Is body size of the water frog Rana esculenta complex responding to climate change?

Recent studies on climate responses in ectothermic (cold-blooded) vertebrates have been few in number and focussed on phenology rather than morphology. According to Bergmann’s rule, endothermic (warm-blooded) vertebrates from cooler climates tend to be larger than congeners from warmer regions. Although amphibians are ectothermic vertebrates, weather and climatic conditions may also impact on their morphology, and thereby affect their survival rates and population dynamics. In this paper, we show, in a unique long-term study during the period 1963–2003 in an agricultural landscape in western Poland, that the body length of two water frog parental species (males of both Rana ridibunda and R. lessonae) increased significantly. However, their hybridogenetic hybrid R. esculenta did not show similar changes. A significant relationship with a large-scale climatic factor, the winter North Atlantic Oscillation index, was found positive for R. ridibunda males and R. lessonae females, and negative for R. esculenta females. Our findings, the first for amphibians, are consistent with other studies reporting that recent climate change has affected the morphology of animals. However, we also show that changes in amphibian phenotype linked to climate may vary independently between (even very similar) species.     

Population dynamics and regulation in the cave salamander <Emphasis Type="Italic">Speleomantes strinatii</Emphasis>

Time series analysis has been used to evaluate the mechanisms regulating population dynamics of mammals and insects, but has been rarely applied to amphibian populations. In this study, the influence of endogenous (density-dependent) and exogenous (density-independent) factors regulating population dynamics of the terrestrial plethodontid salamander Speleomantes strinatii was analysed by means of time series and multiple regression analyses. During the period 1993–2005, S. strinatii population abundance, estimated by a standardised temporary removal method, displayed relatively low fluctuations, and the autocorrelation function (ACF) analysis showed that the time series had a noncyclic structure. The partial rate correlation function (PRCF) indicated that a strong first-order negative feedback dominated the endogenous dynamics. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the only climatic factor influencing population growth rate was the minimum winter temperature. Thus, at least during the study period, endogenous, density-dependent negative feedback was the main factor affecting the growth rate of the salamander population, whereas stochastic environmental variables, such as temperature and rainfall, seemed to play a minor role in regulation. These results stress the importance of considering both exogenous and endogenous factors when analysing amphibian long-term population dynamics.     

四川单季稻产量对气候变化的敏感性和脆弱性研究

基于1981—2012年25个四川气象台站气象观测数据和单季稻生产数据,建立单季稻产量变化和各气候要素变化的一元线性和逐步回归方程,探讨四川单季稻产量对单个气候要素及气候变化的敏感性与脆弱性,为科学开展适应行动提供基础信息。结果表明：四川单季稻产量随气温上升1 ℃、日较差升高1 ℃、降水量下降100 mm、辐射量下降100 MJ/m²发生了相应反应,部分地区的单季稻产量表现为脆弱,气温升高导致单季稻产量脆弱的地区最多,日较差次之,太阳辐射和降水量偏少;单季稻产量对抽穗至成熟期的气温升高和辐射下降最敏感,而对移栽至分蘖期的日较差升高最敏感。受到6种气候要素变化的综合影响,各站点单季稻产量对气候变化均表现为敏感,其中50%的地区表现为脆弱;单季稻产量对移栽至分蘖期和抽穗至成熟期的气候变化表现最敏感。不同地区、不同生育期内气候变化对单季稻产量的影响存在差异,因此,需要因地制宜地解决气候变化带来的不利影响,同时抓住水稻关键生育期有利的气候资源,有效地保障四川水稻的安全生产。     

Physiological response to etho-ecological stressors in male Alpine chamois: timescale matters!

From a life history perspective, glucocorticoids secreted by the neuroendocrine system, integrating different sources of stress through an adaptive feedback mechanism, may have important consequences on individual fitness. Although stress responses have been the object of several investigations, few studies have explored the role of proximate mechanisms responsible for the potential trade-offs between physiological stress and life history traits integrating social and environmental stressors. In 2011 and 2012, we collected data on faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) in a marked male population of Alpine chamois, within the Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy). Using a model selection approach we analysed the effect of potential etho-ecological stressors such as age, social status (territorial vs. non-territorial males), minimum temperature, snow depth and precipitation on FCM variation. To correctly interpret environmentally and socially induced stress responses, we conducted model selections over multiple temporal scales defined a priori: year, cold months, spring, warm months, mating season. Over the year, FCM levels showed a negative relationship with minimum temperature, but altogether, climatic stressors had negligible effects on glucocorticoid secretion, possibly owing to good adaptations of chamois to severe weather conditions. Age was negatively related to FCM during the rut, possibly due to greater experience of older males in agonistic contests. Social status was an important determinant of FCM excretion: while both the ‘stress of subordination’ and the ‘stress of domination’ hypotheses received some support in spring and during the mating season, respectively, previous data suggest that only the latter may have detrimental fitness consequences on male chamois.     

Effects of seasonal climatic variability on several toxic contaminants in urban lakes: Implications for the impacts of climate change

Climate change is supposed to have influences on water quality and ecosystem. However, only few studies have assessed the effect of climate change on environmental toxic contaminants in urban lakes. In this research, response of several toxic contaminants in twelve urban lakes in Beijing, China, to the seasonal variations in climatic factors was studied. Fluorides, volatile phenols, arsenic, selenium, and other water quality parameters were analyzed monthly from2009 to 2012. Multivariate statistical methods including principle component analysis, cluster analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed to study the relationship between contaminants and climatic factors including temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and sunshine duration. Fluoride and arsenic concentrations in most urban lakes exhibited a significant positive correlation with temperature/precipitation, which is mainly caused by rainfall induced diffuse pollution. A negative correlation was observed between volatile phenols and temperature/precipitation, and this could be explained by their enhanced volatilization and biodegradation rates caused by higher temperature. Selenium did not show a significant response to climatic factor variations, which was attributed to low selenium contents in the lakes and soils. Moreover, the response degrees of contaminants to climatic variations differ among lakes with different contamination levels. On average, temperature/precipitation contributed to 8%, 15%, and 12% of the variations in volatile phenols, arsenic, and fluorides,respectively. Beijing is undergoing increased temperature and heavy rainfall frequency during the past five decades. This study suggests that water quality related to fluoride and arsenic concentrations of most urban lakes in Beijing is becoming worse under this climate change trend.     

Conditions controlling the onset of breeding migration of the Japanese mountain stream frog, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rana sakuraii</Emphasis>

I studied the conditions controlling the timing of breeding migration of the Japanese mountain stream frog Rana sakuraii, an explosive breeder, over 9 years (1992, 1993 and 1999–2005). I analysed two factors: the daily cumulative temperature (DCT) during hibernation and the triggering temperature on the day of migration onset. Frogs hibernated in shallow running water in streams in December. A total of 53,155 breeding migrating adults were captured by traps. Every year, breeding migration was induced by a rise in daily maximum water temperature to about 5°C. However, its date was limited to 1 February at the earliest, and the onset needed a DCT (from 20 January, using 3°C as the threshold for daily effective temperature) of at least about 15°C. Earlier (e.g. in mid- or late January), even if the maximum temperature rose to 5–8°C, migration did not begin. Moreover, even in early February, if the maximum temperature rose to 5°C, if it had been too cold in January and the DCT was low, migration would not begin until mid- or late February. Thus, the earliest date of readiness for migration varied from 1 February to mid-February, depending on the winter DCT. Logistic regression analyses showed that both factors, the DCT and the daily temperature, were significant. I propose that in temperate-zone amphibian explosive breeders, both the passing of an essential number of days and an essential DCT during hibernation are prerequisites for the onset of breeding migration before the daily temperature rises to the threshold.     

Colour change in a structural ornament is related to individual quality,parasites and mating patterns in the blue tit

Carry-over effects refer to processes that occur in one season and influence fitness in the following. In birds, two costly activities, namely reproduction and moult, are restricted to a small time window, and sometimes overlap. Thus, colour in newly moulted feathers is likely to be affected by the costs of reproduction. Using models of bird vision we investigated male colour change in a free-living population of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) in three sampling occasions: spring 1, winter and spring 2. We related crown, tail, breast and cheek feather colouration after the moult (winter) to the intensity of infections by blood parasites during reproduction (spring 1). In the following spring (spring 2), we explored mating patterns with respect to changes in feather colour (springs 1 vs. 2). Males that were less intensely infected by the malaria parasite Plasmodium while breeding showed purer white cheek feathers in winter, which may indicate higher feather quality. Increased brightness in the white cheek was associated with better body condition during reproduction. In the following season, males with brighter cheeks paired with females that had noticeably brighter cheek patches compared to the male’s previous mate. These results suggest that the conditions experienced during reproduction are likely to affect moult and thus feather colouration, at least in the white patch. High quality individuals may allocate resources efficiently during reproduction increasing future reproductive success through variation in mating patterns. Carry-over effects from reproduction might extend not only to the non-breeding phase, but also to the following breeding season.     

Drought adaptation in rural eastern Oklahoma in the 1930s: lessons for climate change adaptation research

In the mid-1930s, eastern Oklahoma, USA, suffered an unusually harsh mixture of droughts and extreme rainfall events that led to widespread crop failure over several years. These climatic conditions coincided with low commodity prices, agricultural restructuring and general economic collapse, creating tremendous hardship in rural and agriculturally dependent areas. Using a previously developed typology of agricultural adaptation, this paper reports empirical research conducted to identify the ways by which the rural population of Sequoyah County adapted to such conditions. Particular attention is given to categorizing the scale at which adaptation occurred, the actors involved and the constraints to implementation. The findings identify successes and opportunities missed by public policy makers, and suggest possible entry points for developing adaptation strategies for current and future, analogous situations that may arise as a result of climate change.     

基于气候指标评估气候变化对海南旅游的影响

基于1965-2012 年海南5 市(县)气象站的逐日观测数据,构建一个新旅游气候指标,用以定量评估海南各地区的旅游气候资源,并考察其对气候变化的响应特征。结果表明:①近48 a 来各市县理想旅游条件频率以波动下降趋势为主;全年三亚限制旅游的主导因子是风,其余地区是体感温度;除了五指山理想条件频率呈单峰型季节分布外,其余地区为双峰型。②冬季到初春气候变暖对三亚影响不大,但将明显改善其他地区旅游气候条件;除五指山外,气候变暖将使其他地区夏季、初秋旅游条件处于劣势。全年来看气候变暖对海口、三亚与昌江的旅游舒适度弊大于利。③三亚、琼海及昌江夏季、初秋若湿度加大,将有利于提高旅游舒适度,这与降水频次有关;冬季湿度加大也助于改善五指山的旅游条件。④所构建的定量指标可较好表征海南各地旅游气候资源状况,并可评估其对气候变化的响应特征。统计分析表明旅游气候条件与气候变化、地理环境密切相关。     

近50 a来海南岛不同气候区气候变化特征研究

利用均匀分布在海南岛的7个国家标准气象站1959-2008年温度和降水资料以及海南岛气候区划成果,研究海南岛近50 a来不同气候区的气候变化特征,结果显示:近50 a来海南岛各气候区的温度总体呈上升趋势,并以东北区及西南区温度上升最为明显,其次是中部山区、东南区和西北区。在年际尺度上,不同温度指标的增幅大小排列为:年平均最低温度(T_min)>年平均温度(T_mean)>年平均最高温度(T_max)。在季节尺度上为:秋季和冬季>春季和夏季。不同气候区各季节的增温幅度地区间差异与年际尺度相似。各气候区的年平均温度都有突变发生。其中,西南区的突变时间为1972-1974年,西北区为1979年,东北区为1987年,东南区为1985-1990年,中部山区为1990年。各气候区累年平均降水量差异较大,以中部山区降水最为丰沛,西南区相对较少;各气候区在年际尺度上的降水波动较大,除西南区外,年降水量距平都未通过P<0.05的显著性检验。干季和湿季的降水量对年降水总量的贡献率以湿季最大,为80%,干季较小,为20%;干季多小雨,湿季多大雨。在干季,中部山区降水的贡献率最大,其他气候区相对较小,而湿季却相反。各气候区大雨和暴雨的降水量约占年降水总量的50%;西南区为大暴雨及特大暴雨多发地区。     

Diverse migration strategies in hoopoes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Upupa epops</Emphasis>) lead to weak spatial but strong temporal connectivity

The annual cycle of migrating birds is shaped by their seasonal movements between breeding and non-breeding sites. Studying how migratory populations are linked throughout the annual cycle—migratory connectivity, is crucial to understanding the population dynamics of migrating bird species. This requires the consideration not only of spatial scales as has been the main focus to date but also of temporal scales: only when both aspects are taken into account, the degree of migratory connectivity can be properly defined. We investigated the migration behaviour of hoopoes (Upupa epops) from four breeding populations across Europe and characterised migration routes to and from the breeding grounds, location of non-breeding sites and the timing of key migration events. Migration behaviour was found to vary both within and amongst populations, and even though the spatial migratory connectivity amongst the populations was weak, temporal connectivity was strong with differences in timing amongst populations, but consistent timing within populations. The combination of diverse migration routes within populations and co-occurrence on the non-breeding grounds between populations might promote exchange between breeding populations. As a result, it might make hoopoes and other migrating bird species with similar strategies more resilient to future habitat or climatic changes and stabilise population trends.     

Impact of climate change: an empirical investigation of Malaysian rice production

This paper examines the possible impact of climate change on Malaysian rice production. Using the Ricardian Method and farm household data, we have examined the effects on rice producers focusing on sharecropper adaptations and ecological causes. The principle goal of this research paper is to investigate the impact of climate variables such as temperature, rainfall and precipitation on rice production during main and off seasons, in Kedah, Malaysia. The main purpose of this paper is to examine how climate change affects the net income of paddy farmers in the study area. The statistically significant results show that temperature, rainfall, farm size, educational knowledge, land area and value of labour input have an impact on rice production per hectare revealing potential impacts of climate vulnerability on Malaysian agriculture. The results showed that net revenue increased by Ringgit Malaysia (RM 1= $0.3277) 4.78 per hectare throughout the main seasons as a result of minimal increase in the temperature while there is a decrease of RM 3.02 in the net revenue per hectare during off seasons. During the off season, rainfall increased revenue per hectare by RM 1.32 and during the main season it reduced revenue per hectare by RM 1.01. The evidence from this study may be useful for Malaysian policymakers to facilitate greater preventive measures during the main and off-seasons to counteract climate uncertainty and vulnerability.     

Explanative power of variables used in species distribution modelling: an issue of general model transferability or niche shift in the invasive Greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris)

The use of species distribution models (SDMs) to predict potential distributions of species is steadily increasing. A necessary assumption when projecting models throughout space or time is that climatic niches are conservative, but recent findings of niche shifts during biological invasion of particular plant and animal species have indicated that this assumption is not categorically valid. One reason for observed shifts may relate to variable selection for modelling. In this study, we assess differences in climatic niches in the native and invasive ranges of the Greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris). We analyze which variables are more ‘conserved’ in comparison to more ‘relaxed’ variables (i.e. subject to niche shift) and how they influence transferability of SDMs developed with Maxent on the basis of ten bioclimatic layers best describing the climatic requirements of the target species. We focus on degrees of niche similarity and conservatism using Schoener's index and Hellinger distance. Significance of results are tested with null models. Results indicate that the degrees of niche similarity and conservatism vary greatly among the predictive variables. Some shifts can be attributed to active habitat selection, whereas others apparently reflect variation in the availability of climate conditions or biotic interactions between the frogs' native and invasive ranges. Patterns suggesting active habitat selection also vary among variables. Our findings evoke considerable implications on the transferability of SDMs over space and time, which is strongly affected by the choice and number of predictors. The incorporation of ‘relaxed’ predictors not or only indirectly correlated with biologically meaningful predictors may lead to erroneous predictions when projecting SDMs. We recommend thorough assessments of invasive species' ecology for the identification biologically meaningful predictors facilitating transferability.     

1901—2017年藏西南高原气候及其生产潜力时空变化

研究全球变暖背景下藏西南高原气候及气候生产潜力时空分布,对该区农牧业发展、生态保护和可持续发展等具有重要意义。基于1901—2017年的中国气象再分析数据,利用Miami和Thornthwaite Memorial模型对近117年藏西南高原气候变化、气候生产潜力的时空分布及影响因素进行了分析。结果表明：近117年来藏西南高原年均温呈上升趋势,年均降水量呈下降趋势,并存在明显周期和突变点;温度生产潜力呈增加趋势,空间上自东南向西北递减;降水、蒸散和标准生产潜力呈减小趋势,呈现自南向北递减的空间分布特征;标准生产潜力由降水和温度共同决定,降水是主要限制因子。未来气候若持续“暖干化”变化,将导致藏西南高原气候生产潜力下降。为促进畜牧业发展和生态环境的改善,未来应进一步推进退牧还草、人工种草、舍饲养殖等工程,并选用耐寒耐旱高产草种,提高牧草产量,实现草畜平衡,以推动传统畜牧业向现代牧业转变,实现草原生态保护和可持续发展。     

连续极端降雨对东江流域水质影响分析

为研究连续极端降雨对饮用水源型河流东江水质的影响,分析流域近38年极端降雨事件发生特征,并结合水文水质数据初步分析其对水质的影响.基于SWAT2012建立东江流域高精度模型,研究极端降雨过程中主要污染物通量变化过程及其对水质的影响.结果表明,东江流域近38年极端降雨事件共发生173次,丰水年频次要高于其他年份,年内受气候影响主要集中在3～9月(80%),峰值主要出现在降雨量最高的6月;在空间上增城-博罗-惠州-龙门一带极端事件发生频率最高.降雨量与浊度、TP、氰化物、Pb、Fe和Mn的浓度值均呈显著正相关,其中与浊度、TP的相关系数相对较高,与p H、电导率和Zn的浓度值等呈极显著负相关,水质在一定程度上受到降雨的影响.浊度、TN、NH4+-N及TP浓度值均在暴雨径流期出现不同程度的上升趋势,其中浊度和TP浓度值变化趋势与流量呈显著一致,其峰值出现要早于流量峰值(约1 d),存在显著初期冲刷效应; p H变化过程则与流量相反,成"V"字形,可能是受上游山区降雨、土壤酸碱度及产汇流条件影响; NH4+-N受初期冲刷及洁净雨水稀释则呈现前期高,中后期低的特征.污染物负荷与径流量变化趋势较为一致,TN、NH4+-N及TP污染通量峰值要晚于(约1d)流量峰值的出现,这与污染物浓度峰值出现规律不同;污染物负荷主要在暴雨径流期呈现明显增加趋势,以59. 48%的径流量输送污染物占比达到了:COD 68. 42%、NH4+-N 54. 68%和TP 70. 20%,呈现时间短、污染物负荷冲击强等特点,对东江饮用水源水质造成较大的影响,建议通过强化初期雨水治理减少暴雨径流期对水质风险的影响.     

Tree rings,a record of seasonal variations in past climate

The width and other characteristics of the growth layers in trees provide valuable information on past variations in climate. Not only can past climate be deduced from past growth, but computers can be used to calibrate the tree growth with climate and to obtain quantitative estimates or reconstructions of the climatic variables in the past from the measurements of ring widths. Large arrays of many tree-ring chronologies exhibit large-scale spatial anomalies in growth. These anomalies can be converted by means of the calibration equations into large-scale reconstructions of spatial anomalies in climate. In this way a map is produced of climatic conditions for individual seasons within each year as far back in time as tree-ring data are available for the sites used for calibration. Some of the biological and physical phenomena that influence the climatic records are described, and the unique opportunities provided by tree-ring analysis of climate are summarized.     

中中新世气候适宜期西北内陆干旱区气候演化特征

中中新世气候适宜期是距离现今最近的一个未受人类活动影响的气候适宜阶段,现有记录大多显示全球在中中新世气候适宜期期间气候以暖湿为特征。我国西北内陆干旱区作为北半球中纬度面积最大的干旱带的重要组成部分,其气候如何响应全球中中新世气候适宜期的气候变化对预测全球变暖背景下西北内陆干旱区气候变化趋势及实现生态建设具有重要的指导意义。本文总结了西北内陆干旱区具有年代控制的15个剖面的孢粉、同位素、磁化率等19项记录,并选取各记录中指示意义明确的气候代用指标进行集成、分析,发现多数剖面在中中新世气候适宜期的不同时段出现了湿润化特征,但湿润化的出现、结束时间不同,自西向东,湿润事件结束(或适宜期后干旱化增强事件出现)的时间变晚。推测西北内陆干旱区中中新世气候适宜期的气候演化主要受全球气候变化影响,但湿润事件结束或适宜期后干旱化增强事件出现及其呈现出的时空差异则受区域构造活动及气候系统等因素控制。     

广西邦亮东黑冠长臂猿栖息地的气候资源分析

气候资源是影响动物行为、发育、存活、繁殖与分布等的重要因子。为了探明广西邦亮东黑冠长臂猿栖息地的气候环境特征,对其栖息地附近县(乡)的主要气象要素进行统计与分析。结果表明:广西邦亮东黑冠长臂猿栖息地年均日照时数为1 521.8小时,月变幅为25.44%;年均气温为19.1℃,最冷月平均气温为11.0℃,最热月平均气温为25.0℃;年均降雨量为1 606.3 mm,月变幅为86.05%;年均蒸发量为1 507.1 mm,月变幅为28.06%;年均相对湿度为80%,月变幅为2.60%;年均风速为1.5 m/s,月变幅为15.4%。     

Living within fallen palm leaves: the discovery of an unknown Blommersia (Mantellidae: Anura) reveals a new reproductive strategy in the amphibians of Madagascar

We describe a new mantelline frog of the genus Blommersia found in rainforest in North East Madagascar, from the protected areas of Ambatovaky, Betampona, Masoala, and Zahamena. Blommersia angolafa n.sp. is a small frog, with a body size of 17–21 mm, expanded finger and toe tips, and colouration ranging from yellow to dark brown, with pale-bluish spots on the flanks and light tips of fingers and toes. A peculiar aspect characterising this new species is its novel life history and reproductive mode. Both sexes live and breed in a phytotelmic habitat of water accumulated within fallen prophylls and fallen leaf sheaths of at least three species of Dypsis palms. Within these phytotelmata, egg laying and complete larval development occur. Thus, B. angolafa n.sp. represents a new evolutionary lineage of Malagasy frogs in which phytotelmy is known. Up to now, reproduction in phytotelmata in Malagasy frogs has been reported for many cophyline microhylids, most species of Guibemantis, Mantella laevigata, and possibly in a still-undescribed species belonging to the genus Spinomantis. We consider the reproductive mode of B. angolafa as a derived character, having evolved from the more typical reproduction in lentic water bodies. The general scarcity of lentic habitats in Malagasy rainforests may have provided the conditions that favoured the evolution of this phytotelmic breeding strategy. The new species, being specialised to a habitat represented by a few selected Dypsis species, potentially suffers the selective exploitation of these palms.     

Farm management decision and response to climate variability and change in Côte d’Ivoire

This paper investigates threats to farm management in the northern and central region of Côte d’Ivoire, with a particular focus on climate-related threats. To this end, farmers’ perception and adaptation strategies for climate change have been analyzed. The data were collected from 205 respondents by means of the Focus Groups method, and they were evaluated using a framework analysis. The main reported threats related to the implementation of farming activities are the high cost of inputs and the lack of technical support, which are followed by diseases, insects, and climate variations (scarcity of rains, strong winds, and high temperature). We find that most farmers have a strong perception of changes in climatic conditions. Their perceived impacts on the local environment through evidences like the disappearance of certain farming practices, occurrence of new insects, and the disruption of key time reference periods. Farmers mainly attempt to adapt by adjusting their agricultural calendar, adopting new short-season varieties, and using mixed cropping. We find that the most influential factors for farmers’ adaptation behavior is lack of contact with extension services and the scarcity of rainfall. Our suggestions for future agricultural policies for better adaptation to climate change are to take into account farmers’ perception, to provide suitable climate forecast, and to improve local technical support.