The objective of science is to understand the natural world; we argue that prediction only way demonstrate scientific understanding, implying should be a fundamental aspect all disciplines. Reproducibility an essential requirement good and arises from ability develop models make accurate predictions on new data. Ecology, however, with few exceptions, has abandoned as central focus faces its own crisis reproducibility. Models are where ecological understanding stored they source – no possible...

Human-caused disruptions to seed-dispersal mutualisms increase the extinction risk for both plant and animal species. Large-seeded plants can be particularly vulnerable due highly specialized dispersal systems no compensatory regeneration mechanisms. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), a keystone subalpine species, obligately depends upon Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) of its large, wingless seeds. Nutcracker, facultative mutualist with whitebark pine, is sensitive rates energy...

Background Accurately quantifying key interactions between species is important for developing effective recovery strategies threatened and endangered species. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), a candidate listing under the Endangered Species Act, depends on Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) seed dispersal. As whitebark succumbs to exotic disease mountain beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae), cone production declines, nutcrackers visit stands less frequently, reducing probability of...

Abstract It is common to use multiple field sampling methods when implementing wildlife surveys compare method efficacy or cost efficiency, integrate distinct pieces of information provided by separate methods, evaluate method‐specific biases and misclassification error. Existing models that combine from devices permit rigorous comparison detection parameters, enable estimation additional parameters such as false‐positive probability, improve occurrence abundance estimates, but with the...

We tested the hypotheses that white pine blister rust ( Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch.) damage in whitebark Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) stands leads to reduced (1) seed cone density, (2) predispersal survival, and (3) likelihood of Clark’s Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana (Wilson, 1811)) dispersal. gathered data from two sets paired forest sites Bitterroot Mountains eastern Idaho western Montana were similar topography, canopy structure, tree species composition, successional stage, but...

Tree mortality rates have been increasing globally with mountainous regions experiencing higher temperatures and impacts from the expansion intensification of pests invasion by non-native agents. Western North American high-elevation forests exemplify these trends, they often include one or more species five-needle white pines (High-5 hereafter). These share many characteristics critical to defining structure function subalpine forests. The main threats High-5 populations pathogen Cronartium...

Abstract Common species are fundamental to the structure and function of their communities may enhance community stability through intraspecific functional diversity ( iFD ). We measured among‐habitat within‐habitat (i.e., among‐ within‐plant types) two common small mammal using stable isotopes trait dendrograms, determined whether was related short‐term population stability, tested spatially explicit filters helped explain observed patterns . Southern red‐backed voles Myodes gapperi ) had...

The Inventory & Monitoring Division of the U.S. National Park Service conducts long-term monitoring to provide park managers information on status and trends in biological environmental attributes including white pines. White pines are foundational species many subalpine ecosystems currently experiencing population declines. Here we present results whitebark foxtail pine southern Sierra Nevada California, an area understudied relative other parts their ranges. We selected random plot...

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) forests in western North America are increasingly threatened by the exotic pathogen white blister rast (Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch.). is designated a high priority species on candidate list of Endangered or Threatened species, spurring activity to monitor infection and develop restoration strategies. We surveyed two major whitebark ecosystems (Northern Divide Ecosystem [NDE], including Glacier National Park, Greater Yellowstone [GYE], Park)...

Abstract Background Forest management, especially restoration, is informed by understanding the dominant natural disturbance regime. In many western North American forests, keystone fire, and a plethora of research exists characterizing various fire regime parameters, although often only one or two parameters are addressed in individual studies. I performed systematic review literature meta-analysis derived data from 26 publications to characterize five historical ponderosa pine ( Pinus...

Trade‐offs between current and future reproduction are central to the evolution of life histories. Experiments that manipulate brood size provide an effective approach investigating costs reproduction. Most manipulative studies date, however, have addressed only short‐term effects manipulation. Our goal was determine whether survival or breeding in a long‐lived species manifest beyond subsequent season. To this end, we investigated long‐term multi‐year reproductive cost experiment conducted...

Abstract This article argues for youth and community work (YCW) to be recognised its critical role in working alongside young people enhance their well‐being. We supply amalgamated vignettes as evidence from student's placement practice explore the value of informal education practices YCW more formal settings. assert that it is important offer recognition distinctive methodologies practitioners employ enable meaningful engagement with people. argue people's well‐being a 21st century social...

We report a single-season, non-homing movement of 4287 ± 10 m by an adult male Deer Mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, in western Maine, United States, summer 2014. The was achieved two stages: 927 3 four days and additional 3360 44 days. This is approximately 40% greater than the previously documented maximum linear for individual this species.

We provide information on nest-site characteristics and nesting success of the greater pewee, Contopus pertinax, in Huachuca Mountains southeastern Arizona. Primary breeding habitats include montane pine-oak forests sycamore or cottonwood riparian forests. Nests (n = 19) were found between 14 May 29 June 1997, 31 6 July 1998. Egg dates for combined years 12 15 July; successful nests fledged young 21 17 July. Nest predation pewee (47.4%) was principal cause reproductive failure. No...