A latent process model approach to improve the utility of indicator species

Fleming, Jill; Sutherland, Chris; Sterrett, Sean C.; Grant, Evan H. Campbell

doi:10.1111/oik.07334

Cited by 7 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 83 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This type of application has parallels with methods for inferring unobserved ecological processes using indicator or surrogate species (e.g. Wenger, 2008; Parlato and Armstrong, 2018; Fleming et al., 2020).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Incorporating data‐based estimates of temporal variation into projections for newly monitored populations

Parlato

Ewen

McCready

et al. 2021

Animal Conservation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The importance of accounting for temporal variation in vital rates when modelling population dynamics is well recognized. However, long‐term (usually >5 years) datasets are needed to estimate this variation. Consequently, models for newly monitored populations typically assume no temporal variation or use default values provided in software programmes, both of which can give misleading inferences about population dynamics. The goal of this study is to improve estimation of dynamics in the initial years of conservation programmes by incorporating data‐based estimates of temporal variation from other populations with longer‐term data available. We show how data‐derived priors can be generated using estimates of temporal variation in vital rates from other populations, providing information about expected variation until sufficient population‐specific data are available. We specifically evaluated whether data‐derived priors improved our ability to estimate temporal variation for a reintroduced population monitored for 3 years postrelease. We first predicted population growth and probability of extinction assuming no temporal variation in vital rates, then compared projections to those obtained when temporal variation was estimated with uniform priors or with the data‐derived priors. Both types of priors were constrained to plausible ranges, and we also assessed sensitivity of model outputs to widening those ranges. Median projected population size was similar under all three models, but extinction probability was higher with inclusion of temporal variability, reiterating the importance of incorporating this source of uncertainty. Projections with temporal variation were similar irrespective of whether data‐derived priors or uniform priors were used. However, the data‐derived priors generated more precise estimates of annual variation that were less sensitive to relaxation of prior constraints. The approach we present can facilitate management decisions at the outset of conservation programmes when risk assessments that account for all relevant uncertainties can be crucial for determining optimal management strategies.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Incorporating data‐based estimates of temporal variation into projections for newly monitored populations

Parlato

Ewen

McCready

et al. 2021

Animal Conservation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Climates and seasons that are too hot, too cold, or too dry are inhospitable to plethodontids. In part due to this environmental sensitivity, several studies have already made the case for the use of plethodontid salamanders in biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring as indicator species (Welsh & Ollivier, 1998;Welsh & Droege, 2001;Best & Welsh, 2014;Farallo & Miles, 2016;Fleming et al, 2020), while others have argued caution when using amphibians as 'canaries in a coal mine' for anthropogenic change (Kerby et al, 2010).…”

Section: Salamanders and The Plethodontidae As Model Organisms In Eebmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The indicator species concept (also known as "surrogate species concept") arose as a shortcut approach to evaluating the complex state of ecosystems by measuring a few, relatively inexpensive observable characteristics (Landres, Verner, & Thomas, 1988;Caro, 2010;Lindenmayer, Barton, & Pierson, 2015). The degree to which P. cinereus can successfully be considered an indicator species in the future will depend upon making direct connections between P. cinereus and specific drivers of interest as well as understanding the mecha-nistic relationship between the indicator and ecosystem property; often an unobservable ecological process (Fleming et al, 2020).…”

Section: (Ii) Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…S4). SPARCnet methodology employs a simple and inexpensive, yet robust and spatially explicit mark-recapture design (Sutherland et al, 2016;Munoz et al, 2016b;Fleming et al, 2020Fleming et al, , 2021 using standardized ACO plots, arranged in pairs for potential experimental and control studies (e.g., snow removal, forest management). Despite the challenges of long-term individual based studies (i.e., consistency, quality, stable funding; Clutton-Brock & Sheldon, 2010), SPARCnet holds annual meetings and has developed research protocols and minimum core data collection agreements among researchers that allow this network to meet the growing needs of long-term studies focusing on changing demography of the focal species, P. cinereus (Clutton-Brock & Sheldon, 2010).…”

Section: Is Plethodon Cinereus An Eeb Model Organism?mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Eastern red-backed salamanders: A comprehensive review of an undervalued model in evolution, ecology, & behavior

Fisher‐Reid¹,

Grayson²,

Grouleff³

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

What makes a model organism? Identifying the qualities of a model organism has been given a great deal of attention in the biomolecular sciences, but less so in the fields of evolution, ecology, and behavior (EEB). In EEB, biotic and abiotic variation are features to understand, not bugs to get rid of, and EEB scientists often select organisms to study which best suit the scientific question at hand. Successful EEB model organisms can be studied at multiple biological scales and have a wealth of accumulated knowledge on which current research programs build. A recent call within EEB to invest in the inclusive development of diverse model systems and scientists has led us to evaluate the standing of the widespread, abundant, terrestrial salamander we study, the eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus). We first look at salamanders as EEB models more generally, to determine where P. cinereus fits in this broader context. We next present a comprehensive review of the literature on the eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) since the last comprehensive review was completed in 1998. The core of our paper reviews 410 recent studies and highlights inconsistencies, gaps in our knowledge, and future directions in the context of the 1998 review. Finally, we present a collaborative research network, SPARCnet, as a nascent infrastructure for continued research on P. cinereus. Here, we especially discuss how this type of infrastructure can be broadly applied not just to other salamanders, but to other model systems, so that the future of EEB research may benefit from models which accurately represent, in Darwin’s words, “endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful.”

show abstract

“…Moreover, ISs can be selected based on some characteristics, including abundance, sensitivity, attractiveness, endangered, invasive species, or any combination of these [15]. While ISs have rarely proven to be an effective tool for monitoring ecosystems and informing management decisions [31,32], the use of quantitative methods to identify ISs is rapidly evolving. Consequently, the conceptual model of ISs, including direct relationships between ISs, drivers of ecosystem change, and underlying processes and variables, was extended [32].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing a Model to Select Indicator Species Based on Individual Species’ Contributions to Biodiversity

Chu

Shih

et al. 2022

Applied Sciences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In both ecological research and engineering, the selection of indicator species is crucial. Biodiversity has always been an important policy objective for ecologists and environmental managers. Based on this target requirement, we developed a method that reveals the individual contributions of species to biodiversity to quantitatively identify indicator species for selection during environmental monitoring. The Siangshan Wetland in Hsinchu, Taiwan, was selected as an application case. The spread of mangroves not only changed the original habitat composition and function of benthic organisms in wetlands, but also led to problems such as estuary filling, flooding, and black mosquito breeding. Therefore, a large-scale mangrove removal project was undertaken by the Hsinchu City Government from October 2015 to March 2016. In this study, the biological effects of mangrove removal on benthic organisms and adjacent habitats were investigated from October 2015 to September 2016. According to biodiversity contribution algorithms, we identified five indicator species, namely, Mictyris brevidactylus, Macrophthalmus banzai, Uca arcuata, U. lacteal, and U. borealis. These indicator species had the most prominent biodiversity contribution, and they provided direct evidence of the beneficial effect of mangrove removal for wetland restoration. After mangrove deforestation, tidal flat species returned to their original habitats, and their related densities increased significantly in mangrove removal areas. Improving our understanding of the relationships between biodiversity and indicator species is crucial for the development of coastal management processes. Mangrove removal can be confirmed as an appropriate habitat rehabilitation strategy for benthic organisms. Consequently, these indicator species and the results obtained can provide valuable ecological information for those involved in coastal management or other officials seeking to control the spread of mangroves.

show abstract

A latent process model approach to improve the utility of indicator species

Cited by 7 publications

References 83 publications

Incorporating data‐based estimates of temporal variation into projections for newly monitored populations

Incorporating data‐based estimates of temporal variation into projections for newly monitored populations

Eastern red-backed salamanders: A comprehensive review of an undervalued model in evolution, ecology, & behavior

Developing a Model to Select Indicator Species Based on Individual Species’ Contributions to Biodiversity

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About