Dissertations / Theses: 'Urban ecology (Biology)'

1

Lewis, Marty. "Exotic brown widows versus native black widows in urban southern California." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1523089.

Full text

Abstract:

The brown widow spider Latrodectus geometricus was discovered in southern California in 2003, and anecdotal evidence suggested that native western black widow Latrodectus hesperus populations are declining due to L. geometricus, but there were no quantitative studies that tested potential mechanisms. I related species abundances to temperature, humidity, human population size, human home number and elevation. I also conducted laboratory experiments on competition for dwellings, prey consumption and capture web properties. Brown and black widow abundances were highest in coastal and desert parks, respectively. Unlike L. hesperus, L. geometricus abundances did not decrease from summer toarinter. Brown widow egg sacs were more abundant than black widows at coastal parks. Brown widow abundance and human population size were positively related. Black widow abundances were negatively correlated with humidity. Prey consumption and web structure did not differ between species, but brown widows were highly successful at displacing black widows from dwelling spaces under warm conditions.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Collins, Rita. "Urban Coyote (Canis latrans) Ecology| Diet, Activity, and Habitat Use." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10826343.

Full text

Abstract:

Non-habituated coyotes (Canis latrans) avoid direct interactions with humans. Reliance on human food sources has been linked to gradual habituation, a precursor to conflict and attacks on domestic pets and humans. Diet and activity patterns of urban coyotes inhabiting natural fragments in Long Beach, CA were monitored through scat collection and camera trapping over a year (Aug 2016 – Aug 2017). Local urban coyotes are relying predominately on natural foods, with an increase in mammalian prey in the wet season and an increase in vegetation and insect consumption in the dry season. Anthropogenic items, food and food related inedible items, appeared in 14% of scats overall, with no significant seasonal change. Cat remains were found in 14% of scat samples, but only triggered cameras once throughout the 2,857 camera nights of the study. Coyote activity was centered on nights in both seasons, with greater dawn activity in the dry season, indicating an avoidance of peak human activity. This reliance on natural foods and avoidance of human activity reduces the opportunities for human-wildlife conflicts in our local area.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Zinser, Margaret Leah. "Culex quinquefasciatus host choices in residential, urban Tucson and at a constructed wetland." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/292083.

Full text

Abstract:

Blood fed Culex quinquefasciatus were collected from residential and wetland sites in Tucson, Arizona for three years using CDC gravid traps. An ELISA distinguishing human, bird, dog, cat, and rabbit blood meals was used. In residential areas, approximately 47% of all identified blood meals were from humans, with fewer blood meals from bird, dog, cat, and rabbit. At Sweetwater Wetland, humans were also the most common host, with 11 (41%) identified blood meals. Birds were the hosts of 19% blood meals. Ten (seven residential, three wetland) mosquitoes were identified to have blood from both bird and human hosts. Since the transmission of West Nile Virus to humans is dependent on mosquitoes feeding both on birds and humans, this finding is particularly relevant. These data only describe the feeding choices of the mosquitoes collected from a limited number of sites in Tucson, and therefore, may not reflect feeding preferences more generally.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Bao, Nonggang. "Population biology and ecology and of Periplaneta americana (L.) in the urban environment." Diss., This resource online, 1997. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-10022007-144652/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Burdick-Whipp, Molly K. "Understanding Habitat Connectivity between a Fully Tidal Bay and a Tidally Restricted Urban Lagoon." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10825622.

Full text

Abstract:

Culverts are ubiquitous in urban and natural environments, installed to provide road access and erosion control, but often impact fish movements in freshwater habitats. Effects of culverts on marine and estuarine fish are not well-studied. This study aimed to understand the potential impacts of a culvert, which connects a large tidal bay and a coastal lagoon, on the movements of several species of fish. Habitat characteristics of both sites were analyzed to better understand these movements, including water parameters, sediment characteristics, and zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrate, and small fish communities. The two habitats differed in terms of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, zooplankton abundance, and community composition of zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and small fish. The culvert and associated grate limited large fish from moving between the two habitats likely due to body size and other morphological characteristics. Removing this barrier and replacing it with an open channel would increase connectivity between these two habitats which could improve trophic quality in the lagoon habitat and increase functionality overall.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Hayes, Audrey A. "Analyses of coyote (canis latrans) consumption of anthropogenic material and dietary composition in urban and non-urban habitats." Wright State University / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1630436863238348.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Goulet, Raphaël. "Aspects of the ecology of urban-nesting Bald Eagles («Haliaeetus leucocephalus») in South-coastal British Columbia." Thesis, McGill University, 2010. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=86762.

Full text

Abstract:

In the past decade, Bald Eagle populations throughout North America have increased considerably and, despite their previous known avoidance of humans, eagles have begun invading cities in large numbers. The overall aim of this study was to document the ecology of urban Bald Eagle populations living in south-coastal British Columbia. We conducted a comparative study of the nest-site characteristics, productivity, and feeding habits of over 150 breeding pairs of rural, suburban and urban eagles. Tall mature trees are especially important for urban eagles and suburban areas have greater concentrations of nests. Nesting success and productivity for this population are some of the highest figures in North America. Human land-use and proximity to habitat edge are strongly linked to productivity and crows, gulls and pigeons are the most popular prey items for urban eagles. This study is expected to have implications for future management strategies of Bald Eagles in human-altered landscapes.
Dans les dernières décennies, les populations de pygargue à tête blanche ont considérablement augmenté partout en Amérique du Nord, et étonnement dans les milieux urbains. L'objectif de cette étude est de documenter l'écologie des populations urbaines de pygargues dans le sud-ouest de la Colombie-Britannique. Nous avons comparé les caractéristiques des sites de nidification, la productivité et les habitudes alimentaires de 150 paires d'individus vivant en milieux ruraux, sous-urbains et urbains. Les grands arbres sont spécialement important pour les aigles urbains, les banlieues démontrent de plus grandes concentrations de nids, la productivité de cette population est l'une des plus élevées de la distribution et est fortement liée à l'occupation humaine et la proximité des zones de transition d'habitat. Les corneilles, goélands et pigeons sont les proies les plus prisées par les aigles urbains. Cette étude risque d'influencer la gestion des pygargues dans les environnements partagés avec les humains.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Moore, Sabrina. "Storm Water Retention Ponds: An Important Source of Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Diversity in a Semi-Arid Urban Landscape of Denton, Texas." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2020. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1703400/.

Full text

Abstract:

The City of Denton, located in a semi-arid region of Texas, has over 200 manmade ponds within its city limits. Many of these ponds, located in densely populated areas, are engineered to control storm water runoff. There is a general lack of recognition of the value these waters contribute to regional biodiversity and as greenspaces. This study, conducted in Denton, is monitoring habitat variables and macroinvertebrate diversity in a series of ponds selected to represent a gradient of urban influences. The objective of this study is to identify the variables associated with the highest diversity. Using drone imagery and a meter square box sampler, the quantitative approach allowed for delineation of three habitat types and area. The macroinvertebrates where identified to the genus level which allowed for higher resolution and resulted in stronger comparisons of the communities and conditions of the ponds. Taxa richness was positively correlated to pond size and trees along shoreline and negatively associated with average depth. Overall, submerged vegetation supported highest diversity and abundance, especially genera of Chironomidae (Diptera). Conductivity was associated with urban influences and the most urban influenced pond had the lowest taxa richness, but also reduced habitat area. Results of this study conclude that these stormwater ponds benefit to the ecology of the city and provide beautiful, green spaces. If managed correctly, these systems can be incorporated into sustainable development in the future of the City of Denton.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Silva, Marcos Virgilio da. "Naturalismo e biologização das cidades na constituição da idéia de meio ambiente urbano." Universidade de São Paulo, 2005. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/16/16133/tde-17032006-182326/.

Full text

Abstract:

A constituição da idéia de meio ambiente urbano é aqui avaliada sob a perspectiva das concepções que, historicamente, tentam enquadrar as cidades em categorias biológicas, tais como corpo, organismo e, contemporaneamente, (ecos)sistema. Essa tendência de naturalização ou biologização das cidades é característica do pensamento social pelo menos desde o século XIX: seus antecedentes são certamente ainda mais remotos, mas as origens de seus aspectos contemporâneos mais característicos podem ser encontradas em meados do século XVIII. Este trabalho visa resgatar alguns dos aspectos mais importantes dessa história, pondo em questão a validade de tais categorias para compreensão e intervenção sobre a cidade real. Para tanto, o trabalho dedica-se a investigar os sentidos atribuídos à idéia de natureza e a conseqüente apreciação da agência humana, e da cidade em particular, feita por essas concepções. Qualifica-se o processo de naturalização como parte de um esforço mais amplo de negação ou disciplinamento do artifício (a ação humana) e do acaso (a ausência de causalidade ou finalidade) na constituição do mundo negação esta que resultaria em um conjunto de categorias de estase para interpretação da realidade e, afinal, em apologia do status quo. Desde o sanitarismo do século XIX até a Ecologia do pós-2ª. Guerra Mundial, passando pelo caso particularmente controverso da Eugenia, as tentativas de biologização das cidades, tanto por parte das ciências biomédicas quanto do próprio Urbanismo em constituição, apontam para uma tendência de dominação pelo conhecimento técnico que permeia de forma recorrente a modernidade capitalista. Nela, tanto a natureza quanto os seres humanos comuns (não escolhidos) são concebidos como recursos naturalmente passivos e sujeitados, incapazes de criar, cabendo-lhes apenas o papel de resistir ou reagir, ou ainda serem protegidos. Esse paradigma da dominação é que requer reconhecimento e enfrentamento, indicando a necessidade de politizar e historicizar a questão ambiental, principalmente em relação às cidades.
In this dissertation the formulation of a concept of urban environment is based on the perspective of ideas which have historically attempted to understand cites in biological terms, such as body, organism or more recently eco-system. This tendency to naturalize or conceive cities in biological terms has been a characteristic of social thinking especially since the 19th century. The roots of this tendency are certainly much more remote but this perspective did receive an important impulse from the mid-18th century ideas of the enlightenment. The following dissertation attempts to recuperate some of the more important aspects of this history, questioning the validity of this tendency for the comprehension of and intervention in contemporary cities. Because of this, the study is dedicated to the investigation of the various understandings attributed to the idea of nature with their peculiar appreciation of human agency and of the city. Qualifying this process of naturalization is seen as part of a wider preoccupation of negating or disciplining notions of the artificial seen as the product of human agency, and of chance when seen as the absence of causality or finality, in our constitution and interpretation of the world which in very many cases becomes an apology in favor of the status quo. Since the influence of ideas based on hygiene and sanitary conditions in the 19th century and the Darwinian twin conceptions of ecology and the controversial idea of eugenics (up to the mid 20th century) urban history has accepted the expanding role of biological metaphors. This has been expressive both in the biomedical sciences and also in the evolving science of urbanism. In many senses this has been part of the wider tendency towards domination by technical knowledge which is a recurrent feature of capitalist modernity. In this interpretation the dissertation attempts to show that nature, just as much as ordinary common people are conceived as resources, naturally passive, without any capacity to create and with a mere capacity to resist, to react or to conform to their eventual protection. It is this academic paradigm of domination which needs to be recognized and confronted. In this sense the dissertation is an attempt to historically politicize the environmental question, especially in its urban dimension.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Burdine, Justin D. "Factors influencing bee communities and pollination services across an urban environment." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1554460864439054.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Penuela, Useche Viviana. "Influences of yard management intensity on urban soil biogeochemistry." Scholar Commons, 2014. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/5386.

Full text

Abstract:

Soils are critical to ecosystem function as they provide essential nutrients for primary producers, habitat and organic energy for decomposers, and storage of organic matter. Irrigation with reclaimed water is an increasingly popular water conservation strategy; yet its high salinity and nutrient content potentially affect soil properties. In this study, set in a residential neighborhood of Tampa (U.S.). I tested whether there are distinct lawn system management strategies characterized by systematic differences in reclaimed water usage and irrigation and fertilization practices. I then investigated whether soil biogeochemistry responds to lawn system management strategy. My results indicated that amendment strategy, which includes water source type, frequency of fertilization, and frequency of irrigation varies among residents of comparable neighborhoods. In this case, these three categories of management behaviors tend to co-occur. Analysis of irrigation water samples collected in this study showed significant differences between potable and reclaimed water. Mainly, reclaimed water had higher conductivity and phosphate content than potable water. When looking at the soil biogeochemical characteristics of the study area I found that there were significant differences in soil nutrients and microbial biomass across amendment strategy. Soils with a high amendment strategy (frequently irrigation with nutrient-rich reclaimed water, plus frequent fertilizer addition) showed higher conductivity and a higher microbial biomass than soils on lawns with a low amendment strategy (infrequent irrigation with dilute potable water, plus infrequent fertilizer addition). A positive correlation between soil conductivity and microbial biomass was observed. These findings suggest that high amendment strategy increases the input flux of some nutrients to the soils and acts as a nutrient resource for soil microorganisms. The differences between soil and microbial biomass amendment strategy support the idea that decisions made by individuals about which management intensity strategy to use do affect the spatial variability of the ecosystem. These results contribute to the hypothesis of urban ecological urbanization by looking at the vertical social interactions between municipalities and individual homeowners. These interactions might explain the observed spatial variability of ecological characteristics. The results of this research affect the way information about the advantages of using reclaim water is advertised, in particular to homeowners.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Bellantoni, Elizabeth Susan 1958. "Habitat use by desert mule deer and collared peccary in an urban environment." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/277936.

Full text

Abstract:

I examined movements and habitat use by desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) and collared peccary (Dicotyles tajacu) in the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Monument (SNM) from February 1988 through December 1989. Movements and habitat use by mule deer were closely associated with the distribution of free-standing water during the driest seasons of the year. Deer responded to losses of ephemeral water sources in SNM by leaving the monument to obtain water. Four of 5 peccary herds supplemented their natural diet by visiting houses and/or restaurants on a daily or twice daily basis. The addition of water and supplemental food sources was a deliberate effort by homeowners to attract wildlife onto their property. The current pattern of habitat islands interspersed with low density housing (1 house/2-4 ha) is an effective and highly desirable buffer zone between the monument and the more heavily developed urban areas 3.2 km west of the park.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Binkley, Laura Elyse. "Prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Salmonella, and Cephalosporin-Resistant E. coli Strains in Canada goose Feces Urban and Peri-Urban Sites in Central Ohio." The Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1430861581.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Johnson, Dustin Jerald. "City limits: Heat tolerance is influenced by body size and hydration state in an urban ant community." Scholarly Commons, 2019. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/3578.

Full text

Abstract:

Cities are rapidly expanding, and global warming is intensified in urban environments due to the urban heat island effect. Therefore, urban animals may be particularly susceptible to warming associated with ongoing climate change. Thus, I used a comparative and manipulative approach to test three related hypotheses about the determinants of heat tolerance or critical thermal maximum (CTmax) in urban ants—specifically, that (1) body size, (2) hydration status, and (3) preferred micro-environments influence CTmax. I further tested a fourth hypothesis that native species are particularly physiologically vulnerable in urban environments. I manipulated water access and determined CTmax for 11 species common to cities in California's Central Valley that exhibit nearly 300-fold variation in body mass. Inter- (but not intra-) specific variation in body size influenced CTmax where larger species had higher CTmax. The sensitivity of ants’ CTmax to water availability exhibited species-specific thresholds where short-term water limitation (8 h) reduced CTmax in some species while longer-term water limitation (32 h) was required to reduce CTmax in other species. However, CTmax was not influenced by the preferred foraging temperatures of ants. Further, I did not find support for my fourth hypothesis because native species did not exhibit reduced thermal safety margins, or exhibit CTmax values that were more sensitive to water limitation relative to non-native species. In sum, understanding the links between heat tolerance and water availability will become critically important in an increasingly warm, dry, and urbanized world that may be selecting for smaller (not larger) body size.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Baker, Jessica N. "Foraging Ontogeny in an Urban Population of Black Phoebes (Sayornis Nigricans)." Scholarship @ Claremont, 2013. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/160.

Full text

Abstract:

The ability to forage successfully is intimately tied to juvenile survivorship in many avian species. The time it takes juveniles to develop competent foraging skills varies with the prey type and foraging behaviors. My research examined the length of time it took juvenile Black Phoebes (Sayornis nigricans), a bird species abundant in urban environments, to exhibit foraging behavior similar to adults. Black phoebes are insectivorous and forage by scanning for and then pursuing potential prey. I hypothesized that before they disperse, approximately two months after fledging, juvenile phoebes should forage as successfully as adults. Because foraging proficiency affects time allocation, the study also compared how juveniles spend their time compared to adults. In support of my hypothesis, when juveniles were five weeks old, they foraged as successfully as adults. However, by the time of dispersal juveniles did not allocate their time similarly to adults, spending more time flying and less time perched than adults. Finally, the scanning rate and duration of foraging flights were similar to adults after the second week of successful foraging (around week six of age). Overall, these results indicate that foraging is a learned behavior that juveniles develop during their first few months of independence. Early development of proficient foraging abilities increases chances of survival. However, the development of proficient foraging abilities appears to precede the development of effective time allocation, which must occur sometime after independence.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Kocs, Elizabeth A. "Finding nature in the city| A case study of ecological restoration in an urban park." Thesis, City University of New York, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3601882.

Full text

Abstract:

This dissertation presents a case study of ecological restoration in an urban park, using a mixed-methods methodology that included a survey instrument, open-ended interviews, behavioral and trace observations, and modified grounded theory methodology for data analysis. The purpose of the study was to identify values that users of four ecologically restored areas of Chicago's Lincoln Park associated with their use of the park areas and to determine the extent to which they experienced contact with nature while visiting the areas. The study was conducted within the framework of a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of the restoration projects, the Lincoln Park Evaluation Study in the College of Architecture, Design and the Arts, University of Illinois at Chicago, which was commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service. The author, the principal investigator for the POE, developed a set of ten values or benefits associated with park use that were included in the survey instrument and informed the onsite, open-ended interviews with park users--beauty, solitude, tranquility, recreation, health, contact with nature, habitat preservation/restoration, community identity, public life, tourism, and other (to allow respondents to add their own values to the list). The results of the study indicate that users valued contact with nature and habitat restoration most, followed closely by tranquility, solitude, and beauty, with health and recreation next and public life and community identity trailing all others. No new values were added. Data analysis suggested that respondents fell roughly into two camps, those who valued contact with nature most and those who valued habitat restoration most. Respondents who selected tranquility, solitude, or beauty as important values viewed them as secondary to contact with nature or habitat restoration because the former would be unavailable without the latter. The study's results complicates the dichotomy between natural and built environments, as respondents praised the restored areas--arguably built environments--as refuges from the city. A theme that emerged from qualitative data analysis suggests that ecological restoration of urban parks might be related to nature-identities, emotional bonds with types of natural areas, calling for future research to determine the relationship between urban nature and urban residents' nature-identities.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Golla, Julie M. "Urban Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Ecology in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Metroplex." DigitalCommons@USU, 2017. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6857.

Full text

Abstract:

Urban landscapes are quickly replacing native habitat around the world. As wildlife and people increasingly overlap in their shared space and resources, so does the potential for human-wildlife conflict, especially with predators. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are a top predator in several urban areas across the United States and a potential contributor to human-carnivore conflicts. This study evaluated the movements and habitat use of bobcats in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Texas metroplex. Spatial data were collected from 10 bobcats via Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) for approximately one year. Average home range size was 4.60 km2 (n=9, SE=0.99 km2) for all resident bobcats, 3.48 km2 (n=5, SE=1.13 km2) for resident females, and 6.00 km2 (n=4, SE=1.61 km2) for resident males. Resource selection function (RSF) models show that bobcats avoid areas close to and far from grasslands and low-medium development, while selecting for these areas at intermediate distances. Bobcats also selected areas closer to developed open space, agricultural areas, and railroads. In addition, camera trap data analyzed with spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models informed by the RSF results estimated a population density of 0.64 bobcats/km2 (SE = 0.22). Bobcats in DFW have significantly smaller home ranges and occur at higher densities compared to rural bobcat populations. Home ranges were also slightly smaller and densities higher than the most closely similar peri-urban bobcat studies. These differences likely arise due to the abundant urban prey species the DFW landscape provides despite limited space and habitat for bobcats. The dense urban development surrounding this population of bobcats may also discourage dispersing from the area, and contributing to higher densities. These results provide information to facilitate management of urban bobcats by providing new insight into how bobcats live amidst people in urban areas.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Greenberg, Joshua David. "Analysis of urban-rural gradients using satellite data /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/5498.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Halasa, Katrina Bassam. "The Oral Histories of Six African American Males in Their Ecology of Advanced Placement Biology." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1333936100.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Hans, Krystal R. "Insect Signature Indicating Corpse Movement From Urban to Rural Areas of Northeast Ohio." Cleveland State University / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1295366688.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Jennings, Gemma. "The ecology of an urban colony of common terns (Sterna hirundo) in Leith Docks, Scotland." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2012. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/3910/.

Full text

Abstract:

The Imperial Dock Lock Special Protection Area (SPA) in Leith Docks on the Firth of Forth currently supports the largest common tern (Sterna hirundo) colony in Scotland. The nest site, a former lock wall in an operational port, was designated as an SPA for the species in 2004 but very little is known about the ecology of common terns in this man-made environment. This thesis examined their ecology using a combination of long-term data for the Firth of Forth region and field research at the colony. The dynamics of the Firth of Forth breeding population of common terns was linked both to local influences of predators and the regional status of their main food source, the Firth of Forth sprat stock. Colonisation of Leith Docks resulted from relocation of birds from natural islands in the Firth of Forth which were abandoned due to unsustainable levels of predation by gulls. Herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus) are active predators in Leith Docks but at relatively low levels. Predation attempts by mink present a serious threat and could be highly detrimental to the colony. Foraging studies revealed that terns are feeding primarily in the Forth of Forth rather than within the docks, and that their diet consists mostly of sprat, but also sandeels and gadoids. The importance of sprat in the diet is discussed in relation to the potential reopening of the sprat fishery. Surveys of birds commuting between the colony and the feeding grounds showed that a range of flight lines are used but to different extents, and found no evidence of collisions with buildings or other man-made structures. Terns were well-habituated to regular human activity but were sensitive to unusual or high-level human disturbance factors. Gulls and crows, rather than humans, were the greatest disturbance factors for nesting birds overall. Currently the Imperial Dock Lock SPA is the only site in the region that could support common terns breeding in considerable numbers, and so the future of the Firth of Forth population of common terns is now dependent on this one site. There are a number of management options available, and the future persistence of the population relies on the continued monitoring of breeding numbers of terns, of predation levels and further assessment of the sprat stock.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Gyllin, Mats. "Biological diversity in urban environments : positions, values and estimation methods /." Alnarp : Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2004. http://diss-epsilon.slu.se/archive/00000566/.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (doctoral)--Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2004.
Appendix consists of reprints of five manuscripts, four of which are co-authored with others. Includes bibliographical references. Also partially available online in PDF format; online version lacks appendix.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Duncan, Allison B. "Relationship between remnant size and plant species richness in the Tucson urban matrix." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/278795.

Full text

Abstract:

The Sonoran Desert surrounding Tucson, Arizona is the dominant matrix in a region undergoing a transition from desert matrix to urban matrix with little emphasis placed on preserving this native ecosystem intact. Instead, patches of desert, remnants, are cut off the desert matrix and surrounded by a variety of land uses including residential, transit, and commercial. 31 sites within the City of Tucson were surveyed and the site's plant species richness, woody cover, herbaceous cover, and disturbance percentage measured. The plants found on-site were classified into native or exotic, annual or perennial, and woody or herbaceous, and further broken down into growth form. Results indicated a significant correlation between a site's area and its percent disturbance, as well as correlations between its native vegetation and area.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Perez, Mario H. "Aedes aegypti Pharate First Instar Aseasonal Quiescence Cues Anticipatory Plasticity with Implications for Urban Vector Ecology and Control." FIU Digital Commons, 2013. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/913.

Full text

Abstract:

The eggs of the dengue fever vector Aedes aegypti possess the ability to undergo an extended quiescence period hosting a fully developed first instar larvae within its chorion. As a result of this life history stage, pharate larvae can withstand months of dormancy inside the egg where they depend on stored reserves of maternal origin. This adaptation known as pharate first instar quiescence, allows A. aegypti to cope with fluctuations in water availability. An examination of this fundamental adaptation has shown that there are trade-offs associated with it. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are frequently associated with urban habitats that may contain metal pollution. My research has demonstrated that the duration of this quiescence and the extent of nutritional depletion associated with it affects the physiology and survival of larvae that hatch in a suboptimal habitat; nutrient reserves decrease during pharate first instar quiescence and alter subsequent larval and adult fitness. The duration of quiescence compromises metal tolerance physiology and is coupled to a decrease in metallothionein mRNA levels. My findings also indicate that even low levels of environmentally relevant larval metal stress alter the parameters that determine vector capacity. My research has also demonstrated that extended pharate first instar quiescence can elicit a plastic response resulting in an adult phenotype distinct from adults reared from short quiescence eggs. Extended pharate first instar quiescence affects the performance and reproductive fitness of the adult female mosquito as well as the nutritional status of its progeny via maternal effects in an adaptive manner, i.e., anticipatory phenotypic plasticity results as a consequence of the duration of pharate first instar quiescence and alternative phenotypes may exist for this mosquito with quiescence serving as a cue possibly signaling the environmental conditions that follow a dry period. M findings may explain, in part, A. aegypti’s success as a vector and its geographic distribution and have implications for its vector capacity and control.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Nelson, Amanda Erin. "Impacts of urban versus agricultural landcover on spatial distributions and trophic interactions among specialist insects." Diss., University of Iowa, 2015. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1707.

Full text

Abstract:

In the Midwestern US, forested and other woody plant habitats are embedded in a matrix of agricultural and urban landcover that alters configurations of “natural” habitats and creates novel habitat types. Variation in the type and juxtaposition of landcover in the matrix between habitats can profoundly impact the spatial and temporal distributions of insects. Intense urban and agricultural development alters habitats, increases fragmentation, and may decouple trophic interactions if plants or animals cannot disperse to needed resources. Specialist insects represent a substantial proportion of global biodiversity and their fidelity to discrete microhabitats provides a powerful framework for investigating organismal responses to human land use. Specialist herbivores and parasitoids that depend on discrete plant habitats simplify assessment of how trophic interactions, local demographic traits, and dispersal processes affect responses to landcover heterogeneity. Herbivore responses to landcover change are highly idiosyncratic and not well characterized. Parasitoid wasps are predicted to be more prone than their herbivore hosts to local extinction in response to increased habitat fragmentation, but often respond differently to similar landcover contexts. Understanding and predicting idiosyncratic spatial population dynamics of simple host-parasitoid communities and other insect systems requires integration of metacommunity-level ecological paradigms with spatial analyses across multiple spatial scales. We sampled site occupancy and densities for two plant-herbivore-parasitoid systems from 250 sites across a 360 km2 urban/ agricultural landscape across three study years to ask whether and how human development decouples interactions between trophic levels. We first performed a single year analysis to investigate broad scale patterns. We compared patterns of site occupancy, host plant density, herbivory and parasitism rates of insects at two trophic levels with respect to landcover at multiple spatial scales. Geospatial analyses were used to identify landcover characters predictive of insect distributions. We found that herbivorous insect densities were decoupled from host tree densities in urban landcover types at several spatial scales. This effect was amplified for the third trophic level in one of the two insect systems: despite being abundant regionally, a parasitoid species was absent from all urban/ suburban landcover even where its herbivore host was common. Our results indicate that human land use patterns limit distributions of specialist insects. Dispersal constraints associated with urban built development are specifically implicated as a limiting factor. Our multi-year analysis of trophic interactions in urban versus agricultural landcover showed that important results from our single-year study are consistent over time and provided useful insights into the factors mediating spatial distributions of specialist insects in altered landscapes. While we observed that insect species responded to landcover at consistent local- and landscape-scale spatial extents, we observed that coarse grain landcover categories (i.e. urban versus agricultural) at low spatial resolution yielded the most consistent patterns of organismal response. Our results indicate that agricultural versus urban landcover contexts can mediate distinct spatial population structuring across linked trophic levels. This finding has important implications for conservation and pest management strategies in heterogeneous landscapes and is an important consideration when translating heuristics regarding metacommunity dynamics from one broad spatial context to another.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Sacamano, Paul 1962. "Structure and function of two urban forest stands in Tucson, Arizona." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/277924.

Full text

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to describe the structures of an arid urban forest. Two distinct and adjacent residential neighborhoods in Tucson, Arizona, Winterhaven and Richland Heights, were chosen as the study site. Landcover classes were identified through aerial photointerpretation and digitized using AutoCad. A field inventory gathered vegetative measures. Through an analysis, species composition, horizontal and vertical structure were described. Results were compared between each neighborhood stand and among findings of previous structural studies. Results describe Winterhaven as an uneven-aged stand with 55% available growing space, 37% canopy stocking, a pattern of strong dominance and mostly exotic species. Richland Heights is an even-aged stand with 78% available growing space, 11% canopy stocking, a pattern of codominance and mostly native species. These and other structural analyses have provided a descriptive study of two arid urban forest stands.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Brown, Aaron Thomas Ryan. "Freshwater Wetland Creation in a Changing Urban Environment: Designing for Long-Term Viability." Scholar Commons, 2017. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/6807.

Full text

Abstract:

Urbanization and wetland mitigation are increasingly common in coastal watersheds with expanding populations. These mitigation wetlands are intended to offset the functional and structural losses experienced when natural systems are degraded or destroyed. In the Tampa Bay watershed, urbanization is both expanding into the upper reaches of the watershed and intensifying in previously-developed areas, resulting in the creations of hundreds of freshwater mitigation wetlands. This dissertation utilized an existing database of mitigation wetlands, publicly available data, and field surveys to investigate the relationship between constructed wetlands and their surroundings and also determine how design affects wetland condition over time. The overarching goals of this dissertation were to evaluate the geospatial distribution and areal extent of constructed freshwater mitigation wetlands in Hillsborough County and determine how they influence the landscape; evaluate design variables and environmental factors influencing constructed wetland trajectories; and determine how future changes to the landscape will likely affect constructed wetland systems. The goals of Chapter 2 were to evaluate the relationship between mitigation wetland construction and total freshwater wetland area; determine if forested and non-forested wetlands are being impacted/mitigated at similar rates; determine if wetland mitigation is offsetting impacts from increased urbanization at the landscape scale. This study concluded that since 1985, permitted impacts of non-forested wetlands have occurred at a significantly greater annual rate than forested systems, despite their smaller regional footprint. Interestingly, this increased impact frequency, combined with mitigation ratios greater than 1:1 (mitigation to impact area), have helped decrease proportional difference in area between forested and non-forested wetlands in the region. Over the period of the study, mean LDI scores for drainage basins across watershed have increased, with those containing mitigation projects significantly increasing compared to those without. Changes in drainage basin LDI were significantly correlated to the number of mitigation projects per basin, total impact area, and total mitigation area. Upward shifts in drainage basin LDI categories have been documented in 25 of Hillsborough County’s 184 basins, however no significant connection to permittee-responsible freshwater wetlands was established. These results imply that current mitigation practices are failing to ameliorate increasing development intensity at the landscape scale. The goals of Chapter 3 were to determine the current condition of created freshwater mitigation wetlands in Hillsborough County, Florida; determine if forested and non-forested wetlands maintain similar trajectories after release; and evaluate how design and changes in the landscape influence created wetland condition over time. Original wetland engineering plans and historical data were used to establish baseline conditions at the time of wetland “release” and track wetland changes over time. A chronosequence approach was utilized to determine wetland trajectories and analyze potential differences between forested and non-forested systems. This study found that surveyed freshwater wetlands had decreased in size from their intended area by a total of approximately 18%, but due to increased mitigation ratios, were likely still producing a net gain in total wetland area and meeting the goals of “no net loss”. On average, wetland condition (as determined by WRAP scores) decreased by 9% from the time of release to the time of survey. Few differences were observed between wetland types with the exception of canopy richness and wetland trajectory, although correlations between wetland condition and time were non-significant. From the regression optimization analyses, it appeared that wetland location (as measured in the design WRAP score) was one of the most important factors contributing to surveyed wetland condition. In Chapter 4, future land use data was used to determine predicted anthropogenic pressure on these urban wetland systems and evaluate changes to the overall landscape. GIS based analyses on landscape development intensity (LDI) determined that significant changes are not expected at the landscape scale by the year 2025, however drainage basins that possess mitigation wetlands are anticipated to increase in development intensity. Predicted LDI scores for constructed freshwater wetlands is predicted to increase significantly, which could have detrimental impacts on wetland condition. This dissertation highlights the significance of wetland design and location on wetland condition. From this research, it is apparent that consideration of site placement is the most important design variable for small (3 hectares or less) freshwater wetlands; and that understanding of future conditions may promote long-term success. Long-term studies such as this are valuable tools for understanding how specific ecosystems respond to changing landscapes and should be used to help shape policies that reflect these ecological advancements. Understanding the past and preparing for the future is the only way to foster restoration success.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

Harring-Harris, Kaarissa. "Preventing bird declines in urban landscapes: Influence of behavioural traits and streetscape plantings." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2022. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2538.

Full text

Abstract:

Urbanisation is thought to be the leading cause of habitat loss and ecosystem fragmentation world-wide. Australian urban bird communities are constantly under threat from landscape modification and the associated disturbances. The Perth metropolitan region, Western Australia provides a unique case study to observe the impact of a developing city that is also located in a biodiversity hotspot. The long-term reporting rate of 66 small passerine birds was analysed on a time and spatial scale, utilising 20 years of citizen science from Birdata collected by birdwatchers. The study compared the overall change in reporting rate to changes in the urban environment, focusing on human population density and the canopy cover of native trees. Life history traits were also used to determine if certain groups/guilds of birds responded differently to changes in the urban landscape. This study revealed that a concerning number of urban sensitive native species are in decline and are being replaced by native and exotic ‘urban-exploiters’. Species that were found to be most at risk in this study were foraging specialists, particularly insectivores, small understorey-dependent birds, and species reliant on large bushland remnants. The study also found generalist species and large nectarivorous birds are increasingly dominating the urban community. Australian urban gardens and streets are lined with nectar-rich, seed-producing vegetation both native and exotic; therefore, favouring species that have the ability to exploit novel foraging resources. Significant loss of habitat in lower strata levels, as a result of land clearing, has reduced the connectivity between large bushland remnants. This has led to urban bird communities becoming overrun by species that frequently utilise the upper canopy and/or thrive in open green areas. Many endemic and native species are locally threatened, and by identifying ‘at risk’ species we can better understand the association between environmental and ecological factors and the impact they have on an individual’s urban tolerance.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Perez, Jaime Abraham. "PATTERNS AND DRIVERS OF ANT BIODIVERSITY ALONG URBANIZATION GRADIENTS." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1591823939916649.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Timmermans, Sarah. "Opportunism and the neostriatalhyperstriatum complex in birds." Thesis, McGill University, 1999. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=30757.

Full text

Abstract:

This research seeks to pinpoint the telencephalic structures most closely correlated with feeding flexibility, which is operationalised as feeding innovation rate per taxon. By calculating a weighted average per taxon of 1030 feeding innovations collated from five zones of the world (western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and India), the study shows that relative size of the hyperstriatum ventrale and, to a lesser extent, the neostriatum , best predicts weighted innovation rate; these two structures are thought to be functionally equivalent to the mammalian neocortex. The worst telencephalic predictors of innovation rate are two structures respectively thought to be involved in primary visual projection and the control of stereotyped, species-specific behaviour, the wulst area and the paleostriatum.
A second presumed correlate of behavioural flexibility, taxonomic variation in the use of urbanised and other anthropogenically-modified habitats, shows a consistent pattern in four geographical zones (Great Britain, North America, Australia and New Guinea), as well as a qualitative association with the relative size of the forebrain. There is no linear correlation, however, between urbanisation rate per taxon and either forebrain size or innovation rate, suggesting that other variables like diet, tameness and neophilia may have to be quantified at finer taxonomic levels in future studies of opportunism in habitat use.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Nuwamanya-Matsiko, John Willis 1950. "The East African Institute of Resource Planning and Management: A proposal." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/278139.

Full text

Abstract:

East Africa, a region in Africa south of the Sahara, is faced with many environmental and urban problems due to development and population growth impacting on the land, vegetation and wildlife. This region, at present, does not have its own trained manpower able to plan and manage the natural resources but also to minimize man's impact on these resources in order to achieve sustainable development in the region. The thesis of this study is that a regional institute of resource planning and management be established in one of the three countries in the region to meet this pressing need.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Ausprey, Ian J. "Post-fledging Ecology of Two Songbird Species Across a Rural-to-Urban Landscape Gradient." The Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1276811589.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Hull, Jamie Rebekah. "Can urban greenways provide high quality avian habitat?" Connect to this title online, 2003. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-06052003-131934/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Ahrné, Karin. "Local management and landscape effects on diversity of bees, wasps, and birds in urban green areas /." Uppsala : Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2008. http://diss-epsilon.slu.se/archive/00001766/.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (doctoral)--Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2008.
Includes reprints of four papers and manuscripts co-authored with others. Includes bibliographical references. Also partially issued electronically via World Wide Web in PDF format; online version lacks reprints of four papers and manuscripts.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Freeman, Klaire E. "The Effects of Urban Land Use on Wasps (Hymenoptera: Apocrita)." Cleveland State University / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1363613906.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

O'neal, Blaire. "Testing the Feasibility of Bioacoustic Localization in Urban Environments." Scholar Commons, 2014. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/5088.

Full text

Abstract:

Bioacoustics is a relatively new field of research focused on studying the acoustic signals of vocal animal species. The field has been a topic of interest for many years due its passive approach and avoidance of species-level limitations, such as tracking rare or nocturnal species. It has been used to locate birds in terrestrial environments; however, localization in urban environments remains unstudied. This research aims to fill the gap by attempting to estimate the location of 30 discrete calls in eight unique, urban environments. Sites represented two distinct traffic scenarios: moderate traffic and high traffic. Three system arrays of three different sizes utilizing the Song Meter SM2+ units were tested at each site to determine the effect of array size on call visibility and location estimation. An American robin (Turdus migratorius) distress call was played through a loudspeaker at the thirty locations for each array. The spectrogram of each of these calls was examined to determine the number of channels with a visible call signature. If the file contained at least one visible call per song meter (36% of our sound files), cross correlation was used to determine the differences in the time of arrival of calls at all the microphones in the array, called lag values, which were used to calculate the origin location of the call. However, resulting lag values in this study were too large to produce reliable location estimates. This was likely due to imprecise synchronization in the field or poorly defined calls within the spectrograms. Our overall low visibility is likely a result of the high signal to noise ratio common in urban environments. Further research is necessary to continue to test the viability of acoustic localization in urban environments.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Ward-Lambert, Missy. "Old Roots: Place-Making and Hybrid Landscapes of Refugee Urban Farmers." DigitalCommons@USU, 2014. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/3298.

Full text

Abstract:

This research project was designed to analyze the relevance of place and the physical environment to the adjustment processes of refugees. This dissertation contains the results of qualitative research with a group of 30 refugee urban farmers living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Seventeen of these individuals—from Burundi, Sudan, Bhutan, the Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Cuba—participated in interviews and a photography project focused on their experiences with agriculture in their home countries and since their arrival in Utah. The results of the research show the connection between the refugees’ work as farmers and their sense of place since arriving in the United States. Participants reported material and emotional benefits from their farming work, as well as challenges. The research results also provide insight into the process of cultural hybridization and cross-cultural exchange experienced by the participants. A discussion of some challenges inherent in doing research with refugees is included, and policy implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Larsen, Elise Anne. "Effects of Urban Development on Breeding Bird Diversity: The Role of Diet and Migration." W&M ScholarWorks, 2008. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1539626872.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Leite, Flávia Brunale Vilela de Moura. "Avaliação da eficiência na conservação de recursos hídricos em comunidades sustentáveis." [s.n.], 2011. http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/258670.

Full text

Abstract:

Orientador: Rozely Ferreira dos Santos
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-18T23:59:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Leite_FlaviaBrunaleVileladeMoura_M.pdf: 3105479 bytes, checksum: 547219e109065999ac24e774477005a1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011
Resumo: Com a finalidade de garantir a sustentabilidade ambiental dos núcleos urbanos, dois aspectos devem ser considerados: a gestão consciente dos recursos naturais e a aplicação efetiva dos conceitos de sustentabilidade nos assentamentos urbanos. Diante disto, é necessário olhar para modelos alternativos, que fogem do padrão de uso dos recursos e produção de resíduos, como as ecovilas ou comunidades sustentáveis. Essas pequenas comunidades experimentais vêm se ampliando, mas não há efetivamente avaliações da eficiência de implantação de suas propostas pressupostamente inovadoras, principalmente em relação aos recursos hídricos. Por essa razão, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e medir a distância entre duas áreas declaradas ecovilas (Piracaia e Porangaba, SP) e o cenário ideal para uma comunidade sustentável, tecnicamente construído a partir de indicadores de sustentabilidade voltados para os recursos hídricos. Para obter essas distâncias foram feitos levantamentos de campo, sobrepostos mapas de meio físico e uso da terra e aplicados questionários junto às comunidades. As respostas foram avaliadas pelo método programação por compromisso (Compromisse Programming -CP). Os resultados demonstraram que ambas as comunidades estão distantes do cenário ideal e que há uma diferença distinta entre a interpretação dos indicadores de sustentabilidade que levam a uma condição inadequada e a percepção das comunidades sobre eles
Abstract: In order to ensure the environmental sustainability of urban areas, two aspects must be considered: the conscientious management of natural resources and effective application of the concepts of sustainability in urban settlements. In this direction, the ecovillages or sustainable communities are the new alternatives to apply conscientious models to use of natural resources and waste disposal for urban settlements. These small and experimental communities have been growing, without an effective evaluation of the efficiency of the innovative proposals to conscientious use for the water resources. For this reason the goal of this study was to evaluate and measure the distance between two ecovillages (Piracaia and Porangaba, São Paulo - Brazil) to an ideal scenario for a sustainable community. This ideal scenario was technically constructed from indicators of water resources sustainability. The methodological strategy used to achieve these results included field works and overlapping land use and water resources maps of these two communities. The answers obtained in field work were evaluated by the method of compromise programming (CP). The results showed that both communities are distant from ideal scenario and that there is a distinct difference between the interpretation of sustainability indicators that lead to an inadequate condition and the perception of communities about them
Mestrado
Recursos Hidricos, Energeticos e Ambientais
Mestre em Engenharia Civil

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

Parker, John Russell. "An analysis of urban ecological knowledge and behaviour in Wellington, New Zealand : a 90 point thesis submitted to Victoria University of Wellington as partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Studies /." ResearchArchive@Victoria e-thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10063/1263.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Pennington, Derric Neville. "LAND USE EFFECTS ON URBAN RIPARIAN BIRD COMMUNITIES DURING THE MIGRATORY AND BREEDING SEASON IN THE GREATER CINCINNATI METROPOLITAN AREA." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1071084848.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

Howell, Jessica E. "Passerine and Near Passerine Diversity, Richness, and Community Responses to a Rural to Urban Gradient in Southeastern Ohio." Ohio University Art and Sciences Honors Theses / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouashonors1399041452.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

Barber, Richard Henry 1942. "Arroyo Chico: The effects of design and management on the biological and social aspects of an urban wash." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/278512.

Full text

Abstract:

Arroyo Chico Wash, an important drainage for central Tucson, Arizona, runs through numerous neighborhood and industrial areas before emptying into the Santa Cruz River. Within four suburban neighborhoods along the wash, direct observations, personal interviews, survey questions, and historical documents are used to describe design and management influences on the biological and human aspects of the wash. Plants along the wash are identified by 2-meter wide belt transects run at 100-meter intervals over the 4 kilometer length of the study area. Wild animal and bird lists are based on observation and information given by residents. Relationships between design, maintenance and neighborhood attitudes toward the wash are assessed using a survey questionnaire given to people living adjacent to the wash. Results show the wash in the Colonia Solana neighborhood has the greatest biological diversity, highest neighborhood satisfaction and highest recreational use. In neighborhoods where the wash is a "backyard easement", satisfaction and use are the lowest.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

Futada, Silvia de Melo. "Fragmentos remanescentes da bacia do ribeirão das Anhumas (Campinas, SP) : evolução e contexto." [s.n.], 2007. http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/315804.

Full text

Abstract:

Orientador: Carlos Alfredo Joly
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-08T10:58:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Futada_SilviadeMelo_M.pdf: 7917513 bytes, checksum: 7aeb84128ad68795040b6dc3901e96a1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007
Resumo: O ambiente é um complexo espaço-temporal resultante de fatores abióticos e bióticos, também definido pela história e anseios humanos. A fragmentação de habitats está dentre as principais ameaças à biodiversidade global e é desencadeada por distúrbios como expansões urbana e da agropecuária, bem como a exploração de recursos naturais. Para compreender os efeitos da fragmentação de habitats é indispensável aliar bases ecológicas a valores e práticas humanos. Este trabalho buscou compreender a fragmentação na bacia do ribeirão das Anhumas (Campinas, SP) aliando a análise da evolução dos fragmentos a informações históricas de cada um deles. Além disso, buscou compreender os diferentes contextos nos quais os fragmentos estão inseridos e de que forma essas informações obtidas poderiam contribuir para promover praticas de conservação efetivas. Foram utilizados SIG para análise de fotos aéreas multitemporais (1962, 1972 e 2002), realizadas visitas aos fragmentos, entrevistas com proprietários ou responsáveis, e analisados documentos da Prefeitura Municipal de Campinas e de hemerotecas. A área total dos fragmentos decaiu de 615,34ha (1962) para 451,62ha (1972) e então para 422,72ha (2002), correspondendo hoje a 2,82% da área total da bacia. Atualmente existem 34 fragmentos na bacia, dos quais 11 são áreas públicas e 23 estão localizados em propriedades privadas. Sete dos fragmentos estão tombados e 27 em estudo de tombamento. Os fragmentos estão sujeitos a diferentes pressões, como incêndio, corte de árvores, espécies invasoras e exóticas, poluição e especulação imobiliária. A condição geral dos fragmentos da bacia é desentusiasmante, mas a articulação e o esclarecimento do poder público, da sociedade civil organizada e dos proprietários dos fragmentos podem ser capazes de alterar essa situação
Abstract: The environment is a spacial-temporal complex resultant from not only abiotic and biotic factors, but also from human history and aspirations. The habitat fragmentation is one of the major threats to the world's biodiversity, and it is due to urban and agribusiness expansions, as well as exploitation of natural resources. In order to understand habitat fragmentation's effects, it is essencial to couple ecological foundations to human values. This study aimed to understand the Anhumas river hydrographic basin (Campinas, SP) fragmentation, analysing the remnants evolution in relationship to their historical aspects. Moreover, this work intented to comprehend in which way the different remnants a contexts could contribute to effective conservation practices. The methods used were: multitemporal (1962, 1972, 2002) aerial photographies analysis (GIS); remnants inspection; interviews with the owners or people responsible for the remnants; and analysis of documentation from the government of Campinas and from libraries. The total remnants a. area has decreased from 615.34ha (1962) to 451.62ha (1972) and to 422.72ha (2002). Currently, the total area of the Anhumas river basin corresponds to 2.82% of the original area. There are 34 remnants in the basin, 11 of them public areas and 23 private properties. Seven of the remnants are spot listed and 27 are under assessment to be spot listed. Timbering, burning, the presence of exotic and invasive species, pollution and real estate development are some of the variables that make the conservation of the remnants more complex. The present status of the Anhumas river basin s remnants is worrisome. However, the articulation and elucidation of public governments, nongovernment organizations, and the owners of the remnants might be able to counter this situation
Mestrado
Ecologia
Mestre em Ecologia

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

Frederick, Teresa Moore 1963. "Patterns of habitat use by birds and lizards in urban river corridors of Tucson, Arizona." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/278547.

Full text

Abstract:

I surveyed songbirds and lizards adjacent to dry rivers throughout metropolitan Tucson and related species richness to recreational use and habitat using stepwise multiple regression. Habitat characteristics included vegetation structure and floristics in river-edge areas, adjacent land uses, and land uses of the surrounding landscape. Bank stabilization had a negative effect on species richness of all bird groups. Total vegetation cover, mesquite (Prosopis velutina) density, and natural open space had a positive effect on species richness of most bird groups. Tall vegetation was important for species richness of lizards. River corridors could function as conservation corridors for five bird species and two lizard species. However, habitat for many other species was not continuous across the metropolitan area. Recommendations include protecting mesquite bosques without bank stabilization, protecting wide areas of upland vegetation near large protected areas, and increasing structural diversity and use of native plants in river parkways.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Okay, Atiye Zeynep. "Spatial pattern and temporal dynamics of northern bobwhite abundance and agricultural landuse, and potential casual factors." Texas A&M University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/3355.

Full text

Abstract:

There was a long-term decline in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus, NBW) abundance since the 1920s, based on the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data, but with substantial spatial and temporal variations across its range. There were four recognizable periods in the spatial and temporal dynamics of NBW abundance between 1920 and 1990. Severe weather conditions and habitat loss due to land use change appeared to be the most important factors influencing the long-term trends and spatial patterns in NBW abundance. A spatial database of agricultural land use was developed based on the Census of Agriculture to evaluate the spatial patterns of land use variables over NBW range from 1920 to 1997. The results showed dramatic changes in land use over the period and the influence of socio-economic events, natural disasters and federal agricultural policies on the dynamics of land use pattern, and potential implications to NBW abundance were identified. Replacement of less intensive agriculture with intensive monoculture production and mechanization coincided with World War I, and the post-war collapse in agriculture and the economy, partly associated with the Dust Bowl, enhanced this trend. Monoculture production and clean farming practices were further intensified during World War II and the years following the war. These land use changes had overall negative effects on NBW habitat. Analysis of the changes in spatial pattern of NBW abundance in the Great Plains region during the severe drought of the 1950s showed a significant decline in NBW abundance during the drought and a contraction of the NBW range at its western edge. The post-drought recovery exhibited spatial patterns significantly different from the predrought ones. These findings suggested that severe drought caused short-term changes in regional distribution of NBW and range contraction, as well as long-lasting, largescale changes in spatial distribution of NBW abundance. This study provides scientific basis for landscape planning and management. Evaluating the spatial pattern and temporal dynamics of certain wildlife species at large scales over long-term periods, and identifying potential causal factors are key strategies for implementing innovative and sustainable approaches to planning and policy. Such strategies will have a significant impact on future landscape and wildlife species.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Pavlik, Stacey C. "Estimating the Impact of House Sparrows on Eastern Bluebird Reproductive Success Across an Urban Gradient." Youngstown State University / OhioLINK, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1364373664.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

McClure, Mark F. "Energy, Fractal Movement Patterns, and Scale-Dependent Habitat Relationships of Urban and Rural Mule Deer." DigitalCommons@USU, 2001. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6582.

Full text

Abstract:

I studied the behaviors, movement dynamics, habitat relationships, and population characteristics of Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) using urban and rural winter ranges in Cache Valley, Utah , from January 1994 to February 1998. There were 2 goals to my research endeavors. The first was to assess how and why the behaviors and demographic characteristics of urban deer differed from those of rural deer. The second was to assess the scale-dependent responses to habitat and the scale-dependent patterns of habitat use by deer living in each area. To accomplish the first goal, I compared the prevalence of migration, the spatial and temporal patterns of migration, and the spatial patterns of home range use between urban and rural deer. I also compared deer reproduction and population density in each area. I then explain how behavioral and demographic dissimilarities between urban and rural deer may have corresponded to differences in their net energetic gains (NEG) on seasonal ranges. These explanations, when combined graphically, generated a time-specific hypothesis of lower NEG by urban deer on a year-round basis. To accomplish the second goal, I developed new methodologies for analyzing animal movement pathways (which represent signatures of how animals respond to habitat), and animal patterns of habitat use . These methodologies explicitly incorporated the effects of spatial scale by employing fractal geometry and information theory. The results of these analyses showed that urban and rural deer responded to their habitats in similar ways at coarse resolutions of analysis (100-600 m), but differently at fine resolutions of analysis ( 4-60 m). I argue that similarities in habitat response at coarse resolutions reflected a common movement process that allowed deer maximize use of their home ranges while minimizing energetic expenditures. With respect to patterns of habitat use, urban deer concentrated in areas with concealment vegetation , which was highly fragmented across all resolutions of analysis. Rural deer, on the other hand, dispersed throughout areas containing shrubby vegetation at fine resolutions, and south-facing slopes at coarse resolutions. Interpretation of these results is discussed in detail.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Brown, Grant R. "Garden life : the influence of garden age and area on the biodiversity of ground active arthropods." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/6815.

Full text

Abstract:

Urbanisation is a global issue, and rapidly gaining attention from researchers as a major cause of biodiversity loss. Gardens represent a considerable proportion of the urban landscape in the UK and have significant potential to promote urban biodiversity and reduce species loss providing they can be designed and managed appropriately. This research focused on gardens in St Andrews, Scotland, and investigated the influence of environmental variables such as age and area on arachnid and beetle biodiversity with the aim of identifying key predictors of arthropod species richness in urban environments. The key result of this research was that the age and area of individual gardens was not a strong predictor of ground active arthropod biodiversity. This suggests that more recently developed or smaller gardens can contribute to the overall urban region species richness pool as well as larger or more ancient gardens. The most important predictor of ground active arachnid and beetle species richness was the proportion of porous (or 'green') habitat surrounding each garden, and suggested that urban density and habitat connectivity at the regional scale are of key importance. In general, variables measured within gardens (e.g. the provision of microhabitats such as leaf litter, non-managed vegetation, etc.) did not exert any measurable effect on the biodiversity of arachnids or beetles. The findings of this research suggest that the regional availability of heterogeneous greenspace habitat is of high importance for promoting and maintaining urban arthropod biodiversity.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

Franckowiak, Gregory Allen. "Space Use by Coyotes (Canis latrans) in an Urbanizing Landscape, and Implications for Management." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1398243682.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Urban ecology (Biology)'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles