Community structure of birds in agricultural areas in summer and winter in Denmark

The spatial distribution of bird species was studied by grid mapping in 273 (250 × 250 m) squares in an open rural area in Denmark in summer and in winter. Species frequencies (fraction of squares with species present) followed a logarithmic linear distribution when arranged by their rank. Species frequency probably reflects relative abundance as the two variables were highly positively correlated. The number of species increased with the number of vegetation layers, ground water level, and habitat diversity. The distributional segregation of species was similar in summer and in winter, even though the winter assemblage only comprised 62% of the species present in summer. The number of species per square in winter was positively correlated with the number of species in summer; the fraction of species wintering in various habitats increased with the number of vegetation layers and the presence of human habitation. Species that flocked had a low similarity between their summer and winter distributions. Among pairs of potential competitors the smaller species either changed distribution locally or emigrated from the area in winter. The number of habitat types was reduced from 5 in summer to 4 in winter, and the number of species assemblages decreased from 5 in summer to 3 in winter. Birds were absent from 52% of the squares in winter.     

Seasonal abundance of soil-surface arthropods in relation to some meteorological and edaphic variables of the grassland and tree-planted areas in a tropical semi-arid savanna

Seasonality of relative population abundance in different groups of soil-surface arthropods was investigated monthly by pit-fall traps during a 2-year period in the grassland and tree-planted areas of a tropical semi-arid savanna at Warangal (south India). Densities of most groups were lowest during summer and highest during the rainy season. They were less abundant during winter. Arthropods were recorded in higher numbers in tree-planted compared to grassland areas. Certain arthropods that were found only during part of the year were recorded for a longer period in the tree-planted area. Formicidae,Monomorium indicum Forel,Crematogaster sp. andPachycondyla? tesserinoda (Emery), and Coleoptera,Pachycera sp. reached maximum densities in the rainy season and minimum numbers during winter and summer in the grassland area. However, these species had lower densities during the rainy season and reached maximum densities during winter and summer in the tree-planted area. The seasonal abundance of arthropods showed significant linear correlations with different abiotic environmental variables such as rainfall, soil moisture, organic matter, soil and air temperatures, soil pH, relative humidity at the soil surface, and potassium and phosphorus of surface soil. Soil moisture and rainfall were generally the strongest correlates with densities, particularly in the grassland area.     

Seasonal variation of the capture and field distribution of sterile Anastrepha ludens in Tamaulipas,Mexico

Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most important citrus pest in Mexico. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is used against pest populations of fruit flies for suppression, eradication, containment and prevention to reduce damages in fruit‐growing areas. In this study, we analyzed the seasonal variation of captures and field distribution of sterile A. ludens released in different seasons of the year in north‐eastern Mexico. Chilled releases were conducted by air at constant densities per ha on a citrus area for a period of 32 weeks that included the coldest and warmest seasons that is winter, spring and summer. Multilure traps baited with torula yeast pellets were used to capture sterile flies. Fly capture data were compared over the three seasons and correlated with climate. The lowest number of captures of the sterile insect occurred in the summer and the highest in winter and spring. High and low temperatures were negatively correlated with fly captures. Field distribution was also negatively correlated with high temperatures in summer, but no relationships were observed in winter and spring. No relationships were observed between rainfall with capture and field distribution of sterile flies. These results indicate that summer is a season involving agro‐ecological and environmental constraints for the capture and field distribution of sterile flies. This study may be useful for enhancing release strategies and optimizing economic resources in north‐eastern Mexico. Further research on the behaviour of sterile flies under stressful environments is suggested.     

Winter and summer weather modulate the demography of wild turkeys at the northern edge of the species distribution

Temperate species occupying habitats at the northern limit of their geographical distribution are limited by weather and climatic conditions. Such conditions often directly affect population dynamics, and thus, influence shifts in distribution via changes in demographic parameters. We examined this question by following three distinct populations of wild turkeys inhabiting areas exposed to a gradient of meteorological conditions at the northern limit of the species distribution. Four years of radio-telemetry on 181 birds and monitoring of 95 nests revealed that population demographics of wild turkeys were influenced by snow depth, winter temperature and summer rainfall. During winter, survival of turkeys decreased drastically when snow depth remained >30 cm for >10 days and also decreased as temperatures got colder. In the spring, snow persistence delayed nest initiation, whereas nest survival was negatively affected by rainfall. Our findings show that the effects of critical meteorological factors such as snow and temperature can be compounded when both reach the limit of a species tolerance simultaneously.     

Relationship between benthic insects (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Coleoptera, Trichoptera) and temperature in small and medium-sized streams in Germany: A multivariate study

Benthic insect communities (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Coleoptera, Trichoptera) were studied together with water temperature and environmental parameters in streams between June 2000 and June 2001. The sampling area consisted of 20 sites in small and medium-sized streams located in the lower mountainous area of Central Europe. Temperature was recorded nearly continuously and several physicochemical and environmental variables were assessed. Macroinvertebrates were sampled both in spring and summer. Data-sets of species abundance and occurrence were analysed using multivariate techniques and were correlated to the thermal and environmental conditions of the streams. The temperature preferences of the species were compared to published data-sets on their autecological characteristics. Up to 29% of the variability in the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Coleoptera community was explained by summer temperature variation in the data-sets for both small and medium-sized streams. A smaller, but significant part of the variability in species distribution was explained by conductivity, substratum type, and the percent coverage of local riparian forest. Compared to small streams, temperature was less important for the macroinvertebrate composition in medium-sized streams. This result is likely due to the more tolerant, eurythermic species composition in larger streams. A total of 33 Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Coleoptera and Trichoptera taxa were positively correlated and 28 taxa were negatively correlated to summer temperature patterns. The temperature preferences of taxa considered in this study were related to species traits, such as egg dormancies and life cycle plasticity.     

The value of woody hedgerows for moth diversity on organic and conventional farms

Habitat destruction and degradation are important drivers of biodiversity loss within agro-ecosystems. However, little is known about the effect of farming practices and the value of woody hedgerows on Lepidoptera in North America. The purpose of this work was to study moth diversity in woody hedgerows and croplands of organic and conventional farms. In addition, the influence of vegetation composition and abiotic variables on species richness, abundance, and composition was examined. Moths were sampled with light traps during six weeks in the summer of 2001. Vegetation data and abiotic variables were obtained for all sites. In total, 26,020 individuals from 12 families and 408 species were captured. Most species were uncommon. Only 35 species included >100 individuals while for 71% of species <10 individuals were found. The Noctuidae represented 221 species and 85% of all individuals captured. Woody hedgerows harbored more species and in greater number than croplands. There was no significant difference in moth diversity between organic and conventional farms, except that the Notodontidae were significantly more species rich in organic than in conventional sites. Results show that species richness, abundance, and composition were greatly influenced by habitat types (hedgerow versus crop field) and abiotic variables (minimum temperature which was correlated to moon illumination, rainfall, and cloud cover). Moth species composition was significantly correlated to vegetation composition. This study broadens our understanding of the factors driving moth diversity and expands our knowledge of their geographic range. The maintenance of noncrop habitats such as woody hedgerows within agro-ecosystems seems paramount to preserving the biodiversity and abundance of many organisms, including moths.     

上海农耕区鸟类群落特征及与几种生境因子的关系

2000-2002年冬季和夏季,采用固定样带法在上海郊区所有区县选择了17条样带,对农耕区鸟类做了4次抽样调查。记录了鸟类的组成、数量、出现频率及生境因子特征。根据调查数据,计算鸟类密度、多样性、均匀度、优势度、生物量、相对重要值等群落特征参数。调查共记录到鸟类76种,隶属13目26科。平均密度为5．19只／hm^2,多样性指数为1．8742。优势种为麻雀、家燕、白头鹎、棕背伯劳和白鹊鸰。鸟类组成中水鸟(夜鹭、白鹭等)较多,占了总数的1／3;与上海其他区域相比,鸟类密度较高,但种类相对较少,数量集中在少数几个物种(麻雀、家燕、白头鹎、棕背伯劳等)。鸟类物种丰富度与荒地面积呈显著正相关,与环境污染程度呈显著负相关,与林地面积、人口密度、水体面积等相关不显著。提示荒地对鸟类多样性非常重要。     

Seasonal variations in the biochemical composition and lipoperoxidation of Hyalella curvispina (Crustacea, Amphipoda)

We assessed the effect of seasonal variations on the biochemical composition and lipoperoxidation of an amphipod crustacean, Hyalella curvispina, which inhabits the coastal plain of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and correlated this with information on the biology of the species. The animals were collected monthly from September 2003 to August 2005, in Gentil Lagoon, Tramandaí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Glycogen levels, total proteins, total lipids, triglycerides, and lipoperoxidation were measured for each sex separately. The results suggest that these animals have seasonal storage and degradation of the energy substrates investigated. During summer, glycogen, total lipids, and triglycerides were stored, and were utilized especially during autumn and winter. Proteins were utilized differently in males and females. Females stored proteins especially in spring and used them in summer; whereas males stored proteins especially in spring and used them in winter. The levels of lipoperoxidation during the year differed between females and males. These variations may be related to biotic factors (e.g., reproduction period and others) and to abiotic factors (e.g., water temperature, salinity and others).     

海南岛西北沿岸海域浮游桡足类的分布及群落特征

为了解昌江沿岸海域生态系统的现状, 探讨海域环境因素对浮游动物的生存环境造成的影响。本文根据2008年11月至2009年7月在海南西部昌江沿岸水域21个测站、4个季度月调查所获的浮游桡足类样品数据, 对该海域浮游桡足类群落结构、分布、季节变化及影响因素进行了分析。本调查共鉴定出桡足类44种, 隶属4目17科24属, 其中秋季25种, 冬季23种, 春季22种, 夏季23种。本次调查共发现优势种6种, 分别是微刺哲水蚤(Canthocalanus pauper)、亚强次真哲水蚤(Subeucalanus subcrassus)、锥形宽水蚤(Temora turbinata)、刺尾纺锤水蚤(Acartia spinicauda)、椭形长足水蚤(Calanopia elliptica)和精致真刺水蚤(Euchaeta concinna), 优势种以近岸暖水种居多。浮游桡足类丰度季节变化明显: 冬季最高, 达409 ind./m³; 秋季次之, 为144 ind./m³, 春季为55 ind./m³, 夏季最低仅为17 ind./m³。其丰度的平面分布显示: 秋、冬季节分别在海区中部和南部形成明显密集区, 春、夏季节则大致呈现由外海向近岸逐渐递减的趋势。浮游桡足类的多样性指数(H')表现为夏季>春季>秋季>冬季, 春、夏季的均匀度指数(J')明显高于秋、冬季。本调查反映出该海区的桡足类群落具有热带—亚热带区系特征, 种类组成季节更替明显, 桡足类种群受海域水温和硅藻的影响明显, 受盐度影响不明显。     

Differential effects of climate,environment, and land use on two sympatric species of Akodon

We describe changes in abundance of two rodent species over a 12-year period and assess the relationship between population abundance, climate, and agricultural practices in southern Córdoba Province, Argentina. We estimated abundance from trapping edges of agricultural areas, railway rights of way, and roadsides. Variables considered were: normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), surface temperature, minimum and maximum temperature, rainfall, and cultivated areas of different crops. Species abundances varied over time; those of Akodon dolores declined, whereas those of A. azarae increased. Climatic and environmental changes may have had differential influences on species abundances. Autumn abundance of A. dolores was positively related to spring rainfall and area of harvested sorghum, and negatively related to NDVI. Akodon azarae abundance was negatively correlated with winter minimum temperature, spring rainfall, and sorghum harvested area, but positively associated with NDVI. On the other hand, both species were negatively correlated with each other. We suggest that environmental conditions may have changed the competition outcome for Akodon spp., and thus, had direct, differential effect on species abundances.     

Fluctuation in spore numbers of aquatic hyphomycetes in a New Zealand stream

Fluctuation in spore numbers of aquatic hyphomycetes in the Nihotupu Stream, Waitakere Ranges, was examined using a filtration technique. Low spore numbers were recorded in spring and summer, with higher numbers in autumn and winter. No significant differences were found in the patterns for different fungal species. The fluctuation in spore numbers in the stream corresponded closely to those for northern hemisphere streams with low pH and mixed conifer-broadleaf vegetation.     

The effects of meteorological factors on airborne fungal spore concentration in two areas differing in urbanisation level

Although fungal spores are an ever-present component of the atmosphere throughout the year, their concentration oscillates widely. This work aims to establish correlations between fungal spore concentrations in Porto and Amares and meteorological data. The seasonal distribution of fungal spores was studied continuously (2005–2007) using volumetric spore traps. To determine the effect of meteorological factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) on spore concentration, the Spearman rank correlation test was used. In both locations, the most abundant fungal spores were Cladosporium, Agaricus, Agrocybe, Alternaria and Aspergillus/Penicillium, the highest concentrations being found during summer and autumn. In the present study, with the exception of Coprinus and Pleospora, spore concentrations were higher in the rural area than in the urban location. Among the selected spore types, spring-autumn spores (Coprinus, Didymella, Leptosphaeria and Pleospora) exhibited negative correlations with temperature and positive correlations both with relative humidity and rainfall level. On the contrary, late spring-early summer (Smuts) and summer spores (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Ganoderma, Stemphylium and Ustilago) exhibited positive correlations with temperature and negative correlations both with relative humidity and rainfall level. Rust, a frequent spore type during summer, had a positive correlation with temperature. Aspergillus/Penicillium, showed no correlation with the meteorological factors analysed. This knowledge can be useful for agriculture, allowing more efficient and reliable application of pesticides, and for human health, by improving the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory allergic disease.     

湛江港湾潜在赤潮生物的时空分布及其影响因素

2009年2月(冬)、5月(春)、8月(夏)和11月(秋)分别对湛江港湾的浮游植物和环境因子进行了调查,并对该海域潜在赤潮生物的时空分布及其影响因素进行了分析。结果表明,湛江港湾海域潜在赤潮生物共有126种,其中硅藻门26属85种,占潜在赤潮生物种类数的67.5%,甲藻门14属36种,占潜在赤潮生物种类数的28.6%,蓝藻门1属2种,占潜在赤潮生物种类数的1.6%,金藻门2属2种,占潜在赤潮生物种类数的1.6%,针胞藻纲1属1种,占潜在赤潮生物种类数的0.8%。种类数以春季最多,达89种,秋季次之,为71种,夏季61种,冬季最少,仅有58种。细胞丰度在12.36×104～43.55×104cells·L-1,春季最高,夏季次之,冬季最低,从各主要优势种的细胞丰度和细胞大小判断,该海域潜在赤潮生物的丰度均未达到赤潮发生的阈值。4季均出现的种类共有31种,季节相似性指数在0.43～0.50。优势种共有19种,全为硅藻,没有观测到甲藻。优势度最大的种类主要有浮动弯角藻(Eucampia zoodiacus)、旋链角毛藻(Chaetoceros curvisetus)和中肋骨条藻(Skeletonema costatum),没有全年优势种。中肋骨条藻、旋链角毛藻和冰河拟星杆藻(Asteri-onellopsis glacialis)为3季优势种。分析表明,潜在赤潮生物细胞丰度与叶绿素a、水温、盐度和pH值存在着极显著的正相关,与DIN和SiO32-存在着极显著的负相关,与PO43-不存在显著相关关系。     

Effect of edaphic factors and seasonal variation on spore density and root colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sugarcane fields

Sugarcane fields in 14 different study sites were analyzed for the presence of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) spores. A total of 23 AMF species representing four genera were identified, among which Glomus fasciculatum and G. mosseae were the dominant species. The mean spore density in the root-zone soils of sugarcane plants varied from 119 to 583 per 100 g of soil, and the mean percentage root colonization varied from 60 to 89 %. A study of the effect of edaphic factors on AM spore density and percentage root colonization revealed a positive correlation between pH and AMF spore density and root colonization and a negative correlation between electrical conductivity, nitrogen, and phosphorus. A positive correlation was observed between AMF spore density and root colonization. Season was also found to play a vital role in determining AMF spore density and percentage root colonization, with high spore density and root colonization observed during the summer season and lower spore densities and root colonization during the winter season.     

Changes in the waterbird populations of the Oosterschelde (SW Netherlands) as a result of large-scale coastal engineering works

Between 1982 and 1987, the construction of a storm-surge barrier and two secondary dams in the eastern and northern parts of the Oosterschelde/Krammer-Volkerak area resulted in the loss of 33% of the 170 km² of intertidal area in the estuary. Consequences for non-breeding waterbirds were evaluated on the basis of monthly high-tide counts during five seasons before and three seasons after the construction period.In the entire Oosterschelde/Krammer-Volkerak area, numbers of wintering waders decreased but those of ducks increased. Peak numbers and total number of bird-days changed little, but the seasonal pattern shifted from a midwinter maximum to a peak in autumn.In the Oosterschelde (excluding the Krammer-Volkerak), where 17% of the tidal flats disappeared, species feeding mainly on open water remained stable or increased. Species dependent on intertidal areas for foraging (mainly waders and dabbling ducks) generally decreased. Total density of intertidal foragers decreased slightly. In most intertidal species, the Oosterschelde wintering population showed a stronger decrease, or smaller increase, than was shown during the same period by numbers in Britain and Ireland which were taken as an index of the total W-European winter populations. Changes varied considerably between species, and were correlated with their distribution within the estuary. Species concentrated in the eastern sector, where most habitat loss occurred, declined more than species with a more westerly distribution.Results indicate that intertidal foragers forced to move from the enclosed parts of the estuary were not generally able to settle into the remaining intertidal areas. Both dispersal to adjacent areas (mainly by dabbling ducks) and mortality during severe winter weather (in some wader species) may have contributed to the declines. Populations of intertidal foragers apparently were (and consequently still are) close to carrying capacity, and further changes in capacity, as foreseen from geomorphological changes still under way in the estuary, are likely to be reflected in bird populations.Numbers of waders moulting in the Oosterschelde in late summer declined strongly compared to numbers in other seasons. Increased disturbance due to recreational activities may have played a role during this time of the year.     

新疆塔什库尔干野生动物自然保护区马可波罗盘羊生境适宜性评价

马可波罗盘羊是帕米尔高原的代表性物种,开展生境适宜性评价对于该物种的保护与管理具有重要意义。综合考虑植被、地形等影响马可波罗盘羊生境选择的关键因子,以及道路和牧场等人为干扰因子,借助ArcGIS,构建生境适宜性指数模型,在不同尺度上评价分析马可波罗盘羊的生境适宜性及其季节变化特征。结果表明:15836 km²保护区内马可波罗盘羊夏季潜在适宜生境面积为2127.19 km²,冬季为1915.70 km²。保护区西北部面积3767.73 km²的马可波罗盘羊实际分布区内,夏季潜在适宜生境面积为1095.48 km²,冬季为1072.82 km²,马可波罗盘羊适宜生境集中分布于保护区内该物种实际分布区。受人为干扰,保护区内马可波罗盘羊夏季和冬季实际适宜生境丧失率分别为18.43%和17.78%,实际分布区内适宜生境丧失率分别为33.65%和29.73%,表明实际分布区马可波罗盘羊适宜生境受人类活动影响较大,应予以重点保护。总体而言,影响马可波罗盘羊生境适宜性的关...     

Zoosporic true fungi and heterotrophic straminipiles assemblages from soil of Brazilian Cerrado areas

The influence of seasonal fluctuations and environmental factors on the occurrence and distribution of zoosporic true fungi and heterotrophic straminipiles in terrestrial ecosystems is poorly understood. This contribution analyses the species composition, frequency, abundance and diversity of zoosporic true fungi and heterotrophic straminipiles assemblages from two areas of Cerrado in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Samples of soil were collected at four dates during the rainy and dry seasons. Twenty-one abiotic factors were measured. The assemblages showed a high diversity and evenness and were represented by 30 taxa of Chytridiomycota and Oomycota. Some abiotic factors appeared to have influenced the patterns of distribution and occurrence of the taxa in different areas and/or seasons. Even so, the biotic factors (richness, diversity indices and evenness) and the Sorensen index showed high similarity between the assemblages.     

1998/1999年南极普里兹湾邻近海域浮游植物的分布特征

中国第15次南大洋考察从普里兹湾邻近海域获得25个测站的浮游植物样品,主要研究了其种类组成、分布及其与环境的关系.浮游植物有5门16科21属48种(变种和变型),浮游植物平均细胞密度为22.46×103个/dm3,其中以硅藻类占优势(84.51%).浮游植物分布以近海岸陆架区的细胞密度最高(46.03×103个/dm3),其次为陆坡(4.40×103个/dm3),深海区最低(3.34×103个/dm3).表层叶绿素a浓度为0.16～3.99 μg/dm3,普里兹湾内和湾西部四女士浅滩海域浓度在3.5 μg/dm3以上;平面分布趋势浓度从湾内向西北方向递减,深海区浓度在0.5 μg/dm3以下.浮游植物优势种为硅藻的短拟脆杆藻(Fragilariopsis curta).浮游植物垂直分布密集区位于0～50 m水层,100 m或100 m以下水层随深度的增加而细胞密度逐渐减少,200 m水层稀少或未见.其密集区位于普里兹湾近岸陆架区,而陆坡及深海区细胞密度显著减少.叶绿素a浓度的最大值同样分布在25 m或50 m层,50 m以下的浓度随深度的增加而降低,200 m层叶绿素a浓度分布范围为0.01～0.95 μg/dm3.粒径分级叶绿素a浓度以微小型浮游生物的贡献占优势(56%),微型浮游生物的贡献占24%,微微型浮游生物的贡献占20%.经回归统计分析,浮游植物细胞丰度(y)与水温(T)、盐度成正相关,与营养盐(PO4 (P)、NO-3 (N)、SiO3 (Si))成显著负相关.     

贵州煤矸石山香根草根系及根际土丛枝菌根真菌(AMF)群落的季节动态研究

以煤矸石山种植年限为17年的香根草Vetiveria zizanioides为研究对象,采用高通量测序技术研究香根草根系及根际土丛枝菌根真菌(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,AMF)群落的季节动态.并利用Spearman、NMDS、RDA和Mantel-test等统计学方法分析了 AMF孢子密...     

Historical vs. ecological factors influencing global patterns of scarabaeine dung beetle diversity

Abstract. There has been much debate concerning the relative influence on biodiversity of historical vs. current ecological factors. Although both are important, we suggest that historical influences might be greater at higher taxonomic level, since one is looking further back into evolutionary history than at lower taxonomic level. Although we are unable to separate ecological from historical effects in the present global study on scarabaeine dung beetles, we are able to demonstrate differences in correlations between major environmental influences (climatic area, numbers of dung types) and major components of diversity (taxon richness, taxon diversity, functional composition) at different taxonomic levels (tribe, genus, species). Current global variation in taxon richness is correlated strongly to current biogeographical variation in the area of suitable climate at all three taxonomic levels. However, generic and species richness is correlated most strongly to climatic combinations which include tropical and warm summer rainfall climate types (I, II). In contrast, tribal richness is correlated most strongly to climatic combinations which include both warm summer rainfall and temperate climate types (II, VI, X). Regional variation in the number of available dung types shows a strong positive correlation to regional variation in taxon richness at higher tribal level but not at lower generic and species levels. Similarly, biogeographical differences in the number of available dung types show a strong negative correlation to dominance indices for taxon diversity at tribal level (distribution of generic numbers between tribes) but none at generic level (species numbers per genus). As functional diversification is linked closely to taxonomic diversification at tribal level, proportions of both ball‐rolling genera and ball‐rolling species also show strong negative correlations to the number of dung types available in each region. In conclusion, the presence of dung type correlations only at higher taxonomic level may reflect historical effects on scarabaeine taxon diversification, whereas differences in correlations to climate type with taxonomic level may reflect both current ecological and historical effects.