Geographic distributions shape the functional traits in a large mammalian family

Ma, Yingjie; Wang, Meng; Wei, Fuwen; Nie, Yonggang

doi:10.1002/ece3.8039

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 119 publications

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“…Nonvolant small mammals are good models for elucidating mechanisms of how fragmentation affects diversity at a landscape scale because of their relatively short lifespans, high taxonomic and ecological diversity and importance (Barrett & Peles, 1999; Ma et al, 2021; Paniccia et al, 2022). They are also valuable in assessing edge effects because they have small home ranges and dispersal distances typically smaller than the distances between remnants (Blair, 1953; Bondrup‐Nielsen, 1985; Wilson & Anderson, 1985).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bioindicators of edge effects within Atlantic Forest remnants: Conservation implications in a threatened biodiversity hotspot

Sancha

González‐Maya

Boyle

et al. 2023

Diversity and Distributions

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Aim Deforestation of the Atlantic Forest of eastern Paraguay has been recent but extensive, resulting in a fragmented landscape highly influenced by forest edges. We examined edge effects on multiple dimensions of small mammalian diversity. Location Forest fragments of eastern Paraguayan Atlantic Forest. Methods We trapped small mammal species at different distances from the forest edge (DTE) in reserves and estimated multiple dimensions of diversity per site. Similarity analysis identified species clusters that best described the patterns of diversity across reserves. Multivariate ordination and linear mixed models were used to determine the influence of DTE on various dimensions of small mammal diversity. Results There was an increase in richness and abundance along a DTE gradient, and remnants with higher edge:area ratios showed higher richness and abundance, independent of remnant size. Species at edges were generalists, open‐habitat species or exotic species (spillover effect). We found higher phylogenetic diversity and functional richness and divergence towards forest edges. Spillover of non‐forest and invasive species best explained richness, generalist forest species best explained total abundance, abundance of Hylaeamys megacephalus best explained diversity and evenness metrics and the presence of Marmosa paraguayana best explained various phylogenetic diversity models. None of the models that included megafauna or social factors were shown to be important in explaining patterns as a function of DTE. Main Conclusions We found strong support for a spillover effect and mixed support for complementary resource use and enhanced habitat resources associated with ecotones. Generalists characterized edge assemblages but not all generalists were equivalent. Edges showed more phylogenetically and functionally distinct assemblages than the interior of remnants. There was a conservation of functional diversity; however, open‐habitat species, habitat generalists and exotic species boosted diversity near forest edges. Mechanisms governing diversity along forest edges are complex; disentangling those mechanisms necessitates the use of multiple dimensions of diversity.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bioindicators of edge effects within Atlantic Forest remnants: Conservation implications in a threatened biodiversity hotspot

Sancha

González‐Maya

Boyle

et al. 2023

Diversity and Distributions

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“…The giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) experienced an evolutionary dietary shift, transitioning from omnivory to obligate herbivory with bamboo dietary specialization ( Han et al, 2019 ; Ma et al, 2021 ). As seasonal altitudinal migrants, giant pandas rely on bamboo shoots and leaves with different nutritional quality ( Nie et al, 2015 ; Wang et al, 2023 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying priority protection areas of key food resources of the giant panda

Ma¹,

Wang²,

Hu³

et al. 2023

Zoological Research

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Animals that live in seasonal environments adjust their reproduction cycle to optimize seasonal forage quality. Giant pandas ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) are seasonal altitudinal migrants that feed on bamboo shoots and leaves with different nutritional quality. However, the importance of bamboo shoots to giant pandas, especially small and isolated populations, is not fully appreciated. Here, we explored whether mating time of giant pandas is shaped by bamboo shoot phenology. We also assessed the intensity of ongoing bamboo shoot harvesting by local communities in 42 giant panda reserves based on questionnaire surveys. Varying intensity and protection levels of bamboo shoot harvesting were found. From these data, we developed a priority ranking scheme of protection areas for this key food resource. Our study showed that pandas time their mating behavior to coincide with bamboo shoot phenology due to the high nutritional demands associated with mating and pregnancy. We also found that bamboo shoots were not well protected in many places. Liangshan, Daxiangling, and Xiaoxiangling, containing the most isolated panda populations, were identified as the areas with the most urgent need of protection. Furthermore, equal attention should be paid to the QiongL-B population, as this region holds considerable potential to serve as a corridor between the Minshan and Qionglai populations. To address the challenges posed by bamboo shoot harvesting, we recommend establishing more practical bamboo shoot management policies, increasing public awareness of bamboo shoot protection, and providing alternative sources of income for local communities.

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“…An intriguing product of evolution is that some species within a given taxonomic family have wide niches, whereas others have much narrower niches, and likewise some species are distributed much more broadly than others. A particularly striking example of this variation in niche and range is the bear family Ursidae [1]. This family consists of only eight species, one of the smallest among the Order Carnivora.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Species–Habitat Associations: A Case Study with the World’s Bears

Garshelis¹

2022

Land

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Habitat modeling is one of the most common practices in ecology today, aimed at understanding complex associations between species and an array of environmental, bioclimatic, and anthropogenic factors. This review of studies of seven species of terrestrial bears (Ursidae) occupying four continents examines how habitat models have been employed, and the functionality of their predictions for management and conservation. Bear occurrence data have been obtained at the population level, as presence points (e.g., sign surveys or camera trapping), or as locations of individual radio-collared animals. Radio-collars provide greater insights into how bears interact with their environment and variability within populations; they are more commonly used in North America and Europe than in South America and Asia. Salient problematic issues apparent from this review included: biases in presence data; predictor variables being poor surrogates of actual behavioral drivers; predictor variables applied at a biologically inappropriate scale; and over-use of data repositories that tend to detach investigators from the species. In several cases, multiple models in the same area yielded different predictions; new presence data occurred outside the range of predicted suitable habitat; and future range projections, based on where bears presently exist, underestimated their adaptability. Findings here are likely relevant to other taxa.

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Geographic distributions shape the functional traits in a large mammalian family

Cited by 4 publications

References 119 publications

Bioindicators of edge effects within Atlantic Forest remnants: Conservation implications in a threatened biodiversity hotspot

Bioindicators of edge effects within Atlantic Forest remnants: Conservation implications in a threatened biodiversity hotspot

Identifying priority protection areas of key food resources of the giant panda

Understanding Species–Habitat Associations: A Case Study with the World’s Bears

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