Submitted by Claudia Rocha (claudia.rocha@udesc.br) on 2017-12-11T12:58:02Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PGEF16MA068.pdf: 201689 bytes, checksum: e9497705cc6674fb160253fc595a4dbb (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-11T12:58:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGEF16MA068.pdf: 201689 bytes, checksum: e9497705cc6674fb160253fc595a4dbb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-08 / FAPESC / This dissertation aimed to understand the process of biological invasion by Ligustrum spp, in a peri-urban forest remnant. For this, a temporal analysis of the organization of floristic-structural and diversity patterns of the tree component was conducted in an Araucaria Forest fragment, in the municipality of Lages, SC, in 2012, 2014 and 2015. In 2012, five transects were allocated, each on divided into 20 x 20 m plots, covering a gradient of 0-100m from edge to forest interior, with each plot presenting sub-plots to evaluate the regenerative component. For the adult component all trees with cbh (circumference at breast height) greater than or equal to 15,7 cm were measured (cbh). For the regenerative component, the inclusion level varied according to size class: Class 1, plants with height between 10 cm and 1 m, in sub-plots of 1 x 5 m; Class 2, plants with height between 1 and 3 m, in sub-plots of 1 x 10 m; and Class 3, plants with a height greater than 3 m and cbh smaller than 15,7 cm, in sub-plots of 1 x 20 m. In 2014 (for regeneratives) and 2015 (for adults), dead and recruit individuals were counted, adult survivors were re-measured, and the height class of regenerative individuals were determined. The rates of mortality, recruitment, basal area gain, basal area loss, turnover and size class changes of regenerative component were determined. The dynamics data of regenerative components were analyzed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and contingency table; for the adult component, plots were classified in contaminated (C) and not contaminated (NC) by invasive species, with the demographic rates between these two conditions compared. The c-score index was used for the evaluation of species coexistence pattern in contamined and non-contamined plots. We conclude that the studied forest is under a process of post-disturbance recovery, with Ligustrum spp. showing a high population increment in the area. Whereas in the adult component the results suggest the invase species as an opportunist, in the regenerative component it is inferred that the species occurs as an important competitive in relation to native species / A presente dissertação teve como principal objetivo compreender o processo de invasão biológica por Ligustrum spp. em um remanescente florestal periurbano. Para isto, foi realizada uma análise temporal da organização florística-estrutural e dos padrões de diversidade do componente arbóreo em um fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Mista localizado em Lages, SC, nos anos de 2012, 2014 e 2015. Em 2012, foram alocadas cinco transecções, sendo cada transecção dividida em parcelas, 20 x 20 m, cobrindo um gradiente de 0-100m entre a borda e o interior da floresta, sendo que em cada parcela constavam sub-parcelas para avaliação do componente regenerativo. Para o componente adulto, foram avaliados todos os indivíduos arbóreos com CAP (circunferência medida a altura do peito) maior ou igual a 15,7 cm. Para o componente regenerante, o nível de inclusão variou em função da classe de tamanho: Classe 1, plantas com altura entre 10 cm e 1 m, em sub-parcelas de 1 x 5 m; Classe 2, plantas com altura entre 1 e 3 m, em sub-parcelas de 1 x 10 m; e Classe 3, plantas com altura maior que 3 m e CAP menor que 15,7 cm, em sub-parcelas de 1 x 20 m. Em 2014 (regenerantes) e 2015 (adultos), esses indivíduos foram reavaliados, contabilizando a mortalidade e recrutamento, remedindo os CAP`s dos adultos sobreviventes e determinando a classe de altura dos regenerantes. Foram calculadas as taxas de mortalidade, recrutamento, ganho e perda em área basal, rotatividade e mudanças de classes de altura dos regenerantes. Os dados para componente regenerante foram analisados por meio de uma Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA) e tabela de contingência; para o componente adulto, as parcelas foram classificadas em contaminadas (C) e não contaminadas (NC) pela espécie invasora, sendo as taxas de demográficas comparadas entre essas duas condições. Para avaliar o padrão de coexistência das espécies nas parcelas contaminadas e não-contaminadas, foi utilizado o índice de c-score. Conclui-se que a floresta estudada encontra-se em fase de recuperação pós-distúrbio, com Ligustrum spp. demonstrando elevado incremento populacional na área. Enquanto no componente adulto os resultados observados sugerem um comportamento oportunista da espécie invasora, no regenerante infere-se que a espécie ocorre com uma importante competidora com as espécies nativas

abstract: General ecological thought pertaining to plant biology, conservation, and urban areas has rested on two potentially contradictory underlying assumptions. The first is that non-native plants can spread easily from human developments to “pristine” areas. The second is that native plants cannot disperse through developed areas. Both assume anthropogenic changes to ecosystems create conditions that favor non-native plants and hinder native species. However, it is just as likely that anthropogenic alterations of habitats will favor certain groups of plant species with similar functional traits, whether native or not. Migration of plants can be divided into the following stages: dispersal, germination, establishment, reproduction and spread. Functional traits of species determine which are most successful at each of the stages of invasion or range enlargement. I studied the traits that allow both native and non-native plant species to disperse into freeway corridors, germinate, establish, reproduce, and then disperse along those corridors in Phoenix, Arizona. Field methods included seed bank sample collection and germination, vegetation surveys, and seed trapping. I also evaluated concentrations of plant-available nitrate as a result of localized nitrogen deposition. While many plant species found on the roadsides are either landscape varieties or typical weedy species, some uncommon native species and unexpected non-native species were also encountered. Maintenance regimes greatly influence the amount of vegetative cover and species composition along roadsides. Understanding which traits permit success at various stages of the invasion process indicates whether it is native, non-native, or species with particular traits that are likely to move through the city and establish in the desert. In a related case study conducted in Victoria, Australia, transportation professionals and ecologists were surveyed regarding preferences for roadside landscape design. Roadside design and maintenance projects are typically influenced by different groups of transportation professionals at various stages in a linear project cycle. Landscape architects and design professionals have distinct preferences and priorities compared to other transportation professionals and trained ecologists. The case study reveals the need for collaboration throughout the stages of design, construction and maintenance in order to efficiently manage roadsides for multiple priorities. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Biology 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate if botanical gardens in Stockholm, Uppsala and Gothenburg could be a source for spread of invasive species in Sweden. The method consisted of visits to each garden with inventory of the collections and interviews with the staff. The species included in the study were either on or suggested for the list in the EU regulation 1143/2014 or listed by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency as invasive or potentially invasive species in Sweden. 16 of the 34 species included in the study were found within or around one or more gardens and of those are 8 already established in Sweden and 6 could establish and become invasive with climate change. The study showed that the invasive species could outcompete other organisms by being fast growing and persistent as well as highly reproductive and sometimes harmful to other plants, animals or humans. It also suggests that high seed production and vegetative reproduction from small plant fragments may facilitate spread from botanical gardens in general. By creating awareness of invasive species, the gardens could prevent spread from other sources. Whether or not the gardens’ management of their collections could lead to spread and introduction of invasive species in Sweden is still unexplored and suitable for further studies. The species’ traits however do pose a risk of spread from the botanical gardens in the study, as well as other gardens, and establishment in the Swedish nature.

The subject of this thesis was evaluation current status of the two species of fur animals, Coypu and Raccoon Dog in eastern Bohemia, in the Pardubice Region and the Hradec Kralove Region. Now Coypu otter and Raccoon Dogs occur in the region of eastern Bohemia. Raccoon Dog does not live only in the immediate vicinity of the water. Coypu lives directly on the water and the water is bound. If an option, so the earliest peoples larger flows. Also it prefers warmer areas. It occurs to 400 meters above sea level. Populations of both species of these invasive species of fur animals in the study area are growing. In the Hradec Kralove Region populations of both species are more numerous than in the Pardubice Region. Repeatedly been identified direct damage caused by the Coypu grazing crops. Further erodes the banks and dikes. Currently occurs in eastern Bohemia to 2,700 individuals Coypu and 900 individuals Raccoon Dog. Over the last five years was recorded increase in the number of both populations of those species about 100%.

The development of offshore wind farms and marine renewable energy devices in the Mediterranean is central to both national, and international, energy strategies for countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The ecological impacts of marine renewable energy development in the Mediterranean region, although essential for policy makers, are as yet unknown. The Northern Adriatic is identified as a plausible site for offshore wind farm development. Using the wider region (Adriatic and Northern Ionian) as a case study, this thesis examines the likely impact to the marine environment if an offshore wind farm is established. Site suitability, based on wind speed, bathymetry, and larvae connectivity levels are investigated along with the plausibility of the turbines operating as artificial reefs in the area. As offshore wind farms may alter the larval connectivity and supply dynamics of benthic populations, a connectivity map was constructed to identify areas of high and low connectivity in the Adriatic Sea. The Puglia coast of Italy is a likely larval sink, and displays some of the highest connectivity within the region, suggesting potential inputs of genetic materials from surrounding populations. Considering offshore wind farms could operate as artificial reefs, an in-situ pilot project was established to simulate the presence of wind turbines. Macroinvertebrates colonized the new substrata within the first few months but were lower in abundance when compared to a natural hard substrata environment. Time, turbine location, and the material used for turbine construction all affected the macro-invertebrate communities. In addition, fish abundances, and diversity were lower around the simulated OWF foundations in comparison to a natural hard substrata environment, and no increases in fish abundance occurred around the simulated turbines when compared to reference sites of soft substrata. This observation was validated with the use of an ecosystem modelling software (Ecopath with Ecosim), which simulated the overall ecosystem level impacts that would occur if 50 offshore monopile wind turbines were introduced to the Northern Ionian and colonized by macroinvertebrate communities. When compared to the baseline scenario (no simulated introduction of an OWF), the introduction of new habitat had no discernible impacts to the structure or functioning of the marine ecosystem. Noticeable changes to the ecosystem were only apparent if fishing restrictions were enforced in parallel with the simulated offshore wind farm; the ecosystem appears to become more structured by top down predation. In addition seabirds are also impacted by the reduction of fishing discards as a food source. These results are the first attempt to quantify the suspected benefits of offshore wind farms operating as de-facto marine protected areas.

The spread of non-native species is a global threat and the rate at which biological invasions occur is likely to increase in the future. This thesis examines the implications of the invasive signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana), for instream communities and abiotic processes within lowland rivers in England. The potential effects on lotic macroinvertebrate communities and fine sediment dynamics are investigated at a range of spatial and temporal scales, from the examination of national long-term datasets through to short-term detailed mesocosm experiments. Interrogation of macroinvertebrate community data from three English regions was undertaken to understand the temporal and spatial extent of signal crayfish effects. Invasive crayfish had significant long-term and persistent effects on resident macroinvertebrate communities regardless of the lithology or other environmental characteristics of the region. The resultant modifications to community composition had repercussions for several widely employed freshwater biomonitoring tools which employ faunal abundance in their derivation. A reach-scale field study was undertaken at two sites, one invaded by crayfish and one which did not support populations of crayfish (control), to assess the potential contribution of signal crayfish for fine sediment dynamics (ingress, fluxes and ultimately the overall implications for sediment budgets). Reach-scale field experiments examining the effect of crayfish invasion on resident macroinvertebrate communities over a 126-day period indicated that once crayfish populations are well-established their effects are persistent. However, separating the effects of crayfish from wider macroinvertebrate community dynamics and life-history characteristics of the invader and resident taxa means that attributing the effects is far from clear. The thesis presents the results of a series of novel mesocosm experiments which examined the dynamic and two-way interactions of predator-prey relationships and potential zoogeomorphological effects of signal crayfish and the freshwater shrimp, Gammarus pulex. Signal crayfish had a significant effect on the mass of fine sediment infiltrating into the gravel matrix associated with foraging and predatory activity; however this was strongly controlled by prey availability. Finally, through the development of conceptual models, the thesis illustrates the need for greater integration of ecological and geomorphological theories, at relevant environmental scales (temporal and spatial) to achieve truly interdisciplinary research.

The purpose of this study was to discover how to efficiently use tailored messaging to increase recreational water users' behavioral intentions to perform specific behaviors that prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). The objectives were to identify the most effective message structure and message order for signs targeting seven behaviors that reduce the spread of AIS and VHS, and to examine the moderating effect of AIS and VHS knowledge and awareness on behavioral intentions. The population of this study consisted of students 31 years of age and younger attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale (μ = 21.06; n = 680). The study design tested messages according to the Optimal Arousal Theory. The respondents completed an 11-item questionnaire that measured knowledge, awareness, and behavioral intentions, and included one of 34 sign treatments. When asked how knowledgeable respondents were about AIS and VHS, 48% of respondents indicated that they were not knowledgeable. Respondents were also asked the extent to which they believed AIS is a problem in Illinois; 43% reported AIS to be a "moderate" problem. Seven (7) items on the questionnaire measured intention to perform specific behaviors that may reduce the spread of AIS and fish disease between water bodies. Knowledge and awareness (only when interacting with knowledge) were found to be covariates of behavioral intentions. Complex results were revealed regarding the most effective tailored message, as no one sign significantly increased all seven behavioral intentions and the number of treatments significantly increasing behavioral intentions varied by behavior (i.e., 11 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "visual inspections;" 4 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "drain water;" 8 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "avoid bait release;" 6 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "remove plants and animals;" 4 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "flush motor;" and, 11 treatments had a significant influence on the behavioral intention for "rinse boat". Results suggest mainly positively phrased messages works best when trying to stimulate environmentally responsible behavior (ERB). The recommendations from this study encourage strategic use of communication to enhance natural resource management as this study yielded gains in predicted behaviors of respondents to reduce the spread of AIS and VHS. The study also demonstrates the need to increase recreational water users' AIS and VHS knowledge improve the likelihood that they will perform desired behaviors.

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Joshua B. Nickelson, for the Masters of Science degree in Forestry, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale TITLE: EVALUATING THE SUCCESS OF OAK AFFORESTATION ON FORMER AGRICULTURAL FIELDS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Major Professor: Dr. Eric Holzmueller The establishment of oak (Quercus spp.) plantations has increased over the past two to three decades to reduce fragmentation and promote wildlife habitat throughout the Midwestern United States. However, influences such as competing vegetation, previous land cover, plantation size, and site preparation techniques may have varying outcomes on restorative successes. We established 219 plots (.02 ha) in 29 oak plantations located within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (Williamson County, Illinois) 15-18 years after mechanical planting. Sampling data for all trees over breast height included species, diameter, and lianas existence on the main bole of the tree. Additionally, free-to-grow status was recorded for all oak saplings and estimated cover of the exotic invasive shrub Elaeagnus umbellata and vine Lonicera japonica were documented. Results show significantly higher numbers of total oaks and free-to-grow oaks in plantings previously cropped in clover and soybeans when compared to the fallow sites host to brush species that received treatment (mowing and or herbicidal application). Significantly less oaks in the soybean and clover categories possessed a vine on the main bole of the tree when compared to the treated brush sites. Brush sites showed a significantly less number of total trees compared to clover and soybean covers and a higher percent of autumn olive cover (%) compared to soybeans. No significance was found in the percent of oaks with a vine, the percent of oaks overtopped, E. umbellata density or L. japonica cover (%) across the four previous vegetation categories. One treatment of pre-planting mowing and herbicidal application is not effective on fallow sites that are host to early successional species and money should not be invested on Quercus trees or mowing and herbicidal treatments in these scenarios. The results suggest that it is best to plant Quercus species immediately following clover or soybean harvest on abandoned agricultural lands before early successional species become established.

Autumn-olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) is an exotic species that was introduced in the U. S. in the 1800's and widely promoted as an ideal plant for erosion control, wildlife habitat and soil remediation. N-fixation by autumn-olive through a symbiotic relationship with actinomycete Frankia, can alter nitrogen cycling and potentially impair water quality through nitrate leaching. Furthermore, legacy effects of accumulated N following vegetative management and restoration efforts are unknown in areas invaded by autumn-olive. The first objective of this research was to determine if there was a relationship between autumn-olive cover and stream nitrate-N (NO3--N) concentration in twelve forested headwater watersheds in southern Illinois. Secondly, changes in autumn-olive cover and stream nitrogen concentrations were assessed by comparing current results to data collected 6 years prior. Nine of the study watersheds had significantly greater autumn-olive percent cover in 2012 compared to 2006 and mean stream NO3--N concentration significantly increased from 2006 to 2012 in all watersheds. Also, a significant exponential relationship was found between stream NO3--N concentration and autumn-olive percent cover. The long term effects of autumn-olive management on N cycling were also investigated by implementing three different vegetation treatments on invaded areas: cutting of autumn-olive trees (CU), cutting and stump herbicide application (CH) and a no treatment application or control (CO). Treated plots showed that soil NO3--N increased temporarily due to the disturbance. However, after the initial post treatment period of one year, soil water NO3--N concentrations on treated plots shifted, so that CH plots had significantly lower levels of NO3--N than in CO plots. Soil water NO3--N in CU plots also decreased, but it was not significantly different from CH plots. Subsequently, soil water NO3--N declined on CH plots, reaching the lowest levels in the third and fourth year after treatment. Reduction in soil water NO3--N in CH plots was not accompanied by differences among treatments in soil N mineralization rates or soil C:N ratios indicating persistent high nitrification rates contributing to mineralization under treated and control plots. These results demonstrate that encroachment of autumn-olive can transform N cycles in natural areas and affect water quality by saturating the soil with mobile forms of N that are leached out of the system. Significant rates of soil N cycling can persist for years after removal of autumn-olive due to the cycling of legacy N in soils and litter. Nevertheless, the cut and stump herbicide application treatment produced positive vegetation management results by halting N-fixation, controlling autumn-olive re-sprouting and by gradually decreasing N availability and NO3--N flushing in treated areas. Treatment of autumn-olive should have an impact on stream water quality in headwater watersheds, given the significant observed relationship between autumn-olive cover and stream nitrogen levels.

abstract: Employing an interdisciplinary approach with a grounding in new institutional economics, this dissertation investigates how institutions, as shared rules, norms, and strategies, mediate social-ecological outcomes in a system exposed to a novel threat in the form of a rapidly growing and especially destructive invasive plant, Mikania micrantha (Mikania). I explore whether and how communities (largely part of community forest user groups in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park in Chitwan, Nepal) collectively act in the face of Mikania invasion. Collective action is vital to successful natural resource governance in a variety of contexts and systems globally. Understanding collective action and the role of institutions is especially important in the face of continued and amplifying global environmental changes impacting social-ecological systems, such as climate change and invasive species. Contributing to efforts to bolster knowledge of the role of collective action and institutions in social-ecological systems, this research first establishes that community forest governance and institutional arrangements are heterogeneous. I subsequently utilize content and institutional analyses to identify and address themes and norms related to Mikania management. The content analysis contributes an empirical study of the influence of trust in collective natural resource management efforts. Using two complementary econometric analyses of survey data from 1235 households, I additionally assess equity in access to community forest resources, an understudied area in the institutional literature, and the factors affecting collective action related to Mikania removal. Finally, an agent-based model of institutional change facilitates the comparison of two perspectives, rational choice and cultural diffusion, of how shared norms and strategies for Mikania management change over time, providing insight into institutional change generally. Results highlight the importance of trust and understanding the de facto, or on-the-ground institutions; the influence of perception on collective action; that integrating equity into institutional analyses may strengthen sustainable resource management efforts; and that rational choice is an unlikely mechanism of institutional change. The mixed-methods approach contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of institutions and collective action in invasive species management and broadly to the scientific understanding of the role of institutions in mediating global environmental changes. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Environmental Social Science 2016