The aim of this study was to evaluate host plant and habitat preferences of Lycaena dispar, an oligophagous butterfly species endangered in some parts of its European range.
In laboratory trials, the females of Estonian populations accepted various species of Rumex as oviposition substrates. Growth performance of the larvae did not differ between the hosts offered (only R. acetosa proved to be unsuitable).
In the field, extensive use of the two most common host species – R. crispus and R. obtusifolius – by the Estonian populations of L. dispar was confirmed. Unlike in the laboratory, larval performance in the field was better on R. obtusifolius than R. crispus. A likely explanation is the more ephemeral character of the aboveground parts of R. crispus plants: these tend to wilt before the larvae of L. dispar have reached the stage adapted to hibernation.
A countrywide analysis of landscape occupancy revealed a positive association of the occurrence of L. dispar with ditches and human settlement. We conclude that moderate anthropogenic pressure maintains suitable habitats for L. dispar through creating favourable conditions for R. obtusifolius, the primary host of the butterfly in the region.
Due to its generalism in both host and habitat use, L. dispar is not in the need of active conservation measures on the current northern limit of its distribution. The favourable status of the species in Estonia is corroborated by its recent range expansion which parallels similar trends elsewhere in Eastern Europe.
While climate change has increased the interest in the influence of microclimate on many organisms, species inhabiting deadwood have rarely been studied. Here, we explore how characteristics of forest stands and deadwood affect microclimate inside deadwood, and analyse how this affects wood-living organisms, exemplified by the red-listed beetle Tragosoma depsarium. Deadwood and forest variables explained much of the variation in temperature, but less of the variation in moisture within deadwood. Several variables known to influence habitat quality for deadwood-dependent species were found to correlate with microclimate. Standing deadwood and an open canopy generates warmer conditions in comparison to downed logs and a closed canopy, and shaded, downed and large-diameter wood have higher moisture and more stable daily temperatures than sun-exposed, standing, and small-diameter wood. T. depsarium occupancy and abundance increased with colder and more stable winter temperatures, and with higher spring temperatures. Consistently, the species occurred more frequently in deadwood items with characteristics associated with these conditions, i.e. downed large-diameter logs occurring in open conditions. Conclusively, microclimatic conditions were found to be important for a deadwood-dependent insect, and related to characteristics of both forest stands and deadwood items. Since microclimate is also affected by macroclimatic conditions, we expect species’ habitat requirements to vary locally and regionally, and to change due to climate warming. Although many saproxylic species preferring sun-exposed conditions would benefit from a warmer climate per se, changes in species interactions and land use may still result in negative net effects of climate warming.
Climate change is challenging conservation strategies for protected areas. To summarise current guidance, we systematically compiled recommendations from reviews of scientific literature (74 reviews fitting inclusion criteria) about how to adapt conservation strategies in the face of climate change. We focussed on strategies for designation and management of protected areas in terrestrial landscapes, in boreal and temperate regions. Most recommendations belonged to one of five dominating categories: (i) Ensure sufficient connectivity; (ii) Protect climate refugia; (iii) Protect a few large rather than many small areas; (iv) Protect areas predicted to become important for biodiversity in the future; and (v) Complement permanently protected areas with temporary protection. The uncertainties and risks caused by climate change imply that additional conservation efforts are necessary to reach conservation goals. To protect biodiversity in the future, traditional biodiversity conservation strategies should be combined with strategies purposely developed in response to a warming climate.
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