2010 Conference - Poster abstracts
Download the entire 2010 Book of Abstracts here.
Conservation implications of species concepts for South African Strychnos
Adekunle Adebowale
University of KwaZulu-Natal School of Biological & Conservation Sciences, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa Email:Adekunle.Adebowale@wits.ac.za
Species concept remains an intractable subject in systematic biology and the way a group of individuals is circumscribed into taxonomic categories can have conservation implications for that group. Here I examine how the definition dictates the number of recognised taxa within South African Strychnos; an underutilized group though vital source of food and medicine. A combination approach of ITS2 secondary structural attributes and geographic distribution patterns suggests an increase in the number of taxa. The study further underscores the role of habitat diversity in the speciation process and proposes the incorporation of spatio-temporal information into the species equation.
Impacts of local exploitation on edible oyster conservation in Pendjari protected area, Benin
Akele Giraud David
Hydrobiology & Aquaculture Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), POBox: 01 BP 526, Cotonou/ BENIN. Email: akeldav@yahoo.fr
Pendjari River (Benin) hosts many freshwater bivalves. One, Etheria elliptica (Lamarck, 1807), is harvested by local people as traditional food without any recorded scientific data. The main conservation question is to know whether local exploitation threatens the future of edible oyster’s stocks. Random and systematic sampling method was used. At each sampling site, oyster density and biomass were recorded using a quadrat (1x1m²) with 6 replicates points. Data show a strong reduction of abundance. Mean density and mean biomass respectively decrease from 25 oysters/m² and 2 kg/m² (2008) to 8 oysters/m² and 0,9kg/m² (2009) with an increasing local pressure.
Assessing pollution and river recovery processes of the middle catchment of the Densu River, Ghana.
Edmund Kyei Akoto-Danso
Department of Environmental Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 67, Legon – Accra and International Water Management Institute, PMB CT 122, Cantonments – Accra, Ghana
Email: Kydanso07@yahoo.com
The Densu River and its tributaries serve as a source of water for domestic and industrial purposes. It also serves as a source of income and livelihood for many of the rural inhabitants in the basin. The study aims at understanding the contributory factors that drive pollution in the river basin through the monitoring of water quality, assessing key sources of pollution and the river processes taking place that allow mitigation of these impacts; in order to make recommendations for the purposes of water resources management. It is expected to suggest mitigating measures to conserve the resources in the river basin.
A Microbial Approach to Conservation and Climate Change: The Roseobacter Story.
Ankrah Nana Yaw Darko
Department of Microbiology, M409 Walters Life Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996-0845 USA. Email:nankrah@utk.edu
Traditional approaches to conservation have for the most part ignored the role microbes play in alleviating some of the persistent challenges in environmental conservation which current methods have failed to solve. Roseobacters are an abundant group of marine microbes that harbor the genetic potential to alleviate pervasive conservation and climate problems through their metabolic activities. BLAST was used to search for genes on the Roseobacter genomes sharing homology with genes known to be involved in lignin and hydrocarbon degradation. Verification of relevant metabolisms in cultivated strains suggests the feasibility that viable commercial quantities may be produced and marketed on a large scale.
Selective logging and avifaunal densities: the case of a moist semi-deciduous forest in southwest Ghana
Nathaniel Annorbah
Ghana Wildlife Society, P. O. Box GP 13252, Accra. Email: niidjan2000@yahoo.com
To examine implications of selective-logging for avifauna of a moist semi-deciduous forest, 102km of surveys were performed on 16 500-meter-long fixed-width line-transects in three logged areas and an unlogged control. Regeneration periods for logged areas were 1, 10 and 20 years and logging intensities 5.50, 5.75 and 2.25 trees ha-1 (mean=4.5), respectively. Strong correlation occurred between logging intensity and disturbance to vegetation (r2=0.905, p<0.05). Distance-sampling data analysis performed on 3,641 detections from 19 bird-species to determine densities. Densities of forest-interior species tended to decrease 10 years post-logging but recovered reasonably 20 years on. Forest-generalists in contrast showed post-logging density augmentations
The effects of experimental warming on flower production and physiology of 24 fynbos species
Judith Lize Arnolds
South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Private Bag X7, Calermont, 7735, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. Email:j.arnolds@sanbi.org.za
Plants use several environmental inputs in adapting their flowering to a particular season of the year. Information of these environmental controls of flowering is important for production in commercial horticulture and is also significant for assessing whether or not a species is threatened by an environmental change such as global warming. It is known that high night temperatures cause floral abortion. The parameters of flowering phenology focus on the onset and duration of flowering and on synchrony amongst individuals as would occur in nature through global warming. The question of the present investigation is: To what extent would increased temperature interfere with the requirements for flowering and with the physiology of the fynbos in the Western Cape.
The effect of cereal-legume intercropping on predator - prey interactions
Khalid Asiry
Centre for Agri-Environmental Research (CAER), School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Earley Gate, PO box 237, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AR.
Email: k.asiry@reading.ac.uk
Predator – prey dynamics and their capacity to deliver pest control ecosystem services was investigated when winter wheat (200 kg ha-1) was intercropped with faba beans (40 kg ha-1), and when winter wheat (200 kg ha-1) was growing alone during May to July 2009. Field cages were built up to consider the impact of two generalist invertebrate predators: Larvae of Adalia bipunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and adult of Tachyporus hypnorum F. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) on the population size of the rose-grain aphid Metoplophium dirhodum Walk (Homoptera: Aphididae). The results reveal that there was evidence of functional synergy between A. bipunctata and T. hypnorum to reduce aphid population in intercropping system. This synergistic interaction between predators in this system was also found to result in increased primary productivity. Although the effects of the intercropping regime on the underlying mechanisms involved in pest control are likely to be complex, our study provides evidence that the use of cereal- legume intercropping regime promoted pest control.
The challenge of engaging indigenous communities into conservation efforts by teaching research methods alongside with promoting long term protection of biodiversity.
Lydia Luise Bach
The University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
Email: 0801836b@student.gla.ac.uk
Indigenous members of the Payamino community, San Jose in the Ecuadorian rainforest were introduced to basic research methods related to ornithological fieldwork. These compromised: identification, mist netting, biometrical measurements and visual observations. After two weeks community members were assessed to confirm the outcome of the training, which they passed. They will be working in the reserve and as guides in ecotourism. Continuous data collection without supervision is now possible. It additionally helped to re-establish and enforce the bond between community and their land and promotes ecotourism as a source of income. This may contribute to maintain biodiversity in the reserve.
Back from the Brink: Saving Galápagos Giant Tortoises from Seemingly Inevitable Extinction
Sarah Bahan
Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, 205 Prospect St, New Haven, CT, 06511 USA. Email: sarah.bahan@yale.edu
‘Lonesome George,’ a Galapagos giant tortoise (Geochelone abingdoni) has long been believed to be the last of his species, a status that has turned him into an international symbol of global extinctions. I am using microsatellite analyses to identify tortoises on a nearby island,, that through anthropogenic intervention, may be of G. abingdoni descent. If such wild tortoises are placed in a captive breeding facility, the lineage may be resurrected and reintroduced to its native island of Pinta, where it is a keystone species.
Diversity and ecology of moss communities associated to Monkey-puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) temperate forests, southern South-America: Implications in a context of global warming.
Antonia Barreau Daly, co-authors J.Larraìn, P. Becerra & P. Pinto
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile.
Email: abarreau@uc.cl
Global warming would change forest composition worldwide. We studied the effects of stand composition, nutrition and climate on mosses associated to Monkey-puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) forests, southern Chile. Moss inventory, site-soil and climatic variables were obtained (n=29 sites). 79 species were identified (41% endemic), with high variability in terricolous communities` composition. Stand-type, temperature and radiation determined terricolous composition. A.araucaria forests shelter singular communities adapted to extreme conditions: low temperatures, snow-winter, high radiation. Increasing temperatures would change mosses composition. Species might migrate to higher-altitudes or latitudes if trees to which they are associated respond at the speed of this foresee changes occur.
Cost-effectiveness of dryland forest restoration evaluated by spatial analysis of ecosystem services
Jennifer Birch
Bournemouth University, School of Conservation Sciences, Talbot Campus, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK Email:birch_jenny@hotmail.com
We examine the potential impact of forest restoration on the value of ecosystem services across four dryland areas, by estimating the net value of these benefits under reforestation scenarios. Values were mapped, supported by the use of a spatially-explicit model of forest dynamics. We explored the marginal change in service values using different discount rates, and performed a cost-benefit analysis of restoration actions. Results show that passive restoration is cost-effective for all study areas, whereas active restoration is generally not. Localised areas of net benefits were identified providing information about the relative costs and benefits of restoration across a landscape.
The effect of grazing on spatio-temporal dynamics of patch occupancy on great bustard exploded leks in Hortobágy National Park, Hungary.
Robert J. Burnside
Biodiversity Lab, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath , Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY Email:rjb39@bath.ac.uk
The great bustard is globally vulnerable. Preservation of remaining lek breeding sites is a key priority to managing extant populations. Using a 9 year dataset of the location of displaying great bustards and grazing livestock, I characterised exploded lek sites to test how grazing impacts the spatio-temporal dynamics of display site occupancy within exploded leks. The location of exploded leks was consistent between years and significantly explained by several ecogeographical variables. However, the temporal and spatial variation in site occupancy within the lek was significantly explained by the occurrence of grazing, which has implications for habitat management.
How should we advocate for new protected areas? Consultations, societies and Natura 2000 in Poland.
Joanna Cent
Jagiellonian University, Institute of Sociology, Ul. Grodzka 52, 31-004 Krakow, Poland.
Email: joanna.cent@uj.edu.pl
Poster addresses practical social problems of implementation and management of new protected areas on the example of Natura 2000 in Poland. The study shows benefits and limitations of adopting participatory approaches and relevance of history of nature conservation for emerging new environmental conflicts. The main obstacles for social acceptance of Natura 2000 were concerns for economic development and lack of legitimacy of the program. Consultation process not necessarily resulted in better social acceptation of the program, however it proved to be useful for more effective site designation. Two research methods have been used: quantitative content analysis and qualitative in-depth interviews.
Securing a long term future for the rare and critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) and its habitat.
Rahul Chavan
Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, Dr. Salim Ali chowk, Shaeed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai – 400 001 India. Email:chavanrahu@gmail.com
A rare and critically endangered bird, Jerdon’s Courser is endemic to Andhra Pradesh, India. Unfortunately very little is known about this nocturnal elusive species. A through research methods were developed in past few years which have been vital to understand the habitat requirements as well as these methods were also important in highlighting various pressures. The biggest being human induced pressure which is altering the habitat. This current study is inclined to address these problems as well as create awareness among the people about the plight of the Jerdon’s Courser. This study will also help the wildlife managers to manage the habitat in a better way.
Dynamics of Ecuadorian Amazon butterflies: implications for conserving the world’s richest fauna
María F. Checa
University of Florida, FLMNH (McGuireCente), University of Florida, FLMNH, PO Box 112710. Gainesville-Florida, USA and the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, Museum QCAZ of Invertebrates, PO Box 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador. Email:mfcheca@ufl.edu
It is urgent to promote sustainable development in the Amazonia, where less than 30% of forests remain and more than 75% of people are poor. Butterfly farming is a potential sustainable strategy. Temporal and spatial patterns of butterflies (where and when they occur) were determined, which helped to establish the basis for butterfly farming in the region. Material for environmental education and a book will be published containing these results to emphasize the importance of rainforest, popularize butterfly diversity and offer information for farming initiatives. This data is also useful to assess the IUCN conservation status of butterflies and determine possible effects of climate change.
Comparisons between long vs. short term protected and low vs. high altitude forests using butterflies
Leah Collett
Animal and Environmental Research Group, Anglia Ruskin University, Faculty of Science and Technology, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK. Email:leah.collett@student.anglia.ac.uk
Butterflies are often studied in the context as ecological indicators of environmental health; this study focuses on butterfly assemblages within patches of afro-montane forest and in the connecting low-land forest in an effort to understand their distribution in the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania. Sites within Mikumi National Park were surveyed during the wet and dry seasons in a variety of habitats, and using existing literature, relationships were explored using Principal Component Analysis to discover the species flow through these areas. Results highlight areas of high endemism in these rare and important habitats with increased diversity and possible movement of dispersal.
Evaluating the present status of two shrimp populations (Metapenaeus dobsoni and Penaeus indicus) exploited by two traditional trawl fisheries off west coast of Sri Lanka.
MDST de Croos1
¹University of Iceland, Faculty of Science, Reykjavic, Iceland. Email:dileepa_dc@yahoo.com
² Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson, University of Aqureyri, 600, Aqureyri, Iceland.
A well establish shrimp trawl fisheries exist in coastal waters off Handala and Negombo off the western coast of Sri Lanka. Systematic sampling scheme was developed in order to investigate the status of shrimp populations using commercial catch compositions. Growth parameters (L∞ and K), mortality coefficients (Z, M and F), growth performance index (Ǿ) and exploitation ratios were estimated for Metapenaeus dobsoni and Penaeus indicus. Sequential CPUE values recorded from May to September were significantly different from other periods (P<0.05). Both Y’/R and Dynamic biomass model analysis concluded that Handala and Negombo shrimp trawl fisheries are operated below the MSY.
Subterranean Biodiversity: monitoring the forgotten ecotone
Jessica M. Durkota
University College London, Department of Geography, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
Email: j.durkota@ucl.ac.uk
The condition of lotic ecosystems is traditionally determined through the assessment of benthic macroinvertebrate distribution in relation to environmental parameters such as water chemistry, hydrology and habitat quality. This study evaluates the distribution of hypoheos, or organisms inhabiting the hyporheic zone, in relation to these environmental parameters. The results indicate marked differences between the benthic and hyporheic communities in relation to the same environmental parameters, suggesting that traditional sampling of the benthos is an insufficient measure of the ecosystem as a whole. Hyporheic monitoring provides essential information regarding the preferences of these under-recorded species and is essential for their conservation.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 and the wild bird trade in Vietnam and mainland Southeast Asia
Kelly Edmunds
School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Email: k.edmunds@uea.ac.uk
The wild bird trade in Southeast Asia operates at domestic, regional and international levels with little monitoring or legislative enforcement to control these illegal activities. We conducted surveys at key live wild bird markets across the region to investigate the role that these markets may play in threatening Southeast Asian avifauna.
Effective incorporation of georeferenced digital photo and video into Rapid Biodiversity Assessment
Fan Huan
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan Province, China. Email:wokeliandehotmail@gmail.com
Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RAP) typically provides a quasi-scientific measurement. We explored the creation of a georeferenced Digital Archive for RAP to provide permanent documentation, distribute the scientific effort, and enhance the accuracy of species diversity estimation. The assessment is divided into two phases, habitat survey and species survey. The first step effectively assesses micro-habitat diversity and distribution. Using these results, a more detailed sampling design measuring the biodiversity of focal groups can be designed to capture forest structure variation. This Digital Archive can be linked to open internet resources like Google Earth to be shared across the world.
Conservation of endangered felids: A new method for non-invasive reproductive monitoring.
Christa Finkenwirth
Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, PO Box 601103, 10252 Berlin, Germany.
Email: finkenwirth@izw-berlin.de
Non-invasive reproductive monitoring of hormonal patterns is an important precondition and basis for the success of captive breeding in Ex-Situ-Conservation programs. It also helps to reduce peripartal losses and infanticide resulting from human contact. We developed a reliable method for pregnancy diagnosis and differentiation of pseudo-pregnancy in felids, focussing on the world-wide most endangered cat species – the Iberian Lynx. The method rests upon the analyses of urinary and faecal PGFM (metabolite of placental Prostaglandin F2a). In contrast to the conventional invasive blood-sampling procedures excreta were collected non-invasively, which is less disruptive and therefore much more practicable for exotic species.
Temperature traps and landscape characteristics constrain elevation range shifts due to climate change
German Forero-Medina
Nicholas School of the Environment - Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
Email: forecroc@yahoo.com
Responding to changing climates, tropical species may shift their ranges to higher elevations in pursuit of cooler temperatures. Understanding how species will accomplish this requires models that incorporate details on terrain and land use. Here we incorporate the topography of species’ current ranges into a novel approach to model potential amphibian movements on a tropical mountain. From 46 species studied in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, nine have more than 70% of their current range flowing to unsuitable areas. Constraints to movements to higher elevations may increase the number of species threatened by climate change in tropical mountains.
Conservation and sustainable cave management proposal of two endangered bat species summer colonies in Croatia
Norma Fressel
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Biology Department, Rooseveltov trg, 10000 Zagreb,Croatia. Email:norma.fressel@gmail.com
Two bat species forming a mixed colony in the Veternica cave near Zagreb - determining the size and status of the colony from early spring until early autumn, and questioning its maternity status. The cave presents an important habitat for one of the largest summer colonies of bats in SE and Middle Europe. In the future it should be classified as a Natura 2000 site and thus needs a revision of touristic management and current monitoring programme.
Matrix and edge effects on Phenology of some mountain forest tree species
Yves Pacifique Gakunde
National University of Rwanda, Conservation Biology Education Project, Butare-Rwanda.
Email: ypgakunde@nur.ac.rw
The objective was to evaluate the effect of different matrix types and edge on phenology of some mountain forest tree species in Nyungwe Forest.We found a difference in phenology as one moves from the forest edge into the interior of the forest. Senescent and fallen leaves were more common and in larger quantity close to the edges, while flower buds were more numerous close to edge s than at 500m into the forest interior. The findings of this research, those different types of land use and vegetation surrounding the tropical forest have ecological processes within the forest.
Conservation genetics of Atlantic swordfish (Xiphias gladius, L.1759)
Alexandra Garcia
INRB, IPIMAR, Avenida 5 Outubro, s/n, 8700-305 Olhão,Portugal.
Email: agarcia@cripsul.ipimar.pt
Atlantic swordfish is under an intense fishing effort which raises some concerns. Genetic diversity as an indicator of population status was investigated at the D-loop mitochondrial control region from specimens collected at five different areas. Based on RFLP analysis, a high level of genetic diversity was found for southern samples, while the north-central samples showed the opposite. In particular, a high number of private haplotypes were found in the equatorial samples, while the minimum figures were found in north-central area. These data suggest that the northern population should be highly considered for conservation purposes to preserve its evolutionary potential.
Utilisation of natural nest sites of the Semi-collared Flycatcher in managed forest in Bulgaria.
Kostadin Bogomilov Georgiev
Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, Iavorov compl., bl. 71, entr. 4, fl. 1, ap.1, P.O. Box 50, Sofia 1111, Bulgaria. Email:kostadin_georgiev@yahoo.com
The Semi-collared Flycatcher is poorly studied and globally threatened species with relatively stable population in Bulgaria. Large portion of its breeding habitat in the country is under forestry management. Considering the importance of the forest management we conducted a pilot study aiming at creating a scientific basic for its conservation. The results reveal that the species uses mainly alive trees with majority of nest-holes made by woodpeckers and we consider this as adaptation to the current management, which intentionally reduces the amount of trees having natural holes suitable for nesting. Finally, I give several practical decisions for management.
The influence of human activities on the brown trout population in Lar National Park, Iran
Sara Ghorbani Borzi
Faculty of biological science, Shahid Beheshshti University, Evin, Tehran, Iran.
Email: sara_borzi@yahoo.com
The influences of human activities, including anglers, nomadic tribes and poachers, on wild Brown Trout in Lar National Park , where 5 streams inter to Lar dam reservoir, were investigated during summer 2009, using field studies, questionnaire, surveying documented data and the success rate of anglers. The impacts of human activities were proved: outnumbering of females over males in specimens caught by anglers and poaching. Moreover, inefficient management, extension of roads, erosion caused by overgrazing, damages by dam pump suction ,prevailed uncorrected idea of artificial reproduction and lack of conservation opinions can be considered as other negative factors.
Variation in population density of hornbills and other avian frugivores along a disturbance gradient
Juan Carlos Gonzalez
Edward Grey Institute for Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS UK. Email: jctgonzalez@yahoo.com
Tropical rainforests in the Philippines suffer on-going degradation. Canopy frugivores are key bio-indicators and their population densities can be used to test disturbance impacts. Hornbills, pigeons and parrots were counted in 320 points on three study grids at Northern Sierra Madre natural park in Luzon, representing old growth, selectively-logged and degraded lowland forests. Counts were analyzed with DISTANCE using different model functions. Population density of Rufous hornbills dropped significantly at altered forests, while resilient Tarictic hornbills, fruit-doves, brown-doves and parrots persisted in altered forests. Given these variable reactions to disturbance, conservation strategies should be designed with these responses into consideration.
Developing bats as biodiversity indicators in Western Russia
Alexander Gorbachev
BioIndicators laboratory, Bryansk University, Bezhitsky Street, 14, 241036, Bryansk, Russia. Email: alexgor704@gmail.com
Bats are recognized as important indicators of biodiversity loss but very little is known about the conservation status of bats in Western Russia. I present the results of the first ever national monitoring program started in 2009, which uses ultrasonic calls of bats to obtain distribution and abundances of 8 species. We have trained and established a network of 32 volunteers to monitor bats acoustically over 1336 km from different habitats across Western Russia. We generated 918 geo-referenced occurrences for 8 species. We will use these data to investigate habitat and climate associations to investigate the impact of global change.
Integrating Costs into Conservation Planning in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania
Jonathan Green
Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ Email:jmhg2@cam.ac.uk
Systematic conservation planning has tended to rely largely upon data on species’ distributions. However, failure to include socio-economic information now constitutes a major impediment to its effectiveness and implementation. I focus on how to map costs and integrate them into conservation priorities in the exceptionally diverse, yet highly imperilled, Eastern Arc Mountains. I show that consideration of socio-economic data alters network design and, crucially, that this network maximises efficiency, relieving some of the financial burden facing local communities. Incorporation of costs can achieve greater efficiency for scarce conservation resources and simultaneously increase the chances of conservation implementation.
Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan: Post-breeding Ecology of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii)
Hannah Grist
University of York, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 5DD, UK. Email: hannah.grist@alumni-oxford.com
Although listed as a protected bird in the breeding states of Massachusetts and Connecticut, no comprehensive survey has been conducted of the use of the intervening state of Rhode Island by the roseate tern (Sterna dougallii). This study combined historical amateur data with current field work to determine the distribution, abundance and feeding ecology of terns across the southern part of the state, particularly in relation to a proposed wind farm development that could have implications for the survival of the endangered north-eastern population.
Making sure occupancy studies provide meaningful results for conservation
Gurutzeta Guillera-Arroita
National Centre for Statistical Ecology, SMSAS, University of Kent, Cornwallis Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ. Email:gg63@kent.ac.uk
Occupancy studies have become a widely used tool in the context of conservation projects as detection/non-detection data are relatively easy to collect. However, enough attention is not always devoted to the study design phase, something essential to make sure that these studies provide meaningful results. Here we discuss the performance of single-season single-species occupancy studies with a special focus on small sample sizes. We illustrate the importance of using simulations as a tool for occupancy study design and present a new software tool (SODA) that can assist in this process.
Land ownership and endemic primate conservation challenge in Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Susilo Hadi
Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Email: susilohadi2004@yahoo.com
Land ownership and land use are overlapping rights, collectively and individually, within indigenous people of Mentawai under traditional law. As a consequence, all endemic primate of Mentawai is a target of hunting, either for traditional rituals or protein requirements, as the people rights too. Central government rather than solving the problem even involve adding complexity of the land under formal law without respect on the traditional land law, that resulting community resistance. Goal of this study is to describe a problematic of land ownership in Mentawai and give alternative solution in order to save Mentawai endemic primates.
Non-Governmental Organizations and Multi-Sited Marine Conservation Science: A Case Study
Jesse Hastings
Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516 - 9721
Email: jesse.hastings@gmail.com
Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) are increasingly involved in designing and implementing conservation science research. This research examines an international ENGO science initiative that has the goal of completing rigorous marine conservation science and feeding the results of this science into conservation outcomes. Methods have included participant observation, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews. Preliminary results indicate that conservation science is best situated to influence conservation outcomes when (1) it is rolled into an on-going process, (2) it is fed through strong in-country partners, (3) local buy-in is solicited early in the design phase, and (4) research includes social-cultural and economic projects.
Summer zooplankton assemblages (Cladocera, Copepoda) in the astatic soda pans of the Seewinkel (Austria)
Zsófia Horváth
Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary Email: hhzsofia@gmail.com
Microcrustacean species composition related to environmental variables was studied in the unique astatic soda pans of the Seewinkel region, which habitats are becoming critically endangered due to the global climate change. Abiotic data and zooplankton samples were collected from 25 pans in two days in June 2009. Strong correlations were found between species and abiotic variables, such as conductivity. The species composition have not changed much in the whole region in the last 30 years but the fauna of each lake was very different in some cases.
Neutral diversity and conservation of spider assemblages in deciduous forest canopy
Samuel Yu-Lung Hsieh
Zoologie III, Am Hubland, Biozentrum, University of Wuerzburg, Germany.
Email: hsieh@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de
In Germany, the defoliation of European beeches has abruptly increased 42%. The reasons are not only due to rising infestation of herbivores, but also improper forestry management. We undertook the first study systematically addressing the community and diversity of arboreal spiders, major predators of insects, in three age-growth of beech canopies. Using fogging method we found that old-growth canopy had the highest diversity; the highest similarity were between mature and young beech tree crowns. Prediction series of diversities changes suggests that the selective logging period be shifted from summer to winter for preserving the spider assemblage and reduce the canopy defoliation.
Behavioural response of Hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus to light and noise in urban habitats
Sogol Jafar Zadeh
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Department of Environmental Sciences, ETH Zentrum, CHN H41, CH-8092 Zurich. Email: sogoljz@gmail.com
Urbanization has resulted in habitat fragmentation and in the rapid expansion of roads and street lights. This study explores the effect of man-induced light and traffic noises on the nightly movements of urban hedgehogs. Field experiments carried out on 45 hedgehogs in Zurich showed that hedgehogs were slowed down by strong lights and changed directions to escape traffic noise. The reactions of hedgehogs suggest adaptation to human disturbances and an increase in vulnerability to traffic accidents. Their behavioural response may result in loss of habitat along road borders.
Collembola richness and diversity along a gradient of land-use intensity and soil abiotic factors in Taita, Kenya
Jamleck Muturi John
Department of Zoological Sciences, P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: jjamkenya@yahoo.com
Soil Collembola communities were sampled along a gradient of land use intensitification in Taita, Kenya in year 2007 and 2008. A total 8638 individuals were identified from 30 genera. The highest Collembolan population was recorded in Cypress lusitanica plantation while the lowest in the maize plots. The genus Cryptopygus was the most abundant. Land use types with high carbon, nitrogen and acidity, supported high numbers and diverse Collembolan assemblages. In addition, undisturbed land use types were richer in Collembolan communities that the disturbed land use types. The study concludes that Collembolan communities are negatively impacted by land use intensity.
Combined effects of land use and climate change on population trends of European passerines
Peter Søgaard Jørgensen
Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen E, DK-2100, Denmark.
Email: PSJorgensen@bio.ku.dk
Anthropogenic environmental change is a main determinant of species conservation status. How the different drivers of change sum up when they occur in combination is an important aspect in guiding future conservation efforts. A framework to evaluate the combined effects of land use change and climate change on European passerine farmland and forest specialists is presented. By accounting for variation within species biology across Europe and by using spatially explicit data on land use and climate change a mechanistic understanding of population trend variation can be obtained. This can in turn guide the use of limited resources for conservation efforts.
Biotic homogenization driven by climate change at a biogeographic boundary zone
Sally A. Keith
Centre for Conservation Ecology and Environmental Change, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK Email: skeith@bournemouth.ac.uk
Evidence is rapidly mounting for biotic homogenization, however, understanding of its causes and mechanisms remains minimal. We assessed the role of temperature through use of a model rocky shore assemblage composed of temperature-sensitive invertebrate species. Abundance was recorded at 28 sites along the English Channel (a biogeographic boundary zone between warm temperate and cold temperate waters), at two points in time, five decades apart. Analyses suggest that increased similarity in thermal regime has caused biotic homogenization in this case, producing greater similarity in reproduction success and subsequent larval supply along the coast, as the biogeographic region has become more diffuse.
Evaluating the effectiveness of zoo-based conservation education in terms of attitude and knowledge change
Kathayoon A. Khalil
Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511 USA.
Email: kathayoon.khalil@yale.edu
Zoological institutions can enhance the power of their semi-structured educational offerings by evaluating their programs and allowing these studies to inform best management practices. The attitudes and knowledge of fourth grade students participating in a one week camp at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon, USA should be different after the program than they are at the beginning. A curriculum based on native Oregonian wildlife conservation was presented to students each week for twelve weeks. Data was collected through pre-test and post-test treatments, as well as through interviews. Data was analyzed for changes in attitudes and knowledge reported by campers.
Different lines of approaches to increase efficiency in soil ecological monitoring.
Natalya Kryazhevskikh
7/2, Prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 117312, Moscow, Russian Federation.
Email: NatalieK.bio@gmail.com
Characteristic of soil microbial society, which influences on soil fertility, is important element of environmental monitoring. It is well known that the majority of soil microorganisms survive in soils in dormant state and this fact distorts quantity estimation of viable microorganisms. The aim of our investigation was to develop the methods for more complete counting and characteristic of microbial component of soils. As the model samples we used ancient Arctic subsoil permafrost sediments and unfrozen ancient soils buried in tumulus, where microbial society survive essentially in dormant forms.
Survey of the distribution and genetic variability of a narrow endemic, Hungarian lilac (Syringa josikaea
Bertalan Lendvay
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Horticultural Science, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary. H-1118, Villányi út 29-43., Budapest, Hungary.
Email: lendvayberci@gmail.com
Hungarian lilac (Syringa josikaea) is a narrow endemic of the Eastern Carpathians. In spite of its rarity, the Hungarian lilac is barely known for conservationists. The aims of this study were to reveal the location of populations of Hungarian lilac, and by utilizing ISSR-PCR markers, to survey the genetic variability of the populations. Through field assessments of the formerly known habitats of lilac, two populations thought to be extinct have been rediscovered. The comparison of genetic variation of six populations revealed strong geographic structure. Small populations although having reduced genetic diversity own individual genetic characteristics, thus have high conservation value.
Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to identify and study the socio-ecological factors that influence most the bird communities in Kakamega Forest, Western Kenya
Christos Mammides
Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK.
Email: c.mammides07@imperial.ac.uk
By developing a series of mathematical models, using structural equation modeling, I studied the impact of several socio-ecological factors on the avifauna of the Kakamega Forest, in Western Kenya. Results showed that bird species richness is positively correlated with vegetation characteristics, such as foliage height diversity and plant species richness. Anthropogenic habitat disturbance has a negative indirect effect on the avifauna of the rainforest, mainly by negatively influencing the vegetation structure and community. The magnitude of the effects of the variables included in the models varies depending on the habitat and feeding guild of the birds examined.
Factors associated with species abundance and extinction risk in hoverflies [Syrphidae].
Ali Mansour
Manchester Metropolitan University, School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD Email: ali.1.mansour@gmail.com
I examined the factors which might be associated with current extinction risk in hoverflies [Syrphidae] and attempted to predict which species could become threatened in the future. I use a relatively new classification method called Random Forests (RF) and other traditional methods. There are ten species which the RF analysis predicts to become threatened in the future. The most important factors which associated with extinction risk were body size (rare species are larger) and flight period (rare species have short flight periods) and these factors are correlated with abundance at local scales as well as at the global scale.
Does inbreeding depression affect the disease status of individual red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) with respect to squirrel poxvirus (SQPV)?
Melissa Marr
Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park , London NW1 4RY, UK.
Email: melissa.marr@ioz.ac.uk
Squirrel-poxvirus causes a lethal disease in red squirrels and is a major causal factor in its U.K decline. In England and Wales the red squirrel now exists only in small, isolated populations with low within-population genetic diversity. This study looks at the relationship between genetic diversity and SQPV by assessing individual heterozygosity at nine microsatellite loci. Preliminary findings have shown no relationship between individual genetic diversity and susceptibility to SQPV but implied that more genetically diverse individuals survived longer with the disease. Further work is being carried out to investigate whether these trends hold true with a larger sample size.
Spatial and temporal patterns in wader community composition on British estuaries
Veronica Mendez
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (CEEC), University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK. Email:v.mendez@uea.ac.uk
The distribution and abundance of single wading bird species across estuaries are influenced by both physical variables of the estuary and prey abundance and distribution. However, it remains unclear which factors are the strongest drivers in influencing the bird communities across estuaries. Our study provides a descriptive analysis of species richness and functional diversity patterns in wader communities across British estuaries and assesses the mechanisms by which communities are structured. Understanding such patterns is of applied significance because waders are used to designate protected areas in the UK.
Hindrance of Conservation Biology by Delays in the Submission of Manuscripts
Sarah R. Mohlman/Supp, co-authors Ryan P. O’Donnell, and Stephanie M. Cobbold
Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
Email: smohlman@biology.usu.edu
Timely dissemination of scientific findings depends on rapid publication of submitted manuscripts and upon rapid submission of research after its completion. We measured submission delay for every paper from 14 journals in 2007 and compared these delays among four fields of biology (conservation, taxonomy, behaviour, and evolution). Manuscripts published in the field of conservation biology have the longest publication and submission delays. Delays in manuscript submission account for more than half of the total time from last date of data collection to publication. We explored several possible correlating
factors, but none explained the long delays observed in conservation research publication.
Willow warblers in space: spatial and temporal variation in population trends in a long-distance migrant.
Catriona Morrison
University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK. Email: c.morrison@uea.ac.uk
As potential causes of declines in migratory birds exist across the breeding and non-breeding season, identifying the key drivers of population change is complex. We examine spatial and temporal variation in population trajectories of one of Europe’s most abundant Afro-Palaearctic summer migrants, the willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus. Across Britain & Ireland, population trends follow a gradient from sharp declines in the south and east of England to shallow declines and/or slight increases in parts of north and west England, across Scotland and Ireland. Decreasing the spatial scale of analysis reveals variation in both the rate and spatial extent of population change within central England and the majority of Scotland. These patterns suggest that regional-scale drivers, such as changing climatic conditions, and local-scale processes, such as habitat change, are interacting to produce spatially variable population trends.
Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning in contrasting tropical agro eco-systems of Bangladesh
Sharif Ahmed Mukul
Institute of International Forestry and Forest Products, Dresden University of Technology, 01735 Tharandt, Germany. Email:sharif_a_mukul@yahoo.com
Agroforestry - nowadays considered as a probable future land-use strategy due to its’ complex structure and perceived environmental benefits. The present study was performed on four contrasting indigenous agroforestry systems (i.e. betel vine based Khasia agroforestry, lemon and pineapple based Tripura agroforestry, and short-term shifting cultivation practised by the Garo tribes) in Bangladesh, to realize their conservation prospects (in terms of plants, birds and mammalian diversity) and ecosystem benefits. Betel vine (Piper betel) based agroforestry system in the area identified as critical in conserving biodiversity and maintenance of some ecosystem processes, and could potentially be used to bridge between conservation and livelihoods.
Forest Protection Fund as an innovation to Cross River gorillas (Gorilla gorilla diehli) conservation in the Bechati forest area, South West Cameroon
Mbunya Francis Nkemnyi
Vlije Universiteit Brussel, Campus Jette, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
Email: mbunya.francis@yahoo.co.uk
The Bechati forest area is located in South West Cameroon and is home to the Cross River gorillas, Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes Vellerosus) and many red data plants. Despite the rich biodiversity of this area in terms of fauna and flora, it is highly threaten by human activities carried out by local communities that range from poaching, unsustainable farming and harvesting of non timber forest products. The Forest Protection Fund is an innovation and a community-based conservation approach used by ERuDeF to reduce human pressure in the forest in other to secure the rich biodiversity of the area.
Behavioural differences between individuals of juvenile pike (Esox lucius)
Marina Nyqvist
Centre for Conservation Ecology & Environmental Change, School of Conservation Sciences, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK.
Email: mnyqvist@bournemouth.ac.uk
Pike (Esox lucius) is a polymorphic species that demonstrates different behavioural types within populations. To identify the development of behavioural variations in juveniles, the feeding and functional behaviours of wild-caught individuals were studied experimentally using presence/absence of visual signals from similar-sized or larger conspecifics. Food attacks, latency to first attack, swimming activity, biting towards conspecifics and the effects of growth were measured. Contrary to tested hypotheses, outputs revealed individual differences in behaviour that appeared inherent in juvenile pike and were not related to their size and growth. The importance of understanding intra-population differences in behaviour for conservation ecology is discussed.
Impacts of illegal gold mining on Gobi desert wildlife in Southern Mongolia
Uuganbadrakh Oyunkhishig
Steppe Forward Programme, 487th room, Faculty of Biology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Email:dre_uuganbadrah@yahoo.com
Mongolian Gobi desert is very unique habitat which is supported wildlife and people’s livelihood. Illegal gold mining have been increasing over the last 10 years because there are lot of natural resources around Gobi desert. We aimed to determine its impacts on Gobi desert small mammals. So we chose 4 field sites such as illegal mining, agriculture area, nomadic herder and control area. We studied small mammal populations use mark-recapture and vegetation composition using the Braun Blanquet method. In illegal mining area there were very few small mammals and lower density vegetation than control area. Because of lot roads of mining, we saw many dead jerboas.
Predicting vulnerability of estuarine brachyuran taxa using animal-sediment relationship as an effective tool
Pranav J. Pandya
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajorao University of Baroda, Sayajigunj, Vadodara – 390002, Gujarat, INDIA. Email: pranavpandya1@yahoo.com
Estuarine ecosystems are highly ignored with respect to their fauna sustaining within harsh and dynamic ecological flux. The research investigated Mahi estuary for its brachyuran taxa and their habitat characteristics/correlates. Animal-sediment relationship was studied using faunal diversity assessment, species specific habitat/microhabitat preference, sedimentological features and behavioral aspects of crabs within their niche. Microbiological and pollution aspects were probed to reveal the underneath benthological processes. Our results suggests species specific substratum preference which directly depends on animal adaptation and zonal/sediment characteristics. The behavioral outputs like burrow morphometry, structure, oxic-anoxic zoning can give valuable information about the prevailing habitat. The taxonomic and behavioural data can serve as baseline information in future conservation issues.
The effects of habitat characteristics on the distribution of waterbirds in a lake ecosystem
Katalin Pap
University of Pannonia, Department of Limnology, Veszprem, Egyetem u. 10., 8200, Hungary. Email: pkata55@hotmail.com
Habitats urbanization has serious effects on wildlife, but has been rarely studied on wetlands. We use a longterm monitoring dataset for describing waterfowl distribution on the lake ecosystem (594 km2) which surroundings are highly urbanized, and investigate how urbanization and other habitat characteristics (vegetation cover, food availability) affect the birds’ spatial distribution. By the ongoing analyses we will show what are the preferred habitats for different species, and also what habitat variables affect species richness. Knowledge about the effects of habitat variables on waterfowl populations can help active habitat management to conserve the unique bird community of this lake ecosystem
Appropriation of natural resources, space and discourses of the Bhotiya community of Mana village (buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve), Uttarakhand, India.
Fanny Passeport
Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box #18, Chandrabani Dehradun – 248001 Uttarakhand India. Email: passeportfanny@gmail.com
The study tackles interface issues of people/nature relationships by emphasising on local knowledge, categorisations and space’s appropriation processes within the mountainous landscape of Mana village, located next to Badrinath Shrine within the buffer zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in the Indian Himalayas. I question the effects of ‘glocalized’ rhetorical discourses like the manipulation of concepts such as ‘sustainable development’. Studying people’s perception of the natural world supposes that there is not one way of seeing the environment but a pluralism of views of the ‘lived’ landscape. These overlapping visions will be analysed and discussed.
Educational needs on Natura 2000 network among local residents of alpine bioregion in Poland
Agata Pietrzyk
Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland. Email:pietrzyk.agata@gmail.com
The poster discusses social aspects of the Natura 2000 implementation process in the Polish Carpathians and educational needs among residents of polish part of alpine bioregion. It focuses on locals’ attitudes, knowledge and awareness about the nature protection initiatives, Natura 2000 included. The study was performed using quantitative methods (surveys) in three regions of the Carpathians. In total, survey was conducted on random sample of 906 inhabitants of six mountainous boroughs where Natura 2000 sites have been designated. The results illustrate main factors determining recognition of Natura 2000 program among local communities.
A new threat for biodiversity conservation in the Alps: when fragmentation meets climate change
Oriana Pilia
Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK and National University Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Email: orianapilia@hotmail.it
The synergistic interaction between climate change and habitat fragmentation on the carabid fauna of forest and grassland sites in Stelvio National Park (Italy) was examined by pitfall trapping along horizontal and vertical transects at different altitudes. Diversity was higher in grassland patches than forest interior. Species richness increased with increasing elevation, with greater richness at middle and high altitudes in both habitats. This suggests that the interplay of these two drivers of changes is affecting carabid community along mountainsides. Results also underline the high conservation value of grassland systems as a source of carabid diversity in the Alps.
Rarity hotspots in the Ukrainian Polissia: from understanding herbarium data to taking conservation measures.
Hanna Plotnykova
National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, 2, Hryhoriy Skovoroda St, Kyiv, Ukraine, 04070. Email: plotnikova2005@ukr.net
Collection bias and incompatible format of specimens cause uncertainties in conservation. This research aims to analyze how the data from the National Herbarium (Ukraine), in combination with GIS techniques and experts’ interview survey, could be used for conservation purposes. This study found a positive correlation between species density and biodiversity knowledge and showed that small protected areas are underesearched. Gaps in biodiversity knowledge are caused by botanist’s interest, absence of the electronic dataset, lack of botanists and botanical field trips. Consequently, digitizing herbarium specimens, combining data from different sources and involving communities into collection process should be a national priority.
The resilience of edges in Amazonia: a large scale assessment
Patty Ramirez
Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK. Email: p.ramirez@lancaster.ac.uk
Thousands of new edges are created yearly in Amazonia which may impact the resilience of the forest as a whole. Results from Manaus suggest that forests suffer loss of above-ground biomass within 100m to an edge, but studies from other regions contradict these results. This research will take a large scale approach examining how different forests across Peru and Brazil respond to edge creation, in particular examining how ecosystem function (nutrient turnover), above- and below-ground biodiversity and ecosystem services (above- and below-ground carbon storage) are affected by temporal and spatial aspects of edge creation.
Food and Feeding Pattern of Asian Elephant in Manas National Park, Assam,India
Bhrigu Prasad Saikia
Animal Ecology and Wildlife Biology Lab., Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Gopinath Bordoloi Nagar, Jalukbari, Guwahati ,Assam, India. PIN-781014.
Email: manaselephant@gmail.com
The present study was done on the food and feeding habits of Asian elephant in Manas National Park, Assam after the method of Altman, 1974 which showed elephant grazed 47 % of total feeding time followed by browsing 34 % and then by debarking 19 %. Asian elephant selects 38 plants species as their food throughout constituting 60 % of the total annual diet budget of Asian. Among all the 38 plant species 21 were grasses that constituted 40.45 % of the total selected food plant species and abundance these are essential for the survival of the Asian elephant.
Status of 11 crustose lichens along the Swedish West coast by evaluating formerly known localities
Emma Sandler Berlin
Biology Department, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, S-223 62 Lund, Sweden.
Email: emmalia2@yahoo.dk
The status of 11 crustose lichens with the same environmental preferences and considered to be rare in Sweden, all mainly found along the West coast, have been evaluated by visiting over 85 localities formerly known to host at least one of the species. I have evaluated the status of each locality and searched for the target species. In total 6 of the 11 species have been found at 18 different localities, of which half are new for the found species. Degraded localities most often suffer from land-use changes, including shading by vegetation, which the lichens do not care for.
Let’s take a breath together. Synchronized respiration pattern in long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas)
Valeria Senigaglia
Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy. Email: valeria.senigaglia@gmail.com
Several cetacean species used to surface synchronized. We studied what could influence this behaviour in the Globicephala melas. We looked at the difference in synchronicity according to environmental and social parameters and we analyzed the data using GLM and AIC. Our results show a positive correlation between the group size and the synchronization of the whales, with less influence of the behaviour. We interpret synchronization as a defensive technique as happens for other species but there could be other explanation such as a way to improve communication and as a demonstration of the social bonds.
Morphological and reproductive differences between house sparrows in relation to urbanization
Gábor Seress, co-authors Veronika Bókony, Ivett Pipoly, András Liker
University of Pannonia, Department of Limnology, 8200. Veszprem, Egyetem utca 10. Hungary. Email: to_the_abyss@yahoo.com
We studied the effects of urbanization on body size, reproductive success and nestling development in house sparrows to assess potential causes of poor condition and population decline of urban birds. In free-living populations, rural birds were larger and heavier both as nestlings and as adults in autumn and fledged more young per brood than suburban sparrows. However, we found no difference in size or weight between nestlings of urban and rural pairs breeding under identical captive conditions. Our results suggest that the habitat-related differences in wild sparrows are due to environmental effects in the nestling period, such as inadequate nestling diet.
Non-native crayfish in the UK - Still talking?
Abby Stancliffe-Vaughan
Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge Campus, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK.
Email: abby.stancliffe-vaughan@anglia.ac.uk
The debate continues in the UK. How can we protect our native crayfish populations from growing numbers of non-native crayfish? Solutions have been investigated ranging from the chemical (acid riffles & biocides), to the physical (adapted weirs and electro-fishing), to the biological (re-introduction of sterilised males). Trapping fell out of favour following reports that catch was biased towards male crayfish and produced a larger stunted population over time. An action focused research study on the River Lark in Suffolk, aims to provide meaningful data on the most effective and efficient ways to trap non-native crayfish and further inform the debate.
Community-Based Conservation in Tanzania: Getting the Incentive Right
Eliezeri Sungusia
Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, 06511, CT, USA Email:eliezeri.sungusia@yale.edu
In 1998, Tanzania adopted incentive-based policy in an effort to win the support of local people. The policy provides for and encourages villagers to establish Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on their land. Villagers will in turn benefit through sustainable utilization of wildlife resources. Unknown is the amount of payment required to offset the costs incurred by villagers and therefore convince them to support conservation. Contingent valuation survey was conducted to elicit villager’s willingness to pay (WTP) for WMA. The collected data permitted analysis of factors influencing individual’s WTP only. The most significant factors were the frequency of crop damage by wildlife, annual income, and whether respondents perceived to be worse off or better off from WMA. Additionally, there were variations between the two surveyed WMAs in different geographical locations.
Leadership & Management of Wildlife Reintroduction Programs
Alexandra E. Sutton
Colorado State University, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory A245, 200 W. Lake Street, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1499 USA Email:lexasutton@gmail.com
Wildlife reintroduction programs are a type of conservation initiative that seek to re-establish viable populations of a species in areas from which they have become extinct. Unfortunately, wildlife reintroductions have a history of limited success, a problem which has not improved over time. Past research has focused heavily on biology, with little attention paid to human dimensions. Within studies that focus on human effects, most work has examined attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors of stakeholders. This project focused on delving deeply into the leadership and management of a wildlife reintroduction, through a case study of the Sea Eagle Recovery Project (UK).
Population dynamics of Carcinus maenas (Crustacea: Portunidae) in Minho estuary, Portugal.
Allan T. Souza
CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal. Email: allantsouza@gmail.com
The population dynamics and distributional pattern of the green crab (Carcinus maenas) were accessed at Minho estuary in order to predict the effects of climate change over the species. Abundance, biomass, total length and sex ratio varied considerably among months and sample stations. Moreover, environmental variables were important predictors to the distribution and production of the green crab. Our results highlight the importance of environmental variables, such as water temperature and salinity, to the species ecology, and due to the recent changes provoked by the global warming; this should be monitored in order to avoid negative effects to the environment.
Systematic Conservation Planning in Ukraine under Uncertainty
Olena Tarasova
Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK and National University Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Email: listovert@gmail.com
Although systematic conservation planning has being developed for 20 years no attempts has been made to apply it in the former USSR countries. As effectiveness of the protected areas allocation depends largely on the data availability and quality, we systematically examine the uncertainties typical for Ukraine by investigating publicly available data in the country and by applying a spatial prioritization tool Zonation. Both the epistemic and linguistic uncertainties found in Ukraine prove current quality of data illusive for systematic conservation approach. We provide a protocol to overcome uncertainties in the data in order to practice effective conservation in Ukraine.
How does sampling bias affect our accumulation of knowledge about a species?: A case study of Madagascan orchids
Lin Taylor
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK. Email: l.taylor@kew.org
Our assessment of the biodiversity of a region and the threat level of a species is based largely on the current knowledge of species number, frequency and geographical range. However, the description of new taxa, and the accumulation of species records over time, is not random but subject to various biases of human perception and sampling methods. As such, our knowledge of the diversity of certain taxa and the geographical range that we attribute to them is inaccurate. This study investigated the nature of species sampling bias in Madagascan orchids, and the impacts of this on conservation efforts.
Factors affecting community based forest enterprises to be pro-poor: A case study from Nepal
Sushila Kumari Thapa Magar
Forest Action Nepal, PO Box 12207 Kathmandu, Nepal Forestaction@wlink.com.np
Email: ecosushila@gmail.com
With an objective to assess under what conditions a Community Based Forest Enterprise (CBFE) can contribute to livelihood improvement, a case study was carried out in three enterprises of Dolakha district, a middle hill district of Nepal. Participatory methods were used to collect information. The study shows that when pro-poorness is maintained, CBFEs could contribute in poverty reduction in different ways. In-depth analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data identified nine internal as well as external factors to be important in affecting enterprises pro-poorness. A discussion about relevance of the individual factor influencing the performance of CBFEs allowed drawing conclusions.
Prioritization of areas for freshwater fish conservation in the Western Ghats Hotspot: a species based approach
Josin Tharian
Center for Research in Ecology and Conservation, Banerji Road, Kochi, Kerala, 682 018, India. Email: josinc@gmail.com
Priority areas for conservation of freshwater fishes in the Chalakudy river basin of the Western Ghats Hotspot, India were identified to facilitate decision making and ground level conservation action. Primary data on distribution, richness, diversity and abundance of fish species from 16 locations spread along the upstream-downstream gradient of the river, as well as secondary data on their threat status and endemism were analyzed using statistical and geospatial tools. Stream peculiarities of priority sites including riparian vegetation and critical microhabitats were also recorded. Six high priority sites for freshwater fish conservation were identified.
Fluctuations of sea urchins (Class: Echinoidea) in Hikkaduwa (protected but highly disturbed) and Ahangama (unprotected and less disturbed) in Sri Lanka with macro algae cover
Thilakarathna, RMGN¹, Jayakody ,S¹. and Amarasinghe, M.D.²
¹Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (NWP), Sri Lanka. ²University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka Email:nilupikat@yahoo.com
Sea urchins are an important faunal group of shallow benthic communities. As grazers, they are responsible for macro and micro level changes to biophysical structure. Sea urchin density and macro algae cover was measured monthly during 2008/09 in Hikkaduwa and Ahangama coastal areas in three strata; near shore, intermediate and splash zone, using line transects and quadrate sampling, respectively. Lowest density was found in the near shore of Hikkaduwa whist highest density was in the splash zone. In the splash zone of Hikkaduwa, sea urchin density was low when algae cover was high in rocky shore (R2 = 57% P<0.05).
The impact of domestic cat (Felis catus) predation on urban wild bird populations
Rebecca Thomas
University of Reading, School of Biological Sciences, Lyle Building, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6BX, United Kingdom Email: rebecca.thomas@reading.ac.uk
Cats are widely regarded as one of the world’s most invasive mammal species, and are implicated in the decline, extirpation or extinction of a range of bird species. It has been speculated that, even if individual cats do not kill many birds, the total killed by the population as a whole could be substantial and that cat predation could be a significant factor limiting bird populations. To investigate this, several measures have been used, including quantifying the prey returned by cats to their owners, investigating home range and habitat use using GPS technology and acceleration data-loggers to record hunting rate.
A new approach for connecting Iberian protected areas
Maria Triviño De la Cal
Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), C/ Jose Gutierrez Abascal, 2. 28006, Madrid, Spain. Email: maria82@mncn.csic.es
Systematic conservation planning concerns the identification of cost-efficient networks of protected areas, and it is often used to locate new areas. One problem is that habitats surrounding protected areas are often transformed, isolating them in an inhospitable matrix. A possible solution for this problem is enhancing connectivity between them.
Monitoring numbers of Globally Threatened bird species on IBA Zhumay-Mayshukyr lake system in Kazakhstan
Ruslan Urazaliyev
L.N. Gumilev Eurasian National University, Munaitpasov Street 5, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan. Email: uruslankamenka@inbox.ru
This poster shows some results of the CLP funded project “Conservation of an IBA with Globally Threatened Species in collaboration with students and local land users in Kazakhstan". The territory of the IBA “Zhumay-Mayshukyr Lake System” is an important staging area for huge numbers of waterfowl during their seasonal migrations. In 2009 the project team carried out bird monitoring on these lakes and organized a series of trainings for local students, as well as involved local population into their activities. Some conservation measures outlined will be included into IBA management plan.
Study on the microcrustacean assemblages of some temporal ponds in a Hungarian swamp (Nagyerdő, Ócsa)
Csaba Ferenc Vad, co-author, Zsófia Horváth
Eötvös Loránd University Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C., H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
Email: vad.csaba@gmail.com
Our investigation took place in a seasonally flooded alder swamp in Ócsa, Middle Hungary. It is part of the Natura 2000 network but its aquatic habitats are still very poorly investigated. We sampled 10 different ponds in the spring and summer of 2009. Some physico-chemical variables were also measured. 7 microcrustaceans proved to be new to the fauna of the peatland in Ócsa. The most notable rare species was the copepod Paracyclops poppei. Multivariate statistical analyses (UPGMA, PCA, CCA) shoved the heterogeneity of the habitats: open waters, ponds with submerged macrophytes, channels and puddles had their own unique assemblages.
Effects of tea plantations on stream invertebrates in a global biodiversity hotspot in Tanzania
Oliver van Biervliet
d’Overbroeck’s College,The Swan Building,111 Banbury Road,Oxford, OX2 6JX United Kingdom. Email: vbolly@hotmail.com
Globally, agriculture represents both an essential human activity and a major threat to biodiversity. In montane habitats of the wet tropics, large scale tea cultivation can represent an important source of income at local and national scales. In this study we examined stream macroinvertebrate assemblages in a biodiversity hotspot in the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. We found that streams surrounded by tea had significantly lower dissolved oxygen, lower total estimated species richness and number of families. Our results suggest that tea cultivation reduces stream habitat quality and biodiversity in the East
Usambaras. Avenues for future investigation should include longer time scale evaluations and mitigation studies.
Volunteering for conservation: You are the difference
Diogo Veríssimo¹, ² Sara Calçada¹, David Jones¹
¹Global Vision International Costa Rica, Apartado Postal 78-7209, Cariari de Pococi, Limón, 70205 Costa Rica, Central America ²Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Marlowe Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UK. Email: verissimodiogo@gmail.com
Biodiversity conservation is often constrained in terms of economic and human resources, especially in developing countries, where the majority of biodiversity exists. There is the need to transfer such resources to developing countries and volunteer abroad programs offer such an opportunity. Using data on marine turtle nest poaching on Playa Norte and other nesting beaches on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, coupled with village census data we established an effective decrease in nest poaching on Playa Norte since the begining of the volunteer based conservation programme. This thus makes a case for the use of non-specialist volunteers in conservation.
The impact of human trampling on vegetation of different forest communities
Theresa Waldmann
Georg-August-University Göttingen, Department Silviculture and Forest Ecology of the Temperate Zones, Buesgenweg 1, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
Email: theresa.waldmann@forst.uni-goettingen.de
Trampling pressure in (semi-) natural habitats has been increasing over the last years because of e.g. recreational use. Trampling damage may lead to changes in plant composition and structure. A controlled trampling experiment was established in forest areas in Germany. Vegetation assessments and height measurements were applied to characterize the reaction of whole forest communities as well as of individual species to the disturbance. There is a strong impact on vegetation cover and plant height in response to trampling. Less intensive trampling leads to a more differentiated pattern among forest communities, e.g. coniferous forests are less affected than deciduous ones.
A biodiversity survey of birds, reptiles and lemurs of Mahamavo dry forest and associated wetlands, western Madagascar
Harri Washington
Department of Natural Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY UK. Email: hlw25@bath.ac.uk
These are results of a biodiversity assessment of Mahamavo forest and wetlands, a previously unstudied area in Madagascar. Time-constrained active search transects recorded lemur and herptile abundance, and point counts assessed birds, at four forest sites and one wetland. Six of seven lemur species recorded are threatened (IUCN Red List). Presence of three ‘red-listed’ bird species include the locally hunted Madagascar Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vociferoides (CR). Seventeen reptile species also present. Mahamavo is currently unprotected, but provides habitat for several threatened species. The government identified Mahamavo for preliminary research, and results show it’s of key importance in conserving Malagasy biodiversity.
Modelling Seabird Habitat Suitability: Assessing at-sea observation data quality for conservation
Chun Yuen Wong
Oxford University Centre for the Environment, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY Email: johncy_wong@yahoo.co.uk
The Global Procellariiform Tracking Workshop in 2003 identified significant overlapping between areas used by seabirds and long-line fishery and highlighted areas with high risk of bycatch based on satellite telemetry data. The methodology had become the “gold standard” to address issues in seabird conservation. On the other hand, the vast amount of traditional at-sea observation data has received relatively less usage due to uncertainties in data quality. The workshop called for an urgent assessment of their quality and utility. This study assessed their quality through modelling habitat suitability and explored their potential for augmenting satellite telemetry-based analyses.
Documentation, evaluation and impact assessment of sustainable land management technologies on vegetation cover in Senegal.
Julie Gwendolin Zähringer
Group for Forestry in Developing Countries, Department of Environmental Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Universitätstr 16, 8092 Zürich. Email: julie_z60@hotmail.com
WOCAT (World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies) is a global network developed by soil and water conservation (SWC) specialists with the mission to document and spread SWC knowledge around the globe. In Senegal different forestry technologies were documented for the WOCAT database and their impact on tree diversity and density was studied. Protection of natural vegetation in a pasture reserve and a natural grove was best suited to maintain high tree diversity and density, whereas agroforestry technologies had high tree diversity but low density. Plantation technologies, used for soil stabilization, were characterized by high tree density but low diversity.
Threat of man-made factors’ impact on IBA searching area of Zhumay-Mayshukyr Lake System
Ayan Zikirin
L.N. Gumilev Eurasian National University, Munaitpasov Street 5, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan. Email: antafagasta@mail.ru
The poster reflects the analysis of environmental management problems, environmental changes of the project area. The study shows changes in the types and scope of management both on the territory of central Kazakhstan and IBA directly. Main threats to biocenosis and in particular, bird fauna (the main challenge here is livestock overgrazing) were revealed. Besides, the potential negative affects from an anthropogenic factor upon the nature in the area were discovered. Practical recommendations developed for IBA preservation are presented at the poster.
