On threats analysis approach applied to a Mediterranean remnant wetland: Is the assessment of human-induced threats related to different level of expertise of respondents?

Abstract

Naming, listing and measuring human-induced threats in protected areas are crucial in conservation. Here, we defined a check-list of direct threats in a Mediterranean remnant wetland (central Italy), managed as nature reserve, grouping them according to a taxonomically-oriented nomenclature. We assessed three regime parameters (scope, severity, and magnitude) applying an experience-based method, then comparing the assessments obtained from two different level of expertise: a panel of independent people, upper level ''university students'' in an applied ecology class; and a panel of ''experts'' as nature reserve biologists and managers. Despite observing a significant correlation among values assigned from students and experts for each regime parameter, students underestimated the scope of feral dogs, the severity of fires and the magnitude of feral dogs and water stress. Considering only the magnitude values (sum of scope and severity), students assigned the higher values to alien species, antropophilous species, aircraft, and pollution, while the experts assigned the higher values to antropophilous species, aircraft, alien species, and water stress. In an order of priority, there was an agreement between students and experts with a coincidence for three threats out of four. We suppose that a panel of students with a short academic training could be useful to a get a first order of priority in regard to a set of local selected threats, with much similarity to the assessment obtained from a panel of experts. When threat metrics are difficult to compare, experience-based approach obtained from technicians trained ad hoc (''students'') could be useful to define priorities for management strategies in nature reserves, but data obtained should be

A comparative study of the diurnal behaviour of the Northern Shoveller (Anas clypeata) during the wintering season at Garaet Hadj-Tahar (North-East Algeria) and Garaet Timerganine (Algerian highlands)

“…However, they face growing human activities that affect the entire region (Hollis, 1992;Tamisier and Grillas, 1994), including hunting in some wetlands, human disturbance due to children and water pumping, climate change, and severe weather, which makes it necessary to develop a management plan that will allow effective and strong protection . Therefore, information on population estimates and trends, identification of imperilled species, and factors affecting them are of immense importance for conservation practitioners (Salafsky et al, 2002;Battisti et al, 2008).…”

Breeding ecology of the Little BitternIxobrychus minutusin northeast Algeria

“…Focus of research on the negative effects of habitat fragmentation has been greater on terrestrial ecosystems (Van Dorp & Opdam 1987, Villard et al 1999, with much less attention devoted to wetlands (Naugle et al 2001), in particular Mediterranean wetlands (Battisti et al 2008, Paracuellos 2006). Nesting birds have been shown to be particularly sensitive to progressive fragmentation because they may exploit differentially distinct patches (for breeding, foraging, and dispersal) within a heterogeneous landscape (Paracuello 2008).…”

“…The breeding ecology of Little Bittern was investigated in 2005 and 2008 at Boussedra (36°50ʹ45″ N, 7°43ʹ47″ E), an unprotected freshwater marsh of 55 ha that has been used as a landfill since 2003, losing 30% of its former area up to 2011. The wetland is a typical Mediterranean wetland fragment (Battisti et al 2008, Paracuellos 2008, a remnant of a previously large wetland complex around the town of Annaba, and is now embedded in an urban landscape with surrounding hills gradually giving way to housing estates. The *Correspondence author.…”

Waders (Aves, Charadriiformes) in a Mediterranean remnant wetland: a year-round pilot study evidences contrasting patterns in diversity metrics

“…agricultural and urban; Battisti et al, 2008;Amori & Battisti, 2008). Land cover use shows various level of naturalness, from high (reed beds and rush meadows), to medium (pasture and uncultivated lands) and low or absent (croplands and urban areas).…”