Search results for " evolution."

2021

Without insights into the threats affecting species across their distributions and throughout their annual cycles, effective conservation management cannot be applied. The Whenua Hou diving petrel Pelecanoides whenuahouensis (WHDP) is a Critically Endangered small seabird whose offshore habits and threats are poorly understood. We tracked WHDPs year-round in 2015/16, 2017/18, and 2018/19 using global location-sensing immersion loggers to identify offshore distribution, movements, behaviour, and overlap with commercial fishing effort. During the breeding period, WHDPs ranged from southern Aotearoa (New Zealand) to Maukahuka (Auckland Islands). After breeding, WHDPs migrated southwest towards…

2020

Abstract Facing the loss of biodiversity caused by landscape fragmentation, implementation of ecological networks to connect habitats is an important biodiversity conservation issue. It is necessary to develop easily reproducible methods to identify and prioritize actions to maintain or restore ecological corridors. To date, several competing methods are used with recurrent debate on which is best and if expert-based approaches can replace data-driven models. We compared three methods: knowledge-driven (expert based), data-driven (based on species distribution model), and a mixed approach. We quantified their differences in habitat and corridor mapping, and prioritizations of landscape elem…

From a Crisis Discipline Towards Prognostic Conservation Practise: An Argument for Setting Aside Degraded Habitats

2017

Proposing a Technical Solution for Restoring Longitudinal Connectivity in the Brădeni/Retiş Accumulation Area on Hârtibaciu River

2016

Abstract The fish fauna of the Hârtibaciu River has experienced a disrupted connectivity due to the hydrotechnical works and the Brădeni/Retiş Dam located across the Hârtibaciu watercourse being one of this significant obstacles. The newly proposed constructed wetlands can improve the habitat quality for the fish species of conservative interest sampled in the Brădeni/Retiş Dam proximity Rhodeus amarus, and can increase the individuals’ number of this population. Also can benefit the local populations of Phoxinus phoxinus and Gobio obtusirostris. Using gravitational force and also the underground layout, a proposed technical solution gives maximum safety regarding the water supply for the n…

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #21 to #25

2021

New Italian data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats 3170*, 6110*, 91E0*, 9320, 9330 are reported in this contribution. Specifically, one new occurrence in Natura 2000 sites is presented and six new cells are added in the European Environment Agency 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Sardinia, Sicily and Umbria.

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. II: A new species from the Khammouan karst

2017

A new species of Capparis, Capparis lanceolatifolia, is described and illustrated from central Lao PDR, where it is known from a single limestone doline in the Hinboun District, Khammouan Province. The new species is characterized by narrowly lanceolate leaves, racemose inflorescence bearing trifid bracts and small size of flower. Its affinities with related taxa and conservation status are discussed.

2019

Predation risk and food: opposite effects on overwintering survival and onset of breeding in a boreal rodent

2012

1. In seasonal environments, optimal onset of breeding and survival plays major roles in individual fitness. Many physiological and behavioural factors related to breeding increase the risk of predation; thus, breeding decisions should be based on current risks and benefits. According to life-history theory, if current predation risk is high and breeding itself increases the risk, it may be beneficial to postpone breeding. 2. During winter in northern hemispheres, food availability is limited and is at its lowest just prior to the onset of breeding in spring. Food constraint may lead to poor condition and reduced ability to start breeding. 3. We studied the effects of food and predation ris…

Temporal variability in offspring quality and individual reproductive output in a broadcast-spawning marine fish

2017

Abstract The protracted spawning period of broadcast-spawning marine fishes has potential to generate considerable variability in metrics of individual reproductive output. We undertook a temporally detailed genetic study of larvae produced by Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from two spatially proximate populations spawning under controlled semi-natural conditions over 94 days. Based on daily samples of larvae (n = 4489 in total), we document fine-scaled temporal changes in, and correlates of, offspring phenotype and reproductive output (egg batches produced or fertilized). Larval length and standardized yolk-sac volume declined 11 and 49% over the spawning period, respectively. The adaptive si…

Mitigating forest biodiversity and ecosystem service losses in the era of bio-based economy

2018

Abstract Forests play a crucial role in the transition towards a bioeconomy by providing biomass to substitute for fossil-based materials and energy. However, a policy-policy conflict exists between the desire to increase the utilization of bio based renewable resources and the desire to protect and conserve biodiversity. Increasing forest harvest levels to meet the needs of the bioeconomy may conflict with biodiversity protection and ecosystem services provided by forests. Through an optimization framework, we examined trade-offs between increasing the extraction of timber resources, and the impacts on biodiversity and non-wood ecosystem services, and investigated possibilities to reconcil…