Submit to Sustainability Review for Sustainability Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 25906

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Linas Balčiauskas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Laboratory of Mammalian Ecology, Nature Research Centre, LT08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
Interests: hoofed, semi-aquatic, carnivore and small mammal ecology; population management; biodiversity; human dimensions; threatened species; large carnivores; spatial distribution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability is publishing a Special Issue “Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics” focusing on contemporary mammal investigations. This Special Issue will collect high-quality research articles, including reviews, field studies, modeling, theory, and implementations in all fields of mammal science. We seek clearly and succinctly written contributions, addressing contemporary challenges.

Having nearly 6400 extant species [1], mammals are far from being the most diverse group of vertebrates. Multiple problems facing this group, including loss of habitats, climate change (both resulting shifts in species distribution ranges), roadkills, poaching, and illegal trade, all result in decreases in numbers and abundance, the rapid spread of invasive species that threaten local ones, and human–mammal conflicts, this last being dependent not only upon the damage but also upon poor communication. To help small mammals’ survival in the European agricultural landscapes, support mechanisms enhancing land capacity, such as the Entry Level Scheme Tier of Environmental Stewardship were developed. However, success in restoring populations of large carnivores [2] and otters face controversy, as some stakeholders still maintain hostility, now based on socioeconomic issues. Finally, even the distribution of mammals in Europe (not considering less-investigated continents) requires updating, and, therefore, a second edition of the Atlas of European Mammals is underway.

This Special Issue is focused on mammal science, targeting, but not limited to country-level issues. We welcome reviews and papers, based on extensive field studies, questionnaires, database analyses, investigations of road ecology, and human dimensions of wildlife. Contributors from different fields are invited to submit their articles on this topic. Specifically, we welcome papers focused on, or dealing with, the topics listed in the keywords, or other mammal-related issues.

[1] Burgin, C.J., Colella, J.P., Kahn, P.L. and Upham, N.S. How many species of mammals are there? J. of Mammal., 2018, 99(1), 1–14.

[2] Chapron G., Kaczensky P., Linnell J.D., von Arx M., Huber D., Andrén H., López-Bao J.V., Adamec M., Álvares F., Anders O. and Balčiauskas L. Recovery of large carnivores in Europe’s modern human-dominated landscapes. Sci., 2014, 346(6216), 1517–1519.

Dr. Linas Balčiauskas
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

mammals and climate change
long term changes in mammal fauna
road ecology
invasive mammal species
threatened species and mammal conservation
mammal damage and human dimensions
mammals as sources of pathogens
agriculture, forest management and mammals
mammal hunting and population management

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

12 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Noninvasive Genetic Insight into the Spatial and Social Organization of an Endangered Population of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra, Mustelidae, Carnivora)

by Laura Lerone, Chiara Mengoni, Mirko Di Febbraro, Hannah Krupa and Anna Loy

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 1943; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14041943 - 9 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2114

Abstract

The Eurasian otter is endangered in Italy, only surviving in southern river basins. The spatial and social structure of a population living at the border of the current range was explored through a noninvasive genetic study along 174 km of the Sangro river. Sampling was conducted in 2011 and 2012, collecting spraints and anal jellies at 62 marking sites. Samples were successfully genotyped at 13 nuclear microsatellites and the ZFX/ZFY locus for molecular sexing, resulting in 14 distinct genotypes (4 females, 2 possible females, 8 males), from 35 marking sites. Mean captures/recaptures rate was 3.8 captures/individual, with males being recaptured more frequently than females. Spatial overlap among individuals was analyzed through a linear regression model fitted against sibship categories and sex pairing. Nine out of the fourteen genotyped individuals belonged to three full-sib clusters, while five individuals had no full-sibs in the population. Full-sibs overlapped more than half-sibs, while male–male pairs showed significantly higher spatial overlap than both male–female and female–female pairs. Estimated mean density was 0.152 otters/km and 2.4 individuals/10 × 10 km grid cell. Accordingly, the 3440 grid cells of otter occurrence in Italy could likely host about 8000 otters, suggesting the current population has become larger than the minimum viable population size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1880 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Habitat Suitability for Small Mammals in Mediterranean Landscapes: How and Why Shrubs Matter

by Ignasi Torre, Carlos Jaime-González and Mario Díaz

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031562 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3198

Abstract

Fires are usually seen as a threat for biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean, but natural afforestation after abandonment of traditional land uses is leading to the disappearance of open spaces that benefit many species of conservation interest. Fires create open habitats in which small mammals can live under more favourable conditions, such as lower predation, interspecific competition, and higher food availability. We analysed the role of changes in shrub cover and shrub preference by small mammals along the Mediterranean post-fire succession. We used data (period 2008–2018) from 17 plots woodlands and post-fire shrublands present in the study area (Barcelona’s Natural Parks, Catalonia, NE Spain), and vegetation structure was assessed by LiDAR technology for modelling ground-dwelling small mammal preferences. The diversity, abundance, and stability of Mediterranean small mammal communities negatively responded to vegetation structural complexity, which resulted from the combined effects of land abandonment and recovery after wildfires. We suggest that biotic factors such as vegetation profiles (providing food and shelter) and their interaction with predators and competitors could be responsible for the observed patterns. Considering the keystone role of small mammals in the sustainability of Mediterranean forest, our results could be useful for management under the current global change conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 5036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Range Shift of Snow Leopard in Future Climate Change Scenarios

by Xinhai Li, Liming Ma, Dazhi Hu, Duifang Ma, Renqiang Li, Yuehua Sun and Erhu Gao

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031115 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3830

Abstract

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) lives in alpine ecosystems in Central Asia, where it could face intensive climate change and is thus a major conservation concern. We compiled a dataset of 406 GPS-located occurrences based on field surveys, literature, and the GBIF database. We used Random Forest to build different species distribution models with a maximum of 27 explanatory variables, including climatic, topographical, and human impact variables, to predict potential distribution for the snow leopard and make climate change projections. We estimated the potential range shifts of the snow leopard under two global climate models for different representative concentration pathways for 2050 and 2070. We found the distribution center of the snow leopard may move northwest by about 200 km and may move upward in elevation by about 100 m by 2070. Unlike previous studies on the range shifts of the snow leopard, we highlighted that upward rather than northward range shifts are the main pathways for the snow leopard in the changing climate, since the landform of their habitat allows an upward shift, whereas mountains and valleys would block northward movement. Conservation of the snow leopard should therefore prioritize protecting its current habitat over making movement corridors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Current and Future Suitable Areas for Tapirus pinchaque in Ecuador

by Carlos Mestanza-Ramón, Robinson J. Herrera Feijoo, Cristhian Chicaiza-Ortiz, Isabel Domínguez Gaibor and Rubén G. Mateo

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11486; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011486 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2473

Abstract

At present, climate change is a direct threat to biodiversity and its effects are evidenced by an increasingly accelerated loss of biodiversity. This study identified the main threats presently facing the Tapirus pinchaque species in Ecuador, generated predictive models regarding its distribution, and analyzed the protected areas as a conservation tool. The methodology was based on a literature review and the application of binary predictive models to achieve these objectives. The main results indicate that the T. pinchaque is seriously threatened, mainly by changes in land use. In addition, three models were selected that show current and future suitable areas for the conservation of the species. Its current distribution amounts to 67,805 km², 33% (22,872 km²) of which is located in 31 of the 61 protected areas. Finally, it is important to take timely actions focused on biodiversity conservation, considering the importance of balance in ecosystems to the humans dependent thereof, and the results regarding the changes in the current and future distribution areas of the mountain tapir are a great contribution to be used as a management tool for its conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2609 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Closer to Carrying Capacity: Analysis of the Internal Demographic Structure Associated with the Management and Density Dependence of a Controlled Wolf Population in Latvia

by Jurģis Šuba, Agrita Žunna, Guna Bagrade, Gundega Done, Mārtiņš Lūkins, Aivars Ornicāns, Digna Pilāte, Alda Stepanova and Jānis Ozoliņš

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9783; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179783 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2638

Abstract

Large carnivores are essential components of natural ecosystems. In populated areas, their conservation depends on preserving a favorable status in coexistence with humans, which may require the elimination of excess carnivores to minimize public concerns. As the Baltic region currently hosts a thriving wolf population, locally sustainable management of wolves is important for preserving biodiversity at a European scale. In this paper, we provide a dynamic assessment of the Latvian wolf subpopulation from 1998 until 2020. This study is based on age composition and fecundity data from teeth, uteri, and ovaria inspections obtained from samples of legally culled or accidentally killed individuals. The abundance estimates indicated population growth that exceeded the previously predicted carrying capacity. The proportion of juveniles among the culled individuals increased in recent years, but the mean age of culled adults exhibited a stable trend. In presumably nonselective hunting, the juveniles and individuals older than 3 years had greater culling mortality estimates in comparison with other age classes, and the culling rates for adult females of particular age classes were higher than for males of the same age. While creating significant hunting pressure, wolf management in Latvia may have contributed to the population growth by affecting its demographic processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Presence of Shade Trees and Distance to the Forest Affect Detection Rates of Terrestrial Vertebrates in Coffee Home Gardens?

by Marco Campera, Katherine Hedger, Hélène Birot, Sophie Manson, Michela Balestri, Budiadi Budiadi, Muhammad Ali Imron, Vincent Nijman and K. A. I. Nekaris

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8540; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158540 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3184

Abstract

Complex agroforestry systems can host similar biodiversity levels to adjacent continuous forests and can offer important ecosystem services for wildlife. Species inhabiting adjacent forests, as well as species that prefer agroforestry systems, can benefit from this habitat matrix. It is necessary, however, to understand the species-specific adaptability to such a complex matrix. Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot and hosts many endemic species that are threatened with extinction. Its human population relies heavily on agriculture, meaning that finding a balance between crop productivity and biodiversity is key for the long-term sustainability of local communities and wildlife. We aim to determine the influence of the presence of shade trees and distance to the forest on the detection rates of wildlife in coffee home gardens. In West Java, Indonesia, we monitored 23 gardens between April 2018 and March 2021 via camera traps, totalling 3856 days of monitoring in shade-grown and 3338 days in sun-exposed gardens. We also collected data in the nearby montane rainforest, totalling 1183 days of monitoring. We used Generalized Additive Models to estimate the influence of shade cover and distance to the forest on the detection rates of wildlife. The Sunda leopard cat Prionailurus javanensis was found more frequently in shade-grown gardens and used both the forest and agroforest matrix. Wild boars Sus scrofa mostly occurred in gardens adjacent to the forest, while barred buttonquails Turnix suscitator were associated with gardens far (>1 km) from the forest. Several species (civets Viverricula indica and Paradoxus musangus javanicus, Horsfield’s treeshrew Tupaia javanica, Javan ferret badger Melogale orientalis, Javan mongoose Herpestes javanicus) were not influenced by shade cover and distance to the forest, suggesting they are well adapted to the agroforestry system. Still, species of high conservation importance, such as Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas, Sunda porcupine Hystrix javanica, and grizzled langur Presbytis comata, were present in the forest but not in the agroforest, suggesting that the replacement of the forest by the agroforestry matrix is still detrimental. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain the complexity of the agroforestry system and connectivity with the neighbouring continuous forest to favour the long-term sustainability of this environment and the conservation of endemic species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution, Population Size, and Habitat Characteristics of the Endangered European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus, Rodentia, Mammalia) in Its Southernmost Range

by Dimitra-Lida Rammou, Dimitris Kavroudakis and Dionisios Youlatos

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8411; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158411 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2734

Abstract

The European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) is an endangered species, endemic to Central and Southeastern Europe, inhabiting burrow colonies in grassland and agricultural ecosystems. In recent years, agricultural land-use changes and increased urbanization have largely contributed to a severe population decline across its range, particularly in its southernmost edge. Assessing the population and habitat status of this species is essential for prioritizing appropriate conservation actions. The present study aims to track population size changes and identify habitat characteristics of the species in Greece via a literature search, questionnaires, and fieldwork for assessing trends in population size as well as spatial K-means analysis for estimating its relation to specific habitat attributes. We found that both distribution size (grid number) and colony numbers of the species decreased in the last decades (by 62.4% and 74.6%, respectively). The remaining colonies are isolated and characterized by low density (mean = 7.4 ± 8.6 ind/ha) and low number of animals (mean = 13 ± 16 individuals). Most of the colonies are situated in lowlands and did not relate to specific habitat attributes. Habitat aspect and system productivity (NDVI) were the main factors contributing mostly to the clustering of the existing colonies. These results demonstrate that the species is confined to small, isolated anthropogenic habitats. Specific conservation actions such as population reinforcement, habitat improvement, and specific common agricultural policy measures could effectively improve agroecological zones that are suitable for the maintenance and protection of existing and potential habitats for populations of the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Citizen Scientists Showed a Four-Fold Increase of Lynx Numbers in Lithuania

by Linas Balčiauskas, Laima Balčiauskienė, John A. Litvaitis and Eugenijus Tijušas

Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229777 - 23 Nov 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2359

Abstract

By the early 2000s, Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) were nearly extirpated in Lithuania. To determine their status, we used snow-track counts in 2006–2012 and volunteer monitoring in 1999–2005 and 2015–2018. Using simple questionnaires, we collected incidental observations from hunters, foresters, and other interested citizens to estimate lynx distribution, abundance and extent of breeding. Citizen scientists provided 206 reports of 278 individual lynx that suggested expanding lynx distributions in central, western, southwestern, and southern parts of Lithuania. A decrease in range fragmentation has also been observed since 2015. Nationwide, the lynx population quadrupled from 2010 to 162 individuals in 2018. The number of breeding individuals reported was just seven in both 2007 and 2008, limited to two forests in the very north and central part of the country. This increased to 46 in 2015–2018. Our results indicate that the lynx population in Lithuania has increased and its conservation status should be reconsidered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moose Management Strategies under Changing Legal and Institutional Frameworks

by Linas Balčiauskas, Yukichika Kawata and Laima Balčiauskienė

Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8482; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208482 - 14 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2093

Abstract

Moose (Alces alces) management strategies in Lithuania, East Europe, were analyzed. The study was intended to show the (un)sustainability of the current management approach in relation to changes in hunting rules, hunting organization and development of the responsible administrative bodies. Moose population and bag dynamics were analyzed using I index in connected scatterplots and compound annual growth rates (CAGR). In 1962–2020, the CAGR of the moose population was 3.84%, resulting in a population size increase of nearly 10 times. The seesaw principle in moose management was confirmed, showing three periods of population decrease (1973–1977, 1989–1995, 2000–2005), and two periods of hunting bag decrease (1976–1978 and 1990–1993). All decline phases were related to legal and administrative issues in the country. Since 2006, population growth has not been controlled. Lithuania has no long-term strategy of the moose population management at any administrative level. The current management approach is not sustainable, as it has not ensured long-term stability of the moose population. The current continuous growth of population, followed by only a moderate increase in the hunting bag, is related to the possibility for owners to adopt long-term planning of the hunting plot units. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI