Wild carnivore occurrence and models of hunting yield abundance at European scale: first models for red fox and badger

The goal of this report is modelling the occurrence for carnivores at the European scale and to compare the output of occurrence with observed hunting yield (HY) density models for red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and badger (Meles meles). Random Forest function was used for modelling occurrence of species. Occurrences available from the past 30 years (1990-2020), and HY data (period 2012-2021) from records submitted to ENETWILD were considered for modelling. Like previous models based on HY for ungulates, the response variable was the maximum number of carnivores hunted in that period divided by the area in km2 of the corresponding administrative unit (HY density). Models based on HY were statistically downscaled to make predictions to 10x10 km2. Occurrence data models indicated a good predictive performance for most species, showing that the model framework proposed for ungulates can also be applied for carnivores. Realistic distribution maps of carnivore species were achieved under this framework, except for those ones which are expanding their range, the golden jackal (Canis aureus), or those considered alien species, raccoon (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides); or those having a very limited distribution as the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) or the steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanii): in those cases the obtained models were underestimating their suitability in Europe. Suitability has potential to be used as a proxy for abundance of red fox and badger. Validation of suitability on HY suggested the potential to be used as a proxy for abundance of red fox and badger but depending on each species. The calibration plots for HY models showed a good and linear predictive performance for fox and badger as well as an expected pattern of abundance of species, according to the data. However, differences in type of hunting and regulations in game carnivores between countries must be playing an important role in the patterns obtained. We conclude that (i) the framework developed for modelling ungulates distribution generally well fit to carnivores species, (ii) the predicted suitability were realistic for all carnivores, but alien invasive species, limited distributed species and species expanding its range, and (iii) HY model projections displayed good abundance patterns for red fox and badger, showing that the frameworks proposed for wild ungulates were a good approximation for modelling the distribution of carnivores HY. As a future step, we need to explore how to improve the results when the unavailability of hunting activity for some species limits the extrapolation to other regions.Question number: EFSA-Q-2022-00046Peer reviewe

Understanding the Complexity of Water Supply System Governance: A Proposal for a Methodological Framework

The question of how the complexity of water governance may be understood beyond a heuristic concept remains unanswered. In this paper, we propose a Water Governance Complexity Framework to address the complexity of water governance. Through a literature review, rapid surveys, and 79 semi-structured interviews, we propose how this framework may be operationalized using different proxies and by applying it to the case of the water supply system for domestic use in Oaxaca, Mexico. In places such as the rural communities of Oaxaca, where the state plays a partially absent role in the water supply, we found legal pluralism and diverse formal and informal stakeholders in a multi-level structure. At the local level, four modes of governance were identified, resulting from seven institutional change trajectories. These trajectories result from linear (alignment) and non-linear (resistance and adaptation) interactions between local, state, and national institutions over different periods. We provide a pragmatic framework to understand complexity through the organization and historical configurations of water governance that may be applied globally, providing a necessary starting point and solid foundation for the creation of new water policies and law reforms or transitions to the polycentric governance model to ensure the human right to water and sanitation

Towards standardising the collection of game statistics in Europe: a case study

In order to monitor wildlife populations in a manner that supports policy makers and natural resource managers, data must be collected using frameworks and methodologies that allow for comparisons between projects and across time. Though hunting statistics may represent a reliable data source for monitoring population trends in game species, a standardised framework for collecting and analysing this data has never been established in Europe, even within countries. Here we describe a case study on the use of hunting statistics in Spain in order to (i) describe the variability in big game statistics collection frameworks across mainland regions of Spain and (ii) propose a minimum common denominator for a standardised approach at the country level. The main differences in methodologies identified are that each region collects different variables, uses different spatial and temporal resolution, and follows different methodologies. We described spatial patterns by grouping regions based on similarities in the hunting data collection system and identified socio-economic factors as a potential driver of differences in methodologies among regions. Hunting effort-related variables and improved temporal resolution (to the event level) must be incorporated in order to achieve country-level standardisation of methodologies. The use of application software to collect information from the field in a standardised way is recommended, which necessitates engaging stakeholders as part of the monitoring process. Applications software should be designed intentionally, and only after clear objectives for the monitoring program have been defined. Making hunting data open access will improve collaboration and information transfer to scientific and professional sectors. Our recommendations can be adapted to other European countries, which would make hunting data more useful for population monitoring and wildlife policy-making at large spatial scales. Initiatives such as the “European Wildlife Observatory” (www.wildlifeobservatory.org), a network of wildlife observation and monitoring points in Europe, may improve data exchange and standardise protocols, leading to better utilisation of hunting statistics for European wildlife population monitoring.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature.Funding was provided by project “HAWIPO: Armonización de los datos poblacionales de la fauna silvestre en España: aplicaciones a la vigilancia sanitaria y control de enfermedades compartidas con el ganado”, proyectos de I+D+i Retos Investigación tipo B, ref. PID2019-111699RB-I00 (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) and the ENETWILD project (EFSA framework contract “Wildlife: collecting and sharing data on wildlife populations, transmitting animal disease agents”, OC/EFSA/ALPHA/2016/01 – 01). CRR has a PhD contract from the University of Castilla-La Mancha (ref. 2018-PREDUCLM-7825). SI has a PHD contract funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science (MCI - PRE2020-095091). JF-L has a grant from Margarita Salas from the European Union – NextGenerationEU through the Complutense University of Madrid. JAB-A has a postdoctoral researcher contract for scientific excellence from the UCLM (Resolution of 04/04/2022), co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus.Peer reviewe