Vegetation Habitat Research Articles

Enhancing salt marshes monitoring: Estimating biomass with drone-derived habitat-specific models

Salt marshes play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and carbon sequestration. Estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) is crucial for quantifying the carbon sequestration capacity of the system. However, traditional fieldwork methods are time-consuming, demanding, and detrimental to marsh ecosystems. In this study, we propose utilizing low-altitude remote sensing techniques to collect high-resolution LiDAR and multispectral (MS) data for biomass assessment. With these datasets, we characterized salt marsh vegetation habitats through the analysis of vegetation indices (VIs) variability. LiDAR high-resolution topographic information aids in evaluating habitat distribution. Moreover, the Anthocyanin Reflectance Index 2 (ARI2), combined with the Digital Surface Model, allows for the identification and separation of the two habitats with distinct dominant species (Sarcocornia spp. and Sporobolus maritimus). The analysis of the annual cycle of VIs reveals the presence of seasonality. However, the VIs for the two vegetation classes exhibit dissimilar seasonal changes, indicating distinct growth mechanisms for each. Biomass models are created for each season in the annual cycle. Habitat-specific models exhibit higher precision (up to 99%) than models that treat species uniformly. Depending on whether the marsh is considered as a whole or separated into dominant habitats, differences in biomass estimation trends are observed. This implies that the two dominant species exhibit varying behaviours throughout the year, contributing to diverse biomass production. The study reveals a seasonal pattern in the total AGB, with the highest biomass value in summer and the lowest peak in spring, with annual variation accounting for only 9% of total output. The reduced AGB value in spring may be due to increased soil salinity and stress. The use of LiDAR and MS data from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is crucial for accurately distinguishing primary marsh habitats and creating detailed biomass models, with unprecedented accuracy. This method is user-friendly, repeatable, and cost-effective, enabling the study of salt marshes, evolutionary trends, and climate change response requiring less fieldwork.

Improved random forest classification model combined with C5.0 algorithm for vegetation feature analysis in non-agricultural environments

In response to the challenges posed by the high computational complexity and suboptimal classification performance of traditional random forest algorithms when dealing with high-dimensional and noisy non-agricultural vegetation satellite data, this paper proposes an enhanced random forest algorithm based on the C5.0 algorithm. The paper focuses on the Liaohe Plain, selecting two distinct non-agricultural landscape patterns in Shenbei New District and Changtu County as research objects. High-resolution satellite data from GF-2 serves as the experimental dataset. This paper introduces an ensemble feature method based on the bagging concept to improve the original random forest classification model. This method enhances the likelihood of selecting features beneficial to classifying positive class samples, avoiding excessive removal of useful features from negative samples. This approach ensures feature importance and model diversity. The C5.0 algorithm is then employed for feature selection, and the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) is utilized for vegetation coverage estimation. Results indicate that employing a multi-scale parameter selection tool, combined with limited field-measured data, facilitates the identification and classification of plant species in forest landscapes. The C5.0 algorithm effectively selects classification features, minimizing information redundancy. The established object-oriented random forest classification model achieves an impressive accuracy of 94.02% on the aerial imagery for forest classification dataset, with EVI-based vegetation coverage estimation demonstrating high accuracy. In experiments on the same test set, the proposed algorithm attains an average accuracy of 90.20%, outperforming common model algorithms such as bidirectional encoder representation from transformer, FastText, and convolutional neural network, which achieve average accuracies ranging from 84.41 to 88.33% in identifying non-agricultural artificial habitat vegetation features. The proposed algorithm exhibits a competitive edge compared to other algorithms. These research findings contribute scientific evidence for protecting agricultural ecosystems and restoring agricultural ecosystem biodiversity.

Developing spatially explicit and stochastic measures of ecological departure

Background Ecological departure is a metric applied to mapped ecological systems measuring dissimilarity between the distributions of observed and expected proportions of non-stochastic reference vegetation classes within an area. Aims We created spatially explicit measures of ecological departure incorporating stochasticity for each ecological system and all ecological systems from a central Nevada, USA, landscape. Methods Spatially explicit ecological departures were estimated from a radius from each pixel governed by a distance-decay function within a moving window. Variability was introduced by simulating replicate climate time series for each spatial reference condition and calculating departure per replicate. Key results Single-system spatial ecological departure was high and extensive, except for one area of low-elevation groundwater-dependent systems. Variance of spatial ecological departure was extensively low, except in areas of lower ecological departure, despite vegetation differences among replicates. The multiple-system ecological departure exhibited lower values. Conclusions Spatial ecological departure is warranted for efficient land management as results were concordant between non-spatial and spatial metrics; however, rapid coding languages will be required. Implications Spatially explicit ecological departure of both single and multiple systems facilitate localised vegetation and wildlife habitat management and land protection decisions.

Functional diversity of the macrofauna communities in arid mangroves of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman

Understanding the patterns and drivers of biodiversity in intertidal zones is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. The taxonomic and functional diversity of macrofaunal communities was studied in the arid mangrove system of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The study further aimed to investigate whether the main functional traits differ between habitats. All macrofauna samples and environmental variables were taken from two habitats including vegetated habitat and adjoining mudflats. A total of 85 taxa was found, of which 19 taxa were exclusive to vegetated habitats and 20 to mudflats. Mollusca were the most species-rich group in both habitats, followed by Arthropoda and Annelida. When comparing diversity indices among regions and habitats the Shannon-Wiener diversity index was significantly higher in vegetated habitats compared to mudflats. However, these trends were less consistent for the functional diversity measures being very much region-dependent. The results showed that functional trait structure was more uniform than the taxonomic structure across regions and habitats. The trait modalities biodiffuser, surface deposit-feeder, burrower, free-living, planktotrophic, 2–5 years, and 10–50 mm were common at both habitats. However, the modalities detritivore and grazer/scarper, and direct larval development were significantly higher in vegetated habitats than in mudflats. The vegetated habitats exhibited the more functionally redundant communities than mudflats, possibly due to higher taxonomic diversity observed in this habitat or the presence of the species with similar functions in the ecosystem. The combined investigation of species and functional diversity of mangrove macrofauna communities conducted in this research is essential for effective management and conservation efforts aimed at protecting mangrove ecosystems and to preserve the goods and services they provide.

Predation risk of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus juveniles in an overfished area reveal system stability mechanisms and restocking challenges.

Where sea urchin harvest has been so intense that populations have drastically regressed, concerns have arisen about the effectiveness of harvesting management. According to the theory of phase transition in shallow rocky reefs between vegetated and barren habitats, sea urchin recruitment, a key population structuring process, seems hampered by some stabilizing feedback despite an end to local human harvest of sea urchins. To shed a light on predation effects on sea urchin recruits, a 27-day field experiment was conducted using mega-predator exclusion cages (40x40x40 cm, 1 cm in mesh size) in barren and turf substrates. To facilitate this, 672 recruits (1.1 ± 0.02 cm in size) reared under control conditions were positioned in groups of 42 in each experimental unit (n = 4). Exclusion of mega-predators had a significant effect regardless the substrate, since a higher number of recruits was found under cages both in turf and barren. However, the results showed that in uncaged treatments the size of recruits that survived was larger in turf than in barren, as in the former substrate predation had reduced the abundance of the smallest recruits, highlighting that mega-predator presence affects differently the size of the recruits that had survived depending on the substrate. Overall, these results provide valuable information to address restocking actions of sea urchin populations in overharvested areas, where algal turfs are widespread, and assist studies on habitat stability mechanisms.

Temperature Mainly Determined the Seasonal Variations in Soil Faunal Communities in Semiarid Areas

The implementation of the Grain for Green Project has increased vegetation coverage and provided suitable habitats and food resources for soil fauna, thereby promoting the development of soil faunal communities. Studying seasonal variations in soil fauna communities in different vegetation areas can improve our understanding of the mechanisms that drive soil fauna recovery. We selected five typical artificially restored vegetation habitats, including Populus simonii (POS), Pinus tabulaeformis (PIT), Caragana korshinskii (CAK), Stipa bungeana (STB), and Medicago sativa (MES), and one farmland (Zea mays, FAL) habitat on the Loess Plateau. In this study, soil fauna communities and environmental factors were investigated during spring (May), summer (August), and autumn (November). Among the habitats, the STB habitat had the largest seasonal variation in soil faunal density (from 1173 ind·m−2 in May to 10,743 ind·m−2 in August), and the FAL habitat had the smallest (from 2827 ind·m−2 in August to 5550 ind·m−2 in November). Among the restored vegetation habitats, Acarina (44.89–88.56%) had the highest relative abundance of all taxa. The redundancy analysis (RDA) results showed that among the factors driving seasonal variation in soil animal communities, temperature (47.41%) was the most important, followed by precipitation (22.60%). In addition, the dominant groups, Acarina and Collembola, played an influential role in seasonal variations in soil faunal density. Temperature mainly determined the seasonal variations in soil faunal communities. Seasonal factors should be considered when conducting soil fauna research, as they contribute to biodiversity conservation and regional ecological management in the Loess Plateau.

Impact of Cropland Management on Invertebrate Richness and Abundance in Agroforestry Systems in Bali, Indonesia

The intensive management of cropland refers to a reduction in habitat complexity (i.e., shade tree cover, tree species richness, crop species richness) to gain more profits. This usually entails a decrease in biodiversity, but agroforestry systems have been shown to provide a solution to the need for profits while maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. Invertebrates are important bioindicators since they are not just affected by a decrease in habitat complexity; they are also key for the maintenance of ecosystems given their ecological roles. We aimed to understand how agricultural intensification impacted invertebrate abundance and richness in an agroforestry system in Bali, Indonesia. We set up 53 × 25 m2 plots and collected data via pitfall and pan traps. We linked those data to vegetation data (canopy cover, tree species richness, crop species richness), habitat type (rustic vs. polyculture), and productivity. Overall, we found that the abundance and richness of invertebrate taxa were positively influenced by increasing canopy cover and crop and tree species richness. This supports the habitat heterogeneity hypothesis, which indicates that increased habitat complexity promotes higher invertebrate species richness and abundance. The abundance and richness of certain invertebrate taxa, including agents of biocontrol, were shown to increase in plots with higher yields, thus solidifying the important role of invertebrate communities in the provision of ecosystem services. Harvesting crops from complex agroforestry systems ensures a sustainable income for local communities as well as habitats for invertebrates.

Analisis Indeks Diversitas Vegetasi Hutan Sosial Sukobubuk Kabupaten Pati (Studi Terhadap Habitat Vegetasi Pohon Kayu Jati, Balsa, dan Sengon Hutan Sukobubuk)

Pati Regency, located in Central Java, is known to have many social forests. One example is the Sukobubuk Social Forest. With the management efforts carried out by the Sukobubuk Rejo Forest Farmers Group (KTH), the condition of the Sukobubuk Social Forest has experienced significant improvements. To assess the extent of this progress, an analysis of the vegetation diversitas index in the forest is needed. This research uses a quantitative approach with a diversitas index calculation method which includes frequency, density, dominance, relative number, significant figure index (INP), and diversitas index (ID). The results show that the level of biodiversitas or diversitas index in the dominant woody vegetation habitat in the Sukobubuk forest is still relatively low. This can be seen from the diversitas index figures for the entire vegetation calculated which are still below number 1 (H'<1), with the highest to lowest order being sengon 0.154115951, teak 0.11926885, and balsa 0.078055196. However, forest management by KTH Sukobubuyk Rejo can be said to have experienced quite a development with conservation efforts, this is marked by the start of growth of vegetation habitat, although not yet significant.

Remotely-sensed phenoclusters of Wisconsin’s forests, shrublands, and grasslands for biodiversity applications

Heterogeneous vegetation supports higher species richness than homogenous vegetation, which is why efficiently identifying heterogenous vegetation can be useful for biodiversity conservation. Satellite remote-sensing data provide an opportunity to generate vegetation heterogeneity metrics and to explore the phenology of vegetation patterns. Phenoclusters are vegetation types with similar phenological characteristics, and valuable for capturing vegetation habitat heterogeneity patterns. Our goal was to map phenoclusters for Wisconsin, USA, at 10-m spatial resolution based on land surface phenology metrics from EVI (Enhanced Vegetation Index) Sentinel-2 data. We characterized each phenocluster based on landcover composition and structure, phenology timing, and environmental factors, and compared them to bird species richness. We also calculated the diversity of phenoclusters at multiple spatial extents. We identified 14 phenoclusters in Wisconsin, each with distinct landcover composition and structure, and unique phenological characteristics. Our remotely-sensed phenoclusters effectively captured environmental gradients, with elevation and temperature emerging as the most important driving variables. Furthermore, the phenoclusters successfully captured bird biodiversity patterns, especially richness of forest and grassland specialist. Our results identified phenological patterns among Wisconsin’s forests, shrublands, and grasslands, capturing phenological timing both among and within the same tree species. Phenoclusters are a valuable tool for capturing vegetation habitat heterogeneity, phenology diversity and biodiversity patterns, as well as climate change effects.

Microhabitats shape ant community structure in a spatially heterogeneous grassy woodland

AbstractHabitat structure is a key determinant of local animal diversity, with attributes of vegetation such as cover or complexity generating key resources for different species. However, habitat–diversity relationships can vary across spatial scales, and among different taxa and ecosystem types. Here we report on a study of habitat structure and its effects on ant communities at two spatial scales in a temperate grassy woodland characterized by heterogenous tree and grassland cover. We examined species richness and the occurrence of ground‐dwelling ant species at (1) microhabitat scales defined by a triplet of sites comprising open ground, adjacent to a log, and under a tree, each separated by a few meters, and (2) at macrohabitat scales defined by sites grouped into broader vegetation types defined by low or high levels of shrub and tree cover and separated by 100s of meters. We identified 117 species of ant from 41 genera, from a total of 155,004 individuals collected. Ant community composition differed significantly among microhabitats and macrohabitats, but mean species richness only differed at the microhabitat scale where it was the highest under trees and lower adjacent to logs and in open ground. Notably, ant species within the genera Iridomyrmex, Monomorium, and Pheidole displayed a spectrum of microhabitat preferences, highlighting the ecological flexibility within these groups. By contrast, all species of Melophorus preferred open habitat and all species of Camponotus preferred habitat under trees. Our study shows that ant communities in grassy woodlands are structured by vegetation cover and habitat “openness” most strongly at “microhabitat” scales, which is likely due to a distinct combination of thermal and foraging attributes that vary across relatively small distances. Our results also suggest that broad classifications of ants into functional types based on vegetation preference may not be applicable at small scales where species within the same genus can display contrasting preferences. Land management that promotes habitat heterogeneity at small spatial scales may promote species coexistence and benefit ant diversity more than management activities focusing on larger spatial scales within the same ecosystem.

Conservation Value to Bats: Assessing Multiple Functional Habitats in a Nature Preserve at the Urban-Agricultural Interface via Temporal Ecology

In grassland ecosystems, agriculture and urbanization are two main anthropogenic disturbances to native fauna. Nature preserves at the urban-agricultural interface may include diverse vegetation habitats, providing opportunities for native fauna. Limited research has examined the conservation value of such preserves to bats. We examined bat activity patterns at multiple temporal scales at Glacier Creek Preserve in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, between 2018 and 2020 via acoustic monitoring to identify what functional habitats it might provide to bats. We placed bat detectors along the forest edge and in the open, restored native prairies and open agricultural fields. A total of nine species were recorded at the preserve, including the endangered Myotis septentrionalis. Foraging activities were recorded for six species. The edge habitat had higher overall acoustic activities for three species (Eptesicus fuscus, Lasiurus borealis, and Lasiurus cinereus) and a higher proportion of foraging activities for two species (Lasiurus borealis and Lasiurus cinereus) than the open habitat. Lasiurus cinereus displayed activity peaks early at night, whereas Lasiurus borealis had activity peaks late. Results suggest that a medium-sized nature preserve at the urban-agricultural interface can provide roosts, commuting corridors, and foraging grounds for different bats. The conservation value of such nature preserves should not be overlooked.

Long-term sediment organic carbon remineralization in different seagrass and macroalgae habitats: implication for blue carbon storage

Seagrass and macroalgae beds are key blue carbon ecosystems in the ocean. However, coastal development and climate change are sparking a growing concern about the vulnerability of sediment organic carbon (OC) to remineralization after macrophyte perturbation. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the potential of long-term remineralization of sediment OC stocks (1 year) in coastal vegetated habitats (i.e., seagrasses Zostera noltei and Cymodocea nodosa, macroalgae Caulerpa prolifera and unvegetated sediment) after complete disturbance of macrophyte meadows under conducive conditions to microorganisms growth (i.e., oxygen saturated, non-nutrient limitation, turbulence and dark). Leached dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from particulate organic carbon (POC) remineralization, carbonate dissolution and photo-reactivity of long-term persistent DOC were also evaluated. Our results evidenced that, sediment OC from Z. noltei and unvegetated habitats were entirely remineralized to CO2. However, sediment OC from C. nodosa and C. prolifera communities exhibited a significant fraction of recalcitrant OC, and therefore, a 42 and 46% of the sediment OC still remained after 1 year of culture, respectively. POC remineralization released relevant amounts of both labile and recalcitrant DOC, which showed low photo-reactivity. Finally, we discuss that the main argument to promote management, monitoring, and restoration programs for macrophytes is usually based on their sediment OC deposit, which favor larger species. The study presented here adds arguments to also include small macrophyte species, since their sediment OC may be highly labile and entirely remineralized to CO2 once these habitats are disturbed.

Vegetation diversity and habitat suitability modeling of the invasive plant Bellucia pentamera in conservation forests of West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Solfiyeni S, Fadhlan A, Aziz A, Syahputra G, Azzahra A, Mildawati M. 2024. Vegetation diversity and habitat suitability modeling of the invasive plant Bellucia pentamera in Conservation Forests of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 781-791. The invasive plant Bellucia pentamera has spread to several regions in Indonesia, including the province of West Sumatra. Mapping the distribution of this invasive plant needs to be done to facilitate its management. offers a comprehensive approach to delineate the potential ecological range of a species and assess habitat suitability. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of B. pentamera invasion on vegetation diversity, conduct potential distribution mapping, and assess B. pentamera habitat suitability in West Sumatra conservation forests. The study utilized observational methods to determine coordinate points for B. pentamera presence and conducted vegetation analysis. The results from the vegetation analysis revealed disparities in composition and structure across three study areas, with diversity indices ranging from 2.60 to 3.84. The similarity index between study areas was relatively low, below 50%. The MaxEnt analysis delineated suitable locations for B. pentamera using the ROC curve (AUC) model, yielding values of 0.947 for training data and 0.923 for testing data. MaxEnt modeling identified suitable habitat for B. pentamera concentrated at Lima Puluh Kota, Tanah Datar, Padang, Solok and South Solok districts. This study's findings indicate a broad distribution of this species, with over 5% of the habitat deemed suitable for B. pentamera.

Camera traps reveal seasonal variation in activity and occupancy of the Alpine mountain hare Lepus timidus varronis

Mountain hare is a cold‐adapted species threatened by climate change, but despite its emblematic nature, our understanding of the causes of population decline remains limited. Camera traps are increasingly used in ecology as a tool for monitoring animal populations at large spatial and temporal scales. In mountain environments where field work is constrained by difficult access and harsh conditions, camera traps constitute a promising tool for surveying rare and elusive species such as the mountain hare. Our study explored the use of camera traps as a tool for studying seasonal habitat occupancy and daily activity patterns of the mountain hare, in order to carry out long‐term monitoring of populations. We installed 46 camera traps along elevation gradients in the Mont‐Blanc massif (France) from January 2018 to June 2022. We measured habitat variables at each camera trap site in order to define vegetation composition and habitat structure. We performed multi‐season and single‐season occupancy models to respectively describe habitat occupancy of the mountain hare throughout the year and identify the environmental variables influencing mountain hare presence during the breeding season. Mountain hares occupy coniferous forest in winter, and then switch to mixed areas of shrubland and grassland above treeline in spring and the beginning of summer. In spring, occupancy probability of the mountain hare increases with relative cover of mixed low shrub and herbaceous layer (i.e. the 10–40 cm vegetation layer), suggesting a link to food resources and protection from predation. Our results also confirm the nocturnal and crepuscular activity of the mountain hare during the breeding season, and strictly nocturnal activity in winter. Our results demonstrate the efficiency of camera traps as tools for monitoring mountain hare habitat occupancy in mountain environments and underline the importance of diverse habitat mosaics for the preservation of the species.

Conflict between Farmers and Guanacos (Lama guanicoe cacsilensis): Field Surveys, Remote Sensing, and Interviews Provide Information for Conservation of a Critically Endangered Species in Southern Peru.

The Peruvian guanaco (Lama guanicoe cacsilensis) is classified as being "in critical danger of extinction" by the government. In this study, we evaluate how the conflict between farmers and guanacos in the Susapaya and Estique Districts, Tacna Department (Southern Peru) may represent a threat to their survival. To evaluate the situation, we 1. Conducted field surveys to monitor guanaco presence, 2. Used available remote sensing data to map guanaco movement, and 3. interviewed the impacted farmers concerning their losses. Remote sensing data showed that sedentary guanaco family groups located in prime steppe vegetation habitats never entered agricultural areas, while field surveys showed that bachelor bands and solitary individuals did, perhaps seeking forage due to growing population pressure. Interview data found that 90% of community farmers felt that guanacos were a problem best resolved by better fencing (45%), hunting (19%), or increased security (16%), and 92% saw no value in the conservation of the species. Hunting is illegal, given the critically endangered status of guanacos in Peru, so additional efforts are needed to both educate those who feel guanacos are a menace and involve them in efforts to preserve the species.

Spatial Distribution of Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Selected Wetlands of Colombo Ramsar Wetland City using Camera Traps

The first wetland capital city in the world, Colombo Ramsar Wetland City (CRWC), provides a diverse array of habitat types intermixed with one another to the faunal and floral communities. In this research, the spatial distribution of Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) was studied in Baddagana Wetland Park (BWP), Diyasaru Wetland Park (DWP) and Heen Ela Marsh (HEM) located within the CRWC, from June 2021 to January 2022. Annona (Annona glabra) woodland, mixed woodland, herb dominated high vegetation and herb dominated low vegetation habitat types were selected and camera trap stations were established providing equal trapping effort for each habitat type. Camera trap locations were selected to ensure a sufficient coverage of each wetland. Trap locations were changed every 30 days, and cameras were set to function during both day and night for 24 hours a day. A total number of 2,831 camera trap records belonging to 6 species were identified as meso-mammals. Spatial distribution was determined by the habitat preference of P. viverrinus and Relative Abundance Index (RAI) was used for the analysis of preference in each habitat type. It was evident that P. viverrinus mostly preferred Annona woodlands in both BWP (RAI, 14.4) and DWP (RAI, 12.7). However, the most preferred habitat type in HEM (RAI, 9.1) was mixed woodlands. Herb dominated high vegetation was the least preferred habitat type of P. viverrinus in BWP (RAI, 6.7) while herb dominated low vegetation was the least preferred habitat type in both DWP (RAI, 4.7) and HEM (RAI, 3.6). Mixed woodlands were almost equally preferred by P. viverrinus in all study sites and the preference of herb dominated low vegetation and herb dominated high vegetation was relatively low in all the study sites compared to other habitat types. This study suggests that the preference of P. viverrinus varied among different habitat types and one of the major reasons for Annona woodlands being the most preferred habitat type is that they are directly accessible to water. This increases their prey availability within the Annona woodlands, compared to the other habitat types. Thus, it is greatly important to conserve the wetland habitat types associated with water, in order to protect and conserve the P. viverrinus in Colombo wetlands 
 Keywords: Colombo Ramsar Wetland City, Meso-mammals, Camera trapping, Biodiversity, Carnivores 

Recreational hazard: Vegetation and host habitat use correlate with changes in tick-borne disease hazard at infrastructure within forest stands

Studies on density and pathogen prevalence of Ixodes ricinus indicate that vegetation and local host community drive much of their variation between green spaces. Contrarily, micro-geographic variation is understudied, although its understanding could reduce disease risk. We studied the density of infectious nymphal Ixodes sp. (“DIN”, proxy for disease hazard), density of questing nymphs (“DON”) and nymphal infection prevalence (“NIP”) near recreational forest infrastructure. Drag sampling within forest stands and at adjacent benches and trails was combined with vegetation surveys, camera trapping hosts and pathogen screening of ticks. We analysed Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and its genospecies, with complementary analyses on Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Borrelia miyamotoi. DIN was highest in forest interior and at trails enclosed by forest. Lower disease hazard was observed at benches and trails at forest edges. This infrastructure effect can be attributed to variation in vegetation characteristics and the habitat use of tick hosts, specifically roe deer, rodents and songbirds. DON is the main driver of DIN at micro-geographic scale and negatively affected by infrastructure and forest edges. A positive association with vegetation cover in understorey and canopy was observed, as were positive trends for local rodent and songbird abundance. NIP of different pathogens was affected by different drivers. Lower B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence in the interior of forest stands, driven by its most prevalent genospecies B. afzelii, points towards higher density of uninfected hosts there. B. afzelii was positively associated with understorey containing tall species and with high canopy cover, whereas local bird community composition predicts B. garinii prevalence. A positive effect of songbird abundance and a negative effect of pigeons were observed. Our findings support amplification and inhibition mechanisms within forest stands and highlight that the effect of established drivers of DIN may differ based on the considered spatial scale.

Occupancy and detectability of a critically threatened lizard endemic from sandy coastal plains areas of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

AbstractLiolaemus lutzae is a small liolaemid lizard critically endangered and restricted to coastal restinga (salty sand dune habitats covered by herbaceous and shrubby vegetation by seaside) habitats of the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This lizard has been predicted to be extinct by 2080. We studied some of the environmental factors that influence occupancy by the species and detectability by the observer, in addition to investigating which populations remain occupying the areas along its original geographical distribution. We sampled 25 different beach habitats of restinga areas in the state, by 100‐meter replicates of linear transects. The estimated probability of occupancy was 69% (0.69 ± 0.05), and the estimated detectability was 50% (0.50 ± 0.03). The detection model with the best fit contained only the air temperature variable. Occupancy was best described by four variables: number of disturbance sources on the transect, vegetation cover in a 50‐meter buffer, exposed sand cover substrate in a 20‐meter buffer, and built‐up area cover in a 50‐meter buffer. No observations of L. lutzae were made in eight of the 25 restinga areas sampled along the original distribution of the lizard. In seven of these areas, the species had its populations extirpated many years ago, based on the 2007/2008 monitoring data. Conversely, in one area where the species was frequently observed during field surveys and different ecological studies on the species made in last decade, it was not recorded in the present study, indicating a possible recent population extirpation. We recommend that conservation measures be urgently implemented to mitigate anthropogenic impacts on the areas of the remaining populations of this lizard throughout its range, especially preserving the structure and functions of the remaining vegetation of beach habitat along restinga areas.

Vegetation types and habitats with participation of plant species – local endemics to the marble part of Northern Pirin Mts., Bulgaria

This study was carried out in the carbonate (marble) part of North Pirin Mts. Its upper parts are declared protected area of National Park category according to the Bulgarian Protected Areas Act. It is also a NATURA 2000 protected zone under the Habitats Directive, and a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main reason for the conservation of this territory is the exceptional concentration of rare, relict and endemic plant species, its specific flora, vegetation and fauna. Subject of the study are the plant communities and habitats, with participation of 8 local endemic plant taxa, such as Cyanus achtarovii, Oxytropis kozhuharovii, O. urumovii, Odontarrhena orbelica, Alyssum pirinicum, Veronica kellereri, Brassica nivalis subsp. jordanoffii and Arabis ferdinandi-coburgii. The plant communities were studied according to the classical Braun-Blanquet’s approach by sampling the phytocoenoses, where the local endemics participate. The major syntaxa to which these communities belong, were determined. The plant communities with the participation of local endemics were also referred to lower units according to EUNIS habitats classification. The study found that most of the studied endemic species occur in various vegetation types and exhibit relatively wide ecological flexibility, despite inhabiting restricted area. The main reason for this is the comparative uniformity of the high mountain marble relief. This study also highlights the high conservation value of the vegetation cover and habitat diversity of the carbonate alpine and subalpine vegetation belts of Northern Pirin Mts., as a habitat for numerous endemic and relict plant species.

Methane dynamics in vegetated habitats in inland waters: quantification, regulation, and global significance

Freshwater ecosystems, including lakes, wetlands, and running waters, are estimated to contribute over half the natural emissions of methane (CH4) globally, yet large uncertainties remain in the inland water CH4 budget. These are related to the highly heterogeneous nature and the complex regulation of the CH4 emission pathways, which involve diffusion, ebullition, and plant-associated transport. The latter, in particular, represents a major source of uncertainty in our understanding of inland water CH4 dynamics. Many freshwater ecosystems harbor habitats colonized by submerged and emergent plants, which transport highly variable amounts of CH4 to the atmosphere but whose presence may also profoundly influence local CH4 dynamics. Yet, CH4 dynamics of vegetated habitats and their potential contribution to emission budgets of inland waters remain understudied and poorly quantified. Here we present a synthesis of literature pertaining CH4 dynamics in vegetated habitats, and we (i) provide an overview of the different ways the presence of aquatic vegetation can influence CH4 dynamics (i.e., production, oxidation, and transport) in freshwater ecosystems, (ii) summarize the methods applied to study CH4 fluxes from vegetated habitats, and (iii) summarize the existing data on CH4 fluxes associated to different types of aquatic vegetation and vegetated habitats in inland waters. Finally, we discuss the implications of CH4 fluxes associated with aquatic vegetated habitats for current estimates of aquatic CH4 emissions at the global scale. The fluxes associated to different plant types and from vegetated areas varied widely, ranging from−8.6 to over 2835.8 mg CH4 m−2 d−1, but were on average high relative to fluxes in non-vegetated habitats. We conclude that, based on average vegetation coverage and average flux intensities of plant-associated fluxes, the exclusion of these habitats in lake CH4 balances may lead to a major underestimation of global lake CH4 emissions. This synthesis highlights the need to incorporate vegetated habitats into CH4 emission budgets from natural freshwater ecosystems and further identifies understudied research aspects and relevant future research directions.