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15 pages, 4493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Protected Habitat to Agricultural Land: Dogs and Small Mammals Link Habitats in Northern Thailand

by Chuanphot Thinphovong, Anamika Kritiyakan, Ronnakrit Chakngean, Yossapong Paladsing, Phurin Makaew, Morgane Labadie, Christophe Mahuzier, Waraphon Phimpraphai, Serge Morand and Kittipong Chaisiri

Ecologies 2023, 4(4), 671-685; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4040044 - 15 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1803

Abstract

Wildlife communities are positively affected by ecological restoration and reforestation. Understanding the dynamics of mammal communities along a gradient of a human-dominated habitat to a protected habitats, right up to a reforestation habitat, is crucial for assessing the effects of reforestation on conservation [...] Read more.

Wildlife communities are positively affected by ecological restoration and reforestation. Understanding the dynamics of mammal communities along a gradient of a human-dominated habitat to a protected habitats, right up to a reforestation habitat, is crucial for assessing the effects of reforestation on conservation biology and disease ecology. We used data obtained from a set of camera traps and live traps implemented in the “Spillover Interface” project. A network analysis showed that the reforested area was central in the sharing of mammal species between human-dominated habitats, such as plantations, and the protected area. A network analysis also confirmed the centrality of the domestic dog and the rodent Rattus tanezumi (R. tanezumi) in shared habitats and the co-occurrence with other mammal species. This rodent species was previously mentioned as a bridge species between habitats favouring disease transmission. This study is a first step to identify potential reservoirs and habitat interfaces associated with the risk of zoonotic diseases and pathogen spillover. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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18 pages, 6142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Accelerometer Data Using Random Forest Models to Classify the Behavior of a Wild Nocturnal Primate: Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus)

by Amanda Hathaway, Marco Campera, Katherine Hedger, Marianna Chimienti, Esther Adinda, Nabil Ahmad, Muhammed Ali Imron and K. A. I. Nekaris

Ecologies 2023, 4(4), 636-653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4040042 - 30 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2443

Abstract

Accelerometers are powerful tools for behavioral ecologists studying wild animals, particularly species that are difficult to observe due to their cryptic nature or dense or difficult to access habitats. Using a supervised approach, e.g., by observing in detail with a detailed ethogram the [...] Read more.

Accelerometers are powerful tools for behavioral ecologists studying wild animals, particularly species that are difficult to observe due to their cryptic nature or dense or difficult to access habitats. Using a supervised approach, e.g., by observing in detail with a detailed ethogram the behavior of an individual wearing an accelerometer, to train a machine learning algorithm and the accelerometer data of one individual from a wild population of Javan slow lorises (Nycticebus javanicus), we applied a Random Forest model (RFM) to classify specific behaviors and posture or movement modifiers automatically. We predicted RFM would identify simple behaviors such as resting with the greatest accuracy while more complex behaviors such as feeding and locomotion would be identified with lower accuracy. Indeed, resting behaviors were identified with a mean accuracy of 99.16% while feeding behaviors were identified with a mean accuracy of 94.88% and locomotor behaviors with 85.54%. The model identified a total of 21 distinct combinations of six behaviors and 18 postural or movement modifiers in this dataset showing that RFMs are effective as a supervised approach to classifying accelerometer data. The methods used in this study can serve as guidelines for future research for slow lorises and other ecologically similar wild mammals. These results are encouraging and have important implications for understanding wildlife responses and resistance to global climate change, anthropogenic environmental modification and destruction, and other pressures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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13 pages, 537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Graded Biodiversity Assessment (GBA) Index for the Assessment of the Biodiversity of Managed Natural Forests

by Kyriaki Bourma, Elias Milios, Kalliopi Radoglou and Kyriaki Kitikidou

Ecologies 2023, 4(3), 614-626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4030040 - 8 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6506

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to develop a Graded Biodiversity Assessment (GBA) index to provide an estimation of the biodiversity in managed natural forests. In order to facilitate the present project, parameters are performed, confirmed, and annotated for their use as GBA [...] Read more.

The purpose of this research is to develop a Graded Biodiversity Assessment (GBA) index to provide an estimation of the biodiversity in managed natural forests. In order to facilitate the present project, parameters are performed, confirmed, and annotated for their use as GBA components, notably the wood stock, age, canopy density, regeneration existence, and aspect of the forest under study. These five parameters are easily retrieved from the standard forest management plans. To assist the application of this forest-specific GBA index, data for each of the five index components is coded in three biodiversity levels as per the original description, with group cut-offs of 0, 0.5, and 1. We compute the Consistency Index to quantify the degree of reliability of our selection of GBA components ξ (Ksi) of the Best-Worst Method (BWM). With the proposed GBA index, foresters canhave a new tool at their disposal, which can be used to drive decision making and determineforest regions with low or high biodiversity value, with five parameters that are common in the standard forest management plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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19 pages, 1913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relation between Flower Traits of Bitter Vetch Landraces and Potential Insect Pollinators’ Visitation

by Vikentia Fragkiadaki, Efstathia Lazaridi, María J. Suso, Antonios Tsagkarakis, F. Javier Ortiz-Sánchez and Penelope J. Bebeli

Ecologies 2023, 4(3), 595-613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4030039 - 4 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2161

Abstract

Plant–pollinator interactions research can assist in the development of more ecologically friendly crop breeding methods, leading to enhanced global food security. In the present study, we have aimed to assess fifteen floral traits as insect attractancies of six bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia [...] Read more.

Plant–pollinator interactions research can assist in the development of more ecologically friendly crop breeding methods, leading to enhanced global food security. In the present study, we have aimed to assess fifteen floral traits as insect attractancies of six bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.) landraces, a neglected crop. Four traits related to seed yield were also measured. Abundance and foraging behavior of potential insect pollinators on bitter vetch flowers were recorded, and their species were identified. Differences among landraces regarding floral and yield traits were statistically significant in most cases. A total number of four insect species were recorded as positively visiting flowers and constituting potential pollinators of bitter vetch. At a landrace level, there was a positive correlation between potential insect pollinators’ foraging activity and the number of open flowers, especially for the landrace ERV65-Kastania, Korinthia (p ≤ 0.01). Floral tube length, as well as standard petal length, was also positively correlated in some cases with potential insect pollinator species abundance and their visitation frequency. A positive correlation was also recorded between seed yield-related traits, which varied among landraces, and potential insect pollinators’ foraging activity. The results showed that bitter vetch flowers can attract and receive positive visits from insects, despite their mainly self-pollination reproductive system. Bitter vetch flower traits, such as the number of open flowers, floral tube length, and standard petal length, could, therefore, be useful as breeding tools, aiming to develop varieties with insect pollinator-friendly traits that could lead to enhanced seed yield production and help to conserve wild insect species biodiversity in the context of sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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15 pages, 2396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pollination Ecology of Rocket (Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav. ssp. sativa (Mill.) Thell) in the Semi-Arid Environments of Northwest India: Native Bees Are the Major Pollinators

by Ram Chander Sihag

Ecologies 2023, 4(3), 580-594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4030038 - 3 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1541

Abstract

Several insect species visit the flowers of a plant to obtain floral rewards in the form of pollen and/or nectar. In return, we would anticipate that those visitors would contribute to the reproductive success of the plant. Do these visitors contribute equally towards [...] Read more.

Several insect species visit the flowers of a plant to obtain floral rewards in the form of pollen and/or nectar. In return, we would anticipate that those visitors would contribute to the reproductive success of the plant. Do these visitors contribute equally towards the reproductive success of the plant? This issue has been the interest of many pollination ecologists. To find a solution to this problem, I investigated the pollination ecology of rocket (Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav. ssp. sativa (Mill.) Thell), an important leafy vegetable used as salad. I captured the flower visitors with a hand net from the experimental field and had these identified. I also recorded the number of loose pollen grains carried on the body of the visitors of different species and deposited on the stigmas. Effects of single and multiple visits of visitors on the seed set of rocket flowers were also determined. Abundances and foraging rates of the flower visitors of this species were recorded and their values were used to calculate their respective contributions towards the reproductive success of this species. Five species of Hymenoptera, three of Diptera, one of Lepidoptera, and one of Coleoptera visited the flowers of the rocket. Apis florea was the most abundant among the flower visitors, followed by the dipterous flies, Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata, Andrena savignyi, and Andrena leaena in descending order. The number of loose pollen grains carried and deposited, foraging behaviors, foraging rates, and abundances did not provide conclusive measures to differentiate the contributions of different flower visitors towards the reproductive success of the rocket. However, the data recorded on abundances, foraging behaviors, and foraging rates together could do so. Accordingly, Andrena savignyi was the most efficient pollinator of rocket, followed by Andrena leaena, Apis dorsata, Apis mellifera, and Apis florea; dipterous flies were the least efficient pollinators of this plant species. In rocket, 28.84% of pollination was brought by Andrena savignyi, 24.69% by Andrena leaena, 20.34% by Apis dorsata, 18.37% by Apis mellifera, and 7.7% by Apis florea; dipterous flies caused only 0.06% pollination. Butterflies were very rare and Coccinella sp. was not a pollinator of this plant. Therefore, not all the pollinators of rocket contributed equally towards its reproductive success (seed production). Bees brought about 99.94% of total pollination and melittophily distinctly predominated over other pollination modes. However, among the bees, native bees together are the major pollinators in the flowers of rockets and accomplished more than 81.5% pollination. Therefore, the conservation of native bees is most important for the pollination of crops such as rockets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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9 pages, 1758 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Using Acoustic Tomography to Infer Stem Wood Quality of Pine Forests Affected by a Fungal Pathogen in Different Latitudinal Regions and Plantation Densities

by Sophan Chhin and Gregory Dahle

Ecologies 2023, 4(3), 512-520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4030033 - 5 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1655

Abstract

Diplodia pinea is a fungal pathogen that causes Diplodia shoot blight in pines and is widely spread in red pine (Pinus resinosa) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) forests in Michigan. The objective of this study was to examine whether [...] Read more.

Diplodia pinea is a fungal pathogen that causes Diplodia shoot blight in pines and is widely spread in red pine (Pinus resinosa) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) forests in Michigan. The objective of this study was to examine whether infection with D. pinea compromises wood quality in pine stands. Acoustic data was collected using an acoustic tomographer from the stem region at breast height (1.3 m) of red pine and jack pine trees across two categories of forest health condition (control vs. Diplodia-affected), in two latitudinal regions (Lower Peninsula vs. Upper Peninsula), and two levels of initial stand density (low vs. high). The acoustic data was used to infer the wood quality (i.e., density) in these two tree species since material of higher density generally has higher sound velocity rates. Red pine had significantly higher wood quality (i.e., higher sound velocities) in the Upper Peninsula region compared to the Lower Peninsula region. Within each latitudinal region, red pine sound velocities did not show significant differences between forest health condition or initial stand density levels. Jack pine showed no significant differences in sound velocities across the treatment categories. The results indicate that latitudinal region appears to have more impact on red pine wood quality than the influence of forest health condition (presence of Diplodia shoot blight) or initial stand density. All analyzed factors (latitudinal region, forest health condition, and stand density) did not have a significant impact on the wood quality of jack pine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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15 pages, 1955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Half-Life of ¹³⁷Cs in Fish

by Nataliia Zarubina, Vladislav Semak, Oleg S. Burdo and Liliia P. Ponomarenko

Ecologies 2023, 4(3), 463-477; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4030030 - 11 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1519

Abstract

In this study, the long-term (i.e., over a 27-year period) dynamics of ¹³⁷Cs content are presented for seven species of fish in both the cooling pond (CP) of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Kaniv Reservoir (KR). The decline of ¹³⁷ [...] Read more.

In this study, the long-term (i.e., over a 27-year period) dynamics of ¹³⁷Cs content are presented for seven species of fish in both the cooling pond (CP) of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Kaniv Reservoir (KR). The decline of ¹³⁷Cs specific activity in fish exhibits various patterns. For certain years in the KR, fish belonging to different ecological groups experienced an increase rather than a decrease in specific activity levels of ¹³⁷Cs. From 2012 to 2014, the concentration of ¹³⁷Cs in all studied species in the KR ranged from 4 to 23 Bq/kg. In the CP during 2012–2013, fish still showed high contamination levels, ranging from 770 to 8300 Bq/kg. The ecological half-life (T_eco) was determined for all the studied fish species. For most fish species (i.e., P. fluviatilis, B. bjoerkna, A. brama, S. lucioperca, A. aspius), the shortest ¹³⁷Cs T_eco values were obtained in the CP, being a highly radiocaesium-contaminated waterbody. In contrast, two fish species (R. rutilus and S. glanis) in the CP exhibited a considerably slower rate of ¹³⁷Cs removal from their bodies compared to even the relatively cleaner KR. Moreover, the ¹³⁷Cs T_eco in R. rutilus and S. glanis was nearly twice as long as that observed in other species within the CP. We assume that the redistribution of ¹³⁷Cs in the body of fish is affected by multidirectional mechanisms: accumulation, retention, and/or excretion. The functioning of these mechanisms can vary among different fish species. The observed level of ¹³⁷Cs content in a particular fish species at a given time point results from the combined effects of these mechanisms. Fish likely have the ability to absorb and accumulate radiocaesium in their bodies selectively, and this demand appears to be species-specific. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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19 pages, 5458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Richness and Elevation Patterns of a Stonefly (Insecta, Plecoptera) Community of a Southern Appalachian Mountains Watershed, USA

by Madeline L. Metzger and Scott A. Grubbs

Ecologies 2023, 4(3), 442-460; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4030028 - 22 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1747

Abstract

Protected areas are relatively free of human disturbance, are especially common in montane regions, and provide opportunities to study native fauna and flora. Stoneflies are model organisms to assess present and future environmental changes. While stoneflies inhabit cold lakes and a wide size [...] Read more.

Protected areas are relatively free of human disturbance, are especially common in montane regions, and provide opportunities to study native fauna and flora. Stoneflies are model organisms to assess present and future environmental changes. While stoneflies inhabit cold lakes and a wide size range of lotic systems, diversity is greatest in streams draining mountain landscapes. This study addressed seasonal and elevation patterns of a stonefly fauna inhabiting a protected landscape draining the eastern flank of Mount Mitchell, the highest point of the Appalachian Mountains, USA. In total, 58 species were collected with estimated richness values ranging from 63 to 65. Species determinations were assisted with an integrative molecular approach using the mitochondrial barcode gene. Sampling during spring yielded the most species seasonally. Although certain species were only found at lower or higher sites, several were collected from across a broad range of elevations. Roughly 1/3 (21 = 36%) of the fauna present is known only from the southern Appalachian Highlands region, including one species described as new during this study. The assemblage reported here, however, did not closely align with other Appalachian fauna. Overall, well-structured faunal research continues to be important in light of continuing habitat modifications and climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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16 pages, 2064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Young Generations’ Perception of the Role of Deadwood in Forests: Comparison between Italy and Türkiye

by Alessandro Paletto, Selim Bayraktar, Claudia Becagli and Isabella De Meo

Ecologies 2023, 4(2), 426-441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4020027 - 19 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1805

Abstract

The recreational value of a forest is related to the degree of naturalness that can be measured by considering qualitative and quantitative characteristics of deadwood and habitat trees. Forest user groups’ knowledge and opinions towards forest naturalness can support decision-makers in defining strategies. [...] Read more.

The recreational value of a forest is related to the degree of naturalness that can be measured by considering qualitative and quantitative characteristics of deadwood and habitat trees. Forest user groups’ knowledge and opinions towards forest naturalness can support decision-makers in defining strategies. Among user groups, the literature shows a knowledge gap regarding the new generations’ perceptions and opinions related to biodiversity conservation. The aim of this study is to investigate young generations’ perception and preferences towards deadwood in forests. A questionnaire was developed and administrated online—in Italy and Türkiye—to a sample of university students under 25 years old. A total of 407 questionnaires (187 in Italy and 220 in Türkiye) were collected and processed. The results show that students from both countries have a high level of knowledge of deadwood and its role in forests. Most respondents perceive standing dead trees in forests to be aesthetically negative, while large lying deadwood is perceived as aesthetically positive. The attention of young generations towards issues related to biodiversity conservation is confirmed by the significance given in both countries to the management strategy that closely aligns with natural processes of mortality in undisturbed forests, where deadwood is allowed to remain without removal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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20 pages, 4859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Population Fluctuations of the Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) in Old-Field and Bunchgrass–Sagebrush Habitats: The Role of Agricultural Setting and Optimum Habitat

by Thomas P. Sullivan and Druscilla S. Sullivan

Ecologies 2023, 4(2), 406-425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4020026 - 17 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2334

Abstract

In semiarid regions, the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is a major small mammal species occupying perennial grassland habitats that include old-fields, native bunchgrass–sagebrush, and some agricultural settings. We investigated population changes in deer mouse populations in perennial grasslands, both natural and [...] Read more.

In semiarid regions, the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is a major small mammal species occupying perennial grassland habitats that include old-fields, native bunchgrass–sagebrush, and some agricultural settings. We investigated population changes in deer mouse populations in perennial grasslands, both natural and old-field, from 1982 to 2003 in southern British Columbia, Canada. Hypotheses (H) predicted that P. maniculatus populations will have (H₁) multiannual fluctuations in abundance driven by population increases from extended breeding in summer and winter; (H₂) relaxed spring reorganization events in some years leading to higher overall recruitment and survival; and (H₃) interspecific competition with montane voles that causes deer mice to be lower in density when voles are higher. P. maniculatus populations in old-field and grass–sagebrush sites had clearly defined periods of high “peak” mean numbers (32–52/ha) and other times of low mean numbers (20–22/ha). Based on mean annual peak density in autumn, deer mouse populations exhibited fluctuations of 3–4 years in both habitats, but this pattern was not always present. The greater numbers of P. maniculatus in high than low years was directly related to population increases from extended breeding seasons and an increased number of lactating females, thereby supporting H₁. Spring breeding season declines occurred but were similar or less in high than low years of mean abundance and were relaxed in comparison to forest populations of deer mice in other studies. Thus, H₂ was supported for recruitment with high numbers of young-of-the-year breeding and total number of juvenile recruits but for survival was equivocal. Total summer survival was consistently higher in high than low population years but juvenile productivity in all years was poor. Mean abundance of P. maniculatus and M. montanus in old-field sites were highly correlated, and hence H₃ was not supported. This latter result is the first, to our knowledge, of P. maniculatus coexisting in a similar pattern of population fluctuations with a Microtus species in a mainland grassland habitat. Higher than average precipitation in the year preceding a peak population of deer mice may have enhanced herbaceous vegetation and contributed to population increases in both habitats. We conclude that the old-field habitat associated with this agricultural setting provides optimum habitat for P. maniculatus and facilitates multiannual population fluctuations in this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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21 pages, 2566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neighbors Matter: An Investigation into Intergroup Interactions Affecting the Social Networks of Adjacent Chimpanzee Groups

by Jose Gil-Dolz, David Riba and Dietmar Crailsheim

Ecologies 2023, 4(2), 385-405; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4020025 - 8 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1811

Abstract

Wild chimpanzees live in large and complex social communities, but their complexity is determined by the number of potential social partners as well as the frequent changes in group composition due to fission–fusion dynamics. Alternatively, captive housed chimpanzee groups are usually much smaller [...] Read more.

Wild chimpanzees live in large and complex social communities, but their complexity is determined by the number of potential social partners as well as the frequent changes in group composition due to fission–fusion dynamics. Alternatively, captive housed chimpanzee groups are usually much smaller and less complex. However, studies have shown that groups can be housed in adjacent habitats, potentially increasing the number of social partners, i.e., granting additional relationship opportunities and enhanced social complexity. While most social network studies analyze social groups as closed systems, this study assessed the impact of social interactions between two neighboring groups of chimpanzees, based on two social network indices (Vertex strength centrality and Deviation from edge weight disparity). Furthermore, Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) were employed to assess whether gender, age, and intra-/intergroup directionality influenced these indices. We recorded occurrences of social behaviors, social proximity and whether chimpanzees observed individuals in the other group as a measure of interest. Most social behaviors were directed towards group members; however, 13% were directed towards the neighboring group. Although enclosure barriers constrained the chimpanzee’s capacity to physically interact, it does not necessarily impede social interactions with the outside world. Hence, the presence of neighboring chimpanzees potentially provides additional relationship opportunities, increasing social stimulation and complexity leading to an enriching social environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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14 pages, 2262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cycas micronesica Megastrobilus Traits Respond to Chronic Herbivory by Aulacaspis yasumatsui

by Thomas E. Marler and L. Irene Terry

Ecologies 2023, 4(2), 371-384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4020024 - 4 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1534

Abstract

Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi invaded Guam in 2003 and caused the widespread mortality of the indigenous Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill population. The regeneration of the surviving tree population continues to be constrained 20 years later, and a look at the changes in megastrobili traits [...] Read more.

Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi invaded Guam in 2003 and caused the widespread mortality of the indigenous Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill population. The regeneration of the surviving tree population continues to be constrained 20 years later, and a look at the changes in megastrobili traits may inform future conservation management decisions concerning regeneration. We quantified megastrobilus reproductive effort and output from 2001 to 2022 to address this need. The reproductive effort of each megastrobilus was immediately reduced by the invasion, as the number of megasporophylls declined by 29%, and the number of ovules declined by 73% in 2006. Reproductive output was also damaged, as the percent seed set declined by 56% and the number of seeds per strobilus declined by 88%. These fecundity metrics have shown few signs of recovery through 2022. Our results reveal that chronic A. yasumatsui infestations, combined with other invasive herbivore threats, have damaged the host C. micronesica population through a sustained reduction in ovule production and the percent seed set for each megastrobilus, thereby impairing regeneration. This plant response to the biotic threats is distinct from the ongoing mortality of mature trees and emerging seedlings. Conservation interventions may be required to foster a return to adequate regeneration during future attempts to aid C. micronesica recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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19 pages, 2776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beta-Diversity Enhancement by Archaeological Structures: Bacterial Communities of an Historical Tannery Area of the City of Jena (Germany) Reflect the Ancient Human Impact

by Johann Michael Köhler, Linda Ehrhardt, Jialan Cao, Frances Möller, Tim Schüler and Peter Mike Günther

Ecologies 2023, 4(2), 325-343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4020021 - 20 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1702

Abstract

Soil samples taken during archaeological investigations of a historical tannery area in the eastern suburb of the medieval city of Jena have been investigated by 16S r-RNA gene profiling. The analyses supplied a large spectrum of interesting bacteria, among them Patescibacteria, Methylomirabilota, Asgardarchaeota, [...] Read more.

Soil samples taken during archaeological investigations of a historical tannery area in the eastern suburb of the medieval city of Jena have been investigated by 16S r-RNA gene profiling. The analyses supplied a large spectrum of interesting bacteria, among them Patescibacteria, Methylomirabilota, Asgardarchaeota, Zixibacteria, Sideroxydans and Sulfurifustis. Samples taken from soil inside the residues of large vats show large differences in comparison to the environmental soil. The PCAs for different abundance classes clearly reflect the higher similarity between the bacterial communities of the outside-vat soils in comparison with three of the inside-vat soil communities. Two of the in-side vat soils are distinguishable from the other samples by separate use of each abundance class, but classes of lower abundance are better applicable than the highly abundant bacteria for distinguishing the sampling sites by PCA, in general. This effect could be interpreted by the assumption that less abundant types in the 16S r-RNA data tend to be more related to an earlier state of soil development than the more abundant and might be, therefore, better suited for conclusions on the state of the soils in an earlier local situation. In addition, the analyses allowed identification of specific features of each single sampling site. In one site specifically, DNA hints of animal residue-related bacteria were found. Obviously, the special situation in the in-site vat soils contributes to the diversity of the place, and enhances its Beta-diversity. Very high abundancies of several ammonia-metabolizing and of sulphur compound-oxidizing genera in the metagenomics data can be interpreted as an echo of the former tannery activities using urine and processing keratin-rich animal materials. In summary, it can be concluded that the 16S r-RNA analysis of such archaeological places can supply a lot of data related to ancient human impacts, representing a kind of “ecological memory of soil”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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Review

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17 pages, 1138 KiB

Open AccessReview

Balancing Livestock Environmental Footprints with Forestry-Based Solutions: A Review

by Tamirat Solomon, Vaishali Gupta and Chris Major Ncho

Ecologies 2023, 4(4), 714-730; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4040047 - 9 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4033

Abstract

Livestock production, as one of the oldest and most significant human activities, plays a vital role in fulfilling the global demand for human nutrition and other animal-related products while contributing to poverty reduction. However, it is also important to address the environmental impact [...] Read more.

Livestock production, as one of the oldest and most significant human activities, plays a vital role in fulfilling the global demand for human nutrition and other animal-related products while contributing to poverty reduction. However, it is also important to address the environmental impact of livestock animals. Over 60% of the global biomass harvested annually to support human activity is directed towards this sector, raising concerns about its sustainability. In addition to substantial water and fertilizer usage reported in recent years, it is estimated that 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the livestock sector. Furthermore, the increasing amount of manure resulting from intensive animal farming raises concerns about its disposal and potential water pollution. The degradation of pasture and rangeland is another significant contributor to soil erosion. Multiple approaches are being studied to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production, but a sustainable alternative may be through forestry. Forests play a vital role in countering livestock emissions by absorbing billions of tons of carbon dioxide each year, and they act as a crucial carbon sink. Furthermore, the diversity and age of forests impact the carbon sequestration process. Forests also help to combat climate change by reducing soil erosion and regulating the water cycle. As such, sustainable forest management is essential as forests provide multiple benefits, including economic, environmental, and social benefits, while also sequestering carbon. In this review, the current impact of modern livestock production is described, along with the potential for mitigating it through forestry-based solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Ecologies 2023)

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