This document summarizes a student's diploma thesis on habitat selection by foraging European rollers in eastern Austria. The study analyzed the use of artificial perches like power lines and poles by hunting rollers near breeding sites between 2002 and 2004. Structural habitat parameters within 25m of perches were measured. Use of perches was related to distance to breeding sites and settlements, as well as meadow area and habitat diversity. The decline of roller populations in Europe has been linked to agricultural intensification degrading foraging habitats. This study aims to quantify habitat preferences to inform conservation efforts.
The effect of flooded mine subsidence on thrips and forest biodiversity in th...EdytaSierka
Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica, 2008
At the end of the prosperity of the coal mining industry in Upper Silesia in Poland, new habitats were created in disturbed areas which, in the case of flooded mine subsidence, led to the formation of a type of ecological niche not encountered before. In the present work the authors describe the diversity of oak-hornbeam forest in the areas of flooded mine subsidence and the thrips communities connected with them. In 2006 and 2007, the thrips fauna of subsidence areas was sampled in biotopes directly associated with depressions (waterside, contact zones between aquatic and terrestrial-forest biotopes). In both ecosystems a total of 118 plant species and 56 thrips species were found. Disturbance of land resulting in flooded mine subsidence contributes to increased species diversity of both plants and thrips. Other kinds of disturbance such as traffic routes and its direct and indirect impact cause reduce numbers of plants and thrips species.
van Liere et al 2009 Feeding preferences greylag geeseDiederik van Liere
This document summarizes a study that examined the feeding preferences of greylag geese and the effect of activated charcoal on deterring geese. The study tested preferences between white clover, clover-grass mixtures, fertilized grass, and unfertilized grass. It also tested whether spraying activated charcoal on vegetation would deter geese from feeding. The study found that geese showed the strongest preference for white clover and no deterrence from activated charcoal. However, fertilized grass was preferred over unfertilized grass. Preferences remained consistent over three experimental periods. Thus, providing alternative foraging areas with white clover away from agricultural fields may help prevent damage from grazing geese.
XIII World Forestry Congress, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2009Dr. Amalesh Dhar
The document summarizes research on the biodiversity and genetic structure of English yew (Taxus baccata L.) populations in Austria. Regeneration was found to be limited by browsing and lack of light. Pole stand health varied between sites, with differences in diameter distribution. Genetic analysis found moderate genetic variation and inbreeding within populations. Monitoring, thinning, and protection from browsing were recommended to improve regeneration and conservation status.
Article 'Response of moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) to livestock grazing in Mongolian rangelands' by Khishigdelger Enkhtura, Martin Pfeiffera, Ariuntsetseg Lkhagvaa, Bazartseren Boldgiva
This article presents a syntaxonomical revision of montane mesophilous meadows in the Polygono bistortae-Trisetion flavescentis alliance in central Europe, focusing on Slovakia. Four associations are recognized within the alliance in Slovakia based on formal definitions combining species groups: Campanulo glomeratae-Geranietum sylvatici, Geranio sylvatici-Trisetetum, Crepido mollis-Agrostietum capillaries, and Geranio-Alchemilletum crinitae. Environmental gradients like altitude, climate, and substrate responsible for floristic variation in these meadows are analyzed. Both traditional and formalized classification approaches
EcoSummit: Ecological Complexity and Sustainability, China 2007 Dr. Amalesh Dhar
The document compares the structural diversity and population characteristics of two English yew populations in Austrian gene conservation forests. It finds that population B has smaller and younger yews than population A, but with better overall vitality. Higher interspecific competition is associated with lower vitality for individual yews. Management recommendations include reducing interspecific competition through selective thinning to improve yew population viability long-term.
This document summarizes a study on mammal densities in the Kalahari region of Botswana and how they are impacted by seasons and land use. The study compares mammal densities across four different land use areas - Communal Grazing Areas, Fenced Ranches, Wildlife Management Areas, and National Parks. Previous studies have shown that human activities like livestock grazing can negatively impact wildlife by reducing resources and fragmenting the landscape. The goal of this study was to investigate how spatial and temporal variations in mammal densities relate to different types of human land use. Large and medium herbivores and carnivores were found to be most affected by human activities, while smaller mammals were least affected. Seasonal and regional environmental differences had less impact than the
The effect of flooded mine subsidence on thrips and forest biodiversity in th...EdytaSierka
Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica, 2008
At the end of the prosperity of the coal mining industry in Upper Silesia in Poland, new habitats were created in disturbed areas which, in the case of flooded mine subsidence, led to the formation of a type of ecological niche not encountered before. In the present work the authors describe the diversity of oak-hornbeam forest in the areas of flooded mine subsidence and the thrips communities connected with them. In 2006 and 2007, the thrips fauna of subsidence areas was sampled in biotopes directly associated with depressions (waterside, contact zones between aquatic and terrestrial-forest biotopes). In both ecosystems a total of 118 plant species and 56 thrips species were found. Disturbance of land resulting in flooded mine subsidence contributes to increased species diversity of both plants and thrips. Other kinds of disturbance such as traffic routes and its direct and indirect impact cause reduce numbers of plants and thrips species.
van Liere et al 2009 Feeding preferences greylag geeseDiederik van Liere
This document summarizes a study that examined the feeding preferences of greylag geese and the effect of activated charcoal on deterring geese. The study tested preferences between white clover, clover-grass mixtures, fertilized grass, and unfertilized grass. It also tested whether spraying activated charcoal on vegetation would deter geese from feeding. The study found that geese showed the strongest preference for white clover and no deterrence from activated charcoal. However, fertilized grass was preferred over unfertilized grass. Preferences remained consistent over three experimental periods. Thus, providing alternative foraging areas with white clover away from agricultural fields may help prevent damage from grazing geese.
XIII World Forestry Congress, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2009Dr. Amalesh Dhar
The document summarizes research on the biodiversity and genetic structure of English yew (Taxus baccata L.) populations in Austria. Regeneration was found to be limited by browsing and lack of light. Pole stand health varied between sites, with differences in diameter distribution. Genetic analysis found moderate genetic variation and inbreeding within populations. Monitoring, thinning, and protection from browsing were recommended to improve regeneration and conservation status.
Article 'Response of moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) to livestock grazing in Mongolian rangelands' by Khishigdelger Enkhtura, Martin Pfeiffera, Ariuntsetseg Lkhagvaa, Bazartseren Boldgiva
This article presents a syntaxonomical revision of montane mesophilous meadows in the Polygono bistortae-Trisetion flavescentis alliance in central Europe, focusing on Slovakia. Four associations are recognized within the alliance in Slovakia based on formal definitions combining species groups: Campanulo glomeratae-Geranietum sylvatici, Geranio sylvatici-Trisetetum, Crepido mollis-Agrostietum capillaries, and Geranio-Alchemilletum crinitae. Environmental gradients like altitude, climate, and substrate responsible for floristic variation in these meadows are analyzed. Both traditional and formalized classification approaches
EcoSummit: Ecological Complexity and Sustainability, China 2007 Dr. Amalesh Dhar
The document compares the structural diversity and population characteristics of two English yew populations in Austrian gene conservation forests. It finds that population B has smaller and younger yews than population A, but with better overall vitality. Higher interspecific competition is associated with lower vitality for individual yews. Management recommendations include reducing interspecific competition through selective thinning to improve yew population viability long-term.
This document summarizes a study on mammal densities in the Kalahari region of Botswana and how they are impacted by seasons and land use. The study compares mammal densities across four different land use areas - Communal Grazing Areas, Fenced Ranches, Wildlife Management Areas, and National Parks. Previous studies have shown that human activities like livestock grazing can negatively impact wildlife by reducing resources and fragmenting the landscape. The goal of this study was to investigate how spatial and temporal variations in mammal densities relate to different types of human land use. Large and medium herbivores and carnivores were found to be most affected by human activities, while smaller mammals were least affected. Seasonal and regional environmental differences had less impact than the
The Role Played By Chester Zoo in the Captive Breeding and Reintroduction of ...Nicola snow
1) Chester Zoo has established a captive breeding program for the harvest mouse since the 1980s in collaboration with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. They breed mice in captivity and release them into suitable habitat in Cheshire to reestablish wild populations.
2) Chester Zoo houses captive bred mountain chicken frogs according to specific guidelines to optimize breeding. They are part of a cooperative effort with other zoos and organizations to establish a captive "safety population" and reintroduce frogs to the wild in Montserrat as part of conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.
3) Both programs demonstrate how captive breeding and reintroduction can help recovery of wild populations by establishing stable populations that offset declines and through release of captive-bred individuals
This document summarizes observations of post-hibernation movements of four reptile species - Hierophis viridiflavus, Natrix natrix, Vipera aspis, and Lacerta bilineata - around a hibernaculum in western France between late March and late May. Most sightings occurred in April, gradually declining later that month, with no reptiles seen after May 28th. The reptiles remained close to the hibernaculum for approximately 45 days before dispersing. Movement patterns and areas used were analyzed and discussed in relation to habitat characteristics and previous studies.
THE EFFECTS OF CLEARCUT SIZE ON THE BIRD COMMUNITY IN THE SECOND COLLEGE GRANTjoshmooney
Abstract. This study examines the effects of forest opening (clearcut) size on the surrounding forest-bird community with the objective of offering management suggestions for foresters who employ the clearcut method. I hypothesized that large and small clearcuts would have different effects on the forest-bird assemblage associated with each. I used the point-count method to assess bird abundance in clearcuts, on the edges, and 100 m into the forest from the edges of large and small clearcuts. I found that Neotropical migrant birds and forest-interior birds were the most affected by large clearcuts showing significantly lower abundance in forest areas 100 m from large clearcut edges than in forest areas 100 m from small clearcuts. Edge-open birds were more abundant in large clearcut openings and edges than in small clearcut openings and edges. Blue jays (an avian nest predator) were more abundant on the edges of large clearcuts than on the edges of small clearcuts. A recent study found that forest-interior bird abundance levels off after 100 m distance from small (0.4 ha) forest openings. This result combined with my findings suggest that small openings in the Second College Grant represent less of a disturbance to Neotropical migrants and forest-interior birds. Additionally, given higher abundances of an avian nest predator in large clearcuts, reproductive success could be much lower in areas associated with large clearcuts. Some species such as the White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), however preferred large clearcuts suggesting that there are some benefits to overall bird abundance by including large clearcuts in a managed landscape.
1) Grasslands provide important ecosystem functions such as carbon storage, nutrient recycling, and habitat. They also act as a buffer between deserts and forests.
2) Fires play an essential role in grassland ecosystems, occurring naturally every 4-20 years on average depending on climate and vegetation. Fire controls species dominance and facilitates germination.
3) Widespread conversion of grasslands to agriculture and urbanization has dramatically reduced grassland areas worldwide. Remaining grasslands face threats from overgrazing, invasive species, and changes in historic fire regimes.
66;road mortalities of amphibians hj 22(1)_pp_51-58_ms_11-55[1]Roger Meek
This study monitored amphibian roadkill over six years on low-traffic roads in western France. The common toad and agile frog made up the majority of roadkill at 39% and 25.4% respectively. Roadkill patterns were associated with amphibian migration and habitat near roads. Higher roadkill occurred near woodlands/wetlands and after rainfall, related to migration and foraging behavior. Traffic volume did not correlate with roadkill, but roadkill increased with longer amphibian migration distances.
Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in th...AI Publications
The study titled “Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the North and South Eastern parts of the Kimbi-Fungom National Park (K-FNP) of the North West Region of Cameroon” was carried out in the rainy season from 1st May to 31st July 2015. The general objective was to contribute to the conservation of bushbuck and Buffalo in the K-FNP through the establishment of status of mammals which will serve as a guide for management decisions. The methodology employed was the “recce-walk”. Twenty seven (27) lines transects of 2 km long each were walked making a total effort of 53km. One hundred and fifty six (156) questionnaires were administered to the local population, twenty one (21) semi-structured interviews to households and seven (7) focus group discussions with local chiefs and notables were used to get local people’s perceptions about wildlife conservation in the NP. Results revealed a total of 13 species of mammals within the NP belonging to 6 families. The Bovidae family had the highest number of species represented by the buffalo (Syncerus caffer), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), the blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola) and the red duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis). The buffalo and the bushbuck recorded encounter rates of 0.85 and 0.34sign/km respectively. The Buffalo had a higher density in the North East of the South East compartment of the park while the bushbuck had a higher density in the south west of the north east compartment. There was a strong relationship (R2=0.792) between the encounter rate of mammals and anthropogenic activities. Ninety two (92.31%) of respondents recognized the importance of the NP because they depended on it for collection of NTFP’s (34.60%), hunting of Bushmeat (12.80%), fuel wood gathering (7.70%), religious activities (6.40%), agricultural land (5.10%), harvesting of medicinal plants(5.10%), source of clean water (5.10%), traditional rituals (3.80%) and traditional medicine harvesting (2.6%). Ninety seven percent (97.2%) supported wildlife conservation because of its touristic, aesthetic and for sustainability. Thirty four percent (34.60%) of the respondents were aware of community implication in managing the NP. K-FNP is poor in species abundance, species richness and flagship species. Associated benefits from ecotourism are far-fetched coupled with encroachment by grazers. We therefore recommend that the government, councils, NGOs and the local communities should step up conservation efforts.
Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in th...AI Publications
The study titled “Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the North and South Eastern parts of the Kimbi-Fungom National Park (K-FNP) of the North West Region of Cameroon” was carried out in the rainy season from 1st May to 31st July 2015. The general objective was to contribute to the conservation of bushbuck and Buffalo in the K-FNP through the establishment of status of mammals which will serve as a guide for management decisions. The methodology employed was the “recce-walk”. Twenty seven (27) lines transects of 2 km long each were walked making a total effort of 53km. One hundred and fifty six (156) questionnaires were administered to the local population, twenty one (21) semi-structured interviews to households and seven (7) focus group discussions with local chiefs and notables were used to get local people’s perceptions about wildlife conservation in the NP. Results revealed a total of 13 species of mammals within the NP belonging to 6 families. The Bovidae family had the highest number of species represented by the buffalo (Syncerus caffer), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), the blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola) and the red duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis). The buffalo and the bushbuck recorded encounter rates of 0.85 and 0.34sign/km respectively. The Buffalo had a higher density in the North East of the South East compartment of the park while the bushbuck had a higher density in the south west of the north east compartment. There was a strong relationship (R2=0.792) between the encounter rate of mammals and anthropogenic activities. Ninety two (92.31%) of respondents recognized the importance of the NP because they depended on it for collection of NTFP’s (34.60%), hunting of Bushmeat (12.80%), fuel wood gathering (7.70%), religious activities (6.40%), agricultural land (5.10%), harvesting of medicinal plants(5.10%), source of clean water (5.10%), traditional rituals (3.80%) and traditional medicine harvesting (2.6%). Ninety seven percent (97.2%) supported wildlife conservation because of its touristic, aesthetic and for sustainability. Thirty four percent (34.60%) of the respondents were aware of community implication in managing the NP. K-FNP is poor in species abundance, species richness and flagship species. Associated benefits from ecotourism are far-fetched coupled with encroachment by grazers. We therefore recommend that the government, councils, NGOs and the local communities should step up conservation efforts.
This document summarizes a study on snake communities within the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. 13 snake species were found across four study sites over two years. The number of individuals of each species varied between sites and years. Vegetation structure, including grass and forb coverage, differed significantly between sites and years and influenced snake assemblages. Snakes preferred habitats with more plant cover and diversity. Management should focus on expanding and linking suitable habitat patches to support diverse snake communities.
The study examined the foraging behavior and habitat use of lesser kestrels in central Spain. Researchers observed 106 foraging lesser kestrels and measured vegetation characteristics at those sites. They found that lesser kestrels most frequently used unplowed fallow fields and positively selected those areas, while avoiding cereal crops. Foraging sites had lower vegetation cover than random sites, indicating kestrels prefer more open areas to capture prey. Distance to colony also influenced foraging location, as kestrels preferentially foraged closer to colonies. Land use management maintaining traditional crop rotations could improve habitat for this vulnerable species.
Diversity and abundance of terrestrial mammals in the northern periphery of ...Innspub Net
The Tanoé-Ehy Marsh Forest (TEMF), an unprotected forest that is about to be turn into a voluntary nature reserve is a forest block in south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire known as being of great importance for the conservation of biodiversity. But in the rainy season, that forest is largely over flooded and terrestrial mammals are likely to move to the periphery and make them vulnerable to anthropogenic threats. Our objectives are to determine the diversity, the relative abundance of terrestrial mammals and their spatial distribution in the northern periphery of the TEMF during the rainy season. We collected data by conducting recce surveys after interviews with local people. In total, we obtained 33 species among which ten primates’ species were identified. According to the recce survey, the African Civet (Civettictis civetta) and the Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) are the most common and abundant species in the study area with 12.7% and 12.0% of relative abundance respectively. In addition, six of the listed species are on the IUCN Red List, including Piliocolobus waldronae, a critically endangered species, Cercocebus lunulatus and Cercopithecus roloway endangered species, Colobus vellerosus, Phataginus tetradactyla and Phataginus tricuspis, three vulnerable species. Thus, the consideration of the periphery for the sustainable management of the TEMF is proving to be an imperative.
This document discusses a decrease in the number of Cetti's Warblers captured during autumn migration in northeastern Spain over the last two decades. Data shows a slight increase in the birds' physical condition and longer recovery distances over time, suggesting they may be coming from further areas. The findings suggest the Cetti's Warbler is becoming more sedentary and spending winters closer to breeding grounds, likely due to effects of global warming making conditions milder. While migration patterns may not change for all partial migrant species, evidence indicates the Cetti's Warbler population is adapting to stay nearer its breeding territories.
The invasibility of deciduous forest communities after disturbance: A case st...EdytaSierka
Forest Ecology and Management, 2007
Phytosociological records from three different woodlands, each with oak-hornbeam stands (Tilio-Carpinetum), were analyzed in terms of the presence/absence of two harmful species, alien Impatiens parviflora and native Carex brizoides. Records from the Białowieża Primeval Forest (northeastern Poland) represented old-growth forest, and others from the Silesian Upland (southeastern Poland) represented managed forest and invaded forest. The three sets of records were compared in terms of stand structure, Ellenberg indicator scores, and the shares of various plant functional types. Vegetation analyses also included species richness scores, Shannon-Wiener indices, and DCA and CCA ordination with the cover of the two species as variables. There were fewer differences between managed and old-growth forest than between managed and invaded forest. Invaded forest was characterized by low species richness, higher frequency of hemerophilous species, lower frequency of myrmecochores, and higher light availability and temperature. It was concluded that, of the two invasive species, C. brizoides is a better indicator of human-induced disturbance. Both cover and binary data explained changes in floristic composition in the presence of this species. Invasion by both species was favored by forest management practices. Their presence led to further species impoverishment, and harmed the quality of the forest floor habitat.
This document provides an overview of the Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario. It was created through the collection of distribution data from institutions and volunteers. Species accounts and range maps are provided for Ontario's 86 wild mammal species. The maps show mammal records plotted within grid squares, with symbols indicating the time period of the record. The atlas aims to document the current distribution of mammals in Ontario and identify areas needing more research. It is intended to aid conservation efforts and environmental assessments.
EcoSummit: Ecological Complexity and Sustainability, China 2007 Dr. Amalesh Dhar
The study examines the population structure, vitality, and genetics of the English yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the Stiwoll Valley in Austria. It finds that the population has a high density of trees and high vitality. Genetic analysis shows high genetic variation. The population benefits from the diverse forest community that provides good growing conditions for yew. Ongoing monitoring is expected to provide information for managing yew populations in Austria.
Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge and the Sustenance of Local Livelihood Stra...RSIS International
Natural disasters in most parts of the world have
resorted to many fatalities, forced migration and involuntary
resettlement of the affected population. Lake Nyos Gas Disaster
of 1986 which killed about 1,746 people and led to forced
migration of over 15,000 affected people and the subsequent
resettlement of survivors in resettlement camps in near by
administrative sub-divisions in the North West Region of
Cameroon is one of such natural catastrophies. The paper
evaluates the use of Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge (IAK) in
agriculture and how it has helped to sustain the livelihood of this
environmentally traumatized resettled population. The study
sampled two of these resettlement villages (Buabua and Kimbi)
to access Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge (IAK) and the
sustenance of local livelihood strategies. Field campaigns
including the administration of semi-structured questionnaires
and focus group discussions (FGDs) facilitated the collection of
data on IAK practices and how this knowledge helps in
sustaining local livelihoods. A total of 24 Indigenous Agricultural
Knowledge (IAK) were identified, with 54.16% of them used in
crop cultivation, and 45.83% in livestock farming including the
raising of small ruminants, poultry and piggery production. IAK
shows successful results after being applied as there is increased
crop and livestock yields. The use of IAK in agriculture has led
to sustainable and efficient land use within the study area.
Despite the rising use of IAK and potential benefits in
agriculture and the sustenance of local livelihoods in Buabua and
Kimbi, survivors still express a strong desire to return to the
former disaster zone. The underlying reasons behind this phobia
is mainly small land sizes ranging from 30-50 square metres that
were allocated to households for both crop cultivation and
grazing, and the fact that the limits between grazing and crop
land are not clearly demarcated. Prospects for agricultural
expansion within the area are therefore slim and need to be
addressed
The document analyzes land use/cover changes over 35 years in Northern Afar rangelands, Ethiopia using remote sensing data and interviews. It finds a rapid reduction in woodland (97%) and grassland (88%) between 1972 and 2007, while bushland increased over 3-fold and cultivated land grew over 8-fold. Major drivers of change included severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s, an increase in dry years recently, and immigration/sedentarization of pastoralists. Continued land use/cover changes coupled with a drier climate could highly impact peoples' livelihoods and threaten the pastoral production system.
The document analyzes land use/cover changes over 35 years in Northern Afar rangelands, Ethiopia using remote sensing data and interviews. It finds a rapid reduction in woodland (97%) and grassland (88%) between 1972 and 2007, while bushland increased over 3-fold and cultivated land grew over 8-fold. Major drivers of change included severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s, an increase in dry years recently, and immigration/sedentarization of pastoralists. Continued land use/cover changes coupled with a drier climate could highly impact peoples' livelihoods and threaten the pastoral production system.
The document analyzes land use/cover changes over 35 years in Northern Afar rangelands, Ethiopia using remote sensing data and interviews. It finds a rapid reduction in woodland (97%) and grassland (88%) between 1972 and 2007, while bushland increased over 3-fold and cultivated land grew over 8-fold. Major drivers of change included severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s, an increase in dry years recently, and immigration/sedentarization of pastoralists. Continued land use/cover changes coupled with a drier climate could highly impact peoples' livelihoods and threaten the pastoral production system.
This document summarizes a study on biodiversity change along a gradient of human impact within the Ferlo Biosphere Reserve in northern Senegal. The study analyzed woody vegetation across 110 plots in the core area, buffer zone, and transition area. A total of 49 species across 16 families were identified. Species abundance and diversity indices revealed that the buffer zone and transition area, which experience greater human activity, had higher diversity and stand organization than the core area. The four most abundant species comprised 68% of total individuals. The study found biodiversity varied along the human impact gradient within the reserve.
The document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from a website. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and select one based on qualifications. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment if satisfied. 5) Request revisions to ensure satisfaction, with a refund offered for plagiarized work.
Political Science Research Paper Outline. Free PoliticaKarla Adamson
False. Cultural relativism and moral relativism are not exactly the same. Cultural relativism is the view that cultural practices and beliefs should be understood based on the cultural context from which they arise rather than being judged against the standards of another culture. Moral relativism is the view that moral truths are relative to the culture or society holding them rather than being absolute. So cultural relativism focuses on understanding other cultures, while moral relativism focuses on whether moral claims can be objectively true or false.
The Role Played By Chester Zoo in the Captive Breeding and Reintroduction of ...Nicola snow
1) Chester Zoo has established a captive breeding program for the harvest mouse since the 1980s in collaboration with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. They breed mice in captivity and release them into suitable habitat in Cheshire to reestablish wild populations.
2) Chester Zoo houses captive bred mountain chicken frogs according to specific guidelines to optimize breeding. They are part of a cooperative effort with other zoos and organizations to establish a captive "safety population" and reintroduce frogs to the wild in Montserrat as part of conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.
3) Both programs demonstrate how captive breeding and reintroduction can help recovery of wild populations by establishing stable populations that offset declines and through release of captive-bred individuals
This document summarizes observations of post-hibernation movements of four reptile species - Hierophis viridiflavus, Natrix natrix, Vipera aspis, and Lacerta bilineata - around a hibernaculum in western France between late March and late May. Most sightings occurred in April, gradually declining later that month, with no reptiles seen after May 28th. The reptiles remained close to the hibernaculum for approximately 45 days before dispersing. Movement patterns and areas used were analyzed and discussed in relation to habitat characteristics and previous studies.
THE EFFECTS OF CLEARCUT SIZE ON THE BIRD COMMUNITY IN THE SECOND COLLEGE GRANTjoshmooney
Abstract. This study examines the effects of forest opening (clearcut) size on the surrounding forest-bird community with the objective of offering management suggestions for foresters who employ the clearcut method. I hypothesized that large and small clearcuts would have different effects on the forest-bird assemblage associated with each. I used the point-count method to assess bird abundance in clearcuts, on the edges, and 100 m into the forest from the edges of large and small clearcuts. I found that Neotropical migrant birds and forest-interior birds were the most affected by large clearcuts showing significantly lower abundance in forest areas 100 m from large clearcut edges than in forest areas 100 m from small clearcuts. Edge-open birds were more abundant in large clearcut openings and edges than in small clearcut openings and edges. Blue jays (an avian nest predator) were more abundant on the edges of large clearcuts than on the edges of small clearcuts. A recent study found that forest-interior bird abundance levels off after 100 m distance from small (0.4 ha) forest openings. This result combined with my findings suggest that small openings in the Second College Grant represent less of a disturbance to Neotropical migrants and forest-interior birds. Additionally, given higher abundances of an avian nest predator in large clearcuts, reproductive success could be much lower in areas associated with large clearcuts. Some species such as the White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), however preferred large clearcuts suggesting that there are some benefits to overall bird abundance by including large clearcuts in a managed landscape.
1) Grasslands provide important ecosystem functions such as carbon storage, nutrient recycling, and habitat. They also act as a buffer between deserts and forests.
2) Fires play an essential role in grassland ecosystems, occurring naturally every 4-20 years on average depending on climate and vegetation. Fire controls species dominance and facilitates germination.
3) Widespread conversion of grasslands to agriculture and urbanization has dramatically reduced grassland areas worldwide. Remaining grasslands face threats from overgrazing, invasive species, and changes in historic fire regimes.
66;road mortalities of amphibians hj 22(1)_pp_51-58_ms_11-55[1]Roger Meek
This study monitored amphibian roadkill over six years on low-traffic roads in western France. The common toad and agile frog made up the majority of roadkill at 39% and 25.4% respectively. Roadkill patterns were associated with amphibian migration and habitat near roads. Higher roadkill occurred near woodlands/wetlands and after rainfall, related to migration and foraging behavior. Traffic volume did not correlate with roadkill, but roadkill increased with longer amphibian migration distances.
Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in th...AI Publications
The study titled “Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the North and South Eastern parts of the Kimbi-Fungom National Park (K-FNP) of the North West Region of Cameroon” was carried out in the rainy season from 1st May to 31st July 2015. The general objective was to contribute to the conservation of bushbuck and Buffalo in the K-FNP through the establishment of status of mammals which will serve as a guide for management decisions. The methodology employed was the “recce-walk”. Twenty seven (27) lines transects of 2 km long each were walked making a total effort of 53km. One hundred and fifty six (156) questionnaires were administered to the local population, twenty one (21) semi-structured interviews to households and seven (7) focus group discussions with local chiefs and notables were used to get local people’s perceptions about wildlife conservation in the NP. Results revealed a total of 13 species of mammals within the NP belonging to 6 families. The Bovidae family had the highest number of species represented by the buffalo (Syncerus caffer), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), the blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola) and the red duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis). The buffalo and the bushbuck recorded encounter rates of 0.85 and 0.34sign/km respectively. The Buffalo had a higher density in the North East of the South East compartment of the park while the bushbuck had a higher density in the south west of the north east compartment. There was a strong relationship (R2=0.792) between the encounter rate of mammals and anthropogenic activities. Ninety two (92.31%) of respondents recognized the importance of the NP because they depended on it for collection of NTFP’s (34.60%), hunting of Bushmeat (12.80%), fuel wood gathering (7.70%), religious activities (6.40%), agricultural land (5.10%), harvesting of medicinal plants(5.10%), source of clean water (5.10%), traditional rituals (3.80%) and traditional medicine harvesting (2.6%). Ninety seven percent (97.2%) supported wildlife conservation because of its touristic, aesthetic and for sustainability. Thirty four percent (34.60%) of the respondents were aware of community implication in managing the NP. K-FNP is poor in species abundance, species richness and flagship species. Associated benefits from ecotourism are far-fetched coupled with encroachment by grazers. We therefore recommend that the government, councils, NGOs and the local communities should step up conservation efforts.
Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in th...AI Publications
The study titled “Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the North and South Eastern parts of the Kimbi-Fungom National Park (K-FNP) of the North West Region of Cameroon” was carried out in the rainy season from 1st May to 31st July 2015. The general objective was to contribute to the conservation of bushbuck and Buffalo in the K-FNP through the establishment of status of mammals which will serve as a guide for management decisions. The methodology employed was the “recce-walk”. Twenty seven (27) lines transects of 2 km long each were walked making a total effort of 53km. One hundred and fifty six (156) questionnaires were administered to the local population, twenty one (21) semi-structured interviews to households and seven (7) focus group discussions with local chiefs and notables were used to get local people’s perceptions about wildlife conservation in the NP. Results revealed a total of 13 species of mammals within the NP belonging to 6 families. The Bovidae family had the highest number of species represented by the buffalo (Syncerus caffer), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), the blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola) and the red duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis). The buffalo and the bushbuck recorded encounter rates of 0.85 and 0.34sign/km respectively. The Buffalo had a higher density in the North East of the South East compartment of the park while the bushbuck had a higher density in the south west of the north east compartment. There was a strong relationship (R2=0.792) between the encounter rate of mammals and anthropogenic activities. Ninety two (92.31%) of respondents recognized the importance of the NP because they depended on it for collection of NTFP’s (34.60%), hunting of Bushmeat (12.80%), fuel wood gathering (7.70%), religious activities (6.40%), agricultural land (5.10%), harvesting of medicinal plants(5.10%), source of clean water (5.10%), traditional rituals (3.80%) and traditional medicine harvesting (2.6%). Ninety seven percent (97.2%) supported wildlife conservation because of its touristic, aesthetic and for sustainability. Thirty four percent (34.60%) of the respondents were aware of community implication in managing the NP. K-FNP is poor in species abundance, species richness and flagship species. Associated benefits from ecotourism are far-fetched coupled with encroachment by grazers. We therefore recommend that the government, councils, NGOs and the local communities should step up conservation efforts.
This document summarizes a study on snake communities within the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. 13 snake species were found across four study sites over two years. The number of individuals of each species varied between sites and years. Vegetation structure, including grass and forb coverage, differed significantly between sites and years and influenced snake assemblages. Snakes preferred habitats with more plant cover and diversity. Management should focus on expanding and linking suitable habitat patches to support diverse snake communities.
The study examined the foraging behavior and habitat use of lesser kestrels in central Spain. Researchers observed 106 foraging lesser kestrels and measured vegetation characteristics at those sites. They found that lesser kestrels most frequently used unplowed fallow fields and positively selected those areas, while avoiding cereal crops. Foraging sites had lower vegetation cover than random sites, indicating kestrels prefer more open areas to capture prey. Distance to colony also influenced foraging location, as kestrels preferentially foraged closer to colonies. Land use management maintaining traditional crop rotations could improve habitat for this vulnerable species.
Diversity and abundance of terrestrial mammals in the northern periphery of ...Innspub Net
The Tanoé-Ehy Marsh Forest (TEMF), an unprotected forest that is about to be turn into a voluntary nature reserve is a forest block in south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire known as being of great importance for the conservation of biodiversity. But in the rainy season, that forest is largely over flooded and terrestrial mammals are likely to move to the periphery and make them vulnerable to anthropogenic threats. Our objectives are to determine the diversity, the relative abundance of terrestrial mammals and their spatial distribution in the northern periphery of the TEMF during the rainy season. We collected data by conducting recce surveys after interviews with local people. In total, we obtained 33 species among which ten primates’ species were identified. According to the recce survey, the African Civet (Civettictis civetta) and the Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) are the most common and abundant species in the study area with 12.7% and 12.0% of relative abundance respectively. In addition, six of the listed species are on the IUCN Red List, including Piliocolobus waldronae, a critically endangered species, Cercocebus lunulatus and Cercopithecus roloway endangered species, Colobus vellerosus, Phataginus tetradactyla and Phataginus tricuspis, three vulnerable species. Thus, the consideration of the periphery for the sustainable management of the TEMF is proving to be an imperative.
This document discusses a decrease in the number of Cetti's Warblers captured during autumn migration in northeastern Spain over the last two decades. Data shows a slight increase in the birds' physical condition and longer recovery distances over time, suggesting they may be coming from further areas. The findings suggest the Cetti's Warbler is becoming more sedentary and spending winters closer to breeding grounds, likely due to effects of global warming making conditions milder. While migration patterns may not change for all partial migrant species, evidence indicates the Cetti's Warbler population is adapting to stay nearer its breeding territories.
The invasibility of deciduous forest communities after disturbance: A case st...EdytaSierka
Forest Ecology and Management, 2007
Phytosociological records from three different woodlands, each with oak-hornbeam stands (Tilio-Carpinetum), were analyzed in terms of the presence/absence of two harmful species, alien Impatiens parviflora and native Carex brizoides. Records from the Białowieża Primeval Forest (northeastern Poland) represented old-growth forest, and others from the Silesian Upland (southeastern Poland) represented managed forest and invaded forest. The three sets of records were compared in terms of stand structure, Ellenberg indicator scores, and the shares of various plant functional types. Vegetation analyses also included species richness scores, Shannon-Wiener indices, and DCA and CCA ordination with the cover of the two species as variables. There were fewer differences between managed and old-growth forest than between managed and invaded forest. Invaded forest was characterized by low species richness, higher frequency of hemerophilous species, lower frequency of myrmecochores, and higher light availability and temperature. It was concluded that, of the two invasive species, C. brizoides is a better indicator of human-induced disturbance. Both cover and binary data explained changes in floristic composition in the presence of this species. Invasion by both species was favored by forest management practices. Their presence led to further species impoverishment, and harmed the quality of the forest floor habitat.
This document provides an overview of the Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario. It was created through the collection of distribution data from institutions and volunteers. Species accounts and range maps are provided for Ontario's 86 wild mammal species. The maps show mammal records plotted within grid squares, with symbols indicating the time period of the record. The atlas aims to document the current distribution of mammals in Ontario and identify areas needing more research. It is intended to aid conservation efforts and environmental assessments.
EcoSummit: Ecological Complexity and Sustainability, China 2007 Dr. Amalesh Dhar
The study examines the population structure, vitality, and genetics of the English yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the Stiwoll Valley in Austria. It finds that the population has a high density of trees and high vitality. Genetic analysis shows high genetic variation. The population benefits from the diverse forest community that provides good growing conditions for yew. Ongoing monitoring is expected to provide information for managing yew populations in Austria.
Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge and the Sustenance of Local Livelihood Stra...RSIS International
Natural disasters in most parts of the world have
resorted to many fatalities, forced migration and involuntary
resettlement of the affected population. Lake Nyos Gas Disaster
of 1986 which killed about 1,746 people and led to forced
migration of over 15,000 affected people and the subsequent
resettlement of survivors in resettlement camps in near by
administrative sub-divisions in the North West Region of
Cameroon is one of such natural catastrophies. The paper
evaluates the use of Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge (IAK) in
agriculture and how it has helped to sustain the livelihood of this
environmentally traumatized resettled population. The study
sampled two of these resettlement villages (Buabua and Kimbi)
to access Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge (IAK) and the
sustenance of local livelihood strategies. Field campaigns
including the administration of semi-structured questionnaires
and focus group discussions (FGDs) facilitated the collection of
data on IAK practices and how this knowledge helps in
sustaining local livelihoods. A total of 24 Indigenous Agricultural
Knowledge (IAK) were identified, with 54.16% of them used in
crop cultivation, and 45.83% in livestock farming including the
raising of small ruminants, poultry and piggery production. IAK
shows successful results after being applied as there is increased
crop and livestock yields. The use of IAK in agriculture has led
to sustainable and efficient land use within the study area.
Despite the rising use of IAK and potential benefits in
agriculture and the sustenance of local livelihoods in Buabua and
Kimbi, survivors still express a strong desire to return to the
former disaster zone. The underlying reasons behind this phobia
is mainly small land sizes ranging from 30-50 square metres that
were allocated to households for both crop cultivation and
grazing, and the fact that the limits between grazing and crop
land are not clearly demarcated. Prospects for agricultural
expansion within the area are therefore slim and need to be
addressed
The document analyzes land use/cover changes over 35 years in Northern Afar rangelands, Ethiopia using remote sensing data and interviews. It finds a rapid reduction in woodland (97%) and grassland (88%) between 1972 and 2007, while bushland increased over 3-fold and cultivated land grew over 8-fold. Major drivers of change included severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s, an increase in dry years recently, and immigration/sedentarization of pastoralists. Continued land use/cover changes coupled with a drier climate could highly impact peoples' livelihoods and threaten the pastoral production system.
The document analyzes land use/cover changes over 35 years in Northern Afar rangelands, Ethiopia using remote sensing data and interviews. It finds a rapid reduction in woodland (97%) and grassland (88%) between 1972 and 2007, while bushland increased over 3-fold and cultivated land grew over 8-fold. Major drivers of change included severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s, an increase in dry years recently, and immigration/sedentarization of pastoralists. Continued land use/cover changes coupled with a drier climate could highly impact peoples' livelihoods and threaten the pastoral production system.
The document analyzes land use/cover changes over 35 years in Northern Afar rangelands, Ethiopia using remote sensing data and interviews. It finds a rapid reduction in woodland (97%) and grassland (88%) between 1972 and 2007, while bushland increased over 3-fold and cultivated land grew over 8-fold. Major drivers of change included severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s, an increase in dry years recently, and immigration/sedentarization of pastoralists. Continued land use/cover changes coupled with a drier climate could highly impact peoples' livelihoods and threaten the pastoral production system.
This document summarizes a study on biodiversity change along a gradient of human impact within the Ferlo Biosphere Reserve in northern Senegal. The study analyzed woody vegetation across 110 plots in the core area, buffer zone, and transition area. A total of 49 species across 16 families were identified. Species abundance and diversity indices revealed that the buffer zone and transition area, which experience greater human activity, had higher diversity and stand organization than the core area. The four most abundant species comprised 68% of total individuals. The study found biodiversity varied along the human impact gradient within the reserve.
The document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from a website. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and select one based on qualifications. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment if satisfied. 5) Request revisions to ensure satisfaction, with a refund offered for plagiarized work.
Political Science Research Paper Outline. Free PoliticaKarla Adamson
False. Cultural relativism and moral relativism are not exactly the same. Cultural relativism is the view that cultural practices and beliefs should be understood based on the cultural context from which they arise rather than being judged against the standards of another culture. Moral relativism is the view that moral truths are relative to the culture or society holding them rather than being absolute. So cultural relativism focuses on understanding other cultures, while moral relativism focuses on whether moral claims can be objectively true or false.
Essay Professional Essay Writing Services And How TKarla Adamson
The document provides instructions for using an essay writing service called HelpWriting.net. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with an email and password. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and choose one based on qualifications. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment. 5) Request revisions to ensure satisfaction, with a full refund option for plagiarized work. The service aims to provide original, high-quality content through a bidding system and revision process.
Essay Writing Website Reviews - The Oscillation BandKarla Adamson
The document discusses two short stories by Nikolai Gogol, "The Nose" and "The Overcoat", that end with a balance of power rather than a happy ending. In "The Nose", a man's nose rises to a higher social rank than him before returning to his face. In "The Overcoat", a man's coat, a symbol of power, is stolen after he saves to buy a new one, leaving him powerless, though he later steals a coat from a man he feels is responsible. Both stories show the rise and fall of power before ending in a similar balance of power as the beginning.
003 Essay Example Grading Rubric Synthesisqkeythings Page ThatsnotusKarla Adamson
The document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with an email and password. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form with instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and select one. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment if satisfied. 5) Request revisions until fully satisfied, and the work is guaranteed to be original.
List Of Scholarships 2021 - SchoolarshipKarla Adamson
This document provides instructions for completing a scholarship application process in 5 steps:
1. Create an account and provide login credentials.
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BPG Indian Font This BPG Indian Font StylKarla Adamson
The document outlines 5 steps for requesting and receiving writing assistance from HelpWriting.net: 1) Create an account, 2) Complete an order form providing instructions and deadline, 3) Review bids from writers and select one, 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment, 5) Request revisions to ensure satisfaction and receive a refund if plagiarized.
A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed Essay English HandwritingKarla Adamson
The document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from the HelpWriting.net website. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email, 2) Complete a form with assignment details and attach samples, 3) Review bids from writers and select one, 4) Receive the paper and authorize payment if satisfied, 5) Request revisions until fully satisfied and receive a refund if plagiarized.
What Is A Essay Map - Premier Unique School Writings And ServicesKarla Adamson
This document provides instructions for creating an account and submitting assignment requests on the HelpWriting.net website. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with an email and password. 2) Complete an order form with instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and choose one. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment. 5) Request revisions until satisfied, with a refund option for plagiarism. The document promotes HelpWriting.net's writing services.
The document provides instructions for how to request and complete an assignment writing request through the HelpWriting.net website. It involves 5 steps: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a form with assignment details. 3) Review bids from writers and select one. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment. 5) Request revisions to ensure satisfaction, with refund available for plagiarism.
The characters of Romeo and Mercutio in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet serve as foils to each other. While Romeo is a romantic lover who expresses his love through words, Mercutio is cynical about love and sees it as insignificant. He encourages Romeo to have casual sex instead of pursuing a serious relationship. Mercutio also seems jealous of Romeo's love for Juliet. The two characters present contrasting views of love and relationships that underscore major themes in the play.
The document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and choose one based on qualifications. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment if satisfied. 5) Request revisions to ensure satisfaction, with refund available for plagiarized work.
The Top Ten Academic Writing Accounts (Both HarKarla Adamson
This document discusses the key steps to getting academic writing help from HelpWriting.net. It outlines the 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email; 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline; 3) Review writer bids and choose one based on qualifications; 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment; 5) Request revisions to ensure satisfaction, with a refund offered for plagiarized work. The process aims to match clients with qualified writers and provide original, high-quality content through revisions.
The document provides steps for requesting writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. It explains that users must first create an account, then complete a request form providing instructions and deadlines. Writers will bid on the request, and the user can choose a writer based on qualifications. The writer will complete the paper and users can request revisions until satisfied. HelpWriting.net promises original, high-quality work with refunds for plagiarism.
The document provides a 5-step guide to writing an essay with the help of the website HelpWriting.net:
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5. Client can request multiple revisions to ensure satisfaction, and the website guarantees original, high-quality work with refunds for plagiarism
The document discusses the enforcement of rules in American football by organizations like the NFL and NCAA. It notes that rules have gradually changed over the years to make the game safer and less violent. However, some argue this has made football too soft compared to the past. New rules like targeting bans certain tackles and leads to more penalties being called, which slows down defenses and reduces exciting big hits. While safety was the goal, some feel the rule changes have negatively impacted the game.
016 Essay Example Expository Prompts ThatKarla Adamson
The document discusses having seniors lead a risk management workshop at the start of the new school year to provide senior safety tips, as it is suggested as the programming idea of the month in the Risk Management Matters August newsletter. Seniors would share safety tips they have learned throughout their school career with younger students to help them avoid risks as they get older.
Buy Writing Paper For Kids Handwriting Practice PapeKarla Adamson
The document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from the website HelpWriting.net. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with an email and password. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form with instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and select one. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment. 5) Request revisions to ensure satisfaction, with a refund offered for plagiarized work. The process involves registration, order placement, writer selection, paper delivery, revisions, and a guarantee.
Top Online Essay Writing Help From Best Premium WritersKarla Adamson
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2. Writers use a bidding system, and students can request revisions to ensure satisfaction. The service promises original, high-quality work with refunds for plagiarism.
Great Writing 2 Great Paragraphs (EditionKarla Adamson
The passage discusses how the horror genre shifted in the late 1980s/early 1990s to portray serial killers as humans living among society rather than masked figures. This changed the "Final Girl" character, exemplified by Clarice Starling in Silence of the Lambs, who must face internal rather than external threats. By confronting more psychologically complex villains, these films explored how violence relates to sexuality in a way that still resonates with audiences today.
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LAND USE LAND COVER AND NDVI OF MIRZAPUR DISTRICT, UPRAHUL
This Dissertation explores the particular circumstances of Mirzapur, a region located in the
core of India. Mirzapur, with its varied terrains and abundant biodiversity, offers an optimal
environment for investigating the changes in vegetation cover dynamics. Our study utilizes
advanced technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Remote sensing to
analyze the transformations that have taken place over the course of a decade.
The complex relationship between human activities and the environment has been the focus
of extensive research and worry. As the global community grapples with swift urbanization,
population expansion, and economic progress, the effects on natural ecosystems are becoming
more evident. A crucial element of this impact is the alteration of vegetation cover, which plays a
significant role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of our planet.Land serves as the foundation for all human activities and provides the necessary materials for
these activities. As the most crucial natural resource, its utilization by humans results in different
'Land uses,' which are determined by both human activities and the physical characteristics of the
land.
The utilization of land is impacted by human needs and environmental factors. In countries
like India, rapid population growth and the emphasis on extensive resource exploitation can lead
to significant land degradation, adversely affecting the region's land cover.
Therefore, human intervention has significantly influenced land use patterns over many
centuries, evolving its structure over time and space. In the present era, these changes have
accelerated due to factors such as agriculture and urbanization. Information regarding land use and
cover is essential for various planning and management tasks related to the Earth's surface,
providing crucial environmental data for scientific, resource management, policy purposes, and
diverse human activities.
Accurate understanding of land use and cover is imperative for the development planning
of any area. Consequently, a wide range of professionals, including earth system scientists, land
and water managers, and urban planners, are interested in obtaining data on land use and cover
changes, conversion trends, and other related patterns. The spatial dimensions of land use and
cover support policymakers and scientists in making well-informed decisions, as alterations in
these patterns indicate shifts in economic and social conditions. Monitoring such changes with the
help of Advanced technologies like Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems is
crucial for coordinated efforts across different administrative levels. Advanced technologies like
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
9
Changes in vegetation cover refer to variations in the distribution, composition, and overall
structure of plant communities across different temporal and spatial scales. These changes can
occur natural.
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
This document provides an overview of wound healing, its functions, stages, mechanisms, factors affecting it, and complications.
A wound is a break in the integrity of the skin or tissues, which may be associated with disruption of the structure and function.
Healing is the body’s response to injury in an attempt to restore normal structure and functions.
Healing can occur in two ways: Regeneration and Repair
There are 4 phases of wound healing: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. This document also describes the mechanism of wound healing. Factors that affect healing include infection, uncontrolled diabetes, poor nutrition, age, anemia, the presence of foreign bodies, etc.
Complications of wound healing like infection, hyperpigmentation of scar, contractures, and keloid formation.
Reimagining Your Library Space: How to Increase the Vibes in Your Library No ...Diana Rendina
Librarians are leading the way in creating future-ready citizens – now we need to update our spaces to match. In this session, attendees will get inspiration for transforming their library spaces. You’ll learn how to survey students and patrons, create a focus group, and use design thinking to brainstorm ideas for your space. We’ll discuss budget friendly ways to change your space as well as how to find funding. No matter where you’re at, you’ll find ideas for reimagining your space in this session.
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17Celine George
In Odoo, making a field required can be done through both Python code and XML views. When you set the required attribute to True in Python code, it makes the field required across all views where it's used. Conversely, when you set the required attribute in XML views, it makes the field required only in the context of that particular view.
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...PECB
Denis is a dynamic and results-driven Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a distinguished career spanning information systems analysis and technical project management. With a proven track record of spearheading the design and delivery of cutting-edge Information Management solutions, he has consistently elevated business operations, streamlined reporting functions, and maximized process efficiency.
Certified as an ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) Lead Implementer, Data Protection Officer, and Cyber Risks Analyst, Denis brings a heightened focus on data security, privacy, and cyber resilience to every endeavor.
His expertise extends across a diverse spectrum of reporting, database, and web development applications, underpinned by an exceptional grasp of data storage and virtualization technologies. His proficiency in application testing, database administration, and data cleansing ensures seamless execution of complex projects.
What sets Denis apart is his comprehensive understanding of Business and Systems Analysis technologies, honed through involvement in all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). From meticulous requirements gathering to precise analysis, innovative design, rigorous development, thorough testing, and successful implementation, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.
Throughout his career, he has taken on multifaceted roles, from leading technical project management teams to owning solutions that drive operational excellence. His conscientious and proactive approach is unwavering, whether he is working independently or collaboratively within a team. His ability to connect with colleagues on a personal level underscores his commitment to fostering a harmonious and productive workplace environment.
Date: May 29, 2024
Tags: Information Security, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Artificial Intelligence, GDPR
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This presentation includes basic of PCOS their pathology and treatment and also Ayurveda correlation of PCOS and Ayurvedic line of treatment mentioned in classics.
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP ModuleCeline George
In Odoo, the chatter is like a chat tool that helps you work together on records. You can leave notes and track things, making it easier to talk with your team and partners. Inside chatter, all communication history, activity, and changes will be displayed.
Leveraging Generative AI to Drive Nonprofit InnovationTechSoup
In this webinar, participants learned how to utilize Generative AI to streamline operations and elevate member engagement. Amazon Web Service experts provided a customer specific use cases and dived into low/no-code tools that are quick and easy to deploy through Amazon Web Service (AWS.)
Strategies for Effective Upskilling is a presentation by Chinwendu Peace in a Your Skill Boost Masterclass organisation by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan on 08th and 09th June 2024 from 1 PM to 3 PM on each day.
Your Skill Boost Masterclass: Strategies for Effective Upskilling
Angestrebter Akademischer Grad
1. 1
DIPLOMARBEIT
Titel der Diplomarbeit
Habitat selection in foraging European Rollers (Coracias garrulus L.) in
Eastern Austria
angestrebter akademischer Grad
Magister der Naturwissenschaften (Mag. rer. nat.)
Verfasser: Michael Tiefenbach
Matrikel-Nummer: 9812483
Studienrichtung (lt. Studienblatt): Diplomstudium Zoologie (A-439)
Betreuer: Dr. Christian H. Schulze
Wien, im April 2009
2. 2
Habitat selection in foraging European Rollers (Coracias garrulus L.) in
Eastern Austria
Michael Tiefenbach
Diploma student at the Department of Population Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences,
University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
Abstract. The population of the European Roller in northern and central Europe has
suffered a dramatic decline during the late 20th
century. This decline has often been
attributed to changes in land use negatively affecting breeding success, mainly due to
degrading quality of foraging habitats. However, so far empirical studies determining the
habitat quality for Rollers in the context of foraging are missing. We studied the selection
of foraging habitats by Rollers in eastern Austria. Habitat preferences were quantified by
data on the use of two important artificial perch types, power lines and wooden poles, by
hunting Rollers in the years 2002+2004 and 2002, respectively. All perches included in
our analyses were located within a distance of less than 1.2 km to nearest breeding
sites. Structural parameters, reported to play an important role for habitat choice in the
Roller, were measured within a predetermined range of 25 m around all perches. Within
this distance range, ca. 85 % of all hunting strikes from perches could be observed. The
use of 50 m power line sections and wooden poles for perching was negatively related
to the distance to nearest breeding sites, particularly during breeding season.
Furthermore, the number of hunting Rollers was negatively affected by decreasing
distance to settlements during breeding and post-breeding seasons in both artificial
perch types. During breeding season, the attractiveness of power line sections as
perches for hunting Rollers significantly increased with increasing meadow area, most
likely caused by the high abundance of suitable prey (with body size >10 mm) in this
habitat type. In contradiction, the proportion of maize area proved to be an important
explanatory variable for perch use in the post-breeding season by negatively affecting
foraging habitat quality. An increasing habitat diversity and/or habitat edge density
improved perch attractiveness for hunting Rollers during breeding season (wooden
poles) and post-breeding season (power line sections: 2002+2004; wooden poles).
3. 3
Future conservation plans aiming to protect remaining Roller populations in Central
Europe should consider that ongoing loss of meadows, the decline of habitat
heterogeneity due to land consolidation and agricultural intensification, in combination
with an uncontrolled rural development, represent crucial threats for this highly
endangered species.
Key words. Artificial perches, conservation, foraging habitat, habitat preferences, land
use, meadows, prey availability, rural development
Zusammenfassung
Die Bestände der Blauracke in Nord- und Mitteleuropa erlitten im Laufe des späten 20.
Jahrhunderts einen drastischen Einbruch. Dieser Rückgang wird im Wesentlichen
schwerwiegenden Veränderungen in der Landnutzung zugeschrieben, welche sich
maßgeblich durch eine Verschlechterungen der Jagdhabitate negativ auf den Bruterfolg
auswirkten. Jedoch existierten bislang keine empirischen Studien, die eine quantitative
Bewertung der Habitatqualität im Zusammenhang mit dem Furagierverhalten der
Blauracke ermöglichen. Diese Studie untersuchte die Habitatwahl jagender Blauracken
in Ostösterreich in den Jahren 2002 und 2004 anhand der Nutzungshäufigkeiten der
zwei meistgenutzten Ansitzwartentypen, Niederspannungsleitungen (beide Jahre) und
Sitzkrücken (nur 2002). Dabei wurden nur potentielle Ansitzwarten berücksichtigt, die
nicht weiter als 1,2 km vom nächstgelegenen Brutplatz entfernt waren. Für alle
Ansitzwarten (50 m lange Abschnitte der Niederspannungsleitungen und Sitzkrücken)
wurden als wichtig für die Habitatselektion der Blauracke beschriebene
Habitatparameter für einen Aktionsradius von 25 m quantifiziert. Innerhalb dieses
Aktionsradius konnten ca. 85 % aller von Ansitzwarten durchgeführten Jagdflüge
beobachtet werden. Vor allem während der Brutzeit stieg die Nutzungshäufigkeit von
Niederspannungsleitungen und Sitzkrücken zur Ansitzjagd mit zunehmender Nähe zum
nächstgelegenen Brutplatz signifikant an. Unabhängig von Sitzwartentyp und Jahreszeit
(Brutzeit vs. Nachbrutzeit) nahm die Anzahl der von Warten aus jagenden Blauracken
mit zunehmender Siedlungsnähe deutlich ab. Während der Brutzeit wurden Abschnitte
von Niederspannungsleitungen mit einem hohen Anteil an Wiesenflächen deutlich
häufiger zur Ansitzjagd genutzt als Bereiche mit anderer Vegetationsbedeckung. Dies
4. 4
lässt sich mit großer Wahrscheinlichkeit auf die relativ hohen Abundanzen geeigneter
Beutetiere (mit Körpergröße >10 mm) in diesem Vegetationstyp zurückführen. Für die
Nachbrutzeit zeigte sich, dass sich die Habitatqualität für jagende Blauracken durch
einen zunehmenden Anteil an Maisflächen deutlich verschlechterte. Eine zunehmende
Habitatdiversität und/oder Habitatrandliniendichte erhöhte die Attraktivität von
Ansitzwarten für Blauracken während der Brutzeit (Sitzkrücken) und Nachbrutzeit
(Niederspannungsleitungen: 2002+2004; Sitzkrücken). Zukünftige Schutzkonzepte zur
Sicherung der letzten Populationen der Blauracke in Mitteleuropa müssen versuchen,
den fortschreitenden Rückgang von Grünlandflächen und die Abnahme der
Habitatheterogenität durch Flurneuordnung und Intensivierung der Landwirtschaft zu
bremsen, sowie mögliche negative Auswirkungen einer unkontrollierten ländlichen
Entwicklung (z.B. durch Zersiedlung) zu minimieren. Nur durch die Berücksichtigung
solcher wichtiger Gefährdungsursachen wird ein langfristiger Schutz dieser hochgradig
gefährdeten Vogelart möglich sein.
5. 5
Introduction
The European Roller Coracias garrulus is widely distributed across the Palearctic region
(Cramp and Simmons 1988). Since the late 19th century, the range and population size
of the species dramatically declined in western and northern Europe, leading the species
to extinction in southern Sweden, Denmark and Germany. Scattered remnants of its
formerly continuous central and eastern European distribution range remained in the
Baltic States, eastern Poland and Slovakia (Glutz von Bolzheim and Bauer 1980,
Samwald and Štumberger 1997, Bohuš 2002). In the southern and eastern provinces of
Austria the species was still widespread and common up to the 1950s below an altitude
of 400 m asl. For example, for the province Styria the breeding population was projected
at more than 350 breeding pairs in 1953 (Samwald and Samwald 1989). However, most
likely as result of the large-scale agricultural intensification after the Second World War
(Sackl et al. 2004), range and population size of the Austro-Slovenian meta-population
collapsed during the 1960s and 1970s (Braćko, 1986, Samwald and Samwald 1989).
Since the mid 1980s the remaining Austrian population became stable at a low level of
10–18 breeding pairs (Samwald 1996, Sackl and Tiefenbach in press., M. Tiefenbach
unpubl.), whereas the Slovenian continuously declined until a population size of 1–5
breeding pairs was estimated for 1998–2004. The last brood was recorded in 2005 (B.
Štumberger pers.comm.). Currently, the breeding ground of the European Roller in
Austria is restricted to the valleys of two tributaries of the river Mur in south-eastern
Styria between Bad Gleichenberg and the Slovenian border.
The decline of bird populations can be caused by many factors. However, in
many European bird species habitat loss is the major driver (Tucker and Heath 1994,
Hagemeijer and Blair 1997, Verhulst et al. 2004, Donald et al. 2006). Insectivorous bird
species feeding predominantly on large insects, such as the Roller, Lesser Kestrel Falco
naumanni and Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor, appear to suffer particularly from large-
scale habitat loss mainly caused by changing agricultural practices (Samwald and
Samwald 1989, Donazar et al. 1993, Lefranc 1995, 1997, Franco et al. 2004).
Several local and regional studies across the Roller’s range reported population
declines (Creutz 1964, Lovari 1975, Creutz 1979, Samwald and Samwald 1989,
Sosnovski and Chmielewski 1996, Bohuš 2002). While for populations at the northern
6. 6
edge of the species´ former range, climatic changes were discussed as main driver for
extinction (Durango 1946, Niethammer 1951, Glutz von Blotzheim and Bauer 1980),
declines in central and southern Europe have often been attributed to effects of
changing agricultural practices, although no empirical evidence was provided. Merely
one study documented that the decline of Roller populations is closely linked to
agricultural intensification, which negatively affected breeding success (Avilés and
Parejo 2004). However, it has not been shown which habitat attributes accounted for the
decreasing breeding success. This would not only be a precondition to estimate the
remaining area suitable for the species, but also to predict potential population
responses to habitat changes and to successfully implement effective conservation
measures. Without such knowledge on habitat requirements, it is either possible to
develop nor to modify or adjust, for instance, agro-environmental schemes and
conservation plans targeting a sustainable protection of the threatened Roller.
Our study quantified habitat requirements of the small remaining population of
Rollers in Styria in the behavioural context of foraging. Foraging efficiency in birds can
be directly related to breeding success (Fournier and Arlettaz 2001, Johst et al. 2001,
Barbaro et al. 2008) and, therefore, is an important indicator for habitat quality. To study
habitat selection in Rollers during foraging, we used two different approaches. First,
habitat use was analyzed for Rollers perching on electric wires crossing all habitats
within the breeding area. This will allow identifying major habitats types used by the
species for hunting insects. Subsequently, patterns of habitat use were studied using
data on another artificial perch, wooden poles, erected within the entire breeding area of
the Austrian population.
Ties with the breeding site may spatially limit the use of potentially high-quality
perching sites for foraging to a certain distance around the breeding holes, as long as
the adult birds have to return frequently to the nest to feed their young (e.g. Johst et al.
2001). Therefore, we analyzed patterns of habitat selection during foraging separately
for breeding and post-breeding season. Our data not only help identifying high quality
foraging habitats but also can provide information on how to improve the spatial
distribution of artificial perches, thereby providing a better access to relevant food
sources for Rollers. Both have important implications for the conservation of the last
highly threatened population of Rollers in eastern Austria.
7. 7
Methods
Study area
Since the mid-1980s the breeding distribution of European Rollers in Austria is restricted
to a few narrow river valleys in the lowland (220-345 m asl) of south-eastern Styria
(Samwald and Samwald 1989, Samwald 1996). This region is predominantly
characterized by an intensive cultivation of maize, and, less important, of pumpkin and
cereal crops. These annual cultures are interspersed with patches of 2-3 times mown
meadows. Forest is mainly restricted to hillsides and ridges. Merely small patches of
deciduous woodland (<1ha) can be found at the valley floors.
The presence of the last Austrian breeding population of the Roller, in
combination with the occurrence of several other species listed in Annex 1 of the
European Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Black Stork Ciconia nigra, White
Stork Ciconia ciconia, Honey Bussard Pernis apivorus, Common Kingfisher Alcedo
atthis, Eagle Owl Bubo bubo, Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius, Grey-
headed Woodpecker Picus canus, Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius, Collared
Flycatcher Ficedulla albicollis) led to the nomination as Special Protected Area (SPA).
The area includes all known breeding sites of Rollers in Austria since the late 1990s.
Since 1998, efforts are being made to reduce intensive land use, respective to enhance
the portion of meadows, by implementation of aids for environmentally compatible
agriculture (ÖPUL Österreichisches Programm zur Förderung einer umweltgerechten
Landwirtschaft). Within this program, farmers were bound to put up wooden poles
(artificial perches) on their land, mainly along meadow edges, thereby increasing the
availability of perches for hunting Rollers.
All breeding sites known in Austria since 1996 are located within our study area,
which covers 27.4 km² in the middle reach of a northern tributary of Mur river, the
Sulzbach. It is situated at an altitude of 240–300 m asl in the districts of Feldbach and
Bad Radkersburg between N 46°51´−46°45´ and E 15°51´−15°57´.
8. 8
Bird survey
To study habitat requirements in the behavioural context of foraging, we conducted
roadside-counts of Rollers between the last decade of April and the second decade of
September in intervals of 10–14 days in the years 2002 and 2004. Selected routes
covered the complete study area. The area was surveyed for foraging Rollers by driving
a car at low speed, stopping every 200 m. The relative openness of the landscape and
the predominantly flat terrain most likely prevented that identical individuals were
counted frequently more than once during the same survey. Large blocks of continuous
forests were omitted from surveys, due to the fact they are not used by foraging Rollers.
Birds were observed with binoculars (10x42) and a telescope (40x80). Surveys started
one hour after dawn at the earliest and finished one hour before dusk at the latest in
order to encompass the whole foraging activity period of the species. Order of sites
visited on the same day changed randomly between surveys in order to avoid an
influence of day time on sampling results. Each time a Roller was detected, it was
observed for a maximum of 10 min using a telescope to ensure that the perch was used
for foraging. Perching sites used by Rollers were located on aerial photographs.
Additionally, perch type and hunting behaviour were noted. When an individual changed
its perching site during the observation, only the first perching site was taken into
account for analyses in this study. Also birds showing no hunting activities or perching
behaviour during the observation unit were excluded. Nesting sites of Rollers were
located during the breeding season by tracing feeding adults and checking potential
breeding sites. All data were digitalized by using ArcView.
Perch types
Because Rollers in our study area predominantly used wires of 30kV high-voltage power
lines (36% of total records) and wooden poles (41%), only these two perch types were
used for analysing habitat use during foraging. The average height of power lines was
10 m, of wooden poles 2–4.5 m. Due to their different spatial distribution, patterns of
habitat use were analyzed separately for both perch types. Within our study area power
lines with a total length of 7.3 km are running “randomly” across most major habitat
9. 9
types. In contradiction, artificial perches erected to support foraging Rollers are not
randomly distributed, but were placed in arrangement with the local farmers mainly at
the edges of meadows to avoid conflicts with agricultural land-use activities. A total of
217 artificial perches were erected within the entire study area; 63 of them did not
remain during the whole study, thus they were excluded from all analyses.
Habitat survey
In the years 2002 and 2004 habitat composition of the entire study area was mapped
using a GIS approach. Therefore, all habitat types were initially classified in 70
categories, but afterwards reduced to the following ten main habitats: meadow, maize
field, pumpkin field, cereal field, other annual crops, woodland patches, waterbodies,
buildings/settlement, asphalt roads, and non-asphalt roads. Additionally, potential
perching sites (such as wires, other artificial perches, trees, bushes) within the study
area were mapped.
Habitat composition was measured within predetermined ranges around perches.
Observations of foraging Rollers (n = 835) showed that more than 85 % of all recorded
hunting events occurred within a distance of 25 m from the perch (Figure 1). Therefore,
due to the linear structure of power lines, habitat composition was quantified for sections
of 50 m length within a band of 50 m width (25 m to both sides). For wooden poles,
habitat measures were taken within a radius of 25 m.
10. 10
Figure 1. Accumulative percentage of total number of observed hunting events (n = 835) from
low towards larger distances from perches. A total of 85 % of all hunting events occurred within
a distance range of 0-25 m (indicated by broken line) from perches.
To study effect of perch selection, six habitat variables were quantified for both
perch types: (1) Nearest distance (m) to next occupied breeding site; (2) nearest
distance (m) to next human settlement; (3) habitat edge density measured as the sum of
edge lengths (m) of all habitat patches (e.g. Heikkinen et al. 2004); (4) habitat diversity
quantified by Shannon-Wiener Index (e.g. Heikkinen et al. 2004); (5) relative area of
maize fields (%); (6) relative area of meadows (%).
Arthropod availability
Prior studies quantifying arthropod prey availability for Rollers used pitfall traps (Avilés
and Costillo 1998). However, the abundance of non-soil dwelling taxa, like Orthoptera,
non-soil dwelling Coleoptera etc., which represent an essential proportion of the Rollers´
prey (Szijj 1958, Sosnowski and Chmielelewski 1996), may not be adequately recorded
by this method. Therefore, we made transect counts in the five most representative
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0-<5
5-<10
10-<15
15-<20
20-<25
25-<30
30-<35
35-<40
40-<45
45-<50
50-<55
55-<60
60-<65
Distance from perch (m)
Accumulative
percentage
of
hunting
events
11. 11
habitat types (meadows, maize fields, pumpkin fields, unpaved road margins, stubble
fields) from 2004 to 2007 to study differences in prey availability. Transect counts were
conducted from April to September in intervals of 15 days thereby accounting for
seasonal changes of vegetation height and prey abundance. Transects had a length of
50 meters and a width of two meters and were scanned for arthropods at a slow pace of
one minute per 10 meters. Observed arthropods were identified at the level of orders
and were assigned to one of four size classes (0-10 mm, 10-20 mm, 20-40 mm, >40
mm) in the field.
Existing studies on prey preferences of Rollers showed that prey size is the
decisive factor for selection. The taxonomic affiliation of caught prey seems to play only
a minor role, indicating that the Roller is an opportunistically foraging species (Szijj 1958,
Klausnitzer 1963, Heansel 1966, Sosnowski and Chmielelewski 1996, Fry and Fry
1999). Rollers prefer prey with a size of more than 10 mm (Klausnitzer 1960, Haensel
1966, Fry 2001). Accordingly, we only used the following two arthropod size classes 10-
20 mm and >20 mm to quantify prey abundance in different habitat types.
Data analysis
As measure for perch preferences of foraging Rollers, we used the number of
observations per wooden pole and power line section, respectively. Because the
bonding to nesting sites during the breeding season might affect the spatial patterns of
perch use, habitat selection of foraging Rollers was separately analysed for the two time
periods breeding season and post-breeding season. The start of the breeding season
was defined by the first observations of displaying Rollers. The start of the post-breeding
season was determined by the occurrence of the first fledged chicks.
An examination of our data indicate, that encounter frequency of foraging Rollers
declined highly beyond a radius of 1.2 km from the nearest breeding site. Thus, potential
perching sites out of this range were excluded from all analyses. Hence, 154 wooden
poles and 100 power line sections remained for analysis.
Statistical analyses were performed using Statistica 7.1 (StatSoft Inc 2005).
Results were considered significant if P < 0.05. Map-based analyses were conducted
using the software ArcGIS/ArcView 9.2.
12. 12
To assess effects of categorical and continuous habitat variables on the total
number of observations per perch (wooden pole or 50 m power line section) generalized
linear models (GLMs) were used. By using a Poisson error term and a log-link function a
log-linear model was fitted. In all cases, the count data model was not seriously over-
dispersed indicating that the Poisson distribution was appropriate for these data. To
identify which habitat variables had the strongest influence on the number of Roller
observations per perch, we determined a minimum adequate model by using a ‘step
down’ approach (Crawley 1993). Therefore, first, all predictor variables were included in
the GLM and, subsequently, each predictor variable was excluded in turn. The excluded
variable that caused the least influence on the overall model deviance, determined by
Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC; Crawley 1993), was removed and the process
repeated again. Finally, the most parsimonious model, included all habitat variables that
had a significant effect (according to Wald statistics) on the perch-use frequency.
Effects of habitat type on arthropod abundance were tested by calculating a
Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. Subsequent post hoc tests were used to detect significant
differences between habitats. Analyses of habitat-specific differences in prey availability
were made separately for breeding season and post-breeding season.
Results
Habitat selection
A total of 100 power line sections were included in the analysis, with Rollers recorded at
49 in 2002 and 54 in 2004. Furthermore, data of 154 wooden pole perches were used
for analysis, with Rollers recorded at 136 in 2002. For both perch types we tested effects
on perch use frequency for the following six predictor variables: Distance to nearest
breeding site, distance to nearest settlement, habitat diversity, habitat edge density,
maize area and meadow area.
The step-down minimum adequate model selection with the number of Roller
observations per 50 m power line section as response variable detected distance to the
nearest breeding site and proportion of meadow area as the most important predictor
variables during the breeding season of both years (Table 1). The observation frequency
13. 13
of hunting Rollers was highest for power line sections in distances of up to 200 m to the
nearest breeding site and then declined rapidly (Figure 2a). Furthermore, Rollers
preferred perching on power line sections crossing areas with a high proportion of
meadow cover of >50-75%, although similar perch use frequencies were reached in
sections with a >25-50% (in 2004) and a >75-100% meadow cover (Figure 2b).
The use of power line sections for hunting during the post-breeding season 2002
was best predicted by the minimum adequate model including proportion of maize area,
habitat edge density, distance to nearest settlement and distance to breeding site. In
2004 only maize area and distance to nearest settlement remained in the minimum
adequate model, while habitat edge density was “replaced” by habitat diversity, which
represents another measurement for habitat heterogeneity (Table 1). In both cases, the
number of Roller observations per power line section increased with increasing habitat
heterogeneity (data not shown). Increasing maize area proved to negatively affect the
occurrence of Rollers perching on power line sections during foraging (Figure 2c).
14. 14
Table 1. Step-down minimum adequate model selection for detecting variables important for the
use of 50 m long power line sections as perches during foraging in breeding and post-breeding
seasons of two different years.
Explanatory variables included df AIC χ² p
Breeding season 2002
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity, habitat edge
density, maize area, meadow area
6 183.04 23.26 0.0007
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity, habitat edge
density meadow area
5 181.04 23.26 0.0003
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat edge density, meadow area 4 179.06 23.23 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, meadow area 3 177.06 23.23 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, meadow area
a
2 178.03 20.27 < 0.0001
Meadow area 1 184.51 11.79 0.0005
Post-breeding season 2002
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity, habitat edge
density, maize area, meadow area
6 233.34 89.05 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity, habitat edge
density, maize area
5 233.92 86.47 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat edge density, maize area
a
4 233.31 85.08 < 0.0001
Distance to settlement, habitat edge density, maize area 3 246.70 69.70 < 0.0001
Habitat edge density, maize area 2 255.81 58.59 < 0.0001
Maize area 1 268.80 43.59 < 0.0001
Breeding season 2004
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity, habitat edge
density, maize area, meadow area
6 273.83 68.70 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat edge density, maize area,
meadow area
5 271.84 68.68 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat edge density, meadow area 4 270.00 68.53 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, meadow area
a
3 271.35 65.18 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, meadow area 2 287.37 47.16 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site 1 293.39 39.14 < 0.0001
Post-breeding season 2004
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity, habitat edge
density, maize area, meadow area
6 183.90 87.09 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity, habitat edge
density, maize area
5 183.17 85.82 < 0.0001
Distance to settlement, habitat diversity, habitat edge density, maize area 4 183.59 83.40 < 0.0001
Distance to settlement, habitat diversity, maize area
a
3 185.05 79.93 < 0.0001
Habitat diversity, maize area 2 215.75 47.23 < 0.0001
Maize area 1 233.48 27.51 < 0.0001
a
Final model (all variables significant according to Wald statistics).
15. 15
A step-down minimum adequate model selection indicated distance to the nearest
human settlement, habitat diversity and distance to nearest breeding site as most
important variables for predicting the number of observed Rollers per wooden pole perch
in both breeding and post-breeding season (Table 2). The minimum adequate models
for the breeding and post-breeding season additionally included habitat edge density
and proportion of meadow area, respectively (Table 2). The frequency of hunting Rollers
observed on wooden poles increased more or less continuously with increasing distance
to the nearest settlement and increasing habitat diversity during breeding and post-
breeding season (Figure 3a-d). While observation numbers per perch decreased with
increasing distance to nearest breeding sites during the breeding season, in
Figure 2. Effects of distance to the nearest breeding site during breeding season (a),
proportion of meadow area during breeding season (b) and proportion of maize area during
post-breeding season (c) on the mean number of Rollers observed per power line section
(n=100) in 2002 (black bars) and 2004 (grey bars). Whiskers indicate standard errors.
16. 16
contradiction, afterwards the smallest number of Rollers per perch was recorded in
vicinity (0-250 m) to the formerly used breeding sites (Figure 3e-f).
Table 2. Step-down minimum adequate model selection for detecting variables affecting
observation frequency of hunting Rollers on wooden pole perches in breeding and post-breeding
season.
Explanatory variables included df AIC χ² p
Breeding season 2002
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat edge density, habitat
diversity, maize area, meadow area
6 463.86 114.88 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat edge density, habitat
diversity, maize area
5 510.62 117.24 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat edge density, habitat
diversity
a 4 507.56 119.16 < 0.0001
Distance to settlement, habitat edge density, habitat diversity 3 509.93 114.79 < 0.0001
Distance to settlement, habitat diversity 2 514.18 108.54 < 0.0001
Distance to settlement 1 514.85 105.87 < 0.0001
Post-breeding season 2002
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat edge density, habitat
diversity, maize area, meadow area
6 622.62 155.14 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity, maize area,
meadow area
5 621.24 154.52 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity, meadow area
a
4 620.48 152.36 < 0.0001
Distance to breeding site, distance to settlement, habitat diversity 3 681.94 141.98 < 0.0001
Distance to settlement, habitat diversity 2 696.39 125.54 < 0.0001
Habitat diversity 1 737.23 82.70 < 0.0001
a
Final model (all variables significant according to Wald statistics).
17. 17
Figure 3. The relationship between mean number (± SE) of rollers recorded per wooden pole
perch (n = 154) and habitat diversity (Shannon-Wiener-Index) (a: breeding season, b: post-
breeding season), distance to the nearest settlement (c: breeding season, d: post-breeding
season), and distance to the next breeding site (e: breeding season, f: post-breeding
season), respectively.
18. 18
Food availability
The mean number of medium-sized (10-20 mm) and large arthropods (>20 mm) differed
significantly between habitat types for breeding season (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs; 10-20
mm: H = 40.59, df = 4, p < 0.0001; > 20 mm: H = 13.62, df = 4, p < 0.01) and post-
breeding season (10-20 mm: H = 43.88, df = 4, p < 0.0001; > 20 mm: H = 12.19, df = 4,
p < 0.01). For both size classes, the highest mean number of arthropods was found in
meadows, significantly differing from maize during breeding season and post-breeding
season. Intermediate abundances of medium-sized and large arthropods were found at
road margins (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Mean number (+ SE) of (a) medium-sized (body length: 10-20 mm) and (b) large
arthropods (> 20 mm) counted per 50 m transect in the five habitat types predominantly used
by foraging Rollers during breeding season (black bars; n = 237) and post-breeding season
(grey bars; n = 195). Different letters indicate significant differences (post-hoc test) between
habitats for breeding (small letters) and post-breeding season (capital letters), respectively.
19. 19
Discussion
In the framework of the international workshop for preparing the European Species
Action Plan for the European Roller in Hungary (22-24 July 2008), the importance to
gain more information on habitat requirements of European Rollers was identified as
critical step towards developing effective conservation strategies (BirdLife International
2008). We tried to fill part of this gap in our knowledge by studying factors potentially
influencing the quality of foraging habitats of Rollers belonging to the last remaining
population in Eastern Austria. Due to the small size of this spatially highly restricted
population data on habitat use are urgently needed to decrease the risk of local
extinction by implementing an adequate land use management.
Due to own observations of individually marked birds from 2002 to 2007, at least
70 % of Rollers observed during the breeding season could be assigned to breeding
pairs (M. Tiefenbach, unpublished). Therefore, it was not surprising to find a strong
negative effect of distance to the nearest breeding site on perch use for power lines as
well as wooden pole perches. Furthermore, Rollers showed a clear preference for a high
proportion of meadows during foraging from power line perches during both breeding
seasons. This could not be confirmed for Rollers using wooden pole perches. However,
wooden poles were predominantly erected at meadow margins. Therefore, the variability
of the relative proportion of meadow area within the foraging range of Rollers around
individual wooden pole perches may have been too small to detect effects on perch use
frequency.
The main reason for a preference of power line sections above meadows for
perching may be related to food availability. Meadows in our study area were
characterized by the highest abundances of medium-sized and large arthropods, which
are the preferred food of Rollers according to Klausnitzer (1960) and Haensel (1966). As
indicated by a study on Hoopoes (Fournier and Arlettaz 2001), a decrease in availability
of larger insects can hardly be compensated by higher parents´ feeding rates. Also in
Rollers a higher provisioning activity may not be as energetically advantageous as a
good accessibility to larger prey in meadow areas. Therefore, attention has to be paid to
the maintenance of meadows with a high abundance of larger insects e.g. by not
applying insecticides in close vicinity to important foraging habitats. The combination of
20. 20
meadows with high food availability in vicinity to adequate breeding sites may be crucial
for the survival of the last Austrian Roller population.
In contrast to the breeding season, area of maize was included in minimum
adequate models testing for effects on the use power line sections as perches during the
post-breeding season, while relative meadow area did not enter the model. Maize cover
had a strong negative effect on perch selection. This strong negative effect appears to
have been overriding the positive influence of meadow cover, which proved to enter the
minimum adequate model when excluding maize area (results of GLMs not shown). A
negative effect of maize area on Rollers was also emphasized by Samwald and
Samwald (1989). They assumed that the increase of the proportion of maize acreage
causing a decrease of grassland was a major driver for the decrease of the Roller in
Styria during the second half of the 20th
century.
According to our own observations, maize plants had a height of 1.4-1.8 m at the
beginning of the post-breeding season. Therefore, additionally to a much lower
abundance of potential prey, the high vegetation in that time period may have limited the
accessibility of medium-sized to large arthropods in maize fields. Samwald and
Samwald (1989) estimated the upper vegetation height threshold for fields at least
partially still usable for foraging Rollers as 30-40 cm.
Own observations suggest that, in addition to meadow, other habitat types with
partially bare ground such as tracks, pumpkin fields, stubble fields and fallows were
more frequently used during the post-breeding season, although they were offering a
lower food supply (M. Tiefenbach, unpublished). However, these habitat types were too
rare to include them as predictor variables in our calculated GLMs. Hence, in addition to
prey availability, vegetation structure seemed to be a core factor for habitat selection for
sit-and-wait hunting birds, perhaps by influencing prey accessibility. Numerous
publications reported a relationship between vertical stratification of vegetation and
specific requirements of bird species in the context of foraging (Cyr and Cyr 1979, Wiens
and Rotenberry 1981, Oppermann 1990, 1992, Atkinson et al. 2004, McCracken and
Tallowin 1994). For the pre-alpine lowlands of south-eastern Austria, Trummer (2005)
demonstrated by comparing different grassland-types, that Rollers favour dry or poor
lowland-hay-meadows (speciose Pastinaco-Arrhenatherethum meadows) with a low
21. 21
vegetation cover for hunting. Furthermore, Trummer (2005) found indications that
increased nitrogen input negatively influence meadow quality for the Roller.
A factor not included in our analysis was the periodical mowing of meadows.
Freshly mown meadows appeared to attract notably more Rollers and were favoured
during the following days (Tiefenbach unpublished), most likely due to improved access
to prey. Wirtitsch et al. (2001) reported that mowed meadows were also more frequently
used than tall grass meadows by hunting Lesser Grey Shrikes. However, Sackl (1985)
and Johst et al. (2001) reported that after mowing food accessibility decreases again in
the progression of vegetation re-growth.
Habitat heterogeneity and richness are two factors assumed to be important for
numerous bird species (Tucker and Heath 1994), although empirical evidence is often
lacking. In human-dominated landscapes, a mosaic of different annual crops and non-
crop habitats, such as fallows, woodland patches and hedgerows, can create a highly
diverse vegetation cover characterized by a high density of ecotones. Such landscapes
can not only provide a diverse spectrum of prey types for insectivorous birds in space
and time, but also offer small-scale structures such as bare ground and low vegetation
side by side, particularly at ecotones, with a good accessibility to arthropods dwelling on
the ground or within low vegetation. Preliminary analyses of hunting strikes of foraging
Rollers showed, that field margins (0–10 m from field edge) were more frequently used,
than central parts (> 10 m from field margin) (Sackl et al. 2004). Therefore, it is not
surprising that several of our resulting minimum adequate models indicate that
measurements of habitat heterogeneity (habitat diversity and habitat edge density)
positively affected the attractiveness of potential perching sites. For power line sections
an increased habitat edge density and habitat diversity increased perch use frequency in
the post-breeding seasons 2002 and 2004, respectively. Both habitat variables also had
a positive effect on the use of wooden pole perches during both breeding and post-
breeding season (habitat diversity) or breeding season only (habitat edge density).
Although meadows exhibits the highest availability of arthropods in our study, further
enhancement of the ecological value for Rollers could be achieved by actively increasing
habitat heterogeneity via sequential mowing. Already Johst et al. (2001) reported that
sequential (asynchronous) mowing increased breeding success in White Storks Ciconia
ciconia.
22. 22
One important limiting factor for spatial patterns of perch selection by Rollers
appears to be the distance to the nearest human settlements. This variable proved to
negatively affect perch use frequency in all final GLMs largely independent of season
(breeding vs. post-breeding season) and perch type (power line vs. wooden poles). In
just one case (use of power lines as perches during breeding season 2002) this variable
did not remain in the final model. Beside the fact that human settlements and their close
vicinity may not provide adequate foraging habitats, the distance to human settlements
may be also an important surrogate for the extent of human disturbance. Several studies
documented behavioural changes in birds and other wildlife as a result of human
disturbance (Cayford 1993, Keller 1995). Our study indicated that human disturbances
associated with permanent human settlements may also have a prominent effect on
habitat use by Rollers.
Regionally, urbanisation of the countryside has been defined as an important
threat for European Roller populations (Birdlife International 2008). Due to the ongoing
urban sprawl especially in the current breeding grounds in Styria, urbanisation can
cause a significant loss of suitable habitats. Due to the high vulnerability of the small
Austrian Roller population and the often uncontrolled rural development further studies
have to estimate to which extent human disturbances affect fitness parameters and,
consequently, the survival (probability) of the population (Gill et al. 2001).
This study on habitat use of foraging Rollers has important implications for the
development of future conservation strategies aiming to protect the last remaining Roller
population in Eastern Austria. It appears to be crucial for the survival of this small
population that the density of settlements will not further decrease the core area
available for breeding and foraging, that land use systems will remain patchy and that a
further decrease of adequate meadow areas, e.g. through land use intensification, in
vicinity of breeding sites can be avoided. When local decision makers and farmers can
be convinced to consider the implications of our study in rural development plans and
current land use practices, respectively, there is a glimmer of hope for Austrian Rollers,
provided that habitat changes in the wintering grounds and negative effects due to
global climate change will not increase the mortality of Rollers breeding in Central
Europe and elsewhere.
23. 23
Acknowledgements
I am very grateful to Peter Sackl for his help with field work and his continuous support
of my studies on Rollers. Without his contribution this study would not have been
possible. I would like to thank Stefan Schindler, Matthias Schmidt and Christoph König
for helpful suggestions with GIS application. I am grateful to Konrad Fiedler providing
recommendations for statistical analyses. This study and the preparation of the
manuscript would by no means have succeeded without the support and advice of
Christian H. Schulze.
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Curriculum Vitae
Name Michael Tiefenbach
Anschrift Gartenstadt 43/3
A-8330 Feldbach
Telefon 0650/3873456
E-mail michitiefenbach@gmx.at
Geboren 01.02.1980
Staatsangehörigkeit Österreich
1994-1998 Besuch des Bundes-Oberstufen-Real-Gymnasiums Feldbach
1999-2003 Diplomstudium Biologie mit Studienzweig Zoologie an der
Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz; Abschluss des ersten
Studienabschnittes
2003-2004 Zivildienst beim Roten Kreuz, Feldbach
2005-2009 Studium der Zoologie an der Fakultät für
Lebenswissenschaften, Universität Wien; Diplomarbeit am
Department für Populationsökologie