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Stephanie Stiegel; Anna Korfhage; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Does the shrub layer act as an intermediary? Effects on abundance of insects and abundances of particular insect orders caught flying in the canopies of deciduous forests in Central Germany. European Journal of Entomology 2020, 117, 409 -419.
AMA StyleStephanie Stiegel, Anna Korfhage, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Does the shrub layer act as an intermediary? Effects on abundance of insects and abundances of particular insect orders caught flying in the canopies of deciduous forests in Central Germany. European Journal of Entomology. 2020; 117 (1):409-419.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStephanie Stiegel; Anna Korfhage; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2020. "Does the shrub layer act as an intermediary? Effects on abundance of insects and abundances of particular insect orders caught flying in the canopies of deciduous forests in Central Germany." European Journal of Entomology 117, no. 1: 409-419.
Small-scale inland fisheries (SSIF) are a livelihood opportunity for millions of people in developing countries. Understanding the economic, ecological, political and social impacts fishers are coping with can clarify weaknesses and challenges in the fishery management. Using the SSIF at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar, as an example, we analyzed the development and fishers’ perception of, and adaptation strategies to, change. We surveyed fish catches to assess the state of fish stocks and conducted interviews to understand fishers’ livelihood, problems, behavior and attitudes. Our results show that the fishery sector of Lake Alaotra has grown dramatically although fish catches have fallen sharply. Changes in species composition and low reproduction rates reflect the fishing pressure. A point of no return seems near, as decreasing agricultural yields force farmers to enter the fishery sector as a form of livelihood diversification. Lake Alaotra reflects an alarming trend which can already be seen in many regions of the world and may affect a growing number in the near future. The Alaotran fisheries demonstrate that SSIF’s ability to provide livelihood alternatives under conditions of insecurity will become increasingly important. It further highlights that the identification of ongoing livelihood dynamics in order to disclose possible poverty trap mechanisms and to understand fisheries’ current function is essential for sustainable management.
Pina Lammers; Torsten Richter; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. From Safety Net to Point of No Return—Are Small-Scale Inland Fisheries Reaching Their Limits? Sustainability 2020, 12, 7299 .
AMA StylePina Lammers, Torsten Richter, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. From Safety Net to Point of No Return—Are Small-Scale Inland Fisheries Reaching Their Limits? Sustainability. 2020; 12 (18):7299.
Chicago/Turabian StylePina Lammers; Torsten Richter; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2020. "From Safety Net to Point of No Return—Are Small-Scale Inland Fisheries Reaching Their Limits?" Sustainability 12, no. 18: 7299.
Delimitation of cryptic species is increasingly based on genetic analyses but the integration of distributional, morphological, behavioral, and ecological data offers unique complementary insights into species diversification. We surveyed communities of nocturnal mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) in five different sites of northeastern Madagascar, measuring a variety of morphological parameters and assessing reproductive states for 123 individuals belonging to five different lineages. We documented two different non‐sister lineages occurring in sympatry in two areas. In both cases, sympatric species pairs consisted of a locally restricted (M. macarthurii or M . sp. #3) and a more widespread lineage (M. mittermeieri or M. lehilahytsara ). Estimated Extents of Occurrence (EOO) of these lineages differed remarkably with 560 and 1,500 km2 versus 9,250 and 50,700 km2, respectively. Morphometric analyses distinguished unambiguously between sympatric species and detected more subtle but significant differences among sister lineages. Tail length and body size were most informative in this regard. Reproductive schedules were highly variable among lineages, most likely impacted by phylogenetic relatedness and environmental variables. While sympatric species pairs differed in their reproductive timing (M . sp. #3/M. lehilahytsara and M. macarthurii/M. mittermeieri ), warmer lowland rainforests were associated with a less seasonal reproductive schedule for M. mittermeieri and M. lehilahytsara compared with populations occurring in montane forests. Distributional, morphological, and ecological data gathered in this study support the results of genomic species delimitation analyses conducted in a companion study, which identified one lineage, M . sp. #3, as meriting formal description as a new species. Consequently, a formal species description is included. Worryingly, our data also show that geographically restricted populations of M . sp. #3 and its sister species (M. macarthurii ) are at high risk of local and perhaps permanent extinction from both deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
Dominik Schüßler; Marina B. Blanco; Jordi Salmona; Jelmer Poelstra; Jean B. Andriambeloson; Alex Miller; Blanchard Randrianambinina; David W. Rasolofoson; Jasmin Mantilla‐Contreras; Lounès Chikhi; Edward E. Louis Jr.; Anne D. Yoder; Ute Radespiel. Ecology and morphology of mouse lemurs ( Microcebus spp.) in a hotspot of microendemism in northeastern Madagascar, with the description of a new species. American Journal of Primatology 2020, 82, 1 .
AMA StyleDominik Schüßler, Marina B. Blanco, Jordi Salmona, Jelmer Poelstra, Jean B. Andriambeloson, Alex Miller, Blanchard Randrianambinina, David W. Rasolofoson, Jasmin Mantilla‐Contreras, Lounès Chikhi, Edward E. Louis Jr., Anne D. Yoder, Ute Radespiel. Ecology and morphology of mouse lemurs ( Microcebus spp.) in a hotspot of microendemism in northeastern Madagascar, with the description of a new species. American Journal of Primatology. 2020; 82 (9):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDominik Schüßler; Marina B. Blanco; Jordi Salmona; Jelmer Poelstra; Jean B. Andriambeloson; Alex Miller; Blanchard Randrianambinina; David W. Rasolofoson; Jasmin Mantilla‐Contreras; Lounès Chikhi; Edward E. Louis Jr.; Anne D. Yoder; Ute Radespiel. 2020. "Ecology and morphology of mouse lemurs ( Microcebus spp.) in a hotspot of microendemism in northeastern Madagascar, with the description of a new species." American Journal of Primatology 82, no. 9: 1.
Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot under threat, with about 80% of the population living below the poverty line and dependent on the use of diminishing local resources. Environmental education (EE) can act as an important tool for biodiversity conservation, however, its implementation is challenging in low-income countries. Here, we provide a review of 248 EE interventions throughout Madagascar. We highlight how EE can promote pro-environmental behaviors and show the major obstacles it faces, using Madagascar’s Lake Alaotra as a case study area. All EE activities are implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international institutions. EE and community engagement have been shown by practitioners and scientific research alike to be valuable tools but are severely restricted in their impact when their outreach is limited by insecure and insufficient funding, and often funding periods that are too short. Another major hindrance to EE producing positive changes in people’s real-life decisions in low-income countries like Madagascar, arises when lessons are taught to a population that is at once understanding and severely constrained in its choices due to poverty, and corresponding malnutrition, that forces people to make unsustainable decisions on a daily basis. Our conclusions should help to improve the practice of EE in Madagascar and other low-income countries.
Dominik Schüßler; Torsten Richter; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Educational Approaches to Encourage Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Madagascar. Sustainability 2019, 11, 3148 .
AMA StyleDominik Schüßler, Torsten Richter, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Educational Approaches to Encourage Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Madagascar. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (11):3148.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDominik Schüßler; Torsten Richter; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2019. "Educational Approaches to Encourage Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Madagascar." Sustainability 11, no. 11: 3148.
Islands crucially contribute to the Mediterranean Basin’s high floristic diversity, which, however, is at risk facing climate and land-use changes. Besides the identification of highly diverse areas, the knowledge about factors favouring diversity is of great importance. We analysed plant species diversity and composition related to environmental factors over varied vegetation units on a former Italian prison island in the northwest of Sardinia. Due to a long history of land use with grazing and later abandonment the nowadays protected island features a semi-natural landscape and can serve as an example for strongly anthropogenic altered insular ecosystems. Floristic composition, soil properties, microclimate and ungulate abundance were assessed. Relationships of vegetation composition and diversity with abiotic variables were examined by Canonical Correspondence Analysis, which indicated the importance of air temperature, soil moisture, slope gradient and C/N ratio for floristic differentiation. Most important abiotic factors for plant species richness were relative air humidity and soil moisture, while floristic diversity was mainly determined by air temperature and pH. Furthermore, observation data pointed to an adverse influence of ungulate abundance for plant species diversity. Regarding nature conservation, grazing intensity thus must be critically taken into account, especially for sensitive vegetation units like the coastal garrigue.
Tim Drissen; Christopher Faust; Robin Stadtmann; Julia T. Treitler; Stefan Zerbe; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Plant composition and diversity in a semi-natural Mediterranean island landscape: the importance of environmental factors. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology 2019, 153, 756 -766.
AMA StyleTim Drissen, Christopher Faust, Robin Stadtmann, Julia T. Treitler, Stefan Zerbe, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Plant composition and diversity in a semi-natural Mediterranean island landscape: the importance of environmental factors. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology. 2019; 153 (6):756-766.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTim Drissen; Christopher Faust; Robin Stadtmann; Julia T. Treitler; Stefan Zerbe; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2019. "Plant composition and diversity in a semi-natural Mediterranean island landscape: the importance of environmental factors." Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology 153, no. 6: 756-766.
Morphological and functional leaf traits like leaf toughness and nutrient content are essentially influenced by the environment, especially through light and climatic conditions. Varying light conditions have been identified as a significant predictor for the variation of many leaf traits. However, the leaf acclimation to light is suggested to be of secondary importance. The aim of the experimental study was to analyse environmental effects (microclimate and soil moisture), which are present in upper canopies of forest stands, on leaf traits of juvenileFagus sylvaticaL. (European beech; Fagaceae),Acer pseudoplatanusL. (sycamore maple; Sapindaceae), andCarpinus betulusL. (hornbeam; Betulaceae). The experimental design managed to imitate two distinct microclimates causing different temperature and air humidity conditions. Furthermore, the irrigation treatment with different levels of applied water caused distinct soil moisture conditions in the trial pots. As a result of the treatments, leaves ofC. betulusshowed a tendency of decreased specific leaf area (SLA) caused by the treatment with warmer and drier microclimate. The environmental effect on SLA was even stronger with lower soil moisture conditions. Chlorophyll content showed lower values in treatments with higher soil moisture conditions in both greenhouses forF. sylvaticaandA. pseudoplatanus. The trends are in accordance with combined effects of temperature, air humidity, and soil moisture on SLA, and increased leaf chlorophyll content caused by slight drought stress. Plants in the greenhouses were exposed to full sunlight indicating a microclimatic environment comparable to upper canopies in forest stands. The comparable SLA and chlorophyll content between leaves of matureF. sylvaticatrees in upper canopies and juvenile trees of the greenhouses suggest similar environmental conditions instead of ontogenetic effects that are responsible for the formation of leaf trait characteristics.
Stephanie Stiegel; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Experimental Study of Environmental Effects: Leaf Traits of JuvenileFagus sylvatica,Acer pseudoplatanus, andCarpinus betulusAre Comparable to Leaves of Mature Trees in Upper Canopies. International Journal of Ecology 2018, 2018, 1 -8.
AMA StyleStephanie Stiegel, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Experimental Study of Environmental Effects: Leaf Traits of JuvenileFagus sylvatica,Acer pseudoplatanus, andCarpinus betulusAre Comparable to Leaves of Mature Trees in Upper Canopies. International Journal of Ecology. 2018; 2018 ():1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStephanie Stiegel; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2018. "Experimental Study of Environmental Effects: Leaf Traits of JuvenileFagus sylvatica,Acer pseudoplatanus, andCarpinus betulusAre Comparable to Leaves of Mature Trees in Upper Canopies." International Journal of Ecology 2018, no. : 1-8.
Correlations among plant traits often reflect important trade‐offs or allometric relationships in biological functions like carbon gain, support, water uptake, and reproduction that are associated with different plant organs. Whether trait correlations can be aggregated to “spectra” or “leading dimensions,” whether these dimensions are consistent across plant organs, spatial scale, and growth forms are still open questions. To illustrate the current state of knowledge, we constructed a network of published trait correlations associated with the “leaf economics spectrum,” “biomass allocation dimension,” “seed dimension,” and carbon and nitrogen concentrations. This literature‐based network was compared to a network based on a dataset of 23 traits from 2,530 individuals of 126 plant species from 381 plots in Northwest Europe. The observed network comprised more significant correlations than the literature‐based network. Network centrality measures showed that size traits such as the mass of leaf, stem, below‐ground, and reproductive tissues and plant height were the most central traits in the network, confirming the importance of allometric relationships in herbaceous plants. Stem mass and stem‐specific length were “hub” traits correlated with most traits. Environmental selection of hub traits may affect the whole phenotype. In contrast to the literature‐based network, SLA and leaf N were of minor importance. Based on cluster analysis and subsequent PCAs of the resulting trait clusters, we found a “size” module, a “seed” module, two modules representing C and N concentrations in plant organs, and a “partitioning” module representing organ mass fractions. A module representing the plant economics spectrum did not emerge. Synthesis. Although we found support for several trait dimensions, the observed trait network deviated significantly from current knowledge, suggesting that previous studies have overlooked trait coordination at the whole‐plant level. Furthermore, network analysis suggests that stem traits have a stronger regulatory role in herbaceous plants than leaf traits.
Michael Kleyer; Juliane Trinogga; Miguel A. Cebrián-Piqueras; Anastasia Trenkamp; Camilla Fløjgaard; Rasmus Ejrnaes; Tjeerd J. Bouma; Vanessa Minden; Martin Maier; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras; Dirk C. Albach; Bernd Blasius. Trait correlation network analysis identifies biomass allocation traits and stem specific length as hub traits in herbaceous perennial plants. Journal of Ecology 2018, 107, 829 -842.
AMA StyleMichael Kleyer, Juliane Trinogga, Miguel A. Cebrián-Piqueras, Anastasia Trenkamp, Camilla Fløjgaard, Rasmus Ejrnaes, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Vanessa Minden, Martin Maier, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras, Dirk C. Albach, Bernd Blasius. Trait correlation network analysis identifies biomass allocation traits and stem specific length as hub traits in herbaceous perennial plants. Journal of Ecology. 2018; 107 (2):829-842.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael Kleyer; Juliane Trinogga; Miguel A. Cebrián-Piqueras; Anastasia Trenkamp; Camilla Fløjgaard; Rasmus Ejrnaes; Tjeerd J. Bouma; Vanessa Minden; Martin Maier; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras; Dirk C. Albach; Bernd Blasius. 2018. "Trait correlation network analysis identifies biomass allocation traits and stem specific length as hub traits in herbaceous perennial plants." Journal of Ecology 107, no. 2: 829-842.
Environmental and leaf trait effects on herbivory are supposed to vary among different feeding guilds. Herbivores also show variability in their preferences for plant ontogenetic stages. Along the vertical forest gradient, environmental conditions change, and trees represent juvenile and adult individuals in the understorey and canopy, respectively. This study was conducted in ten forests sites in Central Germany for the enrichment of canopy research in temperate forests. Arthropod herbivory of different feeding traces was surveyed on leaves of Fagus sylvatica Linnaeus (European beech; Fagaceae) in three strata. Effects of microclimate, leaf traits, and plant ontogenetic stage were analyzed as determining parameters for herbivory. The highest herbivory was caused by exophagous feeding traces. Herbivore attack levels varied along the vertical forest gradient for most feeding traces with distinct patterns. If differences of herbivory levels were present, they only occurred between juvenile and adult F. sylvatica individuals, but not between the lower and upper canopy. In contrast, differences of microclimate and important leaf traits were present between the lower and upper canopy. In conclusion, the plant ontogenetic stage had a stronger effect on herbivory than microclimate or leaf traits along the vertical forest gradient.
Stephanie Stiegel; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Environment vs. Plant Ontogeny: Arthropod Herbivory Patterns on European Beech Leaves along the Vertical Gradient of Temperate Forests in Central Germany. Insects 2018, 9, 9 .
AMA StyleStephanie Stiegel, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Environment vs. Plant Ontogeny: Arthropod Herbivory Patterns on European Beech Leaves along the Vertical Gradient of Temperate Forests in Central Germany. Insects. 2018; 9 (1):9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStephanie Stiegel; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2018. "Environment vs. Plant Ontogeny: Arthropod Herbivory Patterns on European Beech Leaves along the Vertical Gradient of Temperate Forests in Central Germany." Insects 9, no. 1: 9.
Endozoochory is, in grazing systems, a substantial vector for seed dispersal. It can play an important role in vegetation dynamics, especially in colonization processes through seed input on the vegetation and on the soil seed bank. We investigated the endozoochorous seed input of donkeys and goats on a semi-natural island ecosystem in the Mediterranean. Through germination experiments, we assessed the viable seed content of the dung of these grazing animals to estimate their suitability and efficiency for seed dispersal of the vegetation types of the island. We show different dispersal patterns of donkeys and goats. Goats disperse a high number of diaspores from shrubs while donkeys disperse more diaspores of grasses. In addition, goats disperse plants of greater growth height and donkeys plants of shorter height. These dispersal patterns are in accordance with the vegetation types of which donkeys and goats disperse indicator species. Both, donkeys and goats, feed on and disperse species of the vegetation types, open grassland and temporarily wet grassland. In addition, goats feed on and disperse diagnostic species of the semi-open maquis and preforest formations. Overall, our results show that donkeys and goats are complementing each other in their endozoochorous seed dispersal potential. This emphasizes the importance of both grazing animals for the vegetation dynamics of the semi-natural island ecosystem. Therefore, the adaption of the goat management to a traditional land management based on directed transhumance might maintain and enrich vegetation types.
Julia Tabea Treitler; Tim Drissen; Robin Stadtmann; Stefan Zerbe; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Complementing endozoochorous seed dispersal patterns by donkeys and goats in a semi-natural island ecosystem. BMC Ecology 2017, 17, 42 .
AMA StyleJulia Tabea Treitler, Tim Drissen, Robin Stadtmann, Stefan Zerbe, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Complementing endozoochorous seed dispersal patterns by donkeys and goats in a semi-natural island ecosystem. BMC Ecology. 2017; 17 (1):42.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulia Tabea Treitler; Tim Drissen; Robin Stadtmann; Stefan Zerbe; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2017. "Complementing endozoochorous seed dispersal patterns by donkeys and goats in a semi-natural island ecosystem." BMC Ecology 17, no. 1: 42.
Pina Lena Lammers; Torsten Richter; Maren Lux; Jonah Ratsimbazafy; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. The challenges of community-based conservation in developing countries—A case study from Lake Alaotra, Madagascar. Journal for Nature Conservation 2017, 40, 100 -112.
AMA StylePina Lena Lammers, Torsten Richter, Maren Lux, Jonah Ratsimbazafy, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. The challenges of community-based conservation in developing countries—A case study from Lake Alaotra, Madagascar. Journal for Nature Conservation. 2017; 40 ():100-112.
Chicago/Turabian StylePina Lena Lammers; Torsten Richter; Maren Lux; Jonah Ratsimbazafy; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2017. "The challenges of community-based conservation in developing countries—A case study from Lake Alaotra, Madagascar." Journal for Nature Conservation 40, no. : 100-112.
During the last decades, the important role of bats in ecosystems and the threats to many bat species were increasingly recognized, and bats were integrated into several conservation acts. Protected areas like national parks may play a major role in bat conservation if species requirements are included in management plans. With its high bat diversity and many unexplored off-shore islands, Sardinia has a high potential for the protection of European bats and for research on their ecology. We conducted the first survey of the bat fauna on the Sardinian off-shore island and National Park Asinara, a formerly inhabited island. We applied a multi-method approach over two years to create a proper species inventory and to obtain data on the use of man-made structures by the bats. We recorded bat calls at different sites in summer and winter, captured bats via mist-netting, and performed roost surveys of man-made structures. Ten species were identified, three of them are highly protected, namely Rhinolophus hipposideros, R. ferrumequinum and Miniopterus schreibersii. Thirty-nine day roosts and 14 night roosts of, in total, five species were found in man-made structures. Many structures provided day and night roosts for different bat species. Although forest and water bodies are limited, and intensive grazing has created several open areas on the island, a remarkably high bat diversity developed, making Asinara an important offshore retreat area for bats in Italy. Our findings indicate an essential role of the abandoned buildings, and artificial ponds, of the island for bat conservation. The results of this study provide a basis for future bat conservation measures on Asinara Island.
Rebecca Winter; Mauro Mucedda; Ermanno Pidinchedda; Uwe Kierdorf; Sabine Schmidt; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras; © Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS. Small in Size But Rich in Bats — Species Diversity and Abandoned Man-Made Structures Put Asinara Island (Sardinia) into Conservation Focus for Bats in the Mediterranean Region. Acta Chiropterologica 2017, 19, 119 -126.
AMA StyleRebecca Winter, Mauro Mucedda, Ermanno Pidinchedda, Uwe Kierdorf, Sabine Schmidt, Jasmin Mantilla Contreras, © Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS. Small in Size But Rich in Bats — Species Diversity and Abandoned Man-Made Structures Put Asinara Island (Sardinia) into Conservation Focus for Bats in the Mediterranean Region. Acta Chiropterologica. 2017; 19 (1):119-126.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRebecca Winter; Mauro Mucedda; Ermanno Pidinchedda; Uwe Kierdorf; Sabine Schmidt; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras; © Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS. 2017. "Small in Size But Rich in Bats — Species Diversity and Abandoned Man-Made Structures Put Asinara Island (Sardinia) into Conservation Focus for Bats in the Mediterranean Region." Acta Chiropterologica 19, no. 1: 119-126.
In a globally fast-changing world, dedicated conservationists play a central role in societies moving towards the achievement of sustainable development. How do people become advocates for nature? Research suggests that childhood experiences in natural places are core determinants for the development of environmental stewardship. In many developing countries, however, access to intact natural environments is limited. This study explores formative influences on individuals who actively contribute to nature conservation and environmental education (EE) in Madagascar. We conducted nine semi-structured interviews with participants in a national EE workshop. Formative experiences were reported mainly from university years, and influential persons were researchers and high school teachers, many from abroad. The media also play a considerable role, while negative experiences, familial influences, or experience of natural areas during childhood were rarely mentioned. In contrast to former studies, the results suggest that direct experiences of nature can still be decisive in determining a young person’s path as a dedicated environmental practitioner during young adulthood. Role models who are active in the conservation and sustainable development fields can compensate for a lack of familial models. These findings might require a rethinking of current educational practices in Madagascar because children might not be the only important group to target with educational interventions.
Lena M. Reibelt; Torsten Richter; Antje Rendigs; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Malagasy Conservationists and Environmental Educators: Life Paths into Conservation. Sustainability 2017, 9, 227 .
AMA StyleLena M. Reibelt, Torsten Richter, Antje Rendigs, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Malagasy Conservationists and Environmental Educators: Life Paths into Conservation. Sustainability. 2017; 9 (2):227.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLena M. Reibelt; Torsten Richter; Antje Rendigs; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2017. "Malagasy Conservationists and Environmental Educators: Life Paths into Conservation." Sustainability 9, no. 2: 227.
Dung beetles highly depend on the ephemeral microhabitat dung which is food resource and larval habitat at the same time. Environmental conditions surrounding a dung pad, such as vegetation structure, have an impact on dung beetle assemblages. We investigated the influence of dung conditions and surrounding habitat characteristics on Mediterranean dung beetle assemblages in a permanently grazed landscape in northern Sardinia. We sampled the dung beetle assemblages of donkey and horse dung in three different vegetation types and assessed species richness and abundance of dung beetles. Species richness was determined by dung and surrounding habitat conditions, whereas abundance was solely affected by dung conditions. However, species richness and abundance decreased with increasing dung density. The effect of dung density on species richness varied depending on vegetation type, with dry grassland exhibiting the highest number of dung beetles species at high dung density. Species composition in dung pads was influenced by abiotic factors with dwellers being negatively affected by increasing dung-pad temperature. Our results underline the importance of diverse vegetation, particularly with respect to the complexity of vegetation which interrelates with the microclimate. Furthermore, our findings illustrate the negative effect of high dung densities on dung beetle assemblages, suggesting that the degree of the intensity of use by grazing animals is important when considering measures for the conservation of dung beetles.
Julia T. Treitler; Joern Buse; Giuseppe Maria Carpaneto; Stefan Zerbe; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras. Effects of dung-pad conditions and density on coprophagous beetle assemblages in a Mediterranean rangeland. Biodiversity and Conservation 2017, 26, 1431 -1444.
AMA StyleJulia T. Treitler, Joern Buse, Giuseppe Maria Carpaneto, Stefan Zerbe, Jasmin Mantilla Contreras. Effects of dung-pad conditions and density on coprophagous beetle assemblages in a Mediterranean rangeland. Biodiversity and Conservation. 2017; 26 (6):1431-1444.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulia T. Treitler; Joern Buse; Giuseppe Maria Carpaneto; Stefan Zerbe; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras. 2017. "Effects of dung-pad conditions and density on coprophagous beetle assemblages in a Mediterranean rangeland." Biodiversity and Conservation 26, no. 6: 1431-1444.
Microclimate in different positions on a host plant has strong direct effects on herbivores. But little is known about indirect effects due to changes of leaf traits. We hypothesized that herbivory increases from upper canopy to lower canopy and understory due to a combination of direct and indirect pathways. Furthermore, we hypothesized that herbivory in the understory differs between tree species in accordance with their leaf traits. We investigated herbivory by leaf chewing insects along the vertical gradient of mixed deciduous forest stands on the broad-leaved tree species Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech) with study sites located along a 140 km long transect. Additionally, we studied juvenile Acer pseudoplatanus L. (sycamore maple) and Carpinus betulus L. (hornbeam) individuals within the understory as a reference of leaf traits in the same microclimate. Lowest levels of herbivory were observed in upper canopies, where temperatures were highest. Temperature was the best predictor for insect herbivory across forest layers in our study. However, the direction was opposite to the generally known positive relationship. Herbivory also varied between the three tree species with lowest levels for F. sylvatica. Leaf carbon content was highest for F. sylvatica and probably indicates higher amounts of phenolic defense compounds. We conclude that the effect of temperature must have been indirect, whereby the expected higher herbivory was suppressed due to unfavorable leaf traits (lower nitrogen content, higher toughness and carbon content) of upper canopy leaves compared to the understory.
Stephanie Stiegel; Martin H. Entling; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras. Reading the Leaves’ Palm: Leaf Traits and Herbivory along the Microclimatic Gradient of Forest Layers. PLOS ONE 2017, 12, e0169741 .
AMA StyleStephanie Stiegel, Martin H. Entling, Jasmin Mantilla Contreras. Reading the Leaves’ Palm: Leaf Traits and Herbivory along the Microclimatic Gradient of Forest Layers. PLOS ONE. 2017; 12 (1):e0169741.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStephanie Stiegel; Martin H. Entling; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras. 2017. "Reading the Leaves’ Palm: Leaf Traits and Herbivory along the Microclimatic Gradient of Forest Layers." PLOS ONE 12, no. 1: e0169741.
This study aimed to determine the role of environmental factors in the pattern of vegetation related to marsh soils, which are rare in the Baltic coastal zone. It was assumed that the pattern of vegetation directly affected by seawater depends on seawater salinity, and in general reflects the decreasing salinity gradient of the Baltic Sea. The research of vegetation and soils (0–25 cm) has been undertaken on 11 selected sites along the Baltic seacoast in Germany, Poland and Estonia. According to TWINSPAN classification, five plant communities were distinguished: the Puccinellia maritima-Spergularia marina community, Juncus gerardi community, Agrostis stolonifera-Phragmites australis-Scirpus lacustris ssp. tabernaemontani community, Phragmites australis-Calystegia sepium community and Elymus repens community. A canonical correspondence analysis showed that the most important environmental factors influencing vegetation differentiation were: electrical conductivity of the saturation paste extract, hay/pasture management, redox potential, soil moisture and actual pH. In conclusion, the spatial distribution of the investigated vegetation and soil properties along the Baltic Sea shore were inconsistent with the spatial salinity gradient of the open surface seawater, but was significantly dependent on local conditions. This was confirmed by the highest soil salinity and most abundant occurrence of Salicornia europaea in Estonia.
Piotr Hulisz; Agnieszka Piernik; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras; Tiina Elvisto. Main Driving Factors for Seacoast Vegetation in the Southern and Eastern Baltic. Wetlands 2016, 36, 909 -919.
AMA StylePiotr Hulisz, Agnieszka Piernik, Jasmin Mantilla Contreras, Tiina Elvisto. Main Driving Factors for Seacoast Vegetation in the Southern and Eastern Baltic. Wetlands. 2016; 36 (5):909-919.
Chicago/Turabian StylePiotr Hulisz; Agnieszka Piernik; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras; Tiina Elvisto. 2016. "Main Driving Factors for Seacoast Vegetation in the Southern and Eastern Baltic." Wetlands 36, no. 5: 909-919.
Ecosystems managed for production of biomass are often characterized by low biodiversity because management aims to optimize single ecosystem functions (i.e. yield) involving deliberate selection of species or cultivars. In consequence, considerable differences in observed plant species richness and productivity remain across systems, and the drivers of these differences have remained poorly resolved so far. In addition, it has remained unclear if species richness feeds back on ecosystem functions such as yield in real-world systems. Here, we establish N = 360 experimental plots across a broad range of managed ecosystems in several European countries, and use structural equation models to unravel potential drivers of plant species richness. We hypothesize that the relationships between productivity, total biomass and observed species richness are affected by management intensity, and that these effects differ between habitat types (dry grasslands, grasslands, and wetlands). We found that local management was an important driver of species richness across systems. Management caused system disturbance, resulting in reduced productivity yet enhanced total biomass. Plant species richness was directly and positively driven by management, with consistently negative effects of total biomass. Productivity effects on richness were positive, negative or neutral. Our study shows that management and total biomass drive plant species richness across real-world managed systems.
Vanessa Minden; Christoph Scherber; Miguel Ángel Cebrián-Piqueras; Juliane Trinogga; Anastasia Trenkamp; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras; Patrick Lienin; Michael Kleyer. Consistent drivers of plant biodiversity across managed ecosystems. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 2016, 371, 20150284 .
AMA StyleVanessa Minden, Christoph Scherber, Miguel Ángel Cebrián-Piqueras, Juliane Trinogga, Anastasia Trenkamp, Jasmin Mantilla Contreras, Patrick Lienin, Michael Kleyer. Consistent drivers of plant biodiversity across managed ecosystems. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 2016; 371 (1694):20150284.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVanessa Minden; Christoph Scherber; Miguel Ángel Cebrián-Piqueras; Juliane Trinogga; Anastasia Trenkamp; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras; Patrick Lienin; Michael Kleyer. 2016. "Consistent drivers of plant biodiversity across managed ecosystems." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 371, no. 1694: 20150284.
The Alaotra wetlands represent the biggest lake and wetland complex in Madagascar and are home of several endemic species. The region constitutes the largest rice production area and inland fishery of Madagascar. Rice and fish are the main local sources of income. While the population has increased fivefold during the last 40 years, the growing need for resources is continuously increasing the pressure on the wetland system. In this study, vegetation and water parameters were collected within three sites differing by level of degradation in order to evaluate the current ecological state of the wetland. The results show that high levels of ongoing anthropogenic disturbance are favoring the formation of a new plant community in the fringe area of the marsh belt. This area is now dominated by invasive species such as the water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) which shows a mean coverage up to 53% and water ferns (Salvinia spp.) with a mean coverage up to 31 .4%. Lake water levels were very low and decreased during the dry season to a mean level of only 3 cm in the littoral zone. Signs of eutrophication like hypoxia (mean saturation of only 22%), increased phosphate concentrations (1 .1 8 mg L-1 ) and black colored, foul smelling water were observed. Under a likely scenario of growing anthropogenic pressures, it remains unclear what the current trends will bring for the wetland’s future.
Pina L. Lammers; Torsten Richter; Patrick O Waeber; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras. Lake Alaotra wetlands: how long can Madagascar's most important rice and fish production region withstand the anthropogenic pressure? Madagascar Conservation & Development 2015, 10, 116 .
AMA StylePina L. Lammers, Torsten Richter, Patrick O Waeber, Jasmin Mantilla Contreras. Lake Alaotra wetlands: how long can Madagascar's most important rice and fish production region withstand the anthropogenic pressure? Madagascar Conservation & Development. 2015; 10 (3):116.
Chicago/Turabian StylePina L. Lammers; Torsten Richter; Patrick O Waeber; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras. 2015. "Lake Alaotra wetlands: how long can Madagascar's most important rice and fish production region withstand the anthropogenic pressure?" Madagascar Conservation & Development 10, no. 3: 116.
Species invasions are one of the world’s most severe conservation threats. The invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is one of the most troublesome plants in the world. It appears in over 50 tropical and subtropical countries. This plant species causes several ecological and socioeconomic problems affecting ecosystems and local livelihoods. The water hyacinth occurs in the Alaotra wetlands encompassing the largest lake of Madagascar. The Alaotra region is renowned as Madagascar’s bread basket as it is the biggest rice and inland fish producer. The current study collected socioeconomic data from the Alaotra wetland stakeholders within three locations around Lake Alaotra to contextualize local livelihoods and to identify the drivers and barriers for the utilization of this plant. Methods of control seem to be unrealistic due to institutional and financial limitations in Madagascar. Using the plant as fertilizer, animal fodder or for handicrafts seems to represent a feasible alternative to improve the livelihood of the local population. However, local concerns about livelihood security may hinder acceptance of such new alternatives. Providing information as well as financial and technical support to local stakeholders may help encourage the use of the water hyacinth in the Alaotra region.
Tf Rakotoarisoa; Po Waeber; Torsten Richter; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), any opportunities for the Alaotra wetlands and livelihoods? Madagascar Conservation & Development 2015, 10, 128 .
AMA StyleTf Rakotoarisoa, Po Waeber, Torsten Richter, Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), any opportunities for the Alaotra wetlands and livelihoods? Madagascar Conservation & Development. 2015; 10 (3):128.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTf Rakotoarisoa; Po Waeber; Torsten Richter; Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras. 2015. "Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), any opportunities for the Alaotra wetlands and livelihoods?" Madagascar Conservation & Development 10, no. 3: 128.
Jasmin Mantilla-Contreras; Stéphanie M. Carrière. Editorial: Madagascar's open landscapes under the spotlight. Madagascar Conservation & Development 2015, 10, 107 .
AMA StyleJasmin Mantilla-Contreras, Stéphanie M. Carrière. Editorial: Madagascar's open landscapes under the spotlight. Madagascar Conservation & Development. 2015; 10 (3):107.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJasmin Mantilla-Contreras; Stéphanie M. Carrière. 2015. "Editorial: Madagascar's open landscapes under the spotlight." Madagascar Conservation & Development 10, no. 3: 107.
Most semi-natural open habitats in Europe have been traditionally maintained by anthropogenic activities, such as grazing or mowing, preventing the establishment of woody vegetation. These habitats harbour a remarkably rich biodiversity in terms of both plant and animal species, but are also highly threatened, mainly by agricultural intensification and land abandonment. With this Editorial we introduce a Special Issue initiated by the European Dry Grassland Group (EDGG) at the Open Landscapes Conference (Hildesheim, 2013) and the 11th European Dry Grassland Meeting (Kulikovo Pole, 2014). We aim to give a short introduction to the current conservation status, significance and research of semi-natural open habitats in Europe and present the collected articles of the Special Issue. These papers cover a wide range of different semi-natural open habitats, including wood-pastures, heathlands, steppes, semi-dry and dry grasslands across the Palearctic region and address issues related to the assessment methods, threats, management and restoration of these habitats. We conclude that, in order to ensure their conservation and to monitor the changes in open habitats, integrative approaches are needed that take into account not only vegetation records, but also multiple animal taxa, abiotic factors, management practices, ecosystem services and modelling simulations for anticipating possible future scenarios. We also recommend that decision-makers should support actions to conserve open habitats in Europe by addressing such major challenges as the encroachment of woody vegetation. We are convinced that the present Special Issue will contribute to a better understanding of ecosystem functions and support the biodiversity conservation and management of semi-natural open habitats.
Marta Carboni; Jürgen Dengler; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras; Stephen Venn; Peter Török. Conservation Value, Management and Restoration of Europe’S Semi‑Natural Open Landscapes. Hacquetia 2015, 14, 5 -17.
AMA StyleMarta Carboni, Jürgen Dengler, Jasmin Mantilla Contreras, Stephen Venn, Peter Török. Conservation Value, Management and Restoration of Europe’S Semi‑Natural Open Landscapes. Hacquetia. 2015; 14 (1):5-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarta Carboni; Jürgen Dengler; Jasmin Mantilla Contreras; Stephen Venn; Peter Török. 2015. "Conservation Value, Management and Restoration of Europe’S Semi‑Natural Open Landscapes." Hacquetia 14, no. 1: 5-17.