The global macroecology of penguin distribution and conservation

Current global biodiversity crises have reinforced the urgency to accurately quantify macroecological patterns of species distributions with the aim to develop efficient evidence-based protection strategies. The establishment of protected areas (PAs) is one of the major approaches to mitigate biodiversity declines during the Anthropocene. However, the distribution of biodiversity (e.g., hotspots, threatened species) is spatially asymmetric among regions and lineages, and the extent to which PAs offer an effective method for species and ecosystem protection remains uncertain. Penguins, broadly regarded as prime indicators of environmental health, are emerging as priority organisms for such quantitative assessments. The vast majority of all 18 penguin species are suffering population declines, and 11 of them are considered vulnerable/endangered given environmental and anthropogenic threats. However, how protected are penguins globally? Using spatial ecology approaches, we create novel distribution, hotspot, and endemism maps for all penguin species on Earth. We use these data to quantitatively assess the protection offered by PAs validated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other national/international organizations. We then create a universal target protection model which predicts the appropriate protection level required for each individual species based on population and range size (both predominant factors underlying population stability). For six species, less than 20% of their range is protected. PAs are only related to range size, whereas other parameters critically linked to population stability such as population size and IUCN conservation status are insignificant. Half of the nine global hotspots of penguin diversity are underprotected, and protection for 10 species is less than the calculated target protection. Consequently, global protection of penguins is not satisfactory. We suggest that more comprehensive ways to account for the multi-dimensional interactions between areas and organisms are needed to further the effectiveness of PA networks

Happy feet in a hostile world? The future of penguins depends on proactive management of current and expected threats

Penguins face a wide range of threats. Most observed population changes have been negative and have happened over the last 60 years. Today, populations of 11 penguin species are decreasing. Here we present a review that synthesizes details of threats faced by the world's 18 species of penguins. We discuss alterations to their environment at both breeding sites on land and at sea where they forage. The major drivers of change appear to be climate, and food web alterations by marine fisheries. In addition, we also consider other critical and/or emerging threats, namely human disturbance near nesting sites, pollution due to oil, plastics and chemicals such as mercury and persistent organic compounds. Finally, we assess the importance of emerging pathogens and diseases on the health of penguins. We suggest that in the context of climate change, habitat degradation, introduced exotic species and resource competition with fisheries, successful conservation outcomes will require new and unprecedented levels of science and advocacy. Successful conservation stories of penguin species across their geographical range have occurred where there has been concerted effort across local, national and international boundaries to implement effective conservation planning.This work was supported by the WWF-UK and PEW Foundation. SJ is supported by NSF OPP PICA #1643901

The macroecology of chemical communication in lizards: do climatic factors drive the evolution of signalling glands?

Chemical communication plays a pivotal role in shaping sexual and ecological interactions among animals. In lizards, fundamental mechanisms of sexual selection such as female mate choice have rarely been shown to be influenced by quantitative phenotypic traits (e.g., ornaments), while chemical signals have been found to potentially influence multiple forms of sexual and social interactions, including mate choice and territoriality. Chemical signals in lizards are secreted by glands primarily located on the edge of the cloacae (precloacal glands, PG) and thighs (femoral glands), and whose interspecific and interclade number ranges from 0 to >100. However, elucidating the factors underlying the evolution of such remarkable variation remains an elusive endeavour. Competing hypotheses suggest a dominant role for phylogenetic conservatism (i.e., species within clades share similar numbers of glands) or for natural selection (i.e., their adaptive diversification results in deviating numbers of glands from ancestors). Using the prolific Liolaemus lizard radiation from South America (where precloacal glands vary from 0-14), we present one of the largest-scale tests of both hypotheses to date. Based on climatic and phylogenetic modelling, we show a clear role for both phylogenetic inertia and adaptation underlying gland variation: (i) solar radiation, net primary productivity, topographic heterogeneity and precipitation range have a significant effect on number of PG variation, (ii) humid and cold environments tend to concentrate species with a higher number of glands, (iii) there is a strong phylogenetic signal that tends to conserve the number of PG within clades. Collectively, our study confirms that the inertia of niche conservatism can be broken down by the need of species facing different selection regimes to adjust their glands to suit the demands of their specific environments

Happy feet in a hostile world? The future of penguins depends on proactive management of current and expected threats

Penguins face a wide range of threats. Most observed population changes have been negative and have happened over the last 60 years. Today, populations of 11 of the 18 penguin species are decreasing. Here we present a review that synthesizes details of threats faced by the world’s 18 species of penguins. We discuss alterations to their environment at both breeding sites on land and at sea where they forage. The major drivers of change appear to be climate, and food web alterations by marine fisheries. In addition, we also consider other critical and/or emerging threats, namely human disturbance near nesting sites, pollution due to oil, plastics and chemicals such as mercury and persistent organic compounds. Finally, we assess the importance of emerging pathogens and diseases on the health of penguins. We suggest that in the context of climate change, habitat degradation, introduced exotic species and resource competition with fisheries, successful conservation outcomes will require new and unprecedented levels of science and advocacy. Successful conservation stories of penguin species across their geographical range have occurred where there has been concerted effort across local, national and international boundaries to implement effective conservation planning

Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) Effects on Lentic Lake Water Quality

Salisbury Pond is a habitat for many Massachusetts native species as well as the invasive crayfish, Procambarus clarkii. In order to study the impact of P. clarkii in Salisbury Pond, different water parameters were collected to analyze the changes in concentration. The results of this study will offer insight into the methods by which invasive species disturb aquatic systems as well as the ecology of the lentic ecosystem and the benthic organism in them

Treating Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Rural Brazil: Compliance Clinic

There is a need to treat the neglected disease Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Buriticupu, Brazil. Our approach to this need is to propose a plan for a clinic treating Cutaneous Leishmaniasis through patient compliance

Heat Impacts on Occupational Health: A Comparison Between Agricultural and Industrial Settings in the Time of Climate Change

Increasing global temperatures due to climate change threaten the welfare, health, and productivity of lower and middle-income workers in tropical developing countries. In collaboration with Thammasat University in Thailand and in contribution to the HOTHAPS international study, our goal was to compare how natural and artificial heat in Pathumthani and Samutprakan provinces affects agricultural and industrial workers using observations, interviews, and temperature data. - Analysis showed that agricultural workers feel the effects of heat more than industrial workers due to their direct exposure to the natural environment, lack of amenities, and lack of regulated working time. Our recommendations are suggested to the workers, foreman/owners, researchers, and organizations

Happy Feet in a hostile world? The future of penguins depends on proactive management of current and predictable threats

Penguins face a wide range of threats. Most observed population changes have been negative and have happened over the last 60 years. Today, populations of 11 penguin species are decreasing. Here we present a review that synthesizes details of threats faced by the world's 18 species of penguins. We discuss alterations to their environment at both breeding sites on land and at sea where they forage. The major drivers of change appear to be climate, and food web alterations by marine fisheries. In addition, we also consider other critical and/or emerging threats, namely human disturbance near nesting sites, pollution due to oil, plastics and chemicals such as mercury and persistent organic compounds. Finally, we assess the importance of emerging pathogens and diseases on the health of penguins. We suggest that in the context of climate change, habitat degradation, introduced exotic species and resource competition with fisheries, successful conservation outcomes will require new and unprecedented levels of science and advocacy. Successful conservation stories of penguin species across their geographical range have occurred where there has been concerted effort across local, national and international boundaries to implement effective conservation planning

Happy Feet in a hostile world? The future of penguins depends on proactive management of current and predictable threats

Penguins face a wide range of threats. Most observed population changes have been negative and have happened over the last 60 years. Today, populations of 11 penguin species are decreasing. Here we present a review that synthesizes details of threats faced by the world's 18 species of penguins. We discuss alterations to their environment at both breeding sites on land and at sea where they forage. The major drivers of change appear to be climate, and food web alterations by marine fisheries. In addition, we also consider other critical and/or emerging threats, namely human disturbance near nesting sites, pollution due to oil, plastics and chemicals such as mercury and persistent organic compounds. Finally, we assess the importance of emerging pathogens and diseases on the health of penguins. We suggest that in the context of climate change, habitat degradation, introduced exotic species and resource competition with fisheries, successful conservation outcomes will require new and unprecedented levels of science and advocacy. Successful conservation stories of penguin species across their geographical range have occurred where there has been concerted effort across local, national and international boundaries to implement effective conservation planning