Shrubland Habitats Research Articles

Functional evolution of facial bristle feathers in Old World passerines

Abstract Many bird species have vaneless hair-like feathers in the frontal area of the head (facial bristles). Several alternative hypotheses on the functional significance of avian facial bristles have been proposed, including aid in insect capture, eye protection, and mechanosensory sensitivity. Here, we used a phylogenetically-informed comparative approach to examine functional evolution of facial bristle feathers in Old World passerines (Passeriformes). For this purpose, we quantified the number and length of facial bristles located at the base of the upper beak (upper rictal bristles) in over 1300 birds representing 73 species and 21 families, and tested for evolutionary associations of these traits with species ecology, biogeography, life history, and morphology. We found that more numerous and longer rictal bristles have evolved in association with invertivory and omnivory. The number or length of rictal bristles was also linked to aerial foraging, foraging in low vegetation, occupancy of shrubland habitats, and migration. All these evolutionary correlations suggest that avian rictal bristles may serve multiple non-exclusive functions related to insect capture and tactile sensing. Comparisons with previous research provide support for scale dependence in avian rictal bristle evolution and decoupling of evolutionary processes at different levels of phylogenetic organization.

Medium-Term Comparative Effects of Prescribed Burning and Mechanical Shredding on Soil Characteristics in Heathland and Shrubland Habitats: Insights from a Protected Natural Area

Parts of the Cantabrian Mountains (N Spain) have been colonized by woody species in the past six or seven decades as a result of a decline in livestock activity and changes in the fire regime. Various management strategies have been used to prevent the expansion of shrubs and recover grassland ecosystems for grazing activities. However, it is not clear how different vegetation treatments affect soils, which are crucial in supporting life and providing nutrients in these ecosystems. The aim of the present study was to compare the dynamics of the physicochemical and biological soil properties after two vegetation treatments: prescribed burning and shredding. Samples were obtained from plots representing alkaline and acidic soils dominated by gorse shrub (Genista hispanica subsp. occidentalis) and heath (Calluna vulgaris) plant communities, respectively. The soil samples were collected immediately before and after the treatments and one and two years later. The level of available P varied depending on the soil pH, and it only increased after the treatments in the acidic soils in the heathland community. The total N and available P concentrations were higher after the prescribed burning, and the enzymatic activity tended to be higher after the shredding treatment. Despite the significant effects on some soil variables, prescribed burning and shredding did not have important short- and medium-term effects on the chemical and soil enzymatic properties. These treatments can therefore be considered sustainable vegetation management tools, at least in the medium term.

Environmental heterogeneity and lizard assemblages in riparian areas in Cyprus

The island of Cyprus hosts a rich diversity of reptiles, including several endemic species. Reptiles are morecommon in Mediterranean-type shrubland and other open habitats in Cyprus, although riparian formations offeradditional cover and food sources, especially during dry, hot summers. Riparian habitats are often very heterogeneous,an attribute that can be important for lizards since they can utilize a variety of microhabitats crucial for different aspectsof their ecology. Nevertheless, reptilian diversity in riparian systems remains understudied and Cyprus is no exception.The aim of this study was to compare lizard diversity and abundance patterns across seasons and elevations, as well astheir relationships with habitat heterogeneity and protected status of areas along riverbanks, as expressed by presencein or out of Natura 2000 sites. We examined the effects that these factors can have on lizard communities by studyingthree rivers that exhibit variations in environmental conditions. Additionally, we evaluated separately the abundancesof four common species (Snake-eyed Lizard, Ophisops elegans; Troodos Rock Lizard, Phoenicolacerta troodica; CyprusRock Agama, Laudakia cypriaca; and Schreiber’s Fringe-toed Lizard, Acanthodactylus schreiberi) while recording in riparian habitats seven of the 11 Cypriot species of lizards. Diversity and richness were not significantly associated withany of the explanatory variables examined (season, elevation, habitat heterogeneity, and protected status). Moreover,we found no relationship between the abundances of each of the four species and habitat heterogeneity, even thoughthey responded differently to elevation, season, and protected status. Our results suggest that lizard diversity in ripariansystems is high compared to the total number of lizard species found on Cyprus, reaching 60% of the overall richness.

The role of rewilding in mitigating hydrological extremes: State of the evidence

AbstractLandscape rewilding has the potential to help mitigate hydrological extremes by allowing natural processes to function. Our systematic review assessed the evidence base for rewilding‐driven mitigation of high and low flows. The review uncovers a lack of research directly addressing rewilding, but highlights research in analogue contexts which can, with caution, indicate the nature of change. There is a lack of before‐after studies that enable deeper examination of temporal trajectories and legacy effects, and a lack of research on the scrub and shrubland habitats common in rewilding projects. Over twice as much evidence is available for high flows compared to low flows, and fewer than one third of studies address high and low flows simultaneously, limiting our understanding of co‐benefits and contrasting effects. Flow magnitude variables are better represented within the literature than flow timing variables, and there is greater emphasis on modeling for high flows, and on direct measurement for low flows. Most high flow studies report a mitigating effect, but with variability in the magnitude of effect, and some exceptions. The nature of change for low flows is more complex and suggests a higher potential for increased low flow risks associated with certain trajectories but is based on a very narrow evidence base. We recommend that future research aims to: capture effects on both high and low flow extremes for a given type of change; analyze both magnitude and timing characteristics of flow extremes; and examine temporal trajectories (before and after data) ideally using a full before‐after‐control‐impact design.This article is categorized under: Human Water > Value of Water Science of Water > Hydrological Processes Science of Water > Water Extremes Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Climate regulation processes are linked to the functional composition of plant communities in European forests, shrublands, and grasslands.

Terrestrial ecosystems affect climate by reflecting solar irradiation, evaporative cooling, and carbon sequestration. Yet very little is known about how plant traits affect climate regulation processes (CRPs) in different habitat types. Here, we used linear and random forest models to relate the community-weighted mean and variance values of 19 plant traits (summarized into eight trait axes) to the climate-adjusted proportion of reflected solar irradiation, evapotranspiration, and net primary productivity across 36,630 grid cells at the European extent, classified into 10 types of forest, shrubland, and grassland habitats. We found that these trait axes were more tightly linked to log evapotranspiration (with an average of 6.2% explained variation) and the proportion of reflected solar irradiation (6.1%) than to net primary productivity (4.9%). The highest variation in CRPs was explained in forest and temperate shrubland habitats. Yet, the strength and direction of these relationships were strongly habitat-dependent. We conclude that any spatial upscaling of the effects of plant communities on CRPs must consider the relative contribution of different habitat types.

The importance of shrubland and local agroecological practices for pumpkin production in sub-Saharan smallholdings

Land-use and local field management affect pollinators, pest damage and ultimately crop yields. Agroecology is implemented as a sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural practices, but little is known about its potential for pollination and pest management. Sub-Saharan Africa is underrepresented in studies investigating the relative importance of pests and pollinators for crop productivity and how this might be influenced by surrounding landscapes or agroecological practices. In Malawi, we selected 24 smallholder farms differing in landscape-scale shrubland cover, implementation of manual pest removal as an indicator of an agroecological pest management practice, and the number of agroecological soil practices employed at the household level, such as mulching, intercropping and soil conservation tillage. We established pumpkin plots and assessed the abundance and richness of flower visitors and damage of flowers (florivory) caused by pest herbivores on flowers. Using a full-factorial hand pollination and exclusion experiment on each plot, we investigated the relative contribution of pollination and florivory to pumpkin yield. Increasing shrubland cover decreased honeybee abundance but increased the abundance and richness of non-honeybee visitors. Manual removal of herbivores considered to be pests reduced flower visitors, whereas more agroecological soil management practices increased flower visitors. Neither shrubland cover nor agroecological management affected florivory. Pollinator limitation, but not florivory, constrained pumpkin fruit set, and increasing visitor richness decreased the relative differences between hand- and animal-pollinated flowers. We recommend improved protection of shrubland habitats and increasing agroecological soil practices to promote pollinator richness on smallholder farms.

Wing pattern variation and DNA barcodes defy taxonomic splitting in the New Zealand Pimelea Looper Notoreas perornata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae): the importance of populations as conservation units.

The endemic Notoreas perornata (Walker, 1863) complex (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae) from the North Island and northern South Island of New Zealand is reviewed. Larvae feed on Pimelea spp. (Thymelaeaceae), frequently in highly fragmented and threatened shrubland habitats. Allopatric populations tend to differ in size and wing pattern characteristics, but not in genitalia; moreover extensive variation renders recognition of subspecies / allopatric species based on any species concept problematic. A mitochondrial DNA gene tree is not congruent with morphology and indicates rapid recent divergence that has not settled into diagnosable lineages. Based on our results, we synonymise Notoreas simplex Hudson, 1898 with N. perornata (Walker, 1863), and retain N. perornata as a single, highly diverse but monotypic species. All known populations are illustrated to display variation. For conservation purposes, we recommend the continued recognition within the species of 10 populations or groups of populations that appear to be on the way to diverging at subspecific level based on morphological and/or DNA data. The conservation status of all these populations is reviewed. One conservation unit, comprising the populations from Westland, has not been seen since 1998 and is feared possibly extinct.

The earliest most complete skeleton of Theropithecus

The middle Pliocene site of Woranso-Mille in the Afar Region of Ethiopia has yielded numerous significant early hominin fossils representing multiple, coexisting taxa. Here we report on another significant discovery, the oldest partial skeleton of the papionin, Theropithecus. The specimen was recovered from the Aralee Issie collection area over multiple field seasons from 2004 through 2019. The specimen was unearthed in situ from the fluvial facies of the Mesgid Dora Tuff dated to 3.66–3.57 Ma. The partial skeleton, ARI-VP-1/26, is that of a subadult male lacking a skull. In the absence of unambiguously associated craniodental remains, the male status of the specimen was established from the dimensions of the long bones in comparison to those of other Theropithecus from Woranso-Mille. ARI-VP-1/26 is noteworthy because it preserves partial hand and foot skeletons, including a complete set of metacarpals from the left side. The theropith status of ARI-VP-1/26 was established based on the detailed anatomy of the postcranial skeleton, especially the proximal and distal humerus, proximal radius, and proximal femur. The morphology of the postcranium of ARI-VP-1/26 is consistent with that of recognized Theropithecus from Woranso-Mille and, specifically, with specimens recognized as Theropithecus oswaldi cf. darti from other sites. The ratio of the lengths of the first metacarpal to metacarpals 2–5 in ARI-VP-1/26 is intermediate between that seen in extant Papio and Theropithecus. In Theropithecus gelada and Theropithecus brumpti, the pairing of pollical and indical metacarpals of near equal length contributes to the species' high opposability index and is associated with a ‘manual grazing’ feeding habit. Cercopithecids constitute 43% of the identified vertebrates at Aralee Issie, and T. oswaldi cf. darti is the most common mammalian species. The monkeys of Aralee Issie lived in an open shrubland habitat, but the specific reasons for their high prevalence at the site are unclear.

Using a novel land cover classification to identify multi-scale drivers of site occupancy for shrubland habitat conservation

Using a novel land cover classification to identify multi-scale drivers of site occupancy for shrubland habitat conservation

Composition, Relative Abundance, and Diversity of Medium and Large Mammals in Tirba Lake Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Understanding the diversity, abundance, and habitat preferences of the fauna is essential for determining the status and suggesting effective conservation actions. A study was conducted in Tirba Lake Awi zone, Ethiopia, to evaluate the wealth, diversity, and composition of the medium and large mammal communities. It is also important to consider how these parameters differ from one habitat type to another and from one season to another. Researchers collected data using a transect method. As a result of the study, 330 individuals and 11 different species of mammals were identified across four orders and six families. The result shows that globally threatened species like the Leopard (Panthera pardus) were included. In terms of seasonal variation in wild mammal abundance, the difference was statistically significant (P $$\le$$ 0.001). A total of 330 ± 26.2 wild mammals were recorded, of which 180 ± 11 (55%) were observed during the wet season and 150 ± 6.5 (45%) during the dry season. Olive Baboons (Papio Anubis) accounted for 30.61% of the 11 mammalian species with 101 individuals, followed by Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) with 16.67% and 55 individuals, respectively. Mammalian populations were statistically significant among habitat types, with the highest similarity index (SI = 0.8) observed between open forests and shrubland, followed by shrubland adjacent to Cliff sites (SI = 0.7). The shrubland habitat type (Hʹ = 1) supports the greatest diversity of mammalian species, followed by the open forest habitat type (Hʹ = 0.8). In terms of diversity among habitat types, dense forests had the lowest Hʹ value (0.5). Based on the species similarity index, open forest and shrubland shared the most similarity of mammalian species (Sl = 0.8), while shrubland and cliff sites hosted the least similar species (SI = 0.7). To conclude, our findings contribute significantly to the conservation of Ethiopia's mammal populations. As a result of our findings, managers of the area will be able to make effective conservation decisions, and researchers wishing to conduct related studies will be able to use the findings as a baseline for their research. Studies in the study area have revealed that anthropogenic factors interact with the mammals in the area, putting them at risk. It is imperative that these animals are protected through an urgent conservation program.

Dynamic vegetation cover and decline in common eider breeding numbers in Nova Scotia, Canada

The American common eider ( Somateria mollissima dresseri) is a colonially nesting sea duck breeding on islands in the coastal regions of Atlantic Canada. Declines in colony size have been pronounced in some parts of its range, notably in Nova Scotia, and may be attributable to a variety of interconnected factors including changes in habitat conditions. Using surveys collected two decades apart, we compared nesting habitat types, availability, and use by breeding eiders on 16 islands that supported >1600 eider nests in 1992–1993, but 830 nests in 2013. While general patterns of eider nesting habitat use remained consistent (e.g., nesting preferences exhibited for Low Shrubland and Grassland habitats, and avoidance of forest or beach habitats), overall vegetation cover declined, but relative habitat changes were inconsistent across islands. Three of the islands with the greatest change in vegetation had cormorant ( Phalacrocorax spp.) colonies in 2013 that were not there in the earlier years. We suggest that changes in vegetation, in some cases facilitated by cormorant colony formation, influenced susceptibility of nesting females to predators, and these interconnected factors may be contributing to local population declines.

Structure of Equisetum variegatum (Equisetaceae) populations in natural and anthropogenic habitats

Many native plant species colonise anthropogenic habitats, but relatively little information is available on the status and development of their populations under unusual conditions. The most reliable information on the status and performance of plants in particular habitats is obtained through population studies. The study aimed to determine the characteristics of Equisetum variegatum populations occurring in natural and anthropogenic habitats. Nine coenopopulations of Equisetum variegatum occurring in natural and anthropogenic habitats were studied in four administrative districts (Kelmė, Lazdijai, Trakai and Varėna) of Lithuania. The ramet density, shoot height, total number of shoots and the number of fertile and sterile shoots and buds in a ramet were assessed. The density of Equisetum variegatum ramets was significantly higher in natural habitats than in anthropogenic habitats. The largest mean height of shoots was found in shrubland and shallow water habitats, whereas the largest mean number of all shoots, fertile shoots and buds in a ramet was recorded in dry sands. Old shoots in natural habitats comprised a significantly smaller portion (18.1%) of all shoots than in anthropogenic habitats (42.8%). Thus, all the studied traits can be used to evaluate the status of the populations. Long-term studies of Equisetum variegatum populations should be performed to determine how they change in response to the succession of natural and anthropogenic habitats. As the natural habitats of Equisetum variegatum decline, anthropogenic habitats may be considered the refugia for their populations.

Classification and mapping of low-statured shrubland cover types in post-agricultural landscapes of the US Northeast

ABSTRACT Novel plant communities reshape landscapes and pose challenges for land cover classification and mapping that can constrain research and stewardship efforts. In the US Northeast, emergence of low-statured woody vegetation, or shrublands, instead of secondary forests in post-agricultural landscapes is well documented by field studies, but poorly understood from a landscape perspective, which limits the ability to systematically study and manage these lands. To address gaps in classification/mapping of low-statured cover types where they have been historically rare, we developed models to predict shrubland distributions at 30 m resolution across New York State (NYS), using a stacked ensemble combining a random forest, gradient boosting machine, and artificial neural network to integrate remote sensing of structural (airborne LIDAR) and optical (satellite imagery) properties of vegetation cover. We first classified a 1 m canopy height model (CHM), derived from a patchwork of available LIDAR coverages, to define shrubland presence/absence. Next, these non-contiguous maps were used to train a model ensemble based on temporally segmented imagery to predict shrubland probability for the entire study landscape (NYS). Approximately 2.5% of the CHM coverage area was classified as shrubland. Models using Landsat predictors trained on the classified CHM were effective at identifying shrubland (test set AUC = 0.893, real-world AUC = 0.904), in discriminating between shrub/young forest and other cover classes, and produced qualitatively sensible maps, even when extending beyond the original training data. After ground-truthing, we expect these shrubland maps and models will have many research and stewardship applications including wildlife conservation, invasive species mitigation and natural climate solutions. Our results suggest that incorporation of airborne LiDAR, even from a discontinuous patchwork of coverages, can improve land cover classification of historically rare but increasingly prevalent shrubland habitats across broader areas.

Small mammal taphonomy and palaeoecological Holocene interpretations in the Andean piedmont (southern Mendoza province, Argentina)

ABSTRACT Salamanca cave (southern Mendoza province) is in the Andean piedmont, a transitional area in which small mammal communities may have been affected by climatic pulses. The site yields three archaeological components covering from the early to the late-Holocene with a mid-Holocene occupational and sedimentological hiatus. Taphonomic analyses of the small mammal assemblages indicate that barn owls (Tyto furcata) were the main accumulation agent, ensuring accurate palaeoecological inferences. Taxonomic composition of the site shows the dominance of Eligmodontia sp. followed by Thylamys pallidior, Phyllotis cf. P. vaccarum-pehuenche and Ctenomys sp., all of them indicative of shrubland and bare ground habitats. Palaeoclimatic inferences indicate a trend to warmer temperatures from the lower to the upper component with a slight increase in humidity in the middle component. This humid pulse is also supported by post-depositional taphonomic processes. The taxonomic structure and abundance of small mammals do not show deep changes amongst the three archaeological components, following the general trend observed in other archaeological sites from the Pampean region, southern Mendoza province and the arid and semi-arid zones of north Patagonia, in which changes in the taxonomic composition of small mammal communities are almost absent since Pleistocene–Holocene transition to late Holocene.

Population Status, Diurnal Activity Pattern, Feeding Ecology, and Habitat Association of Colobus Monkey (Colobus guereza) in Saja Forest, Kaffa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) are endemic to the Ethiopian plateau, distributed in different ecological habitats such as moist and deciduous forests, savanna woodlands, and montane forests. The population status, diurnal activity pattern, feeding ecology, and habitat association of Colobus guereza were investigated in Saja Forest, southwest Ethiopia, from June 2019 to February 2020, covering both wet and dry seasons. A total of 39 different types of transect were systematically established, distributed in both dense forest and in shrubland. Data were collected for 60 days in total across a wet and a dry season, both at dawn and in the afternoon. A total of 246 ± 39.1 individuals were recorded, of which 132 ± 24.4 and 114 ± 14.7 individuals were recorded during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The population and group sizes did not statistically differ between the wet and dry seasons but shrubland habitat had fewer individuals and smaller groups than forest. Out of the recorded Colobus guereza, 33.5% were adult males, 34.5% were adult females, 28% were sub-adult males, 14.5% were sub-adult females, and 12.5% were juveniles/young. Feeding (29.5%) and resting (19.5%) were the most recorded daily activities for Colobus guereza. Young leaves were the largest (31%) contributor to the diet followed by mature leaves (22%) in both seasons. Other common dietary items were shoots (20%), barks (13%), fruits (11%), and flowers (3%). Colobus guereza were observed feeding on a diverse diet of 26 plant species belonging to 21 genera within 21 families. The habitats of these primates are currently diminishing due to anthropogenic activities such as agricultural expansion, human settlement, livestock grazing, and other forms of human wildlife conflict. Furthermore, guerezas are hunted for their skin and are also major sources of meat for the Menja people in the study area. Therefore, awareness creation for local people towards wildlife conservation is needed.

Conservation status of the world’s carnivorous mammals (order Carnivora)

The conservation of carnivores (order Carnivora) can lead to the conservation of other species as well as entire ecosystems since they play an important ecosystemic role. However, their predatory behaviour has caused many of these species to experience marked population declines worldwide and they may therefore face greater anthropogenic threats than other animal groups. To examine the conservation status, population trends, distribution patterns, habitats and threats of all extant species belonging to this order (N = 290), we collected data from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List. In addition, we calculated the Red List Index (RLI) to measure the change in extinction risk of species over time. Carnivores are more threatened than mammals in general (26.9% of endangered species vs. 22.7%) and have a significantly higher proportion of species with declining populations (48.3% vs. 31.9%). Eupleridae, Ursidae and Felidae families have the worst conservation status. Between the 1990s and 2000s, most families suffered a considerable decline in their RLI value, the most notable being Felidae. The greatest numbers of threatened carnivore species are found in forest, shrubland and grassland habitats. East and South Asia hold great numbers of carnivore species as well as the highest proportion of threatened and declining species. Hunting and trapping of terrestrial animals, along with habitat loss (caused by deforestation and agricultural expansion), pose the main threats to the Carnivora order. Our findings indicate that, within mammals, the conservation of carnivores should be a priority, and conservation measures directed at this group should be undertaken or increased as a matter of urgency.

Maintenance of local adaptation despite gene flow in a coastal songbird.

Adaptation to local environments is common in widespread species and the basis of ecological speciation. The song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a widespread, polytypic passerine that occurs in shrubland habitats throughout North America. We examined the population structure of two parapatric subspecies that inhabit different environments: the Atlantic song sparrow (M. m. atlantica), a coastal specialist, and the eastern song sparrow (M. m. melodia), a shrubland generalist. These populations lacked clear mitochondrial population structure, yet coastal birds formed a distinct nuclear genetic cluster. We found weak overall genomic differentiation between these subspecies, suggesting either recent divergence, extensive gene flow, or a combination thereof. There was a steep genetic cline at the transition to coastal habitats, consistent with isolation by environment, not isolation by distance. A phenotype under divergent selection, bill size, varied with the amount of coastal ancestry in transitional areas, but larger bill size was maintained in coastal habitats regardless of ancestry, further supporting a role for selection in the maintenance of these subspecies. Demographic modeling suggested a divergence history of limited gene flow followed by secondary contact, which has emerged as a common theme in adaptive divergence across taxa.

Diversity, Abundance, and Habitat Association of Medium and Large-Sized Mammals in Tiski Waterfall, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

The reliable data on faunal diversity, abundance, and habitat preference are essential for proposing and establishing relevant conservation interventions. A survey was done from September 2019 to March 2021 to investigate the diversity, relative abundance, and habitat association of large and medium mammals in Tiski Waterfall, Ethiopia. Data were collected using the line transect survey method in both habitat types. In cliff sites, the point transect was also used. The habitats were populated by large and medium animal species that favor dense forest and shrubland habitats near water sources. During the research, three different habitat categories were evaluated (dense forest, shrubland, and cliff sites). Ten mammalian species were discovered. During the wet season, there were 243 ± 6.6 populations recorded, while during the dry season, there were 204 ± 6.8. Seasonal differences in species abundance were statistically significant p ≤ 0. 001 . The total populations of the three habitat types were 198.2 ± 7.39, 135 ± 5.35, and 114 ± 5.16 for dense forest, shrubland, and cliff site, respectively. All three habitat categories had a great difference in species abundance p ≤ 0. 001 . The olive baboon (Papio anubis) was the most common, accounting for 38 percent of the population, followed by the vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops), which accounted for 23 percent. Leopard (Panthera pardus) and common bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) contributed the least to the total, accounting for only 2% each of the total. The highest diversity of mammalian species was found in dense forest (H′ = 0.98), followed by shrubland (H′ = 0.90), and the cliff location has the lowest diversity (H′ = 0.57). The maximum uniformity of the species was found in dense forests (J = 0.51), followed by a shrub region (J = 0.43), and the remaining of the habitat (J = 0.35). Dense forest and shrubland had the highest species similarity (Sl = 0.67), followed by shrubland and cliff site (SI = 0.61). In dense forests with cliff sites, the similarity was lowest (SI = 0.31) in each. To limit the impact of agricultural growth on big and medium mammals, good habitat management is required.

Can at‐risk species serve as effective conservation surrogates? Case study in northeasternUSshrublands

AbstractTargeted, single‐species management and ecosystem‐based management are generally considered disparate conservation approaches. In imperiled ecosystems, these approaches may be complementary, when habitat management for targeted at‐risk species provides broad ecosystem benefits through an umbrella or surrogate species effect. In the northeastern United States, extensive management has been ongoing since 2011 to restore declining habitat for an at‐risk shrubland habitat specialist, the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), with the goal that other shrubland‐obligate wildlife will also benefit; yet, the efficacy of these efforts has not been evaluated. In this study, we assessed whether habitat management targeting New England cottontail provides conservation benefits for shrubland‐obligate birds. Specifically, we (1) identified shrubland‐obligate birds that are indicative of the microhabitat conditions and habitat types suitable for New England cottontails, and (2) determined microhabitat and patch‐level influences on shrubland bird occupancy at sites occupied by or managed for New England cottontail. Through avian point count surveys and indicator species analyses, we identified 12 shrubland‐obligate bird species on patches occupied by New England cottontail and in microhabitat conditions suitable for New England cottontail. Occupancy models for five shrubland bird species further identified species‐specific habitat associations. Generalized linear models showed that shrubland bird species richness was positively associated with herbaceous vegetation and low shrubs, indicating that shrublands managed for the purpose of cottontail colonization can also benefit a suite of shrubland birds before the habitat is dense enough to provide cover for cottontails. Our findings show that managing habitat for New England cottontail on a variety of site types can maintain a range of microhabitat conditions to support a high diversity of shrubland‐obligate birds. These findings provide evidence for broad ecosystem benefits of managing for New England cottontail and exemplify the value of at‐risk habitat specialists as conservation surrogates in imperiled ecosystems.

The katydid country: bioacoustics and ecology of tettigoniid communities from the Indian subcontinent

ABSTRACT The study provides the first description of acoustic communities from a subtropical rainforest in Northeast India and a previously unexplored site from the Western Ghats. We describe call structures of 15 katydid species from the Indian subcontinent. The habitat and seasonal variations of the communities were investigated at both sites. Most species observed produced ultrasonic broadband calls (bandwidth: 11.07–42.5 kHz); only two Pseudophyllinae members produced pure tone calls. The study includes calls of two previously undescribed species of the genus Ducetia (subfamily: Phaneropterinae) from the subcontinent. We observed diverse acoustic communities at both sites represented by five major subfamilies: Conocephalinae, Hexacentriane, Mecopodinae, Phaneropterinae and Pseudophyllinae. The acoustic communities at each site exhibited seasonal variations and habitat preferences. The post-monsoon season had a richer community composition than the dry season. We compared differences in the community compositions between habitats using a presence–absence matrix based on 526 individuals from the two sites. Species composition was found to be different among habitats (stress = .06, dimension: 2), with ANOSIM indicating separation of species among understorey, shrubland and grassland habitats.