A Lack of "Environmental Earth Data" at the Microhabitat Scale Impacts Efforts to Control Invasive Arthropods That Vector Pathogens

We currently live in an era of major global change that has led to the introduction and range expansion of numerous invasive species worldwide. In addition to the ecological and economic consequences associated with most invasive species, invasive arthropods that vector pathogens (IAVPs) to humans and animals pose substantial health risks. Species distribution models that are informed using environmental Earth data are frequently employed to predict the distribution of invasive species, and to advise targeted mitigation strategies. However, there are currently substantial mismatches in the temporal and spatial resolution of these data and the environmental contexts which affect IAVPs. Consequently, targeted actions to control invasive species or to prepare the population for possible disease outbreaks may lack efficacy. Here, we identify and discuss how the currently available environmental Earth data are lacking with respect to their applications in species distribution modeling, particularly when predicting the potential distribution of IAVPs at meaningful space-time scales. For example, we examine the issues related to interpolation of weather station data and the lack of microclimatic data relevant to the environment experienced by IAVPs. In addition, we suggest how these data gaps can be filled, including through the possible development of a dedicated open access database, where data from both remotely- and proximally-sensed sources can be stored, shared, and accessed

Global Soil Biodiversity Atlas

Soils provide numerous ecosystem services. Most people do not know that the key drivers of soil ecosystems are the living organisms within the soil. Soils may be home to over one fourth of all living species on Earth, with a significant part not yet characterized. The first Global Soil Biodiversity Atlas is a product of the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative. It aims at raising awareness of the importance and beauty of soil biodiversity among the general public and policy makers. Furthermore, it highlights the need to increase efforts to develop a global assessment of soil biodiversity. Data on distribution of soil-dwelling organisms are often difficult to combine. The atlas represents an attempt to create a unique network among soil biodiversity scientists. Such an effort may help in reaching the level of attention that research on soil biodiversity deserves. With contributions from over 80 experts in soil biodiversity from all over the world, and over 170 pages, the atlas will also display distribution maps of the main soil organisms. Furthermore, an exceptionally high number of images will allow non-specialists to get in touch with this fascinating and mysterious world.JRC.D.6-Knowledge for Sustainable Development and Food Securit

Ecophysiology and ecological impacts of an Antarctic invader: the chironomid, Eretmoptera murphyi.

Antarctica has entered a period of rapid, and potentially drastic, change. The combined pressures of anthropogenic climate change, which disproportionately affects the polar regions, and an increase in human activity and connectivity in and around the Antarctic, is opening the least invaded continent on the planet to new species. As ice retreats, terrestrial habitats ripe for colonisation by both humans and non native species are increasing, and so must our knowledge of the biology, ecology and impact of invading species. This thesis explores these issues through the model invasive species, the chironomid, Eretmoptera murphyi Schaeffer (Diptera: Chironomidae), which has successfully colonised Signy Island in the maritime Antarctic, following introduction by humans in the 1960s. Through whole organism experiments and field observations, we confirm parthenogenesis and adult emergence throughout summer on Signy. Physiological studies are employed to assess the midge’s potential to establish further south, and/or cope with climate change. Differing responses to temperature are identified in different life stages, which at various points in the life cycle must endure microclimate temperatures from +30 ºC to -20 ºC, on Signy Island. The impact of microhabitat temperature and moisture conditions on development and overwintering survival is examined, with oviposition sites found to be an important factor in determining reproductive success, especially considering a warming climate. The extent of E. murphyi’s distribution on Signy is updated, doubling previous estimates of its range, and finding that it is on the brink of moving into new valley systems. Where it occurs, the midge is capable of increasing soil nitrates by as much as five times the background levels, bringing nitrogen levels up to that seen in association with seal colonies. As the only true insect on the island, and a significant detritivore, E. murphyi has the potential to affect change to local vegetation and is arguably a new keystone species in this nutrient-poor ecosystem. Existing biosecurity measures in place seem unlikely to limit its spread which appears to be tracking footpaths used by researchers on the island. Larval stages are also able to survive several weeks in sea water, suggesting there is little impediment to its eventual colonisation of other islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, where it would likely flourish. This body of work encompasses a range of disciplines from whole organism biology through to ecosystem function, and highlights the impact that a single, and seemingly innocuous invasive species can have on an Antarctic terrestrial ecosystem

Soil biodiversity: functions, threats and tools for policy makers

Human societies rely on the vast diversity of benefits provided by nature, such as food, fibres, construction materials, clean water, clean air and climate regulation. All the elements required for these ecosystem services depend on soil, and soil biodiversity is the driving force behind their regulation. With 2010 being the international year of biodiversity and with the growing attention in Europe on the importance of soils to remain healthy and capable of supporting human activities sustainably, now is the perfect time to raise awareness on preserving soil biodiversity. The objective of this report is to review the state of knowledge of soil biodiversity, its functions, its contribution to ecosystem services and its relevance for the sustainability of human society. In line with the definition of biodiversity given in the 1992 Rio de Janeiro Convention, soil biodiversity can be defined as the variation in soil life, from genes to communities, and the variation in soil habitats, from micro-aggregates to entire landscapes. Bio Intelligence Service, IRD, and NIOO, Report for European Commission (DG Environment

Urban forest invertebrates : how they shape and respond to the urban environment

Invertebrates comprise the most diversified animal group on Earth. Due to their long evolutionary history and small size, invertebrates occupy a remarkable range of ecological niches, and play an important role as "ecosystem engineers" by structuring networks of mutualistic and antagonistic ecological interactions in almost all terrestrial ecosystems. Urban forests provide critical ecosystem services to humans, and, as in other systems, invertebrates are central to structuring and maintaining the functioning of urban forests. Identifying the role of invertebrates in urban forests can help elucidate their importance to practitioners and the public, not only to preserve biodiversity in urban environments, but also to make the public aware of their functional importance in maintaining healthy greenspaces. In this review, we examine the multiple functional roles that invertebrates play in urban forests that contribute to ecosystem service provisioning, including pollination, predation, herbivory, seed and microorganism dispersal and organic matter decomposition, but also those that lead to disservices, primarily from a public health perspective, e.g., transmission of invertebrate-borne diseases. We then identify a number of ecological filters that structure urban forest invertebrate communities, such as changes in habitat structure, increased landscape imperviousness, microclimatic changes and pollution. We also discuss the complexity of ways that forest invertebrates respond to urbanisation, including acclimation, local extinction and evolution. Finally, we present management recommendations to support and conserve viable and diverse urban forest invertebrate populations into the future.Peer reviewe

Insects as indicators of climate change: A literature review

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has consistently predicted rising global temperatures since it began reporting in 1988. Researchers have noted that climate extremes have been identified beginning in the 1990s and are apparent in various climate indicators. The most recent IPCC reports show that the rate of warming has sped up considerably, and that global warming will increase from pre-industrial levels by 1.5 degrees Celsius in the next 30 years, and possibly by 2 degrees C if considerable mitigation efforts are not put in place (IPCC, 2021). By 2017 global temperatures had already increased by about 1 degree Celsius from pre-industrial levels. Since the 1970s CO2 emissions have increased by 90%, and the rate of surface temperature has doubled in the past 50 years (EPA, 2017). Global warming does not just increase surface temperatures. Complex interactions due to a warmer earth will have an impact on most if not all earth systems. Impacts can and will include, for example, increased rainfall in some regions and longer drought periods in others, and more severe and extreme weather events. These changes will result in a loss of habitat and host plants for many insects, while also increasing the number and duration of pest outbreaks. “The appearance of novel climates poses an important challenge for scientists trying to predict the ecological and evolutionary responses of organisms to climate change” (Kingsolver et al, 2011, p. 719)

INFLUENCES OF RIPARIAN LAND-USES ON HABITAT USE AND INTERSPECIFIC COMPETITION OF STREAM-DWELLING SALAMANDERS: EVIDENCE FROM BLUE RIDGE & PIEDMONT

Human-induced disturbances can result in persistent influences on ecosystems, including habitat loss and biogeographical changes. Global amphibian decline, a consequence of habitat degradation, is among prime conservation concerns. To better understand causes of the amphibian crisis, investigations a multiple levels of biological organization - behavior, communities, and landscapes - is imperative. I investigated the responses of stream-associated Plethdontid salamanders of the Blue Ridge and Piedmont of the Southeastern US to historical and current land uses in the riparian zone and watershed to determine, (1) change in the community structure and mechanisms driving the change and uses operating at different spatial-temporal scales; (2) competition between two sympatric species with different body sizes, natural histories, and differential sensitivity for habitat alterations (black-bellied and northern dusky salamanders) in the context of riparian land uses. I surveyed low-order streams for salamanders, estimated 15 habitat variables and current and historical land-cover at riparian and watershed scale for each sampling site. Forested streams were more diverse than non-forested streams. Two assemblages were evident: disturbance avoiders (forest-dependent, large-bodied, disturbance-sensitive species) and disturbance tolerators (cosmopolitan, small-bodied, disturbance-resistant species); each assemblage composed of 80% and 20% of the regional species pool, respectively. Riparian zone characteristics (canopy cover, canopy height, leaf-litter cover) and stream geomorphology (bank complexity, stream substrate heterogeneity, sedimentation) were dramatically altered by land uses, rendering streams unsuitable for most salamanders. Historical land uses at both riparian- and watershed-scale influenced current populations and community structure of salamanders. Piedmont protected areas with crop-farming legacies were the most species-deprived since intensive agriculture can lead to lasting effects including soil erosion, sedimentation, increased discharge, and destabilization of stream banks. My experiment on competition revealed marked differences in microhabitat associations of focal species across riparian land uses. Black-bellied salamanders competitively dominated the use of stream channel over northern dusky salamanders in forested and agricultural streams. Northern dusky salamanders competitively displaced black-bellied salamanders from stream banks in urban streams. Riparian anthropogenic disturbances negatively affected the large-bodied habitat specialists and favored small-bodied habitat generalists. Terrestrial anthropogenic disturbances can modify stream habitats and, result in the exclusion of disturbance-sensitive species, ultimately leading to biotic homogenization. Conservation of stream salamander community should be strengthened with protection and restoration of riparian forests and degraded stream habitats; land-use regulations at the watershed scale; establishment of connectivity among riparian forests; and introduction of Best Management Practices for farmlands and timberlands

Urban Environments Aid Invasion of Brown Widows (Theridiidae: Latrodectus geometricus) in North America, Constraining Regions of Overlap and Mitigating Potential Impact on Native Widows

Urbanization is a major cause of biotic homogenization and habitat fragmentation for native communities. However, the role of urbanization on the success of biological invasions on a continental scale has yet to be explored. Urbanization may facilitate the establishment success of invasive species by minimizing niche differentiation between native and invaded ranges. In such cases, we might expect anthropogenic variables to have stronger influence on the geographic distribution of invasive compared to native populations. In this study, we use ecological niche modeling to define the distribution of non-native brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) and three native black widows (L. hespersus, L. mactans, L. variolus) in North America and gauge the importance of urbanization on the geographic ranges of widows at a continental scale. We also quantify the geographic overlap of L. geometricus with each native widow to assess potential species and regions at risk of ecological impact. Consistent with our hypothesis, we find that the distribution of L. geometricus is strongly constrained to urban environments, while native widow distributions are more strongly driven by climatic factors. These results show that urbanization plays a significant role in facilitating the success of invasion, weakening the significance of climate on the realized niche in its invaded range.This research was supported by funding from the OU Graduate Adams Research Scholarship. Open Access fees paid for in whole or in part by the University of Oklahoma Libraries.Ye

Amphibian Contributions to Ecosystem Services

Ecosystems provide essential services for human society, which include provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. Amphibians provide provisioning services by serving as a food source for some human societies, especially in Southeast Asia. They also serve as models in medical research and provide potential for new pharmaceuticals such as analgesics and anti-viral drugs derived from skin secretions. Amphibians contribute to regulating services by reducing mosquito recruitment from ephemeral wetlands, potentially controlling other pest species, and indirectly through predation of insect pollinators. Often neglected, ecosystems also provide cultural services to human societies that increase the quality of human life through recreation, religion, spirituality, and aesthetics. As an abundant and diverse class of vertebrates, amphibians also play prominent roles in the culture of human societies through pathways such as mythology, literature, and art. Most research on the role of amphibians in ecosystems has been on their contribution to supporting services. This is also the area where amphibians are likely to have the largest contribution to ecosystem services. Supporting services have structural (e.g., habitat) and functional (e.g., ecosystem functions and processes) components. Amphibians can affect ecosystem structure through soil burrowing and aquatic bioturbation and ecosystem functions such as decomposition and nutrient cycling through waste excretion and indirectly through predatory changes in the food web. They also can control primary production in aquatic ecosystems through direct consumption and nutrient cycling. Unfortunately, amphibians are experiencing major declines and humans may be losing associated ecosystem services. It is important to understand how declines affect ecosystem services for human societies, but these declines can also serve as natural experiments to understand the role of amphibians in ecosystems

Multi-taxa responses to forest disturbances through a multi-disciplinary approach

Natural disturbances, such as windstorms and insect outbreaks, are complex phenomena with multiple effects on forest ecosystems. Unfortunately, these disturbances are expected to increase in the coming years, due to the climate change. Therefore, understanding the multi-facet impacts of forest disturbances is an urgent objective for targeting appropriate management strategies. During my PhD thesis, I focused on three main goals: (I) understanding the effects of a large-scale wind disturbance on forest biodiversity, (II) identifying the predisposing factors for the tree susceptibility to bark beetle attacks, and (III) evaluating the ecological role of post-disturbance sites to protect biodiversity at the landscape scale. In the first part of the thesis, I focused on the effects of wind disturbance on three groups of organisms: ground-dwelling arthropods, microarthropods, and oomycetes. Our results highlighted that wind disturbance had different consequences depending on the taxonomic and the functional traits. Moreover, underlying ecological gradients, such as topography and climate, modified the impact of windstorm. In particular, we found that stronger impacts usually occurred at high elevations and drier sites. In the second part, I studied biotic disturbances focusing on the predisposing factors of the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus L.) outbreaks. Both local growing conditions of trees and landscape features are important predictors of the risk of bark beetle outbreaks. At the early stage of a large-scale outbreak, forest stands on flat terrains with high water availability, and high host cover exhibited the highest high-risk of attack. In the third part, I focused on the long-term response of post-disturbance sites. Using spiders as target group, we found that temporary abandoned patches played a pivotal role in enhancing the spider diversity at the landscape scale. These transition habitats created by disturbance or abandonment enhanced the landscape environmental heterogeneity providing novel ecological niches compared to homogenous forest landscapes. Overall, two general conclusions can be derived from this thesis. First, since forest disturbances are extremely complex phenomena, studying the interactive effects between disturbance and underlying ecological gradients might help to successfully understand the impact of these natural processes. Second, because forest disturbances are multifaced events affecting both biotic and abiotic dimensions of forest ecosystems, complementary skills are needed to study them. Here, we suggested that different investigation approaches should be used depending on the spatio-temporal scale and the target organisms. Finally, the high complexity of such phenomena and the variety of their outcomes should be considered when designing conservation and management actions, and when planning future forest landscapes. In conclusion, my PhD work contributed to emphasise the urgent need for a multidisciplinary and a holistic approach to shape more resilient forests under global change