Predator dummies are usually used to explore the impact of predator features on the anti-predator behavior of birds.Previous studies have shown that the morphology and behavior of aerial predators can signal different...Predator dummies are usually used to explore the impact of predator features on the anti-predator behavior of birds.Previous studies have shown that the morphology and behavior of aerial predators can signal different threat levels to birds.However,whether subtle changes in ground predator dummies cause changes in the nest defense behavior of parent birds is unclear.In this study,we aimed to investigate whether Japanese Tits(Parus minor)exhibit different nest defense behaviors in response to experimentally manipulated variations in the appearance,posture,and size of virtual snake proxies(common nest predators).During the incubation period,we observed the nest defense behaviors of the parent tits against taxidermized Siberian Ratsnakes(Elaphe schrenckii)with varied characteristics and rubber-made model snakes.The tits exhibited more intense responses to taxidermized large(body length about 120 cm)coiled ratsnakes than to large coiled model snakes.They exhibited weaker responses to taxidermized small(body length about 20 cm)coiled ratsnakes than to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes.In addition,they exhibited more intense responses to taxidermized large coiled ratsnakes than to taxidermized small coiled ratsnakes,and more intense responses to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes than to large model snakes.However,there was no difference in the response of tits to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes and taxidermized large coiled ratsnakes,or to taxidermized small coiled ratsnakes and model snakes.Thus,the presence of scales,a sinusoidal posture,and a large body size of snake dummies can induce more intense behavioral responses in Japanese Tits.We suggested that Japanese Tits can discriminate subtle differences in ground predator dummies of nests and exhibit different nest defense behaviors.展开更多
Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitat...Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitats by combining niche modeling with ecological trait analysis. We conducted standardized point surveys to examine the habitat preferences of 32 bird species in Inner Mongolia, China, and quantified their habitat niche parameters using the Outlying Mean Index (OMI). Our results reveal distinct habitat preferences among species, with some thriving in intact environments while others are better adapted to fragmented areas. Grassland species showed high specialization along the fragmentation gradient, while others exhibited adaptability to varying levels of fragmentation. Using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we identified three key traits influencing habitat occupancy: hand-wing index, body mass, and range size. Specifically, species with medium hand-wing indices, moderate body mass, and larger range sizes were more likely to occupy heavily fragmented habitats. These findings provide empirical evidence on how habitat fragmentation affects bird species in steppe ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of functional traits in understanding avian responses to habitat fragmentation and offers a foundation for developing effective conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.展开更多
The transformation of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes has far-reaching consequences for species distribution and abundance.As species adapt to these changing environments,shifts in distribution pattern...The transformation of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes has far-reaching consequences for species distribution and abundance.As species adapt to these changing environments,shifts in distribution patterns,niche dynamics,and interspecies interactions may occur,impacting biodiversity at multiple levels and potentially leading to ecosystem imbalances.This study aims to assess the impact of variations in vegetation composition and human disturbance on the distribution of sympatric breeding birds and to determine the extent of niche overlap or differentiation among these species.We conducted field surveys and collected data on bird distribution,vegetation composition,and level of human disturbance in eastern Inner Mongolian grasslands.We focused on the six most frequently co-occurring breeding birds,representing a mix of sparrows,larks,and corvids.Generalized Additive Models revealed varying responses of species occurrence along habitat gradients.Species like the Eurasian Skylark(Alauda arvensis),Mongolian Lark(Melanocorypha mongolica),and Asian Shorttoed Lark(Calandrella cheleensis),increased in larger and more connected habitats,while others,like the Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus),Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica),and Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica),adapted to more fragmented habitats.Niche analysis indicated habitat generalists tended to occupy larger niches than grassland specialists.Substantial niche overlap was also found among the six co-occurring bird species.Conservation efforts should consider the specific needs of specialist species and strive to maintain or restore critical grassland habitats.Additionally,promoting sustainable agricultural practices that balance the needs of birds and human activities can contribute to the coexistence of generalist and specialist bird species in modified landscapes.展开更多
Grasslands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems, and steppe birds face increasing risks from human activities. This study investigates how human impacts affect the distribution and community structure ...Grasslands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems, and steppe birds face increasing risks from human activities. This study investigates how human impacts affect the distribution and community structure of breeding steppe birds in Inner Mongolia, a biodiversity hotspot in Asia. We conducted standardized point-count surveys across a gradient from intact grasslands to urbanized areas, integrating species occurrence data, functional traits and the Human Footprint Index (HFI). Using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Conditional Random Fields (CRFs), we assessed trait-environment interactions and shifts in species associations. Our results indicate that the HFI significantly affects bird communities. Habitat specialists, such as Mongolian Lark (Melanocorypha mongolica), showed negative responses, whereas generalists like Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) thrived in disturbed areas. Trait-based analysis showed that species with larger body mass and specialized diets were negatively associated with HFI, whereas those linked to human-modified habitats exhibiting strong positive associations. In areas with high human footprint, co-occurrence networks grew more polarized: specialists faced intensified competition, while species with positive HFI responses formed stronger positive associations. CRF models indicated that human activities restructure species interactions, favoring generalists and simplifying community dynamics. These findings highlight the dual role of human impact in supporting some species while threatening specialists, potentially driving biotic homogenization. Our study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that protect vulnerable species and manage those that thrive in human-altered environments. By linking traits and interactions to human impacts, this study provides a framework for identifying at-risk species and guiding conservation in the Anthropocene.展开更多
In biodiversity management, spatio-temporal heterogeneity is important to consider conserving high levels of habitat diversity and ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the relationship between landscape spatio-t...In biodiversity management, spatio-temporal heterogeneity is important to consider conserving high levels of habitat diversity and ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the relationship between landscape spatio-temporal heterogeneity and biodiversity in a mosaic-landscape, located in the Fontainebleau forest (France). The diversity of successional stages along a gradient from heathland to forest as well as the persistence of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull in different forest stands was examined in order to find how the numerous patches of European Heathland habitat embedded in this area should be maintained. The results indicated that in the areas of high spatio-temporal heterogeneity, a general increase is observed in species richness, in particular for vascular plants, bryophytes and carabids. C. vulgaris persisted in coniferous stands and young mixed stand but decreased under deciduous trees and old mixed stands. The Ellenberg’s values for light, nutrients and acidity, show the persistence of favorable enviromental conditions for heathland vegetation under coniferous stands and young mixed stands. These results enable us to offer recommendations to better manage mosaic-landscape biodiversity, and in particular, the heathland semi-natural habitats in the Fontainebleau forest and elsewhere in Europe.展开更多
Background:The European Kingfisher(Alcedo atthis)is a small plunge-diving bird,today considered a species of conservation concern in Europe given its rapid population decline observed across the continent.We implement...Background:The European Kingfisher(Alcedo atthis)is a small plunge-diving bird,today considered a species of conservation concern in Europe given its rapid population decline observed across the continent.We implemented a pilot study aimed at providing first data allowing to:(1)assess home range features of the European Kingfisher for populations with unevenly distributed feeding habitats;(2)define conservation implications for habitats exploited by such populations;and(3)evaluate possibilities for developing GPS tracking schemes dedicated to home range stud-ies for this species that could be possibly applied to other small plunge-diving birds.Methods:In 2018 and 2019,we equipped 16 breeding European Kingfishers sampled within the marshes of the Gironde Estuary(France),with miniaturized and waterproof GPS archival tags deployed with leg-loop harnesses(total equipment mass=1.4 g;average bird mass=40.18±1.12 g).Results:On average,we collected 35.31±6.66 locations usable for analyses,without a significant effect on bird body condition(n=13 tags retrieved).Data analyses highlighted rather limited home ranges exploited by birds(aver-age=2.50±0.55 ha),composed on average by 2.78±0.40 location nuclei.Our results also underscore:(1)a rather important home range fragmentation index(0.36±0.08);and(2)the use by birds of different types of small wetlands(wet ditches,small ponds or small waterholes),often exploited in addition to habitats encompassing nest locations.Conclusions:Our study reveals interesting GPS tracking possibilities for small plunge-diving birds such as the European Kingfisher.For this species,today classified as vulnerable in Europe,our results underline the importance of developing conservation and ecological restoration policies for wetland networks that would integrate small wet-lands particularly sensitive to global change.展开更多
Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate.Many grassland species have been lost and are now of conservation concern.Identifying efficient biodiversity indicators is a key pillar of the global conservation str...Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate.Many grassland species have been lost and are now of conservation concern.Identifying efficient biodiversity indicators is a key pillar of the global conservation strategy.Mongolian Lark(Melanocorypha mongolica) is a charismatic bird species abound in Mongolian steppes,and recent studies demonstrated that this species share similar habitat requirements an d likely co-occur with other grassland birds.We tested the hypothesis that Mongolian Lark would make a suitable indicator for different aspects of avian biodiversity.We made a large-scale bird survey in Inner Mongolia,and classified point counts into three groups based on different taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic biodiversity measures.We identified species indicators of each group using the indicator value(IndVal) analysis,and examined the bird compositional difference among groups.Linear models were used for studying the patterns of occurrence of Mongolian Lark in relation to various biodiversity measures.Mon golian Lark showed the highest indicator value in comparison with other potential species indicators.Bird species richness is significantly higher at sites with Mongolian Lark,an d its occurrence was negatively correlated with species abundance,functional richness,Rao’s quadratic entropy and phylogenetic diversity.Mongolian Lark is therefore a suitable indicator species for avian biodiversity in Mongolian steppes.It is highly distinctive in flight and usually seen singly.The widespread distribution and charismatic appearance make it easy to monitor and adequate for citizen science,and may provide useful information on the paradigm of surrogacy in conservation ecology.展开更多
Introduction:‘Nuisance species’(or‘invasive’species)are often proposed to be the second most important concern in the context of the current biodiversity crisis.Despite increasing evidence that exotic species do n...Introduction:‘Nuisance species’(or‘invasive’species)are often proposed to be the second most important concern in the context of the current biodiversity crisis.Despite increasing evidence that exotic species do not always become invasive,this perception is still common in the scientific community.This suggests that other issues are at stake in the concept of nuisance species rather than just the problems they raise,grounded mostly in ecological or economic arguments.Methods:We retraced the evolution of pigeon representation in France through an extensive review of ancient texts related to pigeons and reviewed more than 240 source texts,dating from the seventh century to the 1990s.We completed these data with literature on human-animal relationships and animal conceptions in religious,philosophical,scientific,and political currents of thought that were representative of Western and,specifically,French tradition.Results:We used the heated debate over pigeons(Columba livia)as pests as a case study by analyzing the ecological,social,economic,and political relations regarding pigeons.Through a historical perspective of the debate about and understanding of pigeons,we propose a new and complementary explanation for the modern thinking of pigeons as a nuisance species,based on what we termed their socio-nature characteristics.In particular,we used social representations theory to highlight the issues of human identity construction at stake in the construction of pigeons as a nuisance species.Conclusions:We invite the reader to consider the impact of such human self-definition on environmental stances,as it could constrain further developments or improvements of conservation perspectives.展开更多
基金sponsored by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32271560 to H.W.,32001094 to J.Y.)Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province,China(No.20230101160JC to L.J.)+1 种基金the Open Project of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands,Hainan Normal University,China(No.HNSF-OP-202301 to J.Y.)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412022ZD019 to J.Y.)。
文摘Predator dummies are usually used to explore the impact of predator features on the anti-predator behavior of birds.Previous studies have shown that the morphology and behavior of aerial predators can signal different threat levels to birds.However,whether subtle changes in ground predator dummies cause changes in the nest defense behavior of parent birds is unclear.In this study,we aimed to investigate whether Japanese Tits(Parus minor)exhibit different nest defense behaviors in response to experimentally manipulated variations in the appearance,posture,and size of virtual snake proxies(common nest predators).During the incubation period,we observed the nest defense behaviors of the parent tits against taxidermized Siberian Ratsnakes(Elaphe schrenckii)with varied characteristics and rubber-made model snakes.The tits exhibited more intense responses to taxidermized large(body length about 120 cm)coiled ratsnakes than to large coiled model snakes.They exhibited weaker responses to taxidermized small(body length about 20 cm)coiled ratsnakes than to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes.In addition,they exhibited more intense responses to taxidermized large coiled ratsnakes than to taxidermized small coiled ratsnakes,and more intense responses to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes than to large model snakes.However,there was no difference in the response of tits to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes and taxidermized large coiled ratsnakes,or to taxidermized small coiled ratsnakes and model snakes.Thus,the presence of scales,a sinusoidal posture,and a large body size of snake dummies can induce more intense behavioral responses in Japanese Tits.We suggested that Japanese Tits can discriminate subtle differences in ground predator dummies of nests and exhibit different nest defense behaviors.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32201304)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412022QD026).
文摘Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitats by combining niche modeling with ecological trait analysis. We conducted standardized point surveys to examine the habitat preferences of 32 bird species in Inner Mongolia, China, and quantified their habitat niche parameters using the Outlying Mean Index (OMI). Our results reveal distinct habitat preferences among species, with some thriving in intact environments while others are better adapted to fragmented areas. Grassland species showed high specialization along the fragmentation gradient, while others exhibited adaptability to varying levels of fragmentation. Using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we identified three key traits influencing habitat occupancy: hand-wing index, body mass, and range size. Specifically, species with medium hand-wing indices, moderate body mass, and larger range sizes were more likely to occupy heavily fragmented habitats. These findings provide empirical evidence on how habitat fragmentation affects bird species in steppe ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of functional traits in understanding avian responses to habitat fragmentation and offers a foundation for developing effective conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.32201304)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No.2412022QD026)。
文摘The transformation of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes has far-reaching consequences for species distribution and abundance.As species adapt to these changing environments,shifts in distribution patterns,niche dynamics,and interspecies interactions may occur,impacting biodiversity at multiple levels and potentially leading to ecosystem imbalances.This study aims to assess the impact of variations in vegetation composition and human disturbance on the distribution of sympatric breeding birds and to determine the extent of niche overlap or differentiation among these species.We conducted field surveys and collected data on bird distribution,vegetation composition,and level of human disturbance in eastern Inner Mongolian grasslands.We focused on the six most frequently co-occurring breeding birds,representing a mix of sparrows,larks,and corvids.Generalized Additive Models revealed varying responses of species occurrence along habitat gradients.Species like the Eurasian Skylark(Alauda arvensis),Mongolian Lark(Melanocorypha mongolica),and Asian Shorttoed Lark(Calandrella cheleensis),increased in larger and more connected habitats,while others,like the Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus),Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica),and Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica),adapted to more fragmented habitats.Niche analysis indicated habitat generalists tended to occupy larger niches than grassland specialists.Substantial niche overlap was also found among the six co-occurring bird species.Conservation efforts should consider the specific needs of specialist species and strive to maintain or restore critical grassland habitats.Additionally,promoting sustainable agricultural practices that balance the needs of birds and human activities can contribute to the coexistence of generalist and specialist bird species in modified landscapes.
基金funded by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2024M760408)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32201304)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412024QD0212412022QD026).
文摘Grasslands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems, and steppe birds face increasing risks from human activities. This study investigates how human impacts affect the distribution and community structure of breeding steppe birds in Inner Mongolia, a biodiversity hotspot in Asia. We conducted standardized point-count surveys across a gradient from intact grasslands to urbanized areas, integrating species occurrence data, functional traits and the Human Footprint Index (HFI). Using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Conditional Random Fields (CRFs), we assessed trait-environment interactions and shifts in species associations. Our results indicate that the HFI significantly affects bird communities. Habitat specialists, such as Mongolian Lark (Melanocorypha mongolica), showed negative responses, whereas generalists like Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) thrived in disturbed areas. Trait-based analysis showed that species with larger body mass and specialized diets were negatively associated with HFI, whereas those linked to human-modified habitats exhibiting strong positive associations. In areas with high human footprint, co-occurrence networks grew more polarized: specialists faced intensified competition, while species with positive HFI responses formed stronger positive associations. CRF models indicated that human activities restructure species interactions, favoring generalists and simplifying community dynamics. These findings highlight the dual role of human impact in supporting some species while threatening specialists, potentially driving biotic homogenization. Our study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that protect vulnerable species and manage those that thrive in human-altered environments. By linking traits and interactions to human impacts, this study provides a framework for identifying at-risk species and guiding conservation in the Anthropocene.
文摘In biodiversity management, spatio-temporal heterogeneity is important to consider conserving high levels of habitat diversity and ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the relationship between landscape spatio-temporal heterogeneity and biodiversity in a mosaic-landscape, located in the Fontainebleau forest (France). The diversity of successional stages along a gradient from heathland to forest as well as the persistence of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull in different forest stands was examined in order to find how the numerous patches of European Heathland habitat embedded in this area should be maintained. The results indicated that in the areas of high spatio-temporal heterogeneity, a general increase is observed in species richness, in particular for vascular plants, bryophytes and carabids. C. vulgaris persisted in coniferous stands and young mixed stand but decreased under deciduous trees and old mixed stands. The Ellenberg’s values for light, nutrients and acidity, show the persistence of favorable enviromental conditions for heathland vegetation under coniferous stands and young mixed stands. These results enable us to offer recommendations to better manage mosaic-landscape biodiversity, and in particular, the heathland semi-natural habitats in the Fontainebleau forest and elsewhere in Europe.
基金financial support of the Département de la Charente-Maritime
文摘Background:The European Kingfisher(Alcedo atthis)is a small plunge-diving bird,today considered a species of conservation concern in Europe given its rapid population decline observed across the continent.We implemented a pilot study aimed at providing first data allowing to:(1)assess home range features of the European Kingfisher for populations with unevenly distributed feeding habitats;(2)define conservation implications for habitats exploited by such populations;and(3)evaluate possibilities for developing GPS tracking schemes dedicated to home range stud-ies for this species that could be possibly applied to other small plunge-diving birds.Methods:In 2018 and 2019,we equipped 16 breeding European Kingfishers sampled within the marshes of the Gironde Estuary(France),with miniaturized and waterproof GPS archival tags deployed with leg-loop harnesses(total equipment mass=1.4 g;average bird mass=40.18±1.12 g).Results:On average,we collected 35.31±6.66 locations usable for analyses,without a significant effect on bird body condition(n=13 tags retrieved).Data analyses highlighted rather limited home ranges exploited by birds(aver-age=2.50±0.55 ha),composed on average by 2.78±0.40 location nuclei.Our results also underscore:(1)a rather important home range fragmentation index(0.36±0.08);and(2)the use by birds of different types of small wetlands(wet ditches,small ponds or small waterholes),often exploited in addition to habitats encompassing nest locations.Conclusions:Our study reveals interesting GPS tracking possibilities for small plunge-diving birds such as the European Kingfisher.For this species,today classified as vulnerable in Europe,our results underline the importance of developing conservation and ecological restoration policies for wetland networks that would integrate small wet-lands particularly sensitive to global change.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32201304)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412022QD026).
文摘Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate.Many grassland species have been lost and are now of conservation concern.Identifying efficient biodiversity indicators is a key pillar of the global conservation strategy.Mongolian Lark(Melanocorypha mongolica) is a charismatic bird species abound in Mongolian steppes,and recent studies demonstrated that this species share similar habitat requirements an d likely co-occur with other grassland birds.We tested the hypothesis that Mongolian Lark would make a suitable indicator for different aspects of avian biodiversity.We made a large-scale bird survey in Inner Mongolia,and classified point counts into three groups based on different taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic biodiversity measures.We identified species indicators of each group using the indicator value(IndVal) analysis,and examined the bird compositional difference among groups.Linear models were used for studying the patterns of occurrence of Mongolian Lark in relation to various biodiversity measures.Mon golian Lark showed the highest indicator value in comparison with other potential species indicators.Bird species richness is significantly higher at sites with Mongolian Lark,an d its occurrence was negatively correlated with species abundance,functional richness,Rao’s quadratic entropy and phylogenetic diversity.Mongolian Lark is therefore a suitable indicator species for avian biodiversity in Mongolian steppes.It is highly distinctive in flight and usually seen singly.The widespread distribution and charismatic appearance make it easy to monitor and adequate for citizen science,and may provide useful information on the paradigm of surrogacy in conservation ecology.
文摘Introduction:‘Nuisance species’(or‘invasive’species)are often proposed to be the second most important concern in the context of the current biodiversity crisis.Despite increasing evidence that exotic species do not always become invasive,this perception is still common in the scientific community.This suggests that other issues are at stake in the concept of nuisance species rather than just the problems they raise,grounded mostly in ecological or economic arguments.Methods:We retraced the evolution of pigeon representation in France through an extensive review of ancient texts related to pigeons and reviewed more than 240 source texts,dating from the seventh century to the 1990s.We completed these data with literature on human-animal relationships and animal conceptions in religious,philosophical,scientific,and political currents of thought that were representative of Western and,specifically,French tradition.Results:We used the heated debate over pigeons(Columba livia)as pests as a case study by analyzing the ecological,social,economic,and political relations regarding pigeons.Through a historical perspective of the debate about and understanding of pigeons,we propose a new and complementary explanation for the modern thinking of pigeons as a nuisance species,based on what we termed their socio-nature characteristics.In particular,we used social representations theory to highlight the issues of human identity construction at stake in the construction of pigeons as a nuisance species.Conclusions:We invite the reader to consider the impact of such human self-definition on environmental stances,as it could constrain further developments or improvements of conservation perspectives.
