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1. Suppression of pest species via a native predator is a regulating ecosystem service that has the potential to limit crop damage and produce economic benefits. American kestrels Falco sparverius are widespread, highly mobile, generalist predators that hunt in human-dominated habitats and have the potential to provide previously undocumented ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. 2. We hypothesized that kestrel activity associated with nest boxes and artificial perches acts to increase perceived predation risk that, in combination with direct predation, can reduce fruit-eating bird abundances in orchards. We used counts and observations of fruit-eating birds from fixed-width transect surveys to investigate variation in bird abundances and to estimate sweet cherry loss in cherry orchards with and without active kestrel boxes. We also conducted a benefit-cost analysis of nest box installation and used regional economic modelling to estimate macroeconomic impacts of increased sweet cherry production in Michigan, an important US fruit production region. 3. Fruit-eating bird counts were significantly lower at orchards with active kestrel boxes. Although kestrels used the perches in young orchard blocks and may benefit from them, the presence of perches did not have a significant effect on bird counts. 4. Benefit-cost ratios for kestrel nest boxes indicated that for every dollar spent on nest boxes, $84 to $357 of sweet cherries would be saved from fruit-eating birds. Regional economic modelling predicted that increased sweet cherry production from reduced bird damage would result in 46-50 jobs created and $2.2 million to $2.4 million in increased income for the state of Michigan over a 5-year period. 5. Synthesis and applications. Kestrel nest boxes in sweet cherry orchards provide a highly cost-effective ecosystem service with potential reverberating benefits for a regional economy. Box occupancy rates will undoubtedly vary across landscapes and regions. However, costs to install and maintain boxes are small and, even if box occupancy rates are low, boxes can direct kestrel activity to particular places in agricultural landscapes where they can deter pest birds. Thus, the potential benefits for fruit crops greatly outweigh the costs of this pest management strategy.

Background Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) is an increasingly popular cost-effective approach to restore forests for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. One ANR strategy is the use of perches to attract avian seed dispersers to degraded landscapes for increased seed supply and seedling establishment. This systematic review sought to determine the effectiveness of artificial, semi-natural, and natural perches in promoting natural forest regeneration, specifically in driving four outcomes: seed richness, seed density, seedling richness, and seedling density. Methods In September 2023, we searched for studies in eight bibliographic sources, which include an organizational library and a web-based search engine, using a refined search string in English. After deduplication, we conducted double screening at title and abstract, then at full text level to check for eligibility (e.g., compared perches versus control). The final list of studies underwent critical appraisal based on risk of bias and method validity, then data extraction. We used Hedges’ g as our effect size and fitted each outcome in a three-level meta-regression model. We also tested the effect of matrix type, bioregion, and precipitation variation as modifiers, and conducted sensitivity analysis based on risk of bias and method validity. Review findings After screening, we accepted a total of 396 studies in 79 articles for the review. The majority of these studies examined seed (49%) and seedling density (28%) outcomes over richness, using mostly natural perches (68%) and, to a lesser frequency, artificial and semi-natural perches. Most studies that included distance to forest edge as a factor reported no effects ( n  = 68). We then analysed 333 studies in a meta-analysis. Results showed that natural perches had overall positive effects in increasing seed and seedling density and richness, while artificial and semi-natural perches were effective only for seed outcomes. We found high heterogeneity in our models, with perch effectiveness affected by matrix type, bioregion, precipitation variation, method specificity, as well as study quality. In general, perches showed robust positive effects in shrublands and grasslands in tropical, subtropical, and mediterranean biomes. Conclusions The use of perches can be an effective ANR strategy to increase seed rain and seedling establishment in a variety of degraded landscapes. We recommend that natural perches be preserved in the matrix, but in areas lacking these natural features, to explore the use of artificial or semi-natural perches to increase seed rain and follow it up with additional treatments, such as soil amelioration and weeding, to improve seedling establishment. Due to insufficient data, we could not analyse the effect of distance to forest edge as a moderator in our meta-regression models. This gap can be addressed by examining perches placed at increasing distances from the edge and having better data sharing practices. We also emphasize a need for improving the quality of reporting, such as variances and detailed methodologies, in order for research to be useful for systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

Background Forest landscape restoration (FLR), often through tree planting, is one of the priorities in many global and national initiatives for carbon offsetting as part of climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. However, active efforts to meet FLR objectives entail substantial costs for the procurement of planting stocks and require an experienced workforce for planting and nurturing tree seedlings. Alternatively, restoration projects can be more cost-effective and potentially may have greater biodiversity gain through assisting and accelerating natural forest regeneration. The use of perches is one of the strategies under Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) and is used to attract avian seed dispersers to degraded habitats for increased tree seed supply and seedling establishment. This systematic review and potential meta-analysis aim to determine the effectiveness of artificial and natural perches in promoting natural forest regeneration. Specifically, we will evaluate their effectiveness in driving seed richness, seed density, seedling richness, and seedling density. The results will synthesize available evidence on the topic, identify knowledge gaps we need filling to upscale the strategy, and inform their use in concert with other ANR strategies. Methods The search strategy was informed through a literature scan and discussions with stakeholders and experts. A total of eight databases, which include an organizational library and a web-based search engine, will be searched using the refined search string in English. The search string was formed using keywords corresponding to the PICO structure of the research question, and its comprehensiveness was evaluated using 10 benchmark articles. The search results will be screened by the review team (composed of a primary and at least two secondary reviewers) using the set eligibility criteria at the title and abstract level, followed by the full-text screening. The screened studies will then undergo critical appraisal using the assessment criteria based on risk of bias and methods. Data from the accepted studies will be extracted to the standard data sheet for meta-analysis. Effect size (Hedges’ g) will be computed to determine whether perches are effective in increasing seed dispersal and seedling establishment in degraded sites. The effect of potential modifiers relating to the landscape will be explored via mixed models. Reforestation, Regrowth, Avian, Frugivores, Artificial perch

The present study aimed to improve the growth rate of the Bangladeshi native climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) through crossbreeding with Vietnam‐originated climbing perch, which is commercially cultured in Bangladesh. Therefore, crossbred between native and Vietnam strains of A. testudineus were evaluated in the first year (F1) as T1—Native ♀ × Native ♂, T2—Vietnam ♀ × Vietnam ♂, T3—Native ♀ × Vietnam ♂, and T4—Vietnam ♀ × Native ♂. In the second year (F2), backcrosses were performed between native and F1 generations as T5—Native ♀ × F1 (T3) ♂ and T6‐F1 (T3) ♀ × Native ♂ following five replicates in each treatment group. The F1 crossbreds of T4 were irregular in size with low survivability than T3, and therefore were not used as a parent in the second‐year backcross experiment. The breeding performances were reduced in the T4 (F1) and T6 (F2) compared to purebreds (T1 and T2). The specific growth rate (0.75%/day) of T5 and T6 was substantially lower than T3 and T4 but was considerably superior to the T1 and T2 purebred. The heterosis effect was highly evident in T6 (27.94%), whereas negative heterosis was determined in the crossbreds of the F1 generation (T4). Ten morphometric characteristics were compared and the caudal fin length, pectoral fin length, eye diameter, and body depth were responsible for the variation among T1–T6 groups by the second principal component. Furthermore, the results showed that the Bangladeshi native female climbing perch is linked with better breeding performances, and the Vietnam strain male is linked with better growth performance. Finally, the current breeding programme could enhance native climbing perch growth and survivability, which may have aquaculture potential and can be used through careful artificial selection on the commercial farm.

We examined the effect of natural and artificial perch sites on Western Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura marginella) nest density in shrubby habitat. Nest density in shrubs was strongly correlated with the density of natural perch sites. This relationship occurred in 2 vegetation types with differing shrub composition. The correlation was stronger in areas with a homogenous shrub layer. Nest density was also higher in plots with artificial perch sites than in adjacent control plots. Nest density increased between years in plots where artificial perch sites were constructed but remained the same in adjacent control plots. Knowledge of perch-site effects has practical management applications in areas where doves nest in shrubby habitat. The possibility exists that perch sites could be managed for nest density in these habitats.

The endozoochorous dispersal of seeds by mammals and birds between distinct vegetation communities was assessed to determine the importance of these processes in coastal dune field management. Isolated pockets of thicket vegetation (bush-pockets) within a large coastal dune field provided the opportunity to study vertebrate seed dispersal and its contribution to their origin and maintenance. Mammalian and avian faeces were collected for the quantification of seeds dispersed via endozoochory. Birds and mammals showed considerable overlap, dispersing intact seeds of 17 and 29 plant species, respectively, but mammals dispersed a greater diversity and size range than birds. Extrapolation of mammalian faecal data indicates an annual input of 23 million intact seeds to the dune field. Significantly more seeds are deposited by mammals and birds in the bush-pockets than on open sand, and birds deposited greater numbers of seeds nearer the seed source. Zoochory appears to be critical for the maintenance of the bush-pocket habitats through the dispersal of climax woody plant species into the dune field. Directional dispersal by birds and mammals to the bush-pockets is considered to be responsible for the maintenance and possible origin of these bush-pockets. The high number of exotic plant propagules dispersed by both avian and mammalian zoochory highlights the importance of management of the Alexandria Coastal Dunefield (ACD) beyond the reserve boundaries. In a dynamic system such as the ACD which is within a declared nature reserve, the continued existence of the bush-pockets may depend on the maintenance, beyond the reserve boundaries, of a reservoir of not only plant material but vertebrate dispersers as well.

Habitat complexity of freshwater ecosystems has been decreasing due to human impacts. Therefore, conservation and environmental management actions have intensified in the recent years. Artificial floating islands (AFIs) are one environmental management action intended to promote the populations of aquatic organisms. In this study, we installed eight AFIs in the littoral area of Lipno Reservoir, Czech Republic and covered them with local wetland vegetation to study the impact of this mitigation action on the fish community. The AFIs were sampled by Point Abundance Sampling Electrofishing (PASE). The AFIs were mainly inhabited by juvenile roach (Rutilus rutilus) and perch (Perca fluviatilis), with densities one to two orders of magnitude higher than in the surrounding control sites. Juvenile catfish (Silurus glanis) and adult northern pike (Esox lucius) were apex predators that were recorded exclusively at AFIs. More fish were captured in AFIs than in control areas (up to 29.2 times more). Even AFIs of simple construction harboured significantly more age 0 + and juvenile fish than control areas, confirming their potential to serve as nursery ground for age 0 + fish in lentic systems. Artificial floating islands can be used to support juvenile fish in the conditions of impoverished littoral structured habitat.

Farming Chinese perch in aquaculture systems with artificial diets is a new method and developing trend. This method of raising Chinese perch has led to outbreaks of new diseases. In 2022, a disease outbreak occurred among farmed Chinese perch fed an artificial diet in Jiangxi Province, China, during which 50% of the fish died. The clinical signs exhibited by the diseased Chinese perch included decreased physical vitality, anorexia, emaciation, and dorsal fin ulceration with white cysts and flocs. Coinfection with ciliate parasites and an oomycete was found. No pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the microbial test, and the viral detection results were negative. After morphological and 18S or 28S rDNA sequence clustering analysis, the parasites were identified as Epistylis wuhanensis and Zoothamnium sp., while the oomycete was identified as Achlya klebsiana. This article discusses the interaction between parasitic and oomycete coinfections in Chinese perch from the perspective of the characteristics of Chinese perch raised with an artificial diet. The relationships between parasites, oomycete, and fish were also briefly discussed. This is the first report of the coinfection of Chinese perch with Epistylis wuhanensis, Zoothamnium sp. and Achlya klebsiana.

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a highly valuable fish in Europe. However, development of aquaculture of pikeperch is highly limited due to seasonality of production. This can be overcome by the controlled reproduction of domesticated fish. The first steps of domestication process may induce changes at anatomical, physiological and molecular levels, thereby affecting a variety of biological functions. While there is abundant literature on their effects on stress and growth for example, these effects on reproduction received limited attention notably in pikeperch, a promising candidate for the development of aquaculture. To answer the question of this life-history effect on pikeperch’s reproduction, we compared two groups (weight: 1 kg) originated from Czech Republic and with the same domestication level (F0). The first group was a recirculating aquatic system cultured one (2 years, previously fed with artificial diet, never exposed to natural changes in temperature/photoperiod conditions) and the second one was a pond cultured group (3 to 4 years, bred under natural feeding and temperature/photoperiod). The wild group successfully spawned, while the farmed one did not spawn at all. During the program, gonadosomatic indexes of both males and females were significantly higher for the wild fish, as well as the sexual steroids. Gene expression analysis revealed significantly lower LH transcript levels at the pituitary level for the farmed females and lower FSH transcript levels at the pituitary level for the males. In conclusion this study showed that the previous rearing conditions (e.g. culture system, age, diet, etc.) alter the further progress of gametogenesis and the reproductive performances in response to controlled photothermal program for both sexes in pikeperch.

Half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) is an important cultured marine fish as well as a promising model fish for the study of sex determination mechanisms. In the present study, a protocol for artificial gynogenesis of half-smooth tongue sole was developed in order to identify the sex determination mechanism and to generate all-female stock. The optimal UV-irradiation dose for genetically inactivating sea perch spermatozoa was determined to be >=30 mJ/cm². The optimal initiation time for cold shock of gynogenetic embryos was determined to be 5 min after fertilization, while the optimal temperature and treatment duration were determined to be 20-25 min at 5°C. Chromosomes from common diploids, gynogenetic haploids, and diploids were analyzed. WW chromosomes were discovered in some of the gynogenetic diploids. The microsatellite marker was applied to analyze gynogenetic diploid fry. Among the 30 gynogenetic diploid fry, 11 fry contained only one allele, while 19 contained two alleles, which had the same genotype as their mother. The female-specific DNA marker was observed in four individuals out of ten gynogenetic diploid fry. Ploidy analysis of 20 putative gynogenetic fry showed them all to be diploid. Thus, a protocol for the induction of artificial gynogenesis has been developed for the first time in half smooth tongue sole, and the sex determination mechanism in the tongue sole was determined to be female heterogametic with the ZW chromosome.