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• Bait controls the pest C. longicaudatum in libraries, archives, and museums. • Cost-efficiency is demonstrated by the low amount of bait and few work hours. • The small amounts of bait used to achieve control pose a low risk to human health. • Bait can easily be incorporated in existing conservation efforts and IPM approaches. The problem of bristletail Ctenolepisma longicaudatum (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) in libraries, archives, and museums is increasing. It can cause damage to valuable and irreplaceable objects. We describe the effect of the use of insecticidal gel bait (active ingredient: indoxacarb) against C. longicaudatum populations in three libraries, seven archives, and seven museums in Norway and Austria. Pest activity was monitored with sticky traps to evaluate the effect of bait application. Significant declines in pest populations were observed at all locations when small bait droplets were applied either systematically throughout the buildings or strategically close to suspected aggregations. In addition, bait was successfully used to prevent infestation in a new museum building. The cost of treatment, measured by the amount of bait and work hours spent, was low, and bait application was conducted by either the professional pest control technicians or the local integrated pest management (IPM) manager. The use of insecticidal gel bait and its secondary effects is a cost-efficient alternative for population decimation; moreover, the method has a low probability of negative health issues for employees at the treated localities or damage to the objects. The application of bait is discussed in relation to its alignment with other IPM methods in libraries, archives, and museums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, social and economic disparities between regions appear to be on the rise, with the increasing demand for urban living mirrored by the decline of more peripheral regions. Increasingly often, this concerns shrinking rural regions. This paper focuses on residents' place attachment in two such regions: Sogn og Fjordane in Norway and Noord Friesland in the Netherlands. We study levels, predictors and meanings of place attachment by drawing on both quantitative survey data and qualitative in-depth interviews. Our findings reveal generally high levels of place attachment in both regions, likely reflecting stability among rural stayers. Women, the employed, long-term residents and those speaking the local language report significantly higher levels of attachment in both regions. Our qualitative material underscores that individual biographies are actively shaped by the social, cultural and physical dimensions of place. Respondents construct images of living in a rural idyll where a sense of normalcy, familiarity and natural quality is maintained. We argue these findings help understand why residents stay put in the face of regional decline. • This paper studies residents' place attachment in two shrinking rural regions in Norway and the Netherlands. • We draw on both survey data to assess levels and predictors and interview data to understand meanings of place attachment. • Our findings reveal generally high levels of place attachment in both regions, reflecting stability among rural stayers. • Respondents construct images of a rural idyll where a sense of normalcy, familiarity and natural quality is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urban shrinkage gains increasing attention, studies in the US and Europe have examined the causes, manifestations, and consequences of the phenomenon as well as the policy responses extensively. However, the empirical research on South Korea remains limited despite the fact that the country has the lowest birth rate and fastest aging rate worldwide and its small cities face complicated issues associated with socioeconomic shrinkage. This study focuses on Uiseong-gun, a small city ranked at the highest risk of "local disappearance." This case exclusively targets the demographic of talented young people and involves a comprehensive approach to attracting them. By applying a multidimensional framework of policy responses to urban shrinkage, this case examination highlights the key characteristics, including intergovernmental collaboration, comprehensive strategies, residents' participation and empowerment, and the role of intermediary organizations. The limitations of the case, including the validity, efficacy, and sustainability of the young people-oriented policy and resulting socio-spatial disparities, are discussed in terms of the long-lasting tension between economic and spatial efficiency and socio-spatial equality. Lastly, the argument is presented that urban shrinkage requires rethinking the meaning of city space such that cities are not merely tools of growth but spaces for those who live in them. • Uiseong-gun in South Korea, is examined through a multidimensional framework of policy responses to urban shrinkage. • Collaborative urban shrinkage governance is an enabling factor for successful policy implementation. • Limitations include the validity and sustainability of the young people-oriented policy, and socio-spatial disparities. • Urban shrinkage requires rethinking the meaning of city space for those who actually live in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the challenges of shrinking cities globally remains complex, with underlying causes still requiring in-depth exploration. In Japan, the phenomenon of shrinking cities is intricately linked to Tokyo's Unipolar Concentration. Despite governmental initiatives aimed at decentralizing metropolitan growth and revitalizing declining regions, these trend–mirroring patterns observed in other East Asian nations such as South Korea and China–continues unabated. East Asia provides a unique setting for studying urbanization and population dynamics, as these countries experience rapid urban life cycles with minimal immigration influence compared to Western nations. As the first East Asian country to undergo urbanization, Japan is characterized by both population decline and the intensifying regional disparities driven by Tokyo's Unipolar Concentration. This study uncovers a critical relationship between population decline and geographic structure, revealing how remote, non-metropolitan areas are increasingly excluded from the later stages of the city life cycle. It also identifies the "mega-city paradox," where the unsustainable growth of megacities eventually reaches a point where expansion stalls. By exploring the intrinsic link between population and geography, this research offers fresh insights and underscores the need for more holistic and sustainable population planning strategies. • Tokyo's Unipolar Concentration shows how East Asian cities highlight global metropolitan growth alongside shrinking cities. • The study links population decline with geographic disparities, explaining why revitalization policies for shrinking areas often fail. • Challenges Life Cycle of City Theory, suggesting small and medium cities may exit the cycle due to demographic decline in the later stages. • The "Loop to Megacity Paradox" shows how shrinking populations and metropolitan growth reinforce, risking unsustainable megacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In shrinking cities, old New-Towns have emerged as an urban issue in recent years as the population ages. New-Towns were quiet residential areas that flourished as neighborhoods that provided housing during the population boom from 1960 to 1990. New-Towns were developed on the design principle of Perry's neighborhood unit model. However, New-Towns have become "old New-Towns" with many older adults. The aim of this study is to examine the nonlinear relationship between population decline and urban transformation by using the urban transformation of houses in old New-Towns. This study analyzed the Osaka metropolitan area as a case study. The XGBoost algorithm was used to analyze the nonlinear relationship between urban transformation and population change. In conclusion, population decline correlates with the urban transformation of houses into health care facilities in old New-Towns in Japan. This means that the neighborhood unit model, which focuses on children, has changed to one that focuses on older adults. However, there have been fewer old NTs that transformed from housing to health care facilities than changes to other land uses. Therefore, urban planners need to develop policies to encourage the construction of health care facilities and mixed land use in old New-Towns. • Nonlinear relationship between urban transformation and population changes in old New-Town. • Urban transformation from houses to health care facilities has the highest feature importance. • Urban transformation from houses to education facilities has the low feature importance. • Necessity of New Neighborhood Unit model focuses on health care facilities for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land abandonment, e.g. agricultural land abandonment, can result in various social and ecological impacts. It would thus be helpful if the extent and spatial pattern of future land abandonment could be projected. However, the trajectory of future land abandonment generally depends on various factors, including biophysical conditions and future changes in socioeconomic indicators in the area. In this study, we developed a general framework for a scenario-based land abandonment projection, featuring a coupled regional economic and spatially explicit land change modeling approach. We applied this framework in selected municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, under two socioeconomic development scenarios (2014–2050): low population and economic growth (LL scenario) and high population and economic growth (HH scenario). The case study results, which are also visualized through a set of hot spot maps, revealed that agricultural land abandonment would be more intense under the HH scenario due to the much higher future decline in farmer population driven by the shift in people's employment and main source of livelihood. Under the LL scenario, residential and urban land abandonment would be more profound because of the much higher future decline in total population. In general, our results provide insights into some plausible future socioeconomic changes, their interplay and their consequent land abandonment in the case study area, which would be useful in the context of forward-looking adaptive development planning. The proposed framework can be applied to other case study areas. Unlabelled Image • A general framework for a scenario-based land abandonment projection is developed. • It was operationalized and applied in selected municipalities in Japan. • Under a high growth scenario, agricultural abandonment would be more intense. • Under a low growth scenario, urban land abandonment would be more profound. • The lessons learned on the application of the proposed framework are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific recognition of urban shrinkage patterns and their impacts is crucial for urban economic development and building harmonious relationships between people and the environment. This study, through the construction of a multidimensional evaluation system for urban shrinkage, provides a systematic analysis of the spatial patterns and evolution of urban shrinkage in China from 2000 to 2020, and examines the effects of urban shrinkage on the evolution of urban form. The findings suggest that: (i) The trend of urban shrinkage in China is worsening, with shrinking cities primarily located in the peripheral areas of growth poles and the northeast region, often exhibiting a simultaneous shrinkage in population, economy, and society; (ii) Urban shrinkage, especially population and economic shrinkage, has a growing influence on urban form, leading to a reduction in the speed and scale of urban land expansion and a decrease in the number of urban patches; (iii) There is a spatial mismatch between the level of urban shrinkage and urban form indicators, particularly in some cities where a paradox of population loss, economic decline, and urban land expansion coexist. This contradiction severely violates the laws of urban development and poses a threat to the construction of new-type urbanization. • Developed a multidimensional urban shrinkage evaluation system based on the essence of urban sprawl and the current reality in China. • The urban shrinkage situation in China is showing a deteriorating trend. • Population and economic shrinkage have a significant impact on urban form. • There is a spatial mismatch between urban shrinkage and urban form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Japan has been experiencing low fertility for many years. In this study, I investigated the relationship between gender role attitudes and fertility intentions among Japanese single men and women of reproductive ages. Study design Utilizing the Longitudinal Survey of Adults in the 21st Century data, 8944 men and 7924 women aged 20–34 years with single, childless status were analyzed. Gender role attitudes were assessed by participants’ preferences for the division of labor between a man and a woman: income earning, housework, and childcare. Those who preferred men to earn income and women to perform housework and childcare were considered to have traditional attitudes, whereas those who preferred women and men to share these responsibilities were considered to have egalitarian attitudes. Main outcome measures: Outcomes were fertility intentions measured by a desire to have children and ideal number of children. Logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results Egalitarian attitudes about income earning and housework were associated with low fertility intentions (a lesser desire for children) compared to traditional attitudes: adjusted odds ratios were 1.56 [1.36, 1.80] for men and 1.47 [1.26, 1.72] for women with income earning. Men’s preference for sharing childcare responsibility was associated with high fertility intentions. Conclusions Japanese society has not shifted away from the traditional division of labor despite the increase in female labor force participation. Low fertility intentions among Japanese men and women with egalitarian attitudes suggest that institutional support for balancing work and family may be necessary to improve the low fertility trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging contaminant widely used in various industrial products. Sublethal toxicity of BPA on aquatic organisms is expected to occur at a concentration of around 500 μg L −1 , which is much higher than environmentally realistic concentrations found in water bodies (up to 0.41 μg L −1 ). However, there is no information concerning how a BPA contamination gradient could affect the spatial displacement of organisms. We hypothesized that fish might be able to detect an environmentally realistic BPA contamination gradient and avoid potential toxic effects due to continuous exposure. Therefore, the objectives of this work were: (i) to determine if BPA could trigger an avoidance response in the freshwater fish Poecilia reticulata ; (ii) to assess whether BPA-driven avoidance occurs at environmentally relevant concentrations; and (iii) to estimate the population immediate decline (PID) at the local scale, considering avoidance and mortality as endpoints. Avoidance experiments were performed in a seven-compartment non-forced exposure system, in which a BPA contamination gradient was simulated. The results indicated that BPA triggered avoidance in P . reticulata . In a traditional forced acute toxicity test, lethal effects in 50% of the population occurred at a BPA concentration of 1660 μg L −1 , while in the non-forced system with a BPA concentration gradient, avoidance of 50% of the population occurred at a concentration four orders of magnitude lower (0.20 μg L −1 ). At environmentally relevant BPA concentrations, PID was mainly determined by the avoidance response. Avoidance in P. reticulata populations is expected to occur at BPA concentrations below those that cause sublethal effects on fish and are considered safe by international agencies (≤1 μg L −1 ). The approach used in the present study represents a valuable tool for use in environmental risk assessment strategies, providing a novel and ecologically relevant response that is complementary to traditional ecotoxicological tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rice fields, the cultivation area itself can play an essential role as a habitat for wetland organisms. Many previous studies showed negative impact of agricultural intensification and abandonment on biodiversity in wet farmland ecosystems. However, verification of the direct impact of aquatic environmental change by the paddy improvement and abandonment still remains. Here, we investigated the effects of the intensification and abandonment on the area of wet fields remaining in paddies during the fallow season, as well as the factors driving the population decline of the Japanese brown frog ( Rana japonica ), using data of long-term monitoring numbers of egg masses at multiple sites. To quantitatively estimate the spatial and temporal variation in saturated areas with water in the paddies where the frogs spawn in early spring, we used infrared bands of Landsat images. Both paddy improvements and abandonment have affected R. japonica populations through the reduction of wet areas in the fields. Furthermore, the frog's population size was positively associated with the area of surrounding forest. Our findings suggest that conservation in wet farmland requires appropriate water management inside the cultivation area as well as in other landscape elements that serve as secondary habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The numbers of brown hares Lepus europaeus decreased in Poland during the past few decades. I tested the prediction based on the results of the previous European studies that spatial variations in both the abundance of hares and the rate of their decline in this country in the beginning of the 21st century were associated with habitat factors. Hunting bag was used to calculate the indices describing the abundance and decline rate of hare populations in the years 2000–2014 in the 125 administrative units, for which information on habitat characteristics was also available (i.e., the share of settlements, the forest cover, the mean size of farms, the share of grassland and cereals). The density of red foxes was also considered as a potential alternative factor affecting hare populations. The index of hare abundance decreased with the forest cover and the size of farms, whereas the index of decline increased with the size of farms, the share of grassland, and the share of cereals. No effect of fox density was found on the abundance or decline rate of hares. Thus, the decrease in hare abundance was associated with the factors characterizing the agricultural habitat and was probably related to some adverse changes in this habitat due to the transformation of agriculture. My results support the idea that the brown hare is a good ecological indicator of agricultural environment quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

City shrinkage is a growing global issue and has raised great attention. Although shrinkage in Japan was mostly contributed to the demographic factors of the aging population and low fertility, a comprehensive understanding of the influence mechanisms of shrinking cities in Japan is still challenging. In this study, we used a random forest (RF) approach to explore the complex features and quantize the non-linear correlates of city shrinkage. Compared to conventional linear regression, RF is more effective in revealing complex relationships. City shrinkage in Japan is manifested in population aging and low birth rate, while other indicators also have a significant impact on the shrinkage. For example, when a city has a total population and a population density below 50,000 people and 1600 people/km2, shrinkage is significantly correlated to the city size. The results revealed the non-linear correlations and the various marginal effects of characteristics on the city shrinkage correlates and indicate the influence of urban scale and local autonomy on shrinkage. The study contributes to improving the understanding of city shrinkage in Japan and further provides insights for urban planners to implement city shrinkage management. • This study analyzes the distribution and characteristic of shrinking cities in Japan at municipality level. • A random forest algorithm is applied to reveal a combination correlates of city shrinkage. • The demographic-social-economic indicators has nonlinear and threshold effects on population decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sungazer (Smaug giganteus) is a threatened lizard species endemic to the Highveld grasslands of South Africa. The species faces risks from habitat loss and fragmentation, and illegal harvesting for traditional medicine and the pet trade. Despite these threats, the current conservation status of the species was poorly validated. We visited 79 Sungazer populations recorded in 1978 to assess population change since the initial surveys, and surveyed an additional 164 sites to better define the distribution and estimate the current population size. We interrogated all known historical trade data of the species. One-third of Sungazer populations have been extirpated over the past 37 years. The distribution includes two allopatric populations, with the smaller Mpumalanga population experiencing a significantly higher decline. The species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 34 500 km2, and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 1149 km2. The interpreted distribution is 17 978 km2, and just under 60% remains untransformed grassland. We estimate a population size of 677 000 mature individuals, down 48% from the estimated historical population, prior to commercial agricultural development. A total of 1194 live Sungazers were exported under permit from South Africa between 1985 and 2014, with a significant increase in numbers exported over the last decade. Without any evidence of captive breeding, we believe that these animals are all wild-caught. Based on the AOO, level of decline, fragmentation within the distribution and suspected level of exploitation, we recommend classification of the species as Vulnerable under IUCN Red List Criteria A2acd and B2ab(ii-v). The establishment of a protected area network, genetic research and further investigations into the pet and traditional medicine trades are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With shrinking cities becoming a global issue, declining housing demands due to declining population leads to a reduction in land prices. Housing asset value deflation occurs mainly in suburbs, which has an economic effect on elderly households. Although some issues have already been indicated, it is unclear whether the deflation of housing assets will have a significant impact on shrinking cities. We used 209 municipality bases to predict the decreasing value of housing assets in the Tokyo metropolitan area from 2019 to 2045. The deflation of housing asset value was estimated by considering the regional differences in population. We adopted a regression model for analysis. The value of housing asset deflation is projected to be approximately 94 trillion JPY by 2045. Although the degree of deflation differed by municipality, the deflation of housing asset value occurred in nearly all municipalities: Central Tokyo was an exception. Additionally, the deflation value in many suburban municipalities exceeded 10 million JPY per household. Thereafter, a case study analysis was conducted using the average household in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The study results imply that deflation of housing assets is unavoidable for households in suburbs, and it becomes new barriers to promoting compact cities. • Deflation of the housing assets due to population decline was clarified. • Projections were estimated at approximately 94 trillion JPY. • The housing assets deflation value exceeded 10 million JPY per household. • Worsening of household budget, causing barriers on promoting compact cities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a well-studied felid with limited genetic diversity, the cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus ) has shaped much of the scientific debate surrounding inbreeding depression. The species survived a population bottleneck ~ 12,000 years ago and was extirpated from > 75% of its historical range in the last century. Modern cheetahs produce poor-quality semen, a presumed manifestation of inbreeding depression. Within Felidae, a positive association between genetic diversity and semen quality is well supported by pedigree data and inter-species comparisons. However, this relationship has never been examined among individual cheetahs. Furthermore, whether ongoing population declines are exacerbating inbreeding depression in wild or captive cheetah populations is unknown. Using 12 microsatellite markers, we evaluated the relationship between heterozygosity and reproductive traits among wild ( n = 54) and captive ( n = 43) male cheetahs born from 1976–2007. We tested the hypotheses that genetic diversity has declined over the last ~ 30 years and is positively correlated with semen quality/breeding success in the cheetah. Findings revealed that genetic diversity has decreased in the wild, but not captive, population. Unexpectedly, heterozygosity was lower in proven versus unproven breeders and did not correlate with semen quality. A small proportion of all males (< 10%) produced relatively high quality ejaculates, with sperm traits similar to those of non-inbred felid species. These data suggest a more complex relationship between inbreeding and male cheetah reproductive traits than previously appreciated. Intensive management of captive cheetahs appears to be minimizing inbreeding, whereas the continued erosion of genetic diversity in wild males is of conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) emerged in the 1970s in Australia and the Americas, causing rapid and catastrophic declines and extinctions of naïve amphibian populations as it spread through remote rainforest and alpine regions. The description of chytridiomycosis in 1998 stimulated a large and diverse global research effort, including studies on phylogeny, distribution, ecology, and virulence – but mitigating its effect remains a major challenge. In 2010 a second Batrachochytrium species, B. salamandrivorans (Bsal), emerged after spreading to Europe from Asia and has decimated fire salamanders in the Netherlands and Belgium. Bsal appears to be restricted to salamanders and newts whereas Bd can infect all amphibian orders. These cases show that despite the current advanced state of globalisation, severe pathogens are still spreading and some may currently be excluded by geographic barriers, hence biosecurity still has potential to mitigate spread of undiscovered and unpredictable pathogens of wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species are undergoing rapid population declines, while other species have increased. Previous work has related population change to species traits to elucidate the drivers of population change. However, this assumes that these drivers operate consistently across habitats. We use national-scale monitoring data on UK bird abundance from 1994–2012 to calculate habitat-specific population trends, allowing us to evaluate whether the effect of species traits was consistent between habitats. Although we found significant interactions with habitat for traits relating to migratory behaviour, diet, nest site and habitat specialisation, the direction of these trait effects was generally consistent between habitats. This suggests that large-scale processes operating across habitats are responsible for many changes in bird populations, although processes operating within habitats can modulate the effect of these drivers. Despite this, differences in population trends between habitats remain when variation in population trends due to species identity is accounted for, indicating that some habitat effects do occur. By identifying the scale at which drivers of population change operate, it is possible to target conservation actions more directly. Population declines were most evident in woodland and urban habitats, and we suggest that these habitats should be the focus of increased research and conservation effort if declines evident in many bird species are to be reversed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural changes in recent decades have led to a widespread loss of biodiversity, with habitat loss considered as the main factor in the decline. The European turtle dove is one of the farmland birds that has declined markedly in Europe, leading the IUCN to downgrade its status in 2015 from "Near Threatened" to "Vulnerable". Knowledge of how habitat factors and agricultural practices influence the turtle dove population is crucial for the conservation of this species through the implementation of targeted measures. Here we investigate how foraging and nesting habitats influence the abundance of turtle doves at national and regional scales, using a 23-year dataset from point counts carried out throughout France, a stronghold country for this species during the breeding season. We found that turtle dove abondance was positively affected by fallow lands, both at national and regional scales. Turtle dove abundance was also negatively affected by fodder crop area at national scale, but the effect was detected in only four of the 13 French regions. We also showed that an increase in hedgerows length had a positive effect on turtle dove abundance. On the other hand, forest edges length showed a bell-shaped trend, suggesting that an increase in forest edges length may have a favourable effect on turtle dove abundance only up to a given threshold. We suggest that targeted conservation measures combining an increase in fallow lands and hedgerows length could allow the stabilisation or even an increase in turtle dove abundance in France, but also in European countries with similar landscapes. • The general decline of turtle dove in France is less marked in the Mediterranean region. • The decline in fallow land area is partly responsible for the decline of the turtle dove population. • Increase in fodder crop area leads to a decrease in breeding turtle dove abundance. • Increasing hedgerows may benefit to the turtle dove population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibians are undergoing a global conservation crisis, and they are one of the most underrepresented groups of vertebrates in the global network of protected areas (PAs). In this study, we evaluated the ability of the world's PAs to represent extant amphibian species. We also estimated the magnitude of the human footprint along the geographic distributions of gap species (i.e., those with distributions totally outside PAs). Twenty-four percent of species (n = 1535) are totally unrepresented, and another 18% (n = 1119) have less than 5% of their distribution inside PAs. Nearly half of all species with ranges under 1000 km 2 do not occur inside any PA. Furthermore, more than 65% of the distribution of gap species is in human-dominated landscapes. Although the Earth's PAs have greatly increased during the last ten years, the number of unprotected amphibians has also grown. Tropical countries in particular should strongly consider (1) the importance of using amphibians to drive conservation policies that eventually lead to the implementation and management of PAs, given amphibians' extinction risk and ability to act as bioindicators; (2) the effectiveness of national recovery plans for threatened amphibian species; and (3) the need for increased funding for scientific research to expand our knowledge of amphibian species. Meanwhile, data-deficient amphibian species should receive a higher priority than they usually receive in conservation planning, as a precautionary measure. Throughout this paper, we point out several challenges in creating more comprehensive amphibian conservation strategies and opportunities in the next decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated threats to the California condor ( Gymnogyps californianus ), a flagship endangered species, using individual data on survival during a 20 year period of intensive recovery efforts. Over the two decades of reintroductions, condors in California had an estimated median survival time of 7.8 years suggesting that 50% of condors are expected to survive in the wild long enough to contribute to recruitment. In general, annual mortality rates exceeded levels necessary for a stable population; however, mortality declined, reaching levels needed for population stability, during the second decade of re-establishment. Intensive management practices, including utility pole aversion training and clinical interventions to prevent lead-related deaths likely contributed to the decrease in mortality rates. Utility line collision and/or electrocution was an important factor causing mortality over the two decades; though, this threat has largely been mitigated through management and targeted efforts in high-risk areas. In the past, wildfires were not considered a major threat to survival of free-flying condors. However, our analyses suggest that forest fires are significantly linked to the hazard of death, and increased wildfire activity in California highlights this population's vulnerability to catastrophic losses from forest fire. Lead poisoning, which was a major driver in the population's decline, was a leading cause of death accounting for the greatest adult mortality, and lead exposure remains the most significant threat. Recent lead ammunition reduction efforts in the condor range in California hold promise for improving the recovery potential for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical forest understory birds are declining globally for unknown reasons, indicating an urgent need to understand the causes. We review and synthesize studies investigating causes of these declines focusing on the Sarapiquí region of the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica. We discuss evidence for five potential causes of population declines motivated by current understanding of the effects of fragmentation, disturbance of remnant forests, climate change, and their possible interactions: (1) reduced forest area increases the probability of stochastic extirpation; (2) reduced connectivity among forest patches decreases population rescue opportunities; (3) degradation of preferred microhabitats due to, for example, abundant large mammals, jeopardizes specialized birds’ foraging opportunities; (4) high nest predation rates reduce productivity below replacement levels; and (5) changes in macro- and microclimate increase energetic demands and reduce survival. Our review documents how tropical forest loss and degradation likely impact understory birds through a variety of direct, indirect, and interrelated causes spanning multiple temporal and spatial scales and levels of biological organization. We propose that the processes affecting understory birds in the Sarapiquí region may be broadly representative of threats experienced by rainforest understory birds pantropically. Effective conservation will require consideration of such diverse and interacting factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat change is a major driver of species distribution and persistence, but there have been few recorded extinction events for terrestrial mammals across Canada. Currently, we are observing the decline, extirpation, and perhaps extinction of several evolutionarily significant units of woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus caribou ), an iconic and cultural keystone species. We used an extensive set of caribou locations (5 subpopulations, 102 animals, 270,808 GPS-collar locations) collected over 11 years within the Central Mountain Designatable Unit to develop species distribution models that quantified avoidance by caribou of anthropogenic and natural disturbance features. Those empirical relationships allowed us to measure the loss of habitat over a 22-year period and correlate habitat change with measured population decline. The disturbance responses for caribou were complex and varied by season and subpopulation. We modelled a zone of influence for roads (1.75 km), seismic and pipelines (2.5 km), oil and gas features (4.25 km), cutblocks (5.5 km), burns (8.0 km), and coal mines (3.0 km). When the distribution models for each subpopulation were applied to the respective seasonal ranges, we measured a maximum loss in high-quality habitat of 65.9%. The reduction in habitat was strongly correlated with the annual multiplicative growth rate of 5 subpopulations of caribou. At current rates of habitat loss and population decline, these caribou, a significant component of Canada’s biodiversity, are unlikely to persist. Although the factors leading to extinction are complex, the cumulative impacts of industrial development are a correlative if not causative factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions represent a threat to worldwide diversity, but large scale patterns of their impacts are rarely reported. The population sex-ratio influences many other population parameters such as the effective population size, the mating system or the population persistence in the long run. At a local scale, the presence of American mink ( Neovison vison ), a successful invader, has been shown to distort the adult sex-ratio (ASR) in the native European polecat ( Mustela putorius ). The aim of the current work is to determine whether this process is generalized across the entire native species range, by studying 71 datasets and 10,847 polecats with a meta-analytic approach. Datasets were male-biased when these included adult individuals. The different sampling methods (trapping/hunting, live trapping or road-kills) did not affect the sample sex-ratio (SSR). The polecat ASR is more skewed toward males in the presence of American mink, representing a conservation concern due to the reduction of reproductive females. The potential repercussions of ASR distortion on the effective population size, the mating system or the population persistence are discussed. This is the first time that ASR distortion across the entire range of a native species is linked to competition with an invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential functional roles performed by animal species are lost when they become locally extinct, and ecosystems are critically threatened by this decline in functional diversity. Theory that links function, diversity, and ecosystem stability exists but fails to assess function loss that occurs in species with persistent populations. The entire functional role of a species, or a critical component of it, can be lost following large population declines (functional extinction), following population increase, or after behavioural adaptations to changes in the population, community, habitat, or climate. Here, we provide a framework that identifies the scenarios under which ‘cryptic’ function loss can occur in persistent populations. Cryptic function loss is potentially widespread and critically threatens ecosystem stability across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study simulated the impact of compact city policies on urban services and urban finances by employing a dynamic and spatial land use/transport model. The Metropolitan Activity Relocation Simulator (MARS) was selected as the dynamic and spatial land use/transport model to analyze dynamic urban aggregation changes over time. However, it was not possible to simulate the compact city policies under population decline using the existing MARS. Thus, to dynamically simulate the compact city policies, the MARS was adapted by adding two additional sub-models focused on urban service levels and urban finances. The urban service levels and urban finances were then analyzed during the aggregation process to simulate the policies for a compact city with a declining population. Subsequently, the urban service levels and urban finances were analyzed during the consolidation by simulating the policies for a compact city with a declining population. The findings showed that the disparities in urban areas and suburban public service levels widened, and the local government costs increased by implementing the policy. It was, therefore, concluded that the development of a compact city might be a relief to this situation under continuing population decline, and the implementation of subsidy and preferential treatment policies are greatly required to move residents to urban areas and encourage the compact city. • MARS dynamically simulates various policy scenarios for analyzing urban service levels and finances. • The analysis of urban service levels and finances clarifies the feasibility of compact cities under population declines. • The compact city implementation can decrease public facility densities and increase travel costs in suburban zones. • Local governments should implement compact city policies and improve urban management efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of population decline are present at different geographical scales and are often believed to be self-reinforcing. This means that population decline possibly causes changes in the living environment, which brings about more population decline. This research analysed if population decline at the neighbourhood level has an effect on the probability to move out or within rural neighbourhoods in North-Netherlands. It was expected that a preceding decline of the population in the neighbourhood increased the probability to move out of the neighbourhood, but that this effect differed for categories of the population and for moves over short and long distance. Using register data and additional surveys for 2006, a multinomial logistic regression model was constructed to estimate the effects of a preceding decline of neighbourhood populations on the probability to move over short and long distances for different categories of the population. It was found that a preceding decline of the neighbourhood population increased the probability to move out of the neighbourhood. However, this effect was only found for moves out of the neighbourhood up to 10 km of especially young adults, couples with children, and people aged 65 to 75. Moreover, by calculating estimated probabilities of moving out of neighbourhoods with declining and stable populations, it was shown that the difference between actual numbers of people moving out of these two types of neighbourhoods, was small and could therefore take a long time to have serious impact on the neighbourhood population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disease is often considered a key threat to species of conservation significance. For some, it has resulted in localised extinctions and declines in range and abundance. However, for some species, the assertion that a disease poses a significant threat of extinction is based solely on correlative or anecdotal evidence, often inferred from individual clinical case reports. While a species' susceptibility to a disease may be demonstrated in a number of individuals, investigations rarely extend to measuring the impact of disease at the population level and its contribution, if any, to population declines. The eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized Australian marsupial carnivore that is undergoing severe and rapid decline in Tasmania, its last refuge. Reasons for the decline are currently not understood. Feral cats (Felis catus) may be undergoing competitive release following the ongoing decline of the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), with cats suppressing eastern quolls through increased predation, competition, exclusion or exposure to diseases such as toxoplasmosis. To investigate the effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection, eastern quoll populations at four sites were regularly screened for the seroprevalence of T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence was approximately five times higher at sites with declining quoll populations, and there was a negative association between seroprevalence and quoll abundance. However, T. gondii infection did not reduce quoll survival or reproduction. Despite a high susceptibility to T. gondii infection, eastern quoll populations do not appear to be limited by the parasite or its resultant disease. Significantly higher seroprevalence is a signal of greater exposure to feral cats at sites where eastern quolls are declining, suggesting that increased predation, competition or exclusion by feral cats may be precipitating population declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Relationships between phenology and abundance changes of ground beetles were assessed. [•] Most species advanced their phenology. [•] A significant proportion of species declined in abundance with only a few increasing. [•] Species that advanced their phenology were less likely to decline. [•] Species with high fidelity to heather-dominated habitats were more prone to decline. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Numerous reports of seagrass decline around the world indicate that seagrass habitats are undergoing a global crisis with important consequences for coastal biodiversity, environmental status and economy, reflecting their vulnerable and overlooked status within many conservation agendas. This paper describes the results of the first extensive survey of this habitat in Portugal. It shows the present cover distribution and declining trends of seagrasses on the Portuguese coast (1980–2010), identifies environmental and conservation issues, and discusses challenges for long-term survival. Seagrass populations of the Portuguese coast are also facing an unprecedented decline in distribution, matching the general trends described for most world seagrasses. The results of this investigation show a dramatic decrease of seagrass cover in Portugal in the last 20 years. This decrease followed different trends for the three species present on this coast. Zostera noltii, having disappeared from some systems by almost 75%, is still the most abundant species, present in 10 of the 18 sites assessed. Zostera marina is presently the most endangered seagrass species in Portugal, as it disappeared from six of eight historical locations and faces extinction from the Portuguese territory if measures are not taken to assure the protection of the last regions left with populations. Cymodocea nodosa has a geographic distribution range limited to the southern/southwestern coasts, and its current conservation status is uncertain, although there is evidence for the recent occurrence of several population bottlenecks. Management questions are discussed and actions to improve habitat conservation are suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We quantified the impacts of harvesting on Quasipaa frogs in China. [•] Q. spinosa populations exhibit low densities, recruitment, and annual survival. [•] Individuals are territorial and make limited movements. [•] Harvesting confers at least 59% reduction of abundance in 5years. [•] Other Quasipaa with similar population attributes may be vulnerable to harvesting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Trypanosomes in Australian marsupials comprise a heterogeneous community. [•] The woylie was the only species found co-infected with different trypanosomes. [•] Some of the trypanosomes found are able to colonize several tissues in the host. [•] Trypanosoma copemani is able to invade cells in vitro. [•] Association between T.copemani and mixed infections with the decline of the woylie. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For elusive, data-poor marine fauna, Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) can be a rich and often underutilised source of biological and ecological data. We used a socio-ecological approach to assess LEK and provide key insights into the distribution, habitat use pattern, and threats facing giant guitarfishes (Glaucostegus spp.) in the Andaman Islands, India. We interviewed 175 fishers and other coastal users (SCUBA divers, coastal residents, researchers etc.), 142 of whom had seen giant guitarfishes. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between species of this genus, this study did not attempt to collect species specific data. However, data presented here most likely refer to the Giant Guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus) as it is the only species from this family confirmed from the Andaman Islands. Our results show that LEK can be an invaluable asset in understanding the distribution of little-known species. With sightings from over 70 locations, our data indicate that giant guitarfishes occur widely and the frequent sightings of pup-sized (<45 cm) individuals in shallow coastal waters suggests they could be using these habitats as nursery grounds. The identification of several potential nursery areas highlights locations of their range that need urgent protection to aid in their conservation. The only other location where G. typus is reportedly still frequently observed is northern Australia, making the Andaman Island population globally significant. However, rapid coastal transformation and growing fisheries likely threaten the species. With more than 33% of reported observations being over a decade old, our data suggest that populations have drastically declined, highlighting the need to regulate fisheries and coastal development in the Andamans. Including giant guitarfishes under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act would also be an essential step towards managing this globally important population. • Local Ecological Knowledge provided baseline data on giant guitarfishes in India. • Identification of critical giant guitarfish habitats can aid in their conservation. • Our data suggest that juveniles may use shallow coastal waters as nursery grounds. • If protected, the Islands could be a hotspot for these Critically Endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polar bears are one of the most iconic animals on our planet. Worldwide, even people who would never see one are drawn to these charismatic arctic ice hunters. They are the world's largest terrestrial carnivore, and despite being born on land, they spend most of their lives out on the sea ice and are considered a marine mammal. Current global studies estimate there are around 20,000 animals in some 19 discrete circumpolar populations. Aside from pregnant females denning in the winter months to give birth, the white bears do not hibernate. They spend their winters on the sea ice hunting seals, an activity they are spectacularly adapted for. Research on these animals is incredibly difficult because of the inhospitable surroundings they inhabit and how inaccessible they make the bears. For many years, the sum of our understanding of the natural history of polar bears came from tracks, scats, the remains of their kills, abandoned dens, and anecdotal observations of native hunters, explorers, and early biologists. Nonetheless, the last 40 years have seen a much better picture of their biology emerge thanks to, first, dedicated Canadian researchers and, later, truly international efforts of workers from many countries. Veterinarians have contributed to our knowledge of the bears by delivering and monitoring anesthesia, obtaining blood samples, performing necropsies, investigating their reproduction, conducting radio-telemetry studies, and examining their behavior. Recently, new technologies have been developed that revolutionize the study of the lives and natural history of undisturbed polar bears. These advances include better satellite radiotelemetry equipment and the development of remote-controlled miniature devices equipped with high-definition cameras. Such new modalities provide dramatic new insights into the life of polar bears. The remarkable degree of specialized adaptation to life on the sea ice that allowed the bears to be successful is the very reason that the bears are so vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Polar bears have few alternatives if their habitat (the sea ice) and their access to their ringed seal prey rapidly disappear. Predictions that polar bears may be able to adjust and sustain themselves on alternative food sources are not based on reality. Spring breakup of the sea ice is happening much earlier as well as fall freezeup is getting later, thereby prolonging the open water period that the bears are shore bound. If trends continue and the ice continues to disappear, the effect on polar bears would be devastating. Veterinarians must stay involved in polar bear studies and in multidisciplinary conservation studies dealing with threatened and endangered species worldwide. On account of their training, veterinarians can offer a unique skill set that can provide access to a number of technologies critical to conservation efforts. The oath veterinarians take on graduation from veterinary school charges them to be sworn to the "conservation of animal resources" and in the education of the public. We are only as good as the oaths we keep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Frequency of albinism and tumours in 1669 birds from Chernobyl. [•] 111 cases of partial albinism and 25 cases of tumours were predicted by radiation. [•] Abundance of birds was reduced relative to frequency of albinism and tumours. [•] Albinism and tumours are biomarkers of radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Understanding the factors that determine extinction risk is vital for effective conservation. [•] Relative to other vertebrate groups, extinction risk has rarely been examined in reptiles. [•] We conduct the most comprehensive study of extinction risk within a reptile group. [•] Body size, geographic range size and habitat specialization were the strongest predictors of extinction risk. [•] We place our results in context with studies on extinction risk in other vertebrate groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Numerous reports of seagrass decline around the world indicate that seagrass habitats are undergoing a global crisis with important consequences for coastal biodiversity, environmental status and economy, reflecting their vulnerable and overlooked status within many conservation agendas. This paper describes the results of the first extensive survey of this habitat in Portugal. It shows the present cover distribution and declining trends of seagrasses on the Portuguese coast (1980–2010), identifies environmental and conservation issues, and discusses challenges for long-term survival. Seagrass populations of the Portuguese coast are also facing an unprecedented decline in distribution, matching the general trends described for most world seagrasses. The results of this investigation show a dramatic decrease of seagrass cover in Portugal in the last 20 years. This decrease followed different trends for the three species present on this coast. Zostera noltii, having disappeared from some systems by almost 75%, is still the most abundant species, present in 10 of the 18 sites assessed. Zostera marina is presently the most endangered seagrass species in Portugal, as it disappeared from six of eight historical locations and faces extinction from the Portuguese territory if measures are not taken to assure the protection of the last regions left with populations. Cymodocea nodosa has a geographic distribution range limited to the southern/southwestern coasts, and its current conservation status is uncertain, although there is evidence for the recent occurrence of several population bottlenecks. Management questions are discussed and actions to improve habitat conservation are suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many marine species are threatened by high levels of incidental mortality in fisheries. This paper reviews the design of selected recent, detailed Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs) of the effects of fishing on seabirds. Several aspects of ERA methodology for seabirds are still in development, including the most appropriate ways to: predict seabird distribution and fisheries overlap; handle data gaps; compare productivity and susceptibility among species; and incorporate data on bycatch. Nor is there consensus on rules for selecting species or populations for inclusion in assessments, the appropriate spatial and temporal resolution for the analyses, and the definition of risk. Despite these uncertainties, the clear benefits of undertaking quantitative or semi-quantitative ERAs include the identification of particularly vulnerable species or populations and of key areas and seasons in which bycatch may be occurring, and the highlighting of data gaps and priorities for future monitoring. ERAs are likely to be particularly effective where explicit links are established at the outset between the outcomes or conclusions of the ERA and management responses. A precautionary approach to bycatch mitigation can then be embedded in the broader fisheries management framework. However, this requires that the ERA process is not overly complex or is prolonged to the extent that it draws attention away from existing responsibilities and commitments to reduce bycatch per se. When selecting the best approach, it is vital to balance desired outputs against the availability of data for the assessment, and to deal with data gaps in a precautionary manner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many invaders can substantially modify the habitats that they invade, but the long-term effects of these changes on the invaders themselves remain uncertain. Spartina alterniflora, an aggressive invasive plant of coastal wetlands, can reduce the tidal inundation time and accumulate standing litter by sediment trapping and by high production. A 16-year chronosequence of S. alterniflora invasion in Dongtan marsh in Yangtze River estuary, China revealed that S. alterniflora had a 5-year enhancement followed by a longer decline. Steady decreases in the tidal inundation time and increases in the standing litter per unit living mass were observed. A controlled experiment showed that the growth of S. alterniflora was significantly limited by the decrease in the inundation time and by the standing litter. These results indicate that the changes in habitats caused by invaders can limit the invaders over time because the accumulation of habitat changes creates certain habitat properties that exceed the optimal range for invaders. These findings highlight the importance of the impacts of invasion on the long-term dynamics of invasive populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Migration into rural areas is often explained in terms of the rural idyll, the attraction of the countryside with its less hurried way of life in a quiet, spacious and green environment. However, this migration phenomenon has mostly been researched in attractive, amenity-rich, popular rural areas. This paper investigates the characteristics and motivations of migrants to less-popular rural areas using survey data (N = 664) for four municipalities in the North of the Netherlands. Our study shows a young group of in-migrants with relatively low incomes, but also a large proportion of working people and a considerable number of highly educated movers. Separating the motivations for choosing to live in a rural area in general from the motivations for choosing this specific rural area reveals that while the pull of the rural idyll is an important motivation for moving to a rural area in general, the reasons for choosing the specific rural area are a mixture of housing characteristics, the physical qualities of the environment, personal reasons and the low house prices in the area. Combining the motivations with the characteristics of the movers reveals the diversity within the movers group. Our analysis shows a group of movers motivated to live close to family and friends, consisting of return migrants, singles, the youngest and oldest age groups and also the lowest income group. The physical qualities of the environment attract a group of highly educated movers, people with high incomes and people aged between 35 and 64. The motivation of housing characteristics, referring in most cases to the availability of a specific house, is mentioned by a wide range of movers, but in particular by people moving from urban areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Single-tree selection harvesting is frequently used in the tolerant hardwood forests of North America, but little is known about how it affects the reproductive success of migratory songbirds. Many songbirds that breed in tolerant hardwoods, including the Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus leudovicianus) are experiencing population declines across their breeding ranges. We studied habitat characteristics and reproductive success of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in stands harvested 0–5, 16–20, and 21–25years previously and in reference stands (un-harvested for >50years) in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada (n = 3 per age class). Recently harvested stands had higher cover from regenerative growth and lower sapling, understory, and canopy cover than other treatments, whereas reference stands had higher basal area and sapling cover. Pairing success was significantly lower in the reference stands than in all other post-harvest treatments, and the number of fledglings per successful nest was significantly lower in the reference stands than in the 0–5years post-harvest stands. Density and population growth rate were significantly positively correlated, suggesting that density may be an adequate indicator of habitat quality for Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in forested landscapes. Older males were present at higher densities, initiated their nests earlier, and produced significantly more fledglings per nest than younger males in all treatments. Habitat characteristics did not differ significantly between nests with second-year and after-second-year males, suggesting greater reproductive output of older males was likely due to experience rather than monopolization of better quality territories. We concluded that single-tree selection harvesting was beneficial to Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in our predominantly forested study area. Population growth rates were below replacement levels in the 21–25 years post-harvest and reference treatments, but populations were stable in the younger regenerating stands. Thus, in a continuously forested landscape this species’ declines are probably not attributable to single-tree selection harvesting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: I examined the age, growth, maturity, mortality, and body condition of walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, in the northeastern Japan Sea (northern Japan Sea population) and evaluated their resilience to exploitation. Walleye pollock were collected in pre-spawning (October 1991–1995) and post-spawning (April 1990–1996) seasons. Estimated ages ranged from 3 to 18 years for both sexes. A von Bertalanffy growth model showed that females had longer asymptotic fork length (460mm) than males (425mm). Fifty percent of females and males were mature at 348mm (4.6 years) and 322mm (3.9 years), respectively. The instantaneous natural mortality rate was estimated to be 0.22. These life-history traits in the northern Japan Sea population were compared to those in the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska, and the Japan Pacific populations. As a result, female walleye pollock in this population matured at small body sizes, grew rapidly toward small maximum sizes, and had short reproductive lifespans with low size-specific fecundity and poor body condition. Low prey availability and habitat temperatures are considered as a possible mechanism for the small maximum sizes in this population. The potential rate of population increase of both the northern Japan Sea population and other pollock populations tended to be lower than other exploited populations of non-viviparous marine fishes, suggesting potentially lower resilience to exploitation in this population and walleye pollock populations in general. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The area occupied by colonies of the black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus; BTPD henceforth) in northwestern Mexico was dramatically reduced between 1988 and 2005. We conducted a quantitative assessment of the distributional changes of these BTPD colonies during the periods 1988–2000 and 2000–2005 focusing on the potential roles of plant biomass, landscape configuration, habitat loss, and habitat suitability. We used remote sensing and GIS tools to characterize habitat and landscape conditions at areas of extinction and persistence at the beginning of each period. Based on this information, we contrasted areas of extinction and persistence within single BTPD colonies, and used logistic regression to model extinction of entire colonies. The greatest levels of reduction, fragmentation and extinction of colonies occurred between 1988 and 2000. The trend of reduction continued between 2000 and 2005 because the largest colony became smaller and fragmented, driving the area down, however, the rest of the towns showed a marginal increase. During the first period, extinction of entire colonies was higher in smaller colonies occupying low-biomass areas. Both extinction models and raw data indicate that colony area lost to agriculture and urbanization was relatively low for both periods. Because the period exhibiting the highest colony area loss coincided with a severe period of drought (1994–1995), we hypothesized that an unusually high food shortage could be the driving force behind this generalized reduction in colonies. Our results suggest that BTPD populations are sensitive to size and isolation effects mainly in the context of severe drought. Because changes in precipitation have profound impacts on plant productivity and composition in arid ecosystems, BTPD populations at the southernmost edge of their geographic range are especially vulnerable to drought and desertification processes, and therefore to climate disruption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ecological monitoring is widely used to measure change through time in ecosystems. The current extinction crisis has resulted in a wealth of monitoring programs focussed on tracking the status of threatened species, and the perceived importance of monitoring has seen it become the cornerstone of many biodiversity conservation programs. However, many monitoring programs fail to produce useful outcomes due to inherent flaws. Here we use a monitoring program from south-eastern Australia as a case study to illustrate the potential of such endeavours. The threatened carnivorous marsupial, the brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), has been monitored at various locations between 2000 and 2010. We present strong evidence for a decline in relative abundance during this period, and also describe relationships with environmental variables. These results provide insights likely to be valuable in guiding future management of the species. In the absence of the monitoring program, informed management would not be possible. While early detection of population declines is important, knowledge of the processes driving such declines is required for effective intervention. We argue that monitoring programs will be most effective as a tool for enhanced conservation management if they test specific hypotheses relating to changes in population trajectories. Greater emphasis should be placed on rigorous statistical analysis of monitoring datasets in order to capitalise on the resources devoted to monitoring activities. Many datasets are likely to exist for which careful analysis of results would have benefits for determining management directions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wildlife breeding farms have been promoted to aid biodiversity conservation by alleviating the pressure of harvest on wild populations. There is, however, growing concern that many breeding farms are being used to launder illegally caught wildlife. Surveys of wildlife traders in the Indonesian provinces of Maluku, West Papua and Papua were conducted between August 2009 and April 2011 to assess the trade of the green python (Morelia viridis), the species currently exported in the largest numbers from Indonesia declared as captive-bred. In total, 4227 illegally collected wild green pythons were recorded during surveys and high levels of harvest were found to have depleted and skewed the demographics of some island populations. Snakes were traced from their point of capture to breeding farms in Jakarta where they are to be exported for the pet trade, confirming the reports of wildlife laundering. Extrapolation of monthly collection estimates provided by traders revealed that at least 5337 green pythons are collected each year, suggesting that at least 80% of the green pythons exported from Indonesia annually are illegally wild-caught. The results of examination of 139 eggshells from five python species suggest that reptilian eggshells may be used as proof of provenance for each individual reptile exported. This method, in addition to the evidence that breeding farms play a significant role in the illegal exploitation of wildlife, allows conservation managers to begin to adequately monitor, regulate and determine the role of breeding farms in the conservation of wild populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: Conservation of forest-dwelling caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) is of great concern across most of its range. Anthropogenic disturbances, primarily logging activities, have been identified as the most important cause of caribou decline, although the mechanisms underlying this decline are not fully understood. Caribou commonly display fidelity to calving sites or seasonal ranges, but the potential role of this life-history trait has been largely overlooked in research and conservation planning. This is surprising because sites and ranges with high inter-annual use should have high conservation value. We investigated the relationship between habitat disturbances and home-range fidelity of forest-dwelling caribou across three study sites in Québec, Canada, using a broad range of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Between 2004 and 2007, we tracked 47 adult female caribou using GPS collars. Home-range fidelity varied between seasons, being higher during calving and summer, and lower during winter. Caribou reduced fidelity following natural and anthropogenic disturbances, the latter having a stronger negative influence. Anthropogenic disturbances had a strong negative impact on home-range fidelity during annual, summer and winter periods, whereas natural disturbance was the dominant factor during calving. Despite this negative influence on fidelity, caribou tended to demonstrate range fidelity even in study sites most impacted by human activities. Habitat disturbances could produce two possible outcomes for caribou conservation: (1) a trend for females to reduce home-range fidelity which could translate into lower calf and female caribou survival through reduced familiarity with food distribution, escape cover and predation risk and (2) a global tendency to maintain range fidelity even in a drastically modified landscape which could turn into an ecological trap, particularly for calves when predation risk increases due to increased black bear density in early successional forests. Taking range fidelity behavior into consideration during forest management planning could direct conservation efforts toward the best available sites and therefore facilitate caribou persistence in managed landscapes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bats are ecologically important mammals in tropical ecosystems; however, their populations face numerous environmental threats related to climate change, habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting, and emerging diseases. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop and implement large-scale networks to monitor trends in bat populations over extended time periods. Using data from a range of Neotropical and Paleotropical bat assemblages, we assessed the ability for long-term monitoring programs to reliably detect temporal trends in species abundance. We explored the magnitude of within-site temporal variation in abundance and evaluated the statistical power of a suite of different sampling designs for several different bat species and ensembles. Despite pronounced temporal variation in abundance of most tropical bat species, power simulations suggest that long-term monitoring programs (⩾20years) can detect population trends of 5% per year or more with adequate statistical power (⩾0.9). However, shorter monitoring programs (⩽10years) have insufficient power for trend detection. Overall, our analyses demonstrate that a monitoring program extending over 20years with four surveys conducted biennially on five plots per monitoring site would have the potential for detecting a 5% annual change in abundance for a suite of bat species from different ensembles. The likelihood of reaching adequate statistical power was sensitive to initial species abundance and the magnitude of count variation, stressing that only the most abundant species in an assemblage and those with generally low variation in abundance should be considered for detailed population monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]