ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5315-2997
Current Organisations
Institute of Zoology of the Zoological Society of London
,
University of Exeter
,
Deakin University
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Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 09-2018
Abstract: Researchers are increasingly studying carbon (C) storage by natural ecosystems for climate mitigation, including coastal ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems. Unfortunately, little guidance on how to achieve robust, cost-effective estimates of blue C stocks to inform inventories exists. We use existing data (492 cores) to develop recommendations on the s ling effort required to achieve robust estimates of blue C. Using a broad-scale, spatially explicit dataset from Victoria, Australia, we applied multiple spatial methods to provide guidelines for reducing variability in estimates of soil C stocks over large areas. With a separate dataset collected across Australia, we evaluated how many s les are needed to capture variability within soil cores and the best methods for extrapolating C to 1 m soil depth. We found that 40 core s les are optimal for capturing C variance across 1000's of kilometres but higher density s ling is required across finer scales (100–200 km). Accounting for environmental variation can further decrease required s ling. The within core analyses showed that nine s les within a core capture the majority of the variability and log-linear equations can accurately extrapolate C. These recommendations can help develop standardized methods for s ling programmes to quantify soil C stocks at national scales.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-08-2017
DOI: 10.1002/RSE2.59
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-10-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DDI.12270
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 17-12-2012
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 04-11-2019
Abstract: Long-term baselines on bio ersity change through time are crucial to inform conservation decision-making in bio ersity hotspots, but environmental archives remain unavailable for many regions. Extensive palaeontological, zooarchaeological and historical records and indigenous knowledge about past environmental conditions exist for China, a mega erse country experiencing large-scale bio ersity loss, but their potential to understand past human-caused faunal turnover is not fully assessed. We investigate a series of complementary environmental archives to evaluate the quality of the Holocene–historical faunal record of Hainan Island, China's southernmost province, for establishing new baselines on postglacial mammalian ersity and extinction dynamics. Synthesis of multiple archives provides an integrated model of long-term bio ersity change, revealing that Hainan has experienced protracted and ongoing human-caused depletion of its mammal fauna from prehistory to the present, and that past baselines can inform practical conservation management. However, China's Holocene–historical archives exhibit substantial incompleteness and bias at regional and country-wide scales, with limited taxonomic representation especially for small-bodied species, and poor s ling of high-elevation landscapes facing current-day climate change risks. Establishing a clearer understanding of the quality of environmental archives in threatened ecoregions, and their ability to provide a meaningful understanding of the past, is needed to identify future conservation-relevant historical research priorities. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘The past is a foreign country: how much can the fossil record actually inform conservation?’
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-03-2021
DOI: 10.1111/COBI.13715
Abstract: The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species (RLS) is the key global tool for objective, repeatable assessment of species’ extinction risk status, and plays an essential role in tracking bio ersity loss and guiding conservation action. Satellite remote sensing (SRS) data sets on global ecosystem distributions and functioning show exciting potential for informing range‐based RLS assessment, but their incorporation has been restricted by low temporal resolution and coverage of data sets, lack of incorporation of degradation‐driven habitat loss, and noninclusion of assumptions related to identification of changing habitat distributions for taxa with varying habitat dependency and ecologies. For poorly known mangrove‐associated Cuban hutias ( Mesocapromys spp.), we tested the impact of possible assumptions regarding these issues on range‐based RLS assessment outcomes. Specifically, we used annual (1985–2018) Landsat data and land‐cover classification and habitat degradation analyses across different internal time series slices to simulate range‐based RLS assessments for our case study taxa to explore potential assessment uncertainty arising from temporal SRS data set coverage, incorporating proxies of (change in) habitat quality, and assumptions on spatial scaling of habitat extent for RLS parameter generation. We found extensive variation in simulated species‐specific range‐based RLS assessments, and this variation was mostly associated with the time series over which parameters were estimated. However, results of some species‐specific assessments differed by up to 3 categories (near threatened to critically endangered) within the same time series, due to the effects of incorporating habitat quality and the spatial scaling used in RLS parameter estimation. Our results showed that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to incorporating SRS information in RLS assessment is inappropriate, and we urge caution in conducting range‐based assessments with SRS for species for which habitat dependence on specific ecosystem types is incompletely understood. We propose novel revisions to parameter spatial scaling guidelines to improve integration of existing time series data on ecosystem change into the RLS assessment process.
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 30-04-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2018
Abstract: Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, provide key ecosystem services for climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, combined anthropogenic activities and climatic change‐driven sea level rise ( SLR ) pose a severe threat to their global persistence, and to the continued delivery of these services. Mangrove vulnerability to SLR depends upon capacity for both resilience (landward migration) and resistance (maintained functioning with the existing distribution), which are in turn hindered by extractive activities and coastal infrastructure development. Limited landscape‐scale data availability means existing SLR vulnerability assessment frameworks lack rigorous quantification of these discrete processes. Here we develop and implement a novel multi‐product (multispectral, microwave, derived‐product) open‐access satellite remote sensing approach to assess both coastal ecosystem SLR resilience and resistance capacity in multiple mangrove sites across the world, and landscape‐level and anthropogenic factors driving these capacities. Our approach allows comparative ranking of resilience and resistance capacities across sites, based on relative observed ecosystem change (biomass, distribution) and in constraints to these two components of SLR vulnerability. We observe mostly low SLR resilience and resistance across our case study sites. Furthermore, we find that site‐specific resilience and resistance capacities and constraints can be highly incongruent, highlighting the importance of comprehensive SLR vulnerability monitoring for effective management. High within‐site variation was also detected in resilience and resistance capacities and their constraints. This underlines the importance of spatially explicit monitoring at extensive spatial scales to inform decision making. The methodology developed and repeat‐pass imagery employed adds to the remote monitoring and assessment toolkit for adaptive coastal ecosystem management under SLR , providing a new approach to inform conservation and management priority assessments in data‐deficient regions.
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2016.05.049
Abstract: Mangroves provide vital climate change mitigation and adaptation (CCMA) ecosystem services (ES), yet have suffered extensive tropics-wide declines. To mitigate losses, rehabilitation is high on the conservation agenda. However, the relative functionality and ES delivery of rehabilitated mangroves in different intertidal locations is rarely assessed. In a case study from Panay Island, Philippines, using field- and satellite-derived methods, we assess carbon stocks and coastal protection potential of rehabilitated low-intertidal seafront and mid- to upper-intertidal abandoned (leased) fishpond areas, against reference natural mangroves. Due to large sizes and appropriate site conditions, targeted abandoned fishpond reversion to former mangrove was found to be favourable for enhancing CCMA in the coastal zone. In a municipality-specific case study, 96.7% of abandoned fishponds with high potential for effective greenbelt rehabilitation had favourable tenure status for reversion. These findings have implications for coastal zone management in Asia in the face of climate change.
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 26-05-2014
Abstract: Deserts are among the most poorly monitored and understood biomes in the world, with evidence suggesting that their bio ersity is declining fast. Oil exploration and exploitation can constitute an important threat to fragmented and remnant desert bio ersity, yet little is known about where and how intensively such developments are taking place. This lack of information hinders local efforts to adequately buffer and protect desert wildlife against encroachment from anthropogenic activity. Here, we investigate the use of freely available satellite imagery for the detection of features associated with oil exploration in the African Sahelo-Saharan region. We demonstrate how texture analyses combined with Landsat data can be employed to detect ground-validated exploration sites in Algeria and Niger. Our results show that site detection via supervised image classification and prediction is generally accurate. One surprising outcome of our analyses is the relatively high level of site omission errors in Niger (43%), which appears to be due to non-detection of potentially small-scale, temporary exploration activity: we believe the repeated implementation of our framework could reduce the severity of potential methodological limitations. Overall, our study provides a methodological basis for the mapping of anthropogenic threats associated with oil exploitation that can be conducted across desert regions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2016
Abstract: 1. Essential Bio ersity Variable, Natural Capital, Bio ersity Indicator and Ecosystem Service are four concepts that underpin the most popular frameworks currently considered for helping to coordinate and structure bio ersity monitoring efforts worldwide. Satellite Remote Sensing ( SRS ) has considerable potential to inform these initiatives. To date, however, discussions on the role of SRS in supporting these frameworks have mostly evolved independently tend to be led by different groups sometimes target slightly different scales and are likely to reach different audiences. Because of this, there is some confusion among environmental managers and policymakers as to what the potential of SRS is or whether there is prospect in considering and promoting the use of satellite data for bio ersity conservation. 2. Here, we provide a brief overview of the role of SRS to date in informing these frameworks. Through a case study focused on the Sahara Desert ecosystem, we also demonstrate the current potential for SRS ‐based methodologies to support conservation in data‐deficient areas and discuss the relative applicability of SRS ‐based metrics to each of these frameworks. 3. The relevance and use of SRS across the four frameworks are clearly variable, due to differences and ambiguity in definitions, and due to differences in monitoring priorities. Our case study illustrates the particularly high potential for SRS approaches to provide key information relevant to the Bio ersity Indicators framework in desert ecosystems it also identifies SRS ‐based metrics relevant to all frameworks. 4. Altogether, this work highlights how more dialogue is required within the bio ersity‐monitoring community for SRS to reach its full potential in conservation. In particular, agreement on what is needed in priority, given the realm of what is possible, will be of paramount importance to developing SRS ‐based products that are used by policymakers and international conventions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-08-2015
DOI: 10.1002/RSE2.6
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-07-2015
DOI: 10.1002/RSE2.5
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 18-01-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-07-2020
DOI: 10.1111/COBI.13520
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2015
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 22-10-2015
Abstract: Ecosystem services (ES) approaches to bio ersity conservation are currently high on the ecological research and policy agendas. However, despite a wealth of studies into bio ersity's role in maintaining ES (B–ES relationships) across landscapes, we still lack generalities in the nature and strengths of these linkages. Reasons for this are manifold, but can largely be attributed to (i) a lack of adherence to definitions and thus a confusion between final ES and the ecosystem functions (EFs) underpinning them, (ii) a focus on uninformative bio ersity indices and singular hypotheses and (iii) top-down analyses across large spatial scales and overlooking of context-dependency. The bio ersity–ecosystem functioning (B–EF) field provides an alternate context for examining bio ersity's mechanistic role in shaping ES, focusing on species' characteristics that may drive EFs via multiple mechanisms across contexts. Despite acknowledgements of a need for B–ES research to look towards underlying B–EF linkages, the connections between these areas of research remains weak. With this review, we pull together recent B–EF findings to identify key areas for future developments in B–ES research. We highlight a means by which B–ES research may begin to identify how and when multiple underlying B–EF relationships may scale to final ES delivery and trade-offs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2021
DOI: 10.1002/RSE2.239
Abstract: We are in the midst of a revolution in satellite technology, with the rapid development and advancement of small satellites (or SmallSats, i.e., satellites kg). Here, we review the opportunities and challenges that such technology might afford in the field of conservation and ecology. SmallSat constellations may yield higher resolutions than those that are currently available to scientists and practitioners, increasing opportunities to improve environmental‐monitoring and animal‐tracking capabilities. They may cut access costs to end users, by reducing operational costs and bringing increased competition to the existing market. Their greater flexibility and affordability may moreover enable the development of bespoke constellations for specific conservation and ecological applications, and provide greater interoperability with ground‐based sensors, such as tracking devices and camera traps. In addition, SmallSats may serve as cost‐effective research and development platforms for new components and products. Combined, these benefits could significantly improve our ability to monitor threats to the environment as they unfold, while enhancing our understanding of animal ecology and ecosystem dynamics. However, significant hardware and software developments are required before such technology is able to produce, process and handle reliable and cost‐effective data, and the initial research and development costs still represent a major challenge. Further, we argue that much remains to be done to ensure these new data products become accessible, equitable and sustainable.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 12-02-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPEDSURG.2022.10.030
Abstract: The implementation of multidisciplinary care and improvements in parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) have led to better outcomes and higher survivability. Autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive (AGIR) surgery can reduce the duration on PN and lead to earlier enteral autonomy (EA). Our aim was to investigate the effect of SBS aetiology and other predictors on the achievement of enteral autonomy following AGIR surgery. Retrospective review of all patients undergoing AGIR surgery in two tertiary paediatric surgical units, between 2010 and 2021. Continuous data is presented as median (range). Twenty-seven patients underwent 29 AGIR procedures (20 serial transverse enteroplasties (STEP), 9 longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (LILT)) at an age of 6.6 months (1.5 - 104.5). EA rate was 44% at 13.6 months after surgery (1 - 32.8). AGIR procedures achieved an increase in small bowel length of 70% (pre-operative 46.5 vs 77 cm, p = 0.003). No difference was found between STEP and LILT (p = 0.84). Percentage of expected small bowel length (based on the child's weight) was a strong predictor of EA (bowel length >15% - EA 80% vs bowel length ≤15% - EA 17%, p = 0.008). A diagnosis of gastroschisis showed a negative non-significant correlation with the ability to achieve EA (25% vs 60%, p = 0.12). Overall survival rate was 96%. AGIR surgery is an important tool in the multidisciplinary management of children with SBS. Percentage of expected small length and aetiology of SBS are likely predictors of achievement of EA in patients undergoing AGIR surgery. IV: Retrospective Case-Series.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-09-2017
DOI: 10.1002/AJP.22593
Abstract: For Critically Endangered "species of extreme rarity," there is an urgent need to clarify the potential survival of remnant populations. Such populations can be difficult to detect using standard field methods. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) represents an important alternative source of information, but anecdotal reports of rare or possibly extinct species can contain uncertainty and error. The Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus), the world's rarest primate species, is confirmed to only survive as a tiny remnant population in Bawangling National Nature Reserve, China, but unverified gibbon sightings have been reported from other forest areas on Hainan. We conducted a large-scale community interview survey to gather new data on patterns of primate LEK from 709 respondents around seven reserves across Hainan, to investigate the possibility of gibbon survival outside Bawangling and assess whether LEK can provide useful information for conservation management of cryptic remnant populations. Comparative LEK data for gibbons and macaques are consistent with independent data on the relative status of these species across Hainan. Local awareness and experience of gibbons was low across Hainan, including at Bawangling, but we recorded recent anecdotal gibbon reports from most reserves. A follow-up field survey at Limushan Provincial Nature Reserve did not detect gibbons, however, and documented intensive wildlife exploitation within this reserve. All other surveyed landscapes showed some statistically lower levels of respondent awareness, experience, or sighting histories of gibbons compared to Bawangling, and are therefore considered biologically unlikely to support gibbons. Unverified LEK data can provide important insights into the possible status of cryptic remnant populations when assessed carefully and critically in relation to data from known populations.
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 22-06-2015
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 10-03-2021
Abstract: Preventing extinctions requires understanding macroecological patterns of vulnerability or persistence. However, correlates of risk can be nonlinear, within-species risk varies geographically, and current-day threats cannot reveal drivers of past losses. We investigated factors that regulated survival or extinction in Caribbean mammals, which have experienced the globally highest level of human-caused postglacial mammalian extinctions, and included all extinct and extant Holocene island populations of non-volant species (219 survivals or extinctions across 118 islands). Extinction selectivity shows a statistically detectable and complex body mass effect, with survival probability decreasing for both mass extremes, indicating that intermediate-sized species have been more resilient. A strong interaction between mass and age of first human arrival provides quantitative evidence of larger mammals going extinct on the earliest islands colonized, revealing an extinction filter caused by past human activities. Survival probability increases on islands with lower mean elevation (mostly small cays acting as offshore refugia) and decreases with more frequent hurricanes, highlighting the risk of extreme weather events and rising sea levels to surviving species on low-lying cays. These findings demonstrate the interplay between intrinsic biology, regional ecology and specific local threats, providing insights for understanding drivers of bio ersity loss across island systems and fragmented habitats worldwide.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/CONL.12372
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2017
DOI: 10.1002/RSE2.53
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Clare Duncan.