BSc thesis
•
0 likes•65 views
This study examined changes in ant assemblages in three types of habitats following a wildfire in Greece. Pitfall traps were used to collect over 7,000 ant specimens from an unburned Abis forest, a burned Abis forest, and an unburned patch surrounded by burned forest over one year. The most abundant genus in the unburned forest was Formica, while three species dominated the burned forest. The results indicate the burned habitat supports less ant species than the unburned areas. Certain ant species and genera were found to characterize each habitat and could potentially serve as bioindicators for future similar studies.
Report
Share
Report
Share
Download to read offline
Recommended
Providence_MSc defense University of Twente
This is to share the short power point on my MSc research - Thesis defense at ITC, NL. It was a 10 minutes presentation, followed by questions from the assessment board. And I got a green card, was a successful defense :)
12th ICZEGAR
1) This study examined the effects of a 2007 wildfire on ant assemblages in Abies forests in Mt. Parnitha, Greece.
2) Three habitat types were identified - unburned forest, burned forest, and an unburned patch surrounded by burned forest.
3) The results showed differences in ant species and genera composition between the habitat types. The unburned patch resembled the burned habitat more than the unburned forest.
condor-15-140%2E1
This study used radio telemetry to track 37 male wood thrush birds over two breeding seasons in coastal Virginia. The researchers then collected data on prey availability and habitat structure within the birds' home ranges. They developed models to examine how prey availability and habitat structure related to the birds' space use patterns within their home ranges. The best model included both prey and habitat variables. Areas of high wood thrush use were associated with greater biomass of spiders and worms, which correlated with higher soil moisture. Bird use also related positively to forest canopy height and snag basal area, and negatively to red oak count and pine basal area. Evaluation of the models found that habitat structure variables explained more variation in bird space use than prey availability alone. This
An assessment of mountain pine beetle-caused mortality of whitebark pine fore...
An assessment of mountain pine beetle-caused mortality of whitebark pine fore...University of the Highlands and Islands
An assessment of mountain pine beetle-caused mortality of whitebark pine forests of mountain areas of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Presented by Wally Macfarlane at the "Perth II: Global Change and the World's Mountains" conference in Perth, Scotland in September 2010.Vaspis movements 2016 Herp Bulletin137-13
This document summarizes observations of movements, mating, and parturition in a female aspic viper (Vipera aspis) in western France over two years. The female was observed basking near her hibernaculum in early spring both years. In 2015, she was observed mating with another viper in April and giving birth to an estimated 6 offspring in September, consistent with the species' gestation period. Post-parturition, she was sighted moving between hibernaculum areas until late fall. No vipers were sighted near the hibernaculum over summer, suggesting a seasonal migration. The observations provide information about the species' thermoregulation and reproductive behaviors.
福山試驗林繡眼畫眉覓食行為之季節變化 陳炤杰1)周蓮香2,3)
摘要
本研究探討繡眼畫眉(Alcippe morrisonia)食性之季節變化是否會導致覓食行為的改變。我們比 較林業試驗所福山試驗林繡眼畫眉在繁殖季與非繁殖季覓食行為及棲地利用之差異。結果發現攝食行 為、食物類別、利用植層、棲枝大小及利用植株之物候等在繁殖季與非繁殖季間都具有顯著差異。繡 眼畫眉在繁殖季使用較多樣化的攝食行為,取食較多節肢動物,較常在亞冠層,較高大的樹,但枝葉 密度較稀疏處覓食。相對地,繡眼畫眉在非繁殖季時則使用較多以腳為動力的攝食行為,吃較多的植 物性食物,且在較低矮的樹或灌叢外層覓食。另外,繡眼畫眉覓食行為上的季節變化也跟整個福山森 林植物的物候變化吻合,繁殖季時利用較多具新葉的植株,而非繁殖季則偏向在結果的樹上覓食。整 體來說,繡眼畫眉在繁殖季與非繁殖季在覓食行為上表現出顯著差異,而這樣的差異很可能導因於不 同季節中環境可供繡眼畫眉利用的食物類別差異所致。本研究結果符合changing-availability假說,也 可提供為動物在攝食策略上適應演化的實際例證。
關鍵詞:Alcippe morrisonia、食性、果實、棲地、植物物候。 陳炤杰、周蓮香。2011。福山試驗林繡眼畫眉覓食行為之季節變化。台灣林業科學26(1):33-43。
Ghost forests global warming and the mountain pine beetle
This document summarizes research on the relationship between mountain pine beetles and high-elevation whitebark pine forests. It finds that while mountain pine beetle outbreaks are normally part of the ecological cycle in lodgepole pine forests, they are not the norm for whitebark pine forests which have adapted to harsh, high-elevation environments. However, global warming may allow mountain pine beetle populations to complete their life cycle in whitebark pine forests, threatening these ecosystems. The document analyzes mountain pine beetle thermal ecology and uses temperature data from whitebark pine forests to model how climate change could increase beetle outbreaks, with implications for whitebark pine restoration and invasive species management.
Andersen oxford2010
This document summarizes a presentation on predicting impacts of climate change on biodiversity. It discusses how climate changes influence biodiversity and the need to predict future impacts to support adaptation. Methods for predicting geographic ranges of species under climate change like bioclimatic and maximum entropy models are introduced. Examples are given of observed climate impacts and predictions of species range shifts and habitat losses. Limitations of these predictive approaches are also acknowledged.
Recommended
Providence_MSc defense University of Twente
This is to share the short power point on my MSc research - Thesis defense at ITC, NL. It was a 10 minutes presentation, followed by questions from the assessment board. And I got a green card, was a successful defense :)
12th ICZEGAR
1) This study examined the effects of a 2007 wildfire on ant assemblages in Abies forests in Mt. Parnitha, Greece.
2) Three habitat types were identified - unburned forest, burned forest, and an unburned patch surrounded by burned forest.
3) The results showed differences in ant species and genera composition between the habitat types. The unburned patch resembled the burned habitat more than the unburned forest.
condor-15-140%2E1
This study used radio telemetry to track 37 male wood thrush birds over two breeding seasons in coastal Virginia. The researchers then collected data on prey availability and habitat structure within the birds' home ranges. They developed models to examine how prey availability and habitat structure related to the birds' space use patterns within their home ranges. The best model included both prey and habitat variables. Areas of high wood thrush use were associated with greater biomass of spiders and worms, which correlated with higher soil moisture. Bird use also related positively to forest canopy height and snag basal area, and negatively to red oak count and pine basal area. Evaluation of the models found that habitat structure variables explained more variation in bird space use than prey availability alone. This
An assessment of mountain pine beetle-caused mortality of whitebark pine fore...
An assessment of mountain pine beetle-caused mortality of whitebark pine fore...University of the Highlands and Islands
An assessment of mountain pine beetle-caused mortality of whitebark pine forests of mountain areas of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Presented by Wally Macfarlane at the "Perth II: Global Change and the World's Mountains" conference in Perth, Scotland in September 2010.Vaspis movements 2016 Herp Bulletin137-13
This document summarizes observations of movements, mating, and parturition in a female aspic viper (Vipera aspis) in western France over two years. The female was observed basking near her hibernaculum in early spring both years. In 2015, she was observed mating with another viper in April and giving birth to an estimated 6 offspring in September, consistent with the species' gestation period. Post-parturition, she was sighted moving between hibernaculum areas until late fall. No vipers were sighted near the hibernaculum over summer, suggesting a seasonal migration. The observations provide information about the species' thermoregulation and reproductive behaviors.
福山試驗林繡眼畫眉覓食行為之季節變化 陳炤杰1)周蓮香2,3)
摘要
本研究探討繡眼畫眉(Alcippe morrisonia)食性之季節變化是否會導致覓食行為的改變。我們比 較林業試驗所福山試驗林繡眼畫眉在繁殖季與非繁殖季覓食行為及棲地利用之差異。結果發現攝食行 為、食物類別、利用植層、棲枝大小及利用植株之物候等在繁殖季與非繁殖季間都具有顯著差異。繡 眼畫眉在繁殖季使用較多樣化的攝食行為,取食較多節肢動物,較常在亞冠層,較高大的樹,但枝葉 密度較稀疏處覓食。相對地,繡眼畫眉在非繁殖季時則使用較多以腳為動力的攝食行為,吃較多的植 物性食物,且在較低矮的樹或灌叢外層覓食。另外,繡眼畫眉覓食行為上的季節變化也跟整個福山森 林植物的物候變化吻合,繁殖季時利用較多具新葉的植株,而非繁殖季則偏向在結果的樹上覓食。整 體來說,繡眼畫眉在繁殖季與非繁殖季在覓食行為上表現出顯著差異,而這樣的差異很可能導因於不 同季節中環境可供繡眼畫眉利用的食物類別差異所致。本研究結果符合changing-availability假說,也 可提供為動物在攝食策略上適應演化的實際例證。
關鍵詞:Alcippe morrisonia、食性、果實、棲地、植物物候。 陳炤杰、周蓮香。2011。福山試驗林繡眼畫眉覓食行為之季節變化。台灣林業科學26(1):33-43。
Ghost forests global warming and the mountain pine beetle
This document summarizes research on the relationship between mountain pine beetles and high-elevation whitebark pine forests. It finds that while mountain pine beetle outbreaks are normally part of the ecological cycle in lodgepole pine forests, they are not the norm for whitebark pine forests which have adapted to harsh, high-elevation environments. However, global warming may allow mountain pine beetle populations to complete their life cycle in whitebark pine forests, threatening these ecosystems. The document analyzes mountain pine beetle thermal ecology and uses temperature data from whitebark pine forests to model how climate change could increase beetle outbreaks, with implications for whitebark pine restoration and invasive species management.
Andersen oxford2010
This document summarizes a presentation on predicting impacts of climate change on biodiversity. It discusses how climate changes influence biodiversity and the need to predict future impacts to support adaptation. Methods for predicting geographic ranges of species under climate change like bioclimatic and maximum entropy models are introduced. Examples are given of observed climate impacts and predictions of species range shifts and habitat losses. Limitations of these predictive approaches are also acknowledged.
THE EFFECTS OF CLEARCUT SIZE ON THE BIRD COMMUNITY IN THE SECOND COLLEGE GRANT
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.
The effect of flooded mine subsidence on thrips and forest biodiversity in th...
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.
Space wars the fight for light in the stands of bartlett sarah congress
This document discusses using LiDAR to map and quantify forest canopy structure within stands at Bartlett, Hubbard Brook, and Jeffers Brook. The first steps are to create maps of the tree canopy and describe the position of each species. Field data on species heights is collected along transects and recorded. Next steps are to combine LiDAR and field data to create species-specific vegetation area index profiles and determine if treatments have affected species dominance or position in the canopy.
Spatial modeling the impact of livestock grazing, fire management and wood cu...
This document discusses a post-doc research project on modeling the impact of livestock grazing, fire management, and wood cutting on savanna woodland vegetation structure. The objectives are to 1) examine sapling population dynamics over 10 years in response to early fire, grazing, and tree cutting, 2) examine long-term seedling recruitment 5 and 10 years after treatments, and 3) identify seed germination requirements and seedling traits of savanna species. Many studies have been conducted on the influences of these disturbances on woody and herbaceous production/regeneration and soil characteristics. The complexity of the system with its two vegetation strata, high species diversity, spatial heterogeneity, and variability requires long-term studies and spatially
Population Dynamics Of Small Mammals In Virginia Forests
Population Dynamics of Small Mammals in Virginia Forests: Testing the Impacts of Weather, Deer, Acorns, and Shrub Cover.
Researchers:
T. Bernheim, M. Fu, S. Rowland, and A. Tsai
MGrande_CoastalFellows2014
This study evaluated and compared the vegetative composition of four tern nesting colonies in Southern New England. Data was collected on plant species and coverage at Common Tern, Roseate Tern, and random nest and sampling sites. In total, 34 plant species were documented, with 16 being relatively common across multiple sites. The sites varied in plant species richness and prevalence of invasive species. Management of vegetation is important for maintaining suitable open nesting habitat for terns but requires a combination of removal, soil, and habitat construction methods.
Macroinvertebrate Communities in Ephemeral Ponds: Effects of Competition, Lan...
- The study examined how competitive interactions with salamander larvae and abiotic habitat variables determine macroinvertebrate species richness in ephemeral ponds.
- Experimental sites varied in canopy cover (open or closed) and presence/absence of salamander larvae. Species richness was highest in open sites and was best predicted by abiotic habitat variables like hydroperiod rather than biotic interactions.
- Competition from salamander larvae appeared to have little impact on species richness, possibly due to the highly disturbed nature of ephemeral ponds and low larval densities.
Exploring the Microhabitats of Marsupial Frogs- a Study of the Fo
This document is a senior independent study thesis that explores the habitat selection of the marsupial frog Flectonotus fitzgeraldi within populations of the plant Xanthosoma jacquinii in Tobago. The study examines environmental variables, plant morphology, and aquatic variables of phytotelm habitats to better define the ecological niche of F. fitzgeraldi. A multiple logistic regression found that water depth was the only significant predictor of frog occupancy. This suggests the species has a broad ecological niche allowing it to occupy various phytotelm habitats as long as an adequate water supply is present.
GEB.PDF
This research paper examines how plant species richness varies along a subtropical elevation gradient in eastern Nepal. The study analyzes species richness data from 1500 to 100 meters above sea level, divided into 15 100-meter elevation bands. Species were counted in standardized plots and assigned to different life forms, including trees, shrubs, climbers, herbs and ferns. Climate variables like potential evapotranspiration and mean annual rainfall were analyzed to explain variations in species richness of different life forms along the elevation gradient. The results found relationships between climate variables and species richness for woody life forms but not for herbaceous life forms. A water-energy dynamics model was found to explain 63-70% of the variation in species richness for
Spellman_Paper
This study examines how the presence of an endophytic fungus affects decomposition rates and fungal diversity in the grass Festuca thurberi along elevation gradients. In the first experiment, litter bags containing either endophyte-infected or endophyte-free F. thurberi litter were placed along three mountain transects to measure decomposition rates over time. The second experiment investigates how the endophyte affects host plant survival, growth, and biomass. Preliminary results show endophyte presence reduces plant biomass and survival. Fungal cultures were also taken from leaf tissues to analyze fungal community composition differences. The goal is to better understand how endophyte symbioses and climate interact to impact ecosystem processes
MSc thesis
This study examined the distribution of ant species across the Aegean Islands of Greece. The researcher conducted surveys at 57 stations across 3 islands, sampling different habitats. The results showed that the Mid-Aegean sea formed a barrier dividing the western and eastern islands into distinct ant communities. However, the expected gradient of European vs. Asian ant genera was not observed, indicating human transport has altered distributions. Across all islands, ant diversity increased with mild disturbance but declined with intense human pressure. Protected areas showed low diversity, suggesting habitat fragmentation is degrading conservation efforts. Further species-level identification and resampling is needed to fully evaluate patterns of composition and conservation impacts.
A Comparison Of Species Rchness Of Bryophytes In Nepal, Central Nepal
This document summarizes a study comparing altitudinal species richness patterns of bryophytes (liverworts and mosses) in Nepal to patterns observed in ferns and flowering plants. The study uses published data on the altitudinal ranges of over 840 Nepalese bryophyte species to estimate species richness in 100m elevation bands from 100-5500m. Generalized additive models show bryophytes have a unimodal relationship between richness and elevation, with liverworts peaking at 2800m and mosses at 2500m, contrasting with ferns peaking at 1900m and vascular plants from 1500-2500m. Endemic liverwort richness peaks higher than non-endemics.
Obstacle Size and Trail–Clearing Activity in Leaf–Cutter Ants, Atta colombica
This study found that there is a power curve relationship between the length of leaf obstacles placed on Atta colombica ant trails and the time taken by the ants to remove the obstacles. Leaf obstacles over 5cm in length were cut into pieces using the same techniques the ants use for leaf harvesting. Though there were no significant differences found between forests with different rainfall levels or between morning and afternoon time periods, the small sample size means a larger study could reveal differences based on humidity, temperature, and other microclimate variables. Further research is needed to fully examine the effects of these factors on individual ant obstacle removal rates.
3.1 Organisms And Their Physical Environment
1. The document discusses abiotic factors like temperature, precipitation, sunlight, and their daily, seasonal and yearly variation in Kamloops, BC. It notes the temperature range an organism must tolerate to survive there.
2. Mountain pine beetles have increased in BC forests due to milder winters. Their populations are classified as severely infested around Kamloops.
3. A habitat is defined by abiotic characteristics which determine the community of species living there. Burrowing owls inhabit the dry interior of BC including Kamloops.
WOODY PLANT RICHNESS AND NDVI RESPONSE TO DROUGHT EVENTS IN CATALONIAN (NORT...
This study examines the relationship between woody plant species richness and the impact of drought events on forest canopy cover, as measured by NDVI anomalies, across different forest types in Catalonia, Spain. Forest plot data on species richness were compared to satellite imagery showing NDVI responses during a major drought in 2003. The relationship between richness and NDVI response differed among forest types and interacted with climate, as summarized by the Thorntwaite index. In some drier forest types, lower richness was linked to greater NDVI decreases during drought, while the opposite pattern emerged in some moister forest types. The results suggest the diversity-stability relationship shifts across the regional climatic gradient.
Rotem et al 2011 The Effect of anthropogenic resources on the space-use patt...
This study examined how the space-use patterns of golden jackals are affected by proximity to human villages in Israel. The researchers radio-tracked 16 jackals, 8 near villages and 8 further away. They found that jackals near villages had smaller home ranges and core areas than those further away. Jackals near villages also moved less during the day than those in more natural areas. However, nighttime movement did not differ between the two groups, though jackals near villages moved in a less directional manner. The presence of abundant, predictable food sources from human villages compressed jackal space use and altered their movement patterns.
mclaren_underc_w_2013
This document summarizes a study that analyzed the soundscapes of three grazing regimes (bison-grazed, wildlife-grazed, and cattle-grazed) in the Palouse Prairie region of Montana to determine if soundscape analysis could effectively monitor songbird diversity. Traditional point count methods found higher bird diversity and richness in bison- and wildlife-grazed habitats compared to cattle-grazed areas. Several soundscape metrics, including biophony and recorded richness, were positively correlated with bird diversity and richness measured via point counts. The relationships suggest soundscape analysis could serve as a non-invasive method for monitoring grassland bird populations.
How local-scale processes build up the large-scale response of butterflies to...
The presentation of the CESAB group LOLA-BMS at the 2016 french ecology conference in the FRB-CESAB session "Using a treasury of knowledge to tackle complex ecological questions." Presented by Reto Schmucki.
patterns and determinants of floristic variation across lowland forests of bo...
This document analyzes patterns of floristic variation across 220 forest plots in lowland Bolivia and relates this to environmental factors. It finds that floristic variation is strongly associated with differences in water availability and temperature, with climate having a stronger influence than soil properties. Analysis identifies five distinct floristic regions in lowland Bolivia. A total of 82 tree and palm species are identified as strong indicators of environmental preferences for one of the five regions. The study concludes that species composition may shift substantially with predicted changes in climate.
70 aspic viper movements
This study monitored the post-hibernation movements of a female aspic viper in a hedgerow system adjacent to a low traffic road in western France over a two month period. The viper was observed basking 20 times within a single hedgerow, with daily movements between 12-80 meters. The home range was estimated to be 0.094 hectares. The final observation of the viper alive was on May 28th, and it was later found dead the same day at a frequent basking location, possibly due to increased risk of predation from cooler and wetter spring weather conditions.
Vegetation development dynamics of fire experimental plots at olokemeji fores...
This document summarizes a study on the effects of different fire treatments on three experimental plots in Olokemeji Forest Reserve in Nigeria over 70 years. Plot A was burned annually late in the dry season, Plot B was burned early in the dry season, and Plot C was unburned as a control. Plot A developed into a savanna woodland with few tree species, while Plot B became a transitional woodland. Plot C developed into a closed-canopy forest with the highest tree diversity and soil litter. The timing and frequency of fires significantly impacted the long-term vegetation development in each plot.
Seasonal changes on termite foraging behaviour under different habitats in ru...
1. The study examined the effect of wet and dry seasons on termite foraging behavior and abundance in cropland, forest, and grassland habitats in Rufiji District, Tanzania over one year.
2. Termite abundance was significantly different between the three habitats, with the highest abundance found in croplands. However, termite species richness was not significantly different between habitats.
3. Termite abundance was higher during the wet season than the dry season across all habitat types due to increased food and moisture availability. Species richness was also generally higher in the wet season.
More Related Content
What's hot
THE EFFECTS OF CLEARCUT SIZE ON THE BIRD COMMUNITY IN THE SECOND COLLEGE GRANT
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.
The effect of flooded mine subsidence on thrips and forest biodiversity in th...
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.
Space wars the fight for light in the stands of bartlett sarah congress
This document discusses using LiDAR to map and quantify forest canopy structure within stands at Bartlett, Hubbard Brook, and Jeffers Brook. The first steps are to create maps of the tree canopy and describe the position of each species. Field data on species heights is collected along transects and recorded. Next steps are to combine LiDAR and field data to create species-specific vegetation area index profiles and determine if treatments have affected species dominance or position in the canopy.
Spatial modeling the impact of livestock grazing, fire management and wood cu...
This document discusses a post-doc research project on modeling the impact of livestock grazing, fire management, and wood cutting on savanna woodland vegetation structure. The objectives are to 1) examine sapling population dynamics over 10 years in response to early fire, grazing, and tree cutting, 2) examine long-term seedling recruitment 5 and 10 years after treatments, and 3) identify seed germination requirements and seedling traits of savanna species. Many studies have been conducted on the influences of these disturbances on woody and herbaceous production/regeneration and soil characteristics. The complexity of the system with its two vegetation strata, high species diversity, spatial heterogeneity, and variability requires long-term studies and spatially
Population Dynamics Of Small Mammals In Virginia Forests
Population Dynamics of Small Mammals in Virginia Forests: Testing the Impacts of Weather, Deer, Acorns, and Shrub Cover.
Researchers:
T. Bernheim, M. Fu, S. Rowland, and A. Tsai
MGrande_CoastalFellows2014
This study evaluated and compared the vegetative composition of four tern nesting colonies in Southern New England. Data was collected on plant species and coverage at Common Tern, Roseate Tern, and random nest and sampling sites. In total, 34 plant species were documented, with 16 being relatively common across multiple sites. The sites varied in plant species richness and prevalence of invasive species. Management of vegetation is important for maintaining suitable open nesting habitat for terns but requires a combination of removal, soil, and habitat construction methods.
Macroinvertebrate Communities in Ephemeral Ponds: Effects of Competition, Lan...
- The study examined how competitive interactions with salamander larvae and abiotic habitat variables determine macroinvertebrate species richness in ephemeral ponds.
- Experimental sites varied in canopy cover (open or closed) and presence/absence of salamander larvae. Species richness was highest in open sites and was best predicted by abiotic habitat variables like hydroperiod rather than biotic interactions.
- Competition from salamander larvae appeared to have little impact on species richness, possibly due to the highly disturbed nature of ephemeral ponds and low larval densities.
Exploring the Microhabitats of Marsupial Frogs- a Study of the Fo
This document is a senior independent study thesis that explores the habitat selection of the marsupial frog Flectonotus fitzgeraldi within populations of the plant Xanthosoma jacquinii in Tobago. The study examines environmental variables, plant morphology, and aquatic variables of phytotelm habitats to better define the ecological niche of F. fitzgeraldi. A multiple logistic regression found that water depth was the only significant predictor of frog occupancy. This suggests the species has a broad ecological niche allowing it to occupy various phytotelm habitats as long as an adequate water supply is present.
GEB.PDF
This research paper examines how plant species richness varies along a subtropical elevation gradient in eastern Nepal. The study analyzes species richness data from 1500 to 100 meters above sea level, divided into 15 100-meter elevation bands. Species were counted in standardized plots and assigned to different life forms, including trees, shrubs, climbers, herbs and ferns. Climate variables like potential evapotranspiration and mean annual rainfall were analyzed to explain variations in species richness of different life forms along the elevation gradient. The results found relationships between climate variables and species richness for woody life forms but not for herbaceous life forms. A water-energy dynamics model was found to explain 63-70% of the variation in species richness for
Spellman_Paper
This study examines how the presence of an endophytic fungus affects decomposition rates and fungal diversity in the grass Festuca thurberi along elevation gradients. In the first experiment, litter bags containing either endophyte-infected or endophyte-free F. thurberi litter were placed along three mountain transects to measure decomposition rates over time. The second experiment investigates how the endophyte affects host plant survival, growth, and biomass. Preliminary results show endophyte presence reduces plant biomass and survival. Fungal cultures were also taken from leaf tissues to analyze fungal community composition differences. The goal is to better understand how endophyte symbioses and climate interact to impact ecosystem processes
MSc thesis
This study examined the distribution of ant species across the Aegean Islands of Greece. The researcher conducted surveys at 57 stations across 3 islands, sampling different habitats. The results showed that the Mid-Aegean sea formed a barrier dividing the western and eastern islands into distinct ant communities. However, the expected gradient of European vs. Asian ant genera was not observed, indicating human transport has altered distributions. Across all islands, ant diversity increased with mild disturbance but declined with intense human pressure. Protected areas showed low diversity, suggesting habitat fragmentation is degrading conservation efforts. Further species-level identification and resampling is needed to fully evaluate patterns of composition and conservation impacts.
A Comparison Of Species Rchness Of Bryophytes In Nepal, Central Nepal
This document summarizes a study comparing altitudinal species richness patterns of bryophytes (liverworts and mosses) in Nepal to patterns observed in ferns and flowering plants. The study uses published data on the altitudinal ranges of over 840 Nepalese bryophyte species to estimate species richness in 100m elevation bands from 100-5500m. Generalized additive models show bryophytes have a unimodal relationship between richness and elevation, with liverworts peaking at 2800m and mosses at 2500m, contrasting with ferns peaking at 1900m and vascular plants from 1500-2500m. Endemic liverwort richness peaks higher than non-endemics.
Obstacle Size and Trail–Clearing Activity in Leaf–Cutter Ants, Atta colombica
This study found that there is a power curve relationship between the length of leaf obstacles placed on Atta colombica ant trails and the time taken by the ants to remove the obstacles. Leaf obstacles over 5cm in length were cut into pieces using the same techniques the ants use for leaf harvesting. Though there were no significant differences found between forests with different rainfall levels or between morning and afternoon time periods, the small sample size means a larger study could reveal differences based on humidity, temperature, and other microclimate variables. Further research is needed to fully examine the effects of these factors on individual ant obstacle removal rates.
3.1 Organisms And Their Physical Environment
1. The document discusses abiotic factors like temperature, precipitation, sunlight, and their daily, seasonal and yearly variation in Kamloops, BC. It notes the temperature range an organism must tolerate to survive there.
2. Mountain pine beetles have increased in BC forests due to milder winters. Their populations are classified as severely infested around Kamloops.
3. A habitat is defined by abiotic characteristics which determine the community of species living there. Burrowing owls inhabit the dry interior of BC including Kamloops.
WOODY PLANT RICHNESS AND NDVI RESPONSE TO DROUGHT EVENTS IN CATALONIAN (NORT...
This study examines the relationship between woody plant species richness and the impact of drought events on forest canopy cover, as measured by NDVI anomalies, across different forest types in Catalonia, Spain. Forest plot data on species richness were compared to satellite imagery showing NDVI responses during a major drought in 2003. The relationship between richness and NDVI response differed among forest types and interacted with climate, as summarized by the Thorntwaite index. In some drier forest types, lower richness was linked to greater NDVI decreases during drought, while the opposite pattern emerged in some moister forest types. The results suggest the diversity-stability relationship shifts across the regional climatic gradient.
Rotem et al 2011 The Effect of anthropogenic resources on the space-use patt...
This study examined how the space-use patterns of golden jackals are affected by proximity to human villages in Israel. The researchers radio-tracked 16 jackals, 8 near villages and 8 further away. They found that jackals near villages had smaller home ranges and core areas than those further away. Jackals near villages also moved less during the day than those in more natural areas. However, nighttime movement did not differ between the two groups, though jackals near villages moved in a less directional manner. The presence of abundant, predictable food sources from human villages compressed jackal space use and altered their movement patterns.
mclaren_underc_w_2013
This document summarizes a study that analyzed the soundscapes of three grazing regimes (bison-grazed, wildlife-grazed, and cattle-grazed) in the Palouse Prairie region of Montana to determine if soundscape analysis could effectively monitor songbird diversity. Traditional point count methods found higher bird diversity and richness in bison- and wildlife-grazed habitats compared to cattle-grazed areas. Several soundscape metrics, including biophony and recorded richness, were positively correlated with bird diversity and richness measured via point counts. The relationships suggest soundscape analysis could serve as a non-invasive method for monitoring grassland bird populations.
How local-scale processes build up the large-scale response of butterflies to...
The presentation of the CESAB group LOLA-BMS at the 2016 french ecology conference in the FRB-CESAB session "Using a treasury of knowledge to tackle complex ecological questions." Presented by Reto Schmucki.
patterns and determinants of floristic variation across lowland forests of bo...
This document analyzes patterns of floristic variation across 220 forest plots in lowland Bolivia and relates this to environmental factors. It finds that floristic variation is strongly associated with differences in water availability and temperature, with climate having a stronger influence than soil properties. Analysis identifies five distinct floristic regions in lowland Bolivia. A total of 82 tree and palm species are identified as strong indicators of environmental preferences for one of the five regions. The study concludes that species composition may shift substantially with predicted changes in climate.
70 aspic viper movements
This study monitored the post-hibernation movements of a female aspic viper in a hedgerow system adjacent to a low traffic road in western France over a two month period. The viper was observed basking 20 times within a single hedgerow, with daily movements between 12-80 meters. The home range was estimated to be 0.094 hectares. The final observation of the viper alive was on May 28th, and it was later found dead the same day at a frequent basking location, possibly due to increased risk of predation from cooler and wetter spring weather conditions.
What's hot (20)
THE EFFECTS OF CLEARCUT SIZE ON THE BIRD COMMUNITY IN THE SECOND COLLEGE GRANT
THE EFFECTS OF CLEARCUT SIZE ON THE BIRD COMMUNITY IN THE SECOND COLLEGE GRANT
The effect of flooded mine subsidence on thrips and forest biodiversity in th...
The effect of flooded mine subsidence on thrips and forest biodiversity in th...
Space wars the fight for light in the stands of bartlett sarah congress
Space wars the fight for light in the stands of bartlett sarah congress
Spatial modeling the impact of livestock grazing, fire management and wood cu...
Spatial modeling the impact of livestock grazing, fire management and wood cu...
Population Dynamics Of Small Mammals In Virginia Forests
Population Dynamics Of Small Mammals In Virginia Forests
Macroinvertebrate Communities in Ephemeral Ponds: Effects of Competition, Lan...
Macroinvertebrate Communities in Ephemeral Ponds: Effects of Competition, Lan...
Exploring the Microhabitats of Marsupial Frogs- a Study of the Fo
Exploring the Microhabitats of Marsupial Frogs- a Study of the Fo
A Comparison Of Species Rchness Of Bryophytes In Nepal, Central Nepal
A Comparison Of Species Rchness Of Bryophytes In Nepal, Central Nepal
Obstacle Size and Trail–Clearing Activity in Leaf–Cutter Ants, Atta colombica
Obstacle Size and Trail–Clearing Activity in Leaf–Cutter Ants, Atta colombica
WOODY PLANT RICHNESS AND NDVI RESPONSE TO DROUGHT EVENTS IN CATALONIAN (NORT...
WOODY PLANT RICHNESS AND NDVI RESPONSE TO DROUGHT EVENTS IN CATALONIAN (NORT...
Rotem et al 2011 The Effect of anthropogenic resources on the space-use patt...
Rotem et al 2011 The Effect of anthropogenic resources on the space-use patt...
How local-scale processes build up the large-scale response of butterflies to...
How local-scale processes build up the large-scale response of butterflies to...
patterns and determinants of floristic variation across lowland forests of bo...
patterns and determinants of floristic variation across lowland forests of bo...
Similar to BSc thesis
Vegetation development dynamics of fire experimental plots at olokemeji fores...
This document summarizes a study on the effects of different fire treatments on three experimental plots in Olokemeji Forest Reserve in Nigeria over 70 years. Plot A was burned annually late in the dry season, Plot B was burned early in the dry season, and Plot C was unburned as a control. Plot A developed into a savanna woodland with few tree species, while Plot B became a transitional woodland. Plot C developed into a closed-canopy forest with the highest tree diversity and soil litter. The timing and frequency of fires significantly impacted the long-term vegetation development in each plot.
Seasonal changes on termite foraging behaviour under different habitats in ru...
1. The study examined the effect of wet and dry seasons on termite foraging behavior and abundance in cropland, forest, and grassland habitats in Rufiji District, Tanzania over one year.
2. Termite abundance was significantly different between the three habitats, with the highest abundance found in croplands. However, termite species richness was not significantly different between habitats.
3. Termite abundance was higher during the wet season than the dry season across all habitat types due to increased food and moisture availability. Species richness was also generally higher in the wet season.
Influence of seasonality and eucalyptus plantation types on the abundance and...
This document summarizes a study on the influence of seasonality and different types of Eucalyptus plantations on the abundance and diversity of litter insects in Rwanda. The study found that the order Hymenoptera was generally the most abundant across seasons. Abundance and diversity varied between plantation types and was generally higher in some Eucalyptus species compared to the native Entandrophragma excelsum. Diversity was highest in the dry season and declined in the rainy seasons, indicating heavy rain negatively impacts litter insects. The variability in insects is attributed to changing habitat conditions across seasons and plantation types.
Biodiversity change as a human impact gradient in the biosphere reserve of Fe...
Biodiversity change as a human impact gradient in the biosphere reserve of Fe...Journal of Research in Biology
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.Junger and Duong Butterfly Report 2015
This study examined the diversity and abundance of fruit-feeding butterflies across four habitat types in a Costa Rican cloud forest: primary forest, natural secondary regrowth forest, planted secondary regrowth forest, and pastureland. The researchers trapped 174 butterflies of 27 species over six weeks. They found that planted secondary regrowth forest had the highest species richness, diversity, and evenness, indicating reforestation efforts were improving diversity. Climate change may be causing butterflies to move to new elevations.
Mangrove ecology and species distribution along the Gorai Creek of Mumbai coa...
The extensive mangrove forest of Gorai Creek, Mumbai coast, has recently seen substantial deterioration. The results of a study on mangrove diversity conducted in Gorai Creek on the Mumbai coast from June 2017 to May 2018 are presented here. During the course of the study, twelve species of mangroves from five families and eight genera were identified in each of the three study locations along the creek. Avicennia marina accounted for 13.44% of the Gorai creek marshes, confirming its predominance. Sonneratia alba, Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Kandelia candel, and Acanthus ilicifolius are among the mangrove species found in the estuarine embayment, with other species strewn around. A diverse range of species, including endangered migratory birds and herpetofauna, can be found in these mangrove environments. Mangroves have been observed to have narrowed in density with time, and it is critical to begin conservation efforts as speedily as humanly possible.
Diversity and abundance of terrestrial mammals in the northern periphery of ...
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.
Impacts of fires on the woody stratum of Mbam and Djerem National Park (Camer...
In Cameroon, the recurrent and uncontrolled use of bush fires, causing damage to the ecosystem, and constitutes a worrying situation for protected area managers. . The Mbam et Djerem National Park (PNMD) is threatened by bush fires and particularly by uncontrolled late fires which compromise all of its biodiversity and the future of the park. Faced with this increasingly high occurrence of fires and the insufficiency of basic data, it becomes urgent to assess the impacts of fire on the woody and grassy stratum according to the fire regime and at the end of proposing fire management strategies at PNMD level. To do this, experimental plots were installed, the impacts of fire on vegetation according to fire regimes were assessed. The results reveal that: 74% of the trees examined are barked by fire and the proportion of these barked trees varies according to the species of tree, which constitutes entry points for termites and bees in the trees. Adults are significantly more skinned (70%) than young people (30%) (variance = 32.447 df = 1, χ2 = 103.014, p = 0.004). The intensity of the fire is significantly different from one fire regime to another (p = 0.0154). The rate of regrowth is different between treatments (ANOVA, p = 0.005). High (apparent) mortality is observed for class 2 individuals (35%), i.e. juveniles suffering from late fires. Remote sensing therefore appears to be a more valuable tool for monitoring and analyzing space and time for strategic and operational planning and for early warning in the management of bush fires.
Effect of human settlement and altitude on rangeland browse woody species bio...
The International Institute for Science, Technology and Education (IISTE). Science, Technology and Medicine Journals Call for Academic Manuscripts
Frugivory homegardengoulartetal2011
This study analyzed the diet and habitat use of five frugivorous bird species in agroforest home gardens, secondary forests, and pastures in Brazil. The researchers found that overall habitat use frequency was higher in secondary forests than home gardens or pastures for four of the five bird species. However, the number of feeding bouts was higher in home gardens than forests for all species except one. Differences in monthly feeding activity were only statistically significant for two species. The total number of food taxa was larger in home gardens than forests. The results support agroforestry systems as an important habitat for frugivorous birds.
A High Grassland Bee Community in Southern Brazil: Survey and Annotated Check...
Author(s): Denise Monique Dubet da Silva Mouga and Paulo Nogueira Neto
http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.2317/0022-8567-85.4.295
http://label-univille.blogspot.com.br/2013/09/a-high-grassland-bee-community-in.html
Seminário 4 egerton-warburton_et_al-2000-ecological_applications_mycorrhiza (2)
Seminário 4 egerton-warburton_et_al-2000-ecological_applications_mycorrhiza (2)Carlos Alberto Monteiro
This document summarizes a study that evaluated shifts in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities along an anthropogenic nitrogen deposition gradient in coastal sage scrub vegetation in southern California. The researchers found that increasing nitrogen input was associated with displacement of larger-spored AM fungi species by proliferation of small-spored Glomus species. There was also a reduction in AM species richness and diversity, as well as decreases in spore abundance, root infection, and changes in spore production timing in more nitrogen-enriched sites. A fertilization experiment yielded similar results, indicating that nitrogen input likely explains the relationship between pollution and shifts in the AM communities.ACE-ECO-2021-1999.pdf
Fire regimes shape biodiversity: responses of avian guilds to burned forests in Andean temperate ecosystems of southern Chile
Finlay j.b. ,g.f.esteban & t. fenchel (1998) .protozoan diversity.converging ...
The document analyzes two methods used to estimate the global number of free-living ciliated protozoa species: taxonomic analysis and extrapolation from ecological datasets. The methods provide estimates that agree within a factor of two, suggesting around 3,000 total free-living ciliate species globally. This supports the hypothesis that most ciliate species are ubiquitous due to their small size and passive dispersal abilities, rather than having distinct biogeographies. If ciliates are truly ubiquitous, then extrapolating local diversity data from ecological studies to estimate global diversity should match estimates from taxonomic analysis.
Forestry effects on stream invertebrate communities
Logging in the Pakuratahi stream catchment dramatically affected the stream invertebrate communities. At sites where the forest canopy was removed, taxa richness, water quality indicators (QMCI and MCI), and community evenness declined. Communities shifted from being dominated by mayflies to midges, snails, and worms. Most sites showed partial recovery within 3-6 years, though one site had not fully recovered after 8 years. Logging increased the amount of sand and silt in the stream beds at two sites. Nearby pasture streams did not experience similar changes, indicating the effects were due to forestry activities rather than other environmental factors.
Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Partitioning in Chato Afromontane Forest: Its Cl...
The document summarizes a study that assessed carbon storage and climate change mitigation potential in the Chato Afromontane forest ecosystem in Ethiopia. The study measured carbon storage in various pools including aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, dead tree biomass, plant litter, and soil organic carbon. It found that carbon storage capacity varied between forest types, ranging from 107.12 Mg ha-1 for acacia plantations to 453.21 Mg ha-1 for intact natural forest. In total, the forest ecosystem stored nearly 6371.30 Gg of carbon in vegetation and soil to a depth of 60 cm. The document concludes that conserving this forest would significantly contribute to net carbon addition and regulation
Alien grasses in_brazilian_savannas
This document summarizes a study on the invasion of alien grasses in Brazilian savannas, known as cerrados. Two alien African grasses, Melinis minutiflora and Brachiaria decumbens, were found to be highly abundant in the study site, with very high importance values. Light availability was found to be the most important environmental factor related to graminoid distribution, strongly correlated with M. minutiflora abundance. Both alien grasses were negatively associated with most native graminoids, suggesting they exert strong competitive pressure on the native herbaceous community. The introduction and spread of alien species poses a threat to the natural biodiversity of cerrados.
Termite (isoptera) assemblages in rufiji district tanzania
This document summarizes a study on termite assemblages under different land uses in Rufiji District, Tanzania. The study investigated termite abundance, feeding groups, and species richness in cropland, grassland, and forest areas. Standardized transect sampling was used to collect termites from the different habitats. Termites were identified based on feeding preferences and allocated to feeding groups. Statistical analysis found no significant differences in feeding group distributions across habitats, though human activities were found to influence termite variations to some degree. The results provide baseline data on termite feeding groups that can inform future research in the district.
Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in th...
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...
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.
Similar to BSc thesis (20)
Vegetation development dynamics of fire experimental plots at olokemeji fores...
Vegetation development dynamics of fire experimental plots at olokemeji fores...
Seasonal changes on termite foraging behaviour under different habitats in ru...
Seasonal changes on termite foraging behaviour under different habitats in ru...
Influence of seasonality and eucalyptus plantation types on the abundance and...
Influence of seasonality and eucalyptus plantation types on the abundance and...
Biodiversity change as a human impact gradient in the biosphere reserve of Fe...
Biodiversity change as a human impact gradient in the biosphere reserve of Fe...
Mangrove ecology and species distribution along the Gorai Creek of Mumbai coa...
Mangrove ecology and species distribution along the Gorai Creek of Mumbai coa...
Diversity and abundance of terrestrial mammals in the northern periphery of ...
Diversity and abundance of terrestrial mammals in the northern periphery of ...
Impacts of fires on the woody stratum of Mbam and Djerem National Park (Camer...
Impacts of fires on the woody stratum of Mbam and Djerem National Park (Camer...
Effect of human settlement and altitude on rangeland browse woody species bio...
Effect of human settlement and altitude on rangeland browse woody species bio...
A High Grassland Bee Community in Southern Brazil: Survey and Annotated Check...
A High Grassland Bee Community in Southern Brazil: Survey and Annotated Check...
Seminário 4 egerton-warburton_et_al-2000-ecological_applications_mycorrhiza (2)
Seminário 4 egerton-warburton_et_al-2000-ecological_applications_mycorrhiza (2)
Finlay j.b. ,g.f.esteban & t. fenchel (1998) .protozoan diversity.converging ...
Finlay j.b. ,g.f.esteban & t. fenchel (1998) .protozoan diversity.converging ...
Forestry effects on stream invertebrate communities
Forestry effects on stream invertebrate communities
Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Partitioning in Chato Afromontane Forest: Its Cl...
Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Partitioning in Chato Afromontane Forest: Its Cl...
Termite (isoptera) assemblages in rufiji district tanzania
Termite (isoptera) assemblages in rufiji district tanzania
Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in th...
Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in th...
Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in th...
Status of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in th...
BSc thesis
- 1. Effects of Mediterranean wild-fire on ant assemblages (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Abies forest Wild-fire is an integral component of the Mediterranean ecosystems and affects the living organisms in various ways. The aim of this experiment is to identify changes in Formicidae assemblages in each type of habitat post-fire. The experiment was held in three types of ecosystems at Mt. Parnitha, a great part of which was burned in June of 2007. The habitats were a) unburned Abies forest, b) burned Abies forest and c) unburned patch surrounded by burned forest. Each habitat is represented by two stations and each station consists of 10 pitfall traps. The duration of the project was one year and taxonomic identification to the species level took place based on the key of Agosti & Collingwood (1987). 7321 specimens were collected. The most abundant genus was Formica corresponding to 59.6% of the specimens in the unburned forest and to 31.9% in the patch. Comparison of the generic and species abundance in all three ecosystems indicated that more genera are represented by less species in the burned habitat compared to the rest. In the burned area there are three dominant species: Cataglyphis aenescens (29%), Tetramorium semilaeve (25.7%) and Crematogaster sordidula (24.6%); unlike the aforementioned, only one species dominates the unburned forest: Formica fusca ssp1 (49.1%). The Patch appears to be a discrete ecosystem. Last but not least, I identified species and genera that characterize and differentiate the habitats. With further research they could possibly be used as bioindicators in similar experiments.