Connectivity among wetlands matters for vulnerable amphibian populations in wetlandscapes

Zamberletti, Patrizia; Zaffaroni, Marta; Accatino, Francesco; Creed, Irena F.; Michele, Carlo De

doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2018.05.008

Cited by 46 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…Additionally, the model that we used to reproduce amphibian dynamics (Zamberletti et al. ) and, consequently, the MPI that we designed, did not explicitly consider the overwintering phase. This could be a critical point for amphibian species like NLF, which requires a specific habitat (e.g., deep permanent wetlands, Kendell ) to overwinter.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Safeguarding Wetlands and Their Connections within Wetlandscapes to Improve Conservation Outcomes for Threatened Amphibian Species

Zaffaroni

Zamberletti

Creed

et al. 2019

J American Water Resour Assoc

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Wetlands should not be considered as independent objects but as dynamically connected objects, collectively known as wetlandscapes. We developed a framework that analyzes the influences of wetland suitability and connectivity on amphibian distributions. We defined two indices: a Wetland Suitability Index describing wetland quality and a Movement Permeability Index characterizing wetland connectivity for amphibian population dynamics. These indices were calculated from raster datasets and time‐varying inundation estimates. The indices were used to define a wetlandscape and an amphibian model was used to simulate population dynamics within the wetlandscape. The framework was applied to the Nose Creek watershed, a highly modified wetlandscape in Alberta, Canada. Two amphibian species were selected with different habitat preferences: the Northern Leopard Frog that prefers wet habitats and has high mobility over land, and the Great Plains Toad that prefers terrestrial habitats and has low mobility over land. We found each amphibian species had a “preferred” wetlandscape, reflecting their life cycle traits and migration strategies which in turn were dependent on the hydrological and ecological connections within the wetlandscape. This study highlights the importance of investigating both individual wetlands and the wetlandscape and considering both wetland habitat quality and connectivity as non‐substitutable properties that act jointly, but differently, on population dynamics.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…; Zamberletti et al. ). Model results and indices were compared to determine the interactive/integrated importance of the two assumptions on amphibian survival.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Safeguarding Wetlands and Their Connections within Wetlandscapes to Improve Conservation Outcomes for Threatened Amphibian Species

Zaffaroni

Zamberletti

Creed

et al. 2019

J American Water Resour Assoc

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“…; Cheng and Basu ), and biological (e.g., Fairbairn and Dinsmore ; Zamberletti et al. ) services; yet, these systems are being lost at increasing rates (VanMeter and Basu ; Serran and Creed ; Sofaer et al. ; Jones et al.…”

Section: Characterizing Hydrologic Connectivity Of Non‐floodplain Wetmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…), and when considered at watershed scale, NFW connectivity can influence watershed hydrology and downstream flows, with associated influences on biogeochemical (e.g., Cheng and Basu ) and biological (e.g., Zamberletti et al. ) function and condition.…”

Section: Characterizing Hydrologic Connectivity Of Non‐floodplain Wetmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2018), chemical (e.g., Marton et al 2015;Cheng and Basu 2017), and biological (e.g., Fairbairn and Dinsmore 2001;Zamberletti et al 2018) services; yet, these systems are being lost at increasing rates (Van-Meter and Basu 2015; Serran and Creed 2016;Sofaer et al 2016;Jones et al 2018a). In recognition of this loss, NFWs have been the focus of policy debates at both state and federal levels, and central to this debate is uncertainty associated with their hydrologic connectivity to downstream waters and associated influences to the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of such waters (e.g., "significant nexus"; see Alexander 2015; Creed et al 2017 for more details).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Modeling Connectivity of Non‐floodplain Wetlands: Insights, Approaches, and Recommendations

Jones

Ameli

Neff

et al. 2019

J American Water Resour Assoc

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Representing hydrologic connectivity of non‐floodplain wetlands (NFWs) to downstream waters in process‐based models is an emerging challenge relevant to many research, regulatory, and management activities. We review four case studies that utilize process‐based models developed to simulate NFW hydrology. Models range from a simple, lumped parameter model to a highly complex, fully distributed model. Across case studies, we highlight appropriate application of each model, emphasizing spatial scale, computational demands, process representation, and model limitations. We end with a synthesis of recommended “best modeling practices” to guide model application. These recommendations include: (1) clearly articulate modeling objectives, and revisit and adjust those objectives regularly; (2) develop a conceptualization of NFW connectivity using qualitative observations, empirical data, and process‐based modeling; (3) select a model to represent NFW connectivity by balancing both modeling objectives and available resources; (4) use innovative techniques and data sources to validate and calibrate NFW connectivity simulations; and (5) clearly articulate the limits of the resulting NFW connectivity representation. Our review and synthesis of these case studies highlights modeling approaches that incorporate NFW connectivity, demonstrates tradeoffs in model selection, and ultimately provides actionable guidance for future model application and development.

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A framework to identify priority wetland habitats and movement corridors for urban amphibian conservation

Lee

Randall

Kahal

et al. 2022

Ecol Sol and Evidence

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Cities worldwide are expanding in area and human population, posing multiple challenges to amphibian populations, including habitat loss from removal of wetlands and terrestrial upland habitat, habitat fragmentation due to roads and the built environment, and habitat degradation from pollutants, extensive human use and introduced species. We developed an eight‐step urban amphibian conservation framework based on established monitoring, analytical methods and community engagement to enable amphibian conservation in a large urban centre. The framework outlines a process used to conserve biodiversity in a complex landuse and decision‐making environment supported by a series of successive complementary modelling techniques to measure amphibian presence, priority habitat and functional connectivity. We applied the framework in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to illustrate its potential. Here, urbanization has reduced wetlands by 90% and ecological knowledge on amphibians was poor. We improved knowledge on amphibian diversity and distribution, identified core wetlands and movement pathways for amphibian species and identified barriers in the wetland network where construction or restoration measures could re‐establish amphibians or increase their densities. This knowledge was shared with ecologists and city planners for implementation through appropriate policies and plans. Our framework provides a series of stepwise products to improve an urban municipality's ability to restore or conserve priority habitat and movement pathways necessary for amphibian survival under pressure from multiple land uses. The framework provides a platform to identify city plans, policy and or programmes and to derive necessary information to support amphibian conservation.

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Connectivity among wetlands matters for vulnerable amphibian populations in wetlandscapes

Cited by 46 publications

References 57 publications

Safeguarding Wetlands and Their Connections within Wetlandscapes to Improve Conservation Outcomes for Threatened Amphibian Species

Safeguarding Wetlands and Their Connections within Wetlandscapes to Improve Conservation Outcomes for Threatened Amphibian Species

Modeling Connectivity of Non‐floodplain Wetlands: Insights, Approaches, and Recommendations

A framework to identify priority wetland habitats and movement corridors for urban amphibian conservation

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