Critical Research Techniques in Animal and Habitat Ecology: International Examples

✍ Scribed by Michael O'Neal Campbell, Kaushalendra Kumar Jha

• Publisher: Nova Science Publishers
• Year: 2021
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 407
• Series: Animal Science, Issues and Research
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

"This book covers selected topics on research methods in modern ecology, through the lens of 12 different chapters, focusing on animal ecology, landcover assessment and habitat change, human perspectives and management, and research techniques. Topics emphasize the development of enhanced computer software techniques and the syntheses of these into pre-existing research methods, chemical analyses, including studies of animal dietary and foraging patterns, landcover, habitat and plant ecological change and even human/animal relations, and genetic studies. Remote sensing and geographical information systems are considered as cutting-edge research methods, at small, medium and large-scale levels, including more accurate positioning systems, more sensitive tracking systems, the removal of obstacles to clearer observation and species identification, such as darkness and poor lighting, dense vegetation and coarse image resolution and more comparative studies across different local contexts and global ecosystems. The topics cover vulture ecology, the factors for the decline and management of Asian vultures, the use of tracking technologies including drones, in the study of urban vulture ecology, the use of thermal and infrared drones in the study of large mammalian carnivores, the role of remote sensing and GIS in the assessment of natural resource development, clustering around the central concept of change detection, the monitoring of agricultural development using socio-cultural parameters, the impacts of chemical pollution on raptors, the chemistry of vulture foraging, habitat dynamics for storks in Malaysia, Indian ecotourism in tiger habitats, and human-wildlife conflicts in Brazil. Other topics concern research on Bio-environmental Monitoring and Assessment using eDNA and Genome-based environmental monitoring, and the dynamics social perceptions of natural landscapes in Europe, and international examples of the Landscape Ecology of Urban Avian Scavengers. This book argues that these issues represent somecutting factors among the vast number of current ecological issues"--

✦ Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction
Preface
Chapter 1
Urban Vulture Ecology, Tracking Technologies and Human Quality of Life
Abstract
Introduction
Urban Turkey and Black Vulture Ecology
Drone Research on Urban Vultures
Limitations of Drone Research
Conclusion
References
Chapter 2
Facts Around Vultures: An Attempt to Join the Puzzle Pieces
Abstract
Introduction
Disease Symptom or Adaptation?
NSAID Diclofenac Ban Impact: The Actual Story
Think Globally, Act Locally
Name Use Confusion
Habitat Improvement Versus Captive Breeding
Population Crash
Population Estimation
Extinction Prediction and Modelling
Artificial Feeding: Boon or Bane ?
References
Chapter 3
Brown World of Vultures: A Case of Vulture Restaurant
Abstract
Introduction
The Brown World: Trophic Sources for Vultures
What Is There in the Name
Supplementary Feeding Sites
What Is the Need of VR
VR: A Necessary Evil?
How Safe Is VR from Competitors
How Secured Is Carrion from Contaminants
Mapping and Management of VR
Management Requirements
Management Guidelines
VR Suitability Mapping
VR Blueprint
VR-Pixel
Conclusion
Review Methodology
References
Chapter 4
Environmental Chemistry and the Conservation Biology of Raptors and Waterbirds
Abstract
Introduction
Chemical Elements
Lead Toxicity and Research Methods
Mercury and Research Methods
Chromium and Research Methods
Nickel Toxicity and Research Methods
Cadmium Toxicity and Research Methods
Copper Toxicity and Research Methods
Selenium Toxicity and Research Methods
Chemical Compounds
DDT, DDE and other Pesticides
Diclofenac
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5
Vulture Foraging and the Chemistry of Putrefaction
Abstract
Introduction
Putrefaction
Detection of Carrion
Eating and Digestion of Putrid Meat
Artificial Dangers in the Vulture Diet
Advantages of Olfactory Capability
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6
South and Northeast Brazil: Does a Shared Species Arise Shared Human Dimensions of Conflicts with Wildlife?
Abstract
Introduction
Study Areas
North-Eastern Plateau of Rio Grande Do Sul State - Southern Brazil
Caatinga - Semiarid of Brazilian Northeast
Methods
Sampling, Characteristics, and Main Objectives
Study with Pumas in South Brazil – Campos de Cima da Serra
Study in Northeast Brazil - Boqueirão da Onça, Caatinga
Social Science’s Approach
How the Studies Were Compared and Analyzed
Results
Socio-Economic Respondents’ Profile
Most Important Findings in Both Studies
Data Comparison
Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 7
Conflicts with Pumas in Southern Brazil: The Farmers’ View
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Study Area
Data Collection and Analyses
Results
Interviewee’s Profile
Characteristics of Puma’s Attacks on Farms
Farmers’ Perceptions
Farmers’ Knowledge
Farmers’ Attitudes
Discussion
Acknowledgments
References
Appendix. Standard Questionnaire
Prancha Ilustrativa
Chapter 8
Reformation of African Elephant Ecology and Human Quality of Life through GIS and Remote Sensing Technologies: A Case of African Elephant Ecology in Botswana
Abstract
Introduction
Elephant Populations
Elephant Patterns
Botswanian Climate
Vegetation and Water Availability
Seasonal Patterns
GIS and RS Analysis
Human-Elephant Conflict
Shared Spaces
Human Quality of Life
Reformation Strategies
African Elephant Exploitation
Human-Elephant Disease Ecology
Conclusion and Future Directions
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 9
Bio-Environmental Monitoring and Assessment of Species Using eDNA: An International Approach to Research and Future Possibilities
Abstract
Introduction
The Utility of eDNA in Ecological Study
Species Identification via Aged eDNA
Sand sediment in South-West Greenland
Coprolites from Oregon, USA
Silty Ice from Greenland
Cave Sediments from New Zealand and Permafrost Cores from Siberia
Species Identification and Monitoring in Aquatic Environments via eDNA
Freshwater from Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Poland, and Estonia
Marine and Estuarine Sediments from England
Detection and Monitoring of Invasive Species Via eDNA
Freshwater Samples from Australia
Freshwater Samples from France
Freshwater Samples from USA (Chicago)
Understanding Diet and Predation Patterns in Species via eDNA
Fecal Samples from Pakistan
Fecal Samples from Australia
Air Analysis Using eDNA
Air in the Netherlands
Air in Northern and Central Italy
Air Samples in Beijing
Limitations pf the Use of eDNA
Conclusion and Future Directions
References
Chapter 10
Wilding or Worrying? Place Meaning in a Rewilding Landscape
Abstract
Introduction
The Problem of Public Acceptance
Relevance: Rewilding Rife in Post-Brexit Restructuring?
Conceptual Grounding
Sense of Place and Place Attachment
Place Meaning
Landscape Change
Rewilding
Knepp Wildland
Methodology
Design
Study Site
Qualitative Questionnaire
Data Collection and Limitations
Theoretical Thematic Analysis
Results
Beauty
Functionality
Attachment
Biodiversity
Risk
Emotions-in-Place
Temporality
Discussion
Rewilding as a ‘Natural’ Landscape
Changing Cultured Naturalness
Conclusion
References
Appendix
Study Site Map
Qualitative Questionnaire Questions
Poster Advertising Qualitative Questionnaire
Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
Table of Results
Chapter 11
Environment Effect on Milky Stork Habitat Selection in Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Perak
Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
Study Area
Sampling and Data Collection
Parameter Determination
Observation along the River
Observation along the Road Trip
Primary and Secondary Data
Data Analysis
Results and Discussion
Density of Milky Stork Sightings
Land Used
Vegetation
Food Availability
Geographical Information System Analysis
The Mapping of Population Distribution of Milky Stork
The Mapping of Hotspot Area
The Mapping of Population Density
Conclusion
References
Chapter 12
The Landscape Ecology of Urban Avian Scavengers: An International Perspective
Abstract
Introduction
Ecological Paradigms and Applications
Applications to Conservation Biology and Landscape Ecology
Urban Avian Ecology Case Studies
Glasgow Case Study
Ghana Case Study
Canada Case Study
Methodology
Glasgow Case Study
Ghana Case Study
Ottawa Case study
Results
Glasgow Case Study
Ghana Case Study
Ottawa Case Study
Discussion and Comparison of Cases
Green Space and Water Body Impacts
Urban Spaces
Planning Issues and Conservation Biology
Conclusion
References
Editors’ Contact Information
Index