Applied Ecology Research Papers

Increased agricultural intensification has led to well-documented declines in the fauna and flora associated with intensive grasslands in the UK. We aimed to quantify the effectiveness of different field margin management strategies for... more

Increased agricultural intensification has led to well-documented declines in the fauna and flora associated with intensive grasslands in the UK. We aimed to quantify the effectiveness of different field margin management strategies for putting bumblebee and butterfly biodiversity back into intensive grasslands. 2. Using four intensive livestock farms in south-west England, we manipulated conventional management practices (addition of inorganic fertilizer, cutting frequency and height, and aftermath grazing) to generate seven grass-based treatments along a gradient of decreasing management intensity. We also tested two more interventionist treatments which introduced sown components into the sward: (i) a cereal, grass and legume mix, and (ii) a diverse conservation mix with kale, mixed cereals, linseed and legumes. These crop mixtures were intended to provide forage and structural resources for pollinators but were not intended to have agronomic value as livestock feed. Using a replicated block design, we monitored bumblebee and butterfly responses in 27 plots (10 × 50 m) in each farm from 2003 to 2006. 3. Bumblebees were most abundant, species-rich and diverse in the sown treatments and virtually absent from the grass-based treatments. The diverse conservation mix treatment supported larger and more diverse bumblebee assemblages than the cereal, grass and legume mix treatment. The sown treatments, and the most extensively managed grass-based treatments, had the highest abundance, species richness and diversity of adult butterflies, whereas butterfly larvae were only found in the grass-based treatments. 4. Bumblebee and butterfly assemblage structure was driven by floral abundance, floral richness, the availability of nectar resources, and sward structure. Only vegetation cover was correlated with butterfly larval abundance. 5. Synthesis and applications . This study has identified management options in the margins of intensive grasslands which can enhance bumblebee and butterfly biodiversity. Extensification of conventional grass management by stopping fertilization, reducing cutting frequency and not grazing, benefits butterflies. However, to enhance bumblebees requires a more interventionist approach in the form of sowing flower-rich habitat. Both approaches are potentially suitable for adoption in agri-environment schemes in the UK and Europe.

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- by Valerie Brown
- •
- 5
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Applied, Ecological Applications

Foreword to the English Edition After the time known informally by diatomists as the “Era of the Green Books” (i.e. the Süßwasserflora) which lasted about until the mid 1990s and during which all the information one needed to have to... more

Foreword to the English Edition
After the time known informally by diatomists as the “Era of the Green Books” (i.e. the Süßwasserflora) which lasted about until the mid 1990s and during which all the information one needed to have to address the central European diatom microflora was included in four books, there was an explosion of new publications as fundamental concepts underpinning the taxonomy of diatoms were revised, a large number of new species were described, and many familiar taxa bounced between genera. These are exciting times for those interested in the phylogeny,
biogeography and diversity of diatoms, but also hugely frustrating times for those concerned with the routine identification of diatoms for practical purposes. Application of the EU WFD needs a consistent approach to the naming of the organisms upon which assessments depend. HOFMANN et al. (2011) represented a welcome exception to the trend of an ever-more diffuse literature on diatoms, since it gave analysts, once again, a single identification text for the species most likely to be found during routine assessments in central Europe.
In order to facilitate use outside the German-speaking area, we decided to translate this work into English. At the same time, the lead Editor used this opportunity to update the work to include the latest information on the taxonomy and ecology. Decisions on revisions were made following a very empirical criterion: all taxonomy and ecology papers of which we are aware published until autumn 2016 were considered, and all genera and species (if quantitatively relevant)
were included if they appeared to be recognized in the main online resources (in particular, ‘Diatoms of the Unites States’, ‘AlgaeBase’ etc.), and by the community of diatomists. This is a very practical criterion, which might sometimes lead to inclusion of taxa whose merits are
still being debated, as long as it appears that they still might have some useful application in everyday practice and some recognition in applied ecology.
Following this process, 26 genera were included in the updated English edition of the book whilst in just three cases genera that were included in the first (German) edition have been removed (although they are still mentioned and briefly explained in the book). 10 species have been added to the book, 27 more have been newly mentioned under ‘Similar taxa’, taxonomic concepts were clarified / updated for 36, and 39 were transferred from one genus to another. The clarification and updating made it necessary to produce new identification keys for two
genera (Diploneis and Sellaphora). Information on plastids (only occasionally available in the German edition) has been added whenever possible to the descriptions of the genera. Terminology of both taxonomic features and also ecological concepts was updated in the Glossary. We have also improved the information on ecology and distribution for 22 species. These improvements to the text are accompanied by several additional references. Formal taxonomic
changes were carried out only when strictly necessary in order to simplify difficult situations or improve the rationale of genus affiliation: one new species description (of a morphologically distinct Sellaphora of waters of high saprobic level), seven formal transfers (comb. nov.), one
formal name changes (nom. nov.). The full text of the species descriptions of the German edition has been replaced by more schematic profiles, in which the different points are provided
in a “bullet point” style. This replaces the rich German prose, capable of conveying even nuances of the morphology, with something far more accessible to international audiences.
This English edition, like the earlier German ones, is intended primarily as a tool to facilitate consistent and accurate identification of diatoms in central Europe. We are, however, confident that it might be of general interest for all those looking for an up-to-date overview of most freshwater benthic diatom genera and of the characteristics of their most commonly encountered species.
Marco Cantonati & Martyn Kelly

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- by Marco Cantonati and +1
  Marcus Werum
- •
- 6
  Water quality, Diatom taxonomy, Diatoms as indicators, Applied Ecology

Cooperation between China and India can curtail biodiversity loss, mitigate climate change, and reduce deforestation

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- by Douglas Yu
- •
- 3
  Conservation Biology, Biodiversity, Applied Ecology

1. Increased intensification in agricultural grasslands has led to well-documented declines in the associated flora. Manipulation of field margins for biodiversity enhancement in arable systems has been extensively investigated. However,... more

1. Increased intensification in agricultural grasslands has led to well-documented declines in the associated flora. Manipulation of field margins for biodiversity enhancement in arable systems has been extensively investigated. However, there is a paucity of corresponding long-term research within intensively managed grasslands. 2. We investigated a combination of establishment and management methods to enhance botanical diversity of newly established field margins in intensively managed grasslands. Three methods of field margin establishment were investigated including fencing, natural regeneration by rotavation, or seeding with a wildflower mixture. Subsequent sward management by either grazing or mowing was tested at three margin widths. Success of establishment was addressed in terms of persistence of species richness, plant community composition and incidence of noxious weeds. 3. Seeding with a wildflower mixture was the most successful establishment method to enhance plant species richness and this effect persisted throughout the 7 years of the experiment (x = 16AE4 ± 0AE43 SE plant species richness per 1 · 3 m 2 quadrat). Mown (x = 6AE01 ± 0AE30 SE) and rotavated (x = 9AE7 ± 0AE34 SE) treatments contained significantly fewer plant species; grazed controls contained 9AE83 ± 0AE24 species. 4. Grazing led to a significant, but modest increase in species richness in fenced and rotavated plots compared to the mowing treatment, but had no effect in seeded plots. Grazing also led to an increased frequency and cover of competitive grasses in the seeded treatment. 5. Although margin width was not found to significantly influence species richness, there was increased herb cover and reduced abundance of noxious weeds in the wider seeded margins. 6. Synthesis and applications. The choice of establishment method and subsequent management of grassland field margins significantly affected their conservation value. The botanical diversity of margins within intensively managed pasture can be enhanced by sowing wildflower seed mixtures. This diversity can be maintained over time through appropriate management, i.e. either the reduction of high grazing pressure by seasonal fencing, or annual mowing. Management approaches that involve minimal change are currently adopted in many agri-environment schemes (such as fencing and ⁄ or the cessation of nutrient inputs) but did not produce swards of conservation value in this study.

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- by Helen Sheridan
- •
- 10
  Regeneration, Ecology, Applied Ecology, Applied

Science popularization paper briefly introducing the diatom identification volume: Freshwater Benthic Diatoms of Central Europe (FBDCE): Over 800 Common Species Used in Ecological Assessment. M. Cantonati, M.G. Kelly & H. Lange-Bertalot... more

The annual occurrence and distribution of the predatory bugs Anthocoris nemorum and Anthocoris nemoralis between apple, pear and herbal vegetation, was assessed in three apple orchards in 2001, and in two apple and two pear orchards in... more

Pacific leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea populations have been declining precipitously. It has been suggested that fishery-associated mortality is the leading factor causing the decline; however, the sensitivity of leatherbacks to... more

Pacific leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea populations have been declining precipitously. It has been suggested that fishery-associated mortality is the leading factor causing the decline; however, the sensitivity of leatherbacks to climate variability relative to their population ecology is unknown. 2. We investigated the effects of interannual climate variability, as governed by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), on leatherback nesting ecology. We used equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly data over various time scales derived from both moored buoys and remote satellites as signals of ENSO. We then incorporated these data into a remigration probability model for the largest nesting population of eastern Pacific leatherbacks at Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas (PNMB), Costa Rica. 3. Our results showed that nesting females of PNMB exhibited a strong sensitivity to ENSO, as reflected in their nesting remigration probabilities. Cool La Niña events corresponded with a higher remigration probability and warm El Niño events corresponded with a lower remigration probability. 4. We suggest that productivity transitions at leatherback foraging areas in the eastern equatorial and south-eastern Pacific in response to El Niño/La Niña events result in variable remigration intervals and thus variable annual egg production. This phenomenon may render the eastern Pacific leatherback population more vulnerable to anthropogenic mortality than other populations. 5. Synthesis and applications . Physical indices of environmental variation can be used to estimate the probability of leatherbacks remigrating to nest at PNMB. This type of modelling approach can be extremely useful for understanding the effects of climatic variation on the population dynamics of sea turtles. Our remigration probability model can be applied to any monitored sea turtle nesting population where nesting site fidelity and beach monitoring coverage remains high. This modelling approach can help nesting beach monitoring programmes forecast remigrant numbers based on prior climate data, and can further quantify anthropogenic mortality by validating survival estimates.

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- by Vincent Saba and +1
  Richard Reina
- •
- 14
  Climate variability, Ecology, Population ecology, Applied Ecology

1. Land-use intensification is increasing dramatically in production systems world-wide. Livestock production is an important component of production land use, and increases in livestock densities have had a wide range of negative... more

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- by Gary Barker
- •
- 7
  Ecology, Forest Fragmentation, Applied Ecology, Spillover

The origins, form and composition of pasture-woodlands are summarized and a description is given of the flora and fauna particularly associated with this type of woodland. Evidence for considering the flora and fauna of these areas to be... more

The origins, form and composition of pasture-woodlands are summarized and a description is given of the flora and fauna particularly associated with this type of woodland. Evidence for considering the flora and fauna of these areas to be relics of those of the primeval forest, and to be indicators of continuity of habitat, is investigated. Particular attention is given to epiphytic lichens and saproxylic Coleoptera (beetles) and Diptera (flies). A selection of sites considered to be important for conserving the flora and fauna of pasture-woodlands is listed. á PREFACE 3 The following account of the conservation of epiphytes and saproxylic invertebrates in pasture-woodlands is a revised version of an earlier report to the Nature Conservancy Council (Rose & Harding 1978). Several years have elapsed since the submission of that report, during which time an essentially relevant book has been published on the subject of Ancient woodland (Rackham 1980). Frequent reference is made to this book in our account, particularly where the history of pasture-woodlands is concerned. Indeed, some sections of our account could be considered superfluous by anyone who has read Dr Rackham's scholarly work, but we hope that this biological account benefits from a brief historical review of the topic. Current English usage in relation to wooded land can be a little confusing. The use of words with multiple meanings is frequent, if not prevalent, in common usage. Rackham (1980) provided a résumé of the names of types of wooded land in Britain and of the terms used in their management and description. In the following account the names and terms used by Rackham are adhered to, except for the subject of our account, pasture-woodlands. Rackham derived the term wood-pasture from the medieval Latin term silva pastilis used, for example, in the Domesday Book. Our contention is that, whilst it is justifiable to refer to a wood/pasture system of management, it is grammatically more correct to refer to areas managed by this system as pasture-woodlands. Similarly, we refer to the other principal management types of woodlands as coppice-woodlands and high-forest woodlands. Our use of the term pasture-woodland differs in one respect from that of Rackham for wood-pasture (by including an additional type of pasturewoodland); our use of the term is otherwise synonymous with the term wood-pasture as used by Rackham (1976, 1980), Peterken (1977a,b, 1981), and others.

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- by Francis Rose
- •
- 5
  Biology, Ecology, Applied Ecology, Ecological Applications

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- by Robin Chazdon
- •
- 7
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences

Termites are major decomposers in tropical regions and play an important role in soil processes. This study measured the impact of land-use intensification on the termite assemblage of lowland rain forest in Jambi Province, on the... more

Termites are major decomposers in tropical regions and play an important role in soil processes. This study measured the impact of land-use intensification on the termite assemblage of lowland rain forest in Jambi Province, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Termite composition was assessed in seven land-use types along a disturbance gradient, from primary forest, through different silvicultural systems, to grassland and cultivated land without trees. A range of environmental variables was also measured. 2. Termite species richness and relative abundance declined as follows: primary forest > selectively logged forest > mature 'jungle rubber' (a diverse agro-forest dominated by rubber trees) > mature rubber plantation > young Paraserianthes falcataria plantation (a softwood tree) > Imperata cylindrica grassland > cassava garden. Termite richness fell from 34 species in the primary forest to one species in the cassava garden. The relative abundance of soil-feeding termites showed a significantly greater decline along the gradient than did wood-feeding termites. 3. Of the environmental variables, woody plant basal area was most strongly correlated with termite species richness ( r = 0·973) and relative abundance ( r = 0·980). This reflects the response of forest-adapted termites to progressive simplification of the physical structure of the habitat, resulting in the reduction of canopy cover and alteration in microclimate, and the loss of feeding and nesting sites. 4. Synthesis and applications . Comparisons with other studies show that the decline in termite species richness and relative abundance seen at Jambi is a general trend that occurs elsewhere when forests are converted to other land uses. To help mitigate the loss of termites when forests are disturbed, we recommend the following management practices: the use of reduced-impact logging techniques, maximizing forest patch size and connectivity, minimizing length of forest edges, and leaving dead wood to decay in situ .

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- by Suryo Hardiwinoto and +1
  A. Gillison
- •
- 17
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Rain forest, Applied

Post-dispersal seed losses in annual arable weed species are poorly quantified, but may be of significance for natural population control, especially if they can be manipulated. We hypothesized that weed seed predation on the soil surface... more

Post-dispersal seed losses in annual arable weed species are poorly quantified, but may be of significance for natural population control, especially if they can be manipulated. We hypothesized that weed seed predation on the soil surface was significant, so we measured rates in the field to estimate annual seed losses due to predation. 2. Temporal patterns of weed seed losses due to predation ('demand') as well as weed seed production ('supply') were measured from May to June until harvest in August 1999 and 2000 during 2-week exposure periods in four organic cereal fields in the Netherlands. The proportion of weed seeds lost to predators M i (number of seeds consumed per number of seeds exposed per 14 days) was measured, using cards containing seeds of Stellaria media , Chenopodium album or Avena fatua . Seed production, Y i (number of seeds per m 2 per 14 days), was measured in 2000, using seed traps. 3. Annual seed loss due to predation, Â (number of seeds consumed per number of seeds produced per year), was calculated based on M i and the exposure period of seeds to predators, starting with seed shed and ending with seed burial. The importance of the length of the exposure period on total seed loss was explored using a model. 4. The temporal trend in M i was consistent among farms and years: high in June and early July, lower in the second half of July and negligible in August and after harvest. Total seed production varied considerably among fields, i.e. 800-16 000 seeds per m 2 per year. The timing of peak seed production also varied substantially. 5. Calculated Â ranged from 32% to 70%, when assuming continuous exposure of seeds to predators from seed shed till crop harvest. When exposure was limited to 2 or 4 weeks after seed shed, Â decreased to 18-57% or 28-67%, respectively. Differences between fields and weed species were mainly due to differences in the timing of seed shed. 6. Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that seed predation in organic cereal fields is an important factor shaping the population dynamics of arable weeds. A combination of environmental conditions (hot and dry weather) and agricultural practices (an early crop sowing) can advance weed phenology and postpone seed burial, resulting in higher proportions of weed seed loss to predation in cereals.

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- by Martin Kropff
- •
- 5
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Applied, Ecological Applications

During the last few years a variety of methods have been applied in Switzerland to preserve and enhance biological diversity in agricultural systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate grassland management techniques in respect of... more

During the last few years a variety of methods have been applied in Switzerland to preserve and enhance biological diversity in agricultural systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate grassland management techniques in respect of their effectiveness within a managed area and to examine how these areas contribute to species diversity at a landscape scale. 2. We examined insect diversity in grasslands subject to different management in a heterogeneous landscape in part of the Swiss Jura. Four study areas with varying landscape structure were selected and, in each area, meadows of two grassland management types were investigated. 3. The true bugs (Heteroptera) were chosen as an indicator group for insect diversity on the basis of previous work that had shown that the richness of the bug fauna correlates strongly with total insect diversity. 4. The variance of the heteropteran species data was partitioned into spatial (area) and management components. Area accounted for 35·4%, management for 29·7% and the interaction management × area for 7·2% of the species variance. The species diversity was greater in extensively managed meadows than in intensive ones; extensive sites had more individuals and showed a more even rank abundance distribution. 5. Individual species differed in their responses to management. Two species benefited from intensification whereas six species were affected negatively by intensive management. Two main groups of species did not appear to respond to management; these were mostly widespread species occurring in a variety of habitats, and polyphagous species which live in a wide range of grasslands but which show a certain affinity to managed meadows. 6. Our study indicates that extensive management of grasslands can enhance both local and regional insect diversity in agricultural landscapes. Extensively managed meadows were species-rich habitats that supported some rare and specialized species. In contrast, the bug community of intensive meadows was dominated by more widespread and less specialist species.

1. Modern agriculture, in seeking to maximize yields to meet growing global food demand, has caused loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and compaction, impairing critical regulating and supporting ecosystem services upon which humans also... more

1. Modern agriculture, in seeking to maximize yields to meet growing global food demand, has caused loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and compaction, impairing critical regulating and supporting ecosystem services upon which humans also depend. Own-growing makes an important contribution to food security in urban areas globally, but its effects on soil qualities that underpin ecosystem service provision are currently unknown. 2. We compared the main indicators of soil quality; SOC storage, total nitrogen (TN), C : N ratio and bulk density (BD) in urban allotments to soils from the surrounding agricultural region, and between the allotments and other urban greenspaces in a typical UK city. A questionnaire was used to investigate allotment management practices that influence soil properties. 3. Allotment soils had 32% higher SOC concentrations and 36% higher C : N ratios than pastures and arable fields and 25% higher TN and 10% lower BD than arable soils. 4. There was no significant difference between SOC concentration in allotments and urban non-domestic greenspaces, but it was higher in domestic gardens beneath woody vegetation. Allotment soil C : N ratio exceeded that in non-domestic greenspaces, but was lower than that in garden soil. 5. Three-quarters of surveyed allotment plot holders added manure, 95% composted biomass on-site, and many added organic-based fertilizers and commercial composts. This may explain the maintenance of SOC, C : N ratios, TN and low BD, which are positively associated with soil functioning. 6. Synthesis and applications. Maintenance and protection of the quality of our soil resource is essential for sustainable food production and for regulating and supporting ecosystem services upon which we depend. Our study establishes, for the first time, that small-scale urban food production can occur without the penalty of soil degradation seen in conventional agriculture, and maintains the high soil quality seen in urban greenspaces. Given the involvement of over 800 million people in urban agriculture globally, and its important contribution to food security, our findings suggest that to better protect soil functions, local, national and international urban planning and policy making should promote more urban own-growing in preference to further intensification of conventional agriculture to meet increasing food demand.

There is growing awareness that biological control carries risks as well as benefits, but there are few data on below-ground effects of inundative insect pathogens. We addressed this issue using entomopathogenic nematodes and the soil... more

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- by Nethi Somasekhar
- •
- 7
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Soil fauna, Applied

Watersports equipment can act as a vector for the introduction and spread of invasive non native species (INNS) in freshwater environments. To support advice given to recreational water users under the UK Government's Check Clean Dry... more

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- by Lucy Anderson and +1
  Paul Stebbing (Cefas)
- •
- 4
  Invasive species ecology, Applied Ecology, Biosecurity, Alien invasive species

1. Climate change has been inducing range shifts for many species as they follow their suitable climate space and further shifts are projected. Whether species will be able to colonize regions where climate conditions become suitable,... more

The initiation of an invasion event is rarely dated in studies of alien plants. Data from aerial photographs documenting the invasion from the outset facilitate the quantification of the rate of spread, allowing researchers to analyse... more

The initiation of an invasion event is rarely dated in studies of alien plants. Data from aerial photographs documenting the invasion from the outset facilitate the quantification of the rate of spread, allowing researchers to analyse species' population dynamics and providing a basis for management. 2. For 10 sites invaded by Heracleum mantegazzianum in the Slavkovsk y les, Czech Republic, aerial photographs from 11 sampling dates between 1947 (before invasion started) and 2000 were analysed. The area covered by the invader was measured digitally in a 60ha section of landscape, and information obtained on invaded habitats, year of invasion, flowering intensity and structure of patches. Invaded area was regressed on residence time (time since the beginning of invasion) and regression slopes were used to measure the rate of spread. Data were analysed by  , multiple regression and path analysis. 3. Pastures and fields contributed 84·7% to Heracleum total cover, forest and scrub 13·7% and human settlements 1·6% at the later stage of invasion. The direct effect of the rate of invasion on invaded area (0·82) was greater than that of residence time (0·22), but the total effect (direct and indirect) of residence time was only slightly less (0·79) than that of the rate of invasion (0·82). As invasion proceeded, the populations spread from linear habitats to the surrounding landscape. Mean rate of areal spread was 1261 m 2 year − 1 and that of linear spread 10·8 m year − 1 . Flowering intensity did not exhibit any significant trend over time. 4. Synthesis and applications. The strong effect of the rate of spread on the invaded area indicates that local environmental conditions hardly limit the spread of Heracleum . The species is easily detectable on aerial photographs taken at flowering and early fruiting times, from June to August. Knowledge gained from aerial photographs allows managers to identify dispersal foci and to focus control efforts on linear landscape structures with developing populations. Knowledge of the rate of spread and habitat vulnerability to invasion facilitates the identification of areas at highest risk of immediate invasion.

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- by Jana Mullerová
- •
- 20
  Landscape Ecology, Ecology, Population Dynamics, Invasive Species

1. Identifying the mechanisms that facilitate invasion is crucial for the design of preventative measures and understanding the invasion process, but not necessarily for the design of effective control strategies. 2. When a novel... more

1. Identifying the mechanisms that facilitate invasion is crucial for the design of preventative measures and understanding the invasion process, but not necessarily for the design of effective control strategies. 2. When a novel disturbance is identified as facilitating invasion, the intuitive control strategy is to restore the previous disturbance regime. This recommendation is implicitly based on traditional models of succession, which explain the dynamics of few natural ecosystems. We investigate whether the application and ⁄ or manipulation of novel disturbances designed explicitly under an alternative states model are more effective for restoration. 3. Using a field trial, we manipulated a relatively new disturbance (ungulate grazing), a facilitator of invasion, to determine its effects on the invasive grass species, Eragrostis curvula and the rest of the plant community. The split-plot design used excluded and permitted grazing and was combined with reductions in the biomass of the invader using mowing and selective application of herbicides. We also altered soil nutrient conditions and monitored responses over two growing seasons characterized by different rainfall patterns. 4. We found that the control strategy based implicitly on traditional successional models (removing the causal disturbance and killing the invasive grass) was not the most effective option for restoring a desirable native community. While this control strategy reduced the abundance of the invader and increased native grasses, it led to an increase in the abundance of an undesirable exotic forb, Verbena tenuisecta. The most effective control strategy was based on alternative states models and involved the maintenance of grazing and the use of fertilizers to increase the palatability of the invader. With this strategy, the abundance of the invader decreased because grazing pressure increased, native grasses increased and the exotic forb was maintained at low levels. 5. Synthesis and applications. The control strategy based on the alternative states models initially appears at odds with restoration efforts, because livestock grazing and nutrient addition are associated with the degradation of plant communities worldwide. However, for effective restoration, we found approaches that take into consideration the dynamics of the novel invader-dominated system were the most effective in the short term.

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- by Yvonne Buckley
- •
- 5
  Ecology, Invasive Species, Applied Ecology, Ecological Applications

Culling, either of all animals or infected animals only, is often suggested as a way of managing infectious diseases in wildlife populations. However, replicated experiments to investigate culling strategies are often impractical because... more

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- by Nick Beeton
- •
- 6
  Ecology, Mathematical Modelling, Applied Ecology, Wildlife Management

1. Wild bees are one of the most important groups of pollinators in the temperate zone. Therefore, population declines have potentially negative impacts for both crop and wildflower pollination. Although heavy metal pollution is... more

1. Wild bees are one of the most important groups of pollinators in the temperate zone. Therefore, population declines have potentially negative impacts for both crop and wildflower pollination. Although heavy metal pollution is recognized to be a problem affecting large parts of the European Union, we currently lack insights into the effects of heavy metals on wild bees. 2. We investigated whether heavy metal pollution is a potential threat to wild bee communities by comparing (i) species number, (ii) diversity and (iii) abundance as well as (iv) natural mortality of emerging bees along two independent gradients of heavy metal pollution, one at Olkusz (OLK), Poland and the other at Avonmouth (AVO), UK. We used standardized nesting traps to measure species richness and abundance of wild bees, and we recorded the heavy metal concentration in pollen collected by the red mason bee Osmia rufa as a measure of pollution. 3. The concentration of cadmium, lead and zinc in pollen collected by bees ranged from a background level in unpolluted sites [OLK: 1AE3, 43AE4, 99AE8 (mg kg )1 ); AVO: 0AE8, 42AE0, 56AE0 (mg kg )1 ), respectively] to a high level on sites in the vicinity of the OLK and AVO smelters [OLK: 6AE7, 277AE0, 440AE1 (mg kg )1 ); AVO: 9AE3, 356AE2, 592AE4 (mg kg )1 ), respectively]. 4. We found that with increasing heavy metal concentration, there was a steady decrease in the number, diversity and abundance of solitary, wild bees. In the most polluted sites, traps were empty or contained single occupants, whereas in unpolluted sites, the nesting traps collected from 4 to 5 species represented by up to ten individuals. Moreover, the proportion of dead individuals of the solitary bee Megachile ligniseca increased along the heavy metal pollution gradient at OLK from 0AE2 in uncontaminated sites to 0AE5 in sites with a high concentration of pollution. 5. Synthesis and applications. Our findings highlight the negative relationship between heavy metal pollution and populations of wild bees and suggest that increasing wild bee richness in highly contaminated areas will require special conservation strategies. These may include creating suitable nesting sites and sowing a mixture of flowering plants as well as installing artificial nests with wild bee cocoons in polluted areas. Applying protection plans to wild pollinating bee communities in heavy metal-contaminated areas will contribute to integrated land rehabilitation to minimize the impact of pollution on the environment.

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- by Piotr Skórka
- •
- 5
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Applied, Ecological Applications

The Amur or Siberian tiger Panthera tigris altaica forms a relatively small and disjunct population of less than 600 individuals in the Russian Far East. Because tigers in this region require large territories to acquire sufficient prey,... more

1. Conservation adequacy is defined as the ability of conservation measures to sustain biodiversity. Although river network connectivity is important for maintaining key ecological processes and ensuring persistence of biodiversity, it... more

1. Conservation adequacy is defined as the ability of conservation measures to sustain biodiversity. Although river network connectivity is important for maintaining key ecological processes and ensuring persistence of biodiversity, it also facilitates the propagation of threats along river networks, which may compromise the sustainability of freshwater biodiversity and therefore conservation adequacy. This study aims to introduce two modifications to river conservation planning related to connectivity and catchment condition that together can improve the adequacy of the priority areas identified. This will establish an operational framework for end-users, such as policy makers and NGOs. 2. We operationalize the connectivity framework that has recently emerged in systematic river conservation planning by using a GIS coding system for catchment location in the conservation software package MARXAN. Additionally, we use a landscape measure of catchment disturbance to direct the conservation plan to the least-disturbed area while still meeting targets for the conservation of fish species used as surrogates for overall biodiversity in our study catchment, the Daly River in northern Australia. This proxy for condition aggregates information on land-use, extractive industries, point-source pollution, and water infrastructure. 3. We successfully modelled the distribution of 39 fish species based on GIS-derived landscape descriptors (most important descriptors were; discharge, distance to river mouth, geology and conductivity). 4. Results from the systematic planning analysis identified a portfolio of watersheds that delivered close to optimal upstream protection with around 4700 stream kilometres (30% of the total network). When using upstream disturbance as an extra penalty, most of the network stayed intact; however, a replacement area was found for a major tributary, which only added an extra 1% of the stream network to the total area. 5. Synthesis and applications. Improving conservation adequacy by accounting for upstream connectivity and condition using this easy-to-implement framework and software package has the potential to facilitate further application of systematic methods in river conservation planning. Furthermore, integrating condition as a discounting factor can also improve conservation adequacy in a broad range of environments (including terrestrial and marine), while not necessarily increasing the management costs.

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The version in the Kent Academic Repository may differ from the final published version. Users are advised to check http://kar.kent.ac.uk for the status of the paper. Users should always cite the published version of record.

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- by Marc Millare
- •
- 8
  Zoology, Population Biology, Ecology, Applied Ecology

Generalist arthropod predators act as natural enemies of insect pests in agroecosystems. Crop management activities may cause a reduction in arthropod densities, either directly through mortality and emigration, or indirectly through... more

Generalist arthropod predators act as natural enemies of insect pests in agroecosystems. Crop management activities may cause a reduction in arthropod densities, either directly through mortality and emigration, or indirectly through habitat disruption. Our aim was to quantify direct mortality caused by mechanical crop treatments. For some treatments, we also quantified emigration and other indirect effects, such as population declines caused by the impact of habitat deterioration on reproduction and survival. 2. Direct mortality was determined by measuring predator densities simultaneously in control and treatment plots using closed emergence traps immediately following a mechanical treatment. Treatments consisted of the following crop management activities: ploughing, non-inversion tillage, superficial soil loosening, mechanical weed control and grass cutting. Predator densities were measured a second time 5-26 days after treatment to quantify emigration and indirect effects. 3. All treatments had a negative influence on one or more arthropod taxa. Direct mortality caused a 25-60% reduction in arthropod densities. Overall, spiders were more vulnerable to mechanical crop treatment than carabid and staphylinid beetles. Intensive soil cultivation, such as ploughing and soil loosening, did not kill more arthropods than weed harrowing and grass cutting. 4. We estimated the cumulative effects of mortality, emigration and indirect effects 3 weeks following treatment. The cumulative effect was greater than direct arthropod mortality, suggesting delayed effects of habitat disruption. 5. Grass cutting caused spiders and staphylinid beetles to move out of the crop, except in one case when the grass was left to dry, suggesting an important role of organic material or structural elements for arthropod persistence. Our results also suggest that arthropod predators aggregate in undisturbed or less disrupted habitats. 6. Synthesis and applications . Mechanical operations in arable crops and grass cutting cause mortality and emigration of generalist arthropod predators, especially spiders. Effects can be species-specific and are likely to be affected by the timing of management. In grassland, cutting and removal have greater adverse impacts than leaving cuttings that contribute to habitat structure. Adjacent, less-disturbed refuge areas are colonized by predators following husbandry events, demonstrating significant spatial dynamics among farmland arthropods. The negative effects of crop husbandry operations might be mitigated by the provision of refuge areas within and adjacent to fields and by maintaining crop and landscape diversity.

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- by Trine Bilde
- •
- 9
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Crop management, Animal Conservation

Despite great concern about the eects of fragmentation on biodiversity, quantitative studies are still scarce with respect to many major groups and important environments. Well-studied natural reference sites are few. 2. Extensive light... more

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- by Lukman Thalib and +1
  Roger Kitching
- •
- 6
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Rain forest, Environmental quality

Slash harvesting from forests to provide bioenergy reduces the amount of woody debris in the managed forest landscape and changes the physical and chemical environment in clear-cuts. We examined previously unstudied effects of commercial... more

Slash harvesting from forests to provide bioenergy reduces the amount of woody debris in the managed forest landscape and changes the physical and chemical environment in clear-cuts. We examined previously unstudied effects of commercial (i.e. nonexperimental) slash harvest on species composition and richness of liverworts, mosses and vascular plants. The results call for modification of commercial slash harvest practices. 2. Differences between conventionally harvested (i.e. slash left) and slash-harvested stands were investigated 5-10 years after clear-cutting through analysis of 28 paired stands, with one 0·1-ha plot divided into five 0·02-ha subplots in each stand. 3. The species composition of mosses and liverworts in 0·1-ha plots was significantly affected by slash harvest, whereas the composition of vascular plant species was not. 4. The species richness of liverworts was significantly reduced by slash harvest in plots of both sizes, whereas moss richness was reduced only in 0·02-ha plots. The loss of liverwort species was largest, with approximately one-third of the species disappearing. The species richness of vascular plants was not significantly affected by slash harvest in either plot size. 5. Slash harvest reduced species richness of forest bryophytes and of bryophytes typically growing on organic substrates in open habitats. Species richness of non-forest bryophytes on inorganic substrates remained unchanged. 6. Synthesis and applications. Our results show that slash harvest reduces shelter and woody substrates, which changes species composition and reduces species richness of liverworts and mosses in clear-cuts. Increased mechanical disturbance that removes remnant vegetation and exposes mineral soil may also play a role. In order to conserve bryophytes, we advocate mitigation of adverse ecological effects through enhanced environmental care within slash-harvested stands. Leaving more tree clusters, and creating and protecting large woody debris would be especially important in these stands, and would also improve the habitat for other organisms.

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- by Mats Dynesius
- •
- 7
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Applied, Boreal Forest

1. Distance sampling is a widely used technique for estimating the size or density of biological populations. Many distance sampling designs and most analyses use the software Distance. 2. We briefly review distance sampling and its... more

1. Distance sampling is a widely used technique for estimating the size or density of biological populations. Many distance sampling designs and most analyses use the software Distance. 2. We briefly review distance sampling and its assumptions, outline the history, structure and capabilities of Distance, and provide hints on its use. 3. Good survey design is a crucial prerequisite for obtaining reliable results. Distance has a survey design engine, with a built-in geographic information system, that allows properties of different proposed designs to be examined via simulation, and survey plans to be generated. 4. A first step in analysis of distance sampling data is modelling the probability of detection. Distance contains three increasingly sophisticated analysis engines for this: conventional distance sampling, which models detection probability as a function of distance from the transect and assumes all objects at zero distance are detected; multiple-covariate distance sampling, which allows covariates in addition to distance; and mark-recapture distance sampling, which relaxes the assumption of certain detection at zero distance. 5. All three engines allow estimation of density or abundance, stratified if required, with associated measures of precision calculated either analytically or via the bootstrap. 6. Advanced analysis topics covered include the use of multipliers to allow analysis of indirect surveys (such as dung or nest surveys), the density surface modelling analysis engine for spatial and habitat modelling, and information about accessing the analysis engines directly from other software. 7. Synthesis and applications. Distance sampling is a key method for producing abundance and density estimates in challenging field conditions. The theory underlying the methods continues to expand to cope with realistic estimation situations. In step with theoretical developments, stateof-the-art software that implements these methods is described that makes the methods accessible to practising ecologists.

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- by Len Thomas
- •
- 23
  Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Ecology, Population Dynamics

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- by Slava Kalyuga
- •
- 200
  Management, Marketing, Engineering, Ecological Engineering

The overkill hypothesis was originally proposed more than 40 years ago as an explanation for the extinction of North American Pleistocene megafauna (Martin 1967;. The hypothesis states that when people arrived in the Americas, they hunted... more

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- by Lisa Nagaoka
- •
- 49
  Social Psychology, Human Geography, Environmental Geography, Archaeology

Comprehensive overview of the impact of tourism on the coastal and urban environments of Bournemouth Table of Contents: Fieldwork Outline 1 Geographical Context 1 Methods of Investigation 3 Coastline Environment’s Features... more

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- by Angel Versetti
- •
- 66
  Business, Entrepreneurship, Management, Business Administration

In this review, the impacts of climate change on Lepidoptera species and communities are summarized, regarding already registered changes in case of individual species and assemblies, and possible future effects. These include changes in... more

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- by Márton Kocsis and +1
  Levente Hufnagel
- •
- 2
  Applied Ecology, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT

Many lowland rivers in Western Europe have been substantially modified to aid land drainage and support the intensification of agriculture. Although there have been many attempts at rehabilitation, few have been systematically evaluated... more

Many lowland rivers in Western Europe have been substantially modified to aid land drainage and support the intensification of agriculture. Although there have been many attempts at rehabilitation, few have been systematically evaluated on ecological criteria. 2. Macroinvertebrates were assessed in 13 UK lowland rivers containing instream rehabilitation structures, seven with artificial riffles (intended to mimic natural gravel riffles) and six with flow deflectors (intended to increase flow, depth and substrate heterogeneity within the channel). In each river, invertebrates were compared between stretches of river with and without rehabilitation structures. 3. Rehabilitated and reference stretches were subdivided into different benthic and macrophyte habitats. Three macroinvertebrate samples were taken once in July/August 1999 from each habitat across all schemes and rivers. Current velocity, depth and substratum particle size were recorded at the same time from each habitat. 4. Artificial riffle benthos had faster current, a coarser substratum and was shallower than reference benthos. Depth and substratum particle size differed little between flow deflector and reference benthos, although velocity downstream of the deflector tip was greater, and velocity in the lee of the deflector lower, than reference benthos. At a habitat scale, the benthos of artificial riffles, but not flow deflectors, had higher abundance, taxon richness and diversity than reference benthos. The impact of artificial riffles was most marked for benthic rheophilic taxa. 5. In all rivers, macroinvertebrate diversity was highest in marginal macrophytes and abundance highest in instream macrophytes. Although invertebrate communities were distinct between artificial riffle (but not flow deflector) and reference benthos, these differences were negligible in comparison to those between benthic and macrophyte habitats. 6. Neither artificial riffles nor flow deflectors had any significant impact on the taxon richness of the benthos or of the rehabilitated stretch of the river as a whole. Invertebrate diversity of rehabilitated stretches related closely to that of reference stretches, indicating that larger scale factors constrained any impact of rehabilitation. 7. Synthesis and applications . Local rehabilitation structures appeared to have minor biological effects in lowland rivers. We suggest that post-project appraisal should be more rigorously applied to rehabilitation schemes, measuring success against more clearly defined goals. We also advocate a greater emphasis on large-scale riparian, floodplain and catchment rehabilitation, rather than small-scale channel rehabilitation. Such a change in approach needs more effective cooperation and collaboration between all catchment users.

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- by Simon Harrison
- •
- 9
  Western Europe, Ecology, Applied Ecology, River Restoration

1. Acoustic methods are used increasingly to survey and monitor bat populations. However, the use of acoustic methods at continental scales can be hampered by the lack of standardized and objective methods to identify all species... more

1. The resolution of direct conflict between humans and elephants in Africa has become a serious local political issue in recent years, and a continental conservation problem. ‘Problem elephants’ damage crops, food stores and water... more

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- by Mai Sawatwong
- •
- 6
  Ecology, Agriculture, Applied Ecology, Land Use

Die vorliegende Konzeptstudie basiert auf einem angewandten Forschungsprojekt und zeigt auf, wie Biodiversität besser mittels raumplanerischen Instrumenten (im weitesten Sinne) gefördert werden kann.

"Projective Ecologies, is an explicit recognition of a plurality of ecological theories and applied research underpinning contemporary understandings of cultural and natural living systems. It spans a broad spectrum from philosophy and... more

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- by Nina-Marie Lister
- •
- 7
  Landscape Ecology, Human Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Urban Ecology

1. Agri-environment schemes (AESs) are designed to create landscape-scale improvements in biodiversity. While the specific aims of AESs do not always include the enhancement of species of conservation concern, associated conservation... more

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- by Ian Montgomery
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- 17
  Ecology, Applied Ecology, Conservation Status, Northern Ireland

In recent years the use of species distribution models by ecologists and conservation managers has increased considerably, along with an awareness of the need to provide accuracy assessment for predictions of such models. The kappa... more

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- by Bin You
- •
- 34
  Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Ecology, Animal Ecology

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- by Marc Mangel
- •
- 8
  Zoology, Population Biology, Ecology, Applied Ecology

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- by Azzou Idder
- •
- 19
  Climate Change, Agroecology, Arid Land Ecology, Drought

DUŽÍ, Barbora - TÓTH, Attila - BIHUŇOVÁ, Mária - STOJANOV, Robert. 2014. Challenges of Urban Agriculture: Highlights on the Czech and Slovak Republic Specifics. In VÁVRA, Jan - LAPKA, Miloslav - CUDLÍNOVÁ, Eva (eds.) Current challenges of... more

L’urbanistica è l’insieme degli atti di pianificazione e di programmazione delle trasformazioni territoriali. Ogni azione tendente a modificare l’organizzazione del territorio, mutando la distribuzione della popolazione e delle strutture... more

L’urbanistica è l’insieme degli atti di pianificazione e di programmazione delle trasformazioni territoriali. Ogni azione tendente a modificare l’organizzazione del territorio, mutando la distribuzione della popolazione e delle strutture produttive e delle infrastrutture di servizio oppure alterandone le relazioni è un atto urbanistico. L’ecologia nel rilevare le relazioni degli esseri viventi con l’ambiente modifica la costruzione scientifica dell’urbanistica.
Attraverso i fondamenti si pongono i riferimenti conoscitivi della scienza. Attraverso l’osservazione delle trasformazioni territoriali indotte dall’urbanistica si costruiscono ipotesi generali e derivate.
Un approccio scientifico all’urbanistica esige d’altra parte chiarezza metodologica e operativa, e rigorosa. Occorre definire le grandezze significative e i metodi di misura per disporre di adeguati elementi quantitativi per sostenere interpretazioni e per discuterne i risultati, in modo da orientare scelte e piani.
Solo con formulazioni scientifiche condivise, autonome rispetto agli interessi particolari, sarà possibile proporre ipotesi e teorie da verificare o falsificare in funzione dell’osservazione del mondo reale, vero e unico laboratorio.
La teoria urbanistica in ambito ecologico ricerca risposte alle criticità ambientali e sociali, per ridurre gli impatti negativi e per riequilibrare la distribuzione delle risorse e guidare economia territoriale verso il miglioramento della qualità della vita. La teoria in ambito ecologico amplia le responsabilità dell’urbanistica, un’emancipazione possibile solo se la politica offrirà le necessarie garanzie per sviluppare le conoscenze e per indagare responsabilmente il concetto di sviluppo.

Urban and regional planning is a set of actions of laws, decisions, plans and economic programs that can be able to sustain activities and their organization on lands and towns. Any action that tends to change the land organization, changing the population distribution, manufacturing locations, facilities and infrastructure, or altering their relationship is an act of urban planning.
Ecology, in detecting the relationship of living beings with the environment, changes radically the scientific frame of urban and regional planning.
Through foundamentals we can put the references of a cognitive approach to planning science and theory. Through the observation of the acts of planning and related transformations we can induce general and derived hypotheses.
A scientific approach to urban and regional planning, on the other hand, requires clarity and operational methodology, and rigorous one. We should define the significant variables and methods of measurement just to manipulate adequate quantitative elements to support interpretations and to discuss the results: the aim is to guide choices and plans.
Only if we can shared scientific formulations, independent from special interests, it will be possible to propose hypotheses and theories not only to be verified or falsified depending on the observation of the real world, real and unique laboratory, but also we know that we need them to support and take decisions under conditions of uncertainty.
The ecological planning theory can answer to the environmental and social risks, so we can reduce negative impacts and rebalance the distribution of resources and drive the urban economy to a better quality of life.
The ecological planning theory must extend the responsibilities of planners, but we are sure that we can emancipate the theory only if the policy will provide the necessary guarantees to develop the knowledge responsibly and to investigate in another way the concept of “development”.

The ISO 9001 (2000) define "Quality" as the ability of a set of inherent properties and characteristics of a product, system or process to fulfill requirements of customers and other interested parties. The "Plan de Calidad de Obra (PCO)"... more

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- by luis chavez
- •
- 199
  Management, Marketing, Engineering, Ecological Engineering

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- by Kesya Pattimukay
- •
- 7
  Conservation, Ecology, Biodiversity, Applied Ecology

1. Human harvesting has a large impact on natural populations and may cause undesirable life-history changes. In wild ungulate populations, unrestricted trophy hunting may cause strong selection pressures resulting in evolutionary change... more

1. Human harvesting has a large impact on natural populations and may cause undesirable life-history changes. In wild ungulate populations, unrestricted trophy hunting may cause strong selection pressures resulting in evolutionary change towards smaller trophies. It has rarely been tested how harvesting selection varies in space and time, and whether directional hunter selection is sufficiently strong to induce long-term decreases in trophy size in centuryscale data. 2. We analysed two unique data sets of harvesting records spanning decade and century scales (1881-2008) to identify changes in trophy size and how harvesting selection varies in space and time in red deer Cervus elaphus. We contrasted predictions from the trophy-hunting depletion, the restricted trophy hunting and the hunting pressure hypotheses. 3. Foreign hunters selected older and larger males than local hunters, but selection patterns for age-specific trophy size between counties and over time were dynamic. Patterns of red deer trophy size development from exhibitions (representing the 'upper tail' of antler sizes) were remarkably similar across Hungary from 1881 to 2008. A weak decline in trophy size between 1881 and 1958 was followed by a strong increase in trophy size between 1958 and 1974, culminating in a period of stable antler tine numbers and a weak decline in beam length until 2008. 4. We rejected the trophy hunting depletion hypothesis due to the increase in trophy size after a period of decline; patterns were most consistent with the hunting pressure hypothesis. Large increases in trophy size during 1958-1974 were likely due to a relief in hunting pressure due to implementation of strict management regulations allowing stags to grow old after the massive overharvesting during World War II, but we cannot exclude impacts from environmental factors, and that data from trophy exhibitions may underestimate trends. 5. Synthesis and applications. Trophy hunting does not necessarily lead to a non-reversible decline in trophy size, even over century-long time-scales. To ensure sustainable trophy hunting management, we need to consider factors such as spatial and temporal refuges, compensatory culling, saving stags until prime-age culmination and higher prices for larger trophies.

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- by Sándor Csányi and +1
  Róbert Lehoczki
- •
- 8
  Life history, Ecology, Evolution, Applied Ecology

Applied Ecology

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