Altitudinal Shift of Tetrao urogallus in an Alpine Natura 2000 Site: Implications for Habitat Restoration

Abstract

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.), a territorial galliform species, is known to prefer mature conifer stands with canopy gaps and a vigorous understory of ericaceous species. Capercaillie is a useful umbrella species that has recently shown declining population trends and distribution changes in its southern geographic range. We aim to identify and assess the possible changes in summer capercaillie habitat selection between 2001 and 2011 in the Scanuppia Natura 2000 site (south-eastern Alps). The area is dominated by spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) forests, followed by mixed forests, scrub, and open habitats. In both years, summer presence–absence of capercaillie was verified through the detection of droppings over 10 m radius circular plots located along contour lines (1500–1800 m). A set of environmental and habitat features was also surveyed. While overall population numbers remain unchanged over the surveyed period, results have shown an altitudinal shift in capercaillie distribution. Habitat variables had a stronger effect on the presence of capercaillie in 2001 than in 2011. Land cover and climate change are likely among the drivers of the shift in altitudinal distribution. This confirms the relevance of habitat restoration actions and to monitor changes in factors explaining capercaillie habitat selection.

Behavioural thermoregulation by montane ungulates under climate warming

“…The behavioural thermoregulation hypothesis holds that animals can buffer the effects of climate change through behavioural regulation of body temperature and has already been observed in both ectotherms and endotherms (Chapperon & Seuront, 2011; Kearney et al, 2009). It is well known that a large number of alpine species are altitudinal migrants in accordance with habitat temperature changes in different seasons (Guan et al, 2013; Sitzia et al, 2019; Zeng et al, 2010). The primary response to climate warming of alpine species is upslope shifts (White et al, 2018), but continuous warming may lead to mountaintop extinctions of species whose ranges are confined to higher altitudes (Freeman et al, 2018).…”

“…Current research confirms that high ambient temperatures strongly influence the activity of ungulates (du Toit & Yetman, 2005; Owen‐Smith & Goodall, 2014). A primary response of animals is to shift their range to cooler environments, generally by moving along thermal axes to higher elevations, higher latitudes or deeper water (Sitzia et al, 2019; Spence & Tingley, 2020). As the climate warms, the suitable summer habitat of alpine ungulates decreases and they migrate to higher altitudes, while suitable winter habitat may increase (White et al, 2018).…”

Modeling of Forest Landscape Evolution at Regional Level: A Foss4g Approach

“…Landscape change is also affecting landscape perception by tourists (Pastorella et al, 2017) and different ecosystem services (Tattoni et al, 2021). The study of this phenomenon is important not only to assess its current impact on the ecological functionality of forest ecosystems, including biodiversity conservation (Sitzia et al, 2017) and protection against natural hazards (Sitzia et al, 2019), but also to build future scenarios, taking into account also climate change issues (Tappeiner et al, 2008). The limit of the mountain treeline is gradually shifting upwards and the monitoring and modeling of these changes will be crucial to plan future interventions and the implementation of effective adpatation measures (Cantiani et al, 2016).…”

The Landscape Change in the Alps—What Postcards Have to Say about Aesthetic Preference

“…Despite the public incentives to mow the grasslands in order to keep those habitats free from newborn trees, those measures were not effective everywhere, and the afforestation trend is generally still ongoing [8]. Forests are also growing at higher elevation both due to climate change and due to land abandonment, thereby invading the typical alpine grasslands [9]. Extensive agro-ecosystems, such as traditional mountain cattle breeding, are perceived positively by people because they are linked to historical traditions, familiar economies and traditional values [7] Schirpke et al, 2016 [10] reported that the demand for pleasant landscapes is an important topic for tourists in the alpine region, and several ecosystem services are linked to the complex structure of habitats that is perceived as a landscape.…”