Abstract— Riparian galleries are key structural elements of Mediterranean landscapes and their importance for carnivores has been widely demonstrated. However, humanization of the landscape has led to their degradation with consequences not fully understood. In this study we assessed the response of mesocarnivores to the fine-scale variation in the quality of a riparian gallery (Vale do Cobrão stream, central Portugal), evaluated on the basis of the QBR index (‘Qualitat del Bosc de Ribera’ in spanish) and an adaptation of the same considering mesocarnivore ecological requirements. These were represented through four parameters that could influence habitat quality for these species, namely refuge (total riparian cover, cover structure), disturbance and food availability. For the latter we considered the known main food resources for Mediterranean mesocarnivores: small mammals, lagomorphs, insects and fruits. Mesocarnivore use was evaluated through camera-trapping and sign surveys. For both indexes a concordance was observed between quality variation and its use by carnivores, and we also found a positive correlation between both indexes. The adapted QBR, being more laborious but also more realistic, could serve as guidance for conservation practice at the local scale, benefiting both land managers environmentally concerned, conservation practitioners and carnivore populations inhabiting humanized landscapes. However, for spatially wider approaches the original QBR proved to be a good indicator for the presence of mesocarnivores, being useful in the development of restauration or conservation strategies, as well as for research and monitoring activities of carnivore guilds.
This article examines how local habitat quality and surrounding landscape affect the development of carabid beetle assemblages on restored landfill sites. The study analyzed carabid species composition, richness, and abundance across 9 restored landfill sites and paired reference sites in the UK. A total of 1014 carabid beetles from 37 species were collected. Seeded landfill sites had higher species richness and diversity than unseeded sites, and more vegetation cover and nearby grasslands also positively impacted carabid assemblages. The restored landfill sites supported generalist beetle species but no rare species. Habitat restoration through seeding and management may improve these sites for carabid conservation.
Reforestation is one of the Philippines’ government efforts to restore and rehabilitate degraded mangrove ecosystems. Although there is recovery of the ecosystem in terms of vegetation, the recovery of closely-linked faunal species in terms of community structure is still understudied. This research investigates the community structure of mangrove crabs under two different management schemes: protected mangroves and reforested mangroves. The transect-plot method was employed in each management scheme to quantify the vegetation, crab assemblages and environmental variables. Community composition of crabs and mangrove trees were compared between protected and reforested mangroves using non-metric multi-dimensional scaling and analysis of similarity in PRIMER 6. Chi-squared was used to test the variance of sex ration of the crabs. Canonical Correspondence Analysis was used to determine the relationship between crabs and environmental parameters. A total of twelve species of crabs belonging to six families were identified in protected mangroves while only four species were documented in reforested mangroves. Perisesarma indiarum and Baptozius vinosus were the most dominant species in protected and reforested mangrove, respectively. Univariate analysis of variance of crab assemblage data revealed significant differences in crab composition and abundance between protected mangroves and from reforested mangroves (P<0.05).><0.05).Environmental factors and human intervention had contributed to the difference in crab assemblages in mangrove ecosystems.
Regional and global elevational patterns of microbial species richness and ev...sediman
Although elevational gradients in microbial biodiversity have attracted increasing attention recently, the generality in the patterns and underlying mechanisms are still poorly resolved. Further, previous studies focused mostly on species richness, while left understudied evenness, another important aspect of biodiversity. Here, we studied the elevational patterns in species richness and evenness of stream bio lm bacteria and diatoms in six mountains in Asia and Europe. We also reviewed published results for elevational richness patterns for soil and stream microbes in a literature analysis. Our results revealed that even within the same ecosystem type (that is, stream) or geographical region, bacteria and diatoms showed contrasting patterns in diversity. Stream microbes, including present stream data, tend to show signi cantly increasing or decreasing elevational patterns in richness, contrasting the ndings for soil microbes that typically showed nonsigni cant or signi cantly decreasing patterns. In all six mountains for bacteria and in four mountains for diatoms, species richness and evenness were positively correlated. e variation in bacteria and diatom richness and evenness were substantially explained by anthropogenic driven factors, such as total phosphorus (TP). However, diatom richness and evenness were also related to di erent main drivers as richness was mostly related to pH, while evenness was most explained by TP. Our results highlight the lack of consistent elevational biodiversity patterns of microbes and further indicate that the two facets of biodiversity may respond di erently to environmental gradients.
This document reviews evidence that many organisms have evolved adaptations to survive natural flood and drought cycles in rivers and streams (i.e. the natural flow regime). It identifies three main modes of adaptation - life history, behavioral, and morphological - and discusses how each is related to different components of the flow regime like timing, magnitude, and predictability of floods and droughts. The strength of evidence for adaptations is assessed based on observations, cross-species comparisons, gradients, and experiments. Understanding these adaptations is important for managing biodiversity as human activities have altered most natural flow regimes.
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
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.
Diversity and species composition of mangroves species in Pilar, Siargao Isla...Innspub Net
Mangroves are considered as the most significant components of the coastal ecosystem and among the most productive and biologically complex ecosystems on the planet. Assessment of mangrove species plays a critical role in the preservation and protection of the mangroves forest. The study aimed to assess the mangrove species in Pilar, Siargao Island. The belt transect was employed with a dimension of modified 10 m x 12 m and was installed per quadrat. Eight mangrove species were identified under four families, and these are B. sexanguela, C. decandra, R. apiculata, R. mucronata, A. alba, A. marina, L. littorea, and X. granatum. One species, C. decandra is categorized by the IUCN as a near-threatened state. Results from the mangroves vegetation structure show that R. apiculata got the highest relative frequency (26.32%), density (35.46%), and dominance (55.08%) therefore; it has the highest importance value (116.85%). This further implies that R. apiculata is the most important and acclimated mangrove species in the study area. The species diversity in Pilar, Siargao Island falls under very low diversity (H’=1.63) which might be attributed to some human-related disturbances. Thus, further consideration in future planning and conservation to increase the resiliency of the mangrove ecosystem is needed.
Species Diversity and Above-ground Carbon Stock Assessments in Selected Mangr...Innspub Net
Mangrove ecosystems are known for being the rainforest of the sea. Philippines is bestowed with this naturally rich mangrove ecosystem with diverse floral and faunal species. Despite this natural abundance, mangrove ecosystems are subjected to natural and human induced degradations specifically conversion to fish shrimp ponds that resulted in diminution aside from its effect on terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling and could also affect its important role in terms of terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling. This study is conducted to determine
the mangrove diversity, distribution and the above-ground biomass and C-stocks in Glan and Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Purposive sampling is implemented in establishing the plots on both sites. Results show eight (8) mangrove species belonging to four (4) families are observed in both areas. Data also reveal that the mangrove ecosystem in Glan Padidu, Glan is undisturbed. Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba are found to be dominant on the two sites. Because of the large tree girths and high density of species observed on the studied areas, both forests have the potential to sequester and store large amount of atmospheric carbon. Thus, this study quantifies mangrove tree biomass in view of carbon trading as significant in lessening the effects of global warming.
This article examines how local habitat quality and surrounding landscape affect the development of carabid beetle assemblages on restored landfill sites. The study analyzed carabid species composition, richness, and abundance across 9 restored landfill sites and paired reference sites in the UK. A total of 1014 carabid beetles from 37 species were collected. Seeded landfill sites had higher species richness and diversity than unseeded sites, and more vegetation cover and nearby grasslands also positively impacted carabid assemblages. The restored landfill sites supported generalist beetle species but no rare species. Habitat restoration through seeding and management may improve these sites for carabid conservation.
Reforestation is one of the Philippines’ government efforts to restore and rehabilitate degraded mangrove ecosystems. Although there is recovery of the ecosystem in terms of vegetation, the recovery of closely-linked faunal species in terms of community structure is still understudied. This research investigates the community structure of mangrove crabs under two different management schemes: protected mangroves and reforested mangroves. The transect-plot method was employed in each management scheme to quantify the vegetation, crab assemblages and environmental variables. Community composition of crabs and mangrove trees were compared between protected and reforested mangroves using non-metric multi-dimensional scaling and analysis of similarity in PRIMER 6. Chi-squared was used to test the variance of sex ration of the crabs. Canonical Correspondence Analysis was used to determine the relationship between crabs and environmental parameters. A total of twelve species of crabs belonging to six families were identified in protected mangroves while only four species were documented in reforested mangroves. Perisesarma indiarum and Baptozius vinosus were the most dominant species in protected and reforested mangrove, respectively. Univariate analysis of variance of crab assemblage data revealed significant differences in crab composition and abundance between protected mangroves and from reforested mangroves (P<0.05).><0.05).Environmental factors and human intervention had contributed to the difference in crab assemblages in mangrove ecosystems.
Regional and global elevational patterns of microbial species richness and ev...sediman
Although elevational gradients in microbial biodiversity have attracted increasing attention recently, the generality in the patterns and underlying mechanisms are still poorly resolved. Further, previous studies focused mostly on species richness, while left understudied evenness, another important aspect of biodiversity. Here, we studied the elevational patterns in species richness and evenness of stream bio lm bacteria and diatoms in six mountains in Asia and Europe. We also reviewed published results for elevational richness patterns for soil and stream microbes in a literature analysis. Our results revealed that even within the same ecosystem type (that is, stream) or geographical region, bacteria and diatoms showed contrasting patterns in diversity. Stream microbes, including present stream data, tend to show signi cantly increasing or decreasing elevational patterns in richness, contrasting the ndings for soil microbes that typically showed nonsigni cant or signi cantly decreasing patterns. In all six mountains for bacteria and in four mountains for diatoms, species richness and evenness were positively correlated. e variation in bacteria and diatom richness and evenness were substantially explained by anthropogenic driven factors, such as total phosphorus (TP). However, diatom richness and evenness were also related to di erent main drivers as richness was mostly related to pH, while evenness was most explained by TP. Our results highlight the lack of consistent elevational biodiversity patterns of microbes and further indicate that the two facets of biodiversity may respond di erently to environmental gradients.
This document reviews evidence that many organisms have evolved adaptations to survive natural flood and drought cycles in rivers and streams (i.e. the natural flow regime). It identifies three main modes of adaptation - life history, behavioral, and morphological - and discusses how each is related to different components of the flow regime like timing, magnitude, and predictability of floods and droughts. The strength of evidence for adaptations is assessed based on observations, cross-species comparisons, gradients, and experiments. Understanding these adaptations is important for managing biodiversity as human activities have altered most natural flow regimes.
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
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.
Diversity and species composition of mangroves species in Pilar, Siargao Isla...Innspub Net
Mangroves are considered as the most significant components of the coastal ecosystem and among the most productive and biologically complex ecosystems on the planet. Assessment of mangrove species plays a critical role in the preservation and protection of the mangroves forest. The study aimed to assess the mangrove species in Pilar, Siargao Island. The belt transect was employed with a dimension of modified 10 m x 12 m and was installed per quadrat. Eight mangrove species were identified under four families, and these are B. sexanguela, C. decandra, R. apiculata, R. mucronata, A. alba, A. marina, L. littorea, and X. granatum. One species, C. decandra is categorized by the IUCN as a near-threatened state. Results from the mangroves vegetation structure show that R. apiculata got the highest relative frequency (26.32%), density (35.46%), and dominance (55.08%) therefore; it has the highest importance value (116.85%). This further implies that R. apiculata is the most important and acclimated mangrove species in the study area. The species diversity in Pilar, Siargao Island falls under very low diversity (H’=1.63) which might be attributed to some human-related disturbances. Thus, further consideration in future planning and conservation to increase the resiliency of the mangrove ecosystem is needed.
Species Diversity and Above-ground Carbon Stock Assessments in Selected Mangr...Innspub Net
Mangrove ecosystems are known for being the rainforest of the sea. Philippines is bestowed with this naturally rich mangrove ecosystem with diverse floral and faunal species. Despite this natural abundance, mangrove ecosystems are subjected to natural and human induced degradations specifically conversion to fish shrimp ponds that resulted in diminution aside from its effect on terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling and could also affect its important role in terms of terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling. This study is conducted to determine
the mangrove diversity, distribution and the above-ground biomass and C-stocks in Glan and Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Purposive sampling is implemented in establishing the plots on both sites. Results show eight (8) mangrove species belonging to four (4) families are observed in both areas. Data also reveal that the mangrove ecosystem in Glan Padidu, Glan is undisturbed. Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba are found to be dominant on the two sites. Because of the large tree girths and high density of species observed on the studied areas, both forests have the potential to sequester and store large amount of atmospheric carbon. Thus, this study quantifies mangrove tree biomass in view of carbon trading as significant in lessening the effects of global warming.
1) There was a positive relationship between local and regional plant species richness in tallgrass prairie, but this relationship varied with grazing, topography, and fire frequency.
2) Experimental removal of the dominant grass Andropogon scoparius resulted in a significant increase in local species richness compared to reference plots.
3) Overall species richness was higher in grazed areas compared to ungrazed areas, but grazing did not significantly affect the relationship between number of sites occupied and average abundance across the landscape.
This study examined abiotic and biotic factors in mangrove creeks on Eleuthera, Bahamas to determine ideal nursery habitats for inclusion in marine protected areas. Fish abundance and diversity were used to assess nursery quality. Larger creek mouth widths correlated with higher fish diversity but lower abundance, possibly due to increased predation. Contrary to hypotheses, prop root density did not affect nursery quality. All creeks provided similar nursery functions due to limited disturbances. Protecting these critical habitats is important for sustaining fish populations.
This study examines land cover change and fire patterns within the Bay of Jiquilisco Reserve mangrove forest region of El Salvador between 2001-2015. Satellite imagery analysis shows a decrease in forest cover and an increase in water cover within the Monte Cristo mangrove subset between 2002-2014. Few fires were detected in the region, though some occurred at the forest-agriculture interface, indicating fire may be used for deforestation. Overall fire patterns in El Salvador correlate with agricultural and wooded areas. Community management of the reserve lands may contribute to lower fire frequency within the mangroves compared to surrounding areas.
This document summarizes a study examining the relative influence of local vs. regional factors in structuring zooplankton communities across 34 interconnected ponds. Data on zooplankton communities were collected from the ponds over three years. The study found evidence of a metacommunity structure each year. Variation in zooplankton community structure was related to both local environmental factors and the spatial configuration of ponds. However, local environmental variables had a strong influence on community structure each year despite high dispersal rates between ponds. This suggests that even in highly interconnected systems, local environmental conditions can structure local communities.
Forestry effects on stream invertebrate communitiesRodolfo Santos
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.
The rural-urban socioecological transformation of Mediterranean mountain areas under global change. Local studies in Olzinelles and Matadepera (Barcelona Metropolitan Region)
This study examined how local and regional processes structure dragonfly distributions across a habitat gradient with varying pond permanence and top predator types. Through experiments, the study found that habitat specialist dragonflies, which are restricted to permanent lakes, were more vulnerable to invertebrate predators and dispersed and colonized artificial ponds less frequently than generalist species. Additionally, habitat specialists traveled shorter distances than generalists. These results suggest that dispersal limitation plays a key role in restricting the distributions of habitat specialist species, and that predation may reinforce this pattern by excluding specialists from certain habitats. By examining both local predation and regional dispersal, the study provides evidence that species distributions can be shaped by processes operating at multiple spatial scales.
1. The study examined the relative influence of local environmental conditions and regional spatial processes on the structure of aquatic plant communities in 98 lakes and ponds across Connecticut.
2. Using statistical analyses like partial canonical correspondence analysis and partial Mantel tests, the study found that aquatic plant community structure reflects both local environmental conditions like pH, water clarity, and depth, as well as regional spatial processes like dispersal.
3. While environmental conditions and spatial processes explained 27% of the variation in the plant community data, local environmental conditions accounted for 45% of the explained variation, and regional spatial processes like dispersal accounted for 40%, suggesting both play a role in structuring aquatic plant communities.
This study assessed the baseline water quality and ecology of 7 streams near Geneva Marsh in Crawford County, Pennsylvania before construction of a proposed tire burning plant. Land use in the watersheds was analyzed using GIS and remote sensing. Water quality parameters like phosphorous and macroinvertebrate communities were assessed. Results showed urban land use decreased phosphorous and agricultural land use decreased sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa. The 3 streams with the highest agricultural and urban land use (Towpath, Shafer Run, and Williams Run) were identified for further monitoring after plant construction.
Local human perturbations increase lakes vulnerability to climate changes: A ...Lancaster University
This document outlines a PhD proposal on assessing how local human pressures influence lakes' vulnerability and responses to climate change across Europe. The proposal involves meta-analyzing paleoecological data from 15 lakes around the Alps to compare responses of pelagic biological communities to climate change and determine if variability depends on local human pressures. The student will analyze diatom and cladoceran remains and photosynthetic pigments in sediments to compare community responses over time between lakes and quantify the influence of geomorphology and local human impacts. The supervisors are from INRA CARRTEL in France and CNR ISE in Italy.
Psammophilus dorsalis agamas were studied across urban and rural areas in India to understand how they persist in urban environments. The study found:
1) The agamas' diet in both areas was mainly composed of ants, indicating flexibility.
2) Dietary overlap was high between urban and rural populations (80.3%), and between males and females in each area (80-91%).
3) Surprisingly, urban agamas had higher body mass indices than rural ones, despite consuming a greater diversity and volume of prey in rural areas.
4) Males moved more in rural areas, likely due to higher energy expenditure, but all agamas managed to hunt enough in fragmented urban habitats.
To summarize, the document discusses broad-scale spatial patterns in biodiversity across the Earth. It notes that biodiversity is distributed heterogeneously, with some areas like tropical forests having high diversity and others like deserts having low diversity. A variety of global patterns have been explored, including hotspots and coldspots of diversity, how diversity varies with spatial scale and environmental gradients like latitude, altitude, and productivity. While species richness is most commonly analyzed, little is known about spatial variation in other measures of diversity. The document focuses on progress in understanding four key areas: latitudinal gradients in species richness, relationships between diversity and energy, relationships between local and regional diversity, and covariation in diversity across taxa.
OSJ 2019 : Practical Resilience Index for Coral Reef Assessmentanbiocore
This document proposes a new index for assessing coral reef resilience based on data collected from line-intercept transects. The index was modified from an existing soil resilience index. Six variables were statistically selected as resilience indicators: coral functional group, coral habitat quality, sand-silt cover, coral cover, coral small-size number, and algae-other-fauna cover. Maximum values of five variables were determined as the best state, while the maximum value of coral small-size number was determined from 1240 data sets of Indonesian reefs. The resilience index performed well in relation to changes in coral cover, algae-other-fauna cover, and sand-silt cover. Managers can use this tool to
This document outlines a research project called SoilBioHedge that aims to:
1) Determine how hedgerows and field margins can preserve soil biodiversity and help restore degraded soil structure and function in agricultural fields.
2) Study how landscape connectivity allows key soil organisms like earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi to disperse from hedgerows into fields.
3) Develop a predictive model of soil quality changes at field and landscape scales based on land use, management practices, and soil type.
Ecogeographical approaches to characterize CWR adaptive traits useful for cro...Txema Iriondo
This document discusses using ecogeographical approaches to characterize crop wild relative (CWR) adaptive traits that could be useful for crop adaptation. It describes how environmental conditions shape adaptive genetic diversity in wild plants through natural selection. An ecogeographical approach is proposed that uses climatic, edaphic and geographic data to predict patterns of adaptive genetic variation in plant germplasm collections. This approach is used to generate ecogeographical land characterization maps and characterize CWR collections. It allows for identification of geographic gaps, optimized CWR collection, and focused identification of germplasm strategies to select accessions most likely to contain desired genetic variation. Tools being developed include those for ecogeographical analysis, representation, characterization, core collection generation, and
Phyto climatic gradient of vegetation and habitat specificity in the high ele...Shujaul Mulk Khan
Phyto-climatic gradient and ecological indicators can be used to understand the requirements, long term management and conservation strategies of natural habitats and species. For this purpose phytosociological attributes were measured using quadrats along transects on different slope aspects across an elevation range of 2450-4400 m. The 198 recorded plant species were placed in five Raunkiaer life form classes among which the Hemicryptophytes (51%) dominate the flora of the study area followed by Phanerophytes and Cryptophytes (Geophytes) with 15 and 13% dominance respectively. Therophytes and Chamaephytes are represented by smaller numbers (12 & 10% each). The phyto-climatic gradient of the vegetation was evaluated using Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Phyto-climatic relationships show that Phanerophytes especially tree species are widely distributed on northern aspect slopes whilst shrubs are more dominant on southern aspect slopes. Woody plants are dominant at lower altitudes (2450-2800 m), with a much smaller proportion occurring at middle elevations (2800-3300 m) whilst higher (3300-3900 m) and highest elevations (3900-4400 m) are dominated mainly by hemi-cryptophytes and cryptophytes. Our findings further elucidate that vegetation changes gradually from moist-cool temperate Phanerophytic and Chamaephytic elements to dry-cold subalpine and alpine herbaceous Cryptophytic and Hemi-cryptophytic vegetation in the upper elevations. Assessment of life forms and ecological gradient provide a basis for more extensive conservation studies on biodiversity in mountain ecosystems. Our findings further advocate that the Naran Valley appears to be at a transitional floristic position bridging the contrasting moist and dry temperate zones of the Sino-Japanese and Irano-Turanian floristic regions.
This study examines morphological changes in threespine stickleback over eight generations following their transplantation from a large lake habitat with diverse predators to a smaller pond habitat lacking fish predators. Measurements of 20 defence and trophic traits were taken on stickleback collected from the source lake and transplant pond population between 1994 and 2009. Significant reductions were observed in several plate and spine traits, gill raker number and length, and increases in jaw length and eye diameter within eight generations - representing about one-third of the differences typically seen between natural lake and pond populations. These changes occurred rapidly and in the directions predicted based on the different predator regimes and food sources between the habitats. Both natural selection and phenotypic plasticity likely contributed to the
Water-related bird assemblages in an urban pond ‘archipelago’: Winter pattern...Maria Paola Di Santo
This study reports on the patterns of species occurrence, abundance and richness of a wintering water-related bird assemblage in an ‘archipelago’ of 70 small artificial urban ponds (AUPs) embedded in a metropolitan landscape (Rome, central Italy). A total of 20 species in 26 AUPs were sampled. Only the largest AUPs (>0.1 ha) contained all these species, except for Gallinula chloropus. The highest total mean species abundance was observed in the largest ponds, with statistically significant differences evident among size classes. Two significant spatial thresholds in species abundance and richness were observed (between 0.01 and 0.1 ha; between 0.1 and 1 ha in size). The abundance of single species was correlated with their frequency of occurrence. Ponds in urban areas must be larger than 0.1 ha to host a rich winter assemblage of birds, with a further increase in richness noted with a surface area larger than 1 ha. The highest number of species was observed in the larger ponds (>1 ha). The species richness of each AUP is directly correlated to their size (log-transformed species–area relationship: log S = 3.515 + 0.497 log A; R2 = 0.76). Further research should be conducted to confirm these patterns and to implement information useful for planning and management of artificial ponds in urban areas for this purpose.
This document summarizes a research project on understanding and enhancing soil ecosystem services and resilience in UK grasslands and croplands. The project will:
1) Survey paired natural and intensified agricultural sites across the UK to quantify impacts on soil biodiversity, ecosystem services, and resilience to climate change.
2) Use mesocosm experiments to test the resilience of soil biodiversity and functions to environmental change under different land management intensities.
3) Develop process-based and spatial models to scale relationships between soil biodiversity and ecosystem services under scenarios of environmental change.
Sustainable utilization and conservation of plant biodiversity in montane eco...Shujaul Mulk Khan
Background Conservation of the unique biodiversity of mountain ecosystems needs trans-disciplinary approaches to succeed in a crowded colloquial world. Geographers, conservationists, ecologists and social scientists have, in the past, had the same conservation goals but have tended to work independently. In this review, the need to integrate different conservation criteria and methodologies is discussed. New criteria are offered for prioritizing species and habitats for conservation in montane ecosystems that combine both ecological and social data.
Scope Ecological attributes of plant species, analysed through robust community statistical packages, provide unbiased classifications of species assemblages and environmental biodiversity gradients and yield importance value indices (IVIs). Surveys of local communities’ utilization of the vegetation provides use values (UVs). This review suggests a new means of assessing anthropogenic pressure on plant biodiversity at both species and community levels by integrating IVI and UV data sets in a combined analysis.
Conclusions Mountain ecosystems are hot spots for plant conservation efforts because they hold a high overall plant diversity as communities replace each other along altitudinal and climatic gradients, including a high proportion of endemic species. This review contributes an enhanced understanding of (1) plant diversity in mountain ecosystems with special reference to the western Himalayas; (2) ethnobotanical and ecosystem service values of mountain vegetation within the context of anthropogenic impacts; and (3) local and regional plant conservation strategies and priorities.
Mangroves provide important ecological functions as transitional zones, nurseries, and carbon sinks. However, they face threats from human activities like deforestation, development, and climate change impacts such as rising sea levels and temperatures. Mangroves help protect coastlines and support fisheries but over 20% have been lost in recent decades. While rising CO2 and temperatures may enhance mangrove growth, the current rapid rate of change leaves less time for adaptation and migration with the loss of coastal areas to development. Management is needed to balance human uses of mangroves with conservation to maintain their critical ecosystem services.
1) There was a positive relationship between local and regional plant species richness in tallgrass prairie, but this relationship varied with grazing, topography, and fire frequency.
2) Experimental removal of the dominant grass Andropogon scoparius resulted in a significant increase in local species richness compared to reference plots.
3) Overall species richness was higher in grazed areas compared to ungrazed areas, but grazing did not significantly affect the relationship between number of sites occupied and average abundance across the landscape.
This study examined abiotic and biotic factors in mangrove creeks on Eleuthera, Bahamas to determine ideal nursery habitats for inclusion in marine protected areas. Fish abundance and diversity were used to assess nursery quality. Larger creek mouth widths correlated with higher fish diversity but lower abundance, possibly due to increased predation. Contrary to hypotheses, prop root density did not affect nursery quality. All creeks provided similar nursery functions due to limited disturbances. Protecting these critical habitats is important for sustaining fish populations.
This study examines land cover change and fire patterns within the Bay of Jiquilisco Reserve mangrove forest region of El Salvador between 2001-2015. Satellite imagery analysis shows a decrease in forest cover and an increase in water cover within the Monte Cristo mangrove subset between 2002-2014. Few fires were detected in the region, though some occurred at the forest-agriculture interface, indicating fire may be used for deforestation. Overall fire patterns in El Salvador correlate with agricultural and wooded areas. Community management of the reserve lands may contribute to lower fire frequency within the mangroves compared to surrounding areas.
This document summarizes a study examining the relative influence of local vs. regional factors in structuring zooplankton communities across 34 interconnected ponds. Data on zooplankton communities were collected from the ponds over three years. The study found evidence of a metacommunity structure each year. Variation in zooplankton community structure was related to both local environmental factors and the spatial configuration of ponds. However, local environmental variables had a strong influence on community structure each year despite high dispersal rates between ponds. This suggests that even in highly interconnected systems, local environmental conditions can structure local communities.
Forestry effects on stream invertebrate communitiesRodolfo Santos
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.
The rural-urban socioecological transformation of Mediterranean mountain areas under global change. Local studies in Olzinelles and Matadepera (Barcelona Metropolitan Region)
This study examined how local and regional processes structure dragonfly distributions across a habitat gradient with varying pond permanence and top predator types. Through experiments, the study found that habitat specialist dragonflies, which are restricted to permanent lakes, were more vulnerable to invertebrate predators and dispersed and colonized artificial ponds less frequently than generalist species. Additionally, habitat specialists traveled shorter distances than generalists. These results suggest that dispersal limitation plays a key role in restricting the distributions of habitat specialist species, and that predation may reinforce this pattern by excluding specialists from certain habitats. By examining both local predation and regional dispersal, the study provides evidence that species distributions can be shaped by processes operating at multiple spatial scales.
1. The study examined the relative influence of local environmental conditions and regional spatial processes on the structure of aquatic plant communities in 98 lakes and ponds across Connecticut.
2. Using statistical analyses like partial canonical correspondence analysis and partial Mantel tests, the study found that aquatic plant community structure reflects both local environmental conditions like pH, water clarity, and depth, as well as regional spatial processes like dispersal.
3. While environmental conditions and spatial processes explained 27% of the variation in the plant community data, local environmental conditions accounted for 45% of the explained variation, and regional spatial processes like dispersal accounted for 40%, suggesting both play a role in structuring aquatic plant communities.
This study assessed the baseline water quality and ecology of 7 streams near Geneva Marsh in Crawford County, Pennsylvania before construction of a proposed tire burning plant. Land use in the watersheds was analyzed using GIS and remote sensing. Water quality parameters like phosphorous and macroinvertebrate communities were assessed. Results showed urban land use decreased phosphorous and agricultural land use decreased sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa. The 3 streams with the highest agricultural and urban land use (Towpath, Shafer Run, and Williams Run) were identified for further monitoring after plant construction.
Local human perturbations increase lakes vulnerability to climate changes: A ...Lancaster University
This document outlines a PhD proposal on assessing how local human pressures influence lakes' vulnerability and responses to climate change across Europe. The proposal involves meta-analyzing paleoecological data from 15 lakes around the Alps to compare responses of pelagic biological communities to climate change and determine if variability depends on local human pressures. The student will analyze diatom and cladoceran remains and photosynthetic pigments in sediments to compare community responses over time between lakes and quantify the influence of geomorphology and local human impacts. The supervisors are from INRA CARRTEL in France and CNR ISE in Italy.
Psammophilus dorsalis agamas were studied across urban and rural areas in India to understand how they persist in urban environments. The study found:
1) The agamas' diet in both areas was mainly composed of ants, indicating flexibility.
2) Dietary overlap was high between urban and rural populations (80.3%), and between males and females in each area (80-91%).
3) Surprisingly, urban agamas had higher body mass indices than rural ones, despite consuming a greater diversity and volume of prey in rural areas.
4) Males moved more in rural areas, likely due to higher energy expenditure, but all agamas managed to hunt enough in fragmented urban habitats.
To summarize, the document discusses broad-scale spatial patterns in biodiversity across the Earth. It notes that biodiversity is distributed heterogeneously, with some areas like tropical forests having high diversity and others like deserts having low diversity. A variety of global patterns have been explored, including hotspots and coldspots of diversity, how diversity varies with spatial scale and environmental gradients like latitude, altitude, and productivity. While species richness is most commonly analyzed, little is known about spatial variation in other measures of diversity. The document focuses on progress in understanding four key areas: latitudinal gradients in species richness, relationships between diversity and energy, relationships between local and regional diversity, and covariation in diversity across taxa.
OSJ 2019 : Practical Resilience Index for Coral Reef Assessmentanbiocore
This document proposes a new index for assessing coral reef resilience based on data collected from line-intercept transects. The index was modified from an existing soil resilience index. Six variables were statistically selected as resilience indicators: coral functional group, coral habitat quality, sand-silt cover, coral cover, coral small-size number, and algae-other-fauna cover. Maximum values of five variables were determined as the best state, while the maximum value of coral small-size number was determined from 1240 data sets of Indonesian reefs. The resilience index performed well in relation to changes in coral cover, algae-other-fauna cover, and sand-silt cover. Managers can use this tool to
This document outlines a research project called SoilBioHedge that aims to:
1) Determine how hedgerows and field margins can preserve soil biodiversity and help restore degraded soil structure and function in agricultural fields.
2) Study how landscape connectivity allows key soil organisms like earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi to disperse from hedgerows into fields.
3) Develop a predictive model of soil quality changes at field and landscape scales based on land use, management practices, and soil type.
Ecogeographical approaches to characterize CWR adaptive traits useful for cro...Txema Iriondo
This document discusses using ecogeographical approaches to characterize crop wild relative (CWR) adaptive traits that could be useful for crop adaptation. It describes how environmental conditions shape adaptive genetic diversity in wild plants through natural selection. An ecogeographical approach is proposed that uses climatic, edaphic and geographic data to predict patterns of adaptive genetic variation in plant germplasm collections. This approach is used to generate ecogeographical land characterization maps and characterize CWR collections. It allows for identification of geographic gaps, optimized CWR collection, and focused identification of germplasm strategies to select accessions most likely to contain desired genetic variation. Tools being developed include those for ecogeographical analysis, representation, characterization, core collection generation, and
Phyto climatic gradient of vegetation and habitat specificity in the high ele...Shujaul Mulk Khan
Phyto-climatic gradient and ecological indicators can be used to understand the requirements, long term management and conservation strategies of natural habitats and species. For this purpose phytosociological attributes were measured using quadrats along transects on different slope aspects across an elevation range of 2450-4400 m. The 198 recorded plant species were placed in five Raunkiaer life form classes among which the Hemicryptophytes (51%) dominate the flora of the study area followed by Phanerophytes and Cryptophytes (Geophytes) with 15 and 13% dominance respectively. Therophytes and Chamaephytes are represented by smaller numbers (12 & 10% each). The phyto-climatic gradient of the vegetation was evaluated using Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Phyto-climatic relationships show that Phanerophytes especially tree species are widely distributed on northern aspect slopes whilst shrubs are more dominant on southern aspect slopes. Woody plants are dominant at lower altitudes (2450-2800 m), with a much smaller proportion occurring at middle elevations (2800-3300 m) whilst higher (3300-3900 m) and highest elevations (3900-4400 m) are dominated mainly by hemi-cryptophytes and cryptophytes. Our findings further elucidate that vegetation changes gradually from moist-cool temperate Phanerophytic and Chamaephytic elements to dry-cold subalpine and alpine herbaceous Cryptophytic and Hemi-cryptophytic vegetation in the upper elevations. Assessment of life forms and ecological gradient provide a basis for more extensive conservation studies on biodiversity in mountain ecosystems. Our findings further advocate that the Naran Valley appears to be at a transitional floristic position bridging the contrasting moist and dry temperate zones of the Sino-Japanese and Irano-Turanian floristic regions.
This study examines morphological changes in threespine stickleback over eight generations following their transplantation from a large lake habitat with diverse predators to a smaller pond habitat lacking fish predators. Measurements of 20 defence and trophic traits were taken on stickleback collected from the source lake and transplant pond population between 1994 and 2009. Significant reductions were observed in several plate and spine traits, gill raker number and length, and increases in jaw length and eye diameter within eight generations - representing about one-third of the differences typically seen between natural lake and pond populations. These changes occurred rapidly and in the directions predicted based on the different predator regimes and food sources between the habitats. Both natural selection and phenotypic plasticity likely contributed to the
Water-related bird assemblages in an urban pond ‘archipelago’: Winter pattern...Maria Paola Di Santo
This study reports on the patterns of species occurrence, abundance and richness of a wintering water-related bird assemblage in an ‘archipelago’ of 70 small artificial urban ponds (AUPs) embedded in a metropolitan landscape (Rome, central Italy). A total of 20 species in 26 AUPs were sampled. Only the largest AUPs (>0.1 ha) contained all these species, except for Gallinula chloropus. The highest total mean species abundance was observed in the largest ponds, with statistically significant differences evident among size classes. Two significant spatial thresholds in species abundance and richness were observed (between 0.01 and 0.1 ha; between 0.1 and 1 ha in size). The abundance of single species was correlated with their frequency of occurrence. Ponds in urban areas must be larger than 0.1 ha to host a rich winter assemblage of birds, with a further increase in richness noted with a surface area larger than 1 ha. The highest number of species was observed in the larger ponds (>1 ha). The species richness of each AUP is directly correlated to their size (log-transformed species–area relationship: log S = 3.515 + 0.497 log A; R2 = 0.76). Further research should be conducted to confirm these patterns and to implement information useful for planning and management of artificial ponds in urban areas for this purpose.
This document summarizes a research project on understanding and enhancing soil ecosystem services and resilience in UK grasslands and croplands. The project will:
1) Survey paired natural and intensified agricultural sites across the UK to quantify impacts on soil biodiversity, ecosystem services, and resilience to climate change.
2) Use mesocosm experiments to test the resilience of soil biodiversity and functions to environmental change under different land management intensities.
3) Develop process-based and spatial models to scale relationships between soil biodiversity and ecosystem services under scenarios of environmental change.
Sustainable utilization and conservation of plant biodiversity in montane eco...Shujaul Mulk Khan
Background Conservation of the unique biodiversity of mountain ecosystems needs trans-disciplinary approaches to succeed in a crowded colloquial world. Geographers, conservationists, ecologists and social scientists have, in the past, had the same conservation goals but have tended to work independently. In this review, the need to integrate different conservation criteria and methodologies is discussed. New criteria are offered for prioritizing species and habitats for conservation in montane ecosystems that combine both ecological and social data.
Scope Ecological attributes of plant species, analysed through robust community statistical packages, provide unbiased classifications of species assemblages and environmental biodiversity gradients and yield importance value indices (IVIs). Surveys of local communities’ utilization of the vegetation provides use values (UVs). This review suggests a new means of assessing anthropogenic pressure on plant biodiversity at both species and community levels by integrating IVI and UV data sets in a combined analysis.
Conclusions Mountain ecosystems are hot spots for plant conservation efforts because they hold a high overall plant diversity as communities replace each other along altitudinal and climatic gradients, including a high proportion of endemic species. This review contributes an enhanced understanding of (1) plant diversity in mountain ecosystems with special reference to the western Himalayas; (2) ethnobotanical and ecosystem service values of mountain vegetation within the context of anthropogenic impacts; and (3) local and regional plant conservation strategies and priorities.
Mangroves provide important ecological functions as transitional zones, nurseries, and carbon sinks. However, they face threats from human activities like deforestation, development, and climate change impacts such as rising sea levels and temperatures. Mangroves help protect coastlines and support fisheries but over 20% have been lost in recent decades. While rising CO2 and temperatures may enhance mangrove growth, the current rapid rate of change leaves less time for adaptation and migration with the loss of coastal areas to development. Management is needed to balance human uses of mangroves with conservation to maintain their critical ecosystem services.
Analysis of Ecosystem Services in the Oaxacan Mixtec Region, (Tiltepec WatershedAgriculture Journal IJOEAR
The present work analyzes the sources of supply and regulation of ecosystem services (ES) in the Tiltepec watershed, Oaxaca, Mexico, specifically the production of fuelwood, water for human consumption, forage for domestic livestock, as well as regulation for runoff and sediments estimated with the MUSLE model (Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation), Random sampling points were defined according to the soil used and coverage, to determine production of fuelwood and forage. Firewood was evaluated in quadrants of 10 x 10 m for tree strata and 5 x 5 m for shrub strata. Forage production was determined with lines of 20 m and quadrants of 0.25 x 0.25 m to determine biomass and vegetation cover. Water supply was estimated with inflows from springs and the storage capacity of infrastructure works and water demand estimated with the current population and the maximum daily and hourly consumption. The estimated average fuelwood consumption was 1.4 kg person-1 day-1 for a total volume of 3,189.5 m 3. The estimated average forage yield was 856.6 kg ha-1 and a grazing coefficient of 13.9 ha animal unit (AU-1) , with a census of 171.7 AU. The springs produce a daily volume of 150.4 m 3 and the storage water capacity is 184.7 m 3 for human consumption and 718.5 m 3 for irrigation and recreational uses. With the MUSLE model, a reduction in runoff of 33.93% and 62.93% in specific degradation was estimated comparing the current scenario with that of 1984. The presence of ES in the Tiltepec watershed is essential to provide well-being to local people and regulation of erosion process through works, soil and water conservation practices. These will enable better provision of goods and services.
This research article examines how two endangered plant species in coastal sand dunes, Layia carnosa and Lupinus tidestromii, persist in different successional microhabitats (early vs. late stages). The researchers found both species had higher frequencies in early successional habitats. For L. tidestromii, plants in early successional microhabitats had higher projected population growth rates than those in late successional habitats, primarily due to higher recruitment rates in early successional microhabitats. The results support restoring natural disturbance regimes to allow persistence of endemic plant species in these ecosystems.
ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCES ON THE NATURAL ECOSYSTEM OF THE NARAN VALLEY IN THE ...Shujaul Mulk Khan
People derive many essential goods from plant resources, including food, medicines and fodder. However, the link between biodiversity and ecosystem services and their role in the support of human well-being is often poorly understood. Mountain ecosystems support a high biological diversity including rare and endangered plant species. They also provide a home to some 12% of the world's human population, who use their traditional ecological knowledge to utilise local natural resources. The Himalayas are the world's youngest and largest mountain range that supports a high plant biodiversity and hence provides many ecosystem services. Due to remote location, harsh climate, rough terrain and topography, many areas in the Himalayas have been still poorly known for their vegetation ecosystem services. The people in the Naran Valley, in the western Himalayas, depend upon local plant resources for a range of services and goods, from grazing for livestock to use of medicinal plants. During this study abundance and uses of each species were computed using computational ecology; principal components analysis (PCA) and response curves (RC) using CANOCO. The analyses showed an increasing trend of grazing, but with a decrease in fodder availability, with altitude increase in the valley. The assessment of such ecosystem services may assist in developing conservation strategies, especially for endangered mountain ecosystems.
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
ECOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND BIONOMICSEucalyptus Edge Effect on QEvonCanales257
ECOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND BIONOMICS
Eucalyptus Edge Effect on Quercus-Herbivore Interactions
in a Neotropical Temperate Forest
C HERNÁNDEZ-SANTIN1, M CUAUTLE1 , M DE LAS N BARRANCO-LEÓN2, J GARCÍA-GUZMÁN1, El BADANO2,
F LUNA-CASTELLANOS1
1Depto de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Univ de las Américas Puebla, Cholula, Puebla, Mexico
2División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
AbstractKeywords
Quercus , herbivory, edge effect,
Lepidoptera caterpillars
Correspondence
M Cuautle, Depto de Ciencias Químico
Biológicas, Univ de las Américas Puebla,
Cholula, Puebla, Mexico; [email protected]
hotmail.com
Edited by Martin F Pareja – UNICAMP
Received 18 June 2018 and accepted 26
April 2019
* Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil 2019
Fragmentation leads to the formation of edges between habitats, which in
turn changes biotic and abiotic factors that might influence herbivory or
plant-herbivory interactions. The aims of this study were to describe the
herbivory community associated with oak (Quercus) and to determine the
effects of proximity to a Eucalyptus edge and season on insect herbivory.
We selected three forest sites that were subsequently divided into three
quadrants located at different distances from the Eucalyptus edge: edge
(0 m), intermediate (30 m), and oak forest interior (60 m). We randomly
selected 10 oak trees per quadrant and conducted monthly surveys, during
the dry and rainy season (from February to October 2010), where we
quantified leaf area and the percentage of herbivory. These were analyzed
using linear mixed models, with distance and season as fixed factors and
individual and site as random factors. The primary oak herbivores were
Lepidoptera caterpillars. We found that herbivory increased away from
the edge but just during the rainy season, although higher herbivory levels
were found during the dry season. These results seem to be related to a
specialist community of herbivorous associated to the Quercus. This study
emphasizes the importance of considering border effect, especially within
Natural Protected Areas to establish strategies to improve and maintain
native oak forest and the biodiversity of its Lepidoptera herbivorous
community.
Introduction
Landscape modification due to anthropogenic activities (e.g.,
land conversion to agricultural or livestock) has resulted in
habitat fragmentation, one of the major threats for forest
conservation (Buckley 2000, Franklin et al 2002).
Fragmentation is defined as the disruption or breakdown of
large vegetation patches into smaller ones resulting in a dis-
continuity of resource distribution that affects species occu-
pancy, reproduction, and/or survival (Franklin et al 2002).
One of the important features of this phenomenon is an
increase in edge length relative to the forest area, particular-
ly in small habitat fragments (Laurance 1991, Laurance &
Yensen 1991, Murcia 1995, Laurance et al 2007, De
Carvalho ...
Status of seagrass ecosystem in Kauswagan, Lanao Del Norte and Laguindingan, ...Innspub Net
The study was conducted to determine the present status of seagrass resources of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte and compared this through time with secondary data. It employed the transect-quadrat methods. Perpendicular to the shoreline, three (3) 100-m transect lines at 200-m interval between each transect were laid. Seven seagrass species were recorded comprising 38.6% of the total number (19) of seagrass species found in the Philippines. The seagrass community in all sites surveyed showed that it is highly dominated by Thalassia hemprichii species. However, there were no significant differences in species richness and diversity based on single-factor ANOVA statistical analysis (p>0.5). The abundance of T. hemprichii could probably be due to the prominent characteristic of this species where it could grow well in different types of habitat with various environmental conditions. The condition of seagrass beds in both areas were fair and the low Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index of seagrass in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (H’=0.76±0.22) and in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental respectively (H’=0.40±0.35) indicate low stability in the community, which means that the condition of the seagrass ecosystem could be under threat, both from natural and anthropogenic activities. Over time, a fluctuating trend in species composition and a notable decline in seagrass species diversity and abundance have been observed in both areas. This present status calls an immediate response from the decision makers concerned for the sustainable management and conservation of the seagrass resources.
Biomasa microbiana del suelo un factor clave del suelo.pdfYamiLujan1
This document discusses soil microbial biomass as a key driver of ecosystem functioning. It makes three main points:
1. Soil microbial biomass plays a key role in ecosystem sustainability by maintaining essential soil functions and nutrient cycling. Larger microbial biomass results in higher ecosystem stability and ability to withstand disturbances.
2. Environmental drivers like climate, soil properties, vegetation composition, and land use influence patterns of microbial biomass across different ecosystem types. Nutrient-poor ecosystems rely more on microbial biomass as a nutrient reservoir.
3. Restoring degraded lands requires considering microbial activities and biomass development in response to environmental drivers. Mixed plantations can help recover lost microbial diversity and biomass faster than monocult
Chironomids (Diptera) as Model Organisms An AppraisalAtrayee Dey
This document discusses chironomids (non-biting midges) and their use as model organisms. Chironomids are abundant and diverse aquatic insects found globally. They are used as models in areas like cytogenetics, phylogeny, biogeography, and paleolimnology. As model organisms, chironomids provide insights into ecology, environmental changes, and aquatic food webs. Both larvae and adults impact ecosystems and humans, with larvae being an important food source but also occasionally pest species.
Climate change is negatively impacting wetlands and the birds that depend on them for habitat. [1] Wetlands are becoming degraded due to changes in precipitation and temperature. [2] Birds use wetlands for breeding and rely on their physical and biological attributes, but climate change is altering these habitats. [3] A case study from Nepal found that temperatures have increased 0.41°C per decade and precipitation has become more variable, negatively impacting wetland birds through changes to their food availability, water resources, living space, and increased invasive species.
Diversity of Soil Fauna and Ecosystem Function tariqulmasud12
Soils are natural resources of utmost. Importance for a number of ecosystem and biosphere processes such as plant production, cycling of organic matter and nutrients, storage of C and water, and release of nitrous oxides, CO2 and methane. Soil degradation, through various processes, is a matter of great concern, since their integrity is absolutely critical to increasing food production (FAO, 1995), and regulating atmospheric fluxes of greenhouse gases (Jenkinson, 199 1 ; Wallace, 1994).
The Role of Soil Organisms and Functions in different Coconut based Multiple ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract—Sampling was done in wet and intermediate zones represented by the Walpita and Makandura research centers, respectively. Eleven land use systems were considered for the study; coconut mono culture (CM), bare land (BL) and coconut multiple cropping. Under coconut multiple cropping, nine different intercrops were selected separately for each zones. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates (n = 3). The experiment was conducted under mature baring coconut (>20 years) plantation. Soil Macrofauna was sampled using one transect with three replicates at each land use type using quadrate size (30×30cm) from 0-30 cm depth and visible organisms were handpicked and preserved in 75% alcohol. Dilute plate technique and Spread plate technique was used to determine the soil micro organisms’ density. Those techniques were used to cultivate the fungi and bacteria under 〖10〗^(-2) and 〖10〗^(-5) dilution level respectively.
Research identified 12 classes (Crusteacea, Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Gastropoda, Acarina, Araneida, Scopionida, Chilapoda, Diplopoda, Amphibia, Reptelia) and 14 orders (Hemiptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Thysanura, Hymenoptera, Lepidotera, Orthoptera, Blattaria, Mantodea, Phasmida, Dermaptera, Isoptera, Siphonaptera, Thysanoptera) of soil organisms. Class insecta shows the high diversity with 14 orders. Colony forming unit (CFU) value of bacteria was higher than that of the fungi value. Findings of intermediate and wet zones’ studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may have high diversity, abundance and functional role of soil organisms. Both zones studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may increase soil moisture factor, respiration rate, biomass carbon content, organic carbon percentage, total nitrogen content, organic matter content and C:N ratio in 0-30cm depth other than the coconut monoculture systems. Overall data of two different zones indicated a significant positive correlation of soil organism diversity, abundance and their functional role with cropping systems. Those data can be used as a reliable basic bio indicator for payments for ecosystem services (PES). It supports to valorize the economic value of the ecological services returned by soil organisms.
1) The study assessed the effects of varying degrees of agricultural land use on benthic macroinvertebrate communities in 15 headwater streams in Jersey County, Illinois. Land use/land cover was calculated at the watershed, 150m buffer, and 50m buffer scales.
2) Family diversity and richness were low across all sites. A total of 20 taxa were identified, of which only 4 were EPT taxa. Hydropsychidae had a strong positive correlation with percent agriculture. Principal component analysis showed trends in macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups.
3) While common bioassessment metrics like biotic indices did not correlate well with land use, percent Hydropsychidae may be an effective metric for
This document summarizes a study on resource partitioning among large grazing herbivores in Mabula Game Reserve in South Africa. The study examined factors like body size, digestive strategies, grass quality, and habitat types that influence how different herbivore species partition resources. Field observations were conducted in the wet and dry seasons to record herbivore species, group sizes, and selected grass species. Grass samples were analyzed to determine nutrient quality. Preliminary results found high overlap between blue wildebeest and plains zebra, and high selection of Cynodon dactylon grass at old settlement sites by multiple species. Further analysis of habitat use and grass chemistry may provide insights into niche separation between herbivore species.
Article 'Response of moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) to livestock grazing in Mongolian rangelands' by Khishigdelger Enkhtura, Martin Pfeiffera, Ariuntsetseg Lkhagvaa, Bazartseren Boldgiva
This document provides a literature review on the effects of top predators on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. It discusses how top predators regulate trophic cascades and food webs through controlling prey populations. The loss of top predators like wolves and lynx in Germany has allowed herbivore populations to increase, impacting vegetation. Reintroducing these predators could help control ungulate numbers and damage. The document also examines factors that reduce top predator populations in human-dominated landscapes, such as habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with livestock.
Reptile Diversity in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape, South Cotabato, Philipp...Innspub Net
Reptiles are highly diversewith high percentage of endemism in the Philippines. However, reptile diversity in Mindanao, the second largest island in the country,is poorly known. To determine the species richness, diversity, endemism and conservation status of reptiles, this study was conducted from August to December 2013in six sampling sites of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), South Cotabato.Cruising methodwasdone in the six sampling sites of MMPL. Paleontological Statistics Software Package (PAST) version 3.06 was used to determine the biodiversity indices, similarity index, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Thirteen species of reptiles belonging to five families and 11 genera with percentage endemism of46.15% were documented. High species diversity of reptiles with more or less even distribution was recorded in MMPL. Among the sampled sites, sampling site 1, a disturbed lowland dipterocarp forest had the highest species diversityand endemism.Sphenomorphusvariegatus was the most abundant species. Tropidophoruspartelloi, the only Mindanao Island endemic species was only found in the disturbed and undisturbed montane forests. Most of the documented species were under the Least Concern status. Bray-Curtis cluster analysis showed that sites 2 and 5 had the highest similarity percentage (68%) while Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference between samples in disturbedand undisturbed sites. Threats to the reptiles of MMPL were observed to be the conversion of forest to farmland and hunting thus implying the need for protection of habitats and conservation of species in MMPL.
Effects of land use on E. coli and total coliformDouglas Anyona
Land use types have an effect on microbial contamination levels in the Mara River in East Africa. A study analyzed total coliform and E. coli counts at five sites with different land uses along the river. The urban site (Bomet Bridge) had the highest E. coli counts, while the swamp site (Kirumi Bridge) had the lowest. Overall, E. coli levels exceeded World Health Organization standards. Sections of the river near human settlements and inappropriate land uses generally had higher coliform bacteria levels, indicating potential point sources of fecal contamination. Managing land use and wastewater is important for controlling microbial contamination in the river.
Silvopastoral systems d_casaubon et al_peri et al eds_aaf 2016DanielSomma
This document provides information about silvopastoral systems in the Delta region of Argentina. It discusses the history and environmental characteristics of the Delta region, which includes temperate wetlands along the Paraná River. Silvopastoral systems that integrate tree plantations of species like poplar and willow with cattle raising have increased in the last 15 years. The document describes management techniques for these systems, including using wider spacing for tree planting to allow for a productive understory of grasses and establishment of cattle earlier without damage to trees. The goal is sustainable production of wood, forage, and beef through optimizing the balance between components of the silvopastoral system.
Similar to Do fine-scale factors shape the use of riparian galleries by carnivores in a Mediterranean agro-forested environment? (20)
Recycling and Disposal on SWM Raymond Einyu pptxRayLetai1
Increasing urbanization, rural–urban migration, rising standards of living, and rapid development associated with population growth have resulted in increased solid waste generation by industrial, domestic and other activities in Nairobi City. It has been noted in other contexts too that increasing population, changing consumption patterns, economic development, changing income, urbanization and industrialization all contribute to the increased generation of waste.
With the increasing urban population in Kenya, which is estimated to be growing at a rate higher than that of the country’s general population, waste generation and management is already a major challenge. The industrialization and urbanization process in the country, dominated by one major city – Nairobi, which has around four times the population of the next largest urban centre (Mombasa) – has witnessed an exponential increase in the generation of solid waste. It is projected that by 2030, about 50 per cent of the Kenyan population will be urban.
Aim:
A healthy, safe, secure and sustainable solid waste management system fit for a world – class city.
Improve and protect the public health of Nairobi residents and visitors.
Ecological health, diversity and productivity and maximize resource recovery through the participatory approach.
Goals:
Build awareness and capacity for source separation as essential components of sustainable waste management.
Build new environmentally sound infrastructure and systems for safe disposal of residual waste and replacing current dumpsites which should be commissioned.
Current solid waste management situation:
The status.
Solid waste generation rate is at 2240 tones / day
collection efficiently is at about 50%.
Actors i.e. city authorities, CBO’s , private firms and self-disposal
Current SWM Situation in Nairobi City:
Solid waste generation – collection – dumping
Good Practices:
• Separation – recycling – marketing.
• Open dumpsite dandora dump site through public education on source separation of waste, of which the situation can be reversed.
• Nairobi is one of the C40 cities in this respect , various actors in the solid waste management space have adopted a variety of technologies to reduce short lived climate pollutants including source separation , recycling , marketing of the recycled products.
• Through the network, it should expect to benefit from expertise of the different actors in the network in terms of applicable technologies and practices in reducing the short-lived climate pollutants.
Good practices:
Despite the dismal collection of solid waste in Nairobi city, there are practices and activities of informal actors (CBOs, CBO-SACCOs and yard shop operators) and other formal industrial actors on solid waste collection, recycling and waste reduction.
Practices and activities of these actor groups are viewed as innovations with the potential to change the way solid waste is handled.
CHALLENGES:
• Resource Allocation.
Climate Change All over the World .pptxsairaanwer024
Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the average weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It encompasses both global warming driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. While climate change is a natural phenomenon, human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have accelerated its pace and intensity
Evolving Lifecycles with High Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC) and 3-D...Joshua Orris
The incorporation of a 3DCSM and completion of HRSC provided a tool for enhanced, data-driven, decisions to support a change in remediation closure strategies. Currently, an approved pilot study has been obtained to shut-down the remediation systems (ISCO, P&T) and conduct a hydraulic study under non-pumping conditions. A separate micro-biological bench scale treatability study was competed that yielded positive results for an emerging innovative technology. As a result, a field pilot study has commenced with results expected in nine-twelve months. With the results of the hydraulic study, field pilot studies and an updated risk assessment leading site monitoring optimization cost lifecycle savings upwards of $15MM towards an alternatively evolved best available technology remediation closure strategy.
ENVIRONMENT~ Renewable Energy Sources and their future prospects.tiwarimanvi3129
This presentation is for us to know that how our Environment need Attention for protection of our natural resources which are depleted day by day that's why we need to take time and shift our attention to renewable energy sources instead of non-renewable sources which are better and Eco-friendly for our environment. these renewable energy sources are so helpful for our planet and for every living organism which depends on environment.
Presented by The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action at GLF Peatlands 2024 - The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action
Kinetic studies on malachite green dye adsorption from aqueous solutions by A...Open Access Research Paper
Water polluted by dyestuffs compounds is a global threat to health and the environment; accordingly, we prepared a green novel sorbent chemical and Physical system from an algae, chitosan and chitosan nanoparticle and impregnated with algae with chitosan nanocomposite for the sorption of Malachite green dye from water. The algae with chitosan nanocomposite by a simple method and used as a recyclable and effective adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from aqueous solutions. Algae, chitosan, chitosan nanoparticle and algae with chitosan nanocomposite were characterized using different physicochemical methods. The functional groups and chemical compounds found in algae, chitosan, chitosan algae, chitosan nanoparticle, and chitosan nanoparticle with algae were identified using FTIR, SEM, and TGADTA/DTG techniques. The optimal adsorption conditions, different dosages, pH and Temperature the amount of algae with chitosan nanocomposite were determined. At optimized conditions and the batch equilibrium studies more than 99% of the dye was removed. The adsorption process data matched well kinetics showed that the reaction order for dye varied with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity of the algae with chitosan nanocomposite toward malachite green dye reached as high as 15.5mg/g, respectively. Finally, multiple times reusing of algae with chitosan nanocomposite and removing dye from a real wastewater has made it a promising and attractive option for further practical applications.
Epcon is One of the World's leading Manufacturing Companies.EpconLP
Epcon is One of the World's leading Manufacturing Companies. With over 4000 installations worldwide, EPCON has been pioneering new techniques since 1977 that have become industry standards now. Founded in 1977, Epcon has grown from a one-man operation to a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative air pollution control technology and industrial heating equipment.
Microbial characterisation and identification, and potability of River Kuywa ...Open Access Research Paper
Water contamination is one of the major causes of water borne diseases worldwide. In Kenya, approximately 43% of people lack access to potable water due to human contamination. River Kuywa water is currently experiencing contamination due to human activities. Its water is widely used for domestic, agricultural, industrial and recreational purposes. This study aimed at characterizing bacteria and fungi in river Kuywa water. Water samples were randomly collected from four sites of the river: site A (Matisi), site B (Ngwelo), site C (Nzoia water pump) and site D (Chalicha), during the dry season (January-March 2018) and wet season (April-July 2018) and were transported to Maseno University Microbiology and plant pathology laboratory for analysis. The characterization and identification of bacteria and fungi were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. Nine bacterial genera and three fungi were identified from Kuywa river water. Clostridium spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Streptococcus spp., E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Shigella spp., Proteus spp. and Salmonella spp. Fungi were Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus complex and Penicillium species. Wet season recorded highest bacterial and fungal counts (6.61-7.66 and 3.83-6.75cfu/ml) respectively. The results indicated that the river Kuywa water is polluted and therefore unsafe for human consumption before treatment. It is therefore recommended that the communities to ensure that they boil water especially for drinking.
Optimizing Post Remediation Groundwater Performance with Enhanced Microbiolog...Joshua Orris
Results of geophysics and pneumatic injection pilot tests during 2003 – 2007 yielded significant positive results for injection delivery design and contaminant mass treatment, resulting in permanent shut-down of an existing groundwater Pump & Treat system.
Accessible source areas were subsequently removed (2011) by soil excavation and treated with the placement of Emulsified Vegetable Oil EVO and zero-valent iron ZVI to accelerate treatment of impacted groundwater in overburden and weathered fractured bedrock. Post pilot test and post remediation groundwater monitoring has included analyses of CVOCs, organic fatty acids, dissolved gases and QuantArray® -Chlor to quantify key microorganisms (e.g., Dehalococcoides, Dehalobacter, etc.) and functional genes (e.g., vinyl chloride reductase, methane monooxygenase, etc.) to assess potential for reductive dechlorination and aerobic cometabolism of CVOCs.
In 2022, the first commercial application of MetaArray™ was performed at the site. MetaArray™ utilizes statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and multivariate analysis to provide evidence that reductive dechlorination is active or even that it is slowing. This creates actionable data allowing users to save money by making important site management decisions earlier.
The results of the MetaArray™ analysis’ support vector machine (SVM) identified groundwater monitoring wells with a 80% confidence that were characterized as either Limited for Reductive Decholorination or had a High Reductive Reduction Dechlorination potential. The results of MetaArray™ will be used to further optimize the site’s post remediation monitoring program for monitored natural attenuation.
Enhanced action and stakeholder engagement for sustainable peatland management
Do fine-scale factors shape the use of riparian galleries by carnivores in a Mediterranean agro-forested environment?
1. International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-2, Issue-4, April- 2016]
Page | 59
Do fine-scale factors shape the use of riparian galleries by
carnivores in a Mediterranean agro-forested environment?
Filipa Grilo1
, Eduardo Ferreira2
, Sandra Alcobia3
, Luciana Simões4
, Margarida Santos-
Reis5
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-
016 Lisbon, Portugal
Abstract— Riparian galleries are key structural elements of Mediterranean landscapes and their importance for carnivores
has been widely demonstrated. However, humanization of the landscape has led to their degradation with consequences not
fully understood. In this study we assessed the response of mesocarnivores to the fine-scale variation in the quality of a
riparian gallery (Vale do Cobrão stream, central Portugal), evaluated on the basis of the QBR index (‘Qualitat del Bosc de
Ribera’ in spanish) and an adaptation of the same considering mesocarnivore ecological requirements. These were
represented through four parameters that could influence habitat quality for these species, namely refuge (total riparian
cover, cover structure), disturbance and food availability. For the latter we considered the known main food resources for
Mediterranean mesocarnivores: small mammals, lagomorphs, insects and fruits. Mesocarnivore use was evaluated through
camera-trapping and sign surveys. For both indexes a concordance was observed between quality variation and its use by
carnivores, and we also found a positive correlation between both indexes. The adapted QBR, being more laborious but also
more realistic, could serve as guidance for conservation practice at the local scale, benefiting both land managers
environmentally concerned, conservation practitioners and carnivore populations inhabiting humanized landscapes.
However, for spatially wider approaches the original QBR proved to be a good indicator for the presence of mesocarnivores,
being useful in the development of restauration or conservation strategies, as well as for research and monitoring activities
of carnivore guilds.
Keywords— Habitat quality, mesocarnivores, QBR Index, riparian systems, conservation management.
I. INTRODUCTION
The Mediterranean basin is considered to be a biodiversity hotspot (Médail and Quézel 1999), being a mosaic of natural and
cultural altered-landscapes, resulting from the long coexistence of human civilization and wild nature (Cuttelod et al. 2008).
These landscapes have been shaped by human activities for millennia (Naveh and Vernet 1991; Lavorel et al. 1998), yet,
more recently, they have been subject to increasing anthropogenic pressures and disturbances which have led to drastic
changes at the landscape level (Myers et al. 2000). Men actions, such as deforestation, cattle breeding, conversion of natural
systems in agro or planted forest systems, intensification of agricultural practices and road construction, have shaped and
transformed Mediterranean landscapes (e.g. Lepart and Debussche 1992; De Aranzabal et al. 2008; Geri et al. 2010), leading
to the decline of many species of both the floral and faunal communities, and its replacement for a smaller number of exotic
and expanding ones, a process known as biotic homogenization (e.g. McKinney and Lockwood 1999). This
anthropogenization of the landscape has shown negative impacts on biodiversity, especially important in areas where the
management is not adequate, and does not equally affect all landscape components.
Agriculture, lodging, fire and livestock grazing are the main drivers of deforestation and forest degradation (e.g. Hosonoma
et al. 2012), impacting a significant part of the land’s surface, but other side effects are also reported. This is the case of
riparian galleries, which are unique and key structural elements in the landscape, maintaining regional biodiversity (e.g.
Naiman et al. 1993, Ferreira et al. 2005). Established normally along river margins, forming dense patches of vegetation
adapted to water and soil fluctuation dynamics (Naiman and Décamps 1997), they serve multiple roles, including the
regulation of temperature and light regimes (Naiman and Décamps 1997), water provision (Malanson 1993; Naiman and
Décamps 1997), nutrient retention (Jacobs et al. 2007), refuge for species (Sabo et al. 2005), provision of food and conditions
for the reproduction of many animal species (Matos et al. 2009; Pereira and Rodriguez 2010), acting also as movement and
dispersal corridors (Machtans et al. 1996; Burbrink et al. 1998), providing connectivity between isolated habitat fragments
(Beier and Noss 1998; Santos et al. 2011). In regions of semi-arid climate, as some found in the Mediterranean, riparian
galleries are the only habitat that remains less human intervened at the large scale (Virgós 2001a; Matos et al. 2009; Santos et
al. 2011), holding high biodiversity levels (Sabo et al. 2005) considering their small land area (Naiman and Décamps 1997).
2. International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-2, Issue-4, April- 2016]
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The response of wildlife to riparian corridors has been investigated by many authors, in different environmental contexts and
for diverse animal taxa, from invertebrates (e.g. Da Silva et al. 2011), to amphibians and reptiles (e.g. Suazo-Ortuño et al.
2011), birds (e.g. Bennett et al. 2014) and mammals (e.g. Sullivan et al. 2014).
The conservation value of these linear habitats for carnivores in human-altered landscapes has also been highlighted (Virgós
2001b; Santos-Reis et al. 2004; Maiorano et al. 2006; Matos et al. 2009; Pereira and Rodriguez 2010), having been
demonstrated that species richness and abundance is quite higher in riparian corridors, compared to an intervened matrix
(Virgós 2001a; Matos et al. 2009), being also higher in conserved galleries than in degraded ones (Hilty and Merenlender
2004).
Although mammalian carnivores can persist in several habitat types, they are particularly sensitive to anthropogenic impacts,
due to their vast spatial requirements and low population densities (Sunquist and Sunquist 2001). This makes them
particularly vulnerable to human persecution and susceptible to changes in the structure and dynamics of their habitats
(Schonewald-Cox et al. 1991; Hargis et al. 1999), being largely affected by habitat destruction and fragmentation (Schaller
1996). Their position at the top of the food chain, and impact on different human activities such as agriculture, hunting and
livestock raising (Reynolds and Tapper 1996; Treves and Karanth 2003, Baker 2008), make conservation and management
actions especially important.
Climate change projections for the Mediterranean, indicating a heat stress intensification (e.g. Diffenbaugh et al. 2007),
makes riparian zones the only places where water and water-dependent resources can be found and therefore key landscape
elements for carnivores (Virgós 2001a; Matos et al. 2009). Their association with these habitats is further explained by the
inherent patchiness of the landscape (Schonewald-Cox et al. 1991; Hargis et al. 1999) and its seasonally variable resources
(Rosalino et al. 2005; Loureiro et al. 2009).
Considering the importance of these habitats for carnivores (Pereboom et al. 2008; Pereira and Rodriguez 2010), and
assuming that some of the ecological processes that affect more significantly populations and communities operate at local
spatial scales (Huston 1999; Soto and Palomares 2015), species richness and abundance can vary depending on the
availability of local resources, vegetation structure and size of the habitat patch (Wiens 1989; Dunning et al. 1992). For
conservation purposes, it is therefore important to fully understand the factors driving carnivores’ use of riparian ecosystems.
The importance of riparian quality at landscape (Malanson 1993; Virgós 2001a) and regional (Naiman et al. 1993) scales
have been demonstrated but, to our knowledge, carnivore response to variation in quality at the stream level was never
investigated.
Considering that riparian galleries can have different ecological quality, A. Munné and collaborators (Munné et al. 2003)
developed an index of riparian quality (QBR - ‘Qualitat del Bosc de Ribera’ in Spanish), to evaluate, in a expedite way, the
quality of these habitats, regarding their physical and biological characteristics, namely the vegetation composition.
However, the construction of this index and the derived management recommendations for riparian galleries, have been
focusing on the importance of maintaining these systems at landscape level, not having yet analysed their importance and
management needs at local level (Hilty and Merenlender 2004; Matos et al. 2009). Their foliage is supported by the high
availability of water, and therefore man-made actions resulting in irregularities in the flow have negative impacts, for both
riparian habitat (Salinas et al. 2000), as for its associated biota, including mammalian carnivores (Matos et al. 2009).
In this study we compared riparian ecological quality variation with the use made by carnivores, predicting that species
occurrence and intensity of use is related to its fine-scale quality. We further tested if the QBR index developed by Munné et
al. (2003 – hereafter termed as original QBR), and an adaptation of the same based on carnivore ecological requirements,
may be used as prompt indicators of the occurrence of carnivores, serving as a guide for land managers and conservation
practitioners.
II. METHODOLOGY
2.1 Study area
This study was conducted between June 2012 and June 2013, at Charneca do Infantado (hereafter only termed Charneca) in
Companhia das Lezírias, S. A., the largest agro-forestry farmstead in Portugal (Fig. 1). Located on the left margin of the
Tagus River, 40 km northeast of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, the Charneca is characterized by a typically Mediterranean
climate, with dry and warm summers and wet and cold winters. It represents a managed agro-silvo pastoral system, mostly
covered by cork oak woodlands (approx. 67%), which are also important for cattle production, interspersed with forest stands
3. International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-2, Issue-4, April- 2016]
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of pine trees and agricultural fields (e.g. olive yards, corn) (Gonçalves et al. 2009). The area stands over poor and shallow
soils, with drainage problems.
Taking into consideration the extensive management the matrix is subjected to, the riparian zones constitute one of the few
natural (or less disturbed) habitats in the area. Due to the above referred conditions, most waterways are small, have an
intermittent regime and are highly disturbed, being Vale do Cobrão stream, the only waterline with relatively large width,
regular flow and vegetation integrity in most of its extension, being selected for this study (Fig. 1).
Flowing three kilometers inside the farmstead, Vale do Cobrão runs east to west, being delimited upstream by a small dam
and downstream by rice fields. It has undergone restoration actions in the past, including the plantation of white poplars
(Populus alba) on its banks (Correia and Mexia 2011), now forming a riparian gallery that encompasses the riverbed itself,
which varies from narrow to wide, the riverside and the floodplain, with smoothed out slopes being seasonally subject to
flooding (Ribeiro et al. 1987; Santos 2013). Besides the planted poplars, the tree layer is dominated by willows (Salix sp.)
and a dense shrub stratum, mostly consisting of brambles (Rubus ulmifolius), which often fully occupy the space adjacent to
the watercourse (Gonçalves et al. 2009).However, selective cut of riparian vegetation is still in place to extend grazing area,
thus creating heterogeneity at the fine-scale and varying riparian ecological status.
2.2 Field sampling scheme
Field surveys involved the fine-grained assessment of the variations in riparian quality of Vale do Cobrão, along 2500 m of
extension, and the quantification of the intensity of use by carnivores, considering five sampling sections of 500 m each.
2.2.1 Assessment of the riparian gallery’s quality
Each sampling section was divided in five consecutive transects (100 m each), used for the characterization of the riparian
vegetation applying the QBR Index (Munné et al. 2003) and calculating its four parameters: total riparian cover – percentage
of tree’s canopy and connectivity with the surrounding woodland area; cover structure – percentage of trees and shrubs;
cover quality – number of native tree’s species and native tree continuity; channel alterations – related with anthropogenic
actions. Each section’s score was obtained by averaging the result of the five transects analysed. As explained by the QBR
authors, grasses were excluded of this index due to their annuity and their variable cover.
Considering the requirements of carnivores, not fully expressed in the QBR index, an adaptation was proposed and calculated
for the same five sections and also considering four parameters: total riparian cover, cover structure, disturbance factors and
FIGURE 1: LOCATION OF COMPANHIA DAS LEZÍRIAS IN PORTUGAL (SQUARE) AND VALE DO COBRÃO
STREAM (CIRCLE).
4. International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-2, Issue-4, April- 2016]
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food availability. Both total riparian cover and cover structure were assessed in transects of 100 m and then averaged for the
entire section, while the remaining two were assessed per section. Cover percentage of trees and shrubs, was considered due
to their importance for the provision mostly of shelter but also food for carnivores (Mangas et al. 2008), and further valued
by the width of the riparian zone, assuming that thicker galleries, with dense vegetation, are more attractive for carnivores
(Santos et al. 2011). Herbaceous plants were not considered for not being key features for carnivores (Schmitz et al. 2000).
Considering the referred preference of these mammals for large corridors of shrubs (Gittleman and Harvey 1982; Santos et
al. 2011), for the second parameter, we considered the existence of extensive shrub patches, considering the percentage of
cover by continuous shrubs in 100 m, in comparison with empty spaces or isolated shrubs, and then averaging for each
section. The existence of trees with holes in each section was also scored due to the arboreal habits of some Mediterranean
carnivores that find refuge in these natural features (e.g. Santos-Reis et al. 2004).
Considering that human disturbance is known to influence the presence and abundance of mesocarnivores (Sunquist and
Sunquist 2001), for the third parameter, we considered three factors acting in the study area and known to negatively
influence carnivores: i) proximity to grazing areas, due to biotic homogenization (Pita et al. 2009; Gonçalves et al. 2012) and
deleterious effects on small mammals, indirectly influencing carnivores due to predator/prey bottom-up effect (Moreno-
Rueda and Pizarro 2010); ii) flooding risk, due to the geomorphological characteristics of the area (Santos 2013),
contributing to the inundation of the floodplain (Naiman and Decamps 1997) and consequently affecting the availability of
shelter and food (Klinger 2006; Moreno-Rueda and Pizarro 2010; Golet et al. 2013); and iii) distance to the nearest road path,
due to the avoidance of some carnivores of crossing open land (Virgós and Garcia 2002), its dependence of a structurally
diverse vegetation (Galantinho and Mira 2009), the risk of being killed by other animals (Palomares and Caro 1999) and the
risk of collision with vehicles, considering each section as being under road’s influence if closer than 50 m from the path.
Regarding food availability, we included the four resource categories most frequently referred in the diet studies of
mesocarnivores in Mediterranean landscapes (e.g. Santos-Reis et al. 2004; López-Martin 2006; Santos et al. 2007; Rosalino
and Santos-Reis 2009) – small mammals, rabbits, insects and fruits, information locally validated through the analysis of
collected and genotyped scats.
Food resources sampling was performed seasonally due its phenological variation (Rosalino et al. 2005). For small
mammals, 20 folding traps (H. B. Sherman Traps, Inc.–Tallahassee, USA) were placed in a line in each section, with a trap
spacing of 10 m, alternating a small trap (LFATDG–8x9x23 cm) with a large one (XLF1500–10x11x38 cm) to maximize the
capture of different species; trapped animals were individually marked with a combination of fur clips (Gurnell and
Flowerdew 2006) and their relative abundance calculated using the Pounds index (1981), that relates captures with capture
effort. For rabbits, we counted latrines (> 20 droppings within a 20 cm radius – Virgós et al. 2003) along a path parallel to the
stream; existing latrines were cleared prior to the first sampling event and relative abundance was expressed as the number of
latrines per km (IKA – Index of Kilometric Abundance, Vincent et al. 1991). Insect sampling was done by placing a line of
four pitfalls per section, that remained operative eight days on site; pitfalls were spaced two meters apart and protected by a
plastic plate to prevent the effect of rain and debris, and a mixture of cooler liquid and water was used to preserve the
captured individuals. Only insects of Coleoptera and Orthoptera orders were counted once these are the most consumed by
carnivores (López-Martin 2006; Santos et al. 2007). For fruits, an inventory was conducted along each sampling section and
all individuals producing fruits known to be consumed by carnivores were counted; relative abundance was then calculated,
according to their fruitification season. For index purposes, in this parameter, we attributed a partial score (from 1 to 5),
according to the minimum and maximum relative abundance found for each food category, being its final score the sum of
the four partial ones, representing the section quality in terms of food availability.
For both indexes, each parameter could vary between 0 and 25. However, the 25 points could be exceeded, due to the extra
scores considered, being in these cases, attributed the maximum score. The final QBR scores were calculated through the
sum of the values found for each criteria considered, varying between 0 and 100. For further details see the form in annex.
2.2.2 Assessment of the riparian gallery’s use by carnivores
To assess riparian gallery use by mesocarnivores two field methods were employed: camera-trapping and sign surveys
(Wilson and Delahay 2001; Lyra-Jorge et al. 2008).
Ten Bushnell® Trophy Cam Digital scouting camera UV562, equipped with motion sensors and infrared night lighting, were
placed along the riparian vegetation of Vale do Cobrão, 250 m apart from each other (two per section), aiming to record the
presence of terrestrial mesocarnivores inhabiting the area: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), stone marten (Martes foina), badger
5. International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-2, Issue-4, April- 2016]
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(Meles meles), Egyptian mongoose, (Herpestes ichneumon) and genet (Genetta genetta). Otters (Lutra lutra), also present in
the area, were not considered in this study due to their aquatic lifestyle. Five of the 10 used cameras were in place since the
summer 2012, 500 m apart from each other (one camera per section) and other five cameras were field-placed in the autumn
2012 to increase detection rate. Cameras were inspected every two weeks and the percentage of frequency of occurrence
(%FO) of each mesocarnivore was calculated (Kelly and Holub 2008); results of the two cameras were summed to find the
%FO per section. To minimize data replication single captures of the same species where only considered if a 30min (same
camera) or 60min (two cameras) interval was registered, unless more than one individual could be clearly distinguished
(Davis et al. 2011).
For the sign surveys, the 2500 m length of the stream margin was searched for counting and collecting carnivore scats with a
dual purpose: species molecular identification and analysis of food resources consumed. Prior to effective sampling a
previous round allowed the elimination of old scats. Molecular analysis followed the protocol of Fernandes et al. (2008)
using the red fox’s molecular marker, due to its known abundance in the area (Gonçalves et al. 2009) and conspicuous scats,
deposited in easily detectable sites (Brown et al. 2004). Scat analysis, for dietary purposes, was performed using a standard
protocol (e.g. Reynolds and Aebischer 1991; Rosalino et al. 2005) and available species identification keys (e.g. mammalian
fur - Pinto 1978; Teerink 1991) or guides (e.g. insects - Chinery 1997), complemented with reference collections.
2.3 Data and statistical analyses
Due to the reduced number of replicates, and the unavoidable spatial autocorrelation, data was analysed on the basis of
descriptive statistics. Using chi-square test (χ2) we tested differences between scat sample sizes in the different sections.
Non-parametric correlations (Spearman) were calculated between the adapted QBR and the frequency of use by carnivores,
and between both indexes (original and adapted). Statistical tests were performed in StatSoft STATISTICA 10 Inca software
and GraphPad Prism 6. For all tests statistical significance was accepted for probability values lower than 0,05.
III. RESULTS
Considering the original QBR, sections 1 and 5 presented the highest ecological quality, while section 2 was the most
disturbed (Table 1). Section 5 was also the one that demonstrated to better fulfill carnivore ecological requirements, while
section 3 almost consistently scored lower values (Table 2). The adapted QBR consistently scored less than the original index
and no agreement was found for the two indexes when referring to lowest quality section.
3.1 Assessment of the riparian gallery’s quality
Both QBR indexes revealed variations in the quality of the riparian gallery along the different sampling sections.
In the original QBR, after considering the four analysed parameters, we concluded that the first parameter, total riparian
cover, varied the most among sections. Sections with the lowest score in this parameter presented the lowest final scores, and
therefore, worst habitat qualities (Table 1).
The same did not applied for the adapted QBR, as variations were found in all parameters, including the one referring to food
availability (Tables 2 and 3). In this index, the parameters that varied the most between sections were cover structure and
disturbance factors. No evident seasonal variations were found.
TABLE: 1
ORIGINAL QBR INDEX FINAL SCORES, FOR EACH OF THE FOUR PARAMETERS CONSIDERED, FOR THE FIVE
SAMPLING SECTIONS.
Total riparian cover Cover structure Cover quality Channel alterations Total
Section 1 17 16 25 25 83
Section 2 1 16 25 23 65
Section 3 5 18 25 25 73
Section 4 15 19 22 25 81
Section 5 15 19 24 25 83
6. International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-2, Issue-4, April- 2016]
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The graphical comparison between the scores obtained with the original QBR and the mean scores of the adapted QBR
illustrates that, for all sections, the first consistently scored higher that the second, over-valuing its quality (Fig. 2). Also,
concordance is shown between sections with the highest scores for both QBR’s, but not between sections with the lowest
scores. Nevertheless, the original QBR was positively correlated with the adapted one (rs=0.87; p-value 0.05; N=5).
TABLE 3:
MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, PER SEASON, OF SMALL MAMMALS, INSECTS,
LATRINES OF LAGOMORPHS AND INDIVIDUALS OF FRUIT TREES, CONSIDERING THE FRUITIFICATION
SEASON OF EACH FRUIT SPECIES.
TABLE: 2
ADAPTED QBR INDEX SCORES FOR EACH OF THE FOUR PARAMETERS CONSIDERED, FOR THE FIVE
SAMPLING BUFFERS. IN THE PARAMETER “FOOD AVAILABILITY” THE FINAL SCORE OF EACH SEASON IS
SHOWED, ALONG WITH THE MEAN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
Summer Autumn Winter Spring
Diet items Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max
Small mammals 65,97 200,87 84,46 127,42 85,71 296,35 25,32 230,70
Lagomorphs 0,4 6,4 0 1,2 0 0,4 0 0,4
Insects 0,12 0,36 0 0,38 0,09 0,36 0,05 0,55
Fruits 86 114,4 3,2 66,8 0 8,8 0 0
Total riparian
cover
Cover
structure
Disturbance
factors
Food availability
Total
Summer Autumn Winter Spring Mean
Section 1 25 21 5 20 13 12 10 13,75 64,75
Section 2 22 15 5 20 13 13 11 14,25 56,25
Section 3 15 4 5 14 9 9 6 9,5 33,5
Section 4 25 13 10 21 13 15 11 15 63
Section 5 25 5 25 14 10 9 12 11,25 66,25
FIGURE 2: MEANS AND STANDARD DEVIATION OF THE FINAL SCORES OF BOTH INDEXES: IN GREY, THE
ORIGINAL QBR; IN BLACK, THE ADAPTED QBR (CONSIDERING FOUR SAMPLING SEASONS FOR THE
FOURTH PARAMETER).
7. International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-2, Issue-4, April- 2016]
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3.2 Assessment of the riparian gallery’s use by carnivores
During the study period, with a camera-trapping effort of 366 camera-trapping nights, 5279 photographs of mesocarnivores
were registered, and 62 scats were collected.
All the most common five species of terrestrial mesocarnivores known to inhabit the study area (Gonçalves et al. 2012) used
Vale do Cobrão riparian gallery, but the intensity of use among sections varied, as demonstrated by the results of both
methods.
Camera-trapping results show that, as expected, the red fox was the species most frequently captured (52% of total
independent captures), with a significant variation in the intensity of use among sections (Fig. 3). Sections 1, 4 and 5 had the
highest number of photos (n=1179; n=1128; n=1056, respectively) and also of scats collected (n=14; n=23; n=14,
respectively), while sections 2 and 3 had the lowest numbers, both for photos (n=915 and n= 1001) and scats (n=4 and n=7).
Also, the results showed significant differences for the number of scats found for sections 1 and 3, 3 and 5 (χ2
=4,60; p=0,032
for both), and 3 and 4 (χ2
=8,53; p=0,004). We did not considered section 2, for having less scats than the minimum
considered for the test (n=5).
Based on the contents’ analysis of the collected scats, evidence was found of a higher consumption of insects (FO=65%),
fruits (FO=63%) and mammals (FO=58%), both small mammals (FO=47%) and rabbits (FO=22%), validating the selected
food resources considered for evaluating the fourth parameter of the adapted QBR. To a much smaller extent, birds
(FO=5%), reptiles (FO=3%) and crayfish (FO=3%), were other resources consumed and therefore considered as occasional
food sources.
The molecular identification of the collected scats indicated that 34% were from red fox, confirming, along with the referred
camera-trapping results, the higher intensity of use, and presumed higher abundance, of this species in the study area.
3.3 Riparian gallery quality vs. carnivore’s use
Considering the results of both QBR indexes, the riparian sections with the highest quality were those more intensively used
by carnivores, both considering the camera-photographs and the number of scats. However, results did not show a fully
agreement between both indexes, once section 2 had the lowest score in the original QBR, despite of showing a high number
of carnivore occurrences. Inversely, considering the adapted index, the poorest quality sections had also the lowest number of
scats and camera-photographs. When considering all seasons, the adapted QBR scores were positively correlated with the
mesocarnivore’s %FO either considering the camera-trapping results (rs=0.34; p-value 0.14; N=20) or the number of scats
collected (rs=0.56; p-value 0.01; N=20).
IV. DISCUSSION
Our study confirmed that most terrestrial mesocarnivore species known to inhabit the study area (Gonçalves et al. 2009) used
the studied riparian gallery, being in lign with previous research in other Mediterranean areas (Virgós 2001a; Santos-Reis et
FIGURE 3: FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE (%) OF MESOCARNIVORES, ESTIMATED BY CAMERA-TRAPPING,
IN EACH OF THE FIVE SAMPLING SECTIONS OF VALE DO COBRÃO STREAM (VV= VULPESVULPES; MM =
MELESMELES; HI = HERPESTES ICHNEUMON; GG = GENETTAGENETTA; MF = MARTESFOINA).
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Page | 66
al. 2004; Santos and Beier 2008; Matos et al. 2009; Pereira and Rodriguez 2010), but improving our knowledge on how use
intensity relates with habitat quality.
Large scale factors have been widely considered when studying carnivore species or communities (Oehler and Litvaitis 1996;
Barea-Azcón et al. 2007), but here we were able to demonstrate a variation in the intensity of use of carnivores when
considering different and contiguous sections of the same riparian gallery and its quality. Results therefore support our initial
hypothesis that fine-scale quality factors do shape the use of these corridors by carnivores, in a Mediterranean agro-forested
environment, due to several factors that include the physical characteristics of the stream and the gallery itself (width and
road proximity), differences in resource availability along its extension (availability of food and shelter) and the structural
complexity of the gallery (riparian cover).
For both QBR indexes, a consistent relation was observed between sections with better habitat quality and a more frequent
presence of carnivores. However, the original QBR resulted in considerably higher scores than the adapted one, overstating
the composition and structure of the vegetation found at each location.
The adapted QBR, driven by the requirements of carnivores, presented a more realistic approach, due to the incorporation of
factors that are known to influence the choice of habitat by these species (Sunquist and Sunquist 2001; Mangas et al. 2008;
Santos et al. 2011), being a better indicator of the habitat quality for carnivores.
In this index calculations, data analysed varied seasonally and correlations calculated for each season were non independent.
However, these variations did not contribute to the variance of the scores found in the adapted QBR, due to a compensation
when considering a decrease (or increase) in the abundance/consumption of a group, by an increase (or decrease) of another
group, as shown in several other studies (Fedriani et al. 1999; Rosalino et al. 2005; Rosalino and Santos-Reis 2009).
The positive correlation between the original and adapted QBR indexes, despite the limited statistical significance (most
probably due to the small number of replicates), suggests a clear trend in the association between the indexes. If confirmed, it
could enable the large-scale application of the original QBR as a good habitat quality indicator for mesocarnivores,
supporting this paper’s complementary hypothesis.
This study presents a more structurally complex approach, when compared with past studies that did not considered
carnivore’s specific requirements (Hilty and Merenlender 2004; Matos et al. 2009; Santos et al. 2011), including the variety
of food resources chosen and validated through scats’ analysis. However, we suggest the application of the adapted index in a
larger spatial context, increasing the number of replicates to better support the working hypothesis. Including areas with
different characteristics, e.g. contrasting quality matrixes and/or non-Mediterranean landscapes, would further increase the
study’s interest for land managers and conservation practitioners.
In the area analysed, riparian habitats are essential for the studied species, in view of the current land use and management
options of the Charneca (Gonçalves et al. 2009; Santos 2013). The demonstrated relevance of a fine-scale approach shows
that proper management includes the necessity of promoting not only the existence of these habitats, but also their quality,
once shown that their degradation influences its use by carnivores. Thus, we believe that this study provides important clues
for proper management and planning of agro-forested areas, being also useful in defining research and monitoring actions of
carnivore guilds in humanized landscapes.
V. CONCLUSION
Considering the current growth of the world’s human population, that leads to an increasing need for food production areas,
riparian zones are of extreme importance for providing adequate habitat for many species, carnivores included, and for long-
term sustainability of agro-forestry systems. With a fine-scale functional approach, we concluded that better habitat quality
of riparian vegetation translates in a higher use by carnivores, evidence that, if confirmed at a larger geographic extent, could
endorse that actions of preservation and enhancement of riparian systems along the stream, at a local level, would certainly
benefit the conservation of Mediterranean landscapes.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This study was performed under the frame of a Business and Biodiversity protocol established between Companhia das
Lezírias. S.A. (www.cl.pt) and the ‘Instituto de Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas’ (ICNF). We thank the
Administration Board of CL for the financial aid, Eng. Rui Alves (Coordinator of the Forestry and Natural Resources
9. International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-2, Issue-4, April- 2016]
Page | 67
Department) for promoting biodiversity studies and providing management data and logistical support, and the technical staff
and the foresters for the invaluable help during field work.
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ANNEX: FIELD SHEET
Score of each part cannot be negative or exceed 25
QBR Index: Adaptation to the
requirements of carnivores
Section
Date
Parameter 1: TOTAL RIPARIAN COVER
Score Category
25 ≥ 80% of riparian cover
10 50−80% of riparian cover
5 10−50% of riparian cover
0 <10% of riparian cover
Extra score
15 Width of the riparian gallery higher than 30 meters
10 Width of the riparian gallery between 20 and 30 meters
5 Width of the riparian gallery between 10 and 20 meters
1 Width of the riparian gallery lower than 10 meters
Parameter 1 final score
Parameter 2: COVER STRUCTURE
Score Category
25 ≥ 80% of extensive shrub matrix
10 50 - 80% of extensive shrub matrix
5 10 - 50% of extensive shrub matrix
0 <10% of extensive shrub matrix
Extra score
5 With trees with holes
− 5 Without trees with holes
Parameter 2 final score
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Parameter 3: DISTURBANCE FACTORS
Score Category Factor(s)
25 Area without disturbance Without influence of any factor
10 Moderately disturbed areas With influence of one of the factors
5 Slightly disturbed areas With influence of two of the factors
0 Very disturbed areas With influence of all factors
Parameter 3 final score
Parameter 4: FOOD AVAILABILITY
Score
Category
Small mammals Lagomorphs Insects Fruit trees
5 ≥ 200 ≥ 15 ≥ 9 ≥ 100
4 150 - 200 10 - 15 6 - 9 75 - 100
3 100 - 150 5 - 10 3 - 6 50 - 75
2 50 - 100 1 - 5 1 - 3 25 - 50
1 < 50 < 1 < 1 < 25
Attributed score for
each item
Parameter 4 final score
Final score: