Benthic molluscan communities and environmental study of the Cape Romain tidal inlet complex, South Carolina

Several physical environmental parameters and the benthic molluscan communities have been analyzed in the Cape Romain tidal inlet complex, South Carolina. A base-line study was made to monitor the effects of rediverting the Santee River on the Cape Romain tidal inlet complex and to develop a model to predict the possible effects of the Santee River rediversion on the existing benthic molluscan communities. Cape Romain Harbor and Casino Creek were found to have predominantly fine-grained substrates. Salinities ranged from 33[degrees]/oo - 0.8[degrees]/oo with low salinity values reflecting periods of high freshwater influx from the Santee River via the intracoastal waterway. Four benthic molluscan communities were determined using Simpson's Binary Similarity Coefficient and are: 1) near-marine, Mulinia lateralis-Tellina alternata community; 2) estuarine Mulinia lateralis-Acteocina canaliculate community; 3) estuarine Mulinia lateralis-Ilyanassa obsoleta community; 4) high energy, estuarine, Mulinia lateralis-Abra aequalis community. Comparison of the community gradation in structure and composition, determined by Prim Network analysis, with present environmental controls on the benthic molluscan communities indicates that rediversion will reduce the number of species presently existing in the Cape Romain tidal inlet complex by approximately 40%.Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Department o

Proceedings of the 2017 World Owl Conference

The 5th Edition of the World Owl Conference (WOC) - Owls in Science and Society was held in Évora, Portugal, between 26 and 30 September 2017, organized by LabOr – Laboratory of Ornithology (ICAAM – currently MED, University of Évora), with the Global Owl Project and the International Owl Center, in partnership with SPEA (Birdlife Portugal) and STRI (ALDEIA). This conference brings the opportunity to gather owl researchers from five continents to present and discuss the most significant advances in owl studies in the most diverse scientific fields (ecology, genetics, conservation, among others) but also to debate emerging technologies for owl research, conservation and monitoring. In Évora, this event was attended by approximately 150 participants from 30 countries. This special issue of AIRO is dedicated to compile original research and achievements presented at the WOC 2017, highlighting the key role that owls play in ecosystems while raising awareness for their conservation. All of these papers were refereed and selected in accordance with the usual editorial standards of the journal