Abstract:A concerning development for Irish agriculture is the detection of partial resistance in the main aphid pest (Sitobion avenae) of cereal crops to the most widely used pyrethroid insecticide compound. The mechanism of this resistance, termed ‘knockdown resistance’ (kdr), affects pyrethroid binding and enables S. avenae to survive insecticide exposure. This partial resistance to insecticide means that S . avenae can continue to inflict feeding damage and transmit barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), which may carry a significant yield penalty. The incidence and persistence of resistant S. avenae in the Irish population is currently unknown. To address this knowledge gap, in-field sampling of S. avenae was carried out from 2016 to 2018 in the 11 major cereal-growing counties, and 621 cases of S. avenae were screened. Genotyping was used to screen S. avenae for kdr and to determine the diversity of clones in the resistant and susceptible genotypes, thus testing the hypothesis of resistance in a single dominant super-clone. The data were statistically analysed to determine annual variation in resistance levels. Findings revealed that resistant S. avenae are widespread across Ireland, occurring in all the major cereal-growing counties. Despite an initial high prevalence of resistant S. avenae (54%), matching levels detected in the UK, prevalence in Irish field populations appeared not to be increasing over the duration of this study, suggesting that pyrethroids remain largely effective at managing aphid populations. Resistance was detected in a single dominant SA3 super-clone, which may be explained by the loss of cyclical parthenogenesis as a potential impact of resistance alleles.
{"title":"In-field prevalence of resistant grain aphid Sitobion avenae (Fabricius)","authors":"L. Walsh, O. Schmidt, M. Williamson, M. Gaffney","doi":"10.3318/bioe.2020.05","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3318/bioe.2020.05","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:A concerning development for Irish agriculture is the detection of partial resistance in the main aphid pest (Sitobion avenae) of cereal crops to the most widely used pyrethroid insecticide compound. The mechanism of this resistance, termed ‘knockdown resistance’ (kdr), affects pyrethroid binding and enables S. avenae to survive insecticide exposure. This partial resistance to insecticide means that S . avenae can continue to inflict feeding damage and transmit barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), which may carry a significant yield penalty. The incidence and persistence of resistant S. avenae in the Irish population is currently unknown. To address this knowledge gap, in-field sampling of S. avenae was carried out from 2016 to 2018 in the 11 major cereal-growing counties, and 621 cases of S. avenae were screened. Genotyping was used to screen S. avenae for kdr and to determine the diversity of clones in the resistant and susceptible genotypes, thus testing the hypothesis of resistance in a single dominant super-clone. The data were statistically analysed to determine annual variation in resistance levels. Findings revealed that resistant S. avenae are widespread across Ireland, occurring in all the major cereal-growing counties. Despite an initial high prevalence of resistant S. avenae (54%), matching levels detected in the UK, prevalence in Irish field populations appeared not to be increasing over the duration of this study, suggesting that pyrethroids remain largely effective at managing aphid populations. Resistance was detected in a single dominant SA3 super-clone, which may be explained by the loss of cyclical parthenogenesis as a potential impact of resistance alleles.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"23 1","pages":"29 - 38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84730525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.3318/BIOE.2007.107.3.139
M. Healy, J. Newell, M. Rodgers
Abstract:The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal variation in biomass, total nitrogen (Tot-N) and total phosphorus (Tot-P) content of Phragmites australis in a three-cell, free-water surface (FWS) constructed wetland in western Ireland and to investigate the effects of harvesting on its biomass and nutrient content. One cell of the wetland was divided into two plots: one plot, measuring 80m² , was completely harvested on 16 June 2005, while the other plot, the control plot, remained uncut throughout the study duration. Completely randomised 0.64m² areas within each plot were harvested to water level at intervals of approximately one month over an eight-month study period, and the shoot biomass and nutrient content were measured. In the control plot, the plant biomass, total nitrogen and total phosphorus content peaked in August. In the June-cut plot, the shoot biomass, total nitrogen and total phosphorus content peaked in September. The mean rate of dry matter production, defined as the mean daily rate of dry matter production per unit area per day between harvests, attained maximum rates of 12.8g m ⁻²d⁻¹ and 4.2g m ⁻²d⁻¹ for the control and June-cut plots, respectively, indicating that annual harvesting of emergent vegetation may not have any beneficial effect on biomass production or nutrient content under Irish climatic conditions.
{"title":"HARVESTING EFFECTS ON BIOMASS AND NUTRIENT RETENTION IN PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS IN A FREE-WATER SURFACE CONSTRUCTED WETLAND IN WESTERN IRELAND","authors":"M. Healy, J. Newell, M. Rodgers","doi":"10.3318/BIOE.2007.107.3.139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3318/BIOE.2007.107.3.139","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal variation in biomass, total nitrogen (Tot-N) and total phosphorus (Tot-P) content of Phragmites australis in a three-cell, free-water surface (FWS) constructed wetland in western Ireland and to investigate the effects of harvesting on its biomass and nutrient content. One cell of the wetland was divided into two plots: one plot, measuring 80m² , was completely harvested on 16 June 2005, while the other plot, the control plot, remained uncut throughout the study duration. Completely randomised 0.64m² areas within each plot were harvested to water level at intervals of approximately one month over an eight-month study period, and the shoot biomass and nutrient content were measured. In the control plot, the plant biomass, total nitrogen and total phosphorus content peaked in August. In the June-cut plot, the shoot biomass, total nitrogen and total phosphorus content peaked in September. The mean rate of dry matter production, defined as the mean daily rate of dry matter production per unit area per day between harvests, attained maximum rates of 12.8g m ⁻²d⁻¹ and 4.2g m ⁻²d⁻¹ for the control and June-cut plots, respectively, indicating that annual harvesting of emergent vegetation may not have any beneficial effect on biomass production or nutrient content under Irish climatic conditions.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"58 1","pages":"139 - 145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82083827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract:Weeverfish are widely distributed venomous fish that inhabit shallow sandy waters ranging from Norway to Morocco and extending to the Black Sea. Despite the painful sting produced by their venom, we report the first indication of grey seals apparently specialising on this venomous prey. Weeverfish occurred in high numbers within 4% of seal scat samples (n = 149) collected between 2011 and 2013, from Wexford in southeast Ireland. The low frequency but relatively high abundance of weeverfish within the diet samples suggest that some grey seals may have developed a mechanism for specialisation through learned behaviour and/or acquired immunity to weeverfish toxins. The findings highlight potential for investigation into seal foraging behaviour and the mechanisms of venom avoidance.
{"title":"Evidence for prey specialisation on venomous weeverfish by grey seals","authors":"Gosch, Jessopp, Cronin, Rogan","doi":"10.3318/bioe.2019.07","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3318/bioe.2019.07","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:Weeverfish are widely distributed venomous fish that inhabit shallow sandy waters ranging from Norway to Morocco and extending to the Black Sea. Despite the painful sting produced by their venom, we report the first indication of grey seals apparently specialising on this venomous prey. Weeverfish occurred in high numbers within 4% of seal scat samples (n = 149) collected between 2011 and 2013, from Wexford in southeast Ireland. The low frequency but relatively high abundance of weeverfish within the diet samples suggest that some grey seals may have developed a mechanism for specialisation through learned behaviour and/or acquired immunity to weeverfish toxins. The findings highlight potential for investigation into seal foraging behaviour and the mechanisms of venom avoidance.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"88 1","pages":"71 - 74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82338363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.3318/BIOE.2004.104.1.75
D. Doherty, T. McCarthy
Abstract:Multivariate morphometric and meristic analyses of Irish Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus (L.) from Lough Eske, Co. Donegal, and Lough Mask, Co. Mayo, are presented. The analysis illustrated the monomorphic character of the two populations despite differences in growth and size between the 'stunted', slower-growing Lough Eske fish and the 'normal', faster-growing Lough Mask fish. The results are discussed in the context of other systems where sympatric morphs have been described. Differences in body size and growth rate appear to reflect the trophic status and the productivity of the two lakes. The results confirm earlier findings, which were based on dietary analysis and analysis of metazoan parasites of both Irish populations of Arctic char.
{"title":"Morphometric and Meristic Characteristics Analyses of Two Western Irish Populations of Arctic Char, Salvelinus alpinus (L.)","authors":"D. Doherty, T. McCarthy","doi":"10.3318/BIOE.2004.104.1.75","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3318/BIOE.2004.104.1.75","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:Multivariate morphometric and meristic analyses of Irish Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus (L.) from Lough Eske, Co. Donegal, and Lough Mask, Co. Mayo, are presented. The analysis illustrated the monomorphic character of the two populations despite differences in growth and size between the 'stunted', slower-growing Lough Eske fish and the 'normal', faster-growing Lough Mask fish. The results are discussed in the context of other systems where sympatric morphs have been described. Differences in body size and growth rate appear to reflect the trophic status and the productivity of the two lakes. The results confirm earlier findings, which were based on dietary analysis and analysis of metazoan parasites of both Irish populations of Arctic char.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"1 1","pages":"75 - 85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82342640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract:The hen harrier in Ireland has suffered a loss in numbers and distribution, primarily through habitat loss, and persecution. Further declines are possible if current issues (involving public opinion, forestry, wind farming and loss of traditional farming practices) are not addressed. Without public support or goodwill towards this, one of Ireland's rarest and most vulnerable birds of prey, it will be difficult to conserve both the population and its habitats. Education and awareness programmes regarding the hen harrier and upland wildlife in general should continue to be supported. Within Special Protection Areas, Appropriate Assessments of the potential impacts of further afforestation and wind-farming on hen harriers (and other species) appears necessary. Proactive steps can be taken with regard to forest biodiversity and structure with hen harriers in mind. Support should continue for those managing the upland landscape in ways that benefit the hen harrier and other wildlife.
{"title":"THE HEN HARRIER IN IRELAND: CONSERVATION ISSUES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY","authors":"B. O’Donoghue, Timothy A. O'Donoghue, F. King","doi":"10.1353/bae.2011.0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bae.2011.0006","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:The hen harrier in Ireland has suffered a loss in numbers and distribution, primarily through habitat loss, and persecution. Further declines are possible if current issues (involving public opinion, forestry, wind farming and loss of traditional farming practices) are not addressed. Without public support or goodwill towards this, one of Ireland's rarest and most vulnerable birds of prey, it will be difficult to conserve both the population and its habitats. Education and awareness programmes regarding the hen harrier and upland wildlife in general should continue to be supported. Within Special Protection Areas, Appropriate Assessments of the potential impacts of further afforestation and wind-farming on hen harriers (and other species) appears necessary. Proactive steps can be taken with regard to forest biodiversity and structure with hen harriers in mind. Support should continue for those managing the upland landscape in ways that benefit the hen harrier and other wildlife.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"14 1","pages":"83 - 93"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82402271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bernadette O’Neill, G. Keirse, D. Mcgrath, D. Brophy
Abstract:Meristic variation within a fish species can arise due to environmental factors and can aid investigation between fish stocks and closely related juvenile fish species. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial variation in meristic characteristics for juvenile flounder Platichthys flesus from Irish and Welsh coasts. Five meristic fin ray counts were taken from 120 fish from nursery grounds in three regions (west Irish coast, east Irish coast and Welsh coast). Statistical analysis revealed regional variability for two of the meristic counts (dorsal and anal fin rays). A discriminant function analysis revealed a weak separation of the three regions. This separation improved when samples from the east Irish region were eliminated, with 65% of the fish from the Irish west coast and 73% of the fish from Wales correctly classified.
{"title":"SCALES OF VARIABILITY IN FIN RAY COUNTS OF FLOUNDER, PLATICHTHYS FLESUS L. ON IRISH AND WELSH COASTS","authors":"Bernadette O’Neill, G. Keirse, D. Mcgrath, D. Brophy","doi":"10.3318/BIOE.2012.04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3318/BIOE.2012.04","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:Meristic variation within a fish species can arise due to environmental factors and can aid investigation between fish stocks and closely related juvenile fish species. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial variation in meristic characteristics for juvenile flounder Platichthys flesus from Irish and Welsh coasts. Five meristic fin ray counts were taken from 120 fish from nursery grounds in three regions (west Irish coast, east Irish coast and Welsh coast). Statistical analysis revealed regional variability for two of the meristic counts (dorsal and anal fin rays). A discriminant function analysis revealed a weak separation of the three regions. This separation improved when samples from the east Irish region were eliminated, with 65% of the fish from the Irish west coast and 73% of the fish from Wales correctly classified.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"14 1","pages":"185 - 191"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79854190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract:Uplands and peatlands are of high conservation importance and, while grazing animals are a key management tool for conservation, grazing-related damage can easily occur. Damage to European uplands is most notable in Britain and Ireland, where Scottish Blackface is the dominant hill sheep breed. Therefore, if conservation strategies that address concerns of grazing-related damage are to be strengthened, the Scottish Blackface is a good subject and a better understanding of their resource use would be advantageous. While previous habitat selection studies of hill sheep have depended on direct observation, this particular study uses Global Positioning System tracking collars to determine ewe locations. The study site is on a mountainside in western Ireland that is dominated by blanket bog (52.8%) and wet heath (35.3%). Habitat mapping and ewe range and resource selection analyses indicated that habitat selection was significant (P< 0.05), typically acid grassland is selected most followed by wet heath, with blanket bog habitats selected least. Seasonal variation in habitat selection was also evident. These results (1) corroborate the findings of previous work elsewhere on plant community/habitat selection and (2) provide additional information that can be used to strengthen existing or new hill grazing management models that are used to aid decision-making. In particular, management plans should take into consideration the availability (both in terms of total area and connectivity) of the preferred sheep habitats and specifically consider grazing pressure in and between those habitats.
{"title":"HABITAT SELECTION BY GRAZING ANIMALS IN HETEROGENEOUS ENVIRONMENTS: THE CASE OF HILL SHEEP IN WESTERN IRELAND","authors":"B. Williams, S. Walls, M. Walsh, M. Gormally","doi":"10.3318/BIOE.2012.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3318/BIOE.2012.16","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:Uplands and peatlands are of high conservation importance and, while grazing animals are a key management tool for conservation, grazing-related damage can easily occur. Damage to European uplands is most notable in Britain and Ireland, where Scottish Blackface is the dominant hill sheep breed. Therefore, if conservation strategies that address concerns of grazing-related damage are to be strengthened, the Scottish Blackface is a good subject and a better understanding of their resource use would be advantageous. While previous habitat selection studies of hill sheep have depended on direct observation, this particular study uses Global Positioning System tracking collars to determine ewe locations. The study site is on a mountainside in western Ireland that is dominated by blanket bog (52.8%) and wet heath (35.3%). Habitat mapping and ewe range and resource selection analyses indicated that habitat selection was significant (P< 0.05), typically acid grassland is selected most followed by wet heath, with blanket bog habitats selected least. Seasonal variation in habitat selection was also evident. These results (1) corroborate the findings of previous work elsewhere on plant community/habitat selection and (2) provide additional information that can be used to strengthen existing or new hill grazing management models that are used to aid decision-making. In particular, management plans should take into consideration the availability (both in terms of total area and connectivity) of the preferred sheep habitats and specifically consider grazing pressure in and between those habitats.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"10 1","pages":"267 - 283"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81741098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract:ABSTRACTA total of 41 sites used by breeding peregrines Falco peregrinus in Wicklow were monitored from 2008 to 2012. Details of reproductive activity and productivity were recorded to investigate whether performance was influenced by nest-site characteristics, raven Corvus corax presence and weather. On average, 26 territorial pairs were recorded each year, with mean productivity of 1.4 young fledged/territorial pair. Annual breeding success ranged from 47.4% to 95.7% (mean 70.0%). Mean annual density of territory-holding pairs was 1.47 pairs per 100km2 within a 1800km2 area in Wicklow. Most breeding attempts were on traditional upland and coastal cliffs, but quarries and lowland cliffs were important (41% of sites used). April rainfall adversely affected hatching success and, consequently, breeding success. The population was both stable and self-sustaining during this study. High levels of site occupancy and breeding success suggest limited availability of nest sites in Wicklow. Densities and productivity here compare favourably with studied populations elsewhere and suggest that the study area may be a net exporter of dispersing young peregrines to neighbouring areas. We discuss the likely importance of Wicklow for the peregrine population of Ireland. The negative interactions between ravens and peregrines, and the role of human disturbance in these interactions, warrant further investigation.
{"title":"Population status and factors affecting the productivity of peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus in County Wicklow, Ireland, 2008–2012","authors":"Burke, Clarke, Fitzpatrick, Carnus, Mcmahon","doi":"10.3318/BIOE.2015.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3318/BIOE.2015.11","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:ABSTRACTA total of 41 sites used by breeding peregrines Falco peregrinus in Wicklow were monitored from 2008 to 2012. Details of reproductive activity and productivity were recorded to investigate whether performance was influenced by nest-site characteristics, raven Corvus corax presence and weather. On average, 26 territorial pairs were recorded each year, with mean productivity of 1.4 young fledged/territorial pair. Annual breeding success ranged from 47.4% to 95.7% (mean 70.0%). Mean annual density of territory-holding pairs was 1.47 pairs per 100km2 within a 1800km2 area in Wicklow. Most breeding attempts were on traditional upland and coastal cliffs, but quarries and lowland cliffs were important (41% of sites used). April rainfall adversely affected hatching success and, consequently, breeding success. The population was both stable and self-sustaining during this study. High levels of site occupancy and breeding success suggest limited availability of nest sites in Wicklow. Densities and productivity here compare favourably with studied populations elsewhere and suggest that the study area may be a net exporter of dispersing young peregrines to neighbouring areas. We discuss the likely importance of Wicklow for the peregrine population of Ireland. The negative interactions between ravens and peregrines, and the role of human disturbance in these interactions, warrant further investigation.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"1 1","pages":"115 - 124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84278446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract:Previous studies of short-eared owl Asio flammeus (Pontoppidan) diet in Ireland have all been relatively small in scale and restricted in time. A total of 759 prey items were recovered and identified for this study during six winters (2005/2006-2010/2011). A further 271 prey items collected by the same authors in 2004/2005 for a previous study makes this the largest body of work on the prey of short-eared owls carried out in Ireland to date at 1030 prey items. Bird prey made up 55.9% by number and 83.1% by weight, and mammal prey made up 42.4% by number and 16.9% by weight. Thirteen invertebrates were also recovered. Dunlin Calidris alpina (L.) was the most frequently taken bird species, followed by snipe Gallinago gallinago (L.) and redshank Tringa totanus (L.). Together, these three wading birds formed 62.2% of prey by weight. Passerine birds were also taken, but only the thrush family (Turdus spp), collectively, was of any importance at 10.1% of prey by weight. The wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus (L.) was the most frequently taken mammal species (8.2% by weight), while smaller numbers of other rodents and shrews were taken. Dunlin was an important prey species up to February, but declined thereafter, while snipe and redshank remained important throughout the winter. Passerine birds were also taken throughout the period, but their overall contribution was lower than that of wading birds. Brown rats Rattus norvégiens (Berkenhout) and small mammals were taken throughout, but their monthly contribution was generally below 20%, except for one occasion in April in one year. Chi-square tests showed significant differences in some prey species and categories between months and years. While the reasons for some of the differences remain unknown, others are related to prey numbers available in any given month. There is also a suggestion that the severe winter of 2010/2011 influenced the higher than expected number of dunlin, and the lower than expected number of small mammals taken as prey in that winter.
{"title":"DIET OF SHORT-EARED OWLS ASIO FLAMMEUS OVER SEVEN WINTERS IN COUNTY CORK, IRELAND","authors":"Chris Cullen, P. Smiddy","doi":"10.3318/BIOE.2012.08","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3318/BIOE.2012.08","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:Previous studies of short-eared owl Asio flammeus (Pontoppidan) diet in Ireland have all been relatively small in scale and restricted in time. A total of 759 prey items were recovered and identified for this study during six winters (2005/2006-2010/2011). A further 271 prey items collected by the same authors in 2004/2005 for a previous study makes this the largest body of work on the prey of short-eared owls carried out in Ireland to date at 1030 prey items. Bird prey made up 55.9% by number and 83.1% by weight, and mammal prey made up 42.4% by number and 16.9% by weight. Thirteen invertebrates were also recovered. Dunlin Calidris alpina (L.) was the most frequently taken bird species, followed by snipe Gallinago gallinago (L.) and redshank Tringa totanus (L.). Together, these three wading birds formed 62.2% of prey by weight. Passerine birds were also taken, but only the thrush family (Turdus spp), collectively, was of any importance at 10.1% of prey by weight. The wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus (L.) was the most frequently taken mammal species (8.2% by weight), while smaller numbers of other rodents and shrews were taken. Dunlin was an important prey species up to February, but declined thereafter, while snipe and redshank remained important throughout the winter. Passerine birds were also taken throughout the period, but their overall contribution was lower than that of wading birds. Brown rats Rattus norvégiens (Berkenhout) and small mammals were taken throughout, but their monthly contribution was generally below 20%, except for one occasion in April in one year. Chi-square tests showed significant differences in some prey species and categories between months and years. While the reasons for some of the differences remain unknown, others are related to prey numbers available in any given month. There is also a suggestion that the severe winter of 2010/2011 influenced the higher than expected number of dunlin, and the lower than expected number of small mammals taken as prey in that winter.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"272 1","pages":"217 - 223"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72940026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.3318/BIOE.2009.109.3.175
M. Kelly, L. King, Bernadette Ní Chatháin
Abstract:Most member states of the EU have chosen to use existing diatom-based metrics for assessment of ecological status, as required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), rather than develop new methods. In this paper we assess the suitability of such methods in light of the requirements of the normative definitions of ecological status. In particular, we focus on the rationale for the placement of ecological-status boundaries. As the WFD defines ecological status in terms of the 'structure and functioning' of aquatic ecosystems, we interpret changes in the diatom assemblage in light of changes in entire phytobenthos. Whilst we believe that analysis of diatom assemblages is a sensible approach to developing a first generation of WFD-compatible tools, bearing in mind tight deadlines and limited budgets, the potential of non-diatoms should not be ignored when developing future methods.
{"title":"THE CONCEPTUAL BASIS OF ECOLOGICAL—STATUS ASSESSMENTS USING DIATOMS","authors":"M. Kelly, L. King, Bernadette Ní Chatháin","doi":"10.3318/BIOE.2009.109.3.175","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3318/BIOE.2009.109.3.175","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract:Most member states of the EU have chosen to use existing diatom-based metrics for assessment of ecological status, as required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), rather than develop new methods. In this paper we assess the suitability of such methods in light of the requirements of the normative definitions of ecological status. In particular, we focus on the rationale for the placement of ecological-status boundaries. As the WFD defines ecological status in terms of the 'structure and functioning' of aquatic ecosystems, we interpret changes in the diatom assemblage in light of changes in entire phytobenthos. Whilst we believe that analysis of diatom assemblages is a sensible approach to developing a first generation of WFD-compatible tools, bearing in mind tight deadlines and limited budgets, the potential of non-diatoms should not be ignored when developing future methods.","PeriodicalId":55370,"journal":{"name":"Biology and Environment-Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy","volume":"14 1","pages":"175 - 189"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75256972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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