Evidence of predation on a young tuatara,Sphenodon punctatus,by kiore,Rattus exulans,on Lady Alice Island

Abstract

Wounds on a juvenile tuatara discovered dead on Lady Alice Island, Chickens group, Hauraki Gulf, appear to have been inflicted by kiore. Flesh was stripped from the right abdominal wall of the tuatara exposing its ribs and liver, and part of its tail and eight digits were missing.     

Effects of regular salt marsh haying on marsh plants, algae, invertebrates and birds at Plum Island Sound, Massachusetts

The haying of salt marshes, a traditional activity since colonial times in New England, still occurs in about 400 ha of marsh in the Plum Island Sound estuary in northeastern Massachusetts. We took advantage of this haying activity to investigate how the periodic large-scale removal of aboveground biomass affects a number of marsh processes. Hayed marshes were no different from adjacent reference marshes in plant species density (species per area) and end-of-year aboveground biomass, but did differ in vegetation composition. Spartina patens was more abundant in hayed marshes than S. alterniflora, and the reverse was true in reference marshes. The differences in relative covers of these plant species were not associated with any differences between hayed and reference marshes in the elevations of the marsh platform. Instead it suggested that S. patens was more tolerant of haying than S. alterniflora. Spartina patens had higher stem densities in hayed marshes than it did in reference marshes, suggesting that periodic cutting stimulated tillering of this species. Although we predicted that haying would stimulate benthic chlorophyll production by opening up the canopy, we found differences to be inconsistent, possibly due to the relatively rapid regrowth of S. patens and to grazing by invertebrates on the algae. The pulmonate snail, Melampus bidendatus was depleted in its δ¹³C content in the hayed marsh compared to the reference, suggesting a diet shift to benthic algae in hayed marshes. The stable isotope ratios of a number of other consumer species were not affected by haying activity. Migratory shorebirds cue in to recently hayed marshes and may contribute to short term declines in some invertebrate species, however, the number of taxa per unit area of marsh surface invertebrates and their overall abundances were unaffected by haying over the long term. Haying had no impact on nutrient concentrations in creeks just downstream from hayed plots, but the sediments of hayed marshes were lower in total N and P compared to references. In sum, haying appeared to affect plant species composition but had only short-term affects on consumer organisms. This contrasts with many grassland ecosystems, where an intermediate level of disturbance, such as by grazing, increases species diversity and may stimulate productivity. From a management perspective, periodic mowing could be a way to maintain S. patens habitats and the suite of species with which they are associated.     

Field decomposition of transgenic Bt maize residue and the impact on non-target soil invertebrates

The release of chemical compounds from plant roots that suppress soil nitrification is termed biological nitrification inhibition (BNI). Determining the environmental factors that control the synthesis and release of BNI-compounds from Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweick, a tropical pasture grass that thrives on acid soils, is the focus of this investigation. Because the BNI trait is related to the N status of the plant, we investigated the possibility that the expression of this trait would be related to the forms of N found in the root environment. Plants were grown with two sources of N, NH₄⁺ or NO₃⁻ for 60 days and the release of BNI-compounds monitored. Only plants grown with NH₄⁺ released BNI-compounds from roots. The presence of NH₄⁺ and possibly the secondary effect of its uptake (i.e., acidic pH) in the root environment significantly enhanced the release of BNI-compounds. Both the NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ grown plants responded to the stimulus from NH₄⁺ in the root environment. BNI-compounds found in root tissue and their release were nearly three times greater in NH₄⁺ grown than from NO₃⁻ grown plants. The BNI-compounds released from roots composed of at least three active components—Type-I (stable to pH changes from 3.0 to 10), Type-II (temporarily loses its inhibitory effect at a pH higher than a threshold pH of 4.5 and the inhibitory effect is reestablished when the root exudate pH is adjusted to <4.5) and Type-III (inhibitory effect is irreversibly lost if the pH of the root exudate reaches 10.0 or above). A major portion of BNI-compounds released in the presence of NH₄⁺ is of Type-I. In the absence of NH₄⁺, mostly Type-II and Type-III BNI-compounds were released. The BNI-compounds inhibited the function of Nitrosomonas europaea through the blocking of both ammonia monooxygenase and hydroxylamino oxidoreductase pathways. These results indicate that the release of BNI-compounds from B. humidicola roots is a regulated function and that presence of NH₄⁺ in the root environment is necessary for the sustained synthesis and release of BNI.     

Interactions between petrels, rats and rabbits on Whale Island, and effects of rat and rabbit eradication

Baited pitfall traps were used to sample Oligosoma maccanni and Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma at Birdlings Flat, on Kaitorete Spit, Canterbury, New Zealand. The two species of skink showed distinctive patterns of habitat use with O. maccanni being almost entirely confined to dunelands while O. n. polchroma was invariably captured in the shrub-covered terraces behind the dunes. This is in direct contrast to what has been documented for these species in central Otago. Habitat partitioning appears to have also influenced the patterning and colouration of the two species which is also opposite to what has been documented for these species in Central Otago. Other factors examined did not show the same degree of deviation from what has been documented for these species elsewhere. The Birdlings Flat populations of O. maccanni and O. n. polychroma are diurnally active summer breeders, and dietary generalists.     

Distribution of benthic invertebrates in acid,brown water streams in the South Island of New Zealand

Acid, brown water streams are common on the west coast of the South Island, New Zealand. Acid precipitation is not a significant problem in this region where stream water acidity is brought about by high concentrations of humic substances. The interrelationships between pH, alkalinity, conductivity, DOC and total reactive aluminium were investigated at 45 running water sites. pH (range 3.5–8.1) was strongly correlated with alkalinity (range 0–49 g·m⁻³ CaCO₃) and less strongly with conductivity (range 2.0–9.7 mS·m⁻¹). A strong positive correlation was found between DOC and total reactive aluminium concentration both of which were correlated negatively with pH. In all brown water streams, most aluminium was probably in the non-toxic, organically complexed form. Benthic invertebrate assemblages were examined at 34 sites. Taxonomic richness was not correlated with pH and similar numbers of ephemeropteran, plecopteran and trichopteran taxa were taken from acidobiontic (pH ⩽ 5.5), acidophilic (pH 5.6–6.9) and moderately alkaline (pH ⩾ 7.0) groups of streams. Many species occurred over a wide pH range and had a lower limit of about pH 4.5. The mayfly, Deleatidium occurred at 33 sites and was amongst the five most abundant taxa at 32 of them. The stoneflies, Zelandobius confusus, Austroperla cyrene and Stenoperla maclellani, an elmid, Hydora sp. and a caddisfly, Psilochorema sp. also occurred in over half the streams and frequently were abundant. Few habitat specialists were found. Benthic assemblages were not associated strongly with measured physicochemical factors but streams in close proximity tended to have similar faunas. This suggests that the availability of suitable colonizers sets the limits to species richness and is important in determining the composition of benthic assemblages at a particular locality.     

The ins and outs of water dynamics in cold tolerant soil invertebrates

Many soil invertebrates have physiological characteristics in common with freshwater animals and represent an evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life forms. Their high cuticular permeability and ability to tolerate large modifications of internal osmolality are of particular importance for their cold tolerance. A number of cold region species that spend some or most of their life-time in soil are in more or less intimate contact with soil ice during overwintering. Unless such species have effective barriers against cuticular water-transport, they have only two options for survival: tolerate internal freezing or dehydrate. The risk of internal ice formation may be substantial due to inoculative freezing and many species rely on freeze-tolerance for overwintering. If freezing does not occur, the desiccating power of external ice will cause the animal to dehydrate until vapor pressure equilibrium between body fluids and external ice has been reached. This cold tolerance mechanism is termed cryoprotective dehydration (CPD) and requires that the animal must be able to tolerate substantial dehydration. Even though CPD is essentially a freeze-avoidance strategy the associated physiological traits are more or less the same as those found in freeze tolerant species. The most well-known are accumulation of compatible osmolytes and molecular chaperones reducing or protecting against the stress caused by cellular dehydration. Environmental moisture levels of the habitat are important for which type of cold tolerance is employed, not only in an evolutionary context, but also within a single population. Some species use CPD under relatively dry conditions, but freeze tolerance when soil moisture is high.     

土地利用变化对海南土壤水源涵养功能的影响

热带地区已有大量原始林转变为其他土地利用类型,影响了陆地生态系统的水源涵养功能.为了明确热带原始林转变为其他土地类型对土壤水源涵养功能的影响,在海南中部山区选择4种典型土地利用类型,包括林龄大于100年的原始林(VF)、10年生次生林(SF)、12年生槟榔林(AF)和35年生橡胶林(RF),评估土地利用变化对土壤持水性能和水源涵养功能指数(SWI)的影响.结果表明: 与原始林相比,表层土壤(0～10 cm)中,其他土地类型土壤持水性能指标均降低,12年槟榔林各土层指标均最低.土壤含水量和最大持水量与植被郁闭度、土壤有机质和土壤容重显著相关,表明郁闭度、土壤有机质和紧实度的改变是土壤持水性能变化的重要原因.与原始林相比,次生林、槟榔林和橡胶林土壤水源涵养功能分别减少27.7%、54.3%和11.5%,不同土层的差异各异,橡胶林仅表层土壤水源涵养功能显著降低.植被郁闭度、土壤有机质和土壤容重可解释土壤水源涵养功能变量的83.3%.土地利用转变显著改变了土壤持水性能和土壤水源涵养功能,相比12年槟榔林,35年橡胶林能更好地保持土壤水分,土地管理中增加土壤有机质和减少土壤紧实度可改善土壤持水性能及水源涵养功能.     

Bird species diversity and abundance before and after eradication of possums and wallabies on Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand

Five-minute bird counts were made on Rangitoto Island in 1998 and 1999, 8 and 9 years after the start, and 1 and 2 years after the completion of a 7-year programme that resulted in eradication of the introduced brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and brushtailed rock wallaby (Petrogale penicillata). These were compared with counts made in 1990 (immediately before the start of the programme), to assess whether bird species diversity and abundance had increased as a result of the eradications. The number of bird species detected in 1998/99 was similar to 1990. Five-minute counts of all species except silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) and tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) were also similar in 1998/99 to those in 1990. Silvereye and tui counts increased significantly. This is most likely a response to increased flowering of pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) and rewarewa (Knightia excelsa) as a result of possum (and wallaby) eradication. The most likely reason for no apparent increase in the abundance of other bird species is the continued presence of predators, especially ship rats (Rattus rattus), cats (Felis catus), and stoats (Mustela erminea).     

Short-term effects of crop rotation,residue management,and soil water on carbon mineralization in a tropical cropping system

The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of maize (Zea mays)-fallow rotation, residue management, and soil water on carbon mineralization in a tropical cropping system in Ghana. After 15 months of the trial, maize–legume rotation treatments had significantly (P?C ₀ (μg CO₂–C g^?1) than maize–elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) rotations. The C ₀ for maize–grass rotation treatments was significantly related to the biomass input (r?=?0.95; P?=?0.05), but that for the maize–legume rotation was not. The soil carbon mineralization rate constant, k (per day), was also significantly related to the rotation treatments (P?k values for maize–grass and maize–legume rotation treatments were 0.025 and 0.036 day^?1 respectively. The initial carbon mineralization rate, m ₀ (μg CO₂–C g^?1 day ^?1), was significantly (P?θ. The m ₀ ranged from 3.88 to 18.67 and from 2.30 to 15.35 μg CO₂–C g^?1 day^?1 for maize–legume and maize–grass rotation treatments, respectively, when the soil water varied from 28% to 95% field capacity (FC). A simple soil water content (θ)-based factor, f _w, formulated as: \(f_{\text{w}} = \left[ {\frac{{\theta - \theta _{\text{d}} }}{{\theta _{{\text{FC}}} - \theta _{\text{d}} }}} \right]\), where θ _d and θ _FC were the air-dry and field capacity soil water content, respectively, adequately described the variation of the m ₀ with respect to soil water (R ²?=?0.91; RMSE?=?1.6). Such a simple relationship could be useful for SOC modeling under variable soil water conditions.     

Abundance and diversity of littoral invertebrates in the Socorro Island,Revillagigedo Archipelago,Mexico

Composition, abundance, diversity and distribution of the littoral benthic invertebrates of Socorro Island with transects (parallel to the coast and with 1 m2 quadrats) were analyzed. During the spring of 1991 and 1992 samples were taken from the upper and middle levels of the intertidal zone in Vargas Lozano, Braithwaite, Blanca SW, Blanca NE, Binners, Grayson, Academia and Norte bays. The 161 species found belong to Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelmintha, Nemertina, Sipunculida, Annelida, Mollusca, Anthropoda and Echinodermata. Crustaceans and mollusks were the richest groups in both years, as in other rocky shores. Highest total density was found in Blanca NE bay in both samplings, with 281 orgs./m2 in the first and 172 orgs./m2 in the second. Most frequently found species were Isognomon janus (Mollusca, Pelecypoda), Littorina pullata (Mollusca, Gastropoda), Hipponix panamensis (Mollusca, Gastropoda), Pachygrapsus transversus (Crustacea, Grapsoidea) and Turbo funiculosus (Mollusca, Gastropoda). Because of the complexity of the habitat structure, Vargas Lozano was the bay with the highest specific richness (83 species), greatest diversity (4.7 bits/individual) and lowest dominance (0.065). Most species were classified as accidentals with the Dajoz's frequency classification, while the dominant species were accessories and only I. janus, in the spring 1991, was a constant species. Two kinds of bays were distinguished: those with some dominant species (density) and those in which there was no evident dominance by a particular species. Consequently, the diversity and evenness values were set apart: homogeneous communities (Vargas Lozano and Binners) and heterogeneous communities (Grayson bay and others), characterized by intermediate evenness values. The Jaccard similarity index identified two regions: one formed by bays found mainly in the southwest part of the island (Binners, Vargas Lozano, Braithwaite, Grayson and Blanca SW) and the other found in the northern region that included Blanca NE, Academia and Norte; however, Blanca NE had the most diverse species composition because of its physiographic particularities and because the sediment retained by the filamentous algae on the flat stones allow many species to settle down. Isognomon janus, Mitrella baccata (Mollusca, Gastropoda), P. transversus and Xanthodius cooksoni (Crustacea, Xanthoidea) were the most common species in all bays in both expeditions. The dominance-diversity relationship, the high specific richness and the low dominance of coastal invertebrates from the different bays, are indicative that the communities in Socorro Island are little disturbed; their specific richness are similar to those of coral reefs.     

Reprint of: The ins and outs of water dynamics in cold tolerant soil invertebrates

Many soil invertebrates have physiological characteristics in common with freshwater animals and represent an evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life forms. Their high cuticular permeability and ability to tolerate large modifications of internal osmolality are of particular importance for their cold tolerance. A number of cold region species that spend some or most of their life-time in soil are in more or less intimate contact with soil ice during overwintering. Unless such species have effective barriers against cuticular water-transport, they have only two options for survival: tolerate internal freezing or dehydrate. The risk of internal ice formation may be substantial due to inoculative freezing and many species rely on freeze-tolerance for overwintering. If freezing does not occur, the desiccating power of external ice will cause the animal to dehydrate until vapor pressure equilibrium between body fluids and external ice has been reached. This cold tolerance mechanism is termed cryoprotective dehydration (CPD) and requires that the animal must be able to tolerate substantial dehydration. Even though CPD is essentially a freeze-avoidance strategy the associated physiological traits are more or less the same as those found in freeze tolerant species. The most well-known are accumulation of compatible osmolytes and molecular chaperones reducing or protecting against the stress caused by cellular dehydration. Environmental moisture levels of the habitat are important for which type of cold tolerance is employed, not only in an evolutionary context, but also within a single population. Some species use CPD under relatively dry conditions, but freeze tolerance when soil moisture is high.     

石油污灌土壤污染物的残留与生态毒理

土壤样品采自沈阳东部石油污水灌渠的上、中、下游。进行了污染物 (Cd、矿物油 )含量分析和生态毒性试验。重金属采用原子吸收分光光度仪测定 ,矿物油采用紫外分光光度计测定。生态毒性试验分别参照国际标准组织 (ISO)和OECD指南 ,进行了植物毒性试验和蚯蚓毒性试验。植物试验以小麦种子发芽根伸长抑制率为试验终点 ,试验周期 5 0h ,蚯蚓毒性试验以蚯蚓死亡率和体重增长抑制率为试验终点 ,试验周期 2 8d。结果表明 ,所有土壤均有矿物油积累 ,含量为 6 6 2 2～ 1391 14mg·kg-1,重金属Cd略高于土壤背景值 ,含量为 0 0 6～ 0 37mg·kg-1。然而 ,土壤对高等植物表现有不同程度的生长刺激效应 ,对蚯蚓有急性致死及慢性亚致死效应。种子发芽根伸长抑制率为 - 2 8 6 1%～ - 5 4 6 5 % ,蚯蚓 2 8d死亡率最大值为 10 %。蚯蚓 14d和 2 8d体重增长抑制率分别为 - 5 13%～ - 2 8 0 5 %和 - 31 78%～ 8 0 8%。研究表明 ,长期石油污水灌溉土壤中矿物油的低积累和较明显的生态毒性。     

The biogeochemistry of phosphorus after the first century of soil development on Rakata Island, Krakatau, Indonesia

This study examined the accumulation of organic carbon (C) and fractions ofsoil phosphorus (P) in soils developing in volcanic ash deposited in the1883 eruption of Krakatau. Organic C has accumulated at rates of 45 to 127g/m²/yr during 110 years of soil development, resulting inprofiles with as much as 14 kgC/m². Most soil P is found inthe HCl-extractable forms, representing apatite. A loss of HCl-extractableP from the surface horizons is associated with a marked accumulation ofNaOH-extractable organic P bound to Al. A bioassay with hill rice suggeststhat P is limiting to plant growth in these soils, perhaps as a result ofthe rapid accumulation of P in organic forms.     

Influence of habitat,litter type,and soil invertebrates on leaf-litter decomposition in a fragmented Amazonian landscape

Amazonian forest fragments and second-growth forests often differ substantially from undisturbed forests in their microclimate, plant-species composition, and soil fauna. To determine if these changes could affect litter decomposition, we quantified the mass loss of two contrasting leaf-litter mixtures, in the presence or absence of soil macroinvertebrates, and in three forest habitats. Leaf-litter decomposition rates in second-growth forests (>10 years old) and in fragment edges (<100 m from the edge) did not differ from that in the forest interior (>250 m from the edges of primary forests). In all three habitats, experimental exclusion of soil invertebrates resulted in slower decomposition rates. Faunal-exclosure effects were stronger for litter of the primary forest, composed mostly of leaves of old-growth trees, than for litter of second-growth forests, which was dominated by leaves of successional species. The latter had a significantly lower initial concentration of N, higher C:N and lignin:N ratios, and decomposed at a slower rate than did litter from forest interiors. Our results indicate that land-cover changes in Amazonia affect decomposition mainly through changes in plant species composition, which in turn affect litter quality. Similar effects may occur on fragment edges, particularly on very disturbed edges, where successional trees become dominant. The drier microclimatic conditions in fragment edges and second-growth forests (>10 years old) did not appear to inhibit decomposition. Finally, although soil invertebrates play a key role in leaf-litter decomposition, we found no evidence that differences in the abundance, species richness, or species composition of invertebrates between disturbed and undisturbed forests significantly altered decomposition rates.     

Animal-habitat relationships in the Knysna Forest,South Africa: discrimination between forest types by birds and invertebrates

Summary Effects of forest plant species composition and physiognomy on bird and invertebrate communities were investigated in three discrete, relatively undisturbed forest types along a dry-wet soil moisture gradient. Using discriminant function analysis, a 100% floristic and a 78% vegetation structural discrimination were obtained between the three forest types. However, the bird communities of these different forest types were very similar in species composition, and had much lower densities than those normally encountered in other, superficially similar forests. Although an 81% discrimination between forest types was attained through analysis of ground surface invertebrates, measures of litter and aerial invertebrate abundance were also of limited use as discriminators. Historical and biogeographic factors, as well as the low nutritional levels in the soil and vegetation may be the causes of low bird and invertebrate density and diversity. It is concluded that floristics and vegetation structure have, at best, a minor influence on bird community structure, and possibly also on invertebrate community structure in the Knysna Forest.     

Causes of morbidity and mortality,and rehabilitation outcomes of birds in Gran Canaria Island,Spain

Capsule: Anthropogenic factors were identified as the main threats to wild birds in Gran Canaria.

Aims: To analyse the causes of morbidity and mortality in a large sample of selected orders of birds admitted to the Tafira Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (TWRC) in Gran Canaria over 11 years, and to analyse the outcomes of such rehabilitation.

Methods: The records of 2390 birds were analysed. Ten primary causes of morbidity were identified: trauma, metabolic/nutritional disorder, orphaned young birds, infectious/parasitic disease, crude oil, poisoning/intoxication, glue trapping, captivity, other causes, and unknown/undetermined. The rates of the final outcome categories (euthanasia E_r, unassisted mortality M_r, release R_r, and permanent captivity C_r), the time until death, and the length of stay were studied.

Results: The Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus was the species most frequently admitted (20.29%), followed by the Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula (13.47%). The most frequent cause of morbidity was trauma (27.82%). The final outcomes of birds admitted alive were E_r?=?16.69%, M_r?=?26.53%, R_r?=?54%, and C_r?=?2.76%.

Conclusions: This survey provides useful information for the conservation and welfare of these bird species. The successful release rate achieved at the TWRC emphasizes the importance of wildlife rehabilitation centres for the conservation of birds.     

Abundance and diversity of soil invertebrates in the Windmill Islands region,East Antarctica

The harsh climate and patchy distribution of habitable terrestrial ecosystems constrain soil invertebrate communities in continental Antarctica. The Windmill Islands in East Antarctica have a relatively gentle climate by Antarctic standards, and the region supports some of the most well-developed moss beds on the continent. These moss beds and soils are known to sustain invertebrate communities dominated by nematodes, rotifers and tardigrades, but our knowledge of the diversity and composition of these communities remains limited. We extracted soil fauna from 74 soil samples representing a wide range of microhabitats, and 24 moss samples, collected at Clark Peninsula, Bailey Peninsula and Robinson Ridge in the Windmill Islands during the 2012–2013 austral summer. Invertebrates were present in all samples, but densities varied considerably both within and between sites with limited correlation with edaphic variables or cover type. Taxa found included two species of nematodes (Plectus murrayi; Plectus frigophilus), one mite (Nanorchestes antarcticus) as well as tardigrades and rotifers (enumerated only). No springtails were found in this study, but individuals of the genus Cryptopygus were later recovered from moss collected near Casey Station. The Windmill Islands soils and moss beds support dense populations of soil fauna. However, despite the relatively mild climate conditions and favorable soil properties, species diversity is low. The diversity is possibly limited by recent deglaciation and limited dispersal opportunities to the region. Given favorable local conditions, it is likely that colonizing species will perform well, whether these arrive by natural means or are accidentally introduced by humans.     

Exotic crayfish in a brown water stream: effects on juvenile trout, invertebrates and algae

SUMMARY 1. The impact of the introduced omnivorous signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) on trout fry, macroinvertebrates and algae was evaluated in a brown water stream in southern Sweden using in situ enclosures. We also examined the gut content of all surviving crayfish in the enclosures. Two crayfish densities in addition to a control without crayfish were used in replicate enclosures (1.26 m²) in a 1‐month experiment. Additionally, 20 trout fry (Salmo trutta) were stocked in each enclosure to assess the effects of crayfish on trout survival and growth. 2. Detritus was the most common food item in crayfish guts. Animal fragments were also frequent while algae and macrophytes were scarcer. Crayfish exuviae were found in crayfish guts, but the frequency of cannibalism was low. 3. Trout survival in enclosures was positively related to water velocity but was unaffected by crayfish. 4. Total invertebrate biomass and taxon richness were lower in crayfish treatments. The biomass of all predatory invertebrate taxa was reduced but only three of six non‐predatory taxa were reduced in the crayfish treatments. 5. Epiphytic algal biomass (measured as chlorophyll a, on plastic strips) was not related to crayfish density, whereas the biomass of epilithic algae (measured as chlorophyll a) was enhanced by high water velocity and high crayfish density. The latter was possibly mediated via improved light and nutrient conditions, as active crayfish re‐suspend and/or remove detritus and senescent algal cells during periods of low water velocity. 6. We conclude that the introduced signal crayfish may affect stream communities directly and indirectly. Invaded communities will have reduced macroinvertebrate taxon richness and the signal crayfish will replace vulnerable invertebrate predators such as leeches. In streams that transport large amounts of sediment or organic matter, a high density of crayfish is likely to enhance benthic algal production through physical activity rather than via trophic effects.     

红壤坡地土壤水分时间序列分析

基于时间序列法,分析了2002—2004年3—9月茶园和农作区两种土地利用方式下土壤水分与降雨的相关关系.结果表明,降雨为不相关序列,而不同深度(10、30、50、70和90 cm)土壤含水量有高度自相关性,为自相关序列,相关时间域为30～45 d.降雨和土地利用方式是影响土壤水分与降雨相关关系的主要因素.降雨对土壤水分的影响强度由表层到深层不断减弱,其在土壤表层(10和30 cm)的有效性时间为7～8 d;在深层有效时间长短不一,但雨后2～3 d,降雨对土壤水分(0～100 cm)的影响最显著.旱季土壤含水量与降雨的相关时间比雨季短1～3 d,若持续5 d降雨量小于5 mm,土壤表层水分含量就会明显降低,可能引发季节性干旱.与农作区相比,降雨对茶园表层水分的影响较弱,但对深层水分的影响较强且持续时间长.