Cost-benefit analysis of ecological networks assessed through spatial analysis of ecosystem services

1.The development of ecological networks could enhance the ability of species to disperse across fragmented landscapes and could mitigate against the negative impacts of climate change. The development of such networks will require widespread ecological restoration at the landscape scale, which is likely to be costly. However, little information is available regarding the cost-effectiveness of restoration approaches. 2.We address this knowledge gap by examining the potential impact of landscape-scale habitat restoration on the value of multiple ecosystem services across the catchment of the River Frome in Dorset, England. This was achieved by mapping the market value of four ecosystem services (carbon storage, crops, livestock and timber) under three different restoration scenarios, estimating restoration costs, and calculating net benefits. 3.The non-market value of additional services (cultural, aesthetic and recreational value) was elicited from local stakeholders using an online survey tool. Flood risk was assessed using a scoring approach. Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) was conducted, incorporating both market and non-market values, to evaluate the relative benefits of restoration scenarios. These were compared with impacts of restoration on biodiversity value. 4.Multi-Criteria Analysis results consistently ranked restoration scenarios above a non-restoration comparator, reflecting the increased provision of multiple ecosystem services. Restoration scenarios also provided benefits to biodiversity, in terms of increased species richness and habitat connectivity. However, restoration costs consistently exceeded the market value of ecosystem services. 5.Synthesis and applications. Establishment of ecological networks through ecological restoration is unlikely to deliver net economic benefits in landscapes dominated by agricultural land use. This reflects the high costs of ecological restoration in such landscapes. The cost-effectiveness of ecological networks will depend on how the benefits provided to people are valued, and on how the value of non-market benefits are weighted against the costs of reduced agricultural and timber production. Future plans for ecological restoration should incorporate local stakeholder values, to ensure that benefits to people are maximised. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Applied Ecology © 2012 British Ecological Society

Macroinvertebrate Diversity in Urban and Rural Ponds: Implications for Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation

Ponds are among the most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems, yet face significant threats from removal, habitat degradation and a lack of legislative protection globally. Information regarding the habitat quality and biodiversity of ponds across a range of land uses is vital for the long term conservation and management of ecological resources. In this study we examine the biodiversity and conservation value of macroinvertebrates from 91 lowland ponds across 3 land use types (35 floodplain meadow, 15 arable and 41 urban ponds). A total of 224 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded across all ponds, with urban ponds and floodplain ponds supporting a greater richness than arable ponds at the landscape scale. However, at the alpha scale, urban ponds supported lower faunal diversity (mean: 22 taxa) than floodplain (mean: 32 taxa) or arable ponds (mean: 30 taxa). Floodplain ponds were found to support taxonomically distinct communities compared to arable and urban ponds. A total of 13 macroinvertebrate taxa with a national conservation designation were recorded across the study area and 12 ponds (11 floodplain and 1 arable pond) supported assemblages of high or very high conservation value. Pond conservation currently relies on the designation of individual ponds based on very high biodiversity or the presence of taxa with specific conservation designations. However, this site specific approach fails to acknowledge the contribution of ponds to freshwater biodiversity at the landscape scale. Ponds are highly appropriate sites outside of protected areas (urban/arable), with which the general public are already familiar, for local and landscape scale conservation of freshwater habitats

Understanding bird behavior

This guide is an information-packed introduction to bird behaviour, aimed at both the novice birdwatcher and the more experienced birder, who wants to know more. The way birds behave is one of the vital keys to accurate identification and this book provides the experienced instruction needed to understand and get the most out of watching birds. The guide covers all the important types of bird behaviour, including movement, feeding, breeding, migration, navigation, distribution, range, life and death, all of which are illustrated with photgraphs and artworks. There is a whole section dedicated to the behviour of different species groups, from divers and grebes through to sparrows, buntings and finches

How to birdwatch

An introduction to an increasingly popular pastime, this title takes the reader through, in a user-friendly manner, all the basic information that he or she will need - from choosing the right field guide to selecting a suitable pair of binoculars and/or telescope. It shows you how to avoid common identification errors, demonstrates vital field techniques, illustrates the principles of basic field notes from your observations and how and when to find the birds themselves. It also considers birdwatching in your local "patch" and further afield. Bird fairs, conferences and organized trips are also covered, as is the key role that all birdwatchers can play in bird conservation

The new rivers & wildlife management handbook

RSPB reference no. 24/33/93Available from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:GPC/05471 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

The new rivers and wildlife handbook

1995 reprint of 1994 editionAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:f99/3096 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

Lessons from Italian Experiences: Bottlenecks, New Challenges and Opportunities

This contribution provides some conclusive arguments on the role of Ecosystem Services in Spatial planning for Green and Blue infrastructure design deduced from the Italian experiences examined in the previous chapters. The Chapter reflects on some specifically Italian aspects which make critical the integration of Ecosystem services into the definition of territorial decisions for the enhancement of human well-being, public health and quality of life. The aim is to highlight the current challenges and bottlenecks in ES-based Planning by focusing on the innovative approaches and methods adopted in the various cases to attempt or resolve critical issues. The topic of Green and Blue infrastructures is investigated in a Planning perspective as a strategic design tool which can manage and regulate multiple ES, and implement them into the spatial planning process