Ecological preferences of Hyla molleri in the colonisation of arboreal refuges in a human-shaped wetland

Rita Lacerda, do Vale
,; Torres, Inês; Gomes, S. R.; Fonseca, Carlos; Ferreira, Eduardo

doi:10.1163/15685381-00003140

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 16 publications

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“…Reptiles may be reliant on cavities for protection during winter inactivity (e.g., Fitzgerald, Shine & Lemckert, 2002;Bryant, Dundas & Fleming, 2012), or they may use cavities during other seasons for protection, thermoregulation, or to facilitate prey capture (Webb & Shine, 1997). Although many amphibians use tree cavities, this aspect of their ecology is poorly studied (e.g., Piraccini et al, 2017;Do Vale et al, 2018). In contrast, cavity use by mammals has been well studied (Carey et al, 1997;Kappeler, 1998;Lumsden, Bennett & Silins, 2002;Willis & Brigham, 2004;Goldingay, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sex and age differences in tree cavity dependence in a small arboreal marsupial

Goldingay

2020

Journal of Zoology

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Many mammal species depend on tree cavities for shelter and for breeding. Some species may use tree cavities as well as other varied shelters, but the extent of their dependence on tree cavities is unknown. One such species is the eastern pygmy‐possum (Cercartetus nanus) from eastern Australia which typically shelters alone. Four key questions were addressed: (1) do different age and sex classes differ in their preferences for small (4 cm diameter) and large (10 cm diameter) cavities, (2) does the availability of large cavities influence female breeding status, (3) does the availability of large cavities influence where adult females and males are detected, and (4) does the availability of large cavities influence survival and abundance? Two 9‐ha plots containing few (≤2 per ha) ‘large’ natural cavities were provisioned with artificial cavities in different years. When plots were provisioned with small and large cavities, breeding females (n = 46) showed a pronounced preference for sheltering in the large cavities while adult males (n = 67) and subadults (n = 40) preferred the small cavities. When one plot and not the other was provisioned with large cavities, adult females were significantly more likely to be reproductive and be detected on the plot with large cavities, but survival was not influenced. Detection of adult males did not vary with large cavity provisioning. The abundance of adult pygmy‐possums varied among years, being higher on the plot provisioned with large cavities when the other plot was not provisioned, but equivalent when both were provisioned. The findings of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that breeding females are dependent on a large cavity to raise a litter. Other mammal species around the world are likely to exhibit similar but currently unrecognized shelter site strategies which have implications for their management.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sex and age differences in tree cavity dependence in a small arboreal marsupial

Goldingay

2020

Journal of Zoology

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Artificial refuges for wildlife conservation: what is the state of the science?

et al. 2021

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Artificial refuges are human-made structures that aim to create safe places for animals to breed, hibernate, or take shelter in lieu of natural refuges. Artificial refuges are used across the globe to mitigate the impacts of a variety of threats on wildlife, such as habitat loss and degradation. However, there is little understanding of the science underpinning artificial refuges, and what comprises best practice for artificial refuge design and implementation for wildlife conservation. We address this gap by undertaking a systematic review of the current state of artificial refuge research for the conservation of wildlife. We identified 224 studies of artificial refuges being implemented in the field to conserve wildlife species. The current literature on artificial refuges is dominated by studies of arboreal species, primarily birds and bats. Threatening processes addressed by artificial refuges were biological resource use (26%), invasive or problematic species (20%), and agriculture (15%), yet few studies examined artificial refuges specifically for threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) species (7%). Studies often reported the characteristics of artificial refuges (i.e. refuge size, construction materials; 87%) and surrounding vegetation (35%), but fewer studies measured the thermal properties of artificial refuges (18%), predator activity (17%), or food availability (3%). Almost all studies measured occupancy of the artificial refuges by target species (98%), and over half measured breeding activity (54%), whereas fewer included more detailed measures of fitness, such as breeding productivity (34%) or animal body condition (4%). Evaluating the benefits and impacts of artificial refuges requires sound experimental design, but only 39% of studies compared artificial refuges to experimental controls, and only 10% of studies used a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design. As a consequence, few studies of artificial refuges can determine their overall effect on individuals or populations. We outline a series of key steps in the design, implementation, and monitoring of artificial refuges that are required to avoid perverse outcomes and maximise the chances of achieving conservation objectives. This review highlights a clear need for increased rigour in studies of artificial refuges if they are to play an important role in wildlife conservation.

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Creating wildlife habitat using artificial structures: a review of their efficacy and potential use in solar farms

Boscarino‐Gaetano,

Vernes,

Nordberg

2024

Biological Reviews

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The biodiversity crisis is exacerbated by a growing human population modifying nearly three‐quarters of the Earth's land surface area for anthropogenic uses. Habitat loss and modification represent the largest threat to biodiversity and finding ways to offset species decline has been a significant undertaking for conservation. Landscape planning and conservation strategies can enhance habitat suitability for biodiversity in human‐modified landscapes. Artificial habitat structures such as artificial reefs, nest boxes, chainsaw hollows, artificial burrows, and artificial hibernacula have all been successfully implemented to improve species survival in human‐modified and fragmented landscapes. As the global shift towards renewable energy sources continues to rise, the development of photovoltaic systems is growing exponentially. Large‐scale renewable projects, such as photovoltaic solar farms have large space requirements and thus have the potential to displace local wildlife. We discuss the feasibility of ‘conservoltaic systems’ – photovoltaic systems that incorporate elements tailored specifically to enhance wildlife habitat suitability and species conservation. Artificial habitat structures can potentially lessen the impacts of industrial development (e.g., photovoltaic solar farms) through strategic landscape planning and an understanding of local biodiversity requirements to facilitate recolonization.

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Ecological preferences of Hyla molleri in the colonisation of arboreal refuges in a human-shaped wetland

Cited by 4 publications

References 16 publications

Sex and age differences in tree cavity dependence in a small arboreal marsupial

Sex and age differences in tree cavity dependence in a small arboreal marsupial

Artificial refuges for wildlife conservation: what is the state of the science?

Creating wildlife habitat using artificial structures: a review of their efficacy and potential use in solar farms

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