Calculus of Tangent Sets and Derivatives of Set Valued Maps under Metric Subregularity Conditions

In this paper we intend to give some calculus rules for tangent sets in the sense of Bouligand and Ursescu, as well as for corresponding derivatives of set-valued maps. Both first and second order objects are envisaged and the assumptions we impose in order to get the calculus are in terms of metric subregularity of the assembly of the initial data. This approach is different from those used in alternative recent papers in literature and allows us to avoid compactness conditions. A special attention is paid for the case of perturbation set-valued maps which appear naturally in optimization problems.Comment: 17 page

Climate and habitat configuration limit range expansion and patterns of dispersal in a non-native lizard

Invasive species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. As introduced, populations increase in abundance and geographical range, so does the potential for negative impacts on native communities. As such, there is a need to better understand the processes driving range expansion as species become established in recipient landscapes. Through an investigation into capacity for population growth and range expansion of introduced populations of a non‐native lizard (Podarcis muralis), we aimed to demonstrate how multi‐scale factors influence spatial spread, population growth, and invasion potential in introduced species. We collated location records of P. muralis presence in England, UK through data collected from field surveys and a citizen science campaign. We used these data as input for presence‐background models to predict areas of climate suitability at a national‐scale (5 km resolution), and fine‐scale habitat suitability at the local scale (2 m resolution). We then integrated local models into an individual‐based modeling platform to simulate population dynamics and forecast range expansion for 10 populations in heterogeneous landscapes. National‐scale models indicated climate suitability has restricted the species to the southern parts of the UK, primarily by a latitudinal cline in overwintering conditions. Patterns of population growth and range expansion were related to differences in local landscape configuration and heterogeneity. Growth curves suggest populations could be in the early stages of exponential growth. However, annual rates of range expansion are predicted to be low (5–16 m). We conclude that extensive nationwide range expansion through secondary introduction is likely to be restricted by currently unsuitable climate beyond southern regions of the UK. However, exponential growth of local populations in habitats providing transport pathways is likely to increase opportunities for regional expansion. The broad habitat niche of P. muralis, coupled with configuration of habitat patches in the landscape, allows populations to increase locally with minimal dispersal

Feeding ecology of two newt species (

The aim of this study was to provide an in-depth survey of feeding ecology and trophic interactions of two syntopic newt species (Triturus cristatus and Lissotriton vulgaris) inhabiting aquatic breeding habitats from the eastern Romanian Carpathian Mountains. We sampled 736 individuals from both species. The trophic spectrum was based mostly on Asselidae (>30%). Our results show that both species may be considered generalists because their niche breadth is higher than 0.5, with largely overlapping trophic niches (>70%), which may indicate food competition

Updated distribution of hybrids between <em>Lissotriton vulgaris</em> and <em>Lissotriton montandoni</em> (Amphibia: Caudata: Salamandridae) in Romania

<em>Lissotriton montandoni</em> is an endemic newt species found only in the Carpathian Mountains and lives in sympatry with <em>Lissotriton vulgaris</em> in many aquatic habitats from the entire range of the former species in the Carpathian and Sudetes Mountains or in the hilly areas from the Subcarpathians. These two species usually generate hybrids where their parapatric ranges meet, especially along rivers that flow from the inside of the Carpathians, where valleys are used as ecological corridors by <em>L. vulgaris</em>. We surveyed several regions of the Eastern Carpathian Mountains between 2008 and 2011 and found 11 new populations of newts where hybrids between the two mentioned species were present. All new records of <em>L. montandoni</em> x <em>L. vulgaris</em> were described in the eastern part of the Eastern Carpathians, in Neamț County, a region known also from previous literature to be a ‘hot spot’ for hybrids between these two species. The present paper also presents an updated review of the distribution of <em>Lissotriton</em> hybrids in Romania

Refining Climate Change Projections for Organisms with Low Dispersal Abilities: A Case Study of the Caspian Whip Snake

<div><p>Climate warming is one of the most important threats to biodiversity. Ectothermic organisms such as amphibians and reptiles are especially vulnerable as climatic conditions affect them directly. Ecological niche models (ENMs) are increasingly popular in ecological studies, but several drawbacks exist, including the limited ability to account for the dispersal potential of the species. In this study, we use ENMs to explore the impact of global climate change on the Caspian whip snake (<i>Dolichophis caspius</i>) as model for organisms with low dispersal abilities and to quantify dispersal to novel areas using GIS techniques. Models generated using Maxent 3.3.3 k and GARP for current distribution were projected on future climatic scenarios. A cost-distance analysis was run in ArcGIS 10 using geomorphological features, ecological conditions, and human footprint as “costs” to dispersal of the species to obtain a Maximum Dispersal Range (MDR) estimate. All models developed were statistically significant (<i>P</i><0.05) and recovered the currently known distribution of <i>D. caspius</i>. Models projected on future climatic conditions using Maxent predicted a doubling of suitable climatic area, while GARP predicted a more conservative expansion. Both models agreed on an expansion of suitable area northwards, with minor decreases at the southern distribution limit. The MDR area calculated using the Maxent model represented a third of the total area of the projected model. The MDR based on GARP models recovered only about 20% of the total area of the projected model. Thus, incorporating measures of species’ dispersal abilities greatly reduced estimated area of potential future distributions.</p></div

Percent of suitable niche overlap between the two emission scenarios (A2a and B2a) for the studied time periods (2020, 2050, 2080).

<p>Percent of suitable niche overlap between the two emission scenarios (A2a and B2a) for the studied time periods (2020, 2050, 2080).</p

Maximum dispersal range estimates (blue) using Maxent and GARP future potential distributions (A2a – liberal scenario and B2a – conservative scenario) and three dispersal scenarios (S1 - permissive scenario, S2 - restrictive scenario, S3 - balanced scenario).

<p>The known species’ range is shown in red dotted line.</p

Percent of the area predicted accessible for <i>D. caspius</i> of the total projected space in the context of global warming based on two climate change emission scenarios (A2a and B2a) and the three scenarios of Maximum Dispersal Range (MDR).

<p>Percent of the area predicted accessible for <i>D. caspius</i> of the total projected space in the context of global warming based on two climate change emission scenarios (A2a and B2a) and the three scenarios of Maximum Dispersal Range (MDR).</p

Future climatically suitable ranges for the Caspian whip snake, <i>Dolichophis caspius</i>.

<p>Future climatically suitable ranges for the Caspian whip snake, <i>Dolichophis caspius</i>.</p