A review of constraints and solutions for collecting raptor samples and contextual data for a European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility

The COST Action ‘European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility’ (ERBFacility) aims to develop pan-European raptor biomonitoring in support of better chemicals management in Europe, using raptors as sentinel species. This presents a significant challenge involving a range of constraints that must be identified and addressed. The aims of this study were to: (1) carry out a comprehensive review of the constraints that may limit the gathering in the field of raptor samples and contextual data, and assess their relative importance across Europe; and (2) identify and discuss possible solutions to the key constraints that were identified. We applied a participatory approach to identify constraints and to discuss feasible solutions. Thirty-one constraints were identified, which were divided into four categories: legal, methodological, spatial coverage, and skills constraints. To assess the importance of the constraints and their possible solutions, we collected information through scientific workshops and by distributing a questionnaire to stakeholders in all the countries involved in ERBFacility. We obtained 74 answers to the questionnaire, from 24 of the 39 COST participating countries. The most important constraints identified were related to the collection of complex contextual data about sources of contamination, and the low number of existing raptor population national/regional monitoring schemes and ecological studies that could provide raptor samples. Legal constraints, such as permits to allow the collection of invasive samples, and skills constraints, such as the lack of expertise to practice necropsies, were also highlighted. Here, we present solutions for all the constraints identified, thus suggesting the feasibility of establishing a long-term European Raptor Sampling Programme as a key element of the planned European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility.This paper is based on work from COST Action European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility (COST Action CA16224) supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), including a grant for a short-term scientific mission awarded to the lead author. COST is funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union. Silvia Espín was financially supported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación postdoctoral contract, IJCI-2017-34653).Peer reviewe

The role of natural science collections in the biomonitoring of environmental contaminants in apex predators in support of the EU's zero pollution ambition

The chemical industry is the leading sector in the EU in terms of added value. However, contaminants pose a major threat and significant costs to the environment and human health. While EU legislation and international conventions aim to reduce this threat, regulators struggle to assess and manage chemical risks, given the vast number of substances involved and the lack of data on exposure and hazards. The European Green Deal sets a 'zero pollution ambition for a toxic free environment' by 2050 and the EU Chemicals Strategy calls for increased monitoring of chemicals in the environment. Monitoring of contaminants in biota can, inter alia: provide regulators with early warning of bioaccumulation problems with chemicals of emerging concern; trigger risk assessment of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances; enable risk assessment of chemical mixtures in biota; enable risk assessment of mixtures; and enable assessment of the effectiveness of risk management measures and of chemicals regulations overall. A number of these purposes are to be addressed under the recently launched European Partnership for Risk Assessment of Chemicals (PARC). Apex predators are of particular value to biomonitoring. Securing sufficient data at European scale implies large-scale, long-term monitoring and a steady supply of large numbers of fresh apex predator tissue samples from across Europe. Natural science collections are very well-placed to supply these. Pan-European monitoring requires effective coordination among field organisations, collections and analytical laboratories for the flow of required specimens, processing and storage of specimens and tissue samples, contaminant analyses delivering pan-European data sets, and provision of specimen and population contextual data. Collections are well-placed to coordinate this. The COST Action European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility provides a well-developed model showing how this can work, integrating a European Raptor Biomonitoring Scheme, Specimen Bank and Sampling Programme. Simultaneously, the EU-funded LIFE APEX has demonstrated a range of regulatory applications using cutting-edge analytical techniques. PARC plans to make best use of such sampling and biomonitoring programmes. Collections are poised to play a critical role in supporting PARC objectives and thereby contribute to delivery of the EU's zero-pollution ambition.Non peer reviewe

A review of constraints and solutions for collecting raptor samples and contextual data for a European raptor biomonitoring facility

The COST Action ‘European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility’ (ERBFacility) aims to develop pan-European raptor biomonitoring in support of better chemicals management in Europe, using raptors as sentinel species. This presents a significant challenge involving a range of constraints that must be identified and addressed. The aims of this study were to: (1) carry out a comprehensive review of the constraints that may limit the gathering in the field of raptor samples and contextual data, and assess their relative importance across Europe; and (2) identify and discuss possible solutions to the key constraints that were identified. We applied a participatory approach to identify constraints and to discuss feasible solutions. Thirty-one constraints were identified, which were divided into four categories: legal, methodological, spatial coverage, and skills constraints. To assess the importance of the constraints and their possible solutions, we collected information through scientific workshops and by distributing a questionnaire to stakeholders in all the countries involved in ERBFacility. We obtained 74 answers to the questionnaire, from 24 of the 39 COST participating countries. The most important constraints identified were related to the collection of complex contextual data about sources of contamination, and the low number of existing raptor population national/regional monitoring schemes and ecological studies that could provide raptor samples. Legal constraints, such as permits to allow the collection of invasive samples, and skills constraints, such as the lack of expertise to practice necropsies, were also highlighted. Here, we present solutions for all the constraints identified, thus suggesting the feasibility of establishing a long-term European Raptor Sampling Programme as a key element of the planned European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility

Unpublished Mediterranean and Black Sea records of marine alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species

To enrich spatio-temporal information on the distribution of alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, a collective effort by 173 marine scientists was made to provide unpublished records and make them open access to the scientific community. Through this effort, we collected and harmonized a dataset of 12,649 records. It includes 247 taxa, of which 217 are Animalia, 25 Plantae and 5 Chromista, from 23 countries surrounding the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Chordata was the most abundant taxonomic group, followed by Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Annelida. In terms of species records, Siganus luridus, Siganus rivulatus, Saurida lessepsianus, Pterois miles, Upeneus moluccensis, Charybdis (Archias) longicollis, and Caulerpa cylindracea were the most numerous. The temporal distribution of the records ranges from 1973 to 2022, with 44% of the records in 2020–2021. Lethrinus borbonicus is reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, while Pomatoschistus quagga, Caulerpa cylindracea, Grateloupia turuturu, and Misophria pallida are first records for the Black Sea; Kapraunia schneideri is recorded for the second time in the Mediterranean and for the first time in Israel; Prionospio depauperata and Pseudonereis anomala are reported for the first time from the Sea of Marmara. Many first country records are also included, namely: Amathia verticillata (Montenegro), Ampithoe valida (Italy), Antithamnion amphigeneum (Greece), Clavelina oblonga (Tunisia and Slovenia), Dendostrea cf. folium (Syria), Epinephelus fasciatus (Tunisia), Ganonema farinosum (Montenegro), Macrorhynchia philippina (Tunisia), Marenzelleria neglecta (Romania), Paratapes textilis (Tunisia), and Botrylloides diegensis (Tunisia).peer-reviewe

A nation-wide census for future conservation actions

Citizen science is a type of research which could be crucial for wildlife monitoring in the developing countries due to low funding opportunities and trained specialists. In the Republic of Moldova, this concept is not fully understood and currently under-developed. The citizen science will bring new data in ornithological research, which is still in its early stages, due to the few ornithologists involved in scientific research. Thus, there is poor data and knowledge regarding occurrence and distribution of wild bird species across the country, which makes difficult to implement conservation strategies in order to conserve our bird fauna. White stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a common bird species which breeds near human settlements and is easily identifiable. This aspect makes the species to be a very good target for citizen science monitoring. The number of White stork nests in Republic of Moldova was estimated to be around 574 in 1984 and continued to decrease since then. During 1990-2010 the official numbers pointed to 180 nests, while the breeding stork population was considered to be around 400-600 breeding pairs. During June – August 2017 the Society for the Birds and Nature Protection (SPPN) carried out a national census when 283 nests were recorded. The nests were registered on a digital map with the help of citizen volunteers. The concept and the procedure were a novelty for Republic of Moldova, as the observations were uploaded using an online survey which provided additional information about the nests (type of support, condition, number of offspring). The impact among citizens was high: 90 volunteers participated in the census across the country. Most of the nests were installed on concrete pillars (57.24%), followed by wooden pillars (17.67%), 15.19% were found on trees, while 9.19% were installed on other types of support (towers, monuments and barns). Only one nest was found on a house. Comparative with the previous monitoring program, from 1984, the White stork population from Republic of Moldova changed the breeding behavior, using the electric poles in a much higher percent. These changes in species ecology should be included in the species conservation strategy for the next years. Out of the total number of 283 nests, 83% were occupied in the 2017 breeding season, with a breeding success of 1.51 offspring per nest during the study period. The 2017 White stork nest census in Republic Moldova proved to be an efficient tool for field data collection. Moreover, the information improved significantly the knowledge regarding the breeding status of White stork and raised awareness about the ecology of this species. For the Republic of Moldova scientific community, which is young and still developing, the census represents the first step for future conservation projects and a successful start of citizen science methods.peerReviewe

The distribution of Great Grey Shrike in Republic of Moldova

The Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is the largest species from the Laniidae family, with a wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere, across Europe, Asia and North America. Because the species occupies a large area, the data about the spring and autumn migration and wintering areas of the whole population is poor documented. The study area covers the territory of the Republic of Moldova (33 843.5 km2). Here, the Great Grey Shrike was known as a wintering visitor, being recorded during the late autumn up to early spring. The species was not considered to breed until now in the Republic of Moldova, therefore it was not listed in the Bird Atlas. Even today, the Great Grey shrike is a poorly studied species in our country and there is no up-to-date information except the actual study. The first breeding recorded was in 2012 in the north region of the country. After that, we started a monitoring program in order to check the species’ status. The aim of the current study was to assess the distribution of the Great Grey Shrike in the Republic of Moldova and to analyze the breeding and wintering population. The study was conducted from 2014 to 2017. During two breeding seasons (2014 and 2015) we carried out point counts with a minimum distance of 400 m between them and 5 minutes of observation in each location.. The observation points were randomly selected across the study area using Hawths Tool for Arc GIS v.9.3. In 2014 we registered 20 breeding pairs out of 470 observations and for 2015 we counted 31 breeding pairs out of 631 observation points. The density of the Great Grey Shrikes in Republic of Moldova estimated, for the research period, to 0.2-0.4 breeding pairs/square km. According to our study, its breeding range is increasing (occupying 75% of the country), extending to south, contrary to previous conclusions which stated that the population is concentrated in north. The GLM analysis showed that the great grey shrike breeds in areas with higher altitudes (a mean of 174 m), low level of precipitation in November and with low average temperatures (all P< 0.05). To estimate the wintering population, we used the line transect method. Monthly, we conducted 9 transects about 40 km long each (360 km per month), during November - February, for two seasons, 2015 – 2016 and 2016 –2017. The method consists in driving a car at slow speed (up to 40 km/h) with very short stops, if is necessary. The distribution across the country was uneven, 42 were observed in northern area, 37 in the central one and only 5 in south. The numbers of individuals in the first wintering season was 46, while in the second there were 38 individuals counted in Republic of Moldova. According to Manly’s selectivity index the Great Grey Shrike select during winter season orchards (Wi= 1,6) and grasslands (Wi= 3.0). The data collected during the winter season shows that birds tend to keep their breeding spots, being recorded near them during this harsh season.peerReviewe

Weather Influence on Native and Alien Mantis Dynamics and Their Abundance in the Current Climate Change Conditions

Humans have traded and transported alien species for millennia, both with and without intention to spread them to new areas. Consistent knowledge of their ecology will allow decision makers to take suitable conservation actions, with the aim of avoiding threatening native species. Praying mantids (Mantodea) are predatory insects with a high impact on local invertebrates’ fauna. An alien mantis species (Hierodula tenuidentata) could create a disequilibrium in both the local ecosystem and in autochthonous mantid species (Mantis religiosa) if it can adapt to the local ecological conditions. Through this study, we reveal that the number of Hierodula tenuidentata individuals from an Eastern European Natura 2000 site was 7.6 times higher than the number of Mantis religiosa suggesting a higher density of the allochthonous species in the study area. According to a GLM analysis, the population of Mantis religiosa, measured from August to the end of October, declines more rapidly and is negatively influenced by the number of days from the first day of the year, while the population of Hierodula tenuidentata is influenced by local weather factors. This is the first study which analyzes the influence of local weather factors (namely air temperature, precipitation, daily atmospheric pressure, daily wind direction and speed, daily cloud cover, sunshine duration and number of days from the first day of the year) on the abundance dynamic of mantises in order to understand their ecology in the current climate change influence

Weather Influence on Native and Alien Mantis Dynamics and Their Abundance in the Current Climate Change Conditions

Humans have traded and transported alien species for millennia, both with and without intention to spread them to new areas. Consistent knowledge of their ecology will allow decision makers to take suitable conservation actions, with the aim of avoiding threatening native species. Praying mantids (Mantodea) are predatory insects with a high impact on local invertebrates’ fauna. An alien mantis species (Hierodula tenuidentata) could create a disequilibrium in both the local ecosystem and in autochthonous mantid species (Mantis religiosa) if it can adapt to the local ecological conditions. Through this study, we reveal that the number of Hierodula tenuidentata individuals from an Eastern European Natura 2000 site was 7.6 times higher than the number of Mantis religiosa suggesting a higher density of the allochthonous species in the study area. According to a GLM analysis, the population of Mantis religiosa, measured from August to the end of October, declines more rapidly and is negatively influenced by the number of days from the first day of the year, while the population of Hierodula tenuidentata is influenced by local weather factors. This is the first study which analyzes the influence of local weather factors (namely air temperature, precipitation, daily atmospheric pressure, daily wind direction and speed, daily cloud cover, sunshine duration and number of days from the first day of the year) on the abundance dynamic of mantises in order to understand their ecology in the current climate change influence

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) population during winter season in North-Eastern Romania: the influences of density, habitat selection, and weather

Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo) in Eastern Europe are partial migrants, and their numbers in a specific area fluctuate during the winter season. In the cold season of 2010-2011 we carried out 15 car-transect counts, each 40 km in length, during four months (November-February) to study the wintering population of the Common Buzzard in North-Eastern Romania. The counts revealed a density of 0.334-0.539 individuals/ km for the winter season. Birds were non-randomly distributed across habitat types: agricultural land and especially areas with natural perches (trees or bushes) were used disproportionately commonly. The density of Common Buzzard varied during the four months, and was influenced by temperature. The numbers of Common Buzzards peaked at transects with complete snow cover and during periods of lower-than-average temperature