ALBERT — All Library Books, journals and Electronic Records Telegrafenberg

1

Electronic Resource

The search for common anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity: a global network (2000)

Niemelä, Jari ; Kotze, Johan ; Ashworth, Allan ; [et al.]

Springer

Journal of insect conservation 4 (2000), S. 3-9

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ISSN: 1572-9753

Keywords: global trends ; Carabidae ; bioindicators ; urban-rural gradients ; pitfall traps

Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Topics: Biology , Nature of Science, Research, Systems of Higher Education, Museum Science

Notes: Abstract We introduce an initiative to assess and compare landscape changes related to human activities on a global scale, using a single group of invertebrates. The GLOBENET programme uses common field methodology (pitfall trapping), to appraise assemblages of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in visually-similar land-mosaics (urban-rural gradients). Carabids were selected as the focal taxon as they are sufficiently varied (both taxonomically and ecologically), abundant and sensitive to the environment. However, work on other taxa is comparable with the GLOBENET framework. The continuum of decreasing human pressure from city centres into the surrounding countryside was selected to represent human-caused disturbance for this initial stage of GLOBENET because these gradients can be found virtually all over the world. Through the broad-scale assessment envisioned in the GLOBENET programme, we seek to separate general, repeated effects on biodiversity from those that depend on local environments or particular biotic assemblages. Based on this understanding we aim to develop simple tools and protocols for assessing ecological effects of human-caused landscape changes, which could help to sustainably manage landscapes for biodiversity and for human requirements. For instance, the response of different functional groups of carabids to these landscape changes may help guide management practices. Further GLOBENET developments and information are available at our website: http://www.helsinki.fi/science/globenet/

Type of Medium: Electronic Resource

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1009655127440

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2

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Is there a need for a theory of urban ecology? (1999)

Niemelä, Jari

Springer

Urban ecosystems 3 (1999), S. 57-65

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ISSN: 1573-1642

Keywords: urban ecology ; theory ; urban planning

Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Notes: Abstract Although urban ecosystems are governed by the same ecological “laws” as rural ecosystems, the relative importance of certain ecological patterns and processes differs between the two types of ecosystems. For instance, as compared to rural areas, urban habitats are usually more islandlike, more often represent early successional stages, and more easily invaded by alien species. All these features are results of the intense human influence on urban landscapes. The question then arises whether a distinct theory of urban ecology is needed for understanding ecological patterns and processes in the urban setting. The answer is no, because urban ecosystems can be successfully studied using existing ecological theories, such as the metapopulation theory. However, due to the intense human presence approaches that include the human aspect are useful in studying urban systems. For instance, the “human ecosystem model,” which emphasizes human impact by identifying social components with connections to ecology, is a useful approach in urban studies. This model, combined with the urban–rural gradient approach, forms an effective tool for studying key ecological features of urban ecosystems. Better understanding of these features would increase our ability to predict changes that land use causes in urban ecosystems, and would help to integrate ecology better into urban planning.

Type of Medium: Electronic Resource

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1009595932440

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3

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The effects of trampling on assemblages of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in urban forests in Helsinki, Finland (2000)

Grandchamp, Anne-Catherine ; Niemelä, Jari ; Kotze, Johan

Springer

Urban ecosystems 4 (2000), S. 321-332

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ISSN: 1573-1642

Keywords: Carabidae ; trampling disturbance ; urbanisation

Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Notes: Abstract The occurrence of carabid beetles in relation to trampling was examined in urban forest sites located in the city of Helsinki, southern Finland. The degree of wear of the forest floor was assessed and used as a measure of trampling intensity. In particular, we examined the following predictions: (1) carabid diversity should decrease with increasing trampling intensity, (2) mean body size of the dominating carabid species should decrease with increasing trampling intensity, and (3) opportunistic species should gain dominance in severely trampled sites. In total, 1,326 beetles representing 27 species were captured. The first prediction was not supported, as there was no correlation between species richness or Hill's N2 diversity index and trampling intensity. However, there was a positive correlation between number of carabids captured and trampling intensity of the site. The second hypothesis gained some support, as there was a marginally significant negative correlation between body size and trampling intensity. The hypothesis that opportunistic species should gain dominance in severely trampled sites was supported as one species was very dominant (Pterostichus melanarius, 60.0%) in the heavily trampled sites, while there were two equally and less dominant species in the less trampled sites. Individual species did show different responses to the effects of trampling, and the most sensitive forest species may not survive in the heavily trampled sites. We conclude that at the community level (e.g., species richness, diversity), the effects of trampling on carabids in urban forests are subtle, but impacts are pronounced for some sensitive species.

Type of Medium: Electronic Resource

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1015707916116

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4

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Threatened species in a vanishing habitat: plants and invertebrates in calcareous grasslands in the Swiss Jura mountains (1998)

Niemelä, Jari ; Baur, Bruno

Springer

Biodiversity and conservation 7 (1998), S. 1407-1416

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ISSN: 1572-9710

Keywords: species diversity ; threatened species ; indicator species ; calcareous grassland ; Switzerland

Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Topics: Biology

Notes: Abstract We examined the diversity of vascular plants, butterflies, grasshoppers, gastropods and carabid beetles in three calcareous grasslands in the northwestern Swiss Jura mountains, a habitat type that has decreased dramatically during the recent decades. As many as 58 species (ca 22%) of the 266 collected are listed as threatened in northern Switzerland. The number of threatened species ranged from 27 to 49 per site, and 26 species occurred in only one of the three grasslands. The species richness of butterflies and vascular plants correlated positively among the grasslands, while the species richness of other groups did not covary. An index of complementarity indicated that the species compositions (including non-threatened species, and spiders and oribatid mites) of the groups varied greatly among the grasslands. In addition, herbivorous groups were more widely distributed than predators among the three grasslands. Due to this variation in species composition none of the three sites c an substitute for the others, if the biodiversity of these grasslands is to be maintained. Furthermore, the taxonomic groups studied are poor indicators of each others' diversity. Consequently, we support the ‘shopping basket’ approach to conservation evaluation, i.e. measuring species richness, species composition and complementarity of several groups instead of just one.

Type of Medium: Electronic Resource

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008835529764

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5

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Illegal wildlife trade in the Himalayan region of China (2000)

Yi-Ming, Li ; Zenxiang, Gao ; Xinhai, Li ; [et al.]

Springer

Biodiversity and conservation 9 (2000), S. 901-918

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ISSN: 1572-9710

Keywords: biodiversity ; CITES ; Giant panda ; Himalayan region ; illegal wildlife trade ; legislation ; Saker Falcon

Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Topics: Biology

Notes: Abstract The Himalayan region of China, with its rich biodiversity, used to be important for hunting and collecting of medicinal plants. In the past decades, conservation attitudes and legislation for wildlife conservation have developed rapidly in China. Increasing numbers of species are listed in the state protection list and local protection lists. In the Himalayan region, the area of natural reserves is high accounting for 70% of total area of natural reserves in China. However, wildlife in Himalayan region is suffering from illegal hunting and trade even after China has enforced the China Wildlife Protection Law (CWPL). The illegal wildlife trade and smuggling across Sino-neighbouring country borders and illegal wildlife trade related to domestic use flourish in the region. Although domestic illegal trade has declined in the past ten years, international illegal trade and smuggling continue, and are even expanding, thereby threatening survival of many endangered species such as the Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsoni), Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug). Illegal wildlife trade in the region is attributed to four factors. First, the CWPL is still imperfect, especially concerning illegal trade and smuggling across borders. Second, CWPL is not fully enforced. Third, infrastructure in many nature reserves is undeveloped and human resources are lacking. Fourth, protection is hampered by differences in the laws of neighbouring countries, differences in penalties and in degrees of protection. Furthermore, national legislation is often not fully enforced in areas that are inhabited mainly by tribal and minority communities.

Type of Medium: Electronic Resource

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008905430813

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6

Electronic Resource

Ecology and urban planning (1999)

Niemelä, Jari

Springer

Biodiversity and conservation 8 (1999), S. 119-131

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ISSN: 1572-9710

Keywords: urban biodiversity ; urban ecology ; urban planning

Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Topics: Biology

Notes: Abstract Urban areas harbour diverse nature ranging from semi-natural habitats to wastelands, parks and other highly human-influenced biotopes with their associated species assemblages. Maintenance of this urban biodiversity for the residents and for its intrinsic value in the face of increasing population and expanding cities requires that ecological knowledge should be better integrated into urban planning. To achieve this goal understanding of ecological patterns and processes in urban ecosystems is needed. The first step in the necessary urban ecological research is to find out what kind of nature exists in cities. Second, knowledge about ecological processes important in urban nature is required. Although ecological processes in cities are the same as in rural areas, some of them, such as invasion by alien species, are more prevalent in urban than in rural conditions. Third, based on ecological knowledge, management schemes maintaining the diversity of urban nature should be designed. These procedures should also include protection of urban nature, e.g. in urban national parks. Finally, as ecology alone cannot provide the complex information about human influence on urban ecosystems, interdisciplinary research involving natural and social sciences is imperative for a holistic approach to integrating ecology into the process of urban planning.

Type of Medium: Electronic Resource

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008817325994

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