Jersey Pine Research Articles

Foraging efficiency of two alpine bird species in central Japan

ABSTRACT Capsule The foraging efficiency of Alpine Accentors Prunella collaris and Japanese Accentors P. rubida is highest on the snow surface in the alpine zone, where they forage for fallen arthropods. Aims To compare the foraging efficiency of two bird species across alpine habitats, including the snow surface, and discuss the impact of changes in snow cover on their foraging behaviour. Methods The foraging efficiency of two alpine bird species, recorded as the number of pecks per unit time, was compared in the alpine zone of Mount Norikura in central Japan, among four habitat types: snow surface, Japanese Stone Pine scrub, alpine tundra and scree. Results In total, respective 45 and 32 foraging sequences of Alpine Accentors and Japanese Accentors were recorded. For both species, foraging efficiency was markedly higher on the snow surface than in other habitats. Conclusion Alpine bird species exhibit high foraging efficiency on the snow surface in the alpine zone, assuming that prey sizes are similar across habitats. With the decreasing amount of remaining snowpack in the alpine zone, due to the general trend of climate change, bird species will likely have a shorter period to efficiently utilize these foraging habitats in the future.

Ectoparasite load generates habitat-specific variation in colour badge intensity and badge size in male lizards

Abstract The severity of parasitic infections can mediate the differential expression of signals among populations, creating variation in signal intensity. Male signals (patch size and brightness) were quantified in Florida scrub lizards (Sceloporus woodi) from populations that vary in ectoparasite load. Males without mites were caught before breeding and exhibited different correlations among body size, patch size, and brightness. Males with ectoparasites (range = 1–368) were captured throughout the breeding season and showed a habitat-dependent pattern of how ectoparasite load, body size, and body condition were correlated with badge characteristics. In the sand pine scrub habitat, large males in good condition that were heavily parasitized had the largest badges. There was no relationship between body size or ectoparasite load and badge darkness. Lizards from longleaf pine habitat shared only one pattern, i.e. larger males had larger badges, yet there were several key differences. Body condition and ectoparasite load were unrelated to badge size, and the most heavily parasitized males had the brightest, not darkest, badges. Instead, males with moderate and low parasite loads had the darkest abdomens, and those with low parasite loads had the darkest throats. Thus, parasite load and body condition have habitat-dependent effects on badge characteristics.

First record of the pine sawfly Neodiprion warreni (Hymenoptera, Diprionidae) in the state of Tennessee and on Pinus virginiana

Pine sawflies in the genus Neodiprion Rohwer are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and are pests of commercially important conifer trees. While sampling for Neodiprion species in eastern North America, two colonies of Neodiprion warreni Ross were discovered in Tennessee feeding on Pinus virginiana Mill. These are the first records of N. warreni in Tennessee and on the host P. virginiana. Here, we use a combination of larval and adult female morphology to confirm species identification. We also discuss two potential explanations for these observations: N. warreni was always present in Tennessee and feeding on P. virginiana but, until now, has gone unreported or these new records are attributable to a recent range expansion and host shift. We also discuss potential economic and evolutionary implications of range expansions and host shifts in plant-feeding insect pest species.

Increasing precipitation variability and climate-growth responses of five tree species in North Carolina, USA

We examined the effects of increasing summertime precipitation variability from 1950 to 2022 on the radial-growth responses of five tree species native to central North Carolina, USA. Tree-ring data were collected from chestnut oak, post oak, longleaf pine, shortleaf pine, and Virginia pine and processed following standard dendrochronology procedures. Adjusted latewood chronologies for each species were created and correlated with either monthly or multi-monthly combinations of summertime precipitation for above average (AA, > 1 σ above mean), below average (BA, <−1 σ below mean), and near average (NA, <−1, and 1 > σ) precipitation years. June–September precipitation variability and other summertime monthly combinations significantly increased during the study period, with a 10.2% increase in AA/BA years during the 21st century. Climate-growth correlations ranged from 0.40–0.51 using all years within the study period. However, using AA and BA years exclusively, climate-growth responses ranged from 0.44–0.71, with post oak and longleaf pine experiencing significantly higher correlations. No significant changes in climate-growth responses occurred for chestnut oak, shortleaf pine, and Virginia pine. These findings suggest the effects of increased precipitation variability on climate-growth responses are species-dependent and affected by the precipitation classification (i.e. AA or BA years). These responses help explain temporal variations in the strength of climate-growth responses, particularly for some species, and offer additional considerations for dendroclimatological research.

Phytosociological description of the dwarf mountain pine shrub community (Amelanchiero ovalis-Pinetum mugo) in the valleys of the Slovenian Alps

We have expanded our knowledge of the localities, sites and distribution of the Amelanchiero ovalis-Pinetum mugo association in the Slovenian Alps. Based on phytocenological analyses, the shrub association belonging to the forest vegetation type Alpine mountain pine scrub was divided into two subassociations: peucedanetosum oreoselini and hylocomiadelphetosum triquetri. We also described four variants within the latter association.

Radial Growth Responses of Four Southeastern USA Pine Species to Summertime Precipitation Event Types and Intense Rainfall Events

Previous dendroclimatic studies have examined the relationship between total precipitation amounts and tree radial growth in the southeastern USA, yet recent studies indicate that specific precipitation event types and rainfall intensities influence longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) radial growth unequally. It remains unknown if other pine species respond similarly regarding specific precipitation types and intensities as most dendroclimatic studies have focused on precipitation amounts on monthly-to-annual scales without examining either the event type or intensity nor focusing on daily data. Here, we examine summertime climate–radial growth relationships in the southeastern USA for four native pine species (longleaf, shortleaf, Virginia, pitch) during 1940–2020. We examine and compare each species’ response to precipitation event types and intense rainfall events (IREs) and address if the temporal sensitivity to these events is species specific. Distinct temporal sensitivities exist among species, and there is a consistent association between convective, stationary front, and quasi-stationary precipitation and radial growth. All species except Virginia pine have significant (p &lt; 0.001) associations between IREs and radial growth, even though IREs account for ~49% of summertime rainfall. These results suggest precipitation-type sensitivity to radial growth may have dendroclimatic implications.

Phylogenetic Signal, Root Morphology, Mycorrhizal Type, and Macroinvertebrate Exclusion: Exploring Wood Decomposition in Soils Conditioned by 13 Temperate Tree Species.

Woodlands are pivotal to carbon stocks, but the process of cycling C is slow and may be most effective in the biodiverse root zone. How the root zone impacts plants has been widely examined over the past few decades, but the role of the root zone in decomposition is understudied. Here, we examined how mycorrhizal association and macroinvertebrate activity influences wood decomposition across diverse tree species. Within the root zone of six predominantly arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) (Acer negundo, Acer saccharum, Prunus serotina, Juglans nigra, Sassafras albidum, and Liriodendron tulipfera) and seven predominantly ectomycorrhizal (EM) tree species (Carya glabra, Quercus alba, Quercus rubra, Betula alleghaniensis, Picea rubens, Pinus virginiana, and Pinus strobus), woody litter was buried for 13 months. Macroinvertebrate access to woody substrate was either prevented or not using 0.22 mm mesh in a common garden site in central Pennsylvania. Decomposition was assessed as proportionate mass loss, as explained by root diameter, phylogenetic signal, mycorrhizal type, canopy tree trait, or macroinvertebrate exclusion. Macroinvertebrate exclusion significantly increased wood decomposition by 5.9%, while mycorrhizal type did not affect wood decomposition, nor did canopy traits (i.e., broad leaves versus pine needles). Interestingly, there was a phylogenetic signal for wood decomposition. Local indicators for phylogenetic associations (LIPA) determined high values of sensitivity value in Pinus and Picea genera, while Carya, Juglans, Betula, and Prunus yielded low values of sensitivity. Phylogenetic signals went undetected for tree root morphology. Despite this, roots greater than 0.35 mm significantly increased woody litter decomposition by 8%. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest trees with larger root diameters can accelerate C cycling, as can trees associated with certain phylogenetic clades. In addition, root zone macroinvertebrates can potentially limit woody C cycling, while mycorrhizal type does not play a significant role.

Examining the Integration of Landsat Operational Land Imager with Sentinel-1 and Vegetation Indices in Mapping Southern Yellow Pines (Loblolly, Shortleaf, and Virginia Pines)

The mapping of southern yellow pines (loblolly, shortleaf, and Virginia pines) is important to supporting forest inventory and the management of forest resources. The overall aim of this study was to examine the integration of Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI ) optical data with Sentinel-1 microwave C-band satellite data and vegetation indices in mapping the canopy cover of southern yellow pines. Specifically, this study assessed the overall mapping accuracies of the canopy cover classification of southern yellow pines derived using four data-integration scenarios: Landsat OLI alone; Landsat OLI and Sentinel-1; Landsat OLI with vegetation indices derived from satellite data—normalized difference vegetation index, soil-adjusted vegetation index, modified soil-adjusted vegetation index, transformed soil-adjusted vegetation index, and infrared percentage vegetation index; and 4) Landsat OLI with Sentinel-1 and vegetation indices. The results showed that the integration of Landsat OLI reflectance bands with Sentinel-1 backscattering coefficients and vegetation indices yielded the best overall classification accuracy, about 77%, and standalone Landsat OLI the weakest accuracy, approximately 67%. The findings in this study demonstrate that the addition of backscattering coefficients from Sentinel-1 and vegetation indices positively contributed to the mapping of southern yellow pines.

Snag density and stand age, but not stand size, explain occupancy and reproduction of an imperiled cavity nester in early successional forest

Many early successional and disturbance-dependent bird species have declined over the past several decades. Cavity-nesting birds in early successional forests are vulnerable because they often require specific habitat characteristics and frequent disturbance events. We examined whether stand age (a proxy for forest succession), stand size, and snag density explained occupancy, nest survival, and productivity of a threatened cavity nester, the Southeastern American Kestrel (<em>Falco sparverius paulus</em>), in natural cavities in early successional forest (≤ 15 years since treatment). We conducted point counts, nest searching, and monitoring during the 2018–2019 breeding seasons in sand pine (<em>Pinus clausa</em>) scrub habitat in Ocala National Forest, Florida. Stands were created by either a clearcut, a clearcut followed by prescribed burn, or wildfire. Occupancy probability tended to peak in stands ≤ 5 years old, but this varied with snag density: β_{standage²xsnagdensity} = -1.40, 95% CI (-2.57, -0.23). Even slight increases in snag density were related to large increases in occupancy across stand ages. For example, our occupancy model predicted that if there were 5 snags/ha, there was a 70% probability of occurrence (per point) in a four-year-old stand, whereas 1 snag/ha led to expected occupancy probability of 30%. Nest survival was best explained by snag density: β_snagdensity = 0.71, 95% CI (0.12, 1.46). Neither occupancy nor nest survival were explained by stand size. Productivity did not have a relationship with any measured covariate. Our data indicate that snag density is an important measure of habitat quality for cavity-nesting birds and that interpreting stand age without considering the role of snag density may lead to under- or overestimating habitat quality of stands. Occupancy probability and nest survival had a low positive correlation across clearcut stands, but not in prescribed burns or wildfires. These results emphasize caution when extrapolating predictions from clearcuts to wildfire or prescribed burn stands.

Siricid Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) From Eastern White Pine and Associated Pine Species in Southern Appalachia

Siricid Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) From Eastern White Pine and Associated Pine Species in Southern Appalachia

Variability of tree transpiration across three zones in a southeastern U.S. Piedmont watershed

AbstractQuantifying the spatial variability of species‐specific tree transpiration across hillslopes is important for estimating watershed‐scale evapotranspiration (ET) and predicting spatial drought effects on vegetation. The objectives of this study are to (1) assess sap flux density (Js) and tree‐level transpiration (Ts) across three contrasting zones a (riparian buffer, mid‐hillslope and upland‐hillslope, (2) determine how species‐specific Js responds to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and (3) estimate watershed‐level transpiration (Tw) using Ts derived from each zone. During 2015 and 2016, we measured Js in eight tree species in the three topographic zones in a small 12‐ha forested watershed in the Piedmont region of central North Carolina. In the dry year of 2015, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Js rates were significantly higher in the riparian buffer when compared to the other two zones. In contrast, Js rates in tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and red maple (Acer rubrum) were significantly lower in the buffer than in the mid‐hillslope. Daily Ts varied by zone and ranged from 10 to 93 L/day in the dry year and from 9 to 122 L/day in the wet year (2016). Js responded nonlinearly to VPD in all species and zones. Annual Tw was 447, 377 and 340 mm based on scaled‐Js data for the buffer, mid‐hillslope and upland‐hillslope, respectively. We conclude that large spatial variability in Js and scaled Tw was driven by differences in soil moisture at each zone and forest composition. Consequently, spatial heterogeneity of vegetation and soil moisture must be considered when accurately quantifying watershed level ET.

Biophysical Impacts of Historical Disturbances, Restoration Strategies, and Vegetation Types in a Peatland Ecosystem

AbstractRewetting of disturbed peatlands is an important restoration strategy for climate change mitigation. Previous work primarily focuses on the biogeochemical processes altered by rewetting and few studies have investigated the biophysical impacts, which can diminish or amplify biogeochemical effects beyond the ecosystem scale. We used a paired flux tower approach in a restored peatland to collect year‐round eddy covariance data to assess the biophysical impacts of disturbance and management practices. The first site was actively rewetted and is characterized by Sphagnum and white beak‐rush with patches of open water. The second site represents a disturbed ecosystem, which underwent natural regeneration and is dominated by scrub pine, Sphagnum, and low shrubs. We found that the actively restored site had higher net radiation compared to the second site due to more surface water ponding; however, the higher aerodynamic conductance at the passively restored site contributed to enhanced daytime turbulent fluxes, and hence, both sites had similar aerodynamic temperatures during the daytime. The actively restored site experienced warmer nighttime and seasonal aerodynamic temperature as much of the excess radiation during the day was stored in the water column and released at night. To achieve restoration goals, higher water tables are now maintained throughout large sections of the bog. The study implies that water table manipulation has the potential to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from the bog, thereby allowing the biophysical impacts of peatland restoration to enhance the biogeochemical benefits. Therefore, it is important to consider both biophysical and biogeochemical changes in peatland restoration management.

Mapping and Monitoring the Canopy Cover and Greenness of Southern Yellow Pines (Loblolly, Shortleaf, and Virginia Pines) in Central-Eastern Tennessee Using Multi-Temporal Landsat Satellite Data

Southern yellow pines such as loblolly, Virginia and shortleaf pines constitute forest products and contribute significantly to the economy of the United States (U.S.). However, little is understood about the temporal change in canopy cover and greenness of southern yellow pines, especially in Tennessee where they are used for timber and pulpwood. This study aims to map and monitor the canopy cover and greenness of southern yellow pines i.e., loblolly (Pinus taeda), shortleaf (Pinus echinata), and Virginia (Pinus Virginiana) pines in the years 1988, 1999 and 2016 in central-eastern Tennessee. Landsat time-series satellite data acquired in December 1988, November 1999 and February 2016 were used to map and monitor the canopy cover and greenness of loblolly, shortleaf and Virginia pines. The classification and mapping of the canopy cover of southern yellow pines were performed using a machine-learning random forest classification algorithm. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to monitor the temporal variation in canopy greenness. In total, the canopy cover of southern yellow pines decreased by about 35% between December 1988 and February 2016. This information could be used by foresters and forest managers to support forest inventory and management.

Bird Community Heterogeneity Along Four Gradients of Different Orientations on a Temperate Mountain

Mountains harbour high biodiversity that is facing a crisis due to recent climate change. Bird communities shift along mountain gradients. Some previous studies have suggested that the effect of vegetation is prevalent on temperate mountains. In this study, we investigated the limiting effects of vegetation on the altitudinal distribution of birds on Mount Norikura in central Japan, by comparing bird communities along four gradients of different orientations. We recorded birds using the line-transect method and classified vegetation into six types: montane deciduous broadleaved forest, subalpine coniferous forest, subalpine birch forest, Japanese Stone Pine scrub forest, alpine tundra and bare ground below the alpine area.We identified the treelines and ecotones between the predominant vegetation types along each gradient. We found that bird species composition changed drastically at the treeline along three gradients. A non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination revealed: 1) the similarity between bird community structures in the subalpine coniferous forest and the Japanese Stone Pine scrub forest differed among the gradients, 2) despite birch being broadleaved, the bird community in the subalpine birch forest was a subset of that in the subalpine coniferous forest and was more similar to that in the subalpine coniferous forest than that in the montane deciduous broadleaved forest, and 3) in upper parts of the subalpine zone, the bird community structures in the subalpine coniferous and birch forests were similar to each other.Our findings suggest that although the treeline limits the distribution of forest-dwelling bird species, this effect differs among gradients with different orientations, probably depending on the scrub height of the Japanese Stone Pine scrub forests. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of coniferous and birch forests in the upper parts of the subalpine zone may have little effect on the altitudinal distribution of birds.

Comparing Local, State, and Global Lichen Distribution Patterns at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA), Florida

Fifty-five lichen species have been identified from the 120-acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA), located in southeast Florida. The ONA habitat is comprised of sand pine scrub, oak scrub, and coastal hammock. While our emphasis was on documenting macrolichens, several microlichens were identified. Relative abundance ratings were assigned to each lichen species based on its frequency in the ONA and in Florida. The rating of “rare” for the ONA does not necessarily imply that the species is rare in Florida, but it would be considered rare at the ONA, in most cases because of the area's small size. The sole exception is for the federally endangered Cladonia perforata, which is rare throughout its range. For each species, we used the Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria to determine the number of known sites from Florida compared to their regional and global geographic distribution. Global distribution patterns are generalized, but no attempt at a global abundance ranking was made. Biogeographic patterns are presented for each species, as well as ecological and climate change considerations regarding management actions on this relatively small nature preserve.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Paratylenchus beltsvillensis n. sp. (Tylenchida: Paratylenchidae) from the rhizosphere of pine tree (Pinus virginiana Mill) in Maryland, USA.

The pin nematode, Paratylechus beltsvillensis n. sp. collected from rhizosphere soil of a Virginia pine tree (Pinus virginiana Mill) growing in Little Paint Branch Park, Beltsville, Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA, is described and illustrated along with light and scanning electron photomicrographs. Females, males, and juveniles of this new species were recovered from soil samples using the sugar centrifugal flotation and Baermann funnel extraction methods. Morphologically, females are short, body length ranging from 245 to 267 μm, stylet from 70 to 75 μm long with anchor shaped knobs, vulva located at 70–73% and small vulval flap, spermatheca large, and ovoid filled with sperms. Lateral field with three incisures, of which the outer two are prominent. Tail slender, having a rounded tail terminus. Males without stylet and have a degenerated pharynx, spicules = 17–20 µm and gubernaculum = 5.0–5.5 µm. Both morphological observations and molecular analysis of ITS and partial 28S ribosomal RNA gene sequences indicated that the specimens collected from the soil at Beltsville Park from rhizosphere soil samples from Virginia pine represents a new pin nematode species.

Cora timucua (Hygrophoraceae), a new and potentially extinct, previously misidentified basidiolichen of Florida inland scrub documented from historical collections

The known collections of the genus Cora in continental North America north of Mexico, all restricted to Florida, are shown to belong to a single species, representing a previously unrecognized taxon formally described herein as C. timucua. Based on data of the fungal ITS barcoding marker, obtained through Sanger and Illumina sequencing from two historical collections, the new species is phylogenetically most closely related to C. casanarensis from Colombia and C. itabaiana from Brazil, although it is morphologically most similar to the only distantly related C. hymenocarpa from Costa Rica. Based on data from the Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria (CNALH) and from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), most of the collections of C. timucua originate from around the turn of the 19th century, while a few were made in the second half of the 20th century, all between 1968 and 1985. Almost all collections originate from Florida sand pine scrub, apparently the preferred habitat of this taxon. Neither modern collections nor extant localities are known. Based on these findings and the substantial degree of land use change in Florida in the past decades, we assessed the conservation status of C. timucua using the IUCN Red List criteria and found that it should be classified as critically endangered (CR), in line with the status of another Florida endemic, Cladonia perforata, which was the first federally red-listed lichen in the United States. The most likely location where C. timucua may still be extant is Ocala National Forest in the north-central portion of the Florida peninsula, although recent macrolichen surveys in that area did not encounter this species.

High Heterogeneity in Canopy Temperature Among Co‐occurring Tree Species in a Temperate Forest

AbstractTrees regulate canopy temperature (Tc) via transpiration to maintain an optimal temperature range. In diverse forests such as those of the eastern United States, the sensitivity of Tc to changing environmental conditions may differ across species, reflecting wide variability in hydraulic traits. However, these links are not well understood in mature forests, where Tc data have historically been difficult to obtain. Recent advancement of thermal imaging cameras (TICs) enables Tc measurement of previously inaccessible tall trees. By leveraging TIC and sap flux measurements, we investigated how co‐occurring trees (Quercus alba, Q. falcata, and Pinus virginiana) change their Tc and vapor pressure deficit near the canopy surface (VPDc) in response to changing air temperature (Ta) and atmospheric VPD (VPDa). We found a weaker cooling effect for the species that most strongly regulates stomatal function during dry conditions (isohydric; P. virginiana). Specifically, the pine had higher Tc (up to 1.3°C) and VPDc (up to 0.3 kPa) in the afternoon and smaller sensitivity of both ∆T (=Tc − Ta) and ∆VPD (=VPDc − VPDa) to changing conditions. Furthermore, significant differences in Tc and VPDc between sunlit and shaded portions of a canopy implied a non‐evaporative effect on Tc regulation. Specifically, Tc was more homogeneous within the pine canopy, reflecting differences in leaf morphology that allow higher canopy transmittance of solar radiation. The variability of Tc among species (up to 1.3°C) was comparable to the previously reported differences in surface temperature across land cover types (1°C to 2°C), implying the potential for significant impact of species composition change on local/regional surface temperature.

Cerambycid Communities and Their Associated Hymenopteran Parasitoids From Major Hardwood Trees in Delaware: Implications for Biocontrol of Invasive Longhorned Beetles.

Cerambycidae provide important ecological services in forests yet cause economic damage when they infest living trees. Parasitoids can regulate woodborer populations, providing considerable control of pest cerambycids. Identifying parasitoids of native cerambycids may be useful in managing cerambycid outbreaks and aid in new-association biocontrol of exotic invasive cerambycids. We investigated Cerambycidae and associated hymenopteran parasitoid communities infesting Acer rubrum, Pinus virginiana, and Carya tomentosa from a forest in Delaware from 2005 to 2012. Cerambycid abundance, diversity, and richness, as well as parasitoid abundance, were measured by collecting trees in different conditions: felled, girdled, and naturally infested. Effect of edge or interior red maple on cerambycid abundance, diversity, and richness was examined. Over 14,500 cerambycids of 56 species and 38 genera were collected during the 7-yr period. Eleven species represented 95% of all cerambycids collected. Treatment only affected red maple, showing increased cerambycid richness and diversity from naturally infested trees. Cerambycid richness and diversity were two times greater on hickory than other species when combining girdled and felled treatments. Over 19,000 parasitic Hymenoptera of 12 families emerged from woodborer-infested wood with >70% of individuals belonging to Braconidae. Thirteen known species, and two unknown species, of Braconidae were identified from a subsample of 495 specimens; Ontsira mellipes (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Rhoptrocentrus piceus Marshall (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were the most abundant. This study provides fundamental information on native parasitoids associated with Cerambycidae, including cerambycid larval host associations. Parasitoids identified herein should be investigated for potential adaptation to invasive Cerambycidae to benefit invasive woodborer management.

Semi-automatic segmentation of NATURA 2000 habitats in Sentinel-2 satellite images by evolving open curves

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>In this paper we introduce mathematical model and real-time numerical method for segmentation of Natura 2000 habitats in satellite images by evolving open planar curves. These curves in the Lagrangian formulation are driven by a suitable velocity vector field, projected to the curve normal. Besides the vector field, the evolving curve is influenced also by the local curvature representing a smoothing term. The model is numerically solved using the flowing finite volume method discretizing the arising intrinsic partial differential equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions. The time discretization is chosen as an explicit due to the ability of real-time edge tracking. We present the results of semi-automatic segmentation of various areas across Slovakia, from the riparian forests to mountainous areas with scrub pine. The numerical results were compared to habitat boundaries tracked by GPS device in the field by using the mean and maximal Hausdorff distances as criterion.