ABSTRACT Soil water content is a critical factor in Mediterranean forest vegetation, especially i... more ABSTRACT Soil water content is a critical factor in Mediterranean forest vegetation, especially in areas subjected to prolonged summer drought where winter and autumn rainfall are the main sources of water. Available soil water capacity (AWC) is the maximum amount of water available for plants that a soil could possibly contain. Each soil has a specific available water capacity, however, most of the published literature on AWC refers 10 agricultural settings, although the interaction between the soil and the vegetation dynamics has long been recognized. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this edaphic factor could be discriminant in species assemblage of communities belonging to the thermophylous oak forest (order Quercetalia pubescentis). Thirty-two vegetation relevés and soil profiles were carried out in five different sites, with a similar pluvio-thermic regime, located in the sub-coastal belt of Latium, Central Italy. From the physical\-chemical analyses of soil profiles, the AWC values, of the related relevés, were calculated. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to the vegetation surveys, using Cluster Analysis from which a classification in three different clusters was obtained; subsequently the AWC values were grouped according to the c1assification obtained. Analysis of variance was used to test similarity and the output pointed out a significant difference among the three clusters (F=6.35; P<0.05)
ABSTRACT Within the Mediterranean Sea marine region the “Sicilian channel” is the one with higher... more ABSTRACT Within the Mediterranean Sea marine region the “Sicilian channel” is the one with higher intensity of maritime traffic, created by ships that from the south-east of the Mediterranean Sea move to the Strait of Gibraltar, the pressure is even greater in the constriction area of the Strait between Sicily and Tunisia were the density increases. The area, due to the presence of the high productive values, is considered one of the potential wintering grounds for fin whale. While several Multilateral Environmental Agreements (such as ACCOBAMS, Barcelona Convention SPA/BD) require for States Parties to evaluate and manage the interactions between cetacean and vessels there has never being such assessment in the area. For this reason, since winter 2013, using ferries as observation platforms, along a fixed transect lines between Palermo and Tunisi, started a study, co-funded by ACCOBAMS, that monitored systematically cetacean distribution and the interaction with maritime traffic. Along the ferry route dedicated cetacean observers through seascape scan sampling computed the number of large vessel detected both during cetacean sightings (n=80) and randomly (n=250). About 260 hours of observation were undertaken in good sea condition (≤3 of the Douglas scale), covering over 4000 Nautical miles. Differences in percentage, distribution and frequency of the values of the two compution were tested. Overall results showed that during sightings values of maritime traffic were reduced of about 35% with a significant difference in distribution and frequency (M-W and K-S both P<0.01). The reduction was not uniform across the species. In particular S. coeruleoalba, and B.physalus sightings occurred with lower maritime traffic intensity, while T. truncatus sightings occurred with an higher numbers of vessels compared to random. One near miss event (<50 mt from the bow of the ship) was recorded.
ABSTRACT Cetacean has been widely studied in Mediterranean Sea since late 1980s but we are still ... more ABSTRACT Cetacean has been widely studied in Mediterranean Sea since late 1980s but we are still far from a true comprehension of pattern of presence and distribution of the species, mainly due to the uneven spatial and temporal coverage of researches and to the use of different methodologies that prevent the possibility of gathering together data coming from different studies. Since 2007, systematic cetacean monitoring using ferries as platforms of opportunity along fixed transect lines has lead to a continuous monitoring of cetacean presence in summer on large spatial scales. From 2007 to 2010, respectively from 1 to 5 ferry routes have hosted specialized observers allowing a synoptic sampling of central western Mediterranean sea (totalizing 2000 km weekly monitored). In 2011 the network expanded, with other transect lines, and entered the Pelagos-France research programme as tool for monitoring cetacean population within the Pelagos Sanctuary (“Monitoring ferry: suivi saisonnier des populations de cetaces et validation de l’interet du systeme repcet en terme demonitoring”). Since 2007, in summer, the network travelled 79.060 km; under an effort of 2.366 hr, with 2.341 sightings of almost 14.950 animals of 9 species. Results from this research are presented year by year in order to point out the high spatio-temporal variability observed. Large scale and long term data on all cetacean species presence, distribution and relative abundance are displayed and discuss in this conference paper together with the relationship between cetacean and maritime traffic in high sea waters.
The relationship between a species and its habitat is complex but it is essential to study the di... more The relationship between a species and its habitat is complex but it is essential to study the distribution and habitat use of a protected species in order to identify regions where human activities and disturbances are likely to impact its population. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive informs that studies focusing on spatial and temporal species distribution and ecosystem variations (including links between habitats and species of marine mammals) are recommended to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU’s marine water by 2020. However, the current level of information on the spatial-temporal distribution of marine mammals is often lacking. The striped dolphin is the most abundant cetacean of the Mediterranean Sea; nevertheless its Mediterranean population is listed as "vulnerable" by IUCN experts. In order to investigate the spatial distribution of striped dolphin within the Adriatic-Ionian Region, a cooperative project among different research groups was set up and a multi-source data approach was employed. Presence data collected during monitoring activity carried out from 2008 to 2018 were analysed by means of Maxent. Main topographic variables as bathymetry, slope and distance from coastline were considered and five distribution models were performed to highlight suitable areas for striped dolphin within the entire study area. Models are presented and discussed. The results of this study show that to investigate the distribution of a species at a regional scale it is necessary to monitor area with different environmental characteristics. In this regards, cooperative regional projects represent an opportunity for pooling together data that taken singularly would not necessarily reflect the distribution of species at a larger scale, but that analysed together would allow to acquire information on suitable habitats at a regional level.
Abstract The Mediterranean marine region is considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots f... more Abstract The Mediterranean marine region is considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities due the high occurrence of rare and threatened species, endemism and high species richness. However, several pressure such as losses and alterations of habitats are ongoing and in order to increase conservation in this sea region, many marine protected areas were established, including Natura 2000 sites. The latter are areas designated under the Habitat and Bird Directives for the conservation of species in need of strict protection, so that they can reach a favourable conservation status. Species conservation status is also assessed through the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. The aim of our study was to test whether IUCN Red List and the related Red List Index RLI (which aggregates in a single value all the information on conservation status of a particular set of species) can be used as a metrics to characterize MPAs, and orienting, consequently, local marine conservation policies. A pilot study was undertaken in the six Sicilian MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) and results highlighted that Egadi Island has a low RLI value (meaning that the MPA hosts many species with a threatened status) while the Capo Gallo MPA, at the opposite, as an high RLI value (i.e.less threatened species); the other four MPAs. Egadi, Pelagie, and Ustica showed similar distribution frequencies of Red List categories having similar RLI values. Biological resource use, natural system modifications, invasive species, and pollution all account for 90% of assessed threats. Outcomes of our study showed that IUCN indicators should be considered as a tool to: assess the conservation status of set of species in protected areas; drive prioritization in the decision process in order to support an effective management conservation plan; designate new MPAs.
AbstractIn the 1990s, the central Tyrrhenian Sea was regarded as a transit region for fin whales’... more AbstractIn the 1990s, the central Tyrrhenian Sea was regarded as a transit region for fin whales’ (Balaenoptera physalus) summer migration. In recent years, a much higher presence of fin whales during the entire summer season was reported in the region. The hypothesis that the central Tyrrhenian Sea may have become a summer feeding ground was tested gathering data from summer presence of whales in the region (40–42.5°N; 9–13°E) and investigating whether it might be related to sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration, considered as proxies of food availability. Results showed that whales always aggregate in the more productive portions of the investigated area; the general productivity of the area, however, did not directly influence the frequency of occurrence of whales. We concluded that the complex dynamics of the balance between feeding activities and avoiding pressures may have led fin whales to use the region as an opportunistic feeding ground.
... Roberto Crosti Æ Carmela Cascone Æ Salvatore Cipollaro ... Also in the European Common Agricu... more ... Roberto Crosti Æ Carmela Cascone Æ Salvatore Cipollaro ... Also in the European Common Agricultural Policy, both in the first pillar (Cross-compliance: Good Agricultural and Environ-mental Conditions) and the second pillar (axis 2: Land management and Environment ...
IntroductionConservation of cetaceans is challenging due to their large-range, highly-dynamic nat... more IntroductionConservation of cetaceans is challenging due to their large-range, highly-dynamic nature. The EU Habitats Directive (HD) reports 78% of species in ‘unknown’ conservation status, and information on low-density/elusive species such G.griseus, G.melas, Z.cavirostris is the most scattered.MethodsThe FLT-Net programme has regularly collected year-round data along trans-border fixed-transects in the Mediterranean Sea since 2007. Nearly 7,500 cetacean sightings were recorded over 500,000 km of effort with 296 of less-common species. Comparing data across two HD 6-years periods (2013-2019/2008-2012), this study aimed at testing four potential indicators to assess range and habitat short-term trends of G.griseus, G.melas, Z.cavirostris: 1) change in Observed Distributional Range-ODR based on known occurrence, calculated through the Kernel smoother within the effort area; 2) change in Ecological Potential Range-EPR extent, predicted through Spatial Distribution Models; 3) Range Pattern, assessed as overlap and shift of core areas between periods; 4) changes in ODR vs EPR.ResultsMost ODR and EPR confirmed the persistence of known important sites, especially in the Western-Mediterranean. All species, however, exhibit changes in the distribution extent (contraction or expansion) and an offshore shift, possibly indicating exploitation of new areas or avoidance of more impacted ones.DiscussionResults confirmed that the ODR could underestimate the real occupied range, as referring to the effort area only; it can be used to detect trends providing that the spatio-temporal effort scale is representative of species range. The EPR allows generalising species distribution outside the effort area, defining species’ Habitat and the Occupied/Potential Range proportion. To investigate range-trends, EPR needs to be adjusted based also on the Occupied/Potential Range proportion since it could be larger than the occupied range in presence of limiting factors, or smaller, if anthropogenic pressures force the species outside the ecological niche.ConclusionUsing complementary indicators proved valuable to evaluate the significance of changes. The concurrent analysis of more species with similar ecology was also critical to assess whether the detected changes are species-specific or representative of broader trends. The FLT-Net sampling strategy proved adequate for trend assessment in the Western-Mediterranean and Adriatic basins, while more transects are needed to characterize the Central-Mediterranean and Aegean-Levantine ecological variability.
Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Although Caretta caretta is the most common turtle in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, its distribu... more Although Caretta caretta is the most common turtle in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, its distribution is relatively difficult to assess due to the lack of data in offshore waters. The ecological niches in the central‐southern Adriatic Sea and the north‐eastern Ionian Sea were investigated for loggerhead turtles with body sizes ≥20 cm during two periods: winter (W), which includes months from October to March, and breeding–nesting (BN), from April to September. Differences in the spatial distribution of loggerheads were explored between periods, and the environmental predictors driving habitat selection were examined. Loggerheads mainly select habitats within the continental shelf (<200 m) differently, and exhibit: (i) a generalist behaviour in the Adriatic subregion during BN and a specific selection of environmental conditions during W; and (ii) a specialist behaviour in the Ionian Sea. The Adriatic niche appeared as an important foraging ground year‐round, whereas the distribut...
ABSTRACT Soil water content is a critical factor in Mediterranean forest vegetation, especially i... more ABSTRACT Soil water content is a critical factor in Mediterranean forest vegetation, especially in areas subjected to prolonged summer drought where winter and autumn rainfall are the main sources of water. Available soil water capacity (AWC) is the maximum amount of water available for plants that a soil could possibly contain. Each soil has a specific available water capacity, however, most of the published literature on AWC refers 10 agricultural settings, although the interaction between the soil and the vegetation dynamics has long been recognized. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this edaphic factor could be discriminant in species assemblage of communities belonging to the thermophylous oak forest (order Quercetalia pubescentis). Thirty-two vegetation relevés and soil profiles were carried out in five different sites, with a similar pluvio-thermic regime, located in the sub-coastal belt of Latium, Central Italy. From the physical\-chemical analyses of soil profiles, the AWC values, of the related relevés, were calculated. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to the vegetation surveys, using Cluster Analysis from which a classification in three different clusters was obtained; subsequently the AWC values were grouped according to the c1assification obtained. Analysis of variance was used to test similarity and the output pointed out a significant difference among the three clusters (F=6.35; P&lt;0.05)
ABSTRACT Within the Mediterranean Sea marine region the “Sicilian channel” is the one with higher... more ABSTRACT Within the Mediterranean Sea marine region the “Sicilian channel” is the one with higher intensity of maritime traffic, created by ships that from the south-east of the Mediterranean Sea move to the Strait of Gibraltar, the pressure is even greater in the constriction area of the Strait between Sicily and Tunisia were the density increases. The area, due to the presence of the high productive values, is considered one of the potential wintering grounds for fin whale. While several Multilateral Environmental Agreements (such as ACCOBAMS, Barcelona Convention SPA/BD) require for States Parties to evaluate and manage the interactions between cetacean and vessels there has never being such assessment in the area. For this reason, since winter 2013, using ferries as observation platforms, along a fixed transect lines between Palermo and Tunisi, started a study, co-funded by ACCOBAMS, that monitored systematically cetacean distribution and the interaction with maritime traffic. Along the ferry route dedicated cetacean observers through seascape scan sampling computed the number of large vessel detected both during cetacean sightings (n=80) and randomly (n=250). About 260 hours of observation were undertaken in good sea condition (≤3 of the Douglas scale), covering over 4000 Nautical miles. Differences in percentage, distribution and frequency of the values of the two compution were tested. Overall results showed that during sightings values of maritime traffic were reduced of about 35% with a significant difference in distribution and frequency (M-W and K-S both P&lt;0.01). The reduction was not uniform across the species. In particular S. coeruleoalba, and B.physalus sightings occurred with lower maritime traffic intensity, while T. truncatus sightings occurred with an higher numbers of vessels compared to random. One near miss event (&lt;50 mt from the bow of the ship) was recorded.
ABSTRACT Cetacean has been widely studied in Mediterranean Sea since late 1980s but we are still ... more ABSTRACT Cetacean has been widely studied in Mediterranean Sea since late 1980s but we are still far from a true comprehension of pattern of presence and distribution of the species, mainly due to the uneven spatial and temporal coverage of researches and to the use of different methodologies that prevent the possibility of gathering together data coming from different studies. Since 2007, systematic cetacean monitoring using ferries as platforms of opportunity along fixed transect lines has lead to a continuous monitoring of cetacean presence in summer on large spatial scales. From 2007 to 2010, respectively from 1 to 5 ferry routes have hosted specialized observers allowing a synoptic sampling of central western Mediterranean sea (totalizing 2000 km weekly monitored). In 2011 the network expanded, with other transect lines, and entered the Pelagos-France research programme as tool for monitoring cetacean population within the Pelagos Sanctuary (“Monitoring ferry: suivi saisonnier des populations de cetaces et validation de l’interet du systeme repcet en terme demonitoring”). Since 2007, in summer, the network travelled 79.060 km; under an effort of 2.366 hr, with 2.341 sightings of almost 14.950 animals of 9 species. Results from this research are presented year by year in order to point out the high spatio-temporal variability observed. Large scale and long term data on all cetacean species presence, distribution and relative abundance are displayed and discuss in this conference paper together with the relationship between cetacean and maritime traffic in high sea waters.
The relationship between a species and its habitat is complex but it is essential to study the di... more The relationship between a species and its habitat is complex but it is essential to study the distribution and habitat use of a protected species in order to identify regions where human activities and disturbances are likely to impact its population. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive informs that studies focusing on spatial and temporal species distribution and ecosystem variations (including links between habitats and species of marine mammals) are recommended to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU’s marine water by 2020. However, the current level of information on the spatial-temporal distribution of marine mammals is often lacking. The striped dolphin is the most abundant cetacean of the Mediterranean Sea; nevertheless its Mediterranean population is listed as "vulnerable" by IUCN experts. In order to investigate the spatial distribution of striped dolphin within the Adriatic-Ionian Region, a cooperative project among different research groups was set up and a multi-source data approach was employed. Presence data collected during monitoring activity carried out from 2008 to 2018 were analysed by means of Maxent. Main topographic variables as bathymetry, slope and distance from coastline were considered and five distribution models were performed to highlight suitable areas for striped dolphin within the entire study area. Models are presented and discussed. The results of this study show that to investigate the distribution of a species at a regional scale it is necessary to monitor area with different environmental characteristics. In this regards, cooperative regional projects represent an opportunity for pooling together data that taken singularly would not necessarily reflect the distribution of species at a larger scale, but that analysed together would allow to acquire information on suitable habitats at a regional level.
Abstract The Mediterranean marine region is considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots f... more Abstract The Mediterranean marine region is considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities due the high occurrence of rare and threatened species, endemism and high species richness. However, several pressure such as losses and alterations of habitats are ongoing and in order to increase conservation in this sea region, many marine protected areas were established, including Natura 2000 sites. The latter are areas designated under the Habitat and Bird Directives for the conservation of species in need of strict protection, so that they can reach a favourable conservation status. Species conservation status is also assessed through the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. The aim of our study was to test whether IUCN Red List and the related Red List Index RLI (which aggregates in a single value all the information on conservation status of a particular set of species) can be used as a metrics to characterize MPAs, and orienting, consequently, local marine conservation policies. A pilot study was undertaken in the six Sicilian MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) and results highlighted that Egadi Island has a low RLI value (meaning that the MPA hosts many species with a threatened status) while the Capo Gallo MPA, at the opposite, as an high RLI value (i.e.less threatened species); the other four MPAs. Egadi, Pelagie, and Ustica showed similar distribution frequencies of Red List categories having similar RLI values. Biological resource use, natural system modifications, invasive species, and pollution all account for 90% of assessed threats. Outcomes of our study showed that IUCN indicators should be considered as a tool to: assess the conservation status of set of species in protected areas; drive prioritization in the decision process in order to support an effective management conservation plan; designate new MPAs.
AbstractIn the 1990s, the central Tyrrhenian Sea was regarded as a transit region for fin whales’... more AbstractIn the 1990s, the central Tyrrhenian Sea was regarded as a transit region for fin whales’ (Balaenoptera physalus) summer migration. In recent years, a much higher presence of fin whales during the entire summer season was reported in the region. The hypothesis that the central Tyrrhenian Sea may have become a summer feeding ground was tested gathering data from summer presence of whales in the region (40–42.5°N; 9–13°E) and investigating whether it might be related to sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration, considered as proxies of food availability. Results showed that whales always aggregate in the more productive portions of the investigated area; the general productivity of the area, however, did not directly influence the frequency of occurrence of whales. We concluded that the complex dynamics of the balance between feeding activities and avoiding pressures may have led fin whales to use the region as an opportunistic feeding ground.
... Roberto Crosti Æ Carmela Cascone Æ Salvatore Cipollaro ... Also in the European Common Agricu... more ... Roberto Crosti Æ Carmela Cascone Æ Salvatore Cipollaro ... Also in the European Common Agricultural Policy, both in the first pillar (Cross-compliance: Good Agricultural and Environ-mental Conditions) and the second pillar (axis 2: Land management and Environment ...
IntroductionConservation of cetaceans is challenging due to their large-range, highly-dynamic nat... more IntroductionConservation of cetaceans is challenging due to their large-range, highly-dynamic nature. The EU Habitats Directive (HD) reports 78% of species in ‘unknown’ conservation status, and information on low-density/elusive species such G.griseus, G.melas, Z.cavirostris is the most scattered.MethodsThe FLT-Net programme has regularly collected year-round data along trans-border fixed-transects in the Mediterranean Sea since 2007. Nearly 7,500 cetacean sightings were recorded over 500,000 km of effort with 296 of less-common species. Comparing data across two HD 6-years periods (2013-2019/2008-2012), this study aimed at testing four potential indicators to assess range and habitat short-term trends of G.griseus, G.melas, Z.cavirostris: 1) change in Observed Distributional Range-ODR based on known occurrence, calculated through the Kernel smoother within the effort area; 2) change in Ecological Potential Range-EPR extent, predicted through Spatial Distribution Models; 3) Range Pattern, assessed as overlap and shift of core areas between periods; 4) changes in ODR vs EPR.ResultsMost ODR and EPR confirmed the persistence of known important sites, especially in the Western-Mediterranean. All species, however, exhibit changes in the distribution extent (contraction or expansion) and an offshore shift, possibly indicating exploitation of new areas or avoidance of more impacted ones.DiscussionResults confirmed that the ODR could underestimate the real occupied range, as referring to the effort area only; it can be used to detect trends providing that the spatio-temporal effort scale is representative of species range. The EPR allows generalising species distribution outside the effort area, defining species’ Habitat and the Occupied/Potential Range proportion. To investigate range-trends, EPR needs to be adjusted based also on the Occupied/Potential Range proportion since it could be larger than the occupied range in presence of limiting factors, or smaller, if anthropogenic pressures force the species outside the ecological niche.ConclusionUsing complementary indicators proved valuable to evaluate the significance of changes. The concurrent analysis of more species with similar ecology was also critical to assess whether the detected changes are species-specific or representative of broader trends. The FLT-Net sampling strategy proved adequate for trend assessment in the Western-Mediterranean and Adriatic basins, while more transects are needed to characterize the Central-Mediterranean and Aegean-Levantine ecological variability.
Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Although Caretta caretta is the most common turtle in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, its distribu... more Although Caretta caretta is the most common turtle in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, its distribution is relatively difficult to assess due to the lack of data in offshore waters. The ecological niches in the central‐southern Adriatic Sea and the north‐eastern Ionian Sea were investigated for loggerhead turtles with body sizes ≥20 cm during two periods: winter (W), which includes months from October to March, and breeding–nesting (BN), from April to September. Differences in the spatial distribution of loggerheads were explored between periods, and the environmental predictors driving habitat selection were examined. Loggerheads mainly select habitats within the continental shelf (<200 m) differently, and exhibit: (i) a generalist behaviour in the Adriatic subregion during BN and a specific selection of environmental conditions during W; and (ii) a specialist behaviour in the Ionian Sea. The Adriatic niche appeared as an important foraging ground year‐round, whereas the distribut...
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