| 1. |
- Aguirre Salcedo, Citlali, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
-
Restoration implications of the germination ecology of six dry-forest woody Fabaceae species in Mexico
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Germination kickstarts plant recruitment. Hence, acknowledging this process is a prerequisite for restoration of ecosystems. In dry forests, where opportunities for plant establishment occur in a narrow window of opportunity, seeds must respond to cues to germinate when conditions for growth are suitable. Understanding the strategies and adaptations of seeds to the seasonal dry-forest ecosystems is needed to guide restoration and management actions in the face of climate change. We investigated the effects of scarification, temperature and light in germination percentage, germination time and synchrony of six woody Fabaceae species. The species have ecological potential for restoration and are of cultural and economic importance for the local people in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico. We carried out a multifactorial germination experiment with five temperatures, two light regimes and two scarification conditions for Mimosa luisana, M. polyantha, M. adenantheroides, M. lactiflua, Acaciella angustissima and Vachellia constricta. Responses differed among the species, but they all germinated in a wide range of temperatures (10°C to 40°C). Mechanical scarification highly increased the germination percentage of all species. Higher temperature increased and speeded up germination in dark conditions for most of the species. We found more heterogeneous responses in germination synchrony among species. Despite that the studied species had high germination percentages in warm temperatures, their recruitment in nature might be negatively affected by warmer and drier conditions, and by the loss of shade and seed dispersers due to deforestation and changes in land use. It is crucial to study not just germination percentage and time but also other aspects of the germination process such as the germination synchrony, since it might reveal useful information for management actions.
|
|
| 2. |
- Aguirre Salcedo, Citlali, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
-
Seed trait differentiation and plant growth among Mimosa luisana populations
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The arid and semi-arid vegetation zones of the world often harbour high species diversity and significant endemism. They also face elevated levels of environmental pressures due to high human settlement densities and weak institutional systems. This necessitates adequate conservation and ecological restoration efforts, which in turn demand physiological and ecological knowledge of the species involved. Seed traits can be important for plant establishment success and growth, especially at early life stages, when seedlings also are most sensitive. We studied the role of seed traits for early establishment of the woody Fabaceae species Mimosa luisana, a candidate species for use in ecological restoration within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (TCV), Mexico. We assessed the relationship between seed traits and biomass production, biomass allocation and relative growth rate (RGR) up to 200 days after germination, in a common garden experiment using three populations that represented the lower, central and upper limit of M. luisana geographical distribution. M. luisana seeds were 1.9-3.9 mm long, 1.7-3.3 mm wide, 1.2-2.9 mm thick, and weighed from 3 to 19 mg. We found the seeds from the lower limit to be lighter, thinner and less spherical than the central and upper populations. Across all populations, 41% of the total biomass consisted of leaves, followed by shoots (33%) and roots (27%). The biomass production and allocation showed no significant difference among populations during the initial harvests; however, discernible differences emerged over time. Seed weight initially had a significant effect on biomass production, but this effect was lost with time. Seed weight alone explained only 0.82% of the total variance of biomass production, while harvest age explained 40.05%, and seed provenance 3.08%. The correlation between seed weight and RGR was slightly negative but not significant. These results have implications for efforts to ecologically restore dry forests in the region as well as how to implement climate change adaptation and conservation translocation actions, as these might imply sowing and establishing M. luisana at new sites. Given the small variance in biomass accumulation explained by seed traits and provenance, efforts to protect M. luisana during germination and establishment are likely to be more important for management success than the seed source used.
|
|
| 3. |
- Aguirre Salcedo, Citlali, 1992-
(författare)
-
Steering ecological restoration efforts through the storm of climate change : the case of tropical dry forest shrub species
- 2024
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Climate change compels a reconsideration of prevailing ecological restoration paradigms and methodologies. The main goal of this thesis thesis was to explore strategies to adapt the practices of ecological restoration to climate change. We studied the potential response of six Fabaceae shrub species from tropical dry forests, previously identified as potential candidates for ecological restoration, to anticipated climate change. We found Fabaceae woody shrub species germinated in a wide range of temperatures, light and darkness, and require mechanical scarification to break their physical dormancy. We combined modelling, laboratory, field and nursery experiments to unravel the potential response of Mimosa luisana to climate change. We found trait differentiation among the lower, central and upper population of the species current distribution range within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (TCV), Mexico, but not local adaptation. The climatically suitable area of M. luisana is projected to expand, and experimentally, this species could tolerate a wide range of conditions in terms of temperature and soil moisture. Therefore, not need for. assisted migration was found. Seed size differed among M.luisana populations, and showed a significant effect in early biomass production, but not in relative growth rate. This work has directly implications for restoration practices. First, because it addressed some of the challenges posed by climate change by highlighting methodologies that could be replicated for other species and ecosystems. Second, because it provides concrete guidelines for restoring ecological processes in tropical dry lands as the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico, that could be implemented by academics and local communities.
|
|
| 4. |
- Aguirre Salcedo, Citlali, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
-
To move or not to move: assessing the viability of translocating Mimosa luisana for climate adaptation in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Climate change is threatening range-restricted species world-wide, but assessments of vulnerability is lacking in many areas, especially in tropical mountain regions. We assessed the vulnerability of the tropical dry forest species Mimosa luisana, an important nurse plant facilitating the establishment of other species, and provider of ecosystem services to local communities. We projected changes in the geographic distribution and extent of the climatic envelope of M. luisana for the periods 2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080, using the Maximun Entropy species distribution model (MaxEnt). We also tested the response of local provenances of M. luisana to different climate change scenarios by transplanting them to new elevations. We found that new areas at higher elevation will become climatically suitable for M. luisana in the future, without losing its current geographic range, so that its geographic range may expand by between 50% and 313%. Transplantation showed that M. luisana can grow and survive in a wide range of conditions. Moreover, M. luisana was able to survive when translocated 700 m upwards, to areas above its current elevational limit. We conclude that M. luisana is not in need of assisted migration to escape climate-related extinction, but translocation to areas that become climatically suitable may be beneficial to its conservation. The species may be used in ecological restoration projects in a wide range of conditions, including beyond its present range, increasing the likelihood of success in present and future ecological restoration actions. However, we acknowledge the need for assessing the climate-change effects on reproduction and the dispersal capacity of the species.
|
|
| 5. |
- Aguirre Salcedo, Citlali, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
-
Trait differentiation and local adaptation of a local endemic shrub along a tropical dry forest gradient : a reciprocal transplant experiment
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Rapid climate change imperils a multitude of species, demanding either swift adaptation or a strategic migration to new areas to safeguard their existence. Species confined to spatially limited habitats face heightened vulnerability as ecological conditions may undergo dramatic shifts across their range. In this study, we delve into the processes shaping the geographic distribution of Mimosa luisana, a species endemic to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley in Mexico, having high potential for use in ecological restoration. We aimed to forecast the response of M. luisana to climate change and to formulate strategic management guidelines in the face of global change. We conducted a reciprocal translocation and a common garden experiment with three provenances of M. luisana. We used populations originating from the lower, central and upper range-limit of the altitudinal and latitudinal distribution of the species. We found significant differences in the relative growth rate, leaf biomass change and specific leaf area among the three provenances during their early establishment, but found little evidence of local adaptation among the studied populations. Instead, all provenances did best at the central part of the species range. We suggest that cold temperatures might be delimiting the upper limit of M. luisana within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, whereas tolerance to drought may set lower limits. M. luisana might respond to climate change not by upward shifts of each locally adapted population distributed along the elevational gradient, but by conditions improving at the high-elevation edge in response to warming. A management implication from our results is that ensuring genetic diversity of the seed batches may be more important than only using local seed sources of M. luisana in ecological restoration actions.
|
|
| 6. |
- Alimpić, Filip, et al.
(författare)
-
The status and role of genetic diversity of trees for the conservation and management of riparian ecosystems : A European experts' perspective
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Journal of Applied Ecology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0021-8901 .- 1365-2664. ; 59:10, s. 2476-2485
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Riparian vegetation supports high biodiversity providing many services and is, therefore, an important landscape element. Riparian ecosystems are subject to numerous pressures leading to population decline and genetic erosion of riparian plants. This may have cascading effects at various ecosystem levels, including decreasing ecosystem services, so identifying the current status of genetic diversity of riparian tree species is vital to improve the effectiveness of restoration efforts.We aimed to elicit expert views on the status and importance of genetic diversity of tree species, and conservation needs across European riparian ecosystems. Sharing of such information among researchers, managers and policymakers has the potential to enhance ecological restoration and management of riparian ecosystems.We identified experts in riparian genetic resources conservation and management across Europe. These included stakeholders with different perspectives, ranging from researchers to practitioners. We designed a set of questionnaires where our identified experts were asked to answer questions related to the status and conservation of genetic diversity of riparian tree species in their respective countries. Specifically, we asked about societal awareness, legislative tools, good practices and conservation or restoration projects accounting for intraspecific genetic diversity and differentiation of tree species in riparian ecosystems. Questionnaire responses were analysed and discussed in light of the scientific literature to define needs and priorities related to the management and conservation of genetic diversity of riparian tree species.The experts recognized that a combination of in situ and ex situ measures and/or integrative conservation of riparian ecosystems is the most appropriate option for conserving the genetic diversity of riparian tree species. Simultaneous application of conservation measures at the level of priority species, identified by experts, and protection of riparian areas are required.Synthesis and applications. This study revealed the importance of recognizing the ecological processes that shape the genetic diversity of riparian tree species in hydrographic networks (dendritic spatial configuration, specific patterns of gene flow among riparian populations, fragmentation of river by dams) but also the need to overcome socio-economic barriers, such as lack of policy priority, deficiency in funding and weak legislation framework.
|
|
| 7. |
- Bejarano, Maria D., et al.
(författare)
-
Hydropeaking affects germination and establishment of riverbank vegetation
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Ecological Applications. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1051-0761 .- 1939-5582. ; 30:4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Hydropeaking, defined as frequent and rapid variation in flow in regulated rivers with hydropower plants over a short period of time, usually sub-daily to weekly, alters hydraulic parameters such as water levels or flow velocity and exerts strong impacts on fluvial ecosystems. We evaluated the effects of hydropeaking on riverbank vegetation, specifically assessing the germination and establishment of seedlings and cuttings of plant species representing a variation in traits. We used seeds and seedlings and cuttings varying in size as phytometers, and transplanted them to riverbanks both above and below dams used for hydropower production in northern Sweden, selected to represent a gradient in hydropeaking intensity, and along a free-flowing reach. We also analyzed sub-daily water-level variables modified by hydropeaking to identify variables key in explaining the observed vegetation patterns. We found that plant responses to hydropeaking varied with species, with flood-intolerant species being the most strongly affected, as early as the germination stage. In contrast, seeds of flood-tolerant species managed to germinate and survive the early establishment phase, although strong erosive processes triggered by hydropeaking eventually caused most of them to fail. The fate of flood-intolerant species identifies germination as the most critical life-history stage. The depth and frequency of the inundation were the leading variables explaining plant responses, while the duration of shallow inundation explained little of the variation. The rise and fall rates of water levels were key in explaining variation in germination success. Based on the results, we propose restoration measures to enhance establishment of riparian plant communities while minimizing the impact on hydropower electricity production. Given the strong decrease in the germination of species intolerant to prolonged flooding with hydropeaking, planting of seedlings, preferably of large sizes, together with restrictions in the operation of the power plant during the establishment phase to enhance survival would be the best restoration option. Given the high probability of plant uprooting with hydropeaking, bank protection measures have the potential to increase riparian plant survival of all species, including flooding-tolerant species.
|
|
| 8. |
- Catford, Jane A., et al.
(författare)
-
Reducing redundancy in invasion ecology by integrating hypotheses into a single theoretical framework
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Diversity & distributions. - : Wiley. - 1366-9516 .- 1472-4642. ; 15:1, s. 22-40
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: Invasion ecology includes many hypotheses. Empirical evidence suggests that most of these can explain the success of some invaders to some degree in some circumstances. If they all are correct, what does this tell us about invasion? We illustrate the major themes in invasion ecology, and provide an overarching framework that helps organize research and foster links among subfields of invasion ecology and ecology more generally.Location: Global.Methods: We review and synthesize 29 leading hypotheses in plant invasion ecology. Structured around propagule pressure (P), abiotic characteristics (A) and biotic characteristics (B), with the additional influence of humans (H) on P, A and B (hereon PAB), we show how these hypotheses fit into one paradigm. P is based on the size and frequency of introductions, A incorporates ecosystem invasibility based on physical conditions, and B includes the characteristics of invading species (invasiveness), the recipient community and their interactions. Having justified the PAB framework, we propose a way in which invasion research could progress.Results: By highlighting the common ground among hypotheses, we show that invasion ecology is encumbered by theoretical redundancy that can be removed through integration. Using both holistic and incremental approaches, we show how the PAB framework can guide research and quantify the relative importance of different invasion mechanisms.Main conclusions: If the prime aim is to identify the main cause of invasion success, we contend that a top-down approach that focuses on PAB maximizes research efficiency. This approach identifies the most influential factors first, and subsequently narrows the number of potential causal mechanisms. By viewing invasion as a multifaceted process that can be partitioned into major drivers and broken down into a series of sequential steps, invasion theory can be rigorously tested, understanding improved and effective weed management techniques identified.
|
|
| 9. |
- Dawson, Michael N., et al.
(författare)
-
A second horizon scan of biogeography: Golden ages, Midas touches, and the Red Queen
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Frontiers of Biogeography. - : University of California. - 1948-6596. ; 8:4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Are we entering a new 'Golden Age' of biogeography, with continued development of infrastructure and ideas? We highlight recent developments, and the challenges and opportunities they bring, in light of the snapshot provided by the 7th biennial meeting of the International Biogeography Society (IBS 2015). We summarize themes in and across 15 symposia using narrative analysis and word clouds, which we complement with recent publication trends and 'research fronts'. We find that biogeography is still strongly defined by core sub-disciplines that reflect its origins in botanical, zoological (particularly bird and mammal), and geographic (e.g., island, montane) studies of the 1800s. That core is being enriched by large datasets (e.g. of environmental variables, 'omics', species' occurrences, traits) and new techniques (e.g., advances in genetics, remote sensing, modeling) that promote studies with increasing detail and at increasing scales; disciplinary breadth is being diversified (e.g., by developments in paleobiogeography and microbiology) and integrated through the transfer of approaches and sharing of theory (e.g., spatial modeling and phylogenetics in evolutionary-ecological contexts). Yet some subdisciplines remain on the fringe (e.g., marine biogeography, deep-time paleobiogeography), new horizons and new theory may be overshadowed by popular techniques (e.g., species distribution modelling), and hypotheses, data, and analyses may each be wanting. Trends in publication suggest a shift away from traditional biogeography journals to multidisciplinary or open access journals. Thus, there are currently many opportunities and challenges as biogeography increasingly addresses human impacts on, and stewardship of, the planet (e.g., Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services). As in the past, biogeographers doubtless will continue to be engaged by new data and methods in exploring the nexus between biology and geography for decades into the future. But golden ages come and go, and they need not touch every domain in a discipline nor affect subdisciplines at the same time; moreover, what appears to be a Golden Age may sometimes have an undesirable 'Midas touch'. Contexts within and outwith biogeography-e.g., methods, knowledge, climate, biodiversity, politics-are continually changing, and at times it can be challenging to establish or maintain relevance. In so many races with the Red Queen, we suggest that biogeography will enjoy greatest success if we also increasingly engage with the epistemology of our discipline.
|
|
| 10. |
- Dawson, Michael N., et al.
(författare)
-
An horizon scan of biogeography
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Frontiers of Biogeography. - : International Biogeography Society. - 1948-6596. ; 5:2, s. 130-157
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The opportunity to reflect broadly on the accomplishments, prospects, and reach of a field may present itself relatively infrequently. Each biennial meeting of the International Biogeography Society showcases ideas solicited and developed largely during the preceding year, by individuals or teams from across the breadth of the discipline. Here, we highlight challenges, developments, and opportunities in biogeography that were summarized at or emerge from that biennial synthesis. We note the realized and potential impact of rapid data accumulation in several fields, a Renaissance for inter-disciplinary research, the importance of recognizing the evolution-ecology continuum across spatial and temporal scales and at different taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional levels, and re-exploration of classical assumptions and hypotheses using new tools. However, advances are taxonomically and geographically biased, key theoretical frameworks await development of tools for handling, or strategies for simplifying, the biological complexity seen in empirical systems. Current threats to biodiversity require unprecedented integration of knowledge and development of predictive capacity that may enable biogeography to unite its descriptive and hypothetico-deductive arms and establish a greater role within and outside academia.
|
|
| 11. |
- Dynesius, Mats, 1958-, et al.
(författare)
-
Persistence of within-species lineages : a neglected control of speciation rates
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Evolution. - : Wiley. - 0014-3820 .- 1558-5646. ; 68:4, s. 923-934
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present a framework distinguishing three principal controls of speciation rate: rate of splitting, level of persistence, and length of speciation duration. We contend that discussions on diversification become clearer in the light of this framework, because speciation rate variation could be attributed to any of these controls. In particular, we claim that the role of persistence of within-species lineages in controlling speciation rates has been greatly underappreciated. More emphasis on the persistence control would change expectations of the role of several biological traits and environmental factors, because they may drive speciationrate in one direction through the persistence control and in the opposite direction through the other two controls. Traits and environments have been little studied regarding their influence on speciation rate through the persistence control, with climatic fluctuations being a relatively well-studied exception. Considering the recent advances in genomic and phylogenetic analysis, we think that the time is ripe for applying the framework in empirical research. Variation among clades and areas (and thus among traits and environments) in the importance of the three rate controls could be addressed for example by dating splitting events, detecting within-species lineages, and scanning genomes for evidence of divergent selection.
|
|
| 12. |
- Engström, Johanna, 1981-, et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of river ice on riparian vegetation
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Freshwater Biology. - : Blackwell Publishing. - 0046-5070 .- 1365-2427. ; 56:6, s. 1095-1105
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 1. Many rivers and streams experience pronounced ice dynamics caused by the formation of anchor and frazil ice, leading to flooding and disturbance of riparian and aquatic communities. The effects of dynamic ice conditions on riverine biota are little known.2. We studied the formation of anchor ice in natural streams over 2 years, and assessed the effects of anchor ice on riparian vegetation by comparing sites with frequent or abundant and little or no anchor ice formation. We also studied the direct impact of ice on riparian plants by experimentally creating ice in the riparian zone over three winters, and by exposing plants of different life-forms to ‑18oC cold ice in the laboratory.3. Riparian species richness per 1-m2 plot was higher at sites affected by anchor ice than at sites where anchor ice was absent or rare. Dominance was lower at anchor ice sites, suggesting that ice disturbance enhanced species richness. Species composition was more homogenous among plots at anchor ice sites. Experimentally creating riparian ice corroborated the comparative results, with species richness increasing in ice-treated plots compared to controls, irrespective of whether the sites showed natural anchor ice.4. Because of human alterations of running waters, the natural effects of river ice on stream hydrology, geomorphology and ecology are little known. Global warming in northern streams will lead to more dynamic ice conditions, offering new challenges for aquatic organisms and river management. We expect that the results discussed here can stimulate new research, contributing to a better understanding of ecosystem function during winter.
|
|
| 13. |
- Engström, Johanna, 1981-, et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of stream restoration on dispersal of plant propagules
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Journal of Applied Ecology. - : Wiley. - 0021-8901 .- 1365-2664. ; 46:2, s. 397-405
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 1. Species immigration is vital for the success of restoring degraded ecosystems, but the effectiveness of enhancing dispersal following restoration is seldom evaluated. Running water is an important vector for plant dispersal. Frequency and duration of floods and channel-network complexity are important factors influencing propagule dispersal. In Sweden, these functions have been modified by channelization to facilitate timber floating, thus hampering emigration and immigration of riparian propagules.2. During the last 10–20 years, affected watercourses have been restored by removing barriers and replacing boulders into channels. This is hypothesized to facilitate retention of water-dispersed propagules. We studied the efficiency of propagule retention following restoration by releasing propagule mimics and by placing propagule traps in the riparian zone.3. Retention of propagule mimics was highest in sites restored with boulders and large wood. Retention occurred at both high and low flows but was most efficient during low flows when mimics were trapped by boulders and wood. Waterborne propagules ending up at such sites are unlikely to establish unless they can reach the riparian zone later. At high flows, floating propagules are more likely to reach riparian areas suitable for establishment. According to propagule traps placed at various levels of the riparian zone, deposition of plant propagules and sediments did not increase in restored sites.4. Synthesis and applications. Our study not only demonstrates that restoration of channel complexity through replacement of boulders and wood can enhance retention of plant propagules, but also it highlights the importance of understanding how restoration effects vary with flow. Most streams are restored to function optimally during median or average flows, whereas communities often are controlled by ecological processes acting during extreme flow events. We advocate that stream restoration should be designed for optimal function during those discharges under which the ecological processes in question are most important, which in this case is, during high flow.
|
|
| 14. |
- Frainer, André, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
-
Is ecosystem functioning enhanced when habitat complexity increases? : River restoration and the functioning of algal and detrital food webs
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Stream restoration is a multi-million dollar business that aims at rehabilitating systems impacted by hydrogeomorphological modifications, such as channelization, and ameliorating physical or ecological degradation caused by catchment-scale impacts, such as agriculture or urbanization. Despite extensive programs aimed at restoring habitat complexity in channelized streams, there is little evidence for a recovery of biological diversity, and functional responses have been little assessed. Notably large-scale habitat restorations have recently been undertaken in a river catchment in northern Sweden, including rehabilitation of large habitat structures (massive boulders, large woody debris) originally removed to facilitate timber floating. Based on a hydrogeomorphological measure of habitat complexity, we characterised variability in habitat complexity across 20 stream reaches in the catchment, including reference, channelised and restored sites. We assessed whether increased habitat complexity following restoration affected retention of organic matter (FPOM), the functional diversity and organisation of the detritivore feeding guild, and two ecosystem processes: algal productivity and litter decomposition. Deposition of FPOM increased along the complexity gradient, as did leaf litter decomposition mediated by invertebrates. The increase in invertebrate-mediated decomposition was associated with shifts in the functional composition of detritivore assemblages, with feeding traits associated with more efficient decomposition more prominent in the restored reaches. There was no change in algal productivity at local scales, but increases in shallow, well- lit habitats favourable for algal growth indicate a possible increase in algal productivity at the stream reach scale. Increases in habitat complexity enhanced functioning within the detritital foodweb at local scales, without any changes in the biodiversity of detritivores. Our findings indicate that aspects of functional diversity and ecosystem functioning may be better than measures of community structure for assessing stream restoration projects.
|
|
| 15. |
- Fuentes-Hurtado, Marcelo, et al.
(författare)
-
Paleodistribution modeling suggests glacial refugia in Scandinavia and out-of-Tibet range expansion of the Arctic fox
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Ecology and Evolution. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2045-7758. ; 6:1, s. 170-180
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Quaternary glacial cycles have shaped the geographic distributions and evolution of numerous species in the Arctic. Ancient DNA suggests that the Arctic fox went extinct in Europe at the end of the Pleistocene and that Scandinavia was subsequently recolonized from Siberia, indicating inability to track its habitat through space as climate changed. Using ecological niche modeling, we found that climatically suitable conditions for Arctic fox were found in Scandinavia both during the last glacial maximum (LGM) and the mid-Holocene. Our results are supported by fossil occurrences from the last glacial. Furthermore, the model projection for the LGM, validated with fossil records, suggested an approximate distance of 2000 km between suitable Arctic conditions and the Tibetan Plateau well within the dispersal distance of the species, supporting the recently proposed hypothesis of range expansion from an origin on the Tibetan Plateau to the rest of Eurasia. The fact that the Arctic fox disappeared from Scandinavia despite suitable conditions suggests that extant populations may be more sensitive to climate change than previously thought.
|
|
| 16. |
- Gomes Marques, Inês, et al.
(författare)
-
Germination and seed traits in common alder (Alnus spp.) : the potential contribution of rear-edge populations to ecological restoration success
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Restoration Ecology. - : Wiley. - 1061-2971 .- 1526-100X. ; 30:3
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The degradation of riparian ecosystems occurring throughout the past decades has motivated efforts aimed at the restoration of these ecosystems. The success of active revegetation approaches to restoration requires appropriate selection of reproductive material, which in turn requires knowledge of seed traits and germination. Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. (common alder) is a key riparian tree widely used in restoration projects, and has recently been classified as comprising three species: A. glutinosa; A. lusitanica Vít, Douda, & Mandák; and A. rohlenae Vít, Douda, & Mandák. To help guide restoration species selection, we assessed differences among populations of these species by (1) investigating seed weight, morphology, and germination success from a large population set and (2) modeling germination success in each species in relation to morphological traits and environmental conditions. Seeds were collected from 12 populations encompassing the latitudinal extremes of the species complex, and were then characterized and germinated. Ploidy levels and species were distinguished using cytometric analysis. Site-level climatic data and seed morphology data were used to model germination success for each species. All seed traits differed between populations and one morphological-trait (seed weight-to-area ratio) differed significantly between the three species. Germination modeling showed that the southwestern species, A. lusitanica, responded positively to high temperature extremes, suggesting tolerance to the climate changes projected for southern Europe. Populations of A. lusitanica located at the latitudinal rear edge of common alder's distribution appear to show establishment-facilitating adaptations, and therefore may contribute to ecological restoration efforts under a range of environmental conditions.
|
|
| 17. |
- Gomes Marques, Inês, et al.
(författare)
-
The ADnet Bayesian belief network for alder decline : integrating empirical data and expert knowledge
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 947
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The globalization in plant material trading has caused the emergence of invasive pests in many ecosystems, such as the alder pathogen Phytophthora ×alni in European riparian forests. Due to the ecological importance of alder to the functioning of rivers and the increasing incidence of P. ×alni-induced alder decline, effective and accessible decision tools are required to help managers and stakeholders control the disease. This study proposes a Bayesian belief network methodology to integrate diverse information on the factors affecting the survival and infection ability of P. ×alni in riparian habitats to help predict and manage disease incidence. The resulting Alder Decline Network (ADnet) management tool integrates information about alder decline from scientific literature, expert knowledge and empirical data. Expert knowledge was gathered through elicitation techniques that included 19 experts from 12 institutions and 8 countries. An original dataset was created covering 1189 European locations, from which P. ×alni occurrence was modeled based on bioclimatic variables. ADnet uncertainty was evaluated through its sensitivity to changes in states and three scenario analyses. The ADnet tool indicated that mild temperatures and high precipitation are key factors favoring pathogen survival. Flood timing, water velocity, and soil type have the strongest influence on disease incidence. ADnet can support ecosystem management decisions and knowledge transfer to address P. ×alni-induced alder decline at local or regional levels across Europe. Management actions such as avoiding the planting of potentially infected trees or removing man-made structures that increase the flooding period in disease-affected sites could decrease the incidence of alder disease in riparian forests and limit its spread. The coverage of the ADnet tool can be expanded by updating data on the pathogen's occurrence, particularly from its distributional limits. Research on the role of genetic variability in alder susceptibility and pathogen virulence may also help improve future ADnet versions.
|
|
| 18. |
- Helfield, James M, et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of river restoration on riparian biodiversity in secondary channels of the Pite River, Sweden
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Environmental Management. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0364-152X .- 1432-1009. ; 49:1, s. 130-141
-
Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Between 1850 and 1970, rivers throughout Sweden were channelized to facilitate timber floating. Floatway structures were installed to streamline banks and disconnect flow to secondary channels, resulting in simplified channel morphologies and more homogenous flow regimes. In recent years, local authorities have begun to restore channelized rivers. In this study, we examined the effects of restoration on riparian plant communities at previously disconnected secondary channels of the Pite River. We detected no increase in riparian diversity at restored sites relative to unrestored (i.e., disconnected) sites, but we did observe significant differences in species composition of both vascular plant and bryophyte communities. At disconnected sites, plots closest to the stream featured greater representation of mesic-hydric floodplain species, whereas plots farthest from the stream featured greater representation of mesic-xeric species characteristic of the surrounding upland forest. In contrast, restored sites were most strongly represented by upland species at all distances relative to the stream. These patterns suggest that restoration has resulted in increased water levels in reconnected channels, but that the restored fluvial regime has not influenced the development of characteristic flood-adapted plant communities. This may be due to the short time interval (ca. 5 years) since restoration. Previous studies have demonstrated relatively quick responses to similar restoration in single-channel tributaries, but secondary channels may respond differently due to the more buffered hydrologic regimes typically seen in anabranching systems. These findings illustrate how restoration outcomes can vary according to hydrologic, climatic and ecological factors, reinforcing the need for site-specific restoration strategies.
|
|
| 19. |
- Jansson, Roland, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of river regulation on river-margin vegetation : A comparison of eight boreal rivers
- 2000
-
Ingår i: Ecological Applications. - 1051-0761 .- 1939-5582. ; 10:1, s. 203-224
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Regulation and fragmentation by dams belong to the most widespread deliberate impacts of humans on the world's rivers, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. We evaluated the effects of hydroelectric development by comparing the flora of vascular plants in 200-m-long reaches of river margin distributed along eight entire rivers in northern Sweden. Four of these rivers were free-flowing, and four were strongly regulated for hydroelectric purposes. First, we compared species diversity per site between entire free-flowing and regulated rivers. To reduce the effects of natural, between-river variation, we compared adjacent rivers. One regulated river had lower plant species richness and cover than two adjacent free-flowing ones, whereas two other parallel rivers, one regulated and another free-flowing, did not differ significantly. Second, river-margin vegetation responded differently to different types of regulated water-level regimes. Both along run-of-river impoundments, with small but daily water-level fluctuations, and along storage reservoirs, with large fluctuations between low water levels in spring and high levels in late summer and fall, the number of species and their cover per site were lower than along the free-flowing rivers. Regulated but unimpounded reaches were most similar to free-flowing rivers, having lower plant cover per site, but similar numbers of species. For reaches with reduced discharge, evidence was mixed; some variables were lower compared to free-flowing rivers whereas others were not. However, for the last two types of regulation, statistical power was low due to small sample sizes. Third, we classified all plant species according to their dispersal mechanisms and tested whether they respond differently to different types of regulated water-level regimes. Three out of four types of regulation had higher proportions of wind-dispersed species, and two out of four had lower proportions of species without specific mechanisms for dispersal, compared to free-flowing rivers, suggesting that dispersal ability is critical for persistence following regulation. Run-of-river impoundments had higher proportions of long-floating species and species with mechanisms for vegetative dispersal, suggesting that water dispersal may still be important despite fragmentation by dams. Fourth, plant species richness and cover varied with both local factors, such as water-level regime, and regional factors, such as length of the growing season. Presence of clay and silt in the river-margin soil, preregulation position of the contemporary river margin, non-reservoir sites, low altitudes, and long growing seasons were associated with high plant species richness and cover.
|
|
| 20. |
- Jansson, Roland, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
-
Smaller future floods imply less habitat for riparian plants along a boreal river
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Ecological Applications. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1051-0761 .- 1939-5582. ; 29:8
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Climate-change projections suggest large changes in riverine flow regime, which will likely alter riparian communities. In northern Europe, forecasts propose lower annual spring flood peaks and higher winter flows, resulting in narrower riparian zones. To estimate the impact of climate change on habitat extent of riparian plants, we developed a framework estimating the sensitivity and exposure of individual species to streamflow change, and surveyed five reaches along the free-flowing Vindel River in northern Sweden. We modeled the hydrologic niche of riparian plant species based on the probability of occurrence along gradients of flood frequency and duration and used predicted future water-level fluctuations (based on climate models and IPCC emission scenarios) to calculate changes in flow-related habitat availability of individual species. Despite projected increases in runoff, we predict most species to decrease in riparian elevational extent by on average 12-29% until the end of the century, depending on scenario. Species growing in the upper, spring-flood-controlled part of the riparian zone will likely lose most habitat, with the largest reductions in species with narrow ranges of inundation duration tolerance (decreases of up to 54%). In contrast, the elevational extent of most amphibious species is predicted to increase, but conditions creating isoetid vegetation will become rarer or disappear: isoetid vegetation is presently found in areas where ice formed in the fall settles on the riverbank during the winter as water levels subside. Higher winter flows will make these conditions rare. We argue that our framework is useful to project the effects of hydrologic change caused by climate change as well as other stressors such as flow regulation also in other regions. With few rivers remaining unaffected by dams and other human stressors, these results call for monitoring to detect species declines. Management to alleviate species losses might include mitigation of habitat degradation from land-use activities, more environmentally friendly flow schemes, and more intensive management options such as mowing riparian meadows no longer regularly maintained by recurrent floods.
|
|
| 21. |
- Karlsson Tiselius, Andreas, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
-
Bryophyte community assembly on young land uplift islands : dispersal and habitat filtering assessed using species traits
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Journal of Biogeography. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0305-0270 .- 1365-2699. ; 46:10, s. 2188-2202
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: To assess habitat filtering and dispersal limitation in spore plant community assembly using bryophytes on recently emerged land uplift islands as study system. Location Gulf of Bothnia, northern Europe. Taxa Bryophytes, including the spore plant phyla Bryophyta (mosses) and Marchantiophyta (liverworts).Methods: The species compositions of 20 coastal land uplift islands differing in age, area, connectivity and habitat composition were recorded in the field. In addition, we compiled a list of the regional species pool (446 species) and gathered data on species traits related to habitat affiliations (substrate, light, moisture, and pH) and dispersal capacity (regional abundance, spore size, sporophyte frequency, sexual system, vegetative propagules). For the 420 species with available trait data, we used multivariate generalized linear models to compare trait effects on species occurrence probabilities on the islands.Results: Occurrence probabilities depended strongly on habitat affiliations. In addition, occurrence probabilities were lower for predominantly asexual species than for sexual species and for regionally rare than for regionally abundant species. Having specialized asexual propagules increased occurrence probabilities, but compensated only partly for the reductions in asexual species. No effect of the size of sexually produced spores was detected. Comparison of trait effects across island size and connectivity gradients revealed (a) reduced habitat filtering on larger islands and (b) decreasing negative effects of being predominantly asexual with increasing island connectivity.Conclusions: Both habitat filtering and dispersal capacities affect the community assembly of spore plants on land uplift islands. Asexual mosses and liverworts show landscape scale (<= 10 km) dispersal limitation. The weak or absent relationships between island connectivity and the effects of dispersal traits suggest that colonization is regulated mainly by habitat availability and the abundance of each species in a "regional spore rain" from which colonists are recruited.
|
|
| 22. |
- Lewis, Jeffrey, et al.
(författare)
-
PFAS – A threat for groundwater and drinking water supply in Sweden?
- 2015
-
Ingår i: EGU General Assembly 2015. ; 17
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of anthropogenic environmental pollutants that are widely distributed in the global environment. They have multiple industrial uses, including water repellents in clothing, paper coatings and firefighting foam. According to a study released by the Environmental Directorate of the OECD, they are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic to mammalian species (OECD, 2002). In some municipal drinking water wells in Sweden, measured concentrations of PFAS found to be several hundred times higher than the allowed threshold values. This has created a huge public concern and has recently attracted much media attention in Sweden (e.g. Afzelius et al., 2014; Bergman et al., 2014; Lewis et al., 2014). PFAS findings raised questions such as “What can we do to solve the problem?” When it comes to drinking water, there are a number of techniques that can ensure that PFAS levels are reduced to acceptable levels. This may be a costly challenge, but from a technical point of view it is possible. To ensure the safety of drinking water from a public health perspective is obviously a top priority. However, international experience shows that the cost of cleaning up PFAS in groundwater may be significantly higher than continuously treat drinking water in water works. Approximately fifty percent of Sweden’s drinking water comes from groundwater. As a result, there are several ongoing and planned PFAS-related environmental and drinking-water investigations in Sweden. Many aquifers that supply municipal water plants are located in areas of sand and gravel deposits. Such soils have relatively high permeabilities, which permits extraction of large volumes of water. However, the downside to high permeabilities is that they also allow dissolved contaminants as PFAS to spread over large areas. If one disregards the health risks linked to its presence in drinking water, PFAS have an impact on three of Sweden’s national environmental quality objectives, namely, A Non-Toxic Environment, Flourishing Lakes and Streams and Good-Quality Groundwater. Although the survey of PFAS in our groundwater supplies will take time, it is feasible. Much research in the field of hydrogeology and geochemistry remains before a viable and cost-effective groundwater remediation method can be operational. Until then, it is essential that measures are taken to identify the present distribution and magnitude of PFAS in groundwater and prevents its further spread in our most important aquifers. Afzelius, H. et al., 2014. Vågar vi dricka kranvattnet? (Do we dare drinking tap water?), Svenska Dagbladet. Bergman, Å., Hansson, S.O., Hellsten, E., 2014. En miljöskandal av historiska mått (An environmental scandal of historic proportions), Svenska Dagbladet. Lewis, J. et al., 2014. Kartlägg det förorenade dricksvattnet (Survey the contaminated drinking water), Svenska Dagbladet. OECD, 2002. Hazard Assessment of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and its Salt.
|
|
| 23. |
- Lindborg, Regina, et al.
(författare)
-
How does a wetland plant respond to increasing temperature along a latitudinal gradient?
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Ecology and Evolution. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2045-7758. ; 11:22, s. 16228-16238
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Global warming affects plant fitness through changes in functional traits and thereby ecosystem function. Wetlands are declining worldwide, and hence, ecosystem functions linked to wetlands are threatened. We use Caltha palustris “a common wetland plant” to study whether warming affects growth and reproduction differently depending on origin of source population, potentially affecting phenotypic response to local climate. We conducted a 2-year in situ temperature manipulation experiment using clone pairs of C. palustris in four regions, along a 1300-km latitudinal gradient of Sweden. Open-top chambers were used to passively increase temperature, paired with controls. Growth and reproductive traits were measured from 320 plants (four regions × five sites × two treatments × eight plants) over two consecutive seasons to assess the effect of warming over time. We found that warming increased plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, and roots. High-latitude populations responded more strongly to warming than low-latitude populations, especially by increasing leaf area. Warming increased number of flowers in general, but only in the second year, while number of fruits increased in low-latitude populations the first year. Prolonged warming leads to an increase in both number of leaves and flowers over time. While reproduction shows varying and regional responses to warming, impacts on plant growth, especially in high-latitude populations, have more profound effects. Such effects could lead to changes in plant community composition with increased abundance of fast-growing plants with larger leaves and more clones, affecting plant competition and ecological functions such as decomposition and nutrient retention. Effects of warming were highly context dependent; thus, we encourage further use of warming experiments to predict changes in growth, reproduction, and community composition across wetland types and climate gradients targeting different plant forms.
|
|
| 24. |
- Malm-Renöfält, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
-
Spatial and temporal patterns of species richness in a riparian landscape
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Journal of Biogeography. - : Blackwell Publishing. - 0305-0270 .- 1365-2699. ; 32:11, s. 2025-2037
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: To test for control of vascular plant species richness in the riparian corridor by exploring three contrasting (although not mutually exclusive) hypotheses: (1) longitudinal patterns in riparian plant species richness are governed by local, river-related processes independent of the regional species richness, (2) riparian plant species richness is controlled by dispersal along the river (longitudinal control), and (3) the variation in riparian plant species richness mirrors variation in regional richness (lateral control).Location: The riparian zones of the free-flowing Vindel River and its surrounding river valley, northern Sweden.Methods: We used data from three surveys, undertaken at 10-year intervals, of riparian reaches (200-m stretches of riverbank) spanning the entire river. In addition, we surveyed species richness of vascular plants in the uplands adjacent to the river in 3.75-km2 large plots along the same regional gradient. We explored the relationship between riparian and upland flora, and various environmental variables. We also evaluated temporal variation in downstream patterns of the riparian flora.Results: Our results suggest that local species richness in boreal rivers is mainly a result of local, river-related processes and dispersal along the corridor. The strongest correlation between species richness and the environment was a negative one between species number and soil pH, but pH varied within a narrow range. We did not find evidence for a correlation between species richness on regional and local scales. We found that the local patterns of species richness for naturally occurring vascular plants were temporally variable, probably in response to large-scale disturbance caused by extreme floods. Most previous studies have found a unimodal pattern of species richness with peaks in the middle reaches of a river. In contrast, on two of three occasions corresponding to major flooding events, we found that the distribution of species richness of naturally occurring vascular plants resembled that of regional diversity: a monotonic decrease from headwater to coast. We also found high floristic similarity between the riparian corridor and the surrounding landscape.Main conclusions: These results suggest that local processes control patterns of riparian species richness, but that species composition is also highly dependent on the regional species pool. We argue that inter-annual variation in flood disturbance is probably the most important factor producing temporal variability of longitudinal species richness patterns.
|
|
| 25. |
|
|
| 26. |
- Nilsson, Christer, 1951-, et al.
(författare)
-
Forecasting environmental responses to restoration of rivers used as log floatways : an interdisciplinary challenge
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Ecosystems (New York. Print). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1432-9840 .- 1435-0629. ; 8:7, s. 779-800
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Log floating in the 19th to mid 20th centuries has profoundly changed the environmental conditions in many northern river systems of the world. Regulation of flow by dams, straightening and narrowing of channels by various piers and wing dams, and homogenization of bed structure are some of the major impacts. As a result, the conditions for many riverine organisms have been altered. Removing physical constructions and returning boulders to the channels can potentially restore conditions for these organisms. Here we describe the history of log driving, review its impact on physical and biological conditions and processes, and predict the responses to restoration. Reviewing the literature on comparable restoration efforts and building upon this knowledge, using boreal Swedish rivers as an example, we address the last point. We hypothesize that restoration measures will make rivers wider and more sinuous, and provide rougher bottoms, thus improving land-water interactions and increasing the retention capacity of water, sediment, organic matter and nutrients. The geomorphic and hydraulic/hydrologic alterations are supposed to favor production, diversity, migration and reproduction of riparian and aquatic organisms. The response rates are likely to vary according to the types of processes and organisms. Some habitat components, such as beds of very large boulders and bedrock outcrops, and availability of sediment and large woody debris are believed to be extremely difficult to restore. Monitoring and evaluation at several scales are needed to test our predictions.
|
|
| 27. |
- Nilsson, Christer, 1951-, et al.
(författare)
-
Restoring Riverine Landscapes : the Challenge of Identifying Priorities, Reference States, and Techniques
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Ecology and Society. - 1708-3087. ; 12:1, s. 16-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This special issue of Ecology and Society on restoring riverine landscapes draws together nine presentations from the Second International Symposium on Riverine Landscapes, convened in August 2004 in Storforsen, Sweden. We summarize three themes related to river restoration: (1) setting priorities, (2) identifying relevant reference conditions, and (3) choosing appropriate techniques. We discuss ways of developing river restoration and provide examples of future needs in sustaining functioning river ecosystems that can support human societies.
|
|
| 28. |
- Nogues-Bravo, David, et al.
(författare)
-
Cracking the code of biodiversity responses to past climate change
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Trends in Ecology & Evolution. - : Elsevier. - 0169-5347 .- 1872-8383. ; 33:10, s. 765-776
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- How individual species and entire ecosystems will respond to future climate change are among the most pressing questions facing ecologists. Past biodiversity dynamics recorded in the paleoecological archives show a broad array of responses, yet significant knowledge gaps remain. In particular, the relative roles of evolutionary adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, and dispersal in promoting survival during times of climate change have yet to be clarified. Investigating the paleo-archives offers great opportunities to understand biodiversity responses to future climate change. In this review we discuss the mechanisms by which biodiversity responds to environmental change, and identify gaps of knowledge on the role of range shifts and tolerance. We also outline approaches at the intersection of paleoecology, genomics, experiments, and predictive models that will elucidate the processes by which species have survived past climatic changes and enhance predictions of future changes in biological diversity.
|
|
| 29. |
- Nyamjav, Lkhaakhuu, et al.
(författare)
-
Long-term response of floodplain meadow normalized difference vegetation index to hydro-climate and grazing pressure : Tamir river plains, Mongolia
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Land. - : MDPI. - 2073-445X. ; 13:6
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The greenery of floodplain meadows in arid regions, such as Mongolia, is influenced by climate, hydrology, and land use. In this study, we analyzed the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) of two floodplain meadows located along the South Tamir and Tamir Rivers using LANDSAT images. Our goal was to observe NDVI spatial changes, variations, and mean values in mid-August every six years from 1991 to 2015 and to identify the factors driving these differences. To achieve this, we conducted variance analysis to identify changes in NDVI and implemented Principal Component Analysis to determine the influence of hydro-meteorological factors and grazing intensity. Our findings indicate a significant decrease in greenness, as measured by pixel-scale NDVI, during the late summer period. This decrease was consistently observed, except for a series of harsh winters that followed relatively dry summers, resulting in a disastrous event called dzud, which led to the death of livestock. The decrease in NDVI was amplified by lower precipitation in June, higher temperatures and wind speed in July, and increased precipitation in August, along with a higher frequency of days with convective rain. Our findings have important implications for managing grazing in Mongolia’s grasslands, promoting sustainable land use, and mitigating sandstorms. The variance and average values of NDVI at the pixel level can serve as reliable markers of sustainable pasture management in areas where other vegetation measures are limited.
|
|
| 30. |
- Pontarp, Mikael, et al.
(författare)
-
The Latitudinal Diversity Gradient : Novel Understanding through Mechanistic Eco-evolutionary
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Trends in Ecology & Evolution. - : Elsevier. - 0169-5347 .- 1872-8383. ; 34:3, s. 211-223
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is one of the most widely studied patterns in ecology, yet no consensus has been reached about its underlying causes. We argue that the reasons for this are the verbal nature of existing hypotheses, the failure to mechanistically link interacting ecological and evolutionary processes to the LDG, and the fact that empirical patterns are often consistent with multiple explanations. To address this issue, we synthesize current LDG hypotheses, uncovering their eco-evolutionary mechanisms, hidden assumptions, and commonalities. Furthermore, we propose mechanistic eco-evolutionary modeling and an inferential approach that makes use of geographic, phylogenetic, and trait-based patterns to assess the relative importance of different processes for generating the LDG.
|
|
| 31. |
- Rodríguez-González, Patricia M., et al.
(författare)
-
Bringing the margin to the focus : 10 challenges for riparian vegetation science and management
- 2022
-
Ingår i: WIREs Water. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2049-1948. ; 9:5
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Riparian zones are the paragon of transitional ecosystems, providing critical habitat and ecosystem services that are especially threatened by global change. Following consultation with experts, 10 key challenges were identified to be addressed for riparian vegetation science and management improvement: (1) Create a distinct scientific community by establishing stronger bridges between disciplines; (2) Make riparian vegetation more visible and appreciated in society and policies; (3) Improve knowledge regarding biodiversity—ecosystem functioning links; (4) Manage spatial scale and context-based issues; (5) Improve knowledge on social dimensions of riparian vegetation; (6) Anticipate responses to emergent issues and future trajectories; (7) Enhance tools to quantify and prioritize ecosystem services; (8) Improve numerical modeling and simulation tools; (9) Calibrate methods and increase data availability for better indicators and monitoring practices and transferability; and (10) Undertake scientific validation of best management practices. These challenges are discussed and critiqued here, to guide future research into riparian vegetation.
|
|
| 32. |
- Sarneel, Judith M., et al.
(författare)
-
Alternative transient states and slow plant community responses after changed flooding regimes
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Global Change Biology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 25:4, s. 1358-1367
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Climate change will have large consequences for flooding frequencies in freshwater systems. In interaction with anthropogenic activities (flow regulation, channel restoration and catchment land-use) this will both increase flooding and drought across the world. Like in many other ecosystems facing changed environmental conditions, it remains difficult to predict the rate and trajectory of vegetation responses to changed conditions. Given that critical ecosystem services (e.g. bank stabilization, carbon subsidies to aquatic communities or water purification) depend on riparian vegetation composition, it is important to understand how and how fast riparian vegetation responds to changing flooding regimes. We studied vegetation changes over 19 growing seasons in turfs that were transplanted in a full-factorial design between three riparian elevations with different flooding frequencies. We found that (a) some transplanted communities may have developed into an alternative stable state and were still different from the target community, and (b) pathways of vegetation change were highly directional but alternative trajectories did occur, (c) changes were rather linear but faster when flooding frequencies increased than when they decreased, and (d) we observed fastest changes in turfs when proxies for mortality and colonization were highest. These results provide rare examples of alternative transient trajectories and stable states under field conditions, which is an important step towards understanding their drivers and their frequency in a changing world.
|
|
| 33. |
- Urbanič, Gorazd, et al.
(författare)
-
Riparian Zones—From Policy Neglected to Policy Integrated
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Frontiers in Environmental Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-665X. ; 10
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 1. Riparian zones are vital areas of interaction between land and rivers and are often degraded by several pressures such as urbanisation, intensive agriculture and river engineering works. 2. This policy brief provides five key policy messages and recommendations to be considered by policy-makers, scientists, managers, and stakeholders to enhance riparian zone management. 3. Adopting an integrated socio-economic and environmentally dynamic view will ensure the sustainable management of riparian zones. 4. In light of climate change, it is critically important to conserve and/or restore the ecological integrity of riparian zones. 5. European Union Directives and national-scale legislation and regulations need updating to ensure coordinated implementation of riparian zone-related policies. 6. Stakeholder knowledge exchange, policy co-creation and adaptive management are key to enhancing riparian zone functions.
|
|
| 34. |
- Widén, Åsa, 1962-
(författare)
-
Environmental-flow assessments for current and future run-off in a large river system regulated for hydropower production
- 2021
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In 2019, Sweden implemented legislative changes to renegotiate hydropower permits to both consider environmental rehabilitation and to ensure national supply of hydropower. This means that efforts for environmental rehabilitation of the 2,000 hydropower plants in Sweden need to be considered. Such rehabilitation measures include implementation of environmental flows, enhancing connectivity or morphological restoration. In order to enable prioritization among measures, it is necessary to assess the expected environmental benefits and consequences of implementation. We developed a new method to assess and prioritize among environmental-flow measures that aim to rehabilitate ecosystems in regulated rivers at the catchment level, with the Ume River in northern Sweden as an example. The Ume River is heavily regulated for hydropower production with 19 hydropower stations, with 13 run-of river impoundments in cascade and six storage reservoirs. Our strategy was to identify measures with minimal impact on hydropower production that also provide significant environmental benefits. Based on field studies of remaining natural values and potential for ecological rehabilitation, we quantified the estimated gain in the area of habitat for target organism groups, e.g. lotic fish species and riparian plants, if rehabilitation actions would be implemented along the entire Ume River. Regulated flows imply changes in the seasonal variation in flow, which often means that spring floods are lacking and that flows increase during the winter compared with natural unregulated flows. Hydropeaking, defined as rapid and frequent changes in flow and water levels to optimize hydropower production, is a common procedure that adversely affects habitats in river ecosystems. An important aspect of hydropeaking is zero-flow events, which occurs when hydropower stations are stopped due to low electricity demand or low electricity prices. We quantified the consequences for hydropower production of introducing environmental flows by identifying a set of rules of operation of the hydropower stations that reflect the limitations that ecological regulation of flows and water levels entail. In the work, consideration of technical limitations in the hydropower stations was a key to attain cost-effective measures. We then used hydropower production optimization programs to calculate changes in hydropower production and revenues. We also quantified the environmental benefits of environmental flows described as increases in the area of habitat for riverine species and improvements in ecosystem functions in the Ume River. We identified increasing the area of aquatic habitat with high flow velocity, providing suitable habitat for lotic species, enhancing the establishment of riparian and increasing longitudinal connectivity as the main aspects of the Ume River ecosystems in need of rehabilitation.This thesis focuses specifically on three aspects of environmental flows. (1) Analysis of hydropeaking and zero-flow events for all hydropower stations in a catchment and the introduction of a ban of zero-flow events as an environmental flow measure. The hydropower stations in Ume River system stand still without flow 9% to 55% of the time in a hydrologically normal year, transforming lotic habitat into stagnant water. (2) A comprehensive assessment of environmental flow measures which in addition to banning zero-flow events include improvements of connectivity, spill water to by-passed reached laid dry as well as more natural water-level variation, combined into a total of scenarios where the environmental benefits and impacts on electricity production were quantified. In addition, we modeled a spring-flood scenario and a scenario transforming the flow of the Ume River to its natural flow regime. (3) Predictions of the effects on hydropower production of introducing environmental flow scenarios were modeled using climate change projections for IPCC scenario A1B until the year 2040, where the efficiency of environmental flow measures in a future climate and detection of potential bottlenecks in flow linked to ecological extremes such as periods of drought and flood. Further, the thesis present the framework of collaborative management that facilitated the process to solve complicated societal challenges connected to mitigation measures and environmental flows in higly-regulated river basins. This framwork allowed both for finding the most cost effective environmental flow measures as well as detecting environmental rehabilitation measures that otherwise might go undetected, despite having little impact on hydropower production. Our results show that introducing a zero-flow ban with the aim of avoiding stagnant water would on average mean 0.5% electricity production loss per year and benefit existing and newly created 240 hectares of lotic habitat with a flow rate exceeding 0.1 m/s, suitable for lotic species such as grayling Thymallus thymallus. The small effect in electricity production is the result of an effort to route the flow through the turbines to generate electricity, which means that the main effect is to move electricity production from daytime to nighttime. Implementation of zero-flow restrictions in combination with allocating 1-12% of the average annual flow at all hydropower stations to side channels and reaches laid dry would result in a loss of 2.1% of the annual electricity production for the Ume River catchment. Adding flow to fish-ways would increase the loss to 3.1% per year. With the implementation of more natural water-level variation in the main channel, the loss increases to 3.8%. These measures would more than triple the habitat of lotic species such as grayling Thymallus thymallus, and increase the area of riparian vegetation by about 66%.Assessing hydropower production in the Ume River in a future climate shows that hydropower production is expected to increase by 2.6% compared to current conditions until 2040, which opens up for mitigating the effects of climate change by implementing flow measures that mimic conditions before climate change, which can help to avoid extreme hydrological events potentially harming the riverine ecosystem. The environmental flow scenarios developed in previous projects were tested in simulations with future flow conditions and the results show that all effects on electricity production were projected to be significantly smaller in the future compared with models without climate change. The operation of storage reservoirs is expected to become more important in a future climate. Our assessment is a way of predicting the effectiveness of environmental flow measures in the future with climate change.Our method forms the basis to guide future nationwide implementation of environmental rehabilitation of regulated rivers with the aim of maintaining and restoring riverine ecosystems.
|
|
| 35. |
- Widén, Åsa, et al.
(författare)
-
Environmental Flow Scenarios for a Regulated River System : Projecting Catchment-Wide Ecosystem Benefits and Consequences for Hydroelectric Production
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Water resources research. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0043-1397 .- 1944-7973. ; 58:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To enable prioritization among measures for ecological restoration, knowing the expected benefits and consequences of implementation is imperative but rarely explicitly quantified. We developed a novel method to prioritize among environmental flow measures to rehabilitate ecosystems in the Ume River catchment in northern Sweden, a river system heavily regulated for hydropower production. Our strategy was to identify measures with minimal impact on hydropower production while providing substantial environmental benefits. Based on field surveys of remaining natural values and potential for ecological rehabilitation, we quantified the projected gain in habitat area of implementing environmental flows for target organism groups, for example, lotic fish species and riparian vegetation, along the whole river length. We quantified the consequences for hydropower production by identifying a set of hydropower operational rules reflecting the constraints added by environmental flows. We then used production optimization software to calculate changes in hydropower production and revenues. Implementing restrictions on zero-flow events by mandating minimum discharge at all run-of-river hydropower stations and allocating 1%–12% of mean annual discharge to bypassed reaches in the entire catchment would result in a 2.1% loss of annual electricity production. Adding flow to fishways would increase the loss to 3.1% per year. With implementation of more natural water-level fluctuations in run-of-river impoundments, the loss increases to 3.8%. These actions would increase the habitat for lotic species like the grayling Thymallus more than threefold and increase the area of riparian vegetation by about 66%. Our method forms a basis for ongoing implementation of nationwide environmental rehabilitation schemes.
|
|
| 36. |
|
|
| 37. |
- Widén, Åsa, et al.
(författare)
-
Let it flow : Modeling ecological benefits and hydropower production impacts of banning zero-flow events in a large regulated river system
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 783
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Hydropeaking, defined as rapid and frequent changes in flow to optimize hydropower production, is an increasingly common procedure negatively affecting lotic habitats in riverine ecosystems. An important aspect of hydropeaking is zero-flow events, occurring when hydropower stations are stopped due to low energy demand or low electricity prices. We quantified the ecological benefits and consequences for hydropower production of restricting zero-flow events. The 19 major hydropower stations in the Ume River system in northern Sweden stand still with no discharge 9% to 55% of the time a hydrologically normal year, transforming lotic habitat to stagnant water. The duration of zero-flow events is exacerbated in dry years, with no discharge for 28% of the time in a typical station, to be compared with 7% in a wet year. Zero-flow events affect the behavior of fish, altering the fish community, and potentially result in low oxygen levels and low food supply to filter-feeding macroinvertebrates. We modelled the consequences of restricting zero-flow events by introducing minimum flows equaling mean annual low flow or higher for the entire Ume River catchment. The measure would result in an additional 240 ha of shallow lotic habitat with gravel to boulder streambeds having flow velocity exceeding 0.1 m/s, i.e. suitable for lotic species such as grayling Thymallus thymallus. In addition, the measure would enable creating another 107 ha of similar habitat after structural rehabilitation of river reaches. All measures would result in a mean loss of hydropower production of 0.5% per year for the entire river system, 98% of which would occur between May and October when the demand for electricity is lower. Hydropower production would also be partly moved from daytime to nighttime. As zero-flow events are common in several other river systems, restrictions on their frequency and duration could be implemented in many areas.
|
|
| 38. |
- Widén, Åsa, et al.
(författare)
-
Ljungan inför miljöprövning av vattenkraften: naturvärden, flöden och strömhabitat samt möjliga miljönyttor
- 2022
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Denna rapport utgör en beskrivning av dagens vattenkraftproduktion, återstående strömhabitat och nutida och dåtida naturvärden i Ljungan med förslag till miljöåtgärder och en skattning av kostnaderna (i form av kraftproduktion) och miljönyttorna (främst räknat som tillgängliggjort habitat). I arbetet, som följer de riktlinjer som presenteras i rapporter från forskningsprojektet Priokliv, ingår även en bristanalys där dagens situation jämförs med förhållanden innan vattenkraften byggdes ut. Därefter har vi utformat förslag på miljöanpassade flöden, öppnade vandringsvägar samt kompletterande åtgärder. Miljöåtgärderna fokuserar främst på ett antal scenarier med olika åtgärder där kostnader och miljönyttor jämförs med dagens situation. Arbetet fokuserar på huvudfårorna av Ljungan och Gimån i de vattenkraftpåverkade delarna. Vattensystemet har delats in i 20 dämningsområden, sträckor mellan kraftverk, där naturvärdet beskrivs utifrån habitat (strömsträckor, deltaområden, tillgång till biflöden, skyddad natur och kulturmiljöer) och förekommande arter. För de senare ligger fokus på arter som är rödlistade eller pekas ut i Art- och Habitatdirektivet eller Fågeldirektivet. Artuppgifterna kommer från standardiserad övervakning (fisk, flodpärlmussla) redovisad i offentliga databaser samt från rapporterade artförekomster till SLU:s Artportal. Analyserna visar att en stor påverkan skett av vattensystemet med förändrat flödesmönster, omfattande korttidsreglering och 18 torrfåror i området med en samlad areal av 219 hektar. Ett normalår är det nolltappning vid 175 tillfällen nedströms Flåsjön och 286 tillfällen nedom Holmsjön. Påverkan från korttidsreglering i älvsystemet är således omfattande, och åtgärder som kan lindra dess effekter har stor potential. Fiskfaunan har påverkats och laxens område utgör idag endast 7% av den forna längden. Endast 3% av avrinningsområdets dammar har fiskvägar. Sammanställningen visar samtidigt att det finns naturvärden kvar. Vid jämförelse med fallhöjd före regleringen av Ljungan med nuvarande förhållande visar analyserna att 16% av fallhöjden återstår. Beskrivningen av naturvärden visar att de är klart högst i de övre delarna av Ljungan och Gimån, dvs ovanför området där vattenkraftproduktion sker, men ett antal ekologiska värdekärnor har identifierats i de nedre delarna. Vi har även beaktat effekterna av det framtida klimatet. För år 2040 beräknas produktionen av elektricitet öka med i medel 3,1% jämfört med nuvarande förhållanden för hela avrinningsområdet. Vi förordar mer dynamiska modeller för att beskriva miljönyttorna som omfattar påverkan på processer i vattendraget, gynnad areal av bristhabitat, tillgängliggjord areal genom konnektivitet samt biologi som är kopplat till hydrologi på varierande skala gällande tidsupplösning och geografi. Nyttorna beskrivs genom tillgänglig gjord eller förbättrad areal av strömmande habitat, minskad påverkan av korttidsregleringseffekter, konnektivitet i form av tillgängliggjort habitat och vattendragslängd i denna rapport. Ekologisk reglering har modellerats med 13 scenarios och resultaten varierar gällande produktionspåverkan från att produktionen ökar med 1,2% (nolltappningsförbud nedströms Holmsjön i framtida klimat 2040) till en minskning av produktionen med 15,2% (statiska spill till torrfåror motsvarande medellågvattenföring (MLQ)). Samtliga scenarios med ekologisk reglering har påverkan på när produktionen av elektricitet sker över året, månad, vecka, dygn och timme. Det innebär att vi i modellerna flyttar produktionstillfället från tider med stora behov från samhället av elektricitet till tillfällen med lägre behov från samhället. Resultaten presenteras samlat mer utförligt i kapitel 8-9. Vi belyser betydelsen av noggranna och detaljerade beskrivningar av åtgärder, kostnader, miljönyttor och produktionspåverkan på energisystemet med avrinnesområdet som den minsta geografiska ytan.
|
|
| 39. |
- Widén, Åsa, et al.
(författare)
-
Restaurering av Juktån
- 2023
-
Rapport (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Restaurering av Juktån är ett samverkansprojekt som har drivits på frivillig basis av den ideella föreningen Samverkan Umeälven (www.umealven.se) tillsammans med Umeälvensvattenregleringsföretag, Vattenfall och Umeå Universitet. Juktån är en 60 kilometer lång torrfåra med minimitappning om 12% av det oreglerade flödet (MQ) vid reglerings. I produktionssystemet har den en funktion som spillfåra. Projektets ambition och mål var att Juktån skulle återfå ekologisk funktion med fungerande reproduktion av öring och harr, mer naturlig och bredare strandvegetation och svämskogar, mer naturlig artsammansättning av makrofyter samt en sedimentationsprocess med mindre deponering av silt och finsediment. Juktånprojektet har kartlagt och genomfört biotopåtgärder samt restaurerat huvudfåran sträckan nedströms Tjangarn och sidofåran Lickotgrenen under 2019 och 2020. Totalt har dryga 35 kilometer torrfåra restaurerats, hundratals trösklar och flottledsobjekt har rivits ut. Juktåprojektet ansökte hos Mark och Miljö Domstolen (MMD) om att ändra den relativt statiska minimitappningen till en säsongsanpassad minimitappning, vilket beviljades i augusti 2020 och infördes våren 2021. Metoderna för att genomföra restaureringen bygger på restaureringsekologi och sambandet till naturlig flödesregim. Juktåns restaurering har inneburit en komplex restaurering från utrivning av grunddammar och trösklar, restaurering av den fysiska miljön för att gynna öring, harr, makrofyter, strandvegetation och processer. Vi har utgått från ekologi i oreglerade vattendrag och utvecklat metoder speciellt anpassat för torrfåror med minimitappning. Preliminära resultat visar på en ökad reproduktion av öring, mer naturliga processer kopplat till flöde, sedimentation, vattenhastighet och som har påverkat både makrofyter samt strandvegetation.
|
|
| 40. |
- Widén, Åsa, et al.
(författare)
-
Sveriges torrfåror : geografi, naturvärden och metoder för miljöförbättringar
- 2022
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Syftet med projektet var att ta fram metoder för att underlätta beslut om minimitappning och andra miljöförbättringsåtgärder för torrfåror, d.v.s. vattendragssträckor där vatten letts bort via kanaler eller tunnlar för att passera genom vattenkraftverks turbiner. Ibland sker även överledning från ett vattendrag till ett annat för att på så sätt öka produktionen av vattenkraft i vissa kraftverksanläggningar. Detta lämnar den ursprungliga fåran helt eller delvis torrlagd under stora delar av året. Vi har i denna rapport valt att använda begreppet ”torrfåror” för att indikera att det mest utmärkande draget är den reducerade vattenföringen. Många av dessa sträckor var ursprungligen forsar, och ekosystem och arter knutna till forsar har blivit sällsynta. Vi kartlade förekomsten av torrfåror i Sverige, och totalt identifierades och verifierades 972 torrfåror i en databas. 366 av dessa är belägna i Götaland, 323 i Svealand och 283 i Norrland. Den absoluta majoriteten av Sveriges torrfåror saknar bestämmelser om minimitappning. För de 622 torrfåror där vi hittat uppgifter om vattenföring, saknar 481 (77%) en tilldömd minimitappning. De 137 torrfårorna med minimitappning hade i genomsnitt en medelminimitappning på årsbasis på endast 3,6% av den naturliga årsmedelvattenföringen. I 63% av torrfårorna med minimitappning var denna lika med eller mindre än 5% av den naturliga årsmedelvattenföringen, och 48% var flödet lika med eller mindre än 0,5 m3/s. Analyser av fiskfaunan baserat på elfiskedata visar att torrfåror hade i genomsnitt lägre andel fiskar som hör till typiskt sett strömlevande arter och lägre total fiskabundans jämfört med av vattenkraft opåverkade referenslokaler. Torrfåror med minimitappning hade bättre status vad gäller fiskfaunan än de utan minimitappning vad gäller andel strömlevande arter, total fiskabundans och artrikedom av fisk. Andel individer av strömlevande fiskarter, total fiskabundans och fiskartrikedom ökade med ökande minimitappning i torrfårorna, men sambanden var icke-linjära och planade ut med ökande minimitappning. Torrfårornas medellutning var relativt hög (3,6%), och de representerar till övervägande del strömmande och forsande miljöer som helt eller delvis har torrlagts. Torrfårorna var i genomsnitt 1317 m, medan medianlängden endast var 319 m. De korta (50-100 m) och mycket korta (<50 m) torrfårorna var framför allt belägna i södra Sverige, medan långa (1-10 km) och mycket långa (>10 km) var vanligare i Norrlands inland. Majoriteten av torrfårorna i Sverige låg i vattendragens nedströmsdelar, i vattendragsordning 1 eller 2 räknat från mynningen. Miljöförbättringsåtgärder av olika slag, som mer naturliga vattenflöden, fiskvägar eller biotopvårdande åtgärder, har utförts vid 10% av torrfårorna sedan 1970. Av de 574 torrfåror där överensstämmelsen med vattenförekomster i VISS var god var 434 klassade som naturliga och 140 som kraftigt modifierade. I det senare fallet var den ekologiska potentialen enligt Vattendirektivet alltid klassificerad som måttlig eller sämre. Av de 434 som definierades som naturliga vattenförekomster hade de flesta givits måttlig ekologisk status. De största problemen i vattenförekomster som helt eller delvis motsvarar torrfåror är brister i konnektivitet och att den hydrologiska regimen är förändrad. Våra resultat visar att kortare torrfåror, som bara omfattar en del av en vattenförekomst, ofta förbises vid statusklassningen enligt Vattendirektivet, och att torrfåran ges samma ekologisk status som vattenförekomsten i stort. För att kunna välja ut vilka torrfåror som ska restaureras och genomföra restaureringsprojekt i torrfåror är fungerande samverkansprocess mellan berörda parter (t.ex. verksamhetsutövare, myndigheter, konsulter och ideella organisationer) viktig för att underlätta vägen från kartläggning till genomförande. Vi presenterar aspekter som underlättar, och kompetenser som behövs hos för att processen ska bli lyckosam. För att underlätta genomförandet av miljöförbättringsåtgärder i torrfåror presenterar vi ett metodiskt och strukturerat arbetssätt som ger en komplett kartläggning av torrfåran samt dess omgivande dämningsområden med biflöden, som leder fram till analyser av påverkansgraden, brister jämfört med opåverkade ekosystem, och åtgärdsbehov. Behov av åtgärder grundar sig på vilken restaureringspotential som finns baserat på förhållanden innan reglering och opåverkade referenslokaler. När man summerar naturvärden ger det en bild av vad som är möjligt att göra och vad som kan åstadkommas inom rimliga gränser med tanke på vattenkraftsproduktion. Målet är att detektera för vattenkraftsproduktion kostnadseffektiva och i det långa perspektivet resursanpassade åtgärder som gynnar ekosystemet och bevarar eller ökar naturvärdena. Som en grund för att kunna bestämma nivå på minimitappning presenterar vi en lista på vilka flöden eller aspekter av en naturlig flödesregim som krävs för att uppnå olika naturvärden (ökad biologisk mångfald av naturligt förekommande arter på en vattendragssträcka) eller ekosystemfunktioner. Denna kan hjälpa att bedöma vilka aspekter av naturliga flödesregimer som behövs för att erhålla önskade naturvärden, eller omvänt, att kunna ge en prognos för vilka naturvärden som kan förväntas vid en viss flödesregim, allt fokuserat på torrfåror. Vi presenterar också en metodik för att inventera torrfåror med kvantitativa metoder som bygger på att med hjälp av stickprov skatta hur mycket det finns av olika strukturer. Syftet med inventeringen är att kvantifiera strukturer i och kring vattendraget som kan vara viktiga för en bedömning av potentialen för att återskapa naturvärden (både akvatiska och i strandmiljön) vid olika möjliga flöden i torrfåror. Det finns flera fördelar med att ha en sådan samplingdesign (istället för kvalitativa metoder) i studier av ekologiska restaureringsprojekt. Det möjliggör att skatta t.ex. medelvärdet eller storleken på variabler som är av intresse, vare sig det är ytan av ett vegetationsbälte, mängden död ved eller fraktioner av sediment i fåran. Det kanske viktigaste skälet att göra det är att det möjliggör kvantitativ utvärdering av miljöförbättringsåtgärder, och avgöra om åtgärder har haft avsedd effekt. Miljödomar bör utformas för att vara långsiktigt hållbara för torrfårans ekosystem, d.v.s. vara relevanta under flera decennier trots att elsystemet och klimatet förändras. Få föreslagna åtgärder gällande torrfåror har genomförts praktiskt och att utreda genom uppföljning och belägga huruvida genomförda åtgärder faktiskt gett miljönytta är essentiellt. Uppföljning förutsätter att en vetenskaplig förstudie har genomförts (naturvärde, nuläge, påverkans- och bristanalys). Om det finns förstudier så finns goda förutsättningar att utvärdera effekterna, om tillräckligt lång tid efter restaurering har gått för att åtminstone initial ekologisk respons ska ha skett. Sammanfattningsvis konstaterar vi att de allra flesta torrfåror saknar minimitappning eller andra åtgärder för att förbättra den biologiska mångfalden och vattendragsekosystemen, men att det finns stöd för att sådana åtgärder är effektiva. Vår förhoppning är att de metoder vi presenterar ska underlätta beslut och genomförande av miljöförbättringsåtgärder i torrfåror.
|
|
