Swamp Habitats Research Articles

Effects of Water Level Fluctuation on Waterbirds Distribution and Aquatic Vegetation Composition at Natural Wetland Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia

The effects of water level fluctuations on waterbirds distribution and aquatic vegetation composition was determined using distance sampling point count method and direct visual observation at Paya Indah Natural Wetland Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 2563 waterbird individual of 28 species and 8 families were detected in three habitats, that is, marsh swamp (68.59%), open water body (18.42%), and lotus swamp (12.99%).Porphyrio porphyriowas the most dominant species in marsh swamp (45.39%), and lotus swamp (23.42%), whereasDendrocygna javanica(42.16%) was the most abundant in open water body. The highest water level for marsh swamp (2.313 m) and lotus swamp (2.249 m) was recorded in January, 2008 and for open water body (2.572 m) in January and April, 2008. In contrast, the lowest water level for marsh swamp (2.048 m) and lotus swamp (1.834 m) was determined in October, 2008 and for open water body (2.398 m) in January, 2009. Pearson test indicates weak linear correlationship between water level and waterbird abundance in lotus swamp habitat(r2=0.120,P>0.05)and in marsh swamp(r2=0.100,P>0.05)and negative linear correlationship(r2=−0.710,P>0.05)in open water body habitat. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated strong correlationship between waterbird abundance and vegetation (73.0%) in open water body, and weaker association (29.8%) in lotus swamp. The results of this study indicate that water level is a major factor that influences the relative abundance and distribution of ducks, swamphen, crakes, herons, jacanas, and moorhens directly and indirectly. In addition, it also effects on the dynamics of aquatic vegetation composition such as, emergent, submerged, and grasses in this wetland reserve.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Differentially Affect Annual and Perennial Plants in Tidal Freshwater and Oligohaline Wetlands

To test species composition and biomass responses to excess nutrients, herbaceous plants of tidal freshwater and oligohaline wetlands in a Chesapeake Bay subestuary were fertilized with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), both N and P (N + P), or not fertilized (Control) for 4 years. In marshes, the N treatment increased abundance measures of perennials but decreased those of annuals while the P treatment increased annuals and decreased perennials. In swamps, however, perennials increased in response to P. Total herbaceous aboveground biomass production was not limited by N, P, or N + P in marshes or swamps. These findings suggest that annual species are more susceptible than perennials to P limitation, possibly due to lack of a large perenniating root organ and lower susceptibility to mycorrhizal inoculation. Furthermore, eutrophication effects are likely to vary between swamp and marsh habitats and depend on whether the dominant nutrient supplied is nitrogen or phosphorus.

Ecology of freshwaters: a view for the twenty-first century

Ecology of freshwaters: a view for the twenty-first century

Leaf anatomy and photosynthetic carbon metabolic characteristics in Phragmites communis in different soil water availability

To investigate the variations of anatomical and photosynthetic carbon metabolic characteristics within one species in response to increasing soil water stress, leaf anatomical characteristics, gas exchange and the activity of key enzymes in photosynthesis and photorespiration were compared in different ecotypes of Phragmitescommunis growing in an oasis-desert transitional zone (ODTZ) from swamp habitat (plot 1–3) via heavy salt meadow (plot 4–7) and light salt meadow habitat (plot 8–9) to dune habitat (plot 10–13) in Northwest China. The results showed that interveinal distance (ID) decreased with increasing water stress except that in plots of dune reed (DR). Vein mean diameter (VMD) in plot 10, 11 and 12 of the DR was significantly larger than that in other ecotypes. Leaf specific porosity (LSP) enhanced from plot 4 to plot 13 from heave salt meadow reed (HSMR) to light salt meadow reed (LSMR) and to DR. Chlorophyll fluorescence in bundle sheath cells were microscopically found in four ecotypes, especially significantly in the DR. Net CO2 assimilation rate (An) dropped rapidly from the swamp reed (SR) to the HSMR and then increased progressively from the LSMR to the DR. Stomatal conductance (gs) decreased and the water use efficiency (WUE) rose from the wet to the dry ecotypes. Sensitivity of gs to intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) increased, but glycolate oxidase (GO) activity gradually reduced with increasing soil water deficiency. The RuBPCase activity did not reduce in four ecotypes even in DR, but, the PEPCase and NAD-ME activities as well as the ratio of PEPCase/RuBPCase were gradually enhanced with increasing soil water stress. We concluded that anatomical and photosynthetic carbon assimilating characteristics in P. communis were developing to the direction of C4 metabolism in response to the increasing drought stress in desert areas. The DR enduring severe water stress had more C4 like photosynthetic features than the HSMR and LSMR as well as SR, according to significantly increased VMD and LSP and higher gs sensitivity to Ci as well as higher PEPCase activity and lower GO activity in the DR.

Cotton Rats and House Sparrows as Hosts for North and South American Strains of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) is an arbovirus that causes severe disease in humans in North America and in equids throughout the Americas. The enzootic transmission cycle of EEEV in North America involves passerine birds and the ornithophilic mosquito vector, Culiseta melanura, in freshwater swamp habitats. However, the ecology of EEEV in South America is not well understood. Culex (Melanoconion) spp. mosquitoes are considered the principal vectors in Central and South America; however, a primary vertebrate host for EEEV in South America has not yet been identified. Therefore, to further assess the reservoir host potential of wild rodents and wild birds, we compared the infection dynamics of North American and South American EEEV in cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) and house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Our findings suggested that each species has the potential to serve as amplification hosts for North and South America EEEVs.

Habitat Selection of the Terciopelo (Serpentes: Viperidae: Bothrops asper) in a Lowland Rainforest in Costa Rica

Abstract Despite their high diversity and importance as top predators in many ecosystems, the ecology of many snakes remains poorly understood. This situation is especially true at low latitudes, as few attempts have been made to quantify patterns of space usage by tropical snake species. Here, we describe macro- and microhabitat use by the abundant pit viper Bothrops asper in the lowlands of Costa Rica. Specifically, we used radiotelemetry to monitor nine female and four male adult snakes at La Selva Biological Station between 2004 and 2006. We determined macrohabitat usage and availability on the basis of the movements of individual snakes and analyzed selection using compositional analysis. Microhabitat was quantified by a series of structural characteristics, and groups of locations were compared using multivariate ANOVA and discriminant function analysis. In our study, B. asper demonstrated a positive selection for swamp habitat and avoidance of human-disturbed areas by both male and female snakes. M...

TREE FLORA ON FRESHWATER WET HABITATS IN LOWLAND OF BORNEO: DOES WETNESS COOL THE SITES?

SUZUKI, E. 2010. Tree flora on freshwater wet habitats in lowland of borneo: does wetness cool the sites?. Reinwardtia 13(2): 199-210. - The floristic records of lowland forests of Borneo in dry (not inundated) and wet (kerangas and peat swamp) habitats, and in montane forest of West Java were compared to clarify the characteristics of the flora in the lowland wet habitats. The data was flora of trees (DBH is equal to or more than 4.8 cm) in 12, 7, and 3 plots in dry lowland, wet lowland and mountain, respectively (20.9 ha in total). Plots in dry habitats had 42 to 53 families in 1 ha, except two plots on river banks (33 and 37 families). Plots in wet habitats and in mountain had 32 - 45 and 21 - 40 families, respectively. The clusters of plots in dendrogram using number of species in family mostly coincided with the difference in habitats. The preference for wet habitats existed in some families: Aquifoliaceae, Icacinaceae, Thymelaeaceae, Guttiferae, Myrtaceae, and Anacardiaceae though most families including Dipterocarpaceae and Euphorbiaceae had no tendency. Myristicaceae, Meliaceae, and Sapindaceae preferred dry habitats. Some species consisting of the flora of tropical mountains were found occasionaly in wet habitats of lowland though very rarely in dry habitats. There was a weak but singificant correlation between preference for wet habitats and abundance in Japanese tree flora of each family. These results suggest that the wet habitat where the forest floor is periodically filled with water has cooler environment than dry habitat, and families adapted cooler climate prefer the former.

Photosynthesis and water-use efficiency of seedlings from northern Australian monsoon forest, savanna and swamp habitats grown in a common garden

Islands of monsoon rainforest and Melaleuca swamp punctuate vast tracts of savanna in monsoonal northern Australia. Seedlings of species from each of these habitat associations were grown in a common garden. Monsoon forest species had higher specific leaf area, lower photosynthetic capacity and lower photosynthetic light compensation points, and required lower irradiance to achieve 50% of light-saturated photosynthesis compared with savanna or swamp species. These traits probably contribute towards greater shade tolerance beneath dense monsoon-forest canopies, whereas savanna and swamp canopies are relatively open. Swamp species, especially two Melaleuca species, had high stomatal conductance and small CO2 drawdown during photosynthesis, and more negative leaf δ13C, compared with monsoon forest and savanna species. Higher stomatal conductance increases carbon uptake during photosynthesis and a high transpiration rate would increase transport of nutrients to absorbing surfaces in the root by mass flow. Thus, a strategy of high transpiration and low water-use efficiency appears to be favoured in swamp species compared with monsoon-forest and savanna species. Instantaneous measurements of the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 concentrations (ci/ca) explained 81% of variation in leaf δ13C across 44 species sampled in this and other studies, suggesting that leaf δ13C generally provides a robust proxy for comparisons of ci/ca, even when applied across species.

MAsticophis flagellum Selects Florida Scrub Habitat at Multiple Spatial Scales

Abstract The use of space by individual animals strongly influences the spatial extent, abundance, and growth rates of their populations. We analyzed the spatial ecology and habitat selection of Masticophis flagellum (the coachwhip) at three different scales to determine which habitats are most important to this species. Home ranges and mean daily displacements of M. flagellum in Florida were large compared to individuals in other populations of this species. Home ranges contained a greater proportion of Florida scrub habitat than did the study site as a whole, and individuals selected Florida scrub habitat within their home ranges. For both selection of the home range within the study site and selection of habitats within the home range, mesic cutthroat and hydric swamp habitats were avoided. Standardized selection ratios of Florida scrub patches were positively correlated with lizard abundance. Several non-mutually exclusive mechanisms, including foraging success (prey abundance, prey vulnerability, and...

Neogene and present-day zoogeography of killifishes ( Aphanius and Aphanolebias) in the Mediterranean and Paratethys areas

It has been suggested that the Recent zoogeography and diversification of the killifish Aphanius is a result of the palaeogeographic reorganisation of the Mediterranean area during the Neogene. However, little is known about the fossil distribution of killifishes in the Mediterranean, and literature data are scattered. This paper summarizes the data on the stratigraphic range and palaeoecology of the Aphanius and Aphanolebias species from three time intervals in the Miocene of southwestern Europe, the Paratethys, and the Aegean based on previously described otoliths and articulated skeletons, and newly collected otoliths from Spain. Moreover, the mollusc palaeocommunities that co-occur with the otoliths from Spain are considered. Our data indicate that species-diversity and zoogeography of fossil killifishes is closely linked to those palaeogeographic and climate conditions that affect the abundance of brackish and swamp habitats. The appearance of fossil Aphanolebias or Aphanius in continental deposits of Early and Middle Miocene age can be considered indicative of a warm palaeoclimate with seasonal or interannual aridity. The relatively wide geographic distribution of the Late Miocene Aphanius crassicaudus is strikingly different from the zoogeographic pattern exhibited by the Early and Middle Miocene Aphanius species, and probably resulted from (i) increased numbers of brackish and swamp habitats due to the Messinian event, and (ii) the closure of the deep seaway between the former island of Italy and the mainland to the north. We hypothesize that the wide geographic distribution of the present-day A. fasciatus in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the limited zoogeography of A. iberus and A. baeticus along the Spanish coast, is a result of zoogeographic history of their ancestors in the Late Miocene. Moreover, the present-day ability of Aphanius to survive under extreme conditions probably represents a vestige of the broad ecological tolerance of the Miocene Aphanius species.

Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis in Panama: Fatal Endemic Disease and Genetic Diversity of Etiologic Viral Strains

Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is a reemerging, mosquito-borne viral disease of the neotropics that is severely debilitating and sometimes fatal to humans. Periodic epidemics mediated by equine amplification have been recognized since the 1920s, but interepidemic disease is rarely recognized. We report here clinical findings and genetic characterization of 42 cases of endemic VEE detected in Panama from 1961–2004. Recent clusters of cases occurred in Darien (eastern Panama) and Panama provinces (central Panama) near rainforest and swamp habitats. Patients ranged from 10 months to 48 years of age, and the more severe cases with neurological complications, including one fatal infection, were observed in children. The VEE virus strains isolated from these cases all belonged to an enzootic, subtype ID lineage known to circulate among sylvatic vectors and rodent reservoir hosts in Panama and Peru. These findings underscore endemic VEE as an important but usually neglected arboviral disease of Latin America.

Is the Papuan Harrier Circus spilonotus spilothorax a globally threatened species? Ecology, climate change threats and first population estimates from Papua New Guinea

We undertook a 3-week expedition to Papua New Guinea in April-May 2007 to assess the breeding, threats and population densities of the Papuan Harrier Circus spilonotus spilothorax and to determine a first global population estimate for this almost entirely unknown species. Two of the first nests known were discovered in April 2007 with three chicks each, in the eastern lowlands, in rank grass and reeds. The melanistic form of this subspecies was more common in the lowlands (< 1,500 m a.s.l) than in the highlands, but interbreeding of this and the typical form occurred in the lowlands. Movements of identifiable individuals through two highland grasslands indicated up to eight birds per day on passage, corroborating local knowledge that other raptors move into the highlands at the start of the dry season (April). Linear road counts indicated no harriers in the wooded highlands but up to 2.9 harriers 10 km−1 in lowland grasslands. Area counts gave an average of 6.5 harriers 100 km−2 in the grasslands and a breeding density of 1.21 nests 100 km−2. Given that preferred grassland and swamp habitat comprises c. 7% of the forest-dominated island of New Guinea, the global Papuan Harrier population can be no more than c. 3,600 birds and c. 740 breeding pairs. Wildfires peaked at 38 per month in the study area, occur throughout the dry season, and led to the loss of both nests. This suggests that many nests and prey may be lost at critical times and burning may be ultimately detrimental for the species. Grassland fires throughout Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are increasing with climatic warming and ENSO events, so we suggest that the Papuan Harrier may warrant a ‘Vulnerable’ conservation ranking due to small total population size and an accelerated reduction in habitat quality due to ongoing climate change.

Nest site selection by Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis in the Ruoergai Wetland, China

From 5 May 2003 to early June 2005, nest site selection of Black-necked Cranes Grus nigricollis was studied at the Ruoergai Wetland Nature Reserve (RWNR), an important breeding area for the species in China. Results showed that the crane nests only in wetland environments, including lake, swamp and river microhabitats. However, the bird showed different selection patterns in these microhabitats. According to the Ivelev selectivity index (S.I.), cranes preferred lakes and avoided swampy areas, while they used river areas in proportion to their availability. Factors associated with the selection of nest sites included water body size, distance to water, water depth and the level of nest concealment. Nest size was a function of the microhabitat used for nesting; nests were largest in lakes, and similarly-sized in swamp and river habitats. A certain water depth was a prerequisite for nest site selection (mean = 31.1 cm), but no differences were found among different microhabitats. Compared with nests found in Qinghai, Tibet, and Ladakh, nests in Ruoergai Wetland were smaller, but water depth near nesting sites was higher (mean = 31.1 cm vs 18.2 cm). Different plant communities, climate and disturbance are likely to be related to these differences. Conservation efforts should focus on the protection of existing lakes, minimizing disturbance impacts and maintaining small patches (i.e. 100 m2 water bodies) of swamp areas as important buffer zones. In the future, restoration of wetlands to decrease fragmentation, and reduction of habitat degradation are advocated for effective conservation of this species.

Effects of hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, and Rita on a southeastern Louisiana herpetofauna

Tropical weather disturbances are a major influence on coastal wetlands in North America. However, studies of their impact on biotic communities are rare. The abundance and species composition of amphibians and reptiles were investigated within levee, herbaceous marsh, and forested swamp habitats in southeastern Louisiana from 2002 to 2004 and again in 2005 to 2006. During the course of this study, three major hurricanes (Ivan, Katrina, and Rita) affected our study sites. This allowed us to opportunistically document the effect of major storm disturbances by comparing species richness, diversity, community assemblage, and abundance of amphibians and reptiles before and after hurricane events. We also used a previous study conducted in the same area during the late 1980's to assess long- term community composition changes. We documented the highest species richness in the forested swamp habitat (23 species), but the most diverse assemblage was found in marsh habitat (H 95 2.082). Overall, herpetofaunal diversity decreased and evenness increased in each habitat following hurricanes Ivan and Katrina/Rita. Drastic decreases in overall abundance of amphibians occurred, while the effect on reptile abundance varied with habitat. Reduced abundance of reptiles in marsh was recorded over the course of the study, while abundances in adjacent levee habitat increased, suggesting displacement of certain reptiles from the marsh to the levee. Significant saltwater intrusion was recorded in marsh and levee habitats, but not in the forested swamp. The hurricanes altered community composition and increased species evenness within each habitat, potentially affecting long-term community dynamics and species interactions.

Activity Patterns of a Neotropical Ambush Predator: Spatial Ecology of the Fer‐de‐lance (Bothrops asper, Serpentes: Viperidae) in Costa Rica

ABSTRACTPatterns of movement and space usage are important components of the ecology of any organism. Among snakes, this information is often lacking even for species that are abundant, ecologically important, and/or relevant to human health. We used radiotelemetry to examine the spatial ecology and behavior of the fer‐de‐lance (Bothrops asper), a highly venomous pit viper that is ubiquitous throughout much of Central America. Sixteen adult snakes were tracked over 2 yr in lowland rainforest of Costa Rica to determine home range, movement patterns, and foraging behavior. Consistent with previous descriptions, B. asper was found to be a highly nocturnal ambush predator, exhibiting virtually no activity during the day. Overall home range was determined using both minimum convex polygon (mean size = 5.95 ha) and 95 and 50 percent kernel density (mean size = 3.71 and 0.370 ha, respectively); home range size did not differ between males and females by any estimation method. Movement pattern was largely aseasonal and unrelated to any observed environmental conditions other than the daily low temperature. Most movements consisted of short (&lt; 10 m) movements between daytime shelter and nocturnal ambush sites within a given area, interspersed with longer distance (&gt; 50 m) movements to new foraging areas. Compositional analysis of habitat usage indicated an avoidance of developed areas and selection of swamp habitat. Most snakes had several activity cores (50% kernel density), the majority which were in or near swamps. These patterns suggest that space and habitat usage of fer‐de‐lance may be related to foraging strategy.

Variability of groundwater table, atmospheric precipitation and temperature in swamp habitats of the Zielonka Forest Landscape Park

Results of a study carried out in the Zielonka Forest Landscape Park (central Wielkopolska, middle part of the Warta River catchment) are presented in this paper. The park includes part of a large (15 thousand ha) forest complex called Zielonka Forest. The name pertains to relatively large and dense forest area with small agricultural enclaves situated c. 8 km north-east of Poznan. Park's landscape of the young glacial type, Pleistocene and Holocene formations, was formed as a result of the Poznan stage of the Baltic glaciation. Dominating habitat types in the park are: fresh mixed deciduous forest (58%), fresh mixed coniferous forest (25%), fresh broadleaved forest (10%), alder and ash-alder swamp forests (4%).Analysis of thermal conditions and precipitations was performed for the years 2002-2007 and compared with long-term data from 1987-2007. Annual mean air temperature in the hydrologic year 2003 was lower by 10% than the long-term mean while in the years 2007, 2006 and 2002 it was higher by 29, 9 and 8%, respectively. Low air temperature in the year 2003 was the effect of cold winter. In the summer half-year the temperature was definitely above the mean. Hydrologic year 2003 was the coldest but also the driest (64% of the long-term mean) year in the study period. Variability of ground water tables in swamp habitats was measured in the hydrologic years 2002-2007. During this period the ground water table depth varied from 38 to 181 cm below ground. Mean lowest stages (116 cm below ground) were noted in the hydrologic year 2006 (with the minimum level of 52 cm and maximum 178 cm below ground). The lowest ground water table (181 cm below ground) was, however, noted in 2003 in an experimental plot of the division 85f. The year 2003 was also characteristic for the largest annual amplitude of ground water depths. Obtained results confirm the decisive effect of air temperatures and sums of atmospheric precipitation on ground water table depth in forest swamp habitats. Surprisingly, there was no expected difference in the ground water depth between hydrologic years of extremely different atmospheric precipitations. Smaller variability of ground water level with increasing depth known from the literature was not confirmed either.

The response of ash-alder swamp forest to increasing stream water level caused by damming by the European beaver (Castor fiber L.)

The response of an ash-alder swamp forest to water damming was studied in the Łutownia stream running in Bialowieza Forest. The Łutownia stream with artificial dam existing from 2001 for small water retention purposes was the test object. The first observation of vegetation was done in 2004, when small retention construction started to influence surrounding forest, but beavers had not built their dam yet. After one year of experiments (2005) the beaver dam was constructed close to man-made dam and its influence was most significant for further studies. So, the first observation refers to the status of ash-alder swamp forest before beaver damming. Water table level was measured from the beginning of 2004. The main goal of presented studies was to determine changes of terrestrial vegetation and its habitat after increasing of the water level in the stream. One square metre plots in a frame 5 x 5m were localized in a transect close to the stream upstream and downstream artificial dam. Within 104 such plots ground vegetation (growing up to 0.5 m above ground) was described using Braun-Blanquet scale of abundance. The vegetation studies were conducted twice in 2004 and repeated in 2007. The list of species and their abundance were determined twice: in spring and in summer. Changes of species richness and coverage by species characteristic for floodplain and swamp forest site were evaluated. Ecological indices of soil moisture and fertility determined as the means weighed by percent cover by plant species were calculated for two periods of observation. Calculated indicator values showed that water retention increased the number of swamp forest species by 8 times, but the area of swamp habitat increased 16 times compared with 2004. The mean number of species per sample plot was the same before and after water damming by beavers. The plant association (ash-alder riparian forest) changed its floristic composition to swampier variant. Obtained results showed real impact of beavers’ activity on ground vegetation and its habitat in ashalder swamp forest. Observed increased number of swamp species close to the beaver dam is positive from ecological point of view. Presented results indicate also, that species richness is strongly controlled by beaver damming. The population dynamics of beavers could also potentially affect species richness by altering the age distribution of beaver dams and abandoned ponds across the river valley landscape. Generally, this point of view could have adverse social effects because beavers’ activity brings losses to forestry and agriculture. Therefore, we should try to find a balance between economy and wildlife management. Monitoring of the beaver sites should be continued to evaluate ecological consequences and to find best solution of these problems. DOI: 10.2478/v10025-010-0032-7 Unauthenticated Download Date | 6/13/16 9:14 AM 250 J. CZEREPKO et al.

Termite Attack on Oil Palm Grown on Peat Soil: Identification of Pest Species and Factors Contributing to the Problem

Oil palm grown on peat soil has been reported to be severely attacked by subterranean termites, and this has been thought to be due to the harbouring of the termites in abundant timber residues left behind after the clearing of logged-over peat swamp forests for oil palm cultivation. In this study, oil palm trees and plant residues in plantations established on peat and mineral soils were examined for the presence of termites. The primary termite species capable of killing oil palm trees was Coptotermes curvignathus (Rhinotermitidae). Immature palms were killed as a result of feeding damage to the apical meristem at the base of the spear, while mature palms were killed as a result of damage to the trunk, in which the termite sometimes nested. C. curvignathus was rarely encountered in timber residues or frond heaps on the plantation floor, suggesting that removal of timber residues would not significantly reduce termite attack on oil palm on peat soils. Tivo other species of Coptotermesfound in oil palm trees grown on peat soils were able to form small nests in the trunks of mature palms but did not cause death. Together with Schedorhinotermes spp., they primarily infested plant and wood residues. The results also showed that there was a change in the composition of termite species across different soil types. Termitids were dominant in mineral soil sites, while Rhinotermitids dominated deep peat sites. A high population of C. curvignathus in the original peat swamp habitat is, therefore, likely to be a major factor contributing to the high incidence oftennite attack on oil palm grown on peat soils. Keywords: Coptotermes curvignathus, Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae, termites, peat soil, mineral soil, wood residues, Malaysia.

Interaction between wild camelids and livestock in an Andean semi-desert

Isoleg theory predicts that coexistence between two competing species can occur when the subordinate, generalist species uses alternative patches of resources as the density of the dominant specialist species increases. These models provide a framework to determine if a native species is subordinate to an introduced one, thus requires conservation considerations. We investigated habitat interactions between a wild neotropical camelid and domestic exotic ungulates in the Andean Puna semi-desert of South America. The Puna or Altiplano is an arid environment located in high altitudes, with cold and dry weather, and two main types of habitats, steppes and swamp areas. There was a high overlap of diets between species. Vicuñas were generalists in the use of habitat, but invested foraging effort in swamp habitats, while livestock were taken to swamp habitats by local people. Vicuñas and livestock were spatially segregated. Vicuñas used the preferred habitat less than expected from their foraging preference. We concluded that vicuñas and livestock coexist because vicuñas occupy sub-optimal habitats whilst livestock concentrate in the richest ones. Vicuñas can deal with poor habitats because they have several adaptations to live in deserts.

English

Hanson Quarry Products Europe and the statutory nature conservation body for England, English Nature (now Natural England), have a Partnership Agreement whereby Hanson in 2002 became the UK Habitats Champion for reed bed and fen recovery. Both reed bed and fen habitats are identified as a priority to halt their recent decline and to be enhanced and expanded in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The mineral extraction industry can significantly contribute to the 2010 national recovery targets. In 2003 English Nature commissioned, and subsequently published in 2007, 'Design & Reporting Criteria' to guide and facilitate the successful creation of reed bed, other swamp and fen vegetation as an after use of mineral extraction sites, and their subsequent reporting for inclusion in the national UK and local Habitat BAP inventories and audits. Reed bed is a specific type of open-water transition fen dominated by the common reed Phragmites australis and fen a generic term for this and other wetland types influenced by water that has been in contact with rock or soil. The term 'fen' embraces a very wide range of vegetation composition from low sedge and moss dominated to tall reed and tall-herb swamp types, and grading into the ‘wet’ end of meadows and woodland types. The scope for the creation of the various types of fen is dependent on a number of key physical factors (climate, hydrology, substrate (soils and geology) and fertility), but also in practice, land management and the availability of plant material. The physical factors were broadly considered for reed bed and 65 other published types of fen occurring in the UK from which the scope and opportunity for restoration in mineral workings, and generic design guidelines for their creation, are set out for use by planners and other practitioners alike. In concert, 'Reporting Criteria' were devised to enable the consistent and objective reporting of reed bed swamp and fen habitats created as a result of mineral site restoration. The reporting criteria are in line with the UK National Biodiversity Network definitions enabling incorporation of the data into UKBAP & Local BAP inventories. Additional