Abstract Recognizing how climate change will impact populations can aid in making decisions about approaches for conservation of endangered species. The blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia sila) is a federally species that, despite protection, remains extremely arid, hot areas and may be at risk extirpation due to change. We collected data on the field-active body temperatures, preferred temperatures upper thermal tolerance G. sila. then described available habitat using biophysical models,...

Facilitative associations between the foundational shrub species Ephedra californica and local vertebrate can drive positive interactions within desert ecosystems that influence diversity assembly processes. These shrubs contribute to structural heterogeneity of for plants animals including variation in temperature profiles, refuge from predation, habitat foraging. Artificial structures also fine‐scale ecological micro‐environmental dynamics. We tested hypothesis artificial (mimics)...

Facilitative interactions between shrub and animal species influence the structure composition of communities. The benefits associated with woody can critically local populations, in particular. Here, we tested relative importance density on abundance populations using a meta‐analysis. Full‐text review for density, or sampling effort, resulted total 113 independent observations that reported both abundance. A meta‐regression feeding functional group as moderator was used to test predictive...

Abstract Globally, no species is exempt from the constraints associated with limited available habitat or resources, and endangered in particular warrant critical examination. In most cases, these are restricted to locations, relative likelihood of resource use within space they can access important. Using Gambelia sila , one first vertebrate listed as endangered, we used selection function analysis telemetry remotely sensed data identity key drivers selected versus locations for this...

Positive interactions between shrubs and animals are frequent in desert ecosystems. Shrub canopies can provide refuge to some animal species from predators shelter stressful environmental conditions by ameliorating high temperatures through lowering the amplitude of variation. Consequently, there have been many contrasts shrub versus open effects; however, we extend this approach further testing these effects on a gradient densities Carrizo National Monument, California. We tested hypothesis...

Numerous pressures influence the ecological capacity and health of drylands globally. Shrubs are often a critical component these systems can function positively as foundation species through facilitation other species. Nonetheless, limited attention has been paid to potential negative indirect effects shrubs. Here, we tested hypothesis that plant both accelerate invasion process amplify an invader on native community. The invasive Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens capitalized by resident shrub...

Abstract Positive associations between animals and foundational shrub species are frequent in desert ecosystems for shelter, resources, refuge, other key ecological processes. Herein, we tested the impact of density Ephedra californica on presence habitat use federally endangered lizard species, Gambelia sila . To do this, used a 3‐year radio telemetry dataset satellite‐based counts across sites at Carrizo Plain National Monument San Luis Obispo County, CA. The effect was contrasted with...

Earth's dryland (hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid) ecosystems face increasing aridity invasion by exotic plant species. In concert, these global changes threaten the biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, economic viability of drylands worldwide, with critical implications for environmental quality human wellbeing. Positive interactions (facilitation) from shrubs can buffer native communities against aridity, but this could backfire if species are facilitated more than natives....

Anthropogenic factors such as climate change, land use, urbanization, alongside the spread of invasive species are some challenges impacting arid and semi-arid regions globally.The canopy many native plants including shrubs trees not only provides refuge from predators for animals but also offers a shelter climatic stressors other plants.The vegetation can thus be microhabitat critical to persistence locally, it is vital better understand its importance conservation recovery in these...

Climate change has profound effects on drylands, where vegetation like shrubs provide microclimatic refugia for animals. However, prolonged drought and higher temperatures are reducing the resilience of vegetation. Artificial habitat constructions, such as shelters, may function similarly to in providing climatic refuge. Natural fabrics, including lignocellulosic have gained popularity conservation due their biodegradability, lightweight, strength. In this study, we tested natural fabric...

Abstract The biodiversity–ecosystem function literature provides a useful framework to examine many processes associated with species diversity in ecology. One such context is the maintenance of biodiversity by facilitation arid ecosystems. Here, we examined complex interactions between local plant richness and intensity shrub for maintaining communities. A synthesis including meta‐analysis was used compile nearly 600 papers on positive mediated shrubs dryland communities (search terms:...

Summary Camera traps are one of the most common tools in wildlife and conservation biology. Sampling can document measure animal presence activity. Captures be used to estimate population parameters such as presence, abundance, habitat suitability, resident species richness specific populations. Effective camera trapping is relevant for many reasons. For instance, they inform pre‐ post‐restoration efforts, monitor use artificial structures by assess behaviours like predator–prey...

Facilitative interactions between foundational shrubs and vertebrate species are highly prevalent within desert ecosystems. These provide refuge for to escape predation ameliorate harsh abiotic conditions. Within southwestern California there is a multitude of arid ecosystems that vary in aridity, thus influencing shrub-animal differently. We tested the hypothesis increasing shrub density will positively influence local communities across variety Southern California, USA. utilized...

Introduction The impacts of climate change can be profound in many ecosystems worldwide, including drylands such as arid and semi-arid scrublands grasslands. Foundation plants shrubs provide microclimatic refuges for a variety taxa. These directly influence micro6 environmental measures, indirectly increase the local heterogeneity result. We examined hypothesis that, comparison to an open gap, foundation improve microclimate beneath their canopy that is turn significant predictor annual...

In 2015, the United Nations (UN) established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to combat poverty, inequality, and climate change. Recently, integrating these goals into higher education curricula has emerged as essential for fostering positive environmental civic engagement. Challenges persist, particularly prioritization of social economic concerns over eco-centered principles ecopedagogy. Education must emphasize politics issues, advocating sustainable practices that benefit both...