Ecology and abundance of a relict population of the bush cricket Saga pedo in the Northern Apennines, Italy

• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11381
• Publication Date: 2024-05-20T10:13:50Z
• Authors: Emanuele Repetto; Pietro Milanesi; Livia De Caria; Francesca Della R...
• Keywords: Abundance estimation, Bayesian framework, Detection probability, Habitat Directive, N-mixture models, Orthoptera.; Bayesian framework; Ecology; abundance estimation; orthoptera; habitat directive; detection probability; N‐mixture models; QH540-549.5; Research Articles

Abstract The expansion of forest cover and intensification agriculture represent the main threats to bush cricket Saga pedo , currently listed as Vulnerable globally by IUCN included in Annex IV European Union Habitats Directive. Gathering information on its ecology population size is challenging due low abundance localized distribution. Additionally, elusive cryptic behavior this species reduces likelihood detection, potentially resulting underestimations. Thus, study, we aimed (1) estimate S. relation environmental variables prey availability (2) predict our study area for future monitoring nearby territories. We found that consists 197 (±115) individuals with a detection probability 21.01% (±11.09). Detection further decreases windy days. Moreover, investigated occupies suboptimal areas, highlighted not only predicted abundances but also association between other subfamilies orthoptera are ecologically very distant from target mostly linked mesophilic biotopes. Most observed concentrated small clearings completely within wooded matrices therefore isolated each other. Based results, it possible toward open meadows represents threat population, transforming xeric (to which linked) into fragmented patches insufficient host viable populations.