Boundary processes between a desert sand dune community and an encroaching suburban landscape

In contrast to the body of work in more mesic habitats, few studies have examined boundary processes between natural and anthropogenic desert landscapes. Our research examined processes occurring at boundaries between a desert sand dune community and an encroaching suburban habitat. We measured responses to an anthropogenic boundary by species from multiple trophic levels, and incorporated measures of habitat suitability, and temporal variation, at multiple spatial scales. At an edge versus core habitat scale the only aeolian sand species that demonstrated an unambiguous negative response to the anthropogenic habitat edges was the flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii). Conversely loggerhead shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) demonstrated a positive response to that edge. At a finer scale, species that exhibited a response to a habitat edge within the first 250 m included the horned lizards along with desert kangaroo rats (Dipodomys deserti). The latter species’ response was confined to 25 m from the edge. For the flat-tailed horned lizard, edge effects were measured up to 150 m from the habitat boundary. Three potential causal hypotheses were explored to explain the edge effect on horned lizards: (1) invasions of exotic ant species reducing potential prey for the lizards; (2) road avoidance and road associated mortalities; and (3) predation from a suite of avian predators whose occurrence and abundance may be augmented by resources available in the suburban habitat. We rejected the exotic ant hypothesis due to the absence of exotic ants within the boundary region, and because native ant species (prey for horned lizards) did not show an edge effect. Our data supported the predation and road mortality hypotheses. Mechanisms for regulating population dynamics of desert species are often “bottom-up,” stochastic processes driven by precipitation. The juxtaposition of an anthropogenic edge appears to have created a shift to a “top-down,” predator-mediated dynamic for these lizards.     

Microbial aggregation of sand in an embryo dune system

The importance of microorganisms in the aggregation of sand in an embryo dune system was examined. Of three main types of aggregates formed, microbial aggregates were found to be more important at stabilizing sand than either root-microbial or debris-microbial aggregates on the beach and at the edge of the dune but roots and their associated microorganisms were more important on the hummock of the dune. The amount of microbial and root-microbial aggregated sand was higher during the winter when the vegetation was dying down and decaying. In the absence of roots, microorganisms, in particular bacteria, play a major role in aggregating sand. The bacteria are well adapted to the unfavourable habitat of the beach as they are motile and tolerant to sea water, being able to grow in a salinity of 3.5%. Bacteria may play a major role in aggregating and stabilizing sand prior to colonization by higher plants.     

Population viability analysis and fire return intervals for an endemic Florida scrub mint

We use population viability analysis of an endangered Florida scrub mint, Dicerandra frutescens, to specify the optimal fire return intervals for its long-term persistence and for its specific habitat. We derived 83 population projection matrices from 13 years of demographic data from eight populations, 59 matrices from scrub populations and 24 from firelane or yard edges. Seed dormancy and germination transitions were inferred based on experimental data and verified by comparing modeled vs. observed population trajectories. Finite rates of increase in scrub sites were highest shortly after fire and declined steeply through 10 years postfire. The break-even value of λ = 1 was passed quickly, in about six years, suggesting that populations >6 years postfire were already facing decline. The decline is probably related to the rapid growth of competing shrubs in the habitat of D. frutescens. In long-unburned sites, finite rates of increase were nearly always <1 and declined the most in the long-unburned site with no foot trails or treefall gaps. Finite rates of increase in firelane populations also declined with years since fire or last disking. The yard edge population showed λ values both >1 and <1, with no temporal trend. Stochastic simulations in scrub sites suggested an optimal regular fire return interval of about 6-12 years. Regular fires at this interval were more favorable than stochastic fire regimes, but stochasticity reduced extinction percentages at longer fire return intervals. Stochastic fire return intervals implied a wider optimal fire return interval of 6-21 years. We suggest that prescribed fire in Florida scrub on yellow sand has occurred (and needs to occur) more frequently than previously recommended.     

Decline in the distribution and abundance of flesh-footed shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) on Lord Howe Island, Australia

The flesh-footed shearwater (Puffinus carneipes) is a migratory seabird that ranges widely across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The principal breeding populations are in Australia and New Zealand. The only breeding site in eastern Australia is on Lord Howe Island. Despite it being afforded a high level of legislative protection, the population on Lord Howe Island has declined substantially during the last few decades. The total extent of nesting habitat in 2002 was 24.3 ha, a reduction of 13.4 ha (35.6%) since 1978. Loss of nesting habitat was associated with increased urbanisation, the adverse impact of which extended beyond the footprint of buildings and gardens. In 2002, overall burrow density was 0.123 per m² and the total number of burrows was estimated to be 29,853 ± 5867, a decline of about 19.0% since 1978. A substantial decline in burrow density was evident in the colony where loss of habitat to urbanisation had been greatest. In 2002, 58% of burrows were occupied by breeding birds, and the total population size was estimated to be 17,462 breeding pairs. Breeding success (the proportion of eggs that produced fledglings) was 50%, but was lowest in the most urbanised colony. To avert further declines in the population of flesh-footed shearwaters on Lord Howe Island major changes in land use practices, enforced through appropriate legislation, are needed, together with reductions in the level of seabird bycatch in fisheries operations and in the amount of plastics that litter the world’s oceans.     

Studies on the ecology of actinomycetes in soil— VII. Actinomycetes in a coastal sand belt

Distribution of actinomyeetes in beach and dune sand at two sites was studied. At one site. dunes were eroding while at the other accretion of sand and dune development occurred. Actinomycetes occurred in low numbers in beach sand hul increased sharply when dunes were colonized by Ammophila arenaria (L) Link or Agropyron junceiforme (A & D Löve) A & D Löve. Micromonospora strains predominated in beach sand but Streptomyces was the predominant genus in dunes.Salinity tolerance of isolates was not clearly related to their source but tolerance of dune isolates was generally greater than those from the beach. Tolerance of Streptomyces strains varied but all Micromonospora isolates were intolerant of salinities above that of sea water.Evidence for increased growth of actinomycetes in the root region of A. arenaria and A. junceiforme was obtained but there was little qualitative difference between those in the root region and root-free sand. In laboratory experiments actinomycetes colonized old. dead Ammophila roots more readily than young ones and arose carly in succession on the former. Young, living roots stimulated bacteria and fungi but not actinomyeetcs. It was concluded that most activity of actinomycetes in the Ammophila root region occurred on old root tissue and it was suggested that this might be true of other plants.     

沙柳沙障对沙丘沙粒度组成与特征的影响

为揭示沙柳沙障对沙丘沙粒度组成与特征的影响,以库布齐沙漠流动沙丘为对照,以设障2a、7 a沙丘为研究对象,通过野外取样与室内激光粒度仪测试相结合的方法,研究流动沙丘与设障沙丘不同部位表层(0 ～5 cm)与下层(5 ～ 10cm)粒度特征的变化规律.结果表明:1)库布齐沙漠沙以细沙和中沙为主,3类沙丘各层次间的黏粒体积分数无差异,其他粒径体积分数均表现为流沙与设障2 a沙丘差异不显著,均与设障7 a沙丘差异显著.2)3类沙丘各层次的粒度参数差异性变化一致,平均粒径Mz和偏度SK表现为设障7a沙丘＞流动沙丘＞设障2a沙丘,分选系数σ和峰态Kg则为设障7a沙丘＞设障2a沙丘＞流动沙丘;3类沙丘各层次的分选性随设障年限延长而变差,偏度由近对称变为呈正偏分布,峰态Kg值逐渐增大.3)3类沙丘各粒度参数在不同部位的变化不尽一致.除设障2a沙丘外,流动沙丘、设障7a沙丘表层各部位的Mz差异显著,下层则相反;3类沙丘表层与下层各部位的σ和SK差异显著;除设障7a沙丘外,各部位的Kg差异明显;随设障年限的增加,粒径变细,分选系数逐渐变差,偏度和峰态增大.     

Aggregation of sand from a maritime embryo sand dune by microorganisms and higher plants

The effects of the interactions between higher plants and microorganisms and the addition of selected microorganisms on aggregation of sand from an embryo dune were examined. Addition of microorganisms to sand increased both plant growth and the amount of aggregation. Roots alone had little effect on aggregation but in association with microorganisms there was a noticeable increase. The number of microorganisms isolated from aggregates in four different treatments varied each month over the course of the experiment. Aggregates from a treatment receiving Penicillium spores were colonized by the greatest number of microorganisms, and the least colonized aggregates were from a treatment where the sand was initially sterile.     

荒漠-绿洲过渡区灌丛沙包的蒸散特征及模拟

 利用长期的观测与试验数据,采用波文比-能量平衡法对甘肃民勤荒漠—绿洲过渡区柽柳、白刺灌丛沙包和裸露流动沙丘的蒸散特征与变化规律进行分析,探讨蒸散量与气象因子的关系,在此基础上,应用土壤-植被-大气连续体（SPAC）的耦合数值模式,对不同植被灌丛的蒸散过程进行模拟。结果表明:在蒸散日进程中,有植被覆盖的柽柳沙包和白刺沙包的蒸散率峰值出现时间比流动沙丘早12h,且日最大蒸散速率大小顺序为,柽柳沙包（0.24mm/h）>白刺沙包（0.20mm/h）>流动沙丘（0.18mm/h）;柽柳沙包和白刺沙包在7—9月的蒸散量最高,分别占各自生长期耗水量的69.3%和65.4%;影响荒漠—绿洲过渡区灌丛植被蒸散的主要气象因子为日照百分率、气温、空气饱和差以及风速等,它们与日蒸散量的斜率关联度分别为0.717、0.643、0.649和0.705;SPAC耦合数值模式能够模拟不同植被覆盖度下灌丛植被蒸散的变化趋势,模拟值与实测值基本一致,具有很好的稳定性和可靠性。     

The impact of feral cats and dogs on populations of the West Indian rock iguana, Cyclura carinata

A population of rock iguanas, Cyclura carinata, inhabiting Pine Cay in the Caicos Islands was nearly extirpated during the three years following construction of a hotel and tourist facility. The decline, from an estimated adult lizard population of nearly 5500, was due primarily to predation by domestic dogs and cats introduced to the island simultaneously with hotel construction. Population declines on other nearby islands were also attributed to predation by these feral mammals.     

Fire is a key element in the landscape-scale habitat requirements and global population status of a threatened bird: The Mallee Emu-wren (Stipiturus mallee)

The Mallee Emu-wren (Stipiturus mallee) is a threatened, narrow-range passerine endemic to south-eastern Australia. To inform future conservation measures for this poorly known species, we used ecological niche factor analysis, habitat suitability modelling and distance sampling to determine landscape-scale habitat requirements and estimate the population size. Using GIS software, we integrated digital layers of ecogeographic variables with; (1) presence-only observations to derive and validate a habitat suitability model using ecological niche factor analysis, and (2) distance sampling to determine population distribution and densities across vegetation types. We detected populations in only five of seven reserves which they had occupied in 2000. We estimate the global population size to be 16,821 individuals (range 8431-39, 104), 68% greater than the previously estimated 10,000 individuals, with a single large reserve containing the majority (∼92%) of the global population. The Mallee Emu-wren is a habitat specialist, primarily occurring in mallee-Triodia vegetation that has not been burnt for at least 15 years. The highest densities were in vegetation associations containing at least a 15% cover of Triodia, however, time since the habitat was last burnt was the overriding factor in determining densities. Large-scale wildfires are a pervasive threat to the global status of the Mallee Emu-wren, and the risk to remaining populations is exacerbated by the adverse impact of prolonged drought and the potential for altered fire regimes caused by global warming. Evaluation of the global population status, and the continued wildfire threat warranted recent reclassification of the Mallee Emu-wren from Vulnerable to Endangered according to IUCN Red List categories and criteria.     

Pampas deer conservation with respect to habitat loss and protected area considerations in San Luis, Argentina

Ozotoceros bezoarticus celer is the most endangered subspecies of pampas deer. Although common in the Argentine Pampas 100 years ago, it persists in only two small populations. The largest population has survived due to the rarity of roads, internal farm subdivisions, and the low cattle density. However, habitat condition for this population has changed dramatically in the last 16 years. Five Landsat images (1985, 1992, 1997, 1999, 2001), covering 4608 km², were used to quantify pampas deer habitat loss due to the replacement of natural grassland by exotic pastures and crops. Image classification showed that natural grassland cover was reduced from 84.5 to 37.8% between 1985 and 2001. The annual transformation rate increased significantly from 1.4 to 10.9%. Average paddock size was significantly reduced from 1470 to 873 ha, and the number of paddocks increased from 129 to 227. The land within this area proposed for a national park has not escaped these habitat changes. In the last 6 years the amount of replaced area within the proposed park has increased from 9.1 to 51.1% due to actions by ranchers to avoid inclusion within park boundaries. Three patches of natural grassland still remain within the pampas deer distribution, one of which is the proposed national park. The implementation of a national park is a decisive challenge for the survival of pampas deer and its habitat in Argentina.     

Survival of the western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) in an urban California environment

The western pond turtle Emys (formerly Clemmys) marmorata is declining throughout its range, primarily due to loss of habitat via urbanization and conversion to agriculture. Urban waterways present several important challenges to freshwater turtle populations, but they also present an opportunity to maintain declining species in a ubiquitous habitat that has high public visibility. The arboretum waterway on the University of California, Davis campus is an example of an extensively altered urban habitat that supports a relatively large E. marmorata population. Over the last 6 years, we monitored the turtle population inhabiting the arboretum waterway to determine the demographic health of the population, and the challenges and opportunities that urban environments pose for pond turtles. Since 1993, the naturally existing arboretum pond turtle population has declined by approximately 40% and has shown little natural recruitment. During this time, we also introduced 31 headstarted turtles into the arboretum. Headstarting is the process of raising juveniles in captivity until they have outgrown their period of greatest vulnerability to predators, and then releasing them into the wild. Our headstarting results demonstrate that this contentious strategy is a viable option for adding young turtles to the population, although it does not address the causes of decline. Over the course of our study, we encountered nine species of non-native turtles in the waterway, and these appear to be a serious threat to the native species. As more habitat becomes urbanized, it is increasingly important to understand how freshwater turtles, such as E. marmorata, adapt to urban waterways and the impact of non-native turtles on native turtle species. Our strong feeling is that urban waterways can provide habitat for viable populations of freshwater turtles and showcase them to the public, but both the aquatic and terrestrial habitat must be managed according to the biological requirements of individual species.     

Application of scientific principles to sand dune stabilization in New Zealand: past progress and future needs

Sand dune management involves stabilization techniques designed to prevent erosion and deposition of sand. Recognition of the problems facing New Zealand's coastal landowners during the last century led to the development of a government sand stabilization strategy based on foredune maintenance, successional planting of the dune complex with appropriate species, and the establishment of a sequence of vegetation zones parallel to the coast. Large areas were reclaimed and converted to productive forest and farmland. A review of research and practice shows that stability of all dune land, and particularly the strip within 0·5 km of the shoreline, is dependent on the continued application of knowledge already gained. Decentralization of responsibility for problems associated with drifting sand, coupled with specific requirements of the 1991 Resource Management Act, has generated a need for the principles of sand stabilization to be understood more widely. This information must be made available to individual managers to assist their decisions about potential land-use options. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

浅谈水土保持行政复议的基本原则

浅谈水土保持行政复议的基本原则茹建峰，李文（陕西省水土保持局，西安７１０００４）水土保持行政复议是指公民、法人或其他组织对水行政主管部门或水土保持机构作出的具体行政行为不服，依法向原作出具体行政行为的上一级机关提出申请，由上一级机关对该行政行为是否合...     

库布齐沙漠半固定沙丘上2种草本植物的分布格局

采用空间点格局分析方法,对库布齐沙漠中典型半固定沙丘的沙地旋覆花、沙米2种主要草本植物的分布格局进行研究。结果表明:多年生植物沙地旋覆花在沙丘不同部位的分布数量变异较一年生植物沙米要大;沙丘上2种草本植物的总体分布格局基本上呈现群聚状态,并从沙丘上部到沙丘下部逐渐减弱,2种间相互关系从沙丘上部到沙丘下部基本表现为从相互促进转变为相互竞争的趋势。沙米作为流沙上的先锋植物,在沙丘从流动到固定过程中作用至关重要,建议在人工促进流沙固定的措施中,可以结合其他工程措施(如沙障等)进行人工沙米种子的撒播,以加速植被的恢复。     

神府煤田风沙区采煤塌陷对风蚀的影响

[目的]探究神府煤田风沙区采煤塌陷对风沙活动的影响,为矿区防治风蚀危害和植被恢复提供科学依据。[方法]以塌陷区扰动地表为研究对象,通过野外定位观测,研究塌陷1~2a沙丘典型位置及不同的地表破损率对风蚀/风积量影响。[结果]塌陷1a、塌陷2a和对照(非塌陷)沙丘不同典型位置的风蚀/风积深度分别达到-28.2,-45.6和-2.8cm,其整体的风蚀概率达60%以上,90%以上和10%以下。地表破损率越大,其地表风积过程越显著,且随着地表破损率的减小,风沙运动状态逐渐由风积填缝过程转化为风蚀过程,其风蚀/风积深度(Q)与地表破损率(V)呈多项式函数关系。[结论]采煤塌陷有效地促进了风沙运动,改变了局部的风蚀/风积深度,可能引起固定半固定沙丘重新活化。     

Using occurrence records to model historic distributions and estimate habitat losses for two psammophilic lizards

Estimating historic distributions of species is a critical step in evaluating current levels of habitat loss, evaluating sites for potential restoration and reintroductions, and for conservation planning at a landscape scale. However historic distributions can be difficult to estimate objectively because substantial habitat changes may have occurred prior to comprehensive surveys. As a means to address this question, we evaluated a novel approach by creating spatial niche models for two species of psammophilic lizards. Using a partitioned Mahalanobis D² analysis and abiotic variables that were independent of anthropogenic change, we created niche models for the federally threatened Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornata) and for the flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii). The niche models estimated that within the Coachella Valley there were originally 32,164 ha of potential habitat for the fringe-toed lizard and 33,502 ha of potential habitat for the horned lizard. After screening these estimates of historic habitat for current conditions that would render that potential habitat unsuitable, we calculated a 91-95% loss of potential habitat for the fringe-toed lizard and an 83-92% loss for the horned lizard. Unlike the fringe-toed lizard, the horned lizard also occurs outside the Coachella Valley. Conducting a similar analysis throughout its range would provide an objective estimate of the total habitat loss experienced by this species. This information could be used to address whether granting it federal or state protection is warranted. For species whose distributions can be modeled with abiotic variables such as soils, elevation, topography, and climate, this approach may have broad applications for resolving questions regarding their current levels of habitat loss and regional conservation planning.     

N2-Fixation by roots and rhizosphere of sand dune plants

Nitrogenase activity (by acetylene reduction assay) has been found on the roots and in the rhizosphere-soil of various plant species collected from dune soils (Table 1.) located on the west coast of Denmark. Out of twelve plant species, five plant species (Deschampsia flexuosa, Ammophila arenaria, Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum and Corynephorus canescens) revealed a positive nitrogenase activity. Among these five, three were temperate grasses. Except Ammophila arenaria, all four plant species were collected from old sand dune and showed nitrogenase activity on roots as well as in their rhizosphere soil, Ammophila arenaria was collected from fresh sand dune and exhibited nitrogenase activity only on roots (Table 2).     

The conservation status of Townsend's shearwater Puffinus auricularis auricularis

Townsend's shearwater (Puffinus auricularis auricularis) is an endangered seabird endemic to the Revillagigedo Archipelago. It nested on Socorro, Clarion, and San Benedicto Islands. It was extirpated by the Barcena volcano on San Benedicto in 1952, and there are no recent indications of nesting. Introduced mammals—pigs and rabbits—preyed on them and destroyed habitat at Clarion; shearwaters were extirpated by 1988, and no breeding attempts have been reported since. Our results confirm that Socorro holds the last breeding grounds. We found breeding colonies above 800 m and a minimum population of 1100 individuals. This represents a significant reduction in distribution and population size. Intensive cat predation at Socorro could potentially kill ca. 350 females per season, and sheep progressively destroy nesting areas. Population projections suggest that demographic instability could occur in less than 100 years under severe predation and habitat degradation. Only low predation rates would allow population persistence for more than 150 years in spite of a declining population. Thus, the immediate eradication of all introduced mammals is necessary to prevent the extinction of this seabird.     

Vegetation stabilisation and slope failure of eroding sand dunes

A comparison of adjacent vegetated and non-vegetated seaward-facing dune slopes illustrates some of the problems associated with stabilisation byartificial planting. Although the vegetated slopes are more sec re (‘F’ values range from 1·16 to 2·33), they have a tendency to fail as rotational slips following marine undercutting, and supply of sand to the eroding beach is greatly reduced. Also a potential for massive slab failure exists. Sediment residence time is increased from 3·5 years for loose sand faces to 27 years for planted ones. For successful stabilisation it is necessary to know both the maximum stable cliff angle and the probable magnitude of storm-induced recession.