toninas Tursiops truncatus, en la región sureste del Golfo de México

Introduction: There are scarce information about the movements and patterns of residence of bottlenose dolphins in the southern part ofthe Gulf of Mexico and the objective of this study is to have information on this subject, Terminos lagoon area is the zone with more effort to study in the region and it is possible that the dolphins move along the coast. Methods: During 1994 to 1999 systematic surveys were carried out to study the movements and residence patterns of bottlenose dolphin populations in four different localities along the coast of the southern Gulf of Mexico, Holbox Island, Quintana Roo, Celestun in Yucatan, Terminos lagoon in Campeche and oriental Tabasco. Results: In total, 2,889 dolphins were photo-identified in the four areas, the majority in the Terminos lagoon (1,987); in this same area one dolphin was recorded within 10 years and nine months, thus having a multi-annual residency pattern. Other dolphin was photo-identified during 1997 in Holbox and 247 days later in Tabasco; another four animals moved from Terminos lagoon to Tabasco, travelling on average 270 km. Discussion and conclusions: These are the first long-term residence patterns and migration records for the species along the southern Gulf of Mexico. Bottlenose dolphins use the coastal lagoons as feeding and shelter areas for calving. The long movements recorded along the Yucatan peninsula between Quintana Roo and Tabasco may evidence a continuous coastal population along the southern Gulf of Mexico. Key words: Bottlenose dolphins; Gulf of Mexico; movements; residence; Tursiops truncatus .

Open space suitability analysis for emergency shelter after an earthquake

Abstract. In an emergency situation shelter space is crucial for people affected by natural hazards. Emergency planners in disaster relief and mass care can greatly benefit from a sound methodology that identifies suitable shelter areas and sites where shelter services need to be improved. A methodology to rank suitability of open spaces for contingency planning and placement of shelter in the immediate aftermath of a disaster is introduced. The Open Space Suitability Index uses the combination of two different measures: a qualitative evaluation criterion for the suitability and manageability of open spaces to be used as shelter sites and another quantitative criterion using a capacitated accessibility analysis based on network analysis. For the qualitative assessment implementation issues, environmental considerations and basic utility supply are the main categories to rank candidate shelter sites. A geographic information system is used to reveal spatial patterns of shelter demand. Advantages and limitations of this method are discussed on the basis of an earthquake hazard case study in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. According to the results, out of 410 open spaces under investigation, 12.2% have to be considered not suitable (Category D and E) while 10.7% are Category A and 17.6% are Category B. Almost two-thirds (59.55%) are fairly suitable (Category C).

Добовi та сезоннi мiгpaцii тюленiв Уедделла (Leptonychotes weddelli) в районi архiпелагу Aргентинськi острови (захiдна Антарктика)

Material was collected during 11, 14 and 17 (season) Ukrainian Antarctic expeditions (2006 - 2007; 2009 - 2010 and 2011 - 2012) оn the territory archipelago Argentine islands (Western Antarctica). The archipelago total area occupies all nearby 3,5 km2. The archipelago serves original refugium for seals, owing to successful placing. Leptony­chotes weddelli is widely distributed оn the territory archipelago. Studies Weddell seals migration was conducted using а method of photographing individual picture spots on the belly of the animal. Sex and age of the animals was deter­mined bу generally accepted method. Results of re-registrations tagged seals, and photographic database ExtractCom­ pare program showed that most seals are kept within the archipelago of the winter and spring. However, the seal is often registered on the islands Winter , Skua, Galindez and Grotto in the winter-spring period. Some individuals were regis­tered on the islands Leopard, Forge and Barchans. Animals are tied to specific places of rest, which occurs mainly а day and always соmе back to them after а night of hunting. In the lactation period, males usually located within the limits of 1-1.5 km from females. Females in lactation feeding in Penola Strait and the Cornice Channel, near the coastline of the island Winter leaving no pups for а long time. Previous studies show that at this time daily seals route do not exceed 5 km. But found that the greatest distance (over 25 km) can overcome some individuals, males and females so this species. Thus, we are discovered significantly phenomenon topical conservatism of the Weddell seals. Some animals are strongly tied to specific resting places that are well protected from wind and ocean waves. L. weddelli still numerous species, during December and January in the archipelago. Within Stella Creek strait always registered 5 - 7 individuals seals. Which are dominated bу males and young animals with last year. During February separate individuals of both sexes observed mainly in the area of lslands Barchans, Anagrams, Winter, Shelter and Rasmussen. We found that during the summer of seals migrates in а southerly direction outside the archipelago. ln particular, we registered ani­mals on the island Barthelot, Darboux and Саре Perez, that was observed in winter near the Vernadsky base. In late summer and early autumn, most seals migrates in а northerly and north-westerly directions. Perhaps this is due to ice conditions. Specifically, we have registered the largest group of Weddell seals on the coast Cruls island in February 2007 - а total of 26 individuals of different sexes. We consider that daily migration Weddell seals associated with the presence in the water агеа the main food- krill. Seasonal migration of this species closely related to the ice conditions, availability of feed and reproductive period.

Ictiofauna que habita los sistemas costeros del parque marino Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy, conocida como Isla Pájaros, fue decretada Parque Nacional en 1998, por constituir una zona de refugio, alimentación y anidación de aves marinas y otroscomponentes bióticos. Aunque existen estudios sobre la flora y fauna, las poblacionesícticas han sido poco estudiadas. El presente trabajo contribuye al conocimiento taxonómico y ecológico de las poblaciones de peces que habitan en los sistemas costeros y lagunares del Parque Nacional. Esta información es crítica para la valoración de la biodiversidad, hábitat críticos y como auxiliar en la toma de decisiones en el manejo de áreas protegidas. Se registraron los parámetros ambientales (temperatura, salinidad, oxígeno disuelto, nutrientes y profundidad), y se determinaron los ensamblajes de peces en la zona lagunar (Puerto Viejo, Pajarera Norte, Pajarera Central, Garzas), y zona costera del poniente de la Isla (Playa Puerto Viejo, Cocopatos, Pescadores, Punta Sur). Se registraron 92 especies de peces (62 géneros y 40 familias), con los primeros registros para los hábitats costeros del parque. Las especies dominantes por su densidad, biomasa y frecuencia fueron: Floridichthys polyommus, Atherinomorus stipes, Acanthostracionquadricornis, Eucinostomus argenteus, Harengula jaguana y Lutjanus griseus. Seregistraron valores altos de riqueza (43) y diversidad usando el Índice de Shannon Wiener (2.6 bits/individuo) en Pajarera Central (zona lagunar), mientras que la mayor densidad y biomasa se obtuvieron en la zona costera debido a la alta abundancia de F. polyommus. Los resultados obtenidos resaltan el valor de las áreas costeras para la conservación de la biodiversidad al proveer alimento, refugio y constituir áreas de crianza y reproducción a un número elevado de especies de peces, algunas de valor comercial adicional alecológico. La información obtenida será de utilidad para el establecimiento de loslineamientos del plan de manejo del Área Natural Protegida.

Locating temporary shelter areas after an earthquake: A case for Turkey

Abstract In this study, we propose a mixed integer linear programming based methodology for selecting the location of temporary shelter sites. The mathematical model maximizes the minimum weight of open shelter areas while deciding on the location of shelter areas, the assigned population points to each open shelter area and controls the utilization of open shelter areas. We validate the mathematical model by generating a base case scenario using real data for Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey. Also, we perform a sensitivity analysis on the parameters of the mentioned mathematical model and discuss our findings. Lastly, we perform a case study using the data from the 2011 Van earthquake.

ECHINODERMATA, Holothuria atra, IN AN INTERTIDAL SEAGRASS BED OFF THE BAMA BEACH, BALURAN NATIONAL PARK, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

The occurrence of sea cucumber, Holothuria atra, was assessed in the seagrass area of the Bama beach, Baluran National Park in East Java. The study investigated the frequency and early stages of seagrass association preference of H. atra. Survey was conducted in May 2011 using belt transect (1m x 100m with three replicates). Frequency of H. atra and their association with seagrass were recorded. Furthermore, length and wet weight of each individual of H. atra were measured. The total of 146 individuals of H. atra were observed in which 37.67% associated with Enhalus acoroides (EA), 23.29% associated with Cymodocea rotundata (CR), 23,29% associated with mixed seagrass species of E. acoroides and C. rotundata, and 15.75% associated with no seagrass habitats. The results suggested that small size H. atra might prefer to live under the taller seagrass stands such E. acoroides, which could be morphologically benefits the H. atra by providing better protection and shelter area. Keywords: Holothuria atra, Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea rotundata, Baluran National Park

ECHINODERMATA, Holothuria atra, IN AN INTERTIDAL SEAGRASS BED OFF THE BAMA BEACH, BALURAN NATIONAL PARK, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

<p>The occurrence of sea cucumber, <em>Holothuria atra,</em> was assessed in the seagrass area of the Bama beach, Baluran National Park in East Java. The study investigated the frequency and early stages of seagrass association preference of <em>H. atra</em>. Survey was conducted in May 2011 using belt transect (1m x 100m with three replicates). Frequency of <em>H. atra</em> and their association with seagrass were recorded. Furthermore, length and wet weight of each individual of <em>H. atra</em> were measured. The total of 146 individuals of <em>H. atra </em>were observed in which 37.67% associated with <em>Enhalus acoroides </em>(EA), 23.29% associated with <em>Cymodocea rotundata </em>(CR), 23,29% associated with mixed seagrass species of <em>E. acoroides</em> and <em>C. rotundata, </em>and 15.75% associated with no seagrass habitats. The results suggested that small size <em>H. atra</em> might prefer to live under the taller seagrass stands such <em>E. acoroides</em>, which could be morphologically benefits the <em>H. atra</em> by providing better protection and shelter area.</p> <p>Keywords: <em>Holothuria atra</em>, <em>Enhalus acoroides</em>, <em>Cymodocea rotundata</em>, Baluran National Park</p>

Type of soil and temperature range explain the preferred habitat and current distribution of the endemic lizard Aspidoscelis hyperythra in southern Baja California peninsula

The Baja California peninsula herpetofauna is composed by more than 160 species, many of them endemic. In the last years the region is experiencing an accelerating population growth and land use change, specially in the lowlands and coastal areas. Based on GLM models we described and predicted the distribution patterns of the regional endemic whiptail lizard, Aspidoscelis hyperythra Cope, 1863 (Sauria: Teiidae). We verified the accuracy of the predictive occurrence map in the field and then we generated a final suitable habitat model for the species. The soil characteristics have a great influence on occurrence probability. The highest values correspond to sandy areas with low slope, temperatures between 18 and 22 °C, annual range temperature below 15 °C, NDVI values ranged 0.60–0.73, rainfall between 200 and 400 mm, and altitude lower than 800 m. Vegetation was also important; the establishment of the species requires woody plants that produce (a) plant litter where the lizards find prey; (b) burrowing sites for clutches, daily shelter, or hibernation and (c) open areas with light shade available for effective thermoregulation. These areas where natural tropical deciduous forest and sarcocaulescent scrub are stablished are also the most attractive to human settlements; so the conflict between conservation and development is stronger there.