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opencc-zeroDec 2018View details →

Data from: Finer-scale habitat predicts nest survival in grassland birds more than management and landscape: a multi-scale perspective

1. Birds may respond to habitat at multiple scales, ranging from microhabitat structure to landscape composition. North American grassland bird distributions predominantly reside on private lands, and populations have been consistently declining. Many of these lands are enrolled in U.S. federal conservation programmes, and properly guided management policies could alleviate declines. However, more evaluative research is needed on the effects of management policies juxtaposed with other multi-scale habitat features. Furthermore, research focused on nest survival is arguably more valuable because habitat associations with avian densities can sometimes be deceptive. 2. We investigated nest survival of a grassland facultative (red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus) an obligate species (dickcissel, Spiza americana), and two nesting communities (ground and above-ground nesters) relative to management and multi-scale habitat (nest-site characteristics, in-field microhabitat, patch metrics, and landscape context). Our study was conducted on private lands in Illinois (2011-2014) and directly linked to policy-based management (disking, herbicidal spraying, spray/interseeding) and landowner decisions. 3. Multi-scale models explained more variation in nest survival compared to single scales or management in three of four analyses (blackbirds, dickcissels, and above-ground nesters). Finer-scale habitat variables, such as nest-site characteristics, were more often in top and among the competitive models relative to landscape factors. 4. Compared with other management types, disking (i.e. tractor-pulled disc harrows removed approximately 50% of vegetation) displayed distinct effects and positively influenced nest survival in above-ground nesters. Also, greater proportions of a field managed cumulatively and yearly, regardless of type, generally improved nest survival for dickcissels and above-ground nesters. All groups except above-ground nesters had generally higher nest survival in native grass fields. 5. Synthesis and applications. Habitat practitioners can improve nest survival for certain grassland birds by directly affecting infield-microhabitat vegetation and structure. However, characteristics associated with specific nest locations often drive nest survival. We suggest habitat managers and agency staff promote native grass practices and management, such as disking, to enhance nest survival of grassland bird populations. Management will likely be most effective in favourable unfragmented grassland landscapes with less surrounding forested areas, which also promote other important responses (e.g. colonization and persistence) of target species.

opencc-by-4.0Dec 2023View details →

Predicting the Habitat Suitability of Ilex verticillata in China with Field-Test Validations

The cut branches of Ilex verticillata are highly ornamental and have high economic value. Since its introduction to China, it has received widespread attention. In the context of climate change today, ensuring its promotion and sustainable production in China is of great significance. In this study, the MaxEnt (maximum entropy) model was used, combined with climate and soil variables, to assess the impact of climate change on its potential suitable habitat. We used 5430 I. verticillata occurrence data and validated the model prediction using extensive field testing (12 test sites located in areas from 23.19° N to 42.91° N and 76.17° E to 125.14° E). The habitat suitability model (AUC = 0.854) performed excellently. Among them, three precipitation variables and one temperature variable were the main factors determining the distribution of I. verticillata in China. Field trial tests and model predictions of the suitability of I. verticillata were consistent, indicating that our model predictions are biologically meaningful and economically valuable. Under the representative concentration pathway shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP) climate change scenarios, the high and medium suitable habitats for this species will be reduced in the future climate. This study helps to better understand the impact of climate change on I. verticillata and provides suggestions for the introduction and cultivation areas and protection of this species in China.

Field and Lab_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

Field and Lab observations_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

Meteorological data_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

Meteorological data_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

Depressions and Boundary_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

Depressions and Boundary_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

Aerial Images_Part 3_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

Aerial Images_Part 3_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

Orthomosaic_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

Orthomosaic of the aerial images_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

DSM_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

DSM_Integrating Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Developing Spatio-Temporal Model to Predict Aquatic Larval Habitats of Malaria

opencc-zeroDec 2021View details →

Predicting pasture and forest landowner intention to create early successional habitat

As human land uses expand across the landscape, the management practices of private landowners are an essential part of effective conservation. Early successional habitats (ESH) and the species that depend on them are a priority in the eastern United States, and efforts to create ESH on private lands has primarily focused on forest landowners and timber harvests. Private pasture lands in a forested landscape present an additional opportunity to create and maintain ESH, yet our understanding of landowner values and attitudes about management strategies in pastures is lacking. To address this, we surveyed private landowners in 5 Virginia counties who own ≥10.1 ha or >610 m elevation (n = 503). Our primary objective was to understand how a variety of factors such as landowner values, past experience with habitat management, and perceived barriers to carrying out habitat management are associated with private landowner intention to carry out 7 ESH management strategies (i.e., reduced mowing, reduced grazing, timber harvests within forest, timber harvests at a field-forest border, prescribed fire, use of machinery, and use of herbicides to control invasive species) for the benefit of wildlife in the next five years. We used boosted regression trees to determine which factors best predicted the intention to carry out each strategy. We were able to effectively predict (accuracy > 75%) landowner intention to engage in open pasture and timber management strategies. Landowner values were not consistent across the different management strategies; landowners likely to reduce mowing or grazing valued ecological aspects of their land (i.e., pollinator habitat water quality) whereas landowners likely to harvest timber valued hunting and revenue. Past experience with wildlife management was the strongest predictor of likelihood to reduce mowing and grazing. Our results suggest that expanding outreach efforts to include pasture management options would engage a broader set of landowners in creation of ESH, especially if such efforts highlighted the benefits to pollinator species, water quality, and enhanced opportunities for hunting and other types of recreation.

opencc-zeroJan 2022View details →

A new model of forelimb ecomorphology for predicting the ancient habitats of fossil turtles

Various morphological proxies have been used to infer habitat preferences among fossil turtles and their early ancestors, but most are tightly linked to phylogeny, thereby minimizing their predictive power. One particularly widely used model incorporates linear measurements of the forelimb (humerus + ulna + manus) but, in addition to the issue of phylogenetic correlation, it does not estimate the likelihood of habitat assignment. Here, we introduce a new model that uses intramanual measurements (digit III metacarpal + non-ungual phalanges + ungual) to statistically estimate habitat likelihood, and that has greater predictive strength than prior estimators. Application of the model supports the hypothesis that stem-turtles were primarily terrestrial in nature, and recovers the nanhsiungchelyid Basilemys (a fossil crown-group turtle) as having lived primarily on land, despite some prior claims to the contrary.

opencc-zeroDec 2022View details →

Fine-scale ecological and anthropogenic variables predict the habitat use and detectability of sloth bears in the Churia habitat of east Nepal

Once widespread throughout the tropical forests of the Indian Subcontinent, the sloth bears have suffered a rapid range collapse and local extirpations in the recent decades. A significant portion of their current distribution range is situated outside of the protected areas (PAs). These unprotected sloth bear populations are under tremendous human pressures, but little is known about the patterns and determinants of their occurrence in most of these regions. The situation is more prevalent in Nepal where virtually no systematic information is available for sloth bears living outside of the PAs. We undertook a sign survey-based single-season occupancy study intending to overcome this information gap for the sloth bear populations residing in the Trijuga forest of southeast Nepal. Sloth bear sign detection histories and field-based covariates data were collected between 2nd October to 3rd December 2020 at the 74 randomly chosen 4-km^2 grid cells using a varying number of 400m long transects in each grid cell. From our results, the model-averaged estimate of site use probability (ψ ± SE) was estimated to be 0.432 ± 0.039, which is a 13% increase from the naïve estimate (0.297) not accounting for imperfect detections of sloth bear signs. The presence of termite mound and the distance to the nearest water source were the most important variables affecting the habitat use probability of sloth bears. The average site-level detectability (p ± SE) of sloth bear signs was estimated to be 0.195 ± 0.003 and was significantly determined by the index of human disturbances. We recommend considering the importance of fine-scale ecological and anthropogenic factors in predicting the sloth bear-habitat relationships across their range in the Churia habitat of Nepal, and more specifically in the unprotected areas.

opencc-zeroJan 2022View details →

Predicting habitat suitability for wild deer in relation to threatened ecological communities in south-eastern New South Wales, Australia

Context. High density deer populations can cause ecological damage, yet their distribution and impacts are poorly known across much of Australia. As a result, land managers rely on anecdotal reports to make decisions about management and control measures. Aims. We aimed to model habitat suitability for deer in the South Coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to be used as a baseline for future management and identify which threatened ecological communities (TECs) in the region are at greatest current risk of being occupied by deer. Methods. We compiled 678 presence-only records of wild deer from online databases, observations made by National Parks and Wildlife Service field staff and field-based surveys. We combined these observations with eight environmental variables to model and map habitat suitability for deer across our study area using maximum entropy. Three spatial models of habitat suitability across our study area were produced: one for all deer species; and two species-specific models for fallow and sambar deer. Key results. Our models indicate that suitable habitat for deer exists throughout much of the South Coast of NSW. Of the TECs examined, Coastal Saltmarsh, Themeda Grassland, and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest had the highest proportion of area likely to be extremely suitable for deer and thus should be prioritised for protection within our study area. Conclusions. Further systematic field-based surveys are needed to improve the quality of models in this region. Implications. We recommend that areas having high habitat suitability but are not yet occupied by deer be identified as sites where deer occupancy could be prevented.

opencc-zeroMar 2022View details →

Interaction of diet and habitat predicts Toxoplasma gondii infection rates in wild birds at a global scale

Aim: Free-ranging wildlife are valuable sentinels for zoonotic, multi-host pathogens, and novel insight on parasite transmission patterns is possible through a macroecological approach. Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans, primarily through a free-living oocyst and/or tissue cyst life-stage. Anthropogenic disturbance is facilitating the spread of T. gondii, making it critical to understand the general ecological and life history drivers of T. gondii infections in wild birds, which are important intermediate hosts. Our goal was to determine how habitat (terrestrial vs. aquatic), dietary trophic level and scavenging behaviour influence T. gondii infection prevalence in wild birds on a global scale. Location: Global Time period: 1952-2017 Major taxa studied: Birds Methods: Our analysis used the serological, bioassay and molecular prevalence data of T. gondii in avian species compiled from 81 studies conducted worldwide and encompassing 24,344 individuals from 393 avian species from 84 families. Results: We show that at a global scale, trophic level and habitat significantly interact to influence T. gondii prevalence in avian intermediate hosts. In the terrestrial environment, T. gondii prevalence increases with trophic level, consistent with predominant tissue cyst transmission. The highest prevalence was in terrestrial omnivores, which may reflect their synanthropic foraging behaviour. In aquatic species, prevalence was more consistent across trophic levels, but high prevalence in aquatic herbivores and insectivores reflects significant waterborne exposure to oocysts. Contrary to our predictions, generalized scavenging per se was not associated with increased prevalence. Main conclusions: This study highlights the value of comparing pathogen prevalence among multiple ecological guilds and ecosystem types for a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of generalist pathogens, such as T. gondii. Increased effort is needed to reduce T. gondii spillover from the domestic cat cycle into wildlife populations.

opencc-zeroDec 2022View details →

Worldclim 2.1 versus Worldclim 1.4: climatic niche and grid resolution affect between-version mismatches in habitat suitability models predictions across Europe

The influence of climate on the distribution of taxa has been extensively investigated in the last two decades through Habitat Suitability Models (HSMs). In this context, the Worldclim database represents an invaluable data source as it provides worldwide climate surfaces for both historical and future time horizons. Thousands of HSMs-based papers have been published taking advantage of Worldclim 1.4, the first online version of this repository. In 2017, Worldclim 2.1 was released. Here, we evaluated spatially explicit prediction mismatch at continental scale, focusing on Europe, between HSMs fitted using climate surfaces from the two Worldclim versions (between-version differences). To this aim, we simulated occurrence probability and presence-absence across Europe of four virtual species (VS) with differing climate-occurrence relationships. For each VS, we fitted HSMs upon uncorrelated bioclimatic variables derived from each Worldclim version at three grid resolutions. For each factor combination, HSMs attaining sufficient discrimination performance on spatially independent test data were projected across Europe under current conditions and various future scenarios, and importance scores of the single variables were computed. HSMs failed in accurately retrieving the simulated climate-occurrence relationships for the climate-tolerant VS and the one occurring under a narrow combination of climatic conditions. Under current climate, noticeable between-version prediction mismatch emerged across most of Europe for these two VSs, whose simulated suitability mainly depended upon diurnal or yearly variability in temperature; differently, between-version differences were more clustered toward areas showing extreme values, like mountainous massifs or southern regions, for VSs responding to average temperature and precipitation trends. Under future climate, the chosen emission scenarios and Global Climate Models did not evidently influence between-version prediction discrepancies, while grid resolution synergistically interacted with VSs' niche characteristics in determining extent of such differences. Our findings could help in re-evaluating previous biodiversity-related works relying on geographical predictions from Worldclim-based HSMs.

opencc-by-nc-nd-4.0Apr 2022View details →

Bird observation data for: Better together? Assessing different remote sensing products for predicting habitat suitability of wetland birds

This data repository contains the bird observation data used in Koma, Z., Seijmonsbergen, A.C., Grootes, M.W., Nattino, F., Groot, J., Sierdsema, H., Foppen, R. & Kissling, W.D. (2022): Better together? Assessing different remote sensing products for predicting habitat suitability of wetland birds. Diversity and Distributions 28: 685–699. The content of this directory is shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International licence (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, see https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). For accessing the bird occurrence data for further use then reproducing this article you can contact with Henk Sierdsema (Henk.Sierdsema@sovon.nl) and Ruud Foppen (Ruud.Foppen@sovon.nl) for further information.

opennotspecifiedAug 2022View details →

Fig. 5. Termite SDM predictions for species located within Southern Australia for A in Utilization of Community Science Data to Explore Habitat Suitability of Basal Termite Genera

Fig. 5. Termite SDM predictions for species located within Southern Australia for A. Porotermes adamsoni (Stolotermitidae)(left) and B. Stolotermes victoriensis (right), and C. Mastotermes darwiniensis (Mastotermitidae). Final model predictions were generated using our thinned occurrence dataset and final set of uncorrelated environmental variables for each species, with 10 bootstrap replicates with 'cloglog' outputs in which raw values are converted to a range of 0 - 1 to approximate a probability of occurrence (Cobos et al. 2018). Brighter colors indicate areas of higher suitability (higher probability of occurrence), while darker colors indicate areas of lower suitability (lower probability of occurrence)..

opennotspecifiedAug 2022View details →

Fig. 4. Termite SDM predictions for species located within Eastern United States and Canada for A in Utilization of Community Science Data to Explore Habitat Suitability of Basal Termite Genera

Fig. 4. Termite SDM predictions for species located within Eastern United States and Canada for A. Zootermopsis nevadensis (Stolotermitidae)(left) B. Zootermopsis angusticollis (right), and C. Zootermopsis laticeps (bottom). Final model predictions were generated using our thinned occurrence dataset and final set of uncorrelated environmental variables for each species, with 10 bootstrap replicates with 'cloglog' outputs in which raw values are converted to a range of 0 - 1 to approximate a probability of occurrence (Cobos et al. 2019). Brighter colors indicate areas of higher suitability (higher probability of occurrence), while darker colors indicate areas of lower suitability (lower probability of occurrence).

opennotspecifiedSep 2021View details →

Fig. 1 in Is Phylogeographic Congruence Predicted by Historical Habitat Stability, or Ecological Co-associations?

Fig. 1. Ecological niche models (ENMs) estimated for each of the five species from present-day to Last Glacial Maximum, and climatic stability based on the ENM time series. Color coding uses "warm" colors to indicate areas of highest probability of occurrence, or highest climatic stability. Species names are abbreviated as follows: C.p. (Cryptocercus punctulatus), R.f. (Reticulitermes flavipes), O.d. (Odontotaenius disjunctus), S.s. (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus), and N.a. (Narceus americanus).

opennotspecifiedSep 2021View details →

Fig. 4 in Is Phylogeographic Congruence Predicted by Historical Habitat Stability, or Ecological Co-associations?

Fig. 4. Assessment of phylogeographic structure via comparison of FST (grey bars) versus Φ ST (black bars). All values represent mean differentiation across all pairs of BAPS clusters per species (i.e., "global" values). Species names are abbreviated as in Fig. 1.