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07/02/2012
The hypothesis was tested that shredder detritivores, a key trophic guild in stream ecosystems, are more diverse at higher latitudes. Results indicate that global patterns of shredder diversity are complex and depend on spatial scale. Alpha diversity is limited at tropical sites by local factors, implying a higher risk of loss of key species or the whole shredder guild. Even if regional species pools are not particularly species poor in the tropics, colonization from adjacent sites may be limited. Moreover, many shredder species belong to cool-adapted taxa that may be close to their thermal maxima in the tropics, which makes them more vulnerable to climate warming. Results suggest that tropical streams require specific scientific attention and conservation efforts to prevent loss of shredder biodiversity and serious alteration of ecosystem processes. informacion[at]ebd.csic.es: Boyero et al (2012) Global patterns of stream detritivore distribution: implications for biodiversity loss in changing climates. GLOB ECOL BIOGEO 21: 134-141 DOI 10.1111/j.1466-8238.2011.00673.x
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30/01/2012
Many conservation programs consider translocation of turtle nests to hatcheries as a useful technique, using the same incubation substrate over several seasons. Whether there is greater contamination of eggs in clutches transferred to hatcheries is not well understood. Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of fungi and bacteria species on the embryonic development of leatherback sea turtle eggs. Sea turtle eggs exposed to previously used hatchery substrates or to decaying eggshells produced hatchlings that were smaller and/or weighed less than control eggs. However, this did not negatively influence hatching success. Further studies should seek to understand the infection process and the stages of development in which the fungi are more virulent to the eggs of this critically endangered species. informacion[at]ebd.csic.es: Patiño-Martinez et al (2012) How Do Hatcheries Influence Embryonic Development of Sea Turtle Eggs? Experimental Analysis and Isolation of Microorganisms in Leatherback Turtle Eggs. JEZ 317: 47–5
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20/01/2012
Lifetime fitness correlates of natal dispersal distance were studied in an isolated population of the facultatively colonial lesser kestrel Falco naumanni. A capture–mark–recapture analysis revealed that survival during the year following recruitment decreased exponentially with dispersal distance. Average lifetime fledgling production, average lifetime recruitment success and rate-sensitive individual fitness also decreased with the dispersal distance, indicating that dispersal decisions early in life affecting immediate survival prospects may translate into long-term fitness costs. Long-distance dispersers were more likely to establish new colonies, revealing their important role in the colonization of unoccupied patches. Individuals experienced a higher probability of mortality in small and newly funded colonies, so lifetime fitness costs of dispersal seem to be explained by recruitment in sites where average quality is low because of high uncertainty in survival prospects. informacion[at]ebd.csic.es: Serrano & Tella (2012) Lifetime fitness correlates of natal dispersal distance in a colonial bird. J Anim Ecol 81: 97–107 doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01878.x
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