Breeding Habitat Selection of Reeves’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii) in Dongzhai National Nature Reserve, Henan Province, China

Reeves＇s Pheasant （Syrmaticus reevesii） is a threatened pheasant species endemic to China. The habitat use of territorial male birds was surveyed by the help of live decoys in a core area of Dongzhai NationaI Nature Reserve. The breeding habitat selection of this pheasant was examined at two scales （115 m and 250 m scale, i.e. 4.15 hm^2 and 19.63 hm^2, respectively）, including the characteristics at distance scale. Investigation was based on line transect, RS and GIS in Dongzhai National Natural Reserve from 2001 to 2003. Moreover, a range of habitat variables were compared between used and control points at each scale, and stepwise logistic regression was applied to select the key scale and the key habitat factors in relation to breeding habitat selection of this bird. Our results stated that the territorial males at Baiyun occurred mostly in mixed forests, followed by fir forests, pine forests, shrubs, and broadleaf forests. The area of conifer forests was the key factor influencing habitat selection of this bird in breeding period at the scales of 115 m and 250 m, and the proximity of farmland was important for habitat selection in breeding seasons. Furthermore, Reeves＇s Pheasants attached great importance to the scale of 115 m. When considering a range of habitat variables at all scales within a multivariate regression, the leading factors having effect on habitat selection in the breeding period were areas of conifer forests at 115 m scale and the distance to farmland. In addition, these above results suggested that strengthening the management of suitable habitat, and optimizing the habitat configuration are important in promoting conservation of this bird. However, it also highlighted the importance of initiating future researches on the conifer forests and their impact on the population of Reeves＇s Pheasants, which would be beneficial to promote the habitat conservation of this pheasant more effectively.

Spring habitat selection of sables in Daxing'an Mountains

This paper studies the habitat selection of sables (Martes. zibellina) in spring adopting radio-tracking and GPS (Global Positioning System) in Daxing’an Mountains of China. Sables liked mature and elder forest, but it avoided uncovered and young growth land. In spring sables had strong selection to medium cover-degree forest, but it avoided widen ground and especial high cover-degree forest. On the contrary sables didn’t have the strong selection to shrubs cover-degree, but strong selection to dominant tree species, slope degree and slope direction, especially sable liked medium and lower slope. At the same time, sables had the strong selection to the log’s density and the crown’s cover-degree. Generally it avoided high elevation and lower slope land.

Year-round multi-scale habitat selection by Crested Tit(Lophophanes cristatus)in lowland mixed forests(northern Italy)

Determining how animals respond to resource availability across spatial and temporal extents is crucial to understand ecological processes underpinning habitat selection.Here,we used a multi-scale approach to study the year-round habitat selection of the Crested Tit(Lophophanes cristatus)in a semi-natural lowland woodland of northern Italy,analysing different habitat features at each scale.We performed Crested Tit censuses at three different spatial scales.At the macrohabitat scale,we used geolocalized observations of individuals to compute Manly's habitat selection index,based on a detailed land-use map of the study area.At the microhabitat scale,the trees features were compared between presence and absence locations.At the foraging habitat scale,individual foraging birds and their specific position on trees were recorded using focal animal sampling.Censuses were performed during both the breeding(March to May)and wintering(December to January)seasons.At the macrohabitat scale,the Crested Tits significantly selected pure and mixed pine forests and avoided woods of alien plant species,farmlands and urban areas.At the microhabitat scale,old pine woods with dense cover were selected,with no significant difference in the features of tree selection between the two phenological phases.At the foraging habitat scale,the species was observed spending more time foraging in the canopies than in the understorey,using mostly the portion of Scots Pine(Pinus sylvestris)canopies closer to the trunk in winter,while during the breeding period,the whole canopy was visited.Overall,breeding and wintering habitats largely overlapped in the Crested Tit.Based on our findings,lowland Crested Tits can be well defined as true habitat specialists:they are strictly related to some specific coniferous woodland features.Noteworthily,compared to other tit species,which normally show generalist habits during winter,the Crested Tit behaves as a habitat specialist also out of the breeding season.Our study stressed the importance of considering multi-scale(both spatial and phenological)habitat selection in birds.

Foraging habitat selection of overwintering Black-necked Cranes in the farming area surrounding the Caohai Wetland, Guizhou Province, China

Background: Understanding how overwintering birds choose foraging habitats is very important for conservation management. The overwintering Black-necked Crane(Grus nigricollis) feeds on crop remains in farmlands;thus, reasonable conservation management of this type of farmland that surrounds wetlands is critical for the overwintering populations of the Black-necked Crane;however, it is not clear how the Black-necked Crane chooses the foraging land in the farmland.Methods: A thorough field positioning survey of all foraging sites in farmland areas around the Caohai Wetland and a-sampling analysis of habitat selection by the Black-necked Crane were conducted during the winters from 20162017 and 2017-2018.Results: Multiple factors contributed to the selection of foraging habitat in farmlands, i.e., food factors(crop remains and tillage methods) > human disturbance factors(distance to road and settlement) > topography factors(slope aspect), listed according to the strength of influence. Additionally, Black-necked Cranes tend to choose farmland sites where there was no machine tillage, the crop remains were > 500 g/m^2, the distance to residences ranged from 100 to 500 m, the distance to roads ranged from 50 to 100 m, and the slopes exhibited western or eastern aspects. As the winters progressed, the volume of the edible crop remains declined, and the influences of the other main factors also changed, i.e., the factors of human disturbance(distance to road and settlement) became less important, while the effect of the food factor(crop remains) was strengthened. Thus, the foraging sites near the road became more important.Conclusion: The farming area surrounding the Caohai Wetland is very important for the overwintering Black-necked Crane. Food factors and human disturbance factors are the main factors that influence the choice of feeding ground.

Winter habitat selection of red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)

This paper studied the winter habitat selection of red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) in Yancheng National Natural Reserve, Jiangsu Province. There were six types of habitat used by red-crowned cranes, i.e. salt-works, aquiculture ponds, reed lands, grassy tidal lands, salting wormwood lands and wheat fields. The wheat field was a new type of habitat used by red-crowned cranes. More than 70 percent of red-crowned cranes chose grassy tidal lands, salting wormwood lands, and reed lands as their most important habitats. In recent years, the distribution of red-crowned cranes moved southward gradually. Red-crowned cranes prefer artificial or semiartificial wetlands rather than original wetlands, successive distribution was broken into fragments.

Habitat selection of woodchat shrikes Lanius senator during spring stopover is related to foraging strategy

Every spring a huge number of passerines cross the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea on their way to their breeding grounds. Stopover sites after such extended barriers where birds can rest, refuel, and find shelter from adverse weather, are of crucial importance for the outcome of their migration. Stopover habitat selection used by migrating birds depends on landscape context, habitat patch characteristics, as well as on the particular energetic conditions and needs of individ- ual birds, but it is still poorly investigated. We focused on a long-distance migrating passerine, the woodchat shrike, in order to investigate for the first time the species＇ habitat selection at a spring stopover site （island of Antikythira, Greece） after the crossing of the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea. We implemented radio-tracking, color-ringing, and visual behavioral observa- tions to collect data on microhabitat use. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were developed to identify the species＇ most preferred microhabitat during its stopover on this low human disturbed island. We found that high maquis vegetation surrounded by low vegetation was chosen as perches for hunting. Moreover, high maquis vegetation appeared to facilitate hunting attempts toward the ground, the most frequently observed foraging strategy. Finally, we discuss our find- ings in the context of conservation practices for the woodchat shrike and their stopover sites on Mediterranean islands.

Adult bobcat(Lynx rufus)habitat selection in a longleaf pine savanna

Background:Pine savannas are primarily managed with frequent prescribed fire(≤3 years)to promote diversity of flora and fauna,and to maintain open,park-like conditions needed by species such as the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker(Picoides borealis).However,a knowledge gap exists in our understanding of bobcat(Lynx rufus)habitat selection in longleaf pine savannas and research is warranted to direct our future management decisions.Methods:We examined bobcat habitat selection in a pine savanna managed with frequent fires at two spatial scales(i.e.,study area boundary[hereafter,landscape scale])and annual area of use[95%kernel density;local scale],and assessed effects of prescribed fire on bobcat habitat selection.Specifically,we monitored 45 bobcats(16 males and 29 females)during 2001–2007.Results:We found differential habitat selection by sex.At the landscape scale,female bobcats were closer to mixed pine-hardwoods,young pine,and secondary roads,but farther from mature pine and hardwoods stands relative to males.We found no difference in selection of agriculture,shrub-scrub,and primary roads between sexes.At the annual area of use scale,female bobcats were closer to secondary roads,but farther from agriculture and shrub-scrub relative to males.We found no difference in selection of mature pine,mixed pine-hardwoods,hardwoods,young pine,and primary roads between sexes.Bobcats primarily selected for stands burned≤1.1 years post-fire.Conclusions:Our results show that bobcats exploit a broad range of habitat types in pine landscapes managed with frequent fire and commonly use recently burned stands(≤1.1 year post-fire),suggesting prey in many areas of this system are at risk of bobcat predation.Additionally,we suggest land managers consider scale of selection by bobcats when developing habitat management strategies.

Habitat selection of the Tibetan Snow Cock Tetraogallus tibetanus in the spring in Lhasa

The habitat selection of Tibetan Snow Cocks in shrub vegetation was investigated in Lhasa,Tibet,China,between March and April,2005.Fourteen parameters were measured.These include altitude,slope,slope aspect,slope position,vegetation cover,plant type and other environmental parameters.Results show that Snow Cocks favor foraging in areas where vegetation cover was small and close to the residents’houses.Supplementary food supplied by humans has caused Snow Cocks to decrease their foraging range.Snow Cocks also favor roosting in areas with low vegetation,sparse grass,short grass,large rocks and close to houses.The Snow Cocks’activity in the study areas show a close relationship with human activities.

Summer habitat selection and impacts of human disturbance on leopard cats(Prionailurus bengalensis)

Introduction:As a consequence of habitat loss and degradation,the leopard cat(Prionailurus bengalensis)in China has become endangered and in need of urgent protection.In situ conservation of leopard cats must be based on an understanding of their habitat selection patterns.We studied the summer habitat of leopard cats using line-transect surveys in the northern Taihang Mountain region surrounding Beijing,China.We compared used plots with non-used plots in elevation,tree canopy,and 20 other ecological variables,and used VanderploegScavia’s resource selection index(VSI)to analyze habitat preferences.Outcomes/others:Results show that tree canopy,tree height,tree density,and stump quantity of used plots were significantly lower than non-used plots in summer,and that leopard cats preferred habitats located on northern,flat slopes with lower slope,shrub-dominated,dry soil,and less fallen-wood.Leopard cats had a strong tendency to use habitats near human disturbance areas with moderate levels of disturbance intensity.Conclusion:The results suggest that future conservation efforts should emphasize:(1)strengthening the protection and management of forest fringe shrub habitats to improve summer habitat suitability,and(2)environmental education and animal protection campaigns to promote community biodiversity conservation.

Roost selection of the endangered Spotted Greenshank(Tringa guttifer) in critical habitat in the Inner Gulf of Thailand

Background: Roost-site quality can significantly affect the individual fitness of shorebirds, but roost sites remain poorly described for many threatened species on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. We studied roost-site selection of the globally endangered Spotted Greenshank (Tringa guttifer) in the Inner Gulf of Thailand, an area which supports approximately 24% of their global wintering population, during two non-breeding seasons (October 2014–May 2015 and December 2015–February 2016). Methods: We measured nine variables associated with roost site characteristics including water depth, indicators of disturbance/predation risk, and associations with other shorebird species. We predicted that roost ponds with shallow water in proximity to foraging sites would receive higher usage than those further away. Results: A total of 94 sites were measured of which 46 were used for roosts with 23 used repeatedly. All used sites were human-modified ponds, of which 44 were used for salt farming and two used for aquaculture. Roosts were on average 1.10 ± 0.78 (SE) km from foraging sites and 5.8 ± 2.4 cm deep. The most supported model indicated that roost sites were negatively associated with distance to foraging sites and positively associated with the presence of Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) and water depth. Conclusions: Traditional saltpans and other artificial wetlands near (< 1 km) mudflats serve as the primary high-tide roost habitat in the Inner Gulf of Thailand for this Spotted Greenshank population and perhaps seven other globally threatened or near-threatened species. Critically, all observed roost sites are on private land with no formal protection and thus will require creative public–private partnerships to manage sustainably.

Telemetric Data Reveals Ecolgoically Adaptive Behavior of Captive Raised Chinese Giant Salamanders When Reintroduced into Their Native Habitat

Little is known about the ecology of the Chinese Giant Salamander(Andrias davidianus), a critically endangered species. Such information is needed to make informed decisions concerning the conservation and management of this species. Four A. davidianus raised in a pool were released into their native habitat on 04 May 2005 and were subsequently radio-tracked for approximately 155–168 days. Following their release, the giant salamanders traveled upstream in search of suitable micro-habitats, and settled after 10 days. Later, a devastating summer flash flood destroyed the salamanders' dens, triggering another bout of habitat searching by the animals. Eventually, the salamanders settled in different sections of the stream where they remained until the end of the study. On average, each habitat searching endeavor took 7.5 days, during which a giant salamander explored a 310 m stretch of stream with a surface area of about 1157 m2 and occupied 3.5 temporary dwellings. Each giant salamander spent an average of 144.5 days in semi-permanent micro-habitats, and occupied territories that had a mean size of 34.75 m2. Our results indicate that the Chinese giant salamander responds to habitat disturbance by seeking new habitats upstream, both water temperature and water level affect the salamander's habitat searching activity, and the size of the salamander's semi-permanent territory is influenced by the size of the pool containing the animal's den.

Comparison of roosting habitat characteristics of two sympatric pheasants during springtime at Dazhong Mountain,southwestern China

Hume's Pheasant(Syrmaticus humiae) and the Silver Pheasant(Lophura nycthemera) are two sympatric bird species at Dazhong Mountain of Yunnan Province,southwestern China.We investigated characteristics of roosting habitats of the two pheasants from February to April,2004 in this area.Multiple statistics,Matryoshka and a habitat classification-tree were used to analyze the selection of roosting habitats of these pheasants. The results of the habitat classification-tree indicated that several separations occurred in their macro and micro roosting habitats in the study area. The two pheasants had similar crucial requirements for and selection of ecological roosting factors,which allow them to live in the same macrohabitat.Competition between these two pheasants was avoided by separation of spatial elements,such as roosting trees and topographic characteristics.For safety strategy,Hume's Pheasant adopted primarily a way of'uneasily found habitat cover plus easy escape',while the Silver Pheasant employed a unique way of'uneasily found habitat cover'.For tactics of keeping warm,Hume's Pheasant selected mainly a method of'suitable vegetation supplemented with suitable topography',while the Silver Pheasant chose a unique man-ner of'suitable vegetation'.

Site-specific and seasonal variation in habitat use of Eurasian otters(Lutra lutra)in western China:implications for conservation

As a top predator,the Eurasian otter(Lutra lutra)is an indicator of healthy freshwater ecosystems and a flagship species for conservation.Once widespread in China,the species is now distributed mainly in the upper reaches of the great rivers of western China.However,a lack of knowledge on local otter populations continues to hinder their conservation in China.Here,we conducted a detailed study on habitat use of Eurasian otters in Yushu City and Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve in western China using transect surveys.At both study sites,otters preferred to defecate on large rocks close to or protruding from the river and about 50 cm above the waterline.In Yushu,no spraints were found along the 5 km river bank section in the downtown area,with otters preferring sprainting sites with natural banks,riparian zones,and lower human population density.However,this pattern was not obvious at Tangjiahe,where river transformation and human disturbance are minor.Otter river use intensity was negatively correlated with elevation and human population density in Yushu in both seasons.In Tangjiahe,otter river use intensity was positively correlated with prey mass and flow rate and negatively correlated with human population in spring,but positively correlated with human population and negatively correlated with flow rate in autumn.These results reflect the flexible habitat use strategies of otters at different sites,underlining the necessity to study otters living in different regions and habitat types.We provide suggestions for river modification and call for more site-specific studies to promote otter conservation in China.

Assessing site-safeguard effectiveness and habitat preferences of Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) at their stopover sites within the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau using GPS/ GSM telemetry

Background:The Bar-headed Goose(Anser indicus)breeds across the high plains and plateau of Central Asia and winters in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP),the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Indian sub-continent.Of the two recognized discrete flyways of the Bar-headed Goose,the Eastern Tibetan Flyway(ETF)is the larger,comprising at least six migration routes.However,we remain ignorant about their migratory connectivity,habitat use and effectiveness of site-safeguard mechanisms set in place for the species.Methods:We tracked 30 ETF Bar-headed Geese from Chinese and Mongolian breeding areas to their wintering grounds using GPS/GSM transmitters,to determine their migration routes and stopover staging patterns within the QTP,overlaying these upon GIS layers of protected area status and habitat type,to model their habitat selection.Results:In total,14 tagged Bar-headed Geese provided information on their entire autumn migration and 4 geese on their entire spring migration.Qinghai Lake marked birds overwintered in the QTP(n=2),geese tagged in Mongolia wintered either in the QTP(n=3)or in India/Bangladesh(n=9),representing three of the migration routes within the ETF.In total,tagged birds staged at 79 different stopover sites within QTP in autumn and 23 in spring,of which 65%(autumn)and 59%(spring)of all fixes fell within the boundaries of either National Nature Reserves(NNRs)or Important Birds Areas(IBAs)in the QTP.Bar-headed Geese predominantly occurred on four land-cover types:grassland(mostly by day),water bodies(at night),wetlands and bare substrates(salt flats,dry lake/river substrates and plough)with little change in proportion.Generalized linear mixed models comparing presence with pseudo-absence data suggested geese strongly selected for wetlands as staging habitat,avoiding bare substrates in spring.Conclusions:Based on our limited observations of these tagged geese,this study is the first to show that the current designated National Nature Reserves in place in the staging areas within the QTP appear adequate to protect this increasing population.In addition,Hala Lake in Qinghai Province and adjacent areas used as initial QTP staging during autumn migration(currently outside of designated as NNRs/IBAs)are recommended for protection,based on their use by tagged birds from this study.Habitat modelling confirmed the importance of natural wetlands as feeding areas and safe areas of open water as roosting places.

Comparing post-release survival and habitat use by captive-bred Cabot's Tragopan(Tragopan caboti) in an experimental test of soft-release reintroduction strategies

Background: Restoring a viable population by reintroduction is the ultimate goal of a large number of ex situ conservation projects for endangered animals. However, many reintroductions fail to establish a population in the wild, partly because released animals cannot acclimate to the native environment of the release site, resulting in very low survival rates. Acclimation training is a technique to resolve this problem, although it does not have positive results in all species. We tested whether acclimation training and soft-release could improve the reintroduction success for captive-bred Cabot's Tragopan(Tragopan caboti), an endangered pheasant in southern China.Methods: Reintroduction of captive-bred Cabot's Tragopan was carried out in the Taoyuandong National Nature Reserve, China from 2010 to 2011. We built a soft-release enclosure for acclimation training in the typical montane habitat of this pheasant. Nine birds were acclimated to the environment of this release site in this cage for more than 50 days before release("trained birds"), while 11 birds remained only in the cage for 3 days prior to release("untrained birds"). Released birds were tagged with a collar radio-transmitter.Results: Post-release monitoring revealed that the survival rate of trained birds was higher than that of untrained birds after 50 days(trained: 85.7%; untrained: 20.0%). Cox regression analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the mortality rates between the trained and untrained birds. In addition, a survey of the habitat of the experimental and the control groups showed significant differences in habitat selection between the groups.Conclusion: Our study suggests that pre-release acclimatization training is an important factor that can lead to improved survival and habitat selection of captive-bred reintroduced tragopans.

Identifying important habitats for waterbird conservation at a Greek Regional Nature Park

Background:Small coastal wetlands are vital sites for wintering waterbirds.Identifying important habitats is critical for managing waterbirds effectively.The Vourkari inlet is a small coastal wetland located near the capital Athens,within the most urbanized and industrialized area of Greece.We aimed at identifying the most important habitats for waterbirds at the Vourkari inlet during winter.Methods:Data about habitat use and availability were collected for 14 waterbird species and for seven habitat classes.Habitat selection(Manly’s selection ratio),overlap indices(Pianka’s niche overlap index)and null models were calculated.Results:All the studied waterbird species selected available habitats nonrandomly.Shallow waters(0–2 m),were used by 13 waterbirds and selected by five waterbirds.Pools and channels were used and selected by 10 species.Mud was used by nine species and selected by six species.Mud with rocky substrate was used by nine species and selected by eight species.Medium(2–4 m)and deep(4–6 m)open water habitats were used by seven species and selected by four species.Halophytic vegetation was used by six species and selected by two species.Several habitats were selected by nationally important populations:mudflat habitats(i.e.,mud,mud with rocky substrate and pools and channels)by Common Redshanks(Tringa totanus),halophytic vegetation by Little Egrets(Egretta garzetta),shallow waters by Common Shelducks(Tadorna tadorna)and medium and deep waters by Sandwich Terns(Thalasseus sandvicencis),whilst shallow waters and mudflat habitats were preferred by a possibly internationally important population of Mediterranean Gulls(Ichthyaetus melanocephalus).Although overlap in habitat use between species was generally low,null models indicated habitat sharing and a lack of competition.Conclusions:Waterbirds coexisted in the absence of competition for habitats at Vourkari,where they mostly used and preferred shallow water and mudflats.Small coastal wetlands are numerous,both in Greece and worldwide,therefore our findings would be useful as a basis for comparisons,both temporal at the inlet and spatial with other sites,that would help assess the importance of habitats and improve management strategies to benefit waterbirds,especially in areas with similar Mediterranean-type habitats and climate.

Coping with drought? The hidden microhabitat selection and underground movements of amphisbaenians under summer drought conditions

Habitat selection is a dynamic process that depends on many environmental variables that can vary with weather conditions.This is important because,within a context of global change,extreme weather events,such as severe droughts,are predicted to become more frequent.We examined the patterns of microhabitat selection and underground movements(using PIT-tag telemetry)of a strictly fossorial reptile,the North African checkboard amphisbaenian Trogonophis wiegmanni,during the summer drought period.We aimed to test whether changes in strategies of habitat use and movements could allow this amphisbaenian to cope with unfavorable weather.We found that during the summer drought period,T.wiegmanni did not use the microhabitats in relationship to their availability,but particularly selected sites with high abundance of rocks but also areas under a high cover of bushes,where environmental conditions were more favorable.We also found,using PIT-tag telemetry,that the numbers of T.wiegmanni individuals located under rocks and their activity(number of days with movements)decreased largely in summer.However,the animals were not entirely inactive,but,especially males were active below the ground under bushes and made some relatively long underground hidden movements between favorable areas.

Conspecific cues mediate habitat selection and reproductive performance in a haplodiploid spider mite

Selection of a suitable habitat by animals before settlement is critical for their survival and reproduction.In silk-spinning arthropods like spider mites,denser webs offer protection from predation and serve as a dispersal mode.Settling in habitats with the presence of conspecifics and silk webs can benefit the habitat-searching females.Silk and conspecifics usually coexist,but their distinct effects on female colonization have received little attention.In this study,we used a haplodiploid spider mite,Tetranychus ludeni Zacher(Acari:Tetranychidae),to examine the impact of conspecific cues,including cues from ovipositing conspecifics and silk,on habitat selection and subsequent reproductive performance of females.Results show that females significantly preferred habitats with cues from neighboring conspecifics and silk and neighboring conspecifics induced additive effect to that of silk on habitat selection.Conspecific cues did not boost female reproduction but facilitated females laying larger eggs that were more likely to be fertilized and to develop into daughters.When given a choice between silk-covered and clean habitats,females preferred silk-covered habitats,laid a similar number of eggs with similar size,but produced more daughters,suggesting that T.ludeni females can adjust the size threshold for fertilization in response to the current social environment.Knowledge of this study improves our understanding of spider mite habitat selection and post-settlement reproductive performance behaviors.

Mitochondrial Haplotypes suggest Genetic Component for Habitat Preference in Blue Crabs

Atlantic blue crabs(Callinectes sapidus)are ecologically and commercially fundamental.Life stages are punctuated with migration.Adults and juveniles live in estuaries and sounds.Larval stages develop in the coastal ocean.Juvenile and adult crabs occupy habitats from high salinities to fresh water.We determined whether maturing juvenile and adult blue crab habitat use is reflected in mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 haplotypes.High salinity crabs had lower haplotype diversity(0.7260±.03900)compared to spawning crabs(0.9841±.00021)and low salinity crabs(0.94154±.00118).Significant pairwise differences in haplotypes were found between high salinity and spawning crabs(Nm=0.26018,p<0.001),and between high salinity and low salinity crabs(Nm=0.19482,p<0.001)indicating a lack of gene flow.Crabs from high salinity had highly significant genetic differentiation compared to spawning crabs(Fst=0.11830,p<0.001)and low salinity crabs(Fst=0.09689,p<0.001).Results support the hypothesis that genetics influence habitat selection.Crab larvae mix in the coastal ocean but occupy specific habitats upon return to sounds and estuaries.These findings have implications for the management of fisheries.

Nest box selection and reproduction of European Rollers in Central Italy: a 7-year study

Background: Changes and increased mechanisation of agricultural practices have influenced the biodiversity composition of farmland habitats and caused a decline of bird communities in many European countries. The removal of shrubs and large trees rich in natural cavities, has also led to a drastic decrease in nest site availability for cavity-nesting bird species. Nest-boxes are a common conservation tool used to improve nest-site availability, and have helped to reverse declines in many endangered bird populations. Nonetheless to maximize the results of such interventions it is crucial to know where nest-boxes should be sited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the nest-box program for the European Roller (Coracias garrulus) population of Lazio region (Central Italy). More specifically, we focused on what landscape features were preferred (or avoided) in the process of nest box selection and how they influenced population’s breeding parameters. Particular attention was paid to identifying potential limitations and to provide management recommendations for future interventions. Methods: Using data from 70 nest boxes sited on power lines monitored over a 7-year period (representing 140 breeding attempts), we developed probability functions to evaluate if nest box location, in terms of distance from habitat resources and habitat composition and structure, had an effect on nest box occupancy and on the main reproductive parameters. Results: Nest boxes were more likely to be occupied if they were located near arable fields and in areas characterized by a higher amount of incoming solar radiation. Higher fledging success was associated with fallow fields and with a moderate/low habitat structural complexity. Higher breeding success was associated with solar radiation and with greater distance from urban areas. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of specific habitat variables in influencing nest occupancy, and show which drivers primarily affect species’ reproduction and persistence over time. Siting nest boxes in habitats where occupancy rate and fledging success is higher, such as in arable and fallow fields and on south-facing slopes where solar radiation is maximised, may help to extend the suitable habitat for rollers and facilitate its local expansion.