The influence of historical and contemporary landscape structure on plant biodiversity: effects on species and genetics

Biodiversity describes diversity at different levels of biological organisation, including: habitat diversity; species diversity; and genetic diversity. Understanding the processes that contribute to maintaining biodiversity is a primary concern for both ecology and evolutionary biology. To this end, research into the factors influencing the different levels of biodiversity independently are widespread. However, little is understood about the relationship between the different levels. This study investigates the patterns of habitat, species, and genetic diversity in fragmented internationally important calcareous grasslands, and analyses the spatial and temporal factors influencing them. Finally, the relationship between these levels of biodiversity is examined. Within the South Downs National Park study area, substantial change to habitat diversity and landscape structure was measured between the 1930s and 2012. The transition of semi-natural habitat to agricultural land was the predominate change. Loss of habitat between the 1930s and 2012 was found to influence both species richness and species evenness of vegetation in twelve calcareous grassland study sites. By contrast, none of the variables examined explained the variation in species composition between sites. Further analysis, at the genetic level, for two target species showed that the amount of habitat loss was important in explaining the genetic variation in Cirsium acaule, and soil nutrients were important in explaining the variation of Ranunculus bulbosus. In contrast to the predictions of the species genetic diversity correlation theory, no relationship was established between species and genetic diversity. Similarly, no relationships were found between habitat diversity and diversity at the species or genetic level. Although there were similarities in the factors influencing different levels of biodiversity, habitat diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity appear to be responding independently to the processes acting on them. As such efforts to conserve biodiversity should consider the influence of conservation strategies on biodiversity holistically, and not focus on a single measure

A spatial analysis of Serotine Bat (Eptesicus Serotinus) roost location and landscape structure: a case study in Sussex, United Kingdom

Roost location is a key factor affecting the survival and fitness of British bats. It has been suggested that a knowledge and understanding of the factors which may influence the selection of roost location are fundamental to conservation efforts. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between Eptesicus serotinus roost location and landscape structure. The study is based in the Sussex region of South East England. The landscape characteristics of 97 roosts locations were compared against 100 random control locations. Habitat analysis was carried out at three distance bands and included an analysis of roost density. The results indicate that E. serotinus is selective in locating roosts. The study demonstrates that there are significant differences between the landscape composition surrounding roost sites and the wider landscape. In particular, E. serotinus roost sites are found to be located in areas with a significantly higher cover of arable land and improved grassland. Kernel density analysis was successfully used as an additional method to the direct comparison of roost neighbourhood composition. Density analysis identified the location and characteristics of possible centres of E. serotinus activity. It is anticipated that the findings will enable the needs of bats to be considered in future landscape conservation initiatives and development policies

Fatal shore or land of opportunity?

Overview: This volume brings together two presentations and the introductions from an event hosted by the Centre for Independent Studies and exploring the frames of reference from which to view the colonisation of Australia by the First Fleet. Andrew Tink AM, author of Lord Sydney: the Life and Times of Tommy Townsend, shared fascinating insights about the British Home Secretary who chose Arthur Phillip to lead the First Fleet, and after whom the fledgling convict settlement was named. Justice Michael Pembroke, author of Arthur Phillip: Sailor, Mercenary, Governor, Spy, described the remarkable qualities and experience of the man who established the colony with the utopian idea of a simple rural society where convict men and women would become reborn. David Hunt, winner of the 2014 Indie Award for non-fiction for his humorous and fascinating book Girt: The Unauthorised History of Australia, MC’d the evening, adding his signature wit and broad knowledge to the subject