Sex-biased dispersal in a rare butterfly and the implications for its conservation

The survival of many species may be dependent on their ability to exist in human-altered landscapes within metapopulations; in turn, metapopulation persistence is dictated by the ability of individuals to move effectively among patches to promote recolonization. The Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha taylori) is a species that does not naturally occur in fragmented landscapes, yet it is now restricted to a handful of small isolated prairie habitats. Current recovery plans aim to establish a stable metapopulation; however, to date little is known about the species’ ability to move across the landscape. In 2010 and 2011, we conducted marking, tracking and boundary surveys to explore the movement dynamics of adults within two sites in Oregon, USA. Over the survey period, we marked 136 male butterflies, tracked 174 individuals and observed the behavior of 1,576 individual butterflies at site boundaries. Our study revealed a significant sex-bias in the movement dynamics of the Taylor’s checkerspot in both suitable habitat and surrounding matrix. Males were highly motile, whereas females appeared sedentary, rarely moving from their natal site. The limited dispersal behavior of females indicates that populations cannot persist naturally in a metapopulation and thus are at high risk of extinction. Based on our findings, we recommend that managers take proactive measures to increase or enable dispersal (including translocation) to existing and/or restored sites.Keywords: Human-altered landscape, Euphydryas editha taylori, Connectivity, Movement dynamics, Metapopulation

Assessment of known impacts of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on marine mammals: data gaps and recommendations for researchers in the United States

The development of advanced technologies to enhance conservation science often outpaces the abilities of wildlife managers to assess and ensure such new tools are safely used in proximity to wild animals. Recently, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have become more accessible to civilian operators and are quickly being integrated into existing research paradigms to replace manned aircraft. Several Federal statutes require scientists to obtain research permits to closely approach protected species of wildlife such as marine mammals, but the lack of available information on the effects of UAS operations on these species has made it difficult to evaluate and mitigate potential impacts. Here, we present a synthesis of the current state of scientific understanding of the impacts of UAS usage near marine mammals. We also identify key data gaps that are currently limiting the ability of marine resource managers to develop appropriate guidelines, policies or regulations for safe and responsible operation of UAS near marine mammals. We recommend researchers prioritize collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on marine mammal responses to UAS when using the devices to better inform the scientific community, regulators and hobbyists about potential effects and assist with the development of appropriate mitigation measures.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

The uncertain future of protected lands and waters

Las áreas protegidas están destinadas a salvaguardar la biodiversidad a perpetuidad, sin embargo, la evidencia sugiere que los cambios legales generalizados socavan la durabilidad y eficacia de las áreas protegidas. Documentamos estos cambios legales (eventos de degradación, reducción y eliminación de clasificación de áreas protegidas (PADDD)) en los Estados Unidos y los países amazónicos y compilamos los datos disponibles a nivel mundial. Los gobiernos de los Estados Unidos y los países amazónicos promulgaron 269 y 440 eventos PADDD, respectivamente. Entre 1892 y 2018, 73 países promulgaron 3749 eventos PADDD, eliminando 519,857 kilómetros cuadrados de las regulaciones de protección y templado en 1,659,972 kilómetros cuadrados adicionales; El 78% de los eventos se promulgaron desde 2000. La mayoría de los eventos PADDD (62%) están asociados con la extracción y el desarrollo de recursos a escala industrial, lo que sugiere que PADDD puede comprometer los objetivos de conservación de la biodiversidad. Se necesitan respuestas de políticas estratégicas para abordar la PADDD y mantener áreas protegidas efectivas.Protected areas are intended to safeguard biodiversity in perpetuity, yet evidence suggests that widespread legal changes undermine protected area durability and efficacy. We documented these legal changes—protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) events—in the United States and Amazonian countries and compiled available data globally. Governments of the United States and Amazonian countries enacted 269 and 440 PADDD events, respectively. Between 1892 and 2018, 73 countries enacted 3749 PADDD events, removing 519,857 square kilometers from protection and tempering regulations in an additional 1,659,972 square kilometers; 78% of events were enacted since 2000. Most PADDD events (62%) are associated with industrial-scale resource extraction and development, suggesting that PADDD may compromise biodiversity conservation objectives. Strategic policy responses are needed to address PADDD and sustain effective protected areas.Q1Reflexión Económica, Administrativa y Contable (REAC

El futuro incierto de las tierras y aguas protegidas

Las áreas protegidas están destinadas a salvaguardar la biodiversidad a perpetuidad, sin embargo, la evidencia sugiere que los cambios legales generalizados socavan la durabilidad y eficacia de las áreas protegidas. Documentamos estos cambios legales (eventos de degradación, reducción y eliminación de clasificación de áreas protegidas (PADDD)) en los Estados Unidos y los países amazónicos y compilamos los datos disponibles a nivel mundial. Los gobiernos de los Estados Unidos y los países amazónicos promulgaron 269 y 440 eventos PADDD, respectivamente. Entre 1892 y 2018, 73 países promulgaron 3749 eventos PADDD, eliminando 519,857 kilómetros cuadrados de las regulaciones de protección y templado en 1,659,972 kilómetros cuadrados adicionales; El 78% de los eventos se promulgaron desde 2000. La mayoría de los eventos PADDD (62%) están asociados con la extracción y el desarrollo de recursos a escala industrial, lo que sugiere que PADDD puede comprometer los objetivos de conservación de la biodiversidad. Se necesitan respuestas de políticas estratégicas para abordar la PADDD y mantener áreas protegidas efectivas.Protected areas are intended to safeguard biodiversity in perpetuity, yet evidence suggests that widespread legal changes undermine protected area durability and efficacy. We documented these legal changes-protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) events-in the United States and Amazonian countries and compiled available data globally. Governments of the United States and Amazonian countries enacted 269 and 440 PADDD events, respectively. Between 1892 and 2018, 73 countries enacted 3749 PADDD events, removing 519,857 square kilometers from protection and tempering regulations in an additional 1,659,972 square kilometers; 78% of events were enacted since 2000. Most PADDD events (62%) are associated with industrial-scale resource extraction and development, suggesting that PADDD may compromise biodiversity conservation objectives. Strategic policy responses are needed to address PADDD and sustain effective protected areas.Q1Reflexión Económica, Administrativa y Contable (REAC