Find research datasets worth reusing

Data from: Consequences of past and present harvest management in a declining flyway population of common eiders Somateria mollissima

1. Harvested species population dynamics are shaped by the relative contribution of natural and harvest mortality. Natural mortality is usually not under management control, so managers must continuously adjust harvest rates to prevent overexploitation. Ideally, this requires regular assessment of the contribution of harvest to total mortality and how this affects population dynamics. 2. To assess the impact of hunting mortality on the dynamics of the rapidly declining Baltic/Wadden Sea population of common eiders Somateria mollissima we first estimated vital rates of ten study colonies over the period 1970–2015. By means of a multi-event capture-recovery model we then used the cause of death of recovered individuals to estimate proportions of adult females that died due to hunting or other causes. Finally, we adopted a stochastic matrix population modelling approach based on simulations to investigate the effect of past and present harvest regulations on changes in flyway population size and composition. 3. Results showed that even the complete ban on shooting females implemented in 2014 in Denmark, where most hunting takes place was not enough to stop the population decline given current levels of natural female mortality. Despite continued hunting of males our predictions suggest that the proportion of females will continue to decline unless natural mortality of the females is reduced. 4. Although levels of natural mortality must decrease to halt the decline of this population, we advocate that the current hunting ban on females is maintained while further investigations of factors causing increased levels of natural mortality among females are undertaken. 5. Synthesis and applications. At the flyway scale, continuous and accurate estimates of vital rates and the relative contribution of harvest versus other mortality causes are increasingly important as the population effect of adjusting harvest rates is most effectively evaluated within a model-based adaptive management framework.

Transcriptome analysis of invasive Gypsophila paniculata (baby's breath) populations from Michigan and Washington, USA.

Invasive species provide an opportune system to investigate how populations respond to new or changing environments. While the impacts of invasive species increase annually, many gaps in our understanding of how these species invade, adapt, and thrive in the areas they are introduced to remain. Using the perennial forb Gypsophila paniculata as a study system, we aimed to investigate how invasive species respond to different environments. Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata) was introduced to North America in the late 1800's and has since spread throughout the northwestern United States and western Canada. We used an RNA-seq approach to explore how molecular processes may be contributing to the success of invasive G. paniculata populations that are thought to share similar genetic backgrounds across distinct habitats. Transcription profiles were constructed for root, stem, and leaf tissue from seedlings collected from a sand dune ecosystem in Petoskey, MI (PSMI) and a sagebrush ecosystem in Chelan, WA (CHWA). Using these data we assessed differential gene expression between the two populations and identified SNPs within differentially expressed genes. We identified 1,146 transcripts that were differentially expressed across all tissues between the two populations. GO processes enriched by genes displaying higher expression in PSMI were associated with increased nutrient starvation, while enriched processes in CHWA were associated with abiotic stress. Only 7.4% of the differentially expressed genes across all three tissues contained SNPs differing in allele frequencies of at least 0.5 between the populations. In addition, common garden studies found the two populations differed in germination rate and seedling emergence success, but not in above- and below-ground tissue allocation. Our results suggest that the success of invasive G. paniculata across these two environments is likely the result of plasticity in molecular processes responding to different environmental conditions, although some genetic divergence may also be contributing to these differences.

Mammal population densities at a global scale are higher in human-modified areas

Global landscapes are changing due to human activities with consequences for both biodiversity and ecosystems. For single species, terrestrial mammal population densities have shown mixed responses to human pressure, with both increasing and decreasing densities reported in the literature. How the impacts of human activities on mammal populations translates into altered global density patterns remains unclear. Here we aim to disentangle the effect of human impacts on large-scale patterns of mammal population densities using a global dataset of 6729 population density estimates for 468 mammal species (representing 59% and 44% of mammalian orders and families). We fitted a mixed effect model to explain the variation in density based on a 1-degree resolution as a function of the Human Footprint Index (HFI), a global proxy of direct and indirect human disturbances, while accounting for body mass, trophic level and primary productivity (Normalized Vegetation Index; NDVI). We found a significant positive relationship between population density and HFI, where population densities were higher in areas with a higher HFI (e.g., agricultural or suburban areas – no populations were located in very high HFI urban areas) compared to areas with a low HFI (e.g., wilderness areas). We also tested the effect of the individual components of the HFI and still found a consistent positive effect. The relationships remained positive even across populations of the same species, although variability among species was high. Our results indicate shifts in mammal population densities in human modified landscapes, which is due to the combined effect of species filtering, increased resources, and a possible reduction in competition and predation. Our study provides further evidence that macroecological patterns are being altered by human activities, where some species will benefit from these activities, while others will be negatively impacted or even extirpated.

Code and data for: Familiarity breeds success: pairs that meet earlier experience increased breeding performance in a wild bird population

This is a Data package that contains three separate datasets and the analysis code for a manuscript 'Familiarity breeds success: pairs that meet earlier experience increased breeding performance in a wild bird population '. The first Dataset (pairs_data_2007_10) and the second dataset (pairs_data_2011_14) contain the data used to analyse the influence of meeting time of a pair of Great tits (i.e. month in the first dataset, week in the second dataset, when a pair was first detected in a flock together) on different components of breeding success of a pair. The third dataset (meeting_and_divorce) was used to analyse whether meeting time of a pair (in winter prior to the breeding season t) influence the probability of a pair to stay together or separate (divorce) to the following breeding season (t+1).

Data from: Integrating population genetics to define conservation units from the core to the edge of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum western range

The greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) is among the most widespread bat species in Europe but it has experienced severe declines, especially in Northern Europe. This species is listed Near Threatened in the European IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals and it is considered to be highly sensitive to human activities and particularly to habitat fragmentation. Therefore, understanding the population boundaries and demographic history of populations of this species is of primary importance to assess relevant conservation strategies. In this study, we used 17 microsatellite markers to assess the genetic diversity, the genetic structure and the demographic history of R. ferrumequinum colonies in the western part of its distribution. We identified one large population showing high levels of genetic diversity and large population size. Lower estimates were found in England and northern France. Analyses of clustering and isolation by distance suggested that the Channel and the Mediterranean seas could impede R. ferrumequinum gene flow. These results provide important information to improve the delineation of R. ferrumequinum management units. We suggest that a large management unit corresponding to the population ranging from Spanish Basque country to northern France must be considered. Particular attention should be given to mating territories as they seem to play a key role in maintaining the high levels of genetic mixing between colonies. Smaller management units corresponding to English and northern France colonies must also be implemented. These insular or peripheral colonies could be at higher risk of extinction in a near future.

opencc-zeroJul 2020View details →

Data from: Changes in age-structure over four decades were a key determinant of population growth rate in a long-lived mammal

1. A changing environment directly influences birth and mortality rates, and thus population growth rates. However, population growth rates in the short-term are also influenced by population age-structure. Despite its importance, the contribution of age-structure to population growth rates has rarely been explored empirically in wildlife populations with long-term demographic data. 2. Here, we assessed how changes in age-structure influenced short-term population dynamics in a semi-captive population of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). 3. We addressed this question using a demographic dataset of female Asian elephants from timber camps in Myanmar spanning 45 years (1970-2014). First, we explored temporal variation in age-structure. Then, using annual matrix population models, we used a retrospective approach to assess the contributions of age-structure and vital rates to short-term population growth rates with respect to the average environment. 4. Age-structure was highly variable over the study period, with large proportions of juveniles in the years 1970 and 1985, and made a substantial contribution to annual population growth rate deviations. High adult birth rates between 1970-1980 would have resulted in large positive population growth rates, but these were prevented by a low proportion of reproductive-aged females. 5. We highlight that an understanding of both age-specific vital rates and age-structure is needed to assess short-term population dynamics. Furthermore, this example from a human-managed system suggests that the importance of age-structure may be accentuated in populations experiencing human disturbance where age-structure is unstable, such as those in captivity or for endangered species. Ultimately, changes to the environment drive population dynamics by influencing birth and mortality rates, but understanding demographic structure is crucial for assessing population growth.

Local adaptation from afar: migratory bird populations diverge in the initiation of reproductive timing while wintering in sympatry

The initiation of reproduction in many seasonally breeding animals is controlled by photoperiod and tends to be clinal: populations at higher latitudes breed later than those at lower latitudes, often reflecting a higher photoperiodic threshold. Migratory animals presumably time reproduction to match conditions at their breeding grounds at least in part by cues perceived on their wintering grounds. We asked how closely related dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) populations that overwinter in sympatry but breed in allopatry respond to their shared winter environment by comparing early spring indices of readiness to migrate and breed (baseline and elevated testosterone). We measured stable hydrogen isotopes from feathers grown the preceding year and claws grown during winter to estimate breeding and wintering latitudes, respectively. We predicted that if reproductive initiation is adapted to the emergence of resources at their respective breeding destinations, then birds migrating to higher latitudes (slate-colored junco; J. h. hyemalis) should delay breeding as compared to those migrating to lower latitudes (pink-sided junco; J. h. mearnsi) despite a common overwinter environment. We found higher testosterone in pink-sided juncos consistent with earlier reproductive initiation, suggesting local adaptation in reproductive phenology achieved through differential responses to predictive environmental cues.

Cross-sectional study of Facebook addiction in a sample of Nepalese population

Background: Facebook addiction is said to occur when an individual spends an excessive amount of time on Facebook, disrupting one's daily activities and social life. The present study aimed to find out the level of Facebook addiction in the Nepalese context and briefly discuss the crimes associated with its unintended use. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine of Lumbini Medical College. The study instrument was the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale typed into a Google Form and sent randomly to Facebook contacts of the authors. The responses were downloaded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Results: The study consisted of 103 Nepalese participants, of which 54 (52.42%) were males and 49 females (47.58%). There were 11 participants (10.68%) who had more than one Facebook account. When different approaches were applied it was observed that 8.73% (n=9) to 39.80% (n=41) were addicted to Facebook. Conclusion: When used properly Facebook has its own advantages. Excessive use is linked with health hazards including addiction and dependency. Students who engage more on Facebook will have less time studying leading to poor academic performance.People need to be made aware of the issues associated with the misuse of Facebook

Limited genetic parallelism underlies recent, repeated incipient speciation in geographically proximate populations of an Arctic fish (Salvelinus alpinus)

The genetic underpinnings of incipient speciation, including the genomic mechanisms which contribute to morphological and ecological differentiation and reproductive isolation, remain poorly understood. The repeated evolution of consistently, phenotypically distinct morphs of Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) within the Quaternary period offer an ideal model to study the repeatability of evolution at the genomic level. Sympatric morphs of Arctic Charr are found across this species' circumpolar distribution. However, the specific genetic mechanisms driving this morph differentiation are largely unknown despite the cultural and economic importance of the anadromous morph. We used a newly designed 87k SNP chip to investigate the character and consistency of the genomic differences among sympatric morphs within three recently deglaciated and geographically proximate lakes in Labrador, Canada. We found genetically distinct small and large morph Arctic Charr in all three lakes consistent with resident and anadromous morphs, respectively. A degree of reproductive isolation among sympatric morphs is likely given genome-wide distributions of outlier SNPs and high genome-wide FSTs. Across all lakes, outlier SNPs were largely non-overlapping suggesting a lack of genetic parallelism driving morph differentiation. Alternatively, several genes and paralogous copies of the same gene consistently differentiated morphs across multiple lakes suggesting their importance to the manifestation of morphs. Our results confirm the utility of Arctic Charr as a model for investigating the predictability of evolution and support the importance of both genetic parallelism and non-parallelism to the incipient speciation of Arctic Charr morphs.

Dataset for METAPOPGEN 2.0: a multi-locus genetic simulator to model populations of large size

Multi-locus genetic processes in subdivided populations can be complex and difficult to interpret using theoretical population genetics models. Genetic simulators offer a valid alternative to study multi-locus genetic processes in arbitrarily complex scenarios. However, the use of forward-in-time simulators in realistic scenarios involving high numbers of individuals distributed in multiple local populations is limited by computation time and memory requirements. These limitations increase with the number of simulated individuals. We developed a genetic simulator, MetaPopGen 2.0, to model multi-locus population genetic processes in subdivided populations of arbitrarily large size. It allows for spatial and temporal variation in demographic parameters, age structure, adult and propagule dispersal, variable mutation rates and selection on survival and fecundity. We developed MetaPopGen 2.0 in the R environment to facilitate its use by non-modeler ecologists and evolutionary biologists. We illustrate the capabilities of MetaPopGen 2.0 for studying adaptation to water salinity in the striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus.

Apparent breeding success drives long-term population dynamics of a migratory swan

The ability of a species to adapt to environmental change is ultimately reflected in its vital rates – i.e., survival and reproductive success of individuals. Together, vital rates determine trends in numbers, commonly monitored using counts of species abundance. Rapid changes in abundance can give rise to concern, leading to calls for research into the biological mechanisms underlying variations in demography. For the NW European population of Bewick's swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii), there have been major changes in the population trends recorded during nearly five decades of monitoring (1970-2016). The total number of birds increased to a maximum of c. 30,000 in 1995 and subsequently decreased to about 18,000 individuals in 2010. Such large fluctuation in population numbers is rare in long-lived species and understanding the drivers of this population change is crucial for species management and conservation. Using the integrated population model (IPM) framework, we analysed three demographic datasets in combination: population counts, capture-mark-resightings (CMR) and the proportion of juveniles in winter over a period of ~50 years. We found higher apparent breeding success in the years when the population had a positive growth rate compared to years with a negative growth rate. Moreover, no consistent trend in adult and yearling survival, and an increasing trend in juvenile survival was found. A transient life-table response experiment showed that apparent breeding success and adult survival contributed most to the variation in population trend. We explored possible explanatory variables for the different demographic rates and found a significant association between juvenile survival both with the water level in lakes during autumn migration, which affects food accessibility for the swans, and with summer temperatures. Such associations are important for understanding the dynamics of species with fluctuating population sizes, and thus for informing management and conservation decisions.

Data from: Tetranychus evansi spider mite populations suppress tomato defences to varying degrees

Plant defence suppression is an offensive strategy of herbivores, in which they manipulate plant physiological processes to increase their performance. Paradoxically, defence suppression does not always benefit the defence-suppressing herbivores, because lowered plant defences can also enhance the performance of competing herbivores and can expose herbivores to increased predation. Suppression of plant defence may therefore entail considerable ecological costs depending on the presence of competitors and natural enemies in a community. Hence, we hypothesize that the optimal magnitude of suppression differs among locations. To investigate this, we studied defence suppression across populations of Tetranychus evansi spider mites, a herbivore from South America that is an invasive pest of solanaceous plants including cultivated tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, in other parts of the world. We measured the level of expression of defence marker genes in tomato plants after infestation with mites from eleven different T. evansi populations. These populations were chosen across a range of native (South American) and non-native (other continents) environments and from different host plant species. We found significant variation at three out of four defence marker genes, demonstrating that T. evansi populations suppress jasmonic acid- and salicylic acid-dependent plant signalling pathways to varying degrees. While we found no indication that this variation in defence suppression was explained by differences in host plant species, invasive populations tended to suppress plant defence to a smaller extent than native populations. This may reflect either the genetic lineage of T. evansi - as all invasive populations we studied belong to one linage and both native populations to another - or the absence of specialized natural enemies in invasive T. evansi populations.

Data from: Dispersal patterns in a medium-density Irish badger population: implications for understanding the dynamics of tuberculosis transmission.

European badgers (Meles meles) are group-living mustelids implicated in the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) to cattle and act as a wildlife reservoir for the disease. In badgers, only a minority of individuals disperse from their natal social group. However, dispersal may be extremely important for the spread of TB, as dispersers could act as hubs for disease transmission. We monitored a population of 139 wild badgers over seven years in a medium-density population (1.8 individuals/ km2). GPS-tracking collars were applied to 80 different individuals. Of these, we identified 25 dispersers, 14 of which were wearing collars as they dispersed. This allowed us to record the process of dispersal in much greater detail than ever before. We show that dispersal is an extremely complex process, and measurements of straight-line distance between old and new social groups can severely underestimate how far dispersers travel. Assumptions of straight-line travel can also underestimate direct and indirect interactions and the potential for disease transmission. For example, one female disperser which eventually settled 1.5 km from her natal territory travelled 308 km and passed through 22 different territories during dispersal. Knowledge of badgers'ranging behaviour during dispersal is crucial to understanding the dynamics of TB transmission, and for designing appropriate interventions, such as vaccination.

Weak founder effects but significant spatial genetic imprint of recent contraction and expansion of European beech populations.

Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes occurring during species range shifts is important in the current context of global change. Here, we investigate the interplay between recent expansion, gene flow and genetic drift, and their consequences for genetic diversity and structure at landscape and local scales in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) On Mont Ventoux, South-Eastern France, we located beech forest refugia at the time of the most recent population minimum, approximately 150 years ago, and sampled 71 populations (2042 trees) in both refugia and expanding populations over an area of 15,000 ha. We inferred patterns of gene flow and genetic structure using 12 microsatellite markers. We identified six plots as originating from planting, rather than natural establishment, mostly from local genetic material. Comparing genetic diversity and structure in refugia versus recent populations did not support the existence of founder effects: heterozygosity (He = 0.667) and allelic richness (Ar = 4.298) were similar, and FST was low (0.031 overall). Still, significant spatial evidence of colonization was detected, with He increasing along the expansion front, while genetic differentiation from the entire pool (βWT) decreased. Isolation by distance was found in refugia but not in recently expanding populations. Our study indicates that beech capacities for colonization and gene flow were sufficient to preserve genetic diversity despite recent forest contraction and expansion. Because beech has long distance pollen and seed dispersal, these results illustrate a 'best case scenario' for the maintenance of high genetic diversity and adaptive potential under climate-change related range change.

Data from: Whole-genome analyses provide no evidence for dog introgression in Fennoscandian wolf populations

Hybridisation and admixture can threaten the genetic integrity of populations and be of particular concern to endangered species. Hybridisation between grey wolves and dogs has been documented in many wolf populations worldwide and is a prominent example of human-mediated hybridisation between a domesticated species and its wild relative. We analysed whole-genome sequences from >200 wolves and >100 dogs to study admixture in Fennoscandian wolf populations. A principal component analysis of genetic variation as well as Admixture showed that wolves and dogs were well separated, without evidence for introgression. Analyses of local ancestry revealed that wolves had <1% mixed ancestry, levels comparable to the degree of mixed ancestry in many dogs, and likely not resulting from recent wolf-dog hybridisation. We also show that the founders of the Scandinavian wolf population were genetically inseparable from Finnish and Russian Karelian wolves, pointing at the geographical origin of contemporary Scandinavian wolves. Moreover, we found Scandinavian-born animals among wolves sampled in Finland, demonstrating bi-directional gene flow between the Scandinavian peninsula and eastern countries. The low incidence of admixture between wolves and dogs in Fennoscandia may be explained by that feral dogs are rare in this part of Europe, and that careful monitoring and management act to remove hybrids before they backcross into wolf populations.

Population genetic structure of the insular Ryukyu flying fox Pteropus dasymallus

Small isolated populations are vulnerable to both stochastic events and the negative consequences of genetic drift. For threatened species, the genetic management of such populations has therefore become a crucial aspect of conservation. Flying foxes (Pteropus spp, Chiroptera) are keystone species with essential roles in pollination and seed dispersal in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. However, many flying fox species are also threatened, having experienced dramatic population declines driven by habitat loss and hunting. The insular Ryukyu flying fox (Pteropus dasymallus) ranges from the Ryukyu Archipelago of Japan through Taiwan to the northern Philippines and has undergone precipitous population crashes on several islands in recent decades. To assess the population genetic structure and diversity in P. dasymallus, and its likely causes, we analyzed mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA. Both markers showed significant genetic differentiation among most island populations, with mitochondrial haplotypes showing some mixing across the region, likely reflecting historical colonization and/or dispersal events. In contrast, microsatellite markers showed an overall pattern of isolation by distance; however, this pattern appeared to be driven by the presence of deep ocean trenches between geographically distant populations. Thus the current distribution of P. dasymallus and its subspecific diversity appears to have arisen through vicariance coupled with a long history of restricted gene flow across oceanic barriers. We conclude that isolated island subgroups should be managed separately, with efforts directed at reducing further declines in genetic diversity.

Data from: Contrasting population structure and demographic history of cereal aphids in different environmental and agricultural landscapes

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms files and phylogonetic trees of S. miscanthi samples collected in China and S. avenae from the UK used to study the population genetics analyses of these species. These are: China_samples_vcf.zip: dataset of SNPs from S. miscanthi sampled in 10 populations of China obtained using FreeBayes (in vcf format). China_samples_vcf_filtered.zip: SNPs from S. miscanthi after filtering the file China_samples_vcf.zip using vcftools (max-missing 0.75, minDP 3, mac 3, minQ 30, remove-indels, thin 2000, max-missing 0.9, thin 5000). This file was used in all population genetic analyses of the Chinese populations in the paper, transforming to the appropriate formats. China_samples_SNPs.fas: fasta file of phased SNPs used to estimate the phylogeny of S. miscanthi haplotypes using RAxML. China_RAxML_phylogeny_newick.tre: RAxML phylogenetic tree in newick format obtained with China_samples_SNPs.fas. England_samples_vcf.zip: dataset of SNPs from S. avenae sampled in 12 populations of England obtained using FreeBayes (in vcf format). England_samples_vcf_filtered.zip: SNPs from S. avenae after filtering the file England_samples_vcf.zip using vcftools (max-missing 0.5, mac 3, minQ 30, minDP 3, max-missing 0.5, exclude individuals with 50% missing data, max-missing 0.75, remove-indels, thin 2000). This file was used in all population genetic analyses of the English populations in the paper, transforming the vcf to the corresponding formats. England_samples_SNPs.fas: fasta file of phased SNPs. England_samples_SNPs_polymorphic.fas: fasta file of phased SNPs used in the phylogenetic reconstruction of S. avenae haplotypes using RAxML. This file is the same as England_samples_SNPs.fas after removing sites which were not polymorphic (e.g. a site that contains N and T in different samples is not considered polymorphic for RAxML and has to be removed) England_RAxML_phylogeny_newick.tre: RAxML phylogenetic tree in newick format obtained with England_samples_SNPs_polymorphic.fas.

opencc-zeroJan 2020View details →

Geography, seasonality, and host-associated population structure influence the fecal microbiome of a genetically depauparate Arctic mammal

The Canadian Arctic is an extreme environment with low floral and faunal diversity characterized by major seasonal shifts in temperature, moisture and daylight. Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are one of few large herbivores able to survive this harsh environment. Microbiome research of the gastrointestinal tract may hold clues as to how muskoxen exist in the Arctic, but also how this species may respond to rapid environmental changes. In this study, we investigated the effects of season (spring/summer/winter), year (2007-2016), and host genetic structure on population-level microbiome variation in muskoxen from the Canadian Arctic. We utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the fecal microbial communities of 78 male muskoxen encompassing two population genetic clusters.<a name="_Hlk534564036"> These clusters are defined by Arctic Mainland and Island populations, including; 1) two mainland sampling locations of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut; and 2) four locations of Victoria Island. </a>Between these geographic populations, we found that differences in the microbiome reflected host-associated genetic cluster with evidence of migration. Within populations, seasonality influenced bacterial diversity with no significant differences between years of sampling. We found evidence of pathogenic bacteria, with significantly higher presence in mainland samples. Our findings demonstrate the effects of seasonality and the role of host population-level structure in driving fecal microbiome differences in a large Arctic mammal.

opencc-zeroDec 2018View details →

Data from: Mapping of cetacean and seabird populations in the North-East Atlantic

1. Distribution maps of cetaceans and seabirds at basin and monthly scales are needed for conservation and marine management. These are usually created from standardised and systematic aerial and vessel surveys, with recorded animal densities interpolated across study areas. However, as individual surveys have restricted spatial and temporal coverage, distribution maps at basin and monthly scales have previously not been possible. 2. This study develops an alternative approach consisting of: (1) collating diverse survey data to maximise spatial and temporal coverage, (2) using detection functions to estimate variation in the surface area covered (km2) among these surveys, standardising measurements of effort and animal densities, (3) developing species distribution models (SDM) that overcome issues with heterogeneous and uneven coverage. 3. 2.68 million km of survey data in the North-East Atlantic between 1980 and 2018 were collated and standardised. SDM using Generalized Linear Models (GLM) and General Estimating Equations (GEE) in a hurdle-model were developed. Distribution maps were then created for 12 cetacean and 12 seabird species at 10 km and monthly resolution. Qualitative and quantitative assessment indicated good model performance. 4. Applications and synthesis: This study provides the largest ever collation and standardisation of diverse survey data for cetaceans and seabirds, and the most comprehensive distribution maps of these taxa in the North-East Atlantic. These distribution maps have numerous applications including the identification of important areas needing protection, and the quantification of overlap between vulnerable species and anthropogenic activities. This study demonstrates how the analysis of existing and diverse survey data can meet conservation and marine management needs.

Landscape-level toxicant exposure mediates infection impacts on wildlife populations

Anthropogenic landscape modification such as urbanization can expose wildlife to toxicants, with profound behavioural and health effects. Toxicant exposure can alter local transmission of wildlife diseases by reducing survival or altering immune defence. However, predicting the impacts of pathogens on wildlife across their ranges is complicated by heterogeneity in toxicant exposure across the landscape, especially if toxicants alter wildlife movement from toxicant-contaminated to uncontaminated habitats. We developed a mechanistic model to explore how toxicant effects on host health and movement propensity influence range-wide pathogen transmission, and zoonotic exposure risk, as an increasing fraction of the landscape is toxicant-contaminated. When toxicant-contaminated habitat is scarce on the landscape, costs to movement and survival from toxicant exposure can trap infected animals in contaminated habitat and reduce landscape-level transmission. Increasing the proportion of contaminated habitat causes host population declines from combined effects of toxicants and infection. The onset of host declines precedes an increase in the density of infected hosts in contaminated habitat, and thus may serve as an early warning of increasing zoonotic spillover risk in urbanizing landscapes. These results highlight how sublethal effects of toxicants can determine pathogen impacts on wildlife populations that may not manifest until landscape contamination is widespread.