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The usefulness of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in white stork censusing
AbstractUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are effective and often noninvasive tools successfully used in bird monitoring. However, when handling long-term data in the context of population changes, the consistency of methods over time is essential as the method-related bias may lead to wrong conclusions. In two distinct populations of white storkCiconia ciconia,in Poland and Spain, we compared two censusing methods: traditional observation by a human from the ground and using UAV. We recorded the number of recorded fledglings, the time needed to obtain this information, and the number of detected breeding pairs in colonies. We investigated 57 and 117 nests in Poland and Spain, respectively. In Poland and Spain, the number of fledglings was significantly lower when recorded by human observer than by UAV, i.e., 2.21 vs. 2.60 and 1.35 vs. 1.55. The probability of mistakenly recording the number of fledglings by the observer was significantly lower in colonial white storks in Spain than in solitary nesting in Poland. The mean time needed to record the number of fledglings was significantly longer when using a UAV than by a human observer in both populations. The mean number of detected nests in colonies in Spain differed significantly between the human observer and UAV, 13.1 vs. 7.4, respectively. The difference between human and UAV in recorded pairs was higher when colonies were on trees than on human-made structures. We conclude that introducing UAVs in long-term studies may affect the results and should be performed cautiously.
No evidence for potential sexual information from a monochromatic carotenoid trait in a dichromatic woodpecker species
Predicting parasitic plants Loranthus Europaeus range shifts in response to climate change
Abstract Climate change significantly influences the distribution of parasitic species, posing threats to ecosystems and economies. This study examines the potential range expansion of Loranthus europaeus, a parasitic plant impacting European forestry. We assessed the impact of predicted climate change for 2041â2060 and 2061â2080 using MaxEnt modeling based on current occurrence data of L. europaeus, and the main host plant genus oak Quercus, as well as bioclimatic variables. Our model demonstrated high predictive accuracy (AUCâ=â0.92). The most important variables for Europe range were range of Quercus genus. Key environmental factors included isothermality (bio3) and mean temperature of wettest quarter (bio8). Under SSP126 and SSP245 scenarios, our results predict significant range expansions into northern and eastern Europe, with increases of 43.5% and 53.9% by 2041â2060. Conversely, southern Europe may see contractions of 16.4â20.6%. Projections for 2061â2080 indicate further expansions up to 65.8% in northern Europe, alongside contractions up to 29.8% in southern regions, including Turkey and Greece.These shifts highlight the influence of climate change on L. europaeus distribution and underscore the need for adaptive management strategies to mitigate potential ecological and economic impacts.
Seed mass and seed resources â testing the defense trade-off hypothesis in woody plants
Physical and chemical defenses of seeds are essential for plant survival and reproduction. By protecting their seeds from herbivores and other threats, plants can ensure that their offspring have a betÂter chance of surviving and growing into adult plants. Plant seed-size variation can affect their ability to allocate defense resources and nutrients. Smaller seeds tend to contain fewer resources and are likely to be more constrained in resource allocation to defense or to nutrient supply for the germinating seedling than larger seeds. In this study, we hypothesized that (1) the trade-off between physical and chemical defenses and reserve materials (in this study TNC content) in seeds is related to the allocation of those resources to seeds, 2) the direction of allocation of these resources is mediated by seed size. Based on seeds of 77 woody plant species collected in the KĂłrnik Arboretum located in western Poland, we measured several physical and chemical seed traits: seed mass, total phenols, tannin content, crude fiber, lignin content, and total non-structural carbohydrates. We revealed that chemical defense (phenol content) and total non-structural carbohydrates increased with seed mass, whereas physical defense (fiber content) had the opposite effect. We found that the trade-off between physical and chemical defense in plants was often mediated by seed size.
Harnessing iEcology data to uncover invasive species behaviour
Abstract Invasive animal species threaten ecosystems, biodiversity and human livelihoods. Behavioural traits such as boldness, exploratory tendencies, learning ability and social interactions are known to influence invasion success. Yet these behavioural traits remain underexplored due to challenges in observing behaviour across large spatial and temporal scales. The emerging field of iEcologyâstudying ecology using digital data such as online photos, videos, sounds and text, generated for other purposesâoffers a novel and scalable approach for investigating invasive species behaviour. Here, we demonstrate the application of iEcology to uncover novel insights into the behaviour of invasive species, such as dominance over the native species, interactions with native species or increased tolerance to humans, all critical for assessing species' invasion potential and management. We also discuss challenges of applying iEcology to studying the behaviour of invasive animals and highlight the need for careful validation and complementary methods. Finally, we highlight ways and provide a workflow to maximise the potential of iEcology for advancing the study of invasive species behaviour. We advocate for integrating iEcology into invasion science to advance our understanding of animal behaviours accompanying invasion success and ultimately to support the monitoring, management and mitigation strategies of biological invasions. We argue that iEcology is best viewed as a complementary tool that enriches traditional behavioural ecology and invasion biology, enabling rapid, accessible insights into one of the most urgent ecological issues of our time.
The extended avian urban phenotype: anthropogenic solid waste pollution, nest design, and fitness
Unused railway lines for conservation of pollinators in the intensively managed agricultural landscape
Unused railway lines as a contributor to bird abundance, species richness and diversity in intensively managed farmland
Osmia3DNest - Novel designed 3D printed artificial nest for solitary cavityânesting bees
Abstract The availability and appropriateness of nesting sites significantly influence the reproductive success and overall welfare of wild bees. Humanâinduced factors contribute to the destruction of natural nesting habitats. To address these limitations, innovative solutions such as the development of artificial nests, offer alternative nest sites to support wild bee populations. We designed the Osmia3DNest, a 3D printed standardized nest tube for solitary cavityânesting bees, aiming to provide a safe for the environment, longâlife, timeâsaving and biodegradable product that anyone can print. We proudly present the two Osmia3DNest models for mason beesâclosed and openâusing polylactic acid filament. We demonstrate the effectiveness of Osmia3DNest on mason bee reproduction parameters compared with traditional reed nests. Osmia3DNest can be an alternative to the other artificial nests, which people can customize for their necessity depending on their place of living (rural or urban area), and they can also be washed and reused several times and then decomposed. Osmia3DNest holds potential for wildlife biologists, management of pollinators, and educational outreach, offering adaptability for different bee species and experimental needs.
Age-related nest-site segregation in a solitary nesting population of white stork Ciconia Ciconia
Abstract Background Habitat selection plays a crucial role in avian reproductive success, with nest-site characteristics and individual traits influencing breeding outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between breederâs age and nest-site selection in a population of white storks Ciconia ciconia, a long-lived, site-faithful species nesting solitarily in Western Poland. Using data collected from 2006 to 2024 on ring recoveries, nest dimensions, productivity, and habitat characteristics, we analyzed the age at which birds were first recorded on specific nests. Results Results revealed that older individuals were more likely to occupy larger nests and nests with higher productivity in previous years, suggesting the use of public information and a preference for high-quality sites. Interestingly, nest surface area, rather than height, was correlated with breederâs age, while land cover surrounding the nest had a sex-specific effect. Older individuals also appeared to prefer nests with higher occupancy rates. Older females avoided human-altered habitats, whereas no such relationship was observed for males. Contrary to expectations, age-related differences were not associated with preferred foraging habitats like meadows and pastures. Conclusions These findings highlight that age-based segregation in nest-site selection reflects experience and competition, with older birds optimizing breeding success by leveraging key environmental and social cues. The results suggest that younger individuals may occupy suboptimal habitats, possibly due to competition or inexperience. Future studies should explore the role of site fidelity, age-assortative mating, and anthropogenic influences, such as supplementary feeding, to fully understand the dynamics of nest-site selection in white storks.
Maternal cafeteria diet influences kisspeptin (Kiss1), kisspeptin receptor(Gpr54), and sirtuin (Sirt1) genes, hormonal and metabolic profiles, and reproductive functions in rat offspring in a sex-specific manner
Abstract Kisspeptin (KP, encoded by Kiss1, binding to the Gpr54 receptor) is a neuropeptide conveying information on the metabolic status to the hypothalamicâpituitaryâgonadal axis. KP acts together with dynorphin A (encoded by Pdyn) and neurokinin B (encoded by Tac2) to regulate reproduction. KP is crucial for the onset of puberty and is under the control of sirtuin (encoded by Sirt1). We hypothesize that the maternal cafeteria (CAF) diet has adverse effects on the offspringâs hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive functions due to sex-specific alterations in the expression of Kiss1, Gpr54, Pdyn, Tac2, and Sirt1 in the hypothalamus, and Kiss1, Gpr54, and Sirt1 in the liver. Rats were fed a CAF diet before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and during lactation. The vaginal opening was monitored. Offspring were sacrificed in three age points: PND 30, PND 35, and PND 60 (females) and PND 40, PND 45, and PND 60 (males). Their metabolic and hormonal status was assessed. mRNA for Kiss1, Gpr54, Pdyn, Tac2, and Sirt1 were measured by real-time PCR in the hypothalamus and/or livers. We found that CAF offspring had lower weight and altered body composition; increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, sex-specific changes in glucose and insulin levels; sex-dependent changes in Sirt1/Kiss1 mRNA ratio in the hypothalamus; sex-specific alterations in Kiss1 and Sirt1 mRNA in the liver with more diversity in males; and a delayed puberty onset in females. We concluded that the motherâs CAF diet leads to sex-specific alterations in metabolic and reproductive outcomes via Kiss1/Gpr54 and Sirt1 systems in offspring.
Sown wildflower meadows: Can they replace natural meadows in urban spaces for bees, butterflies and hoverflies?
Abstract The decline in pollinator populations is partly due to human practices that have contributed to the loss of wild and flowerârich habitats. In cities, especially city centres, urban green spaces, which are usually small, are often sown with wildflower meadows. The study compared the number and species richness of three main groups of pollinating insects (wild bees, butterflies and hoverflies) for two types of meadows in Warsaw: sown wildflower meadows and the natural meadows. The research results showed that there was no difference in the composition of insectâpollinated plants between the meadow types. There was also no difference between the meadow types concerning the species richness of butterflies, bees and hoverflies. However, it was confirmed that the number of butterflies was twice as high in natural meadows than it was in sown floral meadows, while in the case of wild bees and hoverflies, no such differences were found. The study confirmed that areas sown with wildflowers, usually of small area, concentrate pollinating insects and have a similar value for pollinators as larger areas of natural meadow. Sown wildflower meadows, if properly cared for, can ensure the richness of melliferous plant species and thus positively affect the diversity and number of pollinators. Sown meadows can compensate insects for the absence of large, natural meadows, especially in the fragmented spaces in cities.
How do urbanization and alien species affect the plant taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity in different types of urban green areas?
AbstractHuman pressure on urban landscapes has serious consequences for urban plant species. Therefore, environmental and anthropogenic factors affect the assembly of urban wildlife in plant communities. For biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services in urban areas, it is crucial to understand the impacts of urbanization as well as the introduction of alien plant species on urban plant communities. On 47 sites in PoznaĆ (W Poland), we studied variation within and between three management greenery habitats, i.e., urban parks, greenery associated with housing estates, and urban grasslands, as they relate to taxonomical, functional, and phylogenetic alpha and beta diversity. We also examined how urbanization (measured by ISA) and alien plant species relate to vegetation compositional differences. We found that both urbanization and alien plant species cover decreased alpha diversity, while urbanization had various impacts on beta diversity within each studied habitat. Our results suggest that human pressure leads to similarities in the urban flora, where plant species with specific functional traits adapted to the urban environment. To achieve sustainable urbanization, urban planners should not only create diverse green spaces but also eliminate alien plants, increasing the role of urban land management in promoting the wildness of plant biodiversity in cities.
Urbanization and landscape effects on taxonomic and functional wild bee diversity in small towns and rural areas
Abstract Background Planning and managing urban landscapes for greater biodiversity and creating effective conservation strategies requires understanding the relationships between biodiversity and different types of urbanization. Here, we described the variation between small-town and rural areas in two dimensions of biodiversity â taxonomic and functional. We compared community composition and alpha and beta diversity levels of bees between small town and rural sites. We also analyzed the impact of landscape composition on bee communities. Results Our results showed that bee abundance, species richness, ShannonâWiener diversity index, and functional alpha diversity parameters did not differ between small towns and rural areas. Taxonomical overall beta diversity also did not show significant differences between the areas studied. However, we found higher taxonomical turnover and lower taxonomical nestedness for bees in urban areas than in rural areas. Simultaneously, the functional overall beta diversity was higher in rural than urban areas. Moreover, the results showed negative relationships between beesâ abundance and species richness with the density of impervious surface area (ISA) and cropland cover. Conclusions Our results show that even very small towns can influence bee communities, causing decrease in dissimilarity at the functional level, and landscape changes such as increased urbanization and crop cover have a significant negative impact on bees.
Maternal cafeteria diet adversely affects the reproductive parameters of rat offspring in a sex-specific manner
The prevalence of anthropogenic nest materials differs between two distinct populations of migratory birds in Europe
AbstractA major impact of human development is the transformation of natural habitats into farming lands and the expansion of built-up areas. Also, plastic pollution is affecting wildlife on a global scale. Discarded plastic is ubiquitous and accessible for birds, which can incorporate them into the nest structure. Here, we describe the differences in type, prevalence, and the amount of anthropogenic nest materials between two populations of terrestrial, mainly farmland bird, the white storkCiconia ciconia, on a broad geographical scale, from two migratory dividesâeastern in Poland and western in Spain (in total 303 nests). In the two populations, we detected significant differences in the incorporation of anthropogenic nest material, as measured by the Human Footprint Index (HFI) and the Impervious Surface Areas (ISA). We found that ISA was positively related to anthropogenic nest material incorporation in the Spanish population, and HFI was positively related to anthropogenic nest material, in contrast to the Polish population, in which the relationships were not significant. Moreover, we showed that the prevalence of nests with anthropogenic nest material was two times higher in Spanish than in the Polish white stork population. This study demonstrates that the behavior of incorporation of the anthropogenic nest material differs between two distinct populations of a single bird species.
