The important role of ecological engineers in providing ecosystem services at landscape level

Petrosillo, Irene; Zurlini, Giovanni

doi:10.1111/acv.12321

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Ideally, future conservation strategies would be designed in a more holistic manner, incorporating diversity and function. We concur with Petrosillo & Zurlini's () assertion that the target of species reintroductions should become their ecological role in the context of system stability. However, we do not believe that our current knowledge is sufficient to confidently predict all such driving species in all circumstances; thus, we would add that restoring only species for whom ecological function is known would be an opportunity missed.…”

supporting

confidence: 89%

The implications of biodiversity loss for the dynamics of wildlife in Australia

Ward‐Fear

Hayward

L'Hotellier

et al. 2016

Animal Conservation

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supporting

confidence: 89%

The implications of biodiversity loss for the dynamics of wildlife in Australia

Ward‐Fear

Hayward

L'Hotellier

et al. 2016

Animal Conservation

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“…Our study highlights the importance of predators in the Subarctic, beyond trophic impacts, through their role as ecosystem engineers. Ecosystem engineers are often considered for the spatial extent of their impacts, yet the temporal scale should be equally considered when evaluating their impacts (Hastings et al, 2007; Petrosillo & Zurlini, 2016). Similar to beavers ( Castor canadensis ), where the effects of dam construction can permanently shift forest riparian zones into meadow ecosystems, despite dams only being occupied for an average of 4 years (Hastings et al, 2007), the impacts of red fox denning can extend far beyond the lifespan of one individual fox.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Red foxes enhance long‐term tree growth near the Arctic treeline

et al. 2022

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Recent climate warming is expected to increase tree growth and productivity, substantially altering ecological function and boundaries in northern ecosystems. Although climate largely determines the range and growth of trees in any biome, variations in microsite conditions can influence growth on a finer scale. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are found in most terrestrial ecosystems and are considered ecosystem engineers through their denning activities. Added soil nutrients from prey remains, feces, and urine could benefit tree growth on dens in subarctic regions by alleviating soil nutrient limitations. We examined growth in white spruce (Picea glauca) trees growing on eight red fox dens and paired control sites at the Arctic treeline. Radial growth was 55% higher for trees on dens than on control sites between 1897 and 2017, despite similarities in tree ages and densities. This enhanced growth was more pronounced in younger trees, consistent with the decrease in growth with age among all trees.By promoting tree growth near the treeline, red foxes may act as hotspots for tree reproduction. Although the impacts on tree growth largely depend on the spatial distribution of dens, predators can create distinct microhabitats across the landscape, leading to increased vegetation productivity, persisting over many decades.

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“…14), break down coarse woody debris (fig. 15), chew wood fiber, and engage in chemical and nutrient transformation of decaying wood (Hart et al 2005, Petrosillo and Zurlini 2016, Thompson et al 2016. Pileated woodpeckers, in particular, can create so many feeding and exploratory cavities in snags so as to contribute greatly to the snag's disintegration and ultimate decomposition, including creation of shredded wood piles at the base of the tree bole; in turn, such bark piles can serve as habitat for a variety of snakes, lizards, and amphibians (fig.…”

Section: Ecosystem Engineers-mentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecosystem processes related to wood decay

Marcot¹

2017

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Wood decay elements include snags, down wood, root wads, tree stumps, litter, duff, broomed or diseased branches, and partially dead trees, all of which contribute to ecological processes and biodiversity of the forest ecosystem. Down wood can serve as reservoirs for moisture and mycorrhizal fungi beneficial to the health and growth of commercial tree species. Decaying wood, leaf litter, small twigs, and roots contribute nutrients and structure to humus and soil organic matter, and host microbes that play beneficial roles in nitrogen cycles and other processes. Snags and down wood provide nurse functions for tree and shrub species, and can aid in restoration of degraded forest environments. Various elements of wood decay provide habitat for many species of wildlife including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Fire can influence the amounts and distributions of wood decay elements and enhance or detract desired ecosystem processes, depending on severity, charring, soil temperature, and other factors. Managing wood decay elements for ecosystem processes entails better understanding decay dynamics, the role of coarse wood in soil, the role of wood decay in carbon cycling and sequestration, and other considerations.

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The important role of ecological engineers in providing ecosystem services at landscape level

Cited by 5 publications

References 17 publications

The implications of biodiversity loss for the dynamics of wildlife in Australia

The implications of biodiversity loss for the dynamics of wildlife in Australia

Red foxes enhance long‐term tree growth near the Arctic treeline

Ecosystem processes related to wood decay

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