What happens to translocated game birds that 'disappear'?

The ultimate goal of most translocation efforts is to create a self-sustaining wild population of a species deliberately moved from one part of their range to another. As follow-up of a translocation attempt is often difficult, causes for failure are relatively unknown. Dispersal away from the release site is one potential source of failure because it decreases the likelihood of the released population establishing itself post-translocation. In this study, we used chukar Alectoris chukar as a surrogate for translocated game birds in order to conduct a large-scale experimental study. We observed that these desert-adapted birds demonstrate a strong fidelity for specific water sources. We also report the propensity for the translocated individuals to either disperse and return to their original water source site or remain at the release site. During two field seasons, we observed opposing behaviors such that the proportion of individuals returning to the capture site, versus those remaining at the release site, shifted between years. We analyzed this change between the years as well as within the years to assess the potential underlying causes such as translocated distance, differences in rainfall between seasons and water source type. We concluded that homing behavior was strong in this non-migratory bird species and that strength of this homing behavior varied, potentially due to conditions surrounding the limiting resource, water availability. The large-scale, original data presented here may help to explain why some releases result in a successfully established population while other releases result in widely dispersed individuals.     

Reintroducing capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) into southern Scotland: identification of minimum viable populations at potential release sites

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) populations are declining in western parts of their range, including Scotland. It has been proposed that their numbers, and the extent of their range in Scotland be increased to reduce the risk of a second extinction in the UK. The feasibility of a reintroduction of capercaillie to coniferous plantations in southern Scotland was assessed by undertaking a population viability analysis. Following a review of capercaillie ecology and habitat requirements, VORTEX population simulation software was used to identify a minimum viable population (MVP). From this the minimum dynamic area of suitable habitat required in order to support such a MVP was then calculated. It was estimated that a minimum of 60 individuals would be required in approximately 5000ha of habitat in order for the population to have a >0.95 probability of surviving for 50 years. Supplementation of populations with two unrelated individuals every five years reduced the MVP to ten individuals. Further simulations were run in order to establish the sensitivity of the model to changes in three key parameters. Assessment of areas of suitable habitat identified two potential release sites, Wauchope and Newcastleton forests, in southern Scotland. Some practical considerations relating to management of a release population are outlined. It was concluded that an appropriately planned and resourced reintroduction was feasible.     

Analysis of factors implicated in the recent decline of Australia's mammal fauna

Aim To assess whether eight factors thought to be involved in the extinction process can explain the pattern of recent decline in Australia's mammal fauna. Location Australia. Methods We compiled the first comprehensive lists of mammal species extant at the time of European settlement in each of Australia's 76 mainland regions, and assigned a current conservation status to each species in each region to derive an index of faunal attrition. We then sought to explain the observed region‐to‐region variation in attrition (the dependent variable) by building a series of models using variables representing the eight factors. Results A strong geographically based pattern of attrition emerged, with faunal losses being greatest in arid regions and least in areas of high rainfall. The Akaike information criterion showed support for one model that explained 93% of the region‐to‐region variation in attrition. Its six variables all made independent contributions towards explaining the observed variation. Two were environmental variables, namely mean annual rainfall (a surrogate for regional productivity) and environmental change (a measure of post‐European disturbance). The other four were faunal variables, namely phylogenetic similarity, body‐weight distribution, area (as a surrogate for extent of occurrence), and proportion of species that usually shelter on the ground (rather than in rock piles, burrows or trees). Main conclusions In combination with historical evidence, the analysis provides an explicit basis for setting priorities among regions and species. It also shows that the long‐term recovery of populations of many species of Australian mammals will require introduced predator suppression as well as extensive habitat management that includes controlling feral herbivores. Specifically, habitat management should restore aspects of productivity relevant to the types of species at risk and ensure the continual availability of suitable refuges from physiological stressors.     

潮棕壤线虫群落对土地利用方式的响应

作者对潮棕壤不同土地利用方式(旱田、撂荒地和林地)下土壤线虫群落时空分布特征进行了研究, 结果表明, 不同土地利用方式能够影响线虫群落及其优势属的时空分布。线虫优势属对不同土地利用方式的响应不同, 撂荒地和林地处理中板唇属(Chiloplacus)线虫主要分布在5–30 cm土层, 而其他线虫优势属则主要分布在0–20 cm土层; 在旱田处理中, 短体属(Pratylenchus)线虫均匀分布在各个土层。由于土地利用方式的改变而引起的土壤环境因素的变化能够对土壤线虫产生影响, 研究发现土壤孔隙度、土壤有机碳、全氮和碳氮比与土壤线虫优势属的数量具有显著的正相关关系。线虫区系分析结果表明, 撂荒地和林地处理中土壤环境相对稳定, 土壤食物网向较成熟的阶段演替。线虫区系分析方法可用来揭示不同土地利用方式下土壤食物网的变化, 为进一步研究土壤生态过程对土地利用方式的响应提供了有效的工具。