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Ecologies, Volume 3, Issue 4 (December 2022) – 12 articles

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18 pages, 1538 KiB  
Review
Incorporating Microbial Species Interaction in Management of Freshwater Toxic Cyanobacteria: A Systems Science Challenge
by Aabir Banerji and Kasey Benesh
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 570-587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040042 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2706
Abstract
Water resources are critically important, but also pose risks of exposure to toxic and pathogenic microbes. Increasingly, a concern is toxic cyanobacteria, which have been linked to the death and disease of humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife in freshwater systems worldwide. Management approaches [...] Read more.
Water resources are critically important, but also pose risks of exposure to toxic and pathogenic microbes. Increasingly, a concern is toxic cyanobacteria, which have been linked to the death and disease of humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife in freshwater systems worldwide. Management approaches successful at reducing cyanobacterial abundance and toxin production have tended to be short-term solutions applied on small scales (e.g., algaecide application) or solutions that entail difficult multifaceted investments (e.g., modification of landscape and land use to reduce nutrient inputs). However, implementation of these approaches can be undermined by microbial species interactions that (a) provide toxic cyanobacteria with protection against the method of control or (b) permit toxic cyanobacteria to be replaced by other significant microbial threats. Understanding these interactions is necessary to avoid such scenarios and can provide a framework for novel strategies to enhance freshwater resource management via systems science (e.g., pairing existing physical and chemical approaches against cyanobacteria with ecological strategies such as manipulation of natural enemies, targeting of facilitators, and reduction of benthic occupancy and recruitment). Here, we review pertinent examples of the interactions and highlight potential applications of what is known. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology of Rivers, Floodplains and Oxbow Lakes)
13 pages, 1343 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Roundup™ on Benthic Microbial Assemblages
by Shannon P. Weatherley, Hannah K. Laird, Caitlyn M. Gatley-Montross and Sarah B. Whorley
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 557-569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040041 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 8649
Abstract
Given the wide usage of Roundup, a common herbicide, the impacts of its presence in ecological communities are of great interest. Many studies have investigated the effects of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, on different factions of an ecosystem including on animals, [...] Read more.
Given the wide usage of Roundup, a common herbicide, the impacts of its presence in ecological communities are of great interest. Many studies have investigated the effects of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, on different factions of an ecosystem including on animals, plants, microorganisms, and nutrients. The current study expanded upon these works using Roundup instead of glyphosate to provide a realistic application in which to observe the development of microbial assemblages and nutrient composition in two different habitats. Winogradsky columns were prepared using benthic material from a ditch and a pond. Varying concentrations of Roundup were introduced to the columns at the beginning of the study and microbial growth and nutrient compositions from each column were measured weekly. The results indicate that the presence of Roundup has varying effects on microorganisms and nutrients. While photosynthetic microbes were negatively impacted, a shift in the microbial composition to heterotrophic microbes indicates that these microorganisms were able to utilize some ingredients in Roundup as a nutrient source. Additionally, the temporal analysis of nutrient compositions indicated that microbes metabolize glyphosate starting with the phosphate moiety even when the other compounds in Roundup are present. While these trends were observed in both benthic habitats, the composition of the ecological community can affect its ability to utilize the ingredients in Roundup as a nutrient source. Full article
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18 pages, 3955 KiB  
Article
Effect of Biochar on Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Diversity and Metabolism in Tobacco-Growing Soil
by Huanhuan Wang, Rui Zhang, Yuanyuan Zhao, Hongzhi Shi and Guoshun Liu
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 539-556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040040 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2445
Abstract
In this study, four different biochar application rates and a control were set up using indoor potted tobacco, to study the effects of biochar on the microbial diversity and metabolism of tobacco-growing soil. The five treatments were as follows: control—0% biochar (w [...] Read more.
In this study, four different biochar application rates and a control were set up using indoor potted tobacco, to study the effects of biochar on the microbial diversity and metabolism of tobacco-growing soil. The five treatments were as follows: control—0% biochar (w/w) + 26 g fertilizer/pot; biochar treatments—1% biochar (w/w) + 26 g fertilizer/pot, 2% biochar (w/w) + 26 g fertilizer/pot, 3% biochar (w/w) + 26 g fertilizer/pot, and 4% biochar (w/w) + 26 g fertilizer/pot. We found that biochar increases the microbial diversity of soils and simultaneously changes the microbial community structure. Under the influence of biochar, soil urease activity increased by 18%, invertase activity increased by 23.40%, polyphenol oxidase activity increased by 59.50%, and catalase activity increased by 30.92%. Biochar also significantly increased the microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen content of the soil. Soil microbial biomass nitrogen had a positive correlation on bacterial diversity, with the highest coefficient, while soil microbial biomass carbon had a positive correlation on fungal diversity, with the highest coefficient. The microbial diversity and metabolic capacity of soil are improved under the influence of biochar, and soil enzyme activity and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen have positive impacts on soil microbial diversity. Full article
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9 pages, 975 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Chemical Properties, Heavy Metals, and Metalloid Contamination in Floodplain Soils under the Influence of Copper Mining: A Case Study of Sibay, Southern Urals
by Ruslan Suleymanov, Ekaterina Dorogaya, Aufar Gareev, Aleksandr Minnegaliev, Mansur Gaynanshin, Sergey Zaikin, Larisa Belan, Iren Tuktarova and Azamat Suleymanov
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 530-538; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040039 - 15 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1637
Abstract
The ecotoxicological condition of soils around mining areas is most often unsatisfactory, which affects entire ecosystems and human health. This research sought to analyze the morphological, agrochemical properties, and content of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn) and metalloids (As) of soils located in [...] Read more.
The ecotoxicological condition of soils around mining areas is most often unsatisfactory, which affects entire ecosystems and human health. This research sought to analyze the morphological, agrochemical properties, and content of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn) and metalloids (As) of soils located in a floodplain. The study was conducted within the city of Sibay (Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia). The soil samples were collected from the floodplains of the rivers Karagayly and Khudolaz. According to morphological studies, the soil cover was represented by the Lithic Leptosols, Stagnic Phaeozems, and Fluvisols. The results showed that the soils were characterized by high values of organic matter, potassium, and low levels of phosphorus. Soils that were located away from the city in the Karagayly River were not contaminated. However, the floodplain areas pertaining to the urban district and located near the quarries were characterized by severe anthropogenic soil pollution, disrupted integrity of the soil cover, decreased vegetation, and accumulating labile forms of heavy metals and metalloids. The highest degree of pollution was observed in the floodplain soil of the river Khudolaz where all elements exceeded the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) level. Soils in the floodplain of the Karagayly river were marked by an increased degree of contamination of Zn: exceeding MPC by 1.6 times. With the trend toward an arid climate, the ecotoxicological condition of floodplain soils is an important challenge. Full article
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9 pages, 2925 KiB  
Article
Is the Tea Bag Index (TBI) Useful for Comparing Decomposition Rates among Soils?
by Taiki Mori
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 521-529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040038 - 15 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2259
Abstract
The Bag Index (TBI) is a novel approach using standardized materials (i.e., commercial tea bags) to evaluate organic matter decomposition by determining two indexes: the early stage decomposition constant k (k_TBI) and litter stabilization factor S (S_TBI). k_TBI is [...] Read more.
The Bag Index (TBI) is a novel approach using standardized materials (i.e., commercial tea bags) to evaluate organic matter decomposition by determining two indexes: the early stage decomposition constant k (k_TBI) and litter stabilization factor S (S_TBI). k_TBI is defined as the decomposition constant of an asymptote model describing the decomposition curve of rooibos tea, whereas S is the ratio of the stabilized to total hydrolysable fractions of green tea. However, it was recently revealed that both k_TBI and S_TBI deviate from the actual S and k values accurately determined by fitting an asymptote model to the time series mass of green and rooibos teas remaining (k_fitting and S_fitting, respectively). Nevertheless, k_TBI and S_TBI, which can be determined in a cost- and labor-effective manner, might indicate the relative values of k_fitting and S_fitting across different soils and be useful for comparative analyses. Therefore, this study investigated the positive correlations of k_TBI and S_TBI with k_fitting and S_fitting, respectively, in which case these indexes are useful for comparative analyses. However, the result showed that k_TBI was negatively correlated with k_fitting. This study underscores the importance of obtaining time-series data for accurately determining the decomposition constant of an asymptote model describing the decomposition curve of rooibos tea. S_TBI was positively correlated with S_fitting, implying that S_TBI can be used as an indicator of S. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2022)
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11 pages, 2203 KiB  
Article
Susceptibility of Tidal Pool Fish Assemblages to Climate Change
by Tom R. Davis and Matt Nimbs
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 510-520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040037 - 04 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1949
Abstract
There is a need for improved understanding of how climate-change driven rises in sea level and increased ocean temperatures will affect fish assemblages in rocky shore tidal pools. Rising sea levels are predicted to alter habitat availability and increasing ocean temperatures will drive [...] Read more.
There is a need for improved understanding of how climate-change driven rises in sea level and increased ocean temperatures will affect fish assemblages in rocky shore tidal pools. Rising sea levels are predicted to alter habitat availability and increasing ocean temperatures will drive tropicalisation, both of which are likely to alter tidal pool fish assemblages. Consequently, we examined changes in fish assemblages in tidal pools at four sites in Coffs Harbour, Australia, using baited video sampling. Data were collected seasonally at each site, in pools at differing tidal elevations. We identified significant differences in tidal pool fish assemblages among elevations and found that assemblages exhibited cyclic seasonal patterns. Modelling identified that ocean temperature was the most powerful factor for explaining variations in assemblages, followed by pool area and pool elevation. Results highlight that distinct fish assemblages occur in tidal pools at different elevations and indicate that assemblages at higher elevations could be squeezed out by rising sea levels and by increased competition from tropical fish species. Future conservation assessments are needed to determine whether latitudinal and vertical range shifts for tidal pool fishes are possible, with facilitation of these range shifts needed to address displacement of tidal pool fishes by rising sea levels and ocean temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2022)
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2 pages, 185 KiB  
Book Review
Book Review: Hui, C.; Richardson, D. Invading Ecological Networks; Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK, 2022; ISBN: 9781108778374
by Marco Favretti
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 508-509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040036 - 21 Oct 2022
Viewed by 986
Abstract
The book addresses the problem of describing the dynamics of the interaction of alien species with an ecosystem using modern network theory [...] Full article
16 pages, 15945 KiB  
Article
Home Range, Movement and Activity Patterns of Six vulture Species Using Satellite Telemetry in Saurashtra landscape, Gujarat, India
by Mohan Ram, Aradhana Sahu, Shyamal Tikadar, Devesh Gadhavi, Tahir Ali Rather, Lahar Jhala and Yashpal Zala
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 492-507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040035 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2459
Abstract
The information on the ranging behaviour and migration pattern of vultures is of critical conservation importance. Vultures’ range over vast areas in human-dominated landscapes where anthropogenic activities may influence their long-term survival. This paper uses the satellite telemetry of 11 individuals of six [...] Read more.
The information on the ranging behaviour and migration pattern of vultures is of critical conservation importance. Vultures’ range over vast areas in human-dominated landscapes where anthropogenic activities may influence their long-term survival. This paper uses the satellite telemetry of 11 individuals of six vulture species to assess their home ranges and seasonal movement patterns. The study aimed to find daily and monthly distances covered by vultures, their home range size, and the influence of breeding season on resource utilisation and activity rates. A total of 114,820 locations were collected between October 2020 and November 2021. The results indicate that the size of the core area is smaller during the breeding season of the resident species, such as the Indian vulture (Gyps indicus), white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), and red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) than the non-breeding season. vulture’s daily and monthly movement (mean) also decreased in the breeding season. The annual home range and core areas, calculated as 95% and 50%Utilisation Distribution differed between breeding and non-breeding seasons. The migratory vultures moved significantly longer distances across days and months than the resident species. Their annual migration patterns also differed with respect to time and migration routes. Full article
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12 pages, 3402 KiB  
Article
Test of Ecogeographical Rules on Sparrows (Passer spp.) along the Elevation Gradient of the Himalaya in Central Nepal
by Deepa Dangol, Laxman Khanal, Naresh Pandey, Anuj Ghimire and Randall C. Kyes
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 480-491; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040034 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1737
Abstract
Animals inhabiting colder climates have a larger body size (Bergmann’s rule) and smaller body extremities (Allen’s rule), which help homeothermic animals to retain heat. Such ecogeographical phenomena have frequently been observed in animals along the latitudinal gradient and have occasionally been tested along [...] Read more.
Animals inhabiting colder climates have a larger body size (Bergmann’s rule) and smaller body extremities (Allen’s rule), which help homeothermic animals to retain heat. Such ecogeographical phenomena have frequently been observed in animals along the latitudinal gradient and have occasionally been tested along the elevational gradient. This study tested whether these ecogeographic rules hold true for the morphology of sparrows (Passer spp.) along the elevational gradient offered by the Himalaya in central Nepal. Seventy house sparrows and twenty-eight tree sparrows were captured from 22 different localities of central Nepal between 100 and 3400 m asl, and morphological traits such as body size (body mass, tarsus length, wing length and tail length) and body extremities (bill length and bill width) were measured. Linear regression analysis was used to test the association of morphological measurements with elevation and climatic variables. House sparrows (Passer domesticus) had a wider elevational distribution range and exhibited significantly larger body sizes than the Eurasian tree sparrows (P. montanus). House sparrows had larger body sizes and smaller bills at higher elevations in adherence to Bergmann’s rule and Allen’s rule. Bill length in house sparrows showed a positive association with the temperature following the proposition of Allen’s rule. However, the morphological measurements in Eurasian tree sparrows did not show a distinct pattern with elevation and climatic variables. Therefore, this study concludes that ecogeographical phenomena such as Bergmann’s rule and Allen’s rule could be species-specific based on their biological and ecological characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Methods and Viewpoints in Avian Ecology and Conservation)
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13 pages, 2001 KiB  
Article
Characterization of a West African Coastal Lagoon System: Case of Lake Nokoué with Its Inlet (Cotonou, South Benin)
by Sèlomè Wilfried Sintondji, Zacharie Sohou, Katrijn Baetens, Geneviève Lacroix and Emile Didier Fiogbé
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 467-479; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040033 - 06 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1603
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to investigate the physical and chemical dynamics of Lake Nokoué for its efficient management. For this purpose, two sampling campaigns per month from five stations (North, South, Central, East and West) were conducted for a period of [...] Read more.
The purpose of this work was to investigate the physical and chemical dynamics of Lake Nokoué for its efficient management. For this purpose, two sampling campaigns per month from five stations (North, South, Central, East and West) were conducted for a period of one year (November 2020 to November 2021). Physic and chemical parameters (temperature, salinity, depth, water transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids) were measured and wet substrate samples were collected to study the granulometry. Data analysis revealed that Lake Nokoué is mainly affected by two regimes: flooding and low water. Flooding, which is not directly related to rainfall, did not begin until one month after the major rainy season in June. The sources that contributed to the flooding of Lake Nokoué were the freshwater tributaries coming mainly from the Ouèmé River and the flow of the Sô River from August to November. The inflow of fresh water contributed to the decrease in salinity and transparency of the lake from the east to the south. During the low water period (from December to July), Lake Nokoué is characterized by an increase in salinity and transparency from the south to the northeast due to the massive intrusion of sea water into the lake. The highest dissolved oxygen levels are observed in the south and center (5.92 ± 0.46 mg/L) while it varies greatly in the north and west (Eichhornia crassipes concentration zone) during flooding. The average annual depth of Lake Nokoué was 1.47 ± 0.66 m with an average annual pH of 6.85 ± 0.56. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Diversity, Ecology, and Genetics of Invasive Plants)
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21 pages, 2240 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Changes in Abundance and Composition of Forest-Floor Small Mammal Communities in a Landscape with Cumulative Clearcutting
by Thomas P. Sullivan and Druscilla S. Sullivan
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 446-466; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040032 - 02 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1676
Abstract
Responses of forest-floor small mammals to clearcutting are species-specific with generalists occupying a range of habitats, and specialists persisting on clearcuts for variable periods. We investigated the responses in abundance and species composition of small mammal communities to cumulative clearcutting of coniferous forests [...] Read more.
Responses of forest-floor small mammals to clearcutting are species-specific with generalists occupying a range of habitats, and specialists persisting on clearcuts for variable periods. We investigated the responses in abundance and species composition of small mammal communities to cumulative clearcutting of coniferous forests on a landscape that had four independent clearcutting events (Periods 1 to 4) over a 42-year interval from 1979 to 2020 in south-central British Columbia, Canada. We ask if the small mammal communities have changed significantly over these decades owing to removal of old-growth forest by clearcut harvesting. Hypotheses (H) predicted that the small mammal community would (H1) increase in abundance, species richness, and diversity on new clearcuts owing to the availability of early seral post-harvest habitats from cumulative clearcutting; and (H2) have higher mean abundance, species richness, and species diversity in clearcut than uncut forest sites, owing to availability of vegetative food and cover. A third hypothesis (H3) predicted that abundance of (i) early seral vegetation (herbs and shrubs) and (ii) small mammal populations, will be greater in ungrazed clearcut sites than in those grazed by cattle (Bos taurus). Mean total numbers of small mammals on new clearcuts declined in Periods 3 and 4, and hence did not support the abundance part of H1. Much of this decline was owing to low numbers of the long-tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus) and meadow vole (M. pennsylvanicus). Two generalist species: the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) and northwestern chipmunk (Neotamias amoenus), contributed to high mean species richness and diversity in Periods 2 and 3 before these metrics declined in Period 4, and hence partly supported H1. The similarity in mean total numbers of small mammals in Periods 2 to 4 did not support the abundance prediction of H2 that total numbers would be higher in clearcut than uncut forest sites. Higher mean species richness (Periods 2 and 3) and diversity (Period 3) measurements on clearcut than forest sites, particularly in the early post-harvest years, did support these parts of H2. The vegetation part (i) of H3 was not supported for herbaceous plants but it was for shrubs. The small mammal part (ii) of H3 that populations would be higher in ungrazed than grazed clearcut sites was supported for abundance but not for species richness or diversity. The decline and near disappearance of both species of Microtus was possibly related to the reduction in plant community abundance and structure from grazing (at least for shrubs) and potentially from drought effects associated with climate change. Loss of microtines from these early seral ecosystems may have profound negative effects on various ecological functions and predator communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2022)
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11 pages, 4861 KiB  
Article
Unsupervised Ethograms of a Vulnerable Bird Species: The Red-Footed Falcon in Northern Italy
by Alessandro Ferrarini and Marco Gustin
Ecologies 2022, 3(4), 435-445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3040031 - 23 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1466
Abstract
Behavioral and movement ecology have quickly advanced as a result of the development of biotelemetry devices and analytical techniques. Global positioning system (GPS) transmitters assist scientists in gathering location and movement data at detailed spatial and temporal resolutions. Machine-learning methods can then be [...] Read more.
Behavioral and movement ecology have quickly advanced as a result of the development of biotelemetry devices and analytical techniques. Global positioning system (GPS) transmitters assist scientists in gathering location and movement data at detailed spatial and temporal resolutions. Machine-learning methods can then be applied to GPS data to provide insights into the ecological mechanisms of animal behavior and movements. By means of accurate GPS data-loggers, in 2019, 2020, and 2021, we tracked 8 red-footed falcons at the two largest colonies in Italy. We collected 13,484 GPS points and used recently introduced machine-learning methodology Unsupervised Animal Behaviour Examiner (UABE) to deduce the regular, nested, and hourly ethograms of the tracked individuals. We found clear and significant patterns of the red-footed falcons’ behaviors on monthly, daily, and hourly bases. Our study is a step forward in advancing the knowledge of this threatened species, and provides a baseline assessment of the current behavioral patterns of this red-footed falcon population, with which results of future studies can be compared to detect potential behavioral changes that act as early warnings of increased human disturbance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Methods and Viewpoints in Avian Ecology and Conservation)
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