Estimating population abundance and monitoring population trends of endangered, elusive subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Spalacinae: Nannospalax) using HRAMN methodology
Monitoring rare or endangered species is vital for biodiversity conservation, but it is particularly challenging for hidden or elusive species. The subterranean Eurasian blind mole rats are such species. The newly identified endemic species of this group found in the Pannonian Basin (Central Europe)...
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Elsevier
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Global Ecology and Conservation |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989424005973 |
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| author | Orsolya Moldován Szabocs Balogh Gábor Bakó Zsolt Molnár Gyula Szabó András Molnár Attila Németh |
| author_facet | Orsolya Moldován Szabocs Balogh Gábor Bakó Zsolt Molnár Gyula Szabó András Molnár Attila Németh |
| author_sort | Orsolya Moldován |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Monitoring rare or endangered species is vital for biodiversity conservation, but it is particularly challenging for hidden or elusive species. The subterranean Eurasian blind mole rats are such species. The newly identified endemic species of this group found in the Pannonian Basin (Central Europe) are highly threatened by extinction. Their concealed lifestyle complicates population monitoring, yet such data are crucial for their conservation. To address this problem, a new methodology called HRAMN was introduced, utilizing complex aerial cartographic surveys. The method was tested in two protected areas in Eastern Hungary, home of the endangered Hungarian blind mole rat (Nannospalax hungaricus hungaricus). HRAMN involves collecting data through aerial surveys and producing high-resolution orthophoto mosaics and digital surface models. These data allowed the identification of blind mole rat mounds and the monitoring of population trends. The HRAMN methodology proved to be a highly effective replacement for traditional full-field surveys of blind mole rat habitats. It is particularly useful for monitoring large areas, which had been previously unfeasible. However, certain limiting factors occurred in blind mole rat habitats that require field presence and control, even with the aerial imagery-based HRAMN method. Recommendations have been made to address those limiting factors that have been identified. HRAMN methodology not only enhances survey accuracy but also allows for frequent monitoring, providing unprecedented detail on the population dynamics of these rodents. Additionally, the study explored the relationship between the spatial patterns of the blind mole rat mounds and their habitats, offering deeper insights into their ecology and potentially aiding in the development of more effective conservation strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b7e87591de564da6beb099aa40970efb |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2351-9894 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Global Ecology and Conservation |
| spelling | doaj-art-b7e87591de564da6beb099aa40970efb2025-01-23T05:27:00ZengElsevierGlobal Ecology and Conservation2351-98942025-01-0157e03393Estimating population abundance and monitoring population trends of endangered, elusive subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Spalacinae: Nannospalax) using HRAMN methodologyOrsolya Moldován0Szabocs Balogh1Gábor Bakó2Zsolt Molnár3Gyula Szabó4András Molnár5Attila Németh6Hortobágy National Park Directorate, Sumen u. 2., Debrecen H-4024, Hungary; Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, Debrecen H-4032, HungaryHortobágy National Park Directorate, Sumen u. 2., Debrecen H-4024, HungaryInterspect Group Ltd., II. Rákóczi Ferenc út 42, Halásztelek H-2314, HungaryInterspect Group Ltd., II. Rákóczi Ferenc út 42, Halásztelek H-2314, HungaryHortobágy National Park Directorate, Sumen u. 2., Debrecen H-4024, HungaryJohn von Neumann Faculty of Informatics, Óbuda University, Bécsi út 96/b, Budapest H-1034, HungaryDepartment of Nature Conservation, Zoology and Game Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, Debrecen H-4032, Hungary; BirdLife Hungary – Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society, Költő u. 21, Budapest H-1121, Hungary; Corresponding author at: Department of Nature Conservation, Zoology and Game Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, Debrecen H-4032, Hungary.Monitoring rare or endangered species is vital for biodiversity conservation, but it is particularly challenging for hidden or elusive species. The subterranean Eurasian blind mole rats are such species. The newly identified endemic species of this group found in the Pannonian Basin (Central Europe) are highly threatened by extinction. Their concealed lifestyle complicates population monitoring, yet such data are crucial for their conservation. To address this problem, a new methodology called HRAMN was introduced, utilizing complex aerial cartographic surveys. The method was tested in two protected areas in Eastern Hungary, home of the endangered Hungarian blind mole rat (Nannospalax hungaricus hungaricus). HRAMN involves collecting data through aerial surveys and producing high-resolution orthophoto mosaics and digital surface models. These data allowed the identification of blind mole rat mounds and the monitoring of population trends. The HRAMN methodology proved to be a highly effective replacement for traditional full-field surveys of blind mole rat habitats. It is particularly useful for monitoring large areas, which had been previously unfeasible. However, certain limiting factors occurred in blind mole rat habitats that require field presence and control, even with the aerial imagery-based HRAMN method. Recommendations have been made to address those limiting factors that have been identified. HRAMN methodology not only enhances survey accuracy but also allows for frequent monitoring, providing unprecedented detail on the population dynamics of these rodents. Additionally, the study explored the relationship between the spatial patterns of the blind mole rat mounds and their habitats, offering deeper insights into their ecology and potentially aiding in the development of more effective conservation strategies.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989424005973Eurasian blind mole ratsSpalacidaeNannospalax hungaricus hungaricusCentral EuropeHigh-resolution aerial monitoringTunnelling activity |
| spellingShingle | Orsolya Moldován Szabocs Balogh Gábor Bakó Zsolt Molnár Gyula Szabó András Molnár Attila Németh Estimating population abundance and monitoring population trends of endangered, elusive subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Spalacinae: Nannospalax) using HRAMN methodology Global Ecology and Conservation Eurasian blind mole rats Spalacidae Nannospalax hungaricus hungaricus Central Europe High-resolution aerial monitoring Tunnelling activity |
| title | Estimating population abundance and monitoring population trends of endangered, elusive subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Spalacinae: Nannospalax) using HRAMN methodology |
| title_full | Estimating population abundance and monitoring population trends of endangered, elusive subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Spalacinae: Nannospalax) using HRAMN methodology |
| title_fullStr | Estimating population abundance and monitoring population trends of endangered, elusive subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Spalacinae: Nannospalax) using HRAMN methodology |
| title_full_unstemmed | Estimating population abundance and monitoring population trends of endangered, elusive subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Spalacinae: Nannospalax) using HRAMN methodology |
| title_short | Estimating population abundance and monitoring population trends of endangered, elusive subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Spalacinae: Nannospalax) using HRAMN methodology |
| title_sort | estimating population abundance and monitoring population trends of endangered elusive subterranean mammals rodentia spalacinae nannospalax using hramn methodology |
| topic | Eurasian blind mole rats Spalacidae Nannospalax hungaricus hungaricus Central Europe High-resolution aerial monitoring Tunnelling activity |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989424005973 |
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