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- Climate warming will affect the range dynamics of East Asian Meehania
species: a maximum entropy approach-
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Abstract: Abstract Global climate change is among the major anthropogenic factors impacting species distribution, with significant conservation implications. Yet, little is known about the effects of climate warming on the distributional shifts of East Asian species. In the current study, we used the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) to determine present and possible future habitats for five Meehania species occurring in the East Asian region. Our objectives were to assess how climate change would influence the species’ habitat under current and future climate scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5). The mean area under the curve ranged between 0.896 and 0.973, while the TSS values for all species varied between 0.811 and 0.891. The modelled current habitat of the species corresponded with the recorded distribution localities, confirming the model’s robustness. Analysis of variable contribution demonstrated that the distribution of the species had differential environmental requirements; however, isothermality, precipitation of driest month, and elevation variables were among the main influential variables. Based on present climatic conditions, the projected habitat suitability maps showed a total of 662,846.0 to 2,039,180.1 km2 as suitable regions for the distribution of Meehania species. In addition, there was a substantial loss in habitat range under future climatic scenarios for all the species. While the East Asian region is rich in biodiversity, more attention should be given to its management conservation. The current findings provide a scientific foundation for the conservation of Meehania and other species’ habitats in the region. PubDate: 2024-06-10 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00351-y
- Predation of a neonate caiman, Caiman latirostris (Daudin, 1802) by red
fire ants Solenopsis sp. in Atlantic Forest, North-eastern Brazil-
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Abstract: Abstract Ants of the genus Solenopsis are highlighted as the potential nest predators of many crocodilian species. During a study on the aspects of the natural history of the broad-snouted caiman in a protected area of Atlantic Rainforest in Pernambuco, North-eastern Brazil, a predation event was documented during nest visiting activities related to reproduction monitoring. The predation of a Caiman latirostris neonate by red fire ants Solenopsis sp. was observed, a dead neonate C. latirostris hatchling was found partially out of its shell, soon after hatching, still in the nest and covered in red fire ants. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00337-w
- Periodic flooding and edaphic factors shape Erythrina fusca dominance in
riparian forests in the Pantanal wetland-
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Abstract: Abstract Monodominant woody species are frequent in the Pantanal. Monodominant forests of Erythrina fusca (Fabaceae) occur in Northern Pantanal, but little is known about the environmental factors that influence this dominance. This work investigated the relationship between flooding and soil characteristics and the E. fusca monodominance. We hypothesized that the dominance of E. fusca is mainly associated with extended flooding periods and lower soil fertility, factors frequently related to monodominance. We sampled 16 sites within the study area of 115 km2. We sampled three 50 × 5 m vegetation plots in each site, for species composition and abundance in multispecies forests and E. fusca monodominant forests. Soil samples were taken in each plot, and the duration of flooding was determined. We performed Canonical Correspondence Analysis and Regression Trees to verify the variation of species composition along environmental gradients and to identify which environmental factors influence this monodominance. We observed that flooding is the main factor driving E. fusca dominance, where higher flooding duration led to higher dominance. Further, the dominance of E. fusca is related to low soil fertility and higher concentration of sulfur and organic matter, than multispecies forests. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that dominance of E. fusca is associated with high flooding regimes with low soil fertility, which together act as a strong filter for other riparian forest species, thus favoring the dominance of E. fusca. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00335-y
- Plant population mapping and quantitative assessment of peri-urban
vegetation of Ranchi, eastern India-
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Abstract: Abstract The composition of species, as well as their population and regeneration status of tree species, provide an important ecological foundation for assessing the current state and rate of ecosystem degradation. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the plant species composition with population and regeneration status of the 40 different tree species in peri-urban vegetation of Ranchi, eastern India using 52 belt transects each of 0.10 ha. A total of 58 different plant species of 49 genera and 26 families were recorded with the majority (86%) of native Indian origin species. The 14% of exotic origin species included dominant invasives in herb, shrub, and tree layers viz., Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze. (2949 ind. ha−1), Lantana camara L. (1667 ind. ha−1), and Acacia mangium Willd. (33 ind. ha−1), respectively. On the other hand, 59% of the total plant species were IUCN Red-listed including Endangered (Tectona grandis L.f.), Near Threatened (Aegle maremlos (L.) Corrêa), Data Deficient (Mangifera indica L.), and Least Concern (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC). Total adult tree density and basal cover were 541 ind. ha−1 and 24.93 m2 ha−1, respectively and Shorea robusta C.F.Gaertn. was the most dominant tree (295 ind. ha−1) recorded in the majority of the studied patches (87%) where adult tree density (ind. ha− 1) ranged from 10 to 1520 with a mean of 363 ± 49 (SE) signifying that the majority of the studied urban vegetation was Sal dominated forest patches. The total density of tree seedlings (22,627 ind. ha−1) was highest in the studied peri-urban vegetation of Ranchi followed by total tree saplings density (2677 ind. ha−1) and adult tree (GBH ≥ 10 cm) density (541 ind. ha−1) signifying good regeneration status (density of seedlings > saplings > adults) of the peri-urban vegetation of Ranchi. was the most common human disturbance observed in 31% of the total studied patches. No regeneration of 56% of the total tree species, the prevalence of human disturbances in the 48% studied patches, and the occurrence of invasives in all three layers of vegetation in the studied peri-urban vegetation signify the ongoing biotic and abiotic pressure on the survival of different plant species at various growth stages. Besides, the predominance of plant species of rare and very rare occurrences (56.9%), IUCN Red-listed (59%) with a total of 84% native Indian origin species demonstrated the importance of the studied peri-urban vegetation and warrants for immediate conservation measures to protect it from further depletion. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00342-z
- Avian frugivory and seed dispersal in Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and
Alocasia odora-
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Abstract: Abstract Frugivores and seed dispersers are important in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems. Yet, these agents receive less attention, in particular from ubiquitous or garden-cultivated species like Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and Alocasia odora. Despite extensive ecological studies carried out across the distribution regions of both species in tropical and subtropical, the only known disperser of A. paeoniifolius is the bird-of-paradise that was reported from Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, there are reports of Pycnonotus and Eudynamys being the dispersers for both wild and cultivated Amorphophallus in India. Despite this, the frugivores and dispersal agents for both A. paeoniifolius and A. odora, in general, are not known and may be different in other parts of the world. In this study, I set up camera traps at five sites (two for A. paeoniifolius and three for A. odora) between 2017 and 2019 at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden to observe the frugivores and dispersal agents for these two ubiquitous cultivated aroid species. Apart from morphological observations on the infructescence of A. paeoniifolius and A. odora, the size of berries were measured and number of seeds per berry were counted. Six frugivores (Pycnonotus aurigaster, Copsychus saularis, Alophoixus pallidus, Niltiva davidi, Orthotomus sutorius, and Pycnonotus jocosus) were identified as potential dispersal agents, attracted to the colourful, succulent, and smaller (< 2 cm) berries. Pycnonotus aurigaster visited both A. odora and A. paeniifolius. The latter four frugivores visited A. paeniifolius, whereas P. jocosus visited only A. odora. All frugivores demonstrate endozoochory, and consumed the entire berries without showing any peculiar behaviour patterns. The berries are red-yellowish on ripening, with an average size of 1.63 cm ± 0.23 cm × 0.88 cm ± 0.19 (L × W) for A. paeniifolius, and 1.04 ± 0.09 cm × 0.67 ± 0.09 cm for A. odora. This study provides insight into how frugivores may depend on and connect to their regions of distribution as well as the distributions of plant taxa. Similar studies could be comparatively expanded into different distribution localities of A. paeoniifolius and A. odora for a wider understanding of their relationship linkage to the dispersal agents. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00340-1
- Diversity of reproductive phenology of trees in the tropical evergreen
forest of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India-
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Abstract: Abstract The present paper describes the phenological pattern of 73 tree species from tropical zone of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANIs), India. The study exhibits two flowering peaks (dry season and wet season) among the studied tree species. The dry season peak flowering was immediately followed by peak fruiting during pre-monsoon dry period just prior to onset of wet season. Peak flowering in March was significantly correlated with changes in temperature, this synchronized flowering in the dry season also affects the insect’s floral visits on the plant. Ripening of fruits during early wet season may offer post dispersal advantage for seeds to germinate and thereby ensuring offspring survival. The finding indicates that both temperature and rainfall strongly influence the seasonality in reproductive phenology of trees of this archipelago. The study supports the “optimal time of reproductive phenology” and suggests that a strong seasonality exists with respect to reproductive phenology (flowering and fruiting) in tree species of tropical evergreen forests of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00326-z
- Performance evaluation of canal irrigation system at the tertiary level of
Upper Ganga Canal using remote sensing-
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Abstract: Abstract This study underscores the critical importance of assessing the performance of the Upper Ganga Canal (UGC) and its minors, Harchandpur and Naserpur. The UGC serves as a lifeline, providing water for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes in the region, making it vital for food security, rural economies, and environmental sustainability. The uniqueness of this study lies in its comprehensive evaluation of the efficiency of UGC using a multifaceted approach, encompassing meteorological data, field observations and remote sensing. The monetary aspects of the irrigation system performance, which were often ignored in previous studies, have also been included in this study. The study, conducted from 2012 to 2018, assesses various performance indicators. The findings reveal that the capacity of UGC to meet peak irrigation requirements highlights the potential for increased crop production. However, it also demonstrates a concerning decreasing trend in the availability of water, driven by rising non-agricultural water demands. Several performance indicators, such as relative irrigation supply (RIS), relative water supply (RWS), depleted fraction (DF), and crop water deficit (CWD), expose inefficiencies in the system, especially during the sugarcane growth period. Despite supplying ample water, sugarcane exhibits a water deficit, possibly due to the annual maintenance closure of the UGC. This calls for a revision of irrigation scheduling to address changing agricultural practices. Future research can expand this work to include climate change impact assessment, economic analyses, advanced technologies, and socio-economic factors. In summary, this study provides critical insights into the performance of UGC, highlighting the need for modernization and equitable water distribution to meet evolving agricultural demands while addressing the challenges of decreasing water availability and the changing climate. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00324-1
- Land uses shifts the abundance and structure of soil biota and soil
chemical traits in tropical ecosystem, Apodi Plateau, Brazil-
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Abstract: Abstract Land uses may shift soil biota community composition, and soil chemical traits. Our aims were to assess if the land uses may influence the soil biota community composition and soil chemical traits; if there are differences into soil biota biomass as influenced by land uses; and what are the plant-soil feedback among the land uses, soil biota, and soil chemical traits. We have collected soil samples and extracted soil biota individuals from four different land uses (e.g., natural ecosystem, conventional farming system, agroecological farming system, and fruticulture). Our results have revealed that land uses have influenced soil biota abundance (from 59.0 to 210.12 ind. trap− 1 in the natural ecosystem and fruticulture system, respectively), richness (from 6.5 to 10.5 in the fruticulture system, and natural ecosystem, respectively), diversity (from 1.01 to 1.75 in the conventional farming system, and natural ecosystem, respectively), dominance (from 0.52 to 0.71 in the natural ecosystem, and conventional farming system, respectively), and its biomass. The studied land uses have decreased the soil organic carbon when compared with the natural ecosystem (5.75 g kg− 1). SOC, soil pH, Olsen’s available P, Mg2+, K+, and Na+ were the main factors contributing to the variance of the samples accounting for 78% of the data variance. The results of our study highlight the importance of considering land uses as key factors influencing soil biota community and soil chemical traits. Thus, long-term experiments considering land uses (e.g., conventional farming system, fruticulture, and agroecological farming system) may exploit negative effects of land uses on soil biota abundance on the one hand, while positive effects on soil chemical traits on the other hand. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00338-9
- Conservation management of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) W. J. de Wilde (Fabaceae)
using ecological niche modeling-
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Abstract: Abstract Considering the medicinal and conservational significance of Saraca asoca, the present study employed three different geographical ranges for building ecological niche models. The vifstep procedure detected multicollinearity among 10 out of 19 predictor variables. The selected subset included mean diurnal range, isothermality, mean temperature of wettest quarter, mean temperature of driest quarter, annual precipitation, precipitation of driest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter, and precipitation of coldest quarter. The performances of machine learning and regression approaches were compared. Machine learning algorithm RF outweighed all other algorithms in performance. Following RF, model algorithms viz., Maxent, BRT, GLM, FDA, and Bioclim performed better in the declining order. Machine learning algorithms performed better than regression and profile-based approaches. The weighted average of True skill statistic was used to develop ensemble models. Potential habitats in native and introduced ranges in present and future conditions were identified. Introduction potential in unintroduced areas where herbal medicines were in greater use was also assessed. With rise in emissions, range of S. asoca may prefer an eastward expansion in native range and northward expansion in Andaman Nicobar Islands. If S. asoca is planted in recommended potential ranges in African and Latin American continents, eastward expansion in West Africa and westward expansion in Latin America may occur if temperature rises. The present study could develop a robust evidence-based hypothesis for ecologists, conservationists, herbal medicine manufactures, government agencies, and forest departments at national/international level to establish plantations for growing S. asoca. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00329-w
- Impacts of climate change on the distribution of Phyllanthus emblica Linn
across Southeast Asia: identifying critical variables that determine the distribution of a medicinally important tree-
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Abstract: Abstract The demand for the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica, an important tree species with a long history of medicinal use, has risen tremendously in recent years. The rapid decline in the distribution of the species can be attributed to habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, extensive harvesting, and various other anthropogenic disturbances. In the present study, we modelled the potential habitat distribution of Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry) across Asia. The current and future climatic scenarios are predicted using Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) and the latest climate model Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP). The model constructed using Representative Concentration Pathway had the mean value of Area Under Curve (AUC) 0.970 and 0.975 for the Shared Socio-economic Pathway. The study indicated that some of the highly suitable habitats in Asia could become unsuitable and climatic variables combined with human activities could significantly impact species distribution in near future. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00331-2
- Dendrochronological studies in the western Himalaya: opportunities,
challenges and prospects-
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Abstract: Abstract Numerous studies involving tree rings have been conducted in the Himalayas on a wide variety of species for paleoclimate reconstructions. Each species responds differently to precipitation and temperature variability in different ecological settings. Therefore, an improved understanding is required to reconcile the mechanisms behind the different responses of tree growth with changing climate regimes. The review is focused primarily on the studies undertaken in the field of dendrochronology in the western Indian Himalayan region (WIH) and explores the relationships between climate and forest response. The study embraces a dual strategy by surveying the literature of tree-ring studies conducted in WIH and using metadata to synthesize results and their global implications. Our review reveals that 553 years (A.D. 1452–2004) long tree-ring chronologies from high altitudes in WIH have indicated anomalous higher tree growth in the recent past strongly associated with warming trends over the region. Correlation and response function analysis between tree-ring widths and climatic parameters have shown a significant negative correlation with pre-monsoon March–April–May (MAM) temperature and a positive correlation with precipitation during the same period in the region influenced mainly by Indian summer monsoon (ISM). However, a positive correlation with winter months’ temperature has also been observed owing to the availability of water from snowmelt due to increased warming trends. Of all the potential datable tree rings, Cedrus deodara was the most studied tree species followed by Pinus spp. while Betula utilis was the least studied. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00336-x
- Investigating leaf gas exchanges of common trees in two urban parks with
different periods of establishment in Bangkok, Thailand-
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Abstract: Abstract For sustainable management of urban forests, information regarding species-specific responses of urban trees is essential to determine suitable trees for planting and to maintain the existing trees amid the worsening climate. One approach is to study plant growth and water use and their changes with weather variations in various tree species and sites. Here, we measured leaf photosynthesis (A), transpiration (E), and stomatal conductance (gs) of Samanea saman, Tabebuia rosea, and Millingtonia hortensis, which were found in a new and an old park in Bangkok. Additionally, we investigated how these parameters and water-use efficiency (WUE), the ratio between A and E, varied with atmospheric conditions, represented by leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit (VPDLA). Results indicated decreasing gas exchange rates with increasing VPDLA in all species, signifying stomatal closure under drying air. In all cases, changes of A and E with VPDLA were similar to those in gs, except for E of T. rosea in the new park that showed no response. Of all species, only M. hortensis displayed similar response patterns with VPDLA across sites, implying its capacity to adapt to various settings. Interestingly, regardless of the periods since establishments of the parks, WUE of these species responded similarly to VPDLA. This finding may imply that, regardless of their sizes, these trees may retain the capacity of carbon dioxide absorption provided the same unit of water use, despite the changing climate. Nevertheless, further investigations involving more species and sites with various periods since establishment should be performed to confirm these results. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00343-y
- Distribution patterns of meiofauna and free-living nematodes in beaches of
a remote tropical South Atlantic Island (Trindade, Brazil)-
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Abstract: Abstract Characterizations of meiofauna, as well as of Nematoda assemblages, are rare in oceanic islands due to logistical difficulties and, until now, no study on the vertical distribution of this fauna has been conducted in these environments. Therefore, this study shows vertical distribution patterns in the meiofauna community and Nematoda assemblage on two beaches with different sediment characteristic (volcanic and carbonate) of Trindade Island, a remote oceanic island in the Atlantic Ocean. Samples were collected in December 2014 at Príncipe and Portugueses beaches in three intertidal zones (high, mid-, and low) at two sedimentary column depths (0–10 and 10–20 cm). Overall, meiofauna was comprised of seven major groups, with Oligochaeta (57%) and Nematoda (12%) as the most abundant. Higher density and richness of meiofauna and Nematoda assemblage were found at Portugueses beach with the carbonate sediment. Nematoda assemblage was mainly comprised of non-selective deposit-feeders, with a total of 27 genera and 12 families; Cyatholaimidae and Xyalidae were the most abundant and had the highest diversity. Composition and density of meiofauna and Nematoda assemblage showed similar vertical distribution where the surface layer (0–10 cm) presented lower densities. Sediment characteristics (grain size, sorting, and composition) were primarily responsible for the regulation of the structure and distribution of meiofauna and Nematoda assemblage in Trindade Island beaches. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00322-3
- Phytophilous macroinvertebrate assemblages in Nigeen lake of Kashmir
Himalaya-
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Abstract: Abstract Macroinvertebrate assemblages associated with six aquatic macrophyte species were investigated in Nigeen Lake of Kashmir valley, Jammu and Kashmir. Across the lake surface, four locations were selected for collection of the aquatic macrophytes. The macrophytes were collected in plastic bags, labelled, and brought to laboratory for further analysis. The samples were sieved using a 0.5 mm mesh, sorted, and identified. During the study period, 18 macroinvertebrate species were recorded from 6 macrophytes. The macroinvertebrates belonged to eight families, seven orders, and extend over three phyla, viz.: Mollusca, Arthropoda, and Annelida. Phylum Arthropoda comprised of highest number (11) of species, followed by Mollusca (4), and Annelida (3). Maximum number of individuals was found attached to Myriophyllum verticillatum (75 ind./m2), Potamogeton crispus (71 ind./m2), Trapa natans (60 ind./m2), Potamogeton natans (57 ind./m2), Ceratophyllum demersum (38 ind./m2), and least for Potamogeton lucens (19 ind./m2). Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data resulted in two principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues > 1, explaining 86% of variance. Investigation of the factor loadings of macroinvertebrate assemblages linked with aquatic macrophytes on the first two PCs of the dataset revealed that relationship exhibit habitat gradients potentially affecting associated macroinvertebrates. The study demonstrated that macroinvertebrates differed with different vegetation types in terms of both density and diversity, and that plant structure plays a significant role in determining this variation. Macroinvertebrate communities benefit from increased macrophyte productivity. The study concludes that the certain taxa of macroinvertebrates are more comfortable to the high pollution loads and nutrient enrichment in the Nigeen lake. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00341-0
- Digital hemispherical photographs and Sentinel-2 multi-spectral imagery
for mapping leaf area index at regional scale over a tropical deciduous forest-
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Abstract: Abstract The leaf area index (LAI) provides valuable input for modeling climate and ecosystem processes. However, ground-based observations are necessitated across various phenophases from dense tropical forests for a better understanding in terms of their contribution to carbon fixation. In this study, Digital Hemispherical Photography (DHP) was used for LAI observation from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, and to predict high-resolution LAI using Random Forest Machine Learning approach. Observations were taken from ninety-three Elementary sampling units (ESUs) corresponding to the beginning and end of leaf fall seasons across moist deciduous, dry deciduous, and semi-evergreen forests. LAI demonstrated high values for dry deciduous, followed by semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests for the start of the leaf fall season, whereas moist deciduous forests demonstrated high values during the end of the leaf fall season. Satellite-based spectral reflectance bands of Sentinel-2 and vegetation indices (VIs) were used as predictor variables, wherein the band-7, band-8, band-12, enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and Red-edge based EVI were evaluated as the most dominant responsive variables for LAI estimation. Random Forest (RF) model provided good accuracy (R2 = 0.64, RMSE = 0.62) with observed DHP-based LAI. However, a comparison of RF model-based predicted LAI with global LAI products (MOD15A2H and VNP15A2H) provided a moderate correlation. Such studies demonstrate the potential of site or region-specific case studies to evaluate coarser-resolution global LAI products for possible improvement. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00327-y
- Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity associated with an endangered
species, Chamaecyparis formosensis, in the nature habitat-
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Abstract: Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are keystone species in the terrestrial ecosystem. Application of AM fungi play a critical role in forestry or ecological restoration. Chamaecyparis formosensis is endemic to Taiwan and threatened by habitat loss and over-cutting. How to protect and increase their populations has become an important issue to be addressed. An efficient ecological strategy was to applicate native mycorrhizal community for afforestation programs, such as mycorrhizal inoculation in the seedling stage. Therefore, it is important to know the native AM fungal community associated with C. formosensis. In this study, we investigated the diversity of AM fungi associated with C. formosensis along an altitudinal gradient (1200–2500 m) in their natural habitat by observing and identifying the spores from soil. A total of 1071 spores belonging to 26 AM fungal species were isolated and identified. AM fungal species diversity and spore density were not correlated with the altitude of the study sites. However, spore composition of AM fungi changed responding to area and altitudes significantly. Acaulospora laevis, Sclerocystis rubiformis and Acaulospora morrowiae distributed widely and were especially abundant occurring in 35.0%, 21.0% and 8.9% of all spores, respectively. Acaulospora koskei prefer the medium and high elevation whereas Acaulospora mellea prefer low elevation. The diversity of AM fungi associated with C. formosensis along an altitudinal gradient was presented. This data provides avenues for the protection and cultivation of C. formosensis in different area and elevations. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00339-8
- Multi-decadal land transformation in South-Western Punjab, India: a case
study using geospatial techniques-
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Abstract: Abstract Analysing land transformation and its driving factors is of utmost importance for the optimal land use planning for development at grassroots level. The south-western zone of Punjab, India is vulnerable in terms of adverse climatic conditions, problem of sand dunes, water logging and brackish ground water for irrigation. Therefore, it was felt imperative to understand the long term land use land cover dynamics in the intensively cultivated region of south-western Punjab having more than 80% area under agriculture. The objective was to study and analyse the conversion of agricultural land to urbanization, industrialization, and other classes, which is of significant concern to food production and security. Change detection for last two decades (2000, 2010 and 2020) was carried out using Landsat archive data to observe distinct land transformation. An increase has been observed in the agricultural land from 86.60 to 88.96% during 2000–2010 whereas it decreased to 87.38% during 2020. In contrast, the area under settlement shows a gradual increase i.e. 4.43, 6.22, 7.57% for 2000, 2010 to 2020, respectively indicating major conversion of agricultural and wastelands to this category. Further, reduction of wastelands from 6.82 to 2.03 to 1.4% can be attributed to ameliorative measures taken up by the government and farmers. The waterlogged areas showed the extent as 1.24%, 1.09%, and 2.0% for 2000, 2010 and 2020, respectively. The results of this study can be effectively utilised to alter the land use practices and policies for south-western region of Punjab, as the study area represents the similar ecological conditions of the entire region. PubDate: 2024-05-29 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00357-6
- Predation, but not herbivory, declines with elevation in a tropical
rainforest-
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Abstract: Abstract Naturally, insect herbivore populations are controlled by their plant hosts and predators. These ‘bottom-up’ and ‘top-down’ controls influence leaf area lost to herbivory. Bottom-up control of herbivory may be driven by leaf nutrients and plant defences. Top-down control can be driven by abundance and species richness of natural enemies, host or prey specificity, and predation strategies (e.g., active searching or sit-and-wait ‘ambush’ predation). The relative importance of bottom-up and top-down controls is unresolved but likely to vary spatially and temporally and under different environmental conditions such as changing temperature. We surveyed leaf carbon and nitrogen, leaf area loss, and attacks on plasticine caterpillars across a tropical elevational gradient in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Provence, China. We show that predatory foraging activity decreases with elevation and temperature, whereas leaf nutrients and leaf area loss from herbivory remains more or less constant. Predation patterns were driven by ants, which are thermophiles and therefore more active, abundant, and diverse at warmer, lower elevations. Leaf nutritional values are important in driving herbivory patterns as herbivory was stable across this gradient, but other factors such as mechanical defences and herbivore-induced plant volatiles demand further study. Elevational studies provide insight into how ecosystem function will shift under climate change. As increasing temperatures following climate change allows predatory groups like ants to exploit higher elevations, top-down control in high elevation habitats could increase, resulting in re-wiring of these ecologically sensitive communities. At the same time, top-down control at lower elevations may be at risk if critical thermal maxima for natural enemies are exceeded. PubDate: 2024-05-29 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00346-9
- A checklist of invasive plants of Gorakhpur district: terai region of
eastern Uttar Pradesh-
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Abstract: Abstract Biological invasion is the second most important threat to biodiversity and consequently is a cause of great concern for the ecology and economy of the invaded community. Documentation of invasive plants in a region is crucial as it provides the baseline information for future research and management activities. In this study, we have produced an annotated checklist of the invasive alien plants of Gorakhpur district in the Terai region of Eastern Uttar Pradesh based on field observation, existing literature, and herbarium consultation. A total 58 alien plants species are listed, belonging to 25 angiosperm families of which 15 alien species are invasive having high impact, 37 alien species are naturalized having moderate impact and 6 alien species are casual having low impact over ecological communities. All the invasive plants are not equally problematic and spread across the district while some of them viz. Ageratum houstonianum Mill., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Abh., Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob., Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze., Mikania micrantha Kunth Nov., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Pontederia crassipes Mart., Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn., Lantana camara L., are spread in most parts of the district and they are capable of spreading into the protected areas of this region. The present study is based on firsthand field observations, and provides a detailed and recent checklist of invasive species of Gorakhpur district. Therefore, this information can help researchers and policymakers to develop effective management strategies. PubDate: 2024-05-15 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00345-w
- Rainy season decreases ground-dwelling ant richness, but increases the
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Abstract: Abstract The structure of biological communities is strongly driven by climatic conditions (e.g. seasonality) and local factors (e.g. habitat structure). In particular, seasonality affects local communities by altering resource availability and their frequency over seasons, limiting the establishment of many taxa locally. Simultaneously, local conditions (e.g. canopy height), alter the availability of nesting and foraging sites, leading to changes in local patterns of diversity. We hypothesize that rainfall decreases ground-dwelling ant richness and increases species turnover, because the heterogeneity of resources decreases with rainfall affecting ant species activity. Moreover, canopy height should enhance ant richness and beta diversity. Our sampling method involved four primary linear transects, each spaced 100 m apart. Within this framework, we established a grid of 16 collection points for pitfall-trap installation, spaced 200 m from each other while maintaining a minimum distance of 50 m from any forest border. An analysis of covariance was conducted, examining the influence of seasonal variation (dry versus rainy periods) and canopy height (CH) on ant richness and beta diversity components (turnover and nestedness). This 12-month study was conducted in a tropical relictual mountain forest in Northeastern Brazil. Our results partially supported our hypothesis, showing that an increase in rainfall led to a decrease in ant species richness and an increase in the difference in species composition (nestedness) between seasons. Additionally, CH was found to decrease species richness, total beta diversity, and turnover, with no discernible impact on nestedness. In conclusion, our results suggest that seasonal changes and canopy height might play crucial roles in shaping ant community assembly and foraging activities in tropical forest enclaves within the Caatinga biome. PubDate: 2024-05-15 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-024-00344-x
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