Papers by Sergio Lambertucci
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, Nov 1, 2019
Rangelands represent 91% of the surface devoted to livestock production and a high proportion of ... more Rangelands represent 91% of the surface devoted to livestock production and a high proportion of them are exposed to some sort of degradation. Considerable research interest has been centered in the effect of grazing strategies on different indicators of rangeland sustainability (e.g., vegetation dynamics, soil properties, livestock productivity and grazing distribution). Considering the large amount of experimental evidence collected during a century of range science, a quantitative study assessing the performance of grazing schemes is timely and necessary. Therefore, we assessed the performance of grazing strategies on sustainability indicators worldwide, considering rangeland type (i.e., grasslands, shrublands, woodlands and forests) and other management variables (e.g., livestock type, grazing level, paddock sizes, precipitation) through a meta-analysis using experimental publications. Our results show that complete destocking does not improve soil or vegetation in comparison to grazed systems, but it could have less negative impacts if it is applied on woodlands, deserts and forests, particularly in areas of higher precipitation. Even though continuous grazing was thought as detrimental, we only observed negative impacts on vegetation on woodlands or under heavy grazing levels. Moreover, continuous grazing is less likely to impact negatively on livestock productivity in forest ranges. Also, it can maintain grazing distribution (except in woodland ranges) when applied for shorter periods of time. For multipaddock schemes, we observed that rotational grazing is less likely to impact negatively on vegetation under moderate grazing levels, while Savory grazing method is more likely to show negative impacts on livestock productivity (particularly when applied for short time periods). Although many grazing schemes are applied worldwide, their effects can be very different in different range types. Here we provide a quantitative assessment of under which scenarios the different strategies can have negative, positive or neutral outcomes on rangelands. In addition, other management decisions, such as grazing intensity, livestock type and the length of the application period, together with environmental factors such as precipitation level, showed to be key to prevent negative impacts of grazing schemes on rangeland sustainability. Considering that the length of the application periods was very influential for many grazing schemes and indicators, we believe this is highlighting the need for more adaptive grazing strategies with more flexible decisions to allow rangeland sustainability. Finally, we found important information gaps, particularly related to potential interactions with livestock type, alternative rest periods length in rotational schemes, and notably about socio-economic factors. Filling these gaps could lead to more integrative range science and management.
Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation, Jul 1, 2021
• Domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), affect birdlife in va... more • Domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), affect birdlife in various ways, including predation. • Besides direct predation, birds caught by cats and dogs after collisions with windows represents an unexplored human cause of avian mortality. • Bird-window collisions should be incorporated into the assessment of bird predation by cats and dogs. • Minimizing the number of cats and dogs per household and the time spent outdoors would help reduce avian mortality.
Ecology and Evolution, Oct 21, 2020
While genetic diversity of threatened species is a major concern of conservation biologists, hist... more While genetic diversity of threatened species is a major concern of conservation biologists, historic patterns of genetic variation are often unknown. A powerful approach to assess patterns and processes of genetic erosion is via ancient DNA techniques. Herein, we analyzed mtDNA from historical samples (1800s to present) of Andean Condors (Vultur gryphus) to investigate whether contemporary low genetic variability is the result of recent human expansion and persecution, and compared this genetic history to that of California condors (Gymnogyps californianus).We then explored historic demographies for both species via coalescent simulations. We found that Andean condors have lost at least 17% of their genetic variation in the early 20th century. Unlike California condors, however, low mtDNA diversity in the Andean condor was mostly ancient, before European arrival. However, we found that both condor species shared similar demographies in that population bottlenecks were recent and co‐occurred with the introduction of livestock to the Americas and the global collapse of marine mammals. Given the combined information on genetic and demographic processes, we suggest that the protection of key habitats should be targeted for conserving extant genetic diversity and facilitate the natural recolonization of lost territories, while nuclear genomic data should be used to inform translocation plans.
Scientific Reports, Dec 3, 2019
Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Aug 20, 2018
1. The development of multi-sensor animal-attached tags, recording data at high frequencies, has ... more 1. The development of multi-sensor animal-attached tags, recording data at high frequencies, has enormous potential in allowing us to define animal behaviour. The high volumes of data, are pushing us towards machine-learning as a powerful option for distilling out behaviours. However, with increasing parallel lines of data, systems
PeerJ, May 30, 2018
Background. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is a promising approach to minimize the conflicts b... more Background. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is a promising approach to minimize the conflicts between socio-economic activities and landscape conservation. However, its application on extensive systems of livestock production can be challenging. The main difficulties arise because animals graze on large natural pastures where they are exposed to competition with wild herbivores for heterogeneous and scarce resources, predation risk, adverse weather, and complex topography. Considering that the 91% of the world's surface devoted to livestock production is composed of extensive systems (i.e., rangelands), our general aim was to develop a PLF methodology that quantifies: (i) detailed behavioural patterns, (ii) feeding rate, and (iii) costs associated with different behaviours and landscape traits. Methods. For this, we used Merino sheep in Patagonian rangelands as a case study. We combined data from an animal-attached multi-sensor tag (tri-axial acceleration, tri-axial magnetometry, temperature sensor and Global Positioning System) with landscape layers from a Geographical Information System to acquire data. Then, we used high accuracy decision trees, dead reckoning methods and spatial data processing techniques to show how this combination of tools could be used to assess energy balance, predation risk and competition experienced by livestock through time and space. Results. The combination of methods proposed here are a useful tool to assess livestock behaviour and the different factors that influence extensive livestock production, such as topography, environmental temperature, predation risk and competition for heterogeneous resources. We were able to quantify feeding rate continuously through time and space with high accuracy and show how it could be used to estimate animal production and the intensity of grazing on the landscape. We also assessed the effects of resource heterogeneity (inferred through search times), and the potential costs associated with predation risk, competition, thermoregulation and movement on complex topography. Discussion. The quantification of feeding rate and behavioural costs provided by our approach could be used to estimate energy balance and to predict individual growth, survival and reproduction. Finally, we discussed how the information provided by this combination of methods can be used to develop wildlife-friendly strategies that also maximize animal welfare, quality and environmental sustainability.
El Hornero, Dec 1, 2022
La región Neotropical presenta una gran diversidad de aves y un alto nivel de urbanización, sin... more La región Neotropical presenta una gran diversidad de aves y un alto nivel de urbanización, sin embargo, es una de las regiones menos estudiadas en relación a la ornitología urbana. Muchas aves de esta región están sufriendo decrecimientos poblacionales importantes debido a impactos antrópicos por lo cual es fundamental analizar los efectos de la urbanización sobre las aves en el Neotrópico. En base a una revisión bibliográfica encontramos 270 estudios sobre ornitología urbana en el Neotrópico, casi la mitad de las investigaciones se enfocan en ecología espacial, y sólo tres países (Brasil, México y Argentina) concentran más del 60% de las investigaciones. Este Número Especial incluye 20 artículos sobre ornitología urbana con la participación de investigadores de seis países de la región. En estos trabajos -que incluyen puntos de vista, revisiones bibliográficas, metodologías y ayudas en investigación, artículos y comunicaciones cortas-, se analizan diferentes temáticas como el cambio de la diversidad de aves y poblaciones a través de gradientes urbanos y del tiempo, depredación de nidos y mortandad de adultos en ambientes urbanos. En comparación a las temáticas abordadas anteriormente en la región, este Número Especial se destaca por sus trabajos sobre demografía y comportamiento de aves. Resaltamos la necesidad de realizar más investigaciones sobre cambios demográficos de las especies, análisis de factores abióticos como la luz artificial o el ruido, y estudios a múltiples escalas espaciales y temporales.
El Hornero, Dec 1, 2007
RESUMEN.-El Cóndor Andino (Vultur gryphus) se distribuye actualmente por el oeste de América del ... more RESUMEN.-El Cóndor Andino (Vultur gryphus) se distribuye actualmente por el oeste de América del Sur. Aunque está catalogado como una especie cercana a la amenaza e incluido en CITES I, ha sido poco estudiada y, en la actualidad, aún se desconocen muchos aspectos de su biología. En este trabajo se presenta una revisión bibliográfica sobre la biología y el estatus de conservación del Cóndor Andino, con énfasis en la información conocida para Argentina, y se proponen líneas de investigación orientadas a su conservación. Al norte de su distribución las poblaciones han sido diezmadas, en algunos casos hasta la extinción. Hacia el sur, las poblaciones aún contarían con un estatus favorable, pero existen síntomas de retracción. Esta especie posee una de las tasas reproductivas más bajas del mundo y una de las mayores tasas de supervivencia entre las aves. Las características de su comportamiento (grandes concentraciones para alimentarse y pernoctar), hacen de ella una especie muy sensible a disturbios. Esto podría causar la pérdida masiva de individuos de una población, llevándola a un estado crítico, considerando que no posee capacidad de respuesta demográfica rápida. Algunas amenazas que estaría sufriendo incluyen la matanza por considerarla una especie cazadora, la ingesta de cebos tóxicos y municiones de plomo, la colisión contra tendidos eléctricos, la cacería furtiva, la competencia por alimento y las trampas cepo, entre otras. Es necesario obtener estimaciones poblacionales, tasas de supervivencia, ponderar los factores de mortalidad, detectar áreas de importancia para la especie y determinar la disponibilidad y distribución del alimento en cada país. Las características biológicas del Cóndor Andino, junto con el desconocimiento y las amenazas humanas, generan una combinación peligrosa para su supervivencia.
Oryx, Jul 1, 2010
Estimations of the population sizes of threatened species are fundamental for conservation. The c... more Estimations of the population sizes of threatened species are fundamental for conservation. The current estimate of the population of the Andean condor Vultur gryphus is based on limited local counts. Simultaneous censuses of 10 condor communal roosts were therefore conducted during 2006-2008 in north-west Patagonia, Argentina, to obtain a minimum population number, to estimate the size of the local population, and to describe use of the roosts by season and age classes. I fitted the data to two asymptotic models to calculate the population of condors as a function of the number of communal roosts surveyed. In an area of c. 6,300 km 2 I obtained a minimum population size of 246 individuals by direct observation, and a population estimate of 296 condors (range 260-332) by applying the models. This population, the largest known of this species, comprises 68.5% adults and 31.5% immatures. Condors had large aggregations in some communal roosts and used the area seasonally, increasing in numbers from autumn to spring and decreasing in summer. Longterm monitoring of communal roosts across the Andean condor's range is essential for the monitoring of this rare and vulnerable species.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, May 1, 2015
The aim of this study was to assess the exposure to organochlorine compounds (OC) in 91 primary w... more The aim of this study was to assess the exposure to organochlorine compounds (OC) in 91 primary wing feathers of avian scavengers, Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), American black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and Southern crested caracaras (Polyborus plancus) from the southern tip of South America, in the Argentinean Patagonia. We analyzed for a series of OC including hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, endosulfan, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p'-DDD), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), heptachlor and heptachlor-epoxide. This is the first study on OC in feathers of three terrestrial top carnivores from South America. OC concentrations found in the studied species were much higher than those found in feathers of raptors from Europe and Asia, which likely indicate their high use in the region, specifically in agriculture, and other possible uses of OC in this area. ∑HCH had the highest median concentration, followed by ∑Drins, ∑DDT, ∑Heptachlor, and ∑Endosulfan, similar to those reported in several food samples in Argentina. On the other hand, differences in OC profiles between species and areas may be related to feeding and migratory habits, as well as the molt period. Three individuals showed ∑DDT (DDT, DDD and DDE) concentrations in feathers related to sublethal effects. However, this comparison should be used with caution due to problems with extrapolating such data across tissues and species.
Scientific Reports, Apr 25, 2023
While natural protected areas are conceived for nature conservation, humans and their activities ... more While natural protected areas are conceived for nature conservation, humans and their activities must also be considered. Conflict between the public and managers of protected areas can be minimized by regulations that clearly communicate which activities are allowed. Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) affect threatened species and impact numerous protected areas. In this study we evaluate: (1) the accessibility and clarity of regulations regarding dog access to protected areas in Argentina, (2) the public's knowledge of these regulations, (3) the public's expectations of the regulations (4) which institutions people consider should act when dog aggression occurs, and (5) measures suggested by people when dog aggression occurs. Poor accessibility and clarity of regulations were associated with poor public knowledge of them; there was also an association between visited protected areas that did not mention regulations and respondents who reported not knowing whether dogs were allowed or thinking dogs were allowed. In general, the respondents supported measures to regulate dog access to protected areas and the control of problematic dogs. We discuss several aspects that lead to a lack of clarity on dog regulations in protected areas and suggest approaches that could be used to overcome this conservation problem. Natural protected areas are designated sites for nature conservation, while also taking humans and their activities into account 1 . However, human population growth, with its consequent advance of urbanization and change in land use, causes conflict between the public and managers of protected areas in terms of the use and conservation of these areas 2,3 . The effectiveness of protected areas can often be influenced by conflict with local inhabitants, visitors, commercial interests, and lack of human or economic resources. They can also be affected by a lack of clarity in the purpose of these areas and the regulations that apply to them 4-6 . Clear communication of the area's geographic limits, functions, and the activities allowed is important in reducing conflict between the public and protected area management 7 . How the message is communicated to the public and the accessibility and clarity of the information are key to obtaining positive results . An example of a typical conflict between protected areas and the public is allowing pets, particularly dogs, access to these areas. The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is intimately associated with human societies and is currently the most abundant carnivore in the world . This ubiquity, high population density, and the lack of responsible ownership and care on the part of humans have resulted in dogs becoming a threat to the conservation of biodiversity in numerous and diverse environments around the globe 12,14-17 . Dogs have a tangible impact on many protected areas and in many cases seriously affect threatened species living there . This represents a challenge because resolving conflicts of interest is especially difficult in the case of non-native species that are closely related or attractive to humans, such as the domestic dog . The problem of dogs seriously affecting wildlife is becoming more and more common in certain regions . One country that can be considered a good case study for this is Argentina. This is a big (the 8th biggest in the world) biodiverse country, that has 18 ecoregions, five of which are exclusive to the country. Throughout the country and across all its ecoregions, whether in protected areas or not, it is common to see free-roaming dogs chasing or predating wildlife . In Argentina during 2013 an agreement was signed to create the Federal System of Protected Areas (SiFAP) 27 .
Science, May 11, 2018
Despite global conservation crises, widespread and poorly regulated toxic pesticides still cause ... more Despite global conservation crises, widespread and poorly regulated toxic pesticides still cause preventable tragedies. Carbofuran, a carbamate pesticide, is the most implicated globally ([ 1 ][1]). In January, the latest and most shocking known poisoning incident in South America took place in
Animal Biotelemetry, Feb 19, 2020
Background: Global positioning systems (GPS) and altimeters are increasingly used to monitor vert... more Background: Global positioning systems (GPS) and altimeters are increasingly used to monitor vertical space use by aerial species, a key aspect of their ecological niche, that we need to know to manage our own use of the airspace, and to protect those species. However, there are various sources of error in flight height data ("height" above ground, as opposed to "altitude" above a reference like the sea level). First the altitude is measured with a vertical error from the devices themselves. Then there is error in the ground elevation below the tracked animals, which translates into error in flight height computed as the difference between altitude and ground elevation. Finally, there is error in the horizontal position of the animals, which translates into error in the predicted ground elevation below the animals. We used controlled field trials, simulations, and the reanalysis of raptor case studies with state-space models to illustrate the effect of improper error management. Results: Errors of a magnitude of 20 m appear in benign conditions for barometric altimeters and GPS vertical positioning (expected to be larger in more challenging context). These errors distort the shape of the distribution of flight heights, inflate the variance in flight height, bias behavioural state assignments, correlations with environmental covariates, and airspace management recommendations. Improper data filters such as removing all negative flight height records introduce several biases in the remaining dataset, and preclude the opportunity to leverage unambiguous errors to help with model fitting. Analyses that ignore the variance around the mean flight height, e.g., those based on linear models of flight height, and those that ignore the variance inflation caused by telemetry errors, lead to incorrect inferences. The state-space modelling framework, now in widespread use by ecologists and increasingly often automatically implemented within on-board GPS data processing algorithms, makes it possible to fit flight models directly to the output of GPS devices, with minimal data pre-selection, and to analyse the full distribution of flight heights, not just the mean. In addition to basic research about aerial niches, behaviour quantification, and environmental interactions, we highlight the applied relevance of our recommendations for airspace management and the conservation of aerial wildlife.
Journal of Field Ornithology, Jun 1, 2008
Journal of Applied Ecology, Apr 10, 2017
Animal Biotelemetry, Oct 8, 2015
Background: Accelerometry has been used to identify behaviours through the quantification of body... more Background: Accelerometry has been used to identify behaviours through the quantification of body posture and motion for a range of species moving in different media. This technique has not been applied to flight behaviours to the same degree, having only been used to distinguish flapping from soaring flight, even though identifying the type of soaring flight could provide important insights into the factors underlying movement paths in soaring birds. This may be due to the complexities of interpreting acceleration data, as movement in the aerial environment may be influenced by phenomena such as centripetal acceleration (pulling-g). This study used high-resolution movement data on the flight of free-living Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) and a captive Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) to examine the influence of gravitational, dynamic and centripetal acceleration in different flight types. Flight behaviour was categorised as thermal soaring, slope soaring, gliding and flapping, using changes in altitude and heading from magnetometry data. We examined the ability of the k-nearest neighbour (KNN) algorithm to distinguish between these behaviours using acceleration data alone. Values of the vectorial static body acceleration (VeSBA) suggest that these birds experience relatively little centripetal acceleration in flight, though this varies between flight types. Centripetal acceleration appears to be of most influence during thermal soaring; consequently, it is not possible to derive bank angle from smoothed values of lateral acceleration. In contrast, the smoothed acceleration values in the dorso-ventral axis provide insight into body pitch, which varied linearly with airspeed. Classification of passive flight types via KNN was limited, with low accuracy and precision for soaring and gliding. The importance of soaring was evident in the high proportion of time each bird spent in this flight mode (52.17-84.00 %). Accelerometry alone was limited in its ability to distinguish between passive flight types, though smoothed values in the dorso-ventral axis did vary with airspeed. Other sensors, in particular the magnetometer, provided powerful methods of identifying flight behaviour and these data may be better suited for automated behavioural identification. This should provide further insight into the type and strength of updraughts available to soaring birds.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Jul 13, 2020
Uploads
Papers by Sergio Lambertucci