Bias in density estimations using strip transects in dry open-country environments in the Canary Islands

We studied bias in density estimations derived from strip transects in dry open-country in the Canary Islands. We also present some critical remarks on García-del-Rey’s (2005) paper regarding strip transects and the validity of comparisons based on population densities of birds in scrublands on Tenerife island using two different methods: territory mapping and strip transect sampling. Although strip transects with census belts of 25 m do not account for detectability, this method only slightly undervalues true density estimates, and allowed to detect more than 85% of birds present in poorly vegetated environments in the Canary Islands. Previously published works on distribution and abundance of terrestrial birds in the Canary Islands using the strip transect sampling with belts of 25 m on both sides of the observer, thus provide reliable information that only slightly underestimates true densities

Tail pattern variation in the Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura)

“This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Journal of Ornithology. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-017-1524-x"Delayed plumage maturation occurs in birds when subadult plumage is retained until after the frst breeding season. We analysed data from 114 Black Wheatears (Oenanthe leucura), which were trapped during 2014–2016 in southeastern Spain, to explore whether biometric measurements, and more specifcally tail pattern, difered among age and sex classes, and whether there was a relationship between tail pattern and delayed plumage maturation. Males and adults were heavier and had longer wings and tails than females and juveniles, respectively. Adult birds had longer terminal black tail bars than juveniles, which suggests a potential dominance-signalling function for the tail pattern. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between these traits and sexual selection and dominance in Black WheatearJS works within the Madrid’s Government research group network REMEDINAL3-CM (S-2013/MAE-2719

Cartografía predictiva de la distribución de aves terrestres: un estudio piloto en Andalucía occidental

Tesis Doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Ecología. Fecha de lectura: 25-11-200

How will climate change affect endangered Mediterranean waterbirds?

Global warming and direct anthropogenic impacts, such as water extraction, largely affect water budgets in Mediterranean wetlands, thereby increasing wetland salinities and isolation, and decreasing water depths and hydroperiods (duration of the inundation period). These wetland features are key elements structuring waterbird communities. However, the ultimate and net consequences of these dynamic conditions on waterbird assemblages are largely unknown. We combined regular sampling of waterbird presence through one annual cycle with in-situ data on relevant environmental predictors of waterbird distribution to model habitat selection for 69 species in a typical Mediterranean wetland network in southwestern Spain. Species associations with environmental features were subsequently used to predict changes in habitat suitability for each species under three climate change scenarios (encompassing changes in environmental predictors that ranged from 10% to 50% change as predicted by regional climatic models). Waterbirds distributed themselves unevenly throughout environmental gradients and water salinity was the most important gradient structuring the distribution of the community. Environmental suitability for the guilds of diving birds and vegetation gleaners will decline in future climate scenarios, while many small wading birds will benefit from changing conditions. Resident species and those that breed in this wetland network will also be more negatively impacted than those using this area for wintering or stopover. We provide a tool that can be used in a horizon-scanning framework to identify emerging issues in waterbird conservation and to anticipate suitable management actions

Universality of sequences of operators related to Taylor series

In this note, the universality of a sequence of operators associated to the partial sums of the Taylor series of a holomorphic function is investigated. The emphasis is put on the fact that the Taylor series are evaluated at a prescribed point and the variable is the center of the expansion. The dynamics of the sequence of operators linked to the partial sums of a power series that is not generated by an entire function is also studied.Plan Andaluz de Investigación (Junta de Andalucía)Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). Españ

Astrophysics with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will be a transformative experiment for gravitational wave astronomy, and, as such, it will offer unique opportunities to address many key astrophysical questions in a completely novel way. The synergy with ground-based and space-born instruments in the electromagnetic domain, by enabling multi-messenger observations, will add further to the discovery potential of LISA. The next decade is crucial to prepare the astrophysical community for LISA's first observations. This review outlines the extensive landscape of astrophysical theory, numerical simulations, and astronomical observations that are instrumental for modeling and interpreting the upcoming LISA datastream. To this aim, the current knowledge in three main source classes for LISA is reviewed; ultra-compact stellar-mass binaries, massive black hole binaries, and extreme or interme-diate mass ratio inspirals. The relevant astrophysical processes and the established modeling techniques are summarized. Likewise, open issues and gaps in our understanding of these sources are highlighted, along with an indication of how LISA could help making progress in the different areas. New research avenues that LISA itself, or its joint exploitation with upcoming studies in the electromagnetic domain, will enable, are also illustrated. Improvements in modeling and analysis approaches, such as the combination of numerical simulations and modern data science techniques, are discussed. This review is intended to be a starting point for using LISA as a new discovery tool for understanding our Universe