Ecological barriers mediate spatiotemporal shifts of bird communities at a continental scale

This study was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant P2BEP3_195232) and by the Academy of Finland (project 323527 and project 329251).Species' range shifts and local extinctions caused by climate change lead to community composition changes. At large spatial scales, ecological barriers, such as biome boundaries, coastlines, and elevation, can influence a community's ability to shift in response to climate change. Yet, ecological barriers are rarely considered in climate change studies, potentially hindering predictions of biodiversity shifts. We used data from two consecutive European breeding bird atlases to calculate the geographic distance and direction between communities in the 1980s and their compositional best match in the 2010s and modeled their response to barriers. The ecological barriers affected both the distance and direction of bird community composition shifts, with coastlines and elevation having the strongest influence. Our results underscore the relevance of combining ecological barriers and community shift projections for identifying the forces hindering community adjustments under global change. Notably, due to (macro)ecological barriers, communities are not able to track their climatic niches, which may lead to drastic changes, and potential losses, in community compositions in the future.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

A nation-wide census for future conservation actions

Citizen science is a type of research which could be crucial for wildlife monitoring in the developing countries due to low funding opportunities and trained specialists. In the Republic of Moldova, this concept is not fully understood and currently under-developed. The citizen science will bring new data in ornithological research, which is still in its early stages, due to the few ornithologists involved in scientific research. Thus, there is poor data and knowledge regarding occurrence and distribution of wild bird species across the country, which makes difficult to implement conservation strategies in order to conserve our bird fauna. White stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a common bird species which breeds near human settlements and is easily identifiable. This aspect makes the species to be a very good target for citizen science monitoring. The number of White stork nests in Republic of Moldova was estimated to be around 574 in 1984 and continued to decrease since then. During 1990-2010 the official numbers pointed to 180 nests, while the breeding stork population was considered to be around 400-600 breeding pairs. During June – August 2017 the Society for the Birds and Nature Protection (SPPN) carried out a national census when 283 nests were recorded. The nests were registered on a digital map with the help of citizen volunteers. The concept and the procedure were a novelty for Republic of Moldova, as the observations were uploaded using an online survey which provided additional information about the nests (type of support, condition, number of offspring). The impact among citizens was high: 90 volunteers participated in the census across the country. Most of the nests were installed on concrete pillars (57.24%), followed by wooden pillars (17.67%), 15.19% were found on trees, while 9.19% were installed on other types of support (towers, monuments and barns). Only one nest was found on a house. Comparative with the previous monitoring program, from 1984, the White stork population from Republic of Moldova changed the breeding behavior, using the electric poles in a much higher percent. These changes in species ecology should be included in the species conservation strategy for the next years. Out of the total number of 283 nests, 83% were occupied in the 2017 breeding season, with a breeding success of 1.51 offspring per nest during the study period. The 2017 White stork nest census in Republic Moldova proved to be an efficient tool for field data collection. Moreover, the information improved significantly the knowledge regarding the breeding status of White stork and raised awareness about the ecology of this species. For the Republic of Moldova scientific community, which is young and still developing, the census represents the first step for future conservation projects and a successful start of citizen science methods.peerReviewe

The distribution of Great Grey Shrike in Republic of Moldova

The Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is the largest species from the Laniidae family, with a wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere, across Europe, Asia and North America. Because the species occupies a large area, the data about the spring and autumn migration and wintering areas of the whole population is poor documented. The study area covers the territory of the Republic of Moldova (33 843.5 km2). Here, the Great Grey Shrike was known as a wintering visitor, being recorded during the late autumn up to early spring. The species was not considered to breed until now in the Republic of Moldova, therefore it was not listed in the Bird Atlas. Even today, the Great Grey shrike is a poorly studied species in our country and there is no up-to-date information except the actual study. The first breeding recorded was in 2012 in the north region of the country. After that, we started a monitoring program in order to check the species’ status. The aim of the current study was to assess the distribution of the Great Grey Shrike in the Republic of Moldova and to analyze the breeding and wintering population. The study was conducted from 2014 to 2017. During two breeding seasons (2014 and 2015) we carried out point counts with a minimum distance of 400 m between them and 5 minutes of observation in each location.. The observation points were randomly selected across the study area using Hawths Tool for Arc GIS v.9.3. In 2014 we registered 20 breeding pairs out of 470 observations and for 2015 we counted 31 breeding pairs out of 631 observation points. The density of the Great Grey Shrikes in Republic of Moldova estimated, for the research period, to 0.2-0.4 breeding pairs/square km. According to our study, its breeding range is increasing (occupying 75% of the country), extending to south, contrary to previous conclusions which stated that the population is concentrated in north. The GLM analysis showed that the great grey shrike breeds in areas with higher altitudes (a mean of 174 m), low level of precipitation in November and with low average temperatures (all P< 0.05). To estimate the wintering population, we used the line transect method. Monthly, we conducted 9 transects about 40 km long each (360 km per month), during November - February, for two seasons, 2015 – 2016 and 2016 –2017. The method consists in driving a car at slow speed (up to 40 km/h) with very short stops, if is necessary. The distribution across the country was uneven, 42 were observed in northern area, 37 in the central one and only 5 in south. The numbers of individuals in the first wintering season was 46, while in the second there were 38 individuals counted in Republic of Moldova. According to Manly’s selectivity index the Great Grey Shrike select during winter season orchards (Wi= 1,6) and grasslands (Wi= 3.0). The data collected during the winter season shows that birds tend to keep their breeding spots, being recorded near them during this harsh season.peerReviewe