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AURA Symposium
Abstracts and Schedule
25�26 April 2018
Contents
Schedule 2
Abstracts Oral Presentation 4
Key Note Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Session I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Session II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Session III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Session IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Poster presentations 28
Welcome to the AURA symposium!
The Aboa Universities Research Advances Symposium (AURA) is a biennial event for
Ph.D. students from Ecology, Biodiversity, Genetics, Physiology, Geology and
Geography, as well as Environmental and Marine Biology at Åbo Akademi University and
the University of Turku. The aim of the symposium is to give students the opportunity
to present and discuss their research and to practise talking to a broad audience.
� The organising committee
1
9:15-09:30 Welcome
11:00–11:15 Giulia Masoero (UTU)11:15–11:30 Christina Henseler (ÅAU)11:30–11:45 Karoliina Kehusmaa (UTU)11:45–12:00 Maria Emilia Röhr (ÅAU)12:00–12:15 Marc Gilles (UTU)
14:15–14:30 Heidi Herlevi (ÅAU)14:30–14:45 Carlos Alberto Martínez Muñoz (UTU)
15:15–15:30 Lukas Meysick (ÅAU)15:30–15:45 Suvi Hämäläinen (UTU)15:45–16:00 Jouni Salmela (UTU)16:00–16:15 Lauri Kuismanen (ÅAU)
19:00–19:00 Dinner: Koulu
16:15–17:00 Break
Pos
ters 17:00–16:40 Poster session and get-together
Natura building, UTU
12:15–13:15 Lunch
Ses
sion
II
13:15–14:15 KeynoteJohan S. Eklöf
14:45–15:15 Coffee
Wednesday25 April 2018
Ses
sion
I
09:30–10:30 KeynoteHanna Kaasalainen
10:30–11:30 Coffee
09:15–09:30 Introduction: Olav Eklund
11:00–11:15 Tinja Pitkämäki (UTU)11:15–11:30 Tiia Kärkkäinen (UTU)11:30–11:45 Jennie Crawley (UTU)
11:45–12:00 Anne-Sarah Ganske(University of Vienna)
14:00–14:15 Timo Kosonen (UTU)14:15–14:30 Louise Lindroos (ÅAU)
15:00–15:15 Freed Ahmad (UTU)15:15–15:30 Stefan Husa (ÅAU)15:30–15:45 Pegah Hamedani Raja (UTU)
Thursday26 April 2018
09:30–10:30 KeynoteMartin W. Seltmann
10:30–11:30 Coffee
Ses
sion
III
12:00–13:00 Lunch
Ses
sion
IV
13:00–14:00 KeynoteArild Husby
14:30–15:00 Coffee
15:45–16:00 Judging Break
16:00–16:15 Award ceremony and closing words
Key Note Speakers
Sulfur and metal mobility in the dynamic aqueous environments
Hanna Kaasalainen
Luleå University of Technology, Sweden
Understanding and predicting the mobility of metals and metalloids in the environment
is a challenging task due to the involvement of solid and aqueous phases, and biological,
physicochemical and hydrological processes at multiple scales. The (bio)geochemical cy-
cling of metals and metalloids is often closely linked to those of iron, sulfur and organic
matter, comprising the major components in many environments. However, despite their
common occurrence and importance for contaminant transport, the cycling of the Fe, S,
and C is still often insu�ciently understood. This is largely due to complex interactions
between organic and inorganic, aqueous, colloidal and particulate forms, as well as various
oxidation states in the aqueous environment. Here the focus will be on the transport of
sulfur, iron, and selected metals and metalloids in dynamic aqueous environments charac-
terized by steep gradients in for example redox and pH conditions. Geochemical behavior,
including mobility and speciation, of these elements will be discussed with examples from
the mine environment, active geothermal systems, and modern sedimentary environments.
About the presenter: Hanna Kaasalainen is an environmental geochemist who received
her Ph.D. from the Nordic Volcanological Center at the University of Iceland in 2012. She
has since then spent two years as a postdoc at the University of Iceland and since 2016 held
a postdoc position at Luleå University of Technology at the Division of Geosciences and
Environmental Engineering. Her research topics include geochemical processes in aqueous
environments with special interest in trace element chemistry, element speciation and the
fate of sulfur and metals along redox gradients as well as mass transport in geothermal
systems.
4
The pivotal role of biotic interactions for ecosystem e�ects
of environmental change
Johan S Eklöf
Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP), Stockholm University,
Sweden
The extent to which communities and ecosystems are structured by abiotic forcing versus
biotic interactions is a question that has helped push the development and maturation
of ecology. In this talk, I will use examples from my own and others research in coastal
areas of the Baltic Sea to highlight how both trophic and non-trophic interactions can
either mediate or exacerbate ecosystem responses to ongoing environmental changes, and
in�uence community and ecosystem variability over signi�cant temporal and spatial scales.
About the presenter: Johan Eklöf is a marine community and ecosystem ecologist, and
obtained his PhD at the department of Systems Ecology at Stockholm University in 2008.
He then spent three years as a postdoc; �rst at Groningen University (the Netherlands)
and then at Gothenburg University (Sweden) . He returned to Stockholm University in
2012, �rst as a research fellow and then as a tenure-track associate professor (2013-17).
Since Dec 2017 he works as Associate Professor and leads several research projects in
Sweden, Tanzania and Kenya.
Department homepage: http://www.su.se/pro�les/jekl-1.192725/
Personal homepage: https://johanseklof.wordpress.com/author/biologjohan/
Project PlantFish: https://www.facebook.com/plant�sh1/
5
About personality in animals small and large: di�erent approaches
to study between-individual di�erences
Martin W. Seltmann
Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
Traditionally biologists have often considered individual di�erences in behaviour or phys-
iology as a nuisance when investigating a population of individuals. These di�erences
have mostly been dismissed as measurement errors or as non-adaptive variation around
an adaptive population mean. Recent research, however, challenges this view. While
long acknowledged in human personality studies, the importance of individual variation
had recently entered into ecological and evolutionary studies in the form of animal per-
sonality. Two markedly di�erent approaches exist for capturing between- and within-
individual variation in personality: behavioural coding of the focal individual in natural
or experimental settings (dominating research on animal personalities), or trait ratings by
experienced observers of the focal individual, both across di�ering environments and/or
over time. Behavioural observations have the bene�t of recording behaviours without
subjective bias or the need of prior experience with the animal, and measurements are
easily replicable within and between species. However, the observational method also
has some drawbacks and cannot logistically be performed in all wild or environmental
conditions. Ratings from experienced observers can serve as an integrated measurement
of individual behaviour over a longer time period and allow collection of a whole set of
di�erent behaviours instead of only the one or two items of interest. In this talk I will
present empirical work on the assessment of personality in eider ducks (Somateria mol-
lissima) by behavioural coding and physiological stress measures and of personality in
Asian elephants by trait ratings. Furthermore, I will present the link between personality
and �tness in both species.
About the presenter: Martin Seltmann is a Kone Foundation funded postdoctoral
researcher at the University of Turku, investigating the personality structure of Asian
elephants, working with Dr Mirkka Lahdenperä. Martin completed his PhD at Åbo
Akademi University under the supervision of Markus Öst, investigating how the life-
history trade-o� between survival and fecundity in female eider ducks could be resolved
by personality.
6
Understanding the genetic architecture of trait variation in natural
populations
Arild Husby
University of Helsinki, Finland and Uppsala University, Sweden
Gene mapping in natural populations has the possibility to provide insights into funda-
mental questions in biology such what maintains genetic variation. Over the last few years
we have seen a substantial increase in the number of gene mapping studies but many of
these have failed to detect any QTLs and rather support the view that most traits are
polygenic. Nevertheless, major e�ect QTLs have also been identi�ed and a challenge is
now to understand what facilitates di�erent types of genetic architectures. I will discuss
methods used for gene mapping in natural populations, some broad scale patterns iden-
ti�ed about the genetic underpinnings of complex traits and synthesise theoretical work
that have examined how genetic architecture evolves.
About the presenter: Arild Husby is an associate senior lecturer in the Department
of Ecology and Genetics at the University of Uppsala (Sweden). His work is in the �elds
of ecological genetics and genomics, with a particular interest in how genetic variation
can be impacted by changing environmental conditions. Previously, Arild held post-
doctoral positions at the University of Uppsala and the Norwegian University of Science
and Technology, and most recently was an assistant professor at the University of Helsinki.
He completed his PhD at the University of Edinburgh (UK).
7
Session I
Food hoarding of an avian predator: sex- and age-related
di�erences under �uctuating food conditions
Giulia Masoero, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Section of Ecology, Department of Biology
giumas@utu.�
Hoarding behaviour (storing food for a later use) has evolved to reduce starvation risk
when resources are scarce. This behaviour is widespread in numerous species, but among-
individual di�erences under spatio-temporally varying environmental conditions have never
been studied in the wild. We studied hoarding behaviour and food store composition of
Eurasian pygmy owls (Glaucidium passerinum) during 2002-16 in Western Finland, where
abundance of main prey (voles) �uctuate in 3-year population cycles. During the food
storing season (Oct-Dec), 1093 food stores were found in 305 box-sites and 337 pygmy owls
were trapped and ringed. Stores were composed by small mammals (94%) and by some
passerine birds (6%). The number of food stores, and thus of wintering owls, declined
in the area during the study period. The number of stores per year, and the biomass of
prey items in the stores increased with vole abundance in the environment. Females and
yearlings had more prey biomass in their stores compared to males and adults. In low vole
years, adults and males usually stored a higher proportion of birds compared to yearlings
and females, which had more small mammals. These results indicate that hoarding be-
haviour is thus a plastic behavioural response to the available main prey abundance that
vary with phenotypic traits such as age and sex. We suggest that females and yearlings
might rely more on stored food than males and adult individuals. Small males are more
skillful and economical hunters than large females, while adult individuals have more ex-
perience in hunting and �nding food-store cavities than yearlings. We suggest that the
e�ects of food hoarding on the animal community of boreal forest are governed by the
availability of the main prey and age- and sex-composition of the predator population,
which both show large spatio-temporal variation in this northern ecosystem.
8
Relating species biodiversity patterns to coastal habitat
characteristics
Christina Henseler, PhD candidate
Åbo Akademi, Environmental and Marine Biology
christina.henseler@abo.�
Coastal ecosystems are productive areas with a high habitat diversity hosting rich faunal
communities. The characteristics of these species assemblages, in terms of their compo-
sition, abundance and functional diversity, provide information on the functioning and
services of an ecosystem. An extensive �eld study was conducted in order to get a better
understanding of the connection between such organism assemblages and their environ-
ments, i.e. their local habitats. Data on �sh and benthic invertebrates were collected in
four di�erent coastal habitat types in the Northern Baltic Sea, including a sand, hard
bottom, Zostera-, and Fucus-habitat. We examine how the habitats di�er concerning
species abundance, composition and dominance, and additionally analyse whether the
biological traits of the organisms can be related to the speci�c habitat characteristics.
Results indicate that habitats show a distinct pattern in �sh and invertebrate biodiver-
sity, where speci�cally vegetated habitats host higher abundances of mobile invertebrate
species. The coastal ecosystem of the study area has shown signi�cant rates of change
over recent decades, and further climate change related alterations are expected for the
future. Therefore, understanding the link between organisms and their environment is
crucial for predicting consequences for the functioning of coastal ecosystems especially
within the context of change.
9
The evolution and e�ects of mine water induced permanent
strati�cation in boreal lakes
Karoliina Kehusmaa, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Department of Geography and Geology
kskehu@utu.�
Mine waste waters are a signi�cant environmental issue. Acid mine drainage has long
been considered particularly harmful to water systems, but recent studies suggest that
the salinity of mine waste waters also poses risks. The more dense saline waste waters
sink to the bottom of a lake and may cause a shift in the mixing regime of a lake, leading
to a permanent strati�cation of the water column, i.e. meromixis. In meromictic lakes,
complete overturns no longer occur. Instead, only the upper part of the water column
circulates, while the denser bottom water is separated by a chemocline. The bottom
water turns anoxic, which can lead to signi�cant ecological changes in the lake. In this
study, two boreal lakes receiving e�uent waters from closed copper-nickel mines are in-
vestigated. Lake Valkeinen and Lake Sortavalanjärvi are situated in Eastern Finland near
the mines Kotalahti (active 1959�1987) and Laukunkangas (active 1986�1994), respec-
tively. To study the present conditions of the lakes, water column samples were collected
and �eld measurements (e.g. pH, temperature, speci�c conductance, O2, redox potential)
from the water column were carried out from both lakes approximately twice per month
in February-October 2017. Both lakes were cored for sediment samples in February 2018.
According to preliminary results, the water column of both lakes was permanently strat-
i�ed during the whole sampling period. The chemocline was situated around the depth
of 8 meters in both lakes, which both have a maximum depth of ca. 16 meters. The
sediments of both lakes showed clearly di�ering layers. In future, the sediment samples
will be studied with di�erent physical, chemical, and paleoecological methods to obtain a
comprehensive view of the past changes in the lakes, such as the period of active mining,
the onset of the meromixis, and the development of the meromixis.
10
Blue carbon storage capacity of eelgrass (Zostera marina): a global
survey.
Maria Emilia Röhr, PhD candidate
Åbo Akademi, Environmental and Marine Biology
mrohr@abo.�
Despite the importance of coastal ecosystems for global carbon budgets, knowledge of
their carbon storage capacity and the factors causing this variation are still limited. We
sampled 54 eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows, spread across eight di�erent ocean mar-
gins and Seas in the temperate Northern Hemisphere to explore abiotic and biotic factors
in�uencing Z. marina organic carbon stocks (Corg stocks). The Z. marina Corg stocks
depth-integrated over 25 cm of sediment ranged between 138 - 27678 g C m−2 and averaged
at 2721 g C m−2. A conservative estimate of the total Z. marina organic carbon stocks
extrapolated over 100 cm of sediment in the study regions ranged between 23.1- 351.7 t C
ha−1. The large variation we found among sites urges caution in estimating carbon stor-
age from limited geographic sampling of other marine plants; the greatest carbon storage
(265 t C ha−1), we found at a single site Thurøbund (TH) in Kattegat-Skagerrak region,
that rivaled carbon stocks of the same magnitude that previously reported for mangroves
(255 t C ha−1), yet mean storage across the study sites was only 108.1 t C ha−1. Over
88 % of the variation in the eelgrass meadow organic carbon stocks was explained by
�ve sediment and environmental variables (sediment mud content, sediment dry density,
salinity, degree of sorting, and water depth). The estimated mean monetary value for the
present carbon storage of Z. marina meadows over the Northern Hemisphere ranged from
3049 and 46424 $ ha−1, and averaged at 14270 $ ha−1. Our results provide a realistic
estimate on the variability in the magnitude of carbon stocks within a widely distributed
marine foundation species throughout its entire geographic range. The high variability
observed among sites and regions highlight, that global estimates of carbon storage in
seagrass beds must be regarded as tentative and need to be re�ned. This information can
contribute to a better understanding of the role of seagrasses as ocean carbon sinks and
may aid in seagrass management, restoration, and blue carbon policy e�orts.
11
Impact of food availability on personality in Blue tits
Marc Gilles, Msc student
University of Turku, Ecology
Individuals within populations di�er in their personality. Indeed, they show di�erences
in their behaviour, which remain consistent across time and context (Réale et al. 2007).
In South-Western Finland, we study a wild population of Blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus,
to understand the mechanisms underlying the development of their personality. The
behaviour of nestlings when they are 16 days old is genetically correlated to their behaviour
when they are adult, and is 30% heritable (Brommer & Kluen 2012, Class & Brommer
2015). This means that the variation in the personality of adult birds is mainly determined
by the environment, before adulthood. We know, from unpublished works, that the mass
of nestlings at day 2 (early development) a�ects their behaviour at day 16. This e�ect
occurs within broods, but also within broods, meaning that heavier nestlings/broods at
day 2 are more aggressive at day 16. And we showed that maternal e�ects was not
impacting the mass at day 2. Food supply is very likely this ecological factor a�ecting
mass at day 2, thus a�ecting behaviour at day 16 and adulthood. Insectivorous birds
must time their reproduction to match the timing of Lepidoptera larvae (Lack 1964).
Nestlings, which are 9-10 years old when caterpillars are the most abundant (peak), have
a higher �tness. The importance of synchronization with the caterpillar peak has been
extensively studied in oak-dominated forests. But in our study area, caterpillars rely
mainly on birches, and we do not know whether there is such peak during the season,
and whether these caterpillars are essential in the diet of nestlings. First of all, this study
aims to describe the caterpillar biomass pattern in birches, throughout a season and across
years, highlighting the eventual presence of a peak. Then, we show its impacts on early
development (mass at day 2) to explain the variation in personality in our population,
but also on �tness, and on the population. Finally, we study the ecological factors causing
variations in food availability, and discuss the implications of global warming.
12
Session II
The food web positioning and trophic niche of the non-indigenous
round goby - a comparison between two Baltic Sea populations
Heidi Herlevi, PhD candidate
Åbo Akademi, Environmental and Marine Biology
hherlevi@abo.�
The food web positioning of the non-native round goby (Neogobius melanostomus Pallas,
1814) was studied in a new invasive population in Mariehamn, Åland Islands (north-
ern Baltic Sea). The trophic position and isotopic niche space was compared to other
benthic-feeding �sh species in the same habitat. The trophic position (TP) was estimated
based on stable isotope analysis of carbon (13C:12C) and nitrogen (15N:14N) ratios and
compared to that of an established invasive population in Hel, Gulf of Gdansk (southern
Baltic Sea). The ontogentic patterns in isotopic sigantures was also compared between
sites. Our results show that the round goby positioned as a second order consumer on the
third trophic level in Mariehamn among other benthic-feeding �sh. It showed a similar
trophic position and signi�cant isotopic niche overlap with large perch, indicating poten-
tial for resource competition. As a higher-level consumer, the round goby has a potential
to impact native invertebrate communities in the new introduced area and compete for re-
sources with other benthic predators. The trophic position of round gobies in Mariehamn
is signi�cantly higher than in Hel, likely due to di�erent prey items. Furthermore, the
ontogenetic patterns in isotopic signatures di�er between the two invasive populations,
with round gobies in Mariehamn showing an increasing trophic level with increased size,
whereas no ontogenetic change in isotopic signatures was seen in Hel. This also suggests
di�ering resource- and habitat availability as well as levels of intraspeci�c competition
between areas. Our results provide further support for the high adaptive capabilities of
the round goby to prevailing abiotic and biotic conditions.
13
Preliminary conservation assessment of Cuban giant centipedes
(Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha)
Carlos Alberto Martínez Muñoz, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Zoological Museum, Department of Biology
On the grounds of Nature Conservation, there is general recognition of the needs of global
increased knowledge about the Earth's species and the establishment of national capabil-
ity to survey and inventory biological diversity, given that conservation planning depends
essentially on spatial information about the distribution of biodiversity. Centipedes (class
Chilopoda) are a group of terrestrial arthropods with predatory lifestyle and generally
nocturnal habits. They are a potentially important group of organisms for ecological
and conservation studies because they could serve as indicators of environmental change
and of ground-dwelling, �ightless invertebrate diversity. Class Chilopoda comprises ap-
proximately 3,110 species, 700 of which belong to the so called giant centipedes (order
Scolopendromorpha). Seven genera and 25 species of scolopendromorphs are reported to
occur in Cuba, however they were in urgent need of revision before their records could
be mapped and a preliminary conservation assessment at national level and ordinal rank
could be undertaken. With this aim, 180 years of available literature and related museum
specimens were reviewed, the taxonomy was updated, and a new species list, a new key
and 19 species diagnoses were collated to provide a reference for future studies. A species
new to Cuba and a species new to science were found in museum collections. Three lo-
calities had primary georeferences and 105 published precise localities received secondary
georeferences. All localities and species were mapped and their occurrence pattern in the
National System of Protected Areas (NSPA) was analyzed. Only 22 out of 211 areas were
found to harbor giant centipede occurrences. Only 9 of 17 autochthonous species (53%)
and 3 of 7 endemics (43%) were represented in the NSPA, and 2 of those seven (29%)
had at least 70% of their occurrences within protected areas. It was concluded that the
Cuban NSPA does not meet representation goals for autochthonous and endemic species
of Scolopendromorpha and that there is a considerable sampling gap for the group.
14
The in�uence of hydrodynamics and habitat complexity on eelgrass
seed trapping; an experimental test.
Lukas Meysick, PhD candidate
Åbo Akademi, Environmental and Marine Biology
lukas.meysick@abo.�
Propagule dispersal has great relevance for the emergence of seagrass meadows. Depend-
ing on mechanism of transport, the seeds of eelgrass (Zostera marina) can travel between
a few meters and several kilometres far. Using a hydraulic �ume, we tested how habitat
complexity, in form of di�erent densities of biogenic structures (eelgrass shoots, oysters
and blue mussels), a�ects the transport and the trapping of seeds. Our results suggest
that both shape and density of the objects considerably in�uence seed trapping. We fur-
ther showed that propagule trapping was negatively correlated with free �ow velocity for
small shoots, whereas large shoots and bivalves became more e�ective at high �ow due
to enhanced seed trapping in scouring pits. The scouring around objects thereby was de-
pendent on both object width and velocity. Flow measurements with an acoustic Doppler
velocimeter showed that bivalves and eelgrass shoots reduce current speed after the ob-
jects and generate turbulence, which in turn is a�ecting erosive processes behind these
structures. When the resulting scouring pits had reached a certain magnitude, they were
able to trap seeds e�ectively. These results highlight that ecosystem engineering of both
plants and bivalves can have a signi�cant impact on seed trapping and thus facilitates the
emergence and retention of eelgrass patches under varying hydrodynamic regimes.
15
The e�ect of landscape structure on dispersal distances of Eurasian
red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
Suvi Hämäläinen, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Ecology/Biology
sphama@utu.�
Landscape structure often a�ects dispersal and gene �ow of species. For example, human
induced fragmentation of habitats can inhibit movement and a�ect dispersal behavior.
In urban areas, buildings, roads and small habitat patches make the landscape highly
fragmented. Whereas in forested rural areas, large open areas, like �elds and clear cut-
tings, may act as barriers for movement. Here, we study how landscape structure a�ects
dispersal distances of Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in an urban and rural area
in Finland. We monitored movements of juvenile red squirrels with radio tracking. We
observed very long dispersal distances, up to 17 km in the rural study area, but shorter
distances, on average only half kilometers, in the urban study area (Fig. 1). The land-
scape structure a�ected the moved dispersal paths: In rural landscape, dispersers favored
for instance spruce dominated areas and avoided �elds along their dispersal route. In ur-
ban area, squirrels preferred areas with deciduous or coniferous trees and buildings. The
movement steps made by dispersers were longer in the more hostile landscape compared
to steps made in forested areas. Despite these e�ects on movement path, surprisingly, the
landscape structure had only minor e�ect on straight line dispersal distances moved from
the natal nest. In other words, individuals moved longer likely to circumvent barriers on
their path, but in the end this did not a�ect how far they settled from their natal home.
This result indicates that although landscape structure has obvious e�ects on movement,
it still may have minor e�ect on, e.g. gene �ow. Juvenile red squirrels are e�ective dis-
persers and their movements and dispersal distances are not substantially restricted by
fragmented environment.
16
Flow conditions and morphological changes of river bed in
meandering river determined by high resolution digital terrain
models and acoustic Doppler current pro�ler
Jouni Salmela, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Department of Geography and Geology
jjtsal@utu.�
Geomorphological changes are common for meandering sandy bed river. Typically, shallow
zones of river called ri�es locate on in�exion point of two meander bends and deeps called
pools locate near outer bank of meander bend. Secondary �ow structure in meander bend
maintain ri�e-pool sequence, which in�uences on amount of sediment transport. In this
study, geomorphological changes of river bed were examined together with �ow data
to understand river behavior. Change detection focused on both annual and seasonal
variation. We utilized several close-range remote sensing techniques to create digital
terrain models of river bed and acoustic Doppler current pro�ler to measure near-bed
velocities. Flow velocities were compared between shallow and deep parts of the river to
study di�erences between areas. So far annual and seasonal changes in bed elevation has
not yet been studied with high spatial and temporal resolution. The study was performed
between years 2013 and 2017 in Arctic meandering Pulmankijoki River located in Northern
Finland. The river itself has shallow and clear water and sandy bed sediment. Discharge
remains typically around 10 m3s-1 most of the year but during snow melt period in spring
the discharge may exceed over 50 m3s-1. The results indicate that river bed is dynamic
and geomorphological changes are related to �ow conditions. Annual changes di�er from
each other and similar pattern between years was not found. The most dynamics regions
were located in meander bends. Both location and size of the pools and the ri�es varied
between years.
17
Are Copepods in the Baltic Sea well adapted to low salinities?
Lauri Kuismanen, Msc student
Åbo Akademi University, Environmental and Marine Biology
lauri.kuismanen@abo.�
Climate change and rising atmospheric CO2 are associated with several changing factors
in marine ecosystems. These changing factors a�ect the life of marine organisms, because
the changes give rise to new environments, altered dispersal patterns, and changed species
interactions. The health of ecosystems in the Baltic Sea has been notably a�ected by
climate change. The average surface water salinity in the Baltic Sea is 5�8 psu and is
controlled by freshwater run-o� and occasional in�ow of saline water through the Danish
Straits. As a consequence of the lowered frequency of salt in�ows, and the simultaneous
increase in river run-o�, the salinity has decreased from 5.9 to 5.2 psu (surface waters)
in the Baltic Proper (1950�1990) and has been projected to decrease even further around
the same area by the year 2100, by 0.2�3.0 psu. Faunal and �oral biodiversity in the
Baltic Sea is a�ected by salinity, and the zooplankton species composition appears to
change following changes in salinity. Zooplankton are an important food source for many
organisms, and are therefore important in the marine food-webs. Decreasing trends in
zooplankton abundance have been observed with declining salinity in the Baltic. The
present study aims to see how the expected decrease in salinity a�ects the emergence of
copepods. In a preliminary study, the hatching success of Acartia sp. and Eurytemora
sp. resting eggs were much higher at 15 psu than 5 psu or at salinities higher than 15
psu. The survivorship to adulthood was also higher at 15 psu than in freshwater or more
saline waters, for both species. A complementary study was performed to investigate how
di�erent salinities (8 treatments, 0�25 psu) a�ect the emergence and survival of calanoid
copepods. The results from this experiment will be related to a global scale: from aquaria
to the Baltic Sea, and from the Baltic Sea to a global scale.
18
Session III
Cloud water interception of epiphytic bryophytes in a Peruvian
upper montane cloud forest: an experimental approach
Tinja Pitkämäki, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Biodiversity Unit
tievpi@utu.�
Epiphytic plants account for high proportion of biomass in tropical montane rain forests.
In high-elevation cloud forests, where frequent fog passes through the canopy, the majority
of this epiphytic biomass consists of bryophytes. Together with physiological adaptations
for water absorption and storage, bryophytes' abundance implies a regulatory role in
the forest water cycle. Epiphytic bryophytes capture rain and fog droplets, potentially
increasing water availability, and stabilize forest microclimate by slowly releasing the
accumulated moisture. Their ecological impact on forest hydrology has been especially
attributed to cloud water interception (CWI) during dry seasons, but few studies have
provided quantitative data to support this hypothesis. We constructed an experimental
design to measure the cloud water input into bryophyte assemblages on arti�cial branches.
To contrast CWI e�ciency to functional traits of bryophytes, we selected 4 morphologi-
cally di�erent dominant species that typically grow on di�erent parts of the host tree. Our
results show that bryophytes' water content changes following the daily �uctuations in
temperature and humidity and that the magnitude of this variation is species-dependent.
These �ndings highlight the importance of species composition as well as biomass on the
ecohydrological functioning of bryophyte communities, both of which should be noted in
conservation planning and management.
19
Continuous predator threat shortens telomeres in parent pied
�ycatchers
Tiia Kärkkäinen, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Biology
tmakar@utu.�
Telomeres are protective ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. When they get
critically short they cause cell deterioration which has been linked to lower survival. Both
psychological and physiological stress has been associated with shorter telomeres. Earlier
studies have shown that predator presence increases blood stress hormone levels both in
mammals and birds. However, there are no studies that investigate the role of a predator
threat in telomere dynamics of a prey species in the wild. Here, we studied the ef-
fects of continuous predator threat (nesting Eurasian pygmy owl Glaucidium passerinum)
on telomere shortening in the European pied �ycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. We found
that female pied �ycatchers nesting in owl-inhabited sites show increased telomere attri-
tion compared to females nesting in control sites that actually elongated their telomeres
(telomere elongation is possible due to enzyme telomerase and is quite common in birds).
Thus, females may su�er a long-term cost in terms of telomere length caused by fear of
being predated. However, we found no di�erences between the rate of telomere shortening
or telomere length between partially cross-fostered chicks growing either at the owl- or
control-sites. Parents thus seem to be able to feed their young su�ciently despite of the
fear for the predator and the chicks do not seem to perceive or be in�uenced by the risk.
As far as we know, this is the �rst study that reports the e�ects of fear and stress caused
by predators on prey telomere dynamics in the wild.
20
Managing elephants in the modern world: the impact of changes
in traditional handling on semi-captive Asian elephant welfare
Jennie Crawley, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Biology
The current extinction crisis is leaving us increasingly reliant on captive populations to
maintain vulnerable species. Approximately one third of the remaining global Asian ele-
phant population ( 15,000) are managed by humans and live in captivity to some extent.
The vast majority reside in semi-captive conditions in range countries, and their relation-
ship with humans stretches back millennia. Despite this long history, they have never
been fully domesticated as they have always reproduced independently of humans. In-
stead, we rely on expert knowledge accumulated over generations of specialised elephant
handlers, known as mahouts, to handle these essentially wild animals. This ancient pro-
fession, and the associated prestige and lifestyle, may be under threat in the modern day.
Little is known about how this invaluable mahout knowledge will survive, and how any
recent changes may a�ect the mahout system. Our study focuses on the keeping system
of semi-captive timber elephants in Myanmar. As the only country still extensively em-
ploying elephants in the logging industry, Myanmar has the largest captive population
of Asian elephants in the world ( 5000), with the largest remaining traditional mahout
system. Here we investigated how recent changes within the country may have a�ected
mahouts and the elephants in their care. Through interviews with experts of over 10
years' experience and with current mahouts from camps in Northern Myanmar (n=145),
we found that mahouts now are younger (median age 22), less experienced (median 2
years), and change elephants frequently; factors indicating a threat to traditional knowl-
edge transfer. This study provides an insight into how changes to the traditional handling
of semi-captive populations need to be considered within the conservation management
in this endangered species, which is applicable across their range. We speci�cally suggest
a need for active circulation of expert knowledge through formal training, rather than
relying on passive knowledge transfer.
21
Using an integrative approach to understand the phylogeny of the
species-rich centipede genus Lithobius Leach, 1814 (Arthropoda,
Myriapoda): �rst milestones and future plans
Anne-Sarah Ganske, PhD candidate
Natural History Museum Vienna/University of Vienna, 3rd Zoological Department/Department
of Integrative Zoology
Anne-Sarah Ganskea,b and Nesrine Akkaria
aNaturhistorisches Museum Wien, 3rd Zoological Department, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna,
Austria bUniversity of Vienna, Department of Integrative Zoology, Althanstraÿe 14, 1090
Vienna, Austria
The centipede genus Lithobius is a major genus of the family Lithobiidae (order Litho-
biomorpha), known to accommodate more than 500 species and subspecies. Whereas sev-
eral evolutionary studies addressed the systematics of the second Lithobiomorpha family
� the Henicopidae � those on Lithobiidae and genus Lithobius remained scatter, consist-
ing of classic taxonomic treatments. Therefore, the genus phylogeny and its relationships
to other members of the same family are unclear. In this research, we gather detailed
anatomical and molecular information aiming to combine new morphological and molecu-
lar datasets that will help to shed light on the genus' systematics. The morphological study
focuses primarily on parts of the mouth, viz. the peristomatic structures (epipharynx and
hypopharynx), the mandibles and the �rst maxillae. The structures were investigated in
great detail using mostly scanning electron microscopy. The examination of 35 species
of the genus Lithobius and allied genera revealed ten new characters with a systematic
importance. These supplement an existing morphological character dataset of 29 charac-
ters. Presently, we are (i) seeking for three-dimensional morphological information from
the mandibulo-tentorial complex (endoskeleton of the head) and the reproductive sys-
tem of both sexes, using micro-computed tomography, and (ii) acquiring molecular data
from recently collected material. The integration of the morphological and molecular
approaches is sought to elucidate part of the phylogeny and evolutionary history of this
large genus.
22
Session IV
Taxonomy and systematic of order Helotiales (Ascomycota)
Timo Kosonen, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Biology
tikoso@utu.�
Order Helotiales (Ascomycota) comprises c. 5000 species of fungi with very wide ecology
and lifetraits from saprotrophs to pathogens and to mycorrhiza forming species. Despite
the advances in molecular systematics in the 21st century, the phylogeny of the order
is still unclear. Through intensive taxon sampling, innovative culturing methods and
traditional sequencing methods we aim to establish a phylogenetical back bone and to
delimit boundaries for the most species rich families in the order. We have had good
success in acquiring material (taxons) and our methods are working well. At this moment
we are trying to reach the �deep nodes� in the phylogeny of Helotiales.
23
Environmental variables driving phytoplankton population
dynamics in the Gulf of Finland
Louise Lindroos, PhD candidate
Åbo Akademi, Environmental and Marine Biology
louise.lindroos@abo.�
Louise Lindroosa,b,c, Jonna Engström-Östc, Sirpa Lehtinenb, Inga Lipsd and Andreas
Lindénc
aEnvironmental and Marine Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland bMarine
Research Laboratory, Finnish Environment Institute, Helsinki, Finland cNovia University
of Applied Sciences, Ekenäs, Finland dMarine Systems Institute, Tallinn University of
Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
The marine environment is impacted by human induced pressures; the temperature is
slowly rising, while salinity and days with ice cover are decreasing in the Gulf of Finland.
Previous long-term studies on natural phytoplankton populations in the area have mainly
described trends and patterns of change, typically with class as the focal taxonomic level.
Here we use a state-space modelling approach, to connect annual �uctuations in biomasses
of 22 phytoplankton taxa to time-series of possible environmental drivers using time-
series ranging from 1979 to 2016. We evaluate the annual-level population e�ects of
temperature, salinity, strati�cation, inorganic nutrients and winter harshness, while we
account for wind, sampling date (phenology), site and method in the day-level observation
process. We investigate the e�ects on species or genus level, acknowledging that e�ects
can be species-speci�c. Taxon-speci�c models with multiple combinations of covariates
were compared using AICc. Four out of 22 taxa were a�ected by wind conditions during
sampling and In total 13 of 20 evaluated taxa showed population responses to one or
several environmental covariates. Many of the covariates were in line with earlier class-
level investigations, while some taxa showed opposite patterns within class. Hence, many
e�ects are likely species speci�c and class-level analyses might thus average out important
information.
24
Association mapping reveals candidate loci for resistance and
anemic response to an emerging temperature-driven parasitic
disease in a wild salmonid �sh
Freed Ahmad, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Biology
freahm@utu.�
Even though parasitic infections are often costly or deadly for the host, we know very little
which genes in�uence parasite susceptibility and disease severity. Proliferative kidney dis-
ease (PKD) is an emerging and, at elevated water temperatures, potentially deadly disease
of salmonid �shes that is caused by the myxozoan parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae.
By screening > 7.6 K SNPs in 255 wild brown trout (Salmo trutta) and combining asso-
ciation mapping and random forest approaches, we identi�ed several candidate genes for
both the parasite resistance (inverse of relative parasite load; RPL) and the severe ane-
mic response to the parasite. The strongest RPL-associated SNP mapped to a noncoding
region of the congeneric Atlantic salmon (S. salar) chromosome 10, whereas the second
strongest RPL-associated SNP mapped to an intronic region of PRICKLE2 gene, which
is a part of the planar cell polarity signaling pathway involved in kidney development.
The top SNP associated with anemia mapped to the intron of the putative PRKAG2
gene. The human ortholog of this gene has been associated with hematocrit and other
blood-related traits, making it a prime candidate in�uencing parasite-triggered anemia
in brown trout. Our �ndings demonstrate the power of association mapping to pinpoint
genomic regions and potential causative genes underlying climate change-driven parasitic
disease resistance and severity. Furthermore, this work illustrates the �rst steps towards
dissecting genotype-phenotype links in a wild �sh population using closely related genome
information.
25
Corals in degraded environments: A case study of the coral
communities in Hong Kong
Stefan Husa, Msc student
Åbo Akademi, Environmental and Marine Biology
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has developed rapidly in the last few
decades, with major development and urbanization around the coastlines causing large-
scale negative e�ects to marine environments. Nevertheless, the coastal environments
of HKSAR still harbor high marine biodiversity, though it's rapidly declining. This is
most likely linked to the locally-induced anthropogenic stressors, such as declining water-
quality from sewage. However, the extent of the present ecosystem decline is impossible
to determine, because long-term data on marine organisms setting pre-industrial baselines
have only been estimated to date.
We lack proper documentation of pristine baselines of coral-associated ecosystems as coral
communities have been a�ected by widespread human impact for a long time. Coral reefs
are the most bio-diverse ecosystems in the oceans but have been degraded globally due to
wide-spread overexploitation of marine resources, anthropogenic-induced stressors, and
climate factors. Here, we chose the coral communities of HKSAR as a case study for
degraded marine ecosystems because 1) corals function as great indicators of the marine
environmental status as they respond negatively to degrading water quality and over-
exploitation, such as over-�shing, and 2) the remaining corals in HKSAR are surviving in
a marginal environment.
Our results show coral communities in HKSAR dating back to over 5000 YBP. The biodi-
versity analysis of these coral assemblages shows a shift in both taxonomical and function
community structure when compared to modern data. The past coral communities were
dominated by competitive life-history strategy coral taxa whereas present communities
have more stress-tolerant and ruderal corals. As we used an environment where corals
are currently a�ected and have been a�ected for hundreds of years, by eutrophication,
heavy sedimentation rates, and pollution, we can use HKSAR's corals as an analogy for
the future of corals around the world in similar conditions.
26
Scale of community assembly: small birds in boreal forests
Pegah Hamedani Raja, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Ecology/Biology
pehara@utu.�
Spatial scale is an in�uential factor in wildlife ecology and habitat suitability studies.
There is still limited understanding about the scales at which community assembly op-
erates. In this study on a group of small birds in boreal forests of Finland, we analyzed
relationships between species composition and habitat characteristics at di�erent spatial
scales. Additionally, we recognized the most in�uential spatial scales for each relationship.
We followed a multiscale process of landscape analysis in GIS (Geographic Information
System) by quantifying di�erent habitat variables in di�erent size bu�ers from 50m to
10km around bird count points. We combined habitat data with bird data (abundance
and richness) in GIS. This provided a possibility to compare bird composition, as well
as their abundances and diversity with habitat characteristics at di�erent scales. AIC
(Akaike Information Criterion) scores were used to select the scales that explained the
variation in bird data best. For example, some results show the high importance of small
(100-250m) bu�ers in composition and suitability of habitats. This approach revealed the
scales at which landscape structure appears to a�ect the abundances and species numbers
of small birds in managed boreal forests.
27
Poster presentations
Limits to �tness bene�ts of prolonged post-reproductive lifespan
Simon Chapman, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Biology
sinich@utu.�
One of the de�ning life-history traits of humans is an extended post-reproductive fe-
male life. Most adaptive hypotheses for post-reproductive life focus on the evolution of
menopause, rather than the length of life itself. One possibility is that indirect �tness ben-
e�ts from grandmothering could have selected for longer life. Here, I use a pre-industrial
human population from Finland to test how survival of grandchildren di�ers by grand-
mother age. I �nd a number of key results relating to grandmother age and possible
selective pressure on extended post-reproductive life. First, only maternal grandmoth-
ers aged between 50 and 75 had positive e�ects on grandchild survival, and only from
grandchild ages two to �ve years. Second, old paternal grandmothers were signi�cantly
detrimental to grandchild survival in early infancy (0-2 years). Third, I show the �tness
bene�ts for living beyond 75 are not much greater than for those who died between 50
and 75, and the hazard of death for grandmothers begins to increase sharply around this
point. These results have implications for the evolution of the length of post-reproductive
lifespan in humans, and for the importance of allomothering in natural mortality, natural
fertility human societies.
28
Post-dredging changes in submerged macrophyte communities in
shallow bays.
Floriaan Eveleens Maarse, PhD candidate
Åbo Akademi University, Environmental and Marine Biology
feveleen@abo.�
Coastal lagoons in the Baltic archipelago are key habitats, functioning as spawning and
nursery chambers for �sh, nutrient traps and are home to several sensitive and rare species
of submerged macrophyte. Since the 1980's it has been common practice along the Baltic
shores to dredge canals between coastal lagoons and the outer sea in order to increase
the water �ow and create new boating routes. In several cases, this has led to lagoons
becoming more eutrophicated and turbid due increased sediment resuspension and nu-
trient release, negatively a�ecting submerged macrophyte communities. The aim of this
study is to investigate the e�ects of dredging on the submerged macrophyte community
in Notgrundsgloet, a shallow bay in the Ålandish inner archipelago. A comparison be-
tween the pre- dredged and post- dredged macrophyte communities has shown that the
post-dredging community contains a higher coverage of less sensitive species like Stuckenia
pectinata compared to the pre-dredged community. More sensitive species, like characeans
have similar coverage, before and after the dredging. However, a comparison of the depth
pro�les of the most abundant charophyte, Chara tomentosa, shows that it has largely
vacated the deeper parts of the bay, in favor of more shallow areas. Water samples, taken
before and after the dredging, show an increase in turbidity and nutrient levels. Hence, it
can be concluded that the reduced light conditions, brought on by the dredging is likely
the driving factor in the altered depth pro�le of C. tomentosa.
29
Ecology of Ugandan parasitoid wasps
Tapani Hopkins, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Biodiversity
taesho@utu.�
The Uganda Malaise trapping project (i.e. my PhD) has been running since 2014. I will
�nally present some of the �rst results! These include six species of which three are new
to science, information on how they are distributed in forest types and seasons, and how
this relates to the global distribution of species.
30
Macrozoobenthic functionality in the shallow coastal zone - an
example from the northern Baltic Sea
Marie Järnström, PhD candidate
Åbo Akademi, Environmental and Marine Biology
mjarnstr@abo.�
Macrozoobenthos is an important organism group in the shallow coastal zone. Through
their activities, they oxidize the sediment, in�uence nutrient dynamics and function as
a food source for benthivorous �sh. By studying the macrozoobenthic community using
measures of functionality, such as biological trait analysis, we are able to estimate the
functional diversity and the e�ect of the traits expressed by these organisms on ecosystem
processes. In our study, we were interested in the distribution of macrozoobenthic traits
in the shallow coastal zone, and surveyed 18 sites on a gradient from coarse sand to �ne
silt in August 2014. The macrozoobenthos at three of these sites, representing di�er-
ent habitats, were further monitored throughout one year. Our goal was to investigate
whether macrozoobenthic functionality can be linked to di�erences in habitat, such as
grain size composition, organic content and vegetation coverage. We were also interested
in the possible changes in macrozoobenthic functionality in di�erent habitat types across
season. To be able to study the actual link between the macrozoobenthic functionality
and ecosystem processes, we further measured oxygen- and nutrient �uxes at each of our
sampling locations at each sampling time. In our results, we present possible links be-
tween the traits expressed by the macrozoobenthic communities in di�erent habitats with
the environmental variables measured at each site. We also link e�ect traits studied to
nutrient �uxes measured, to add to the understanding of in what ways macrozoobenthic
organisms a�ect processes of nutrient cycling.
31
Municipal permit practices for geoenergy systems in south-west
Finland
Pirjo Majuri, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Environmental Science / Biology
pielmaj@utu.�
Geoenergy is a booming renewable energy source in Finland. Currently, the legislation
primarily requires a permit (planning permission for minor construction) to build ground
heat exchangers (GHEs) for retro�t heating systems. However, municipalities may ex-
empt GHEs from the permit requirement in their building codes. This study compared
the GHE permit practices in nine municipalities of three size groups in south-west Finland.
The data was collected from GHE permit and noti�cation documents, and interviews of
the building inspectors in each municipality. Some 430 permits and 80 noti�cations were
examined. Permit procedures were generally applied in the municipalities. Only one mu-
nicipality applied a noti�cation procedure all over its area, and one municipality had a
noti�cation procedure beyond the town plan zone. For example, the permit practices, pre-
cision of permit conditions and permit fees varied considerably between the municipalities.
Although Finnish municipalities have a rather large autonomy regarding land use deci-
sions, more coherent permit practices would bene�t all stakeholders. Thus, improvements
to practices will be suggested based on this study.
32
Acoustic investigation of gasdomes in postglacial sediment of Lumparn
bay, Åland
Alexandra Nyman, Msc student
Åbo Akademi, Geologi och Mineralogi
alexanym@abo.�
Acoustic surveying of Lumparn Bay, at Åland Island in the Baltic sea shows an abundance
of signs for gas occurrences in the sediments. The most notable gas related feature are
the gasdomes occurring throughout Lumparn bay. To date more than 2000 domes have
been observed in the 100 km2 Bay. The gasdomes are shallow features with an average
diameter of 30m and a height of <1m. The domes are easily seen in the acoustic pro�les,
and occasionally associated with underlying acoustic chimneys. Although other literature
has suggested that gasdomes are the �rst stage in formation of pockmarks, this does not
seem to be the case in the case of Lumparn since there are no recent pockmarks observed.
Considering the great number of domes observed, you would expect there to be at least a
few pockmarks, which there is not. This suggests that the domes are independent features,
created independently of pockmarks (Koch, S. et al. 2015). The domes are likely formed
by biogenic methane gas produced in the sediments under reducing conditions. The domes
are also restricted to a certain depth, with the majority of the pockmarks found on a depth
of around 13-15m, with a signi�cant reduction in domes in the deeper areas of Lumparn.
The few domes observed in deeper waters tend to be both fewer in number and smaller
in size. This suggests the physical environment such as depth is a signi�cant factor in
the occurrence of domes, possibly due to the lesser pressure of the water column of the
shallower depths.
33
Food webs, the missing link in investigating biodiversity e�ects on
ecosystem functioning
Pierre E. N. Olivier
Åbo Akademi, Environmental and Marine Biology
pierre.olivier@abo.�
Pierre E. N. Oliviera, Erik Bonsdor�a, and Marie C. Nordströma
aÅbo Akademi University, Environmental and Marine Biology, FI-20520 Åbo, Finland
Biodiversity is decreasing at an unprecedented rate and it is vital to understand how
this change impacts ecosystems and their ability to maintain functioning. A food web
topology describes the diversity of species and of their trophic interactions, i.e. who eats
whom. We know that species interactions play a crucial role in how species contribute
to ecosystem functions. However, little is known about how the food web structure and
the functional diversity of species in�uence each other. Traits constitute a link between
food webs and ecosystem processes, as: (i) trophic interactions are only possible when
traits of the prey match with traits of the predator; (ii) functional traits in�uence species
contributions to ecosystem functions. We developed a trait web (i.e. a network of traits)
which shows links between traits based on species interactions. This dual food web-trait
web approach helps us understand which species are important for the stability of the
ecosystem and which of their traits are most likely to in�uence ecosystem functions. In
the Baltic Sea, by repeatedly sampling for species interactions and traits in four di�erent
habitats (i.e. fucus, zostera meadow, sandy and rocky bottoms), we were able to recon-
struct four food webs and four trait webs associated to one of each habitat. With this
novel approach we investigate how environmental drivers (e.g. environmental gradients,
habitat characteristics) alter the food web structure by removing or allowing interactions
(i.e. habitat preferences, species local extinction or invasion) and how these changes may
a�ect the relationship between food webs and ecosystem functions.
34
Using remote sensing to model tree species distribution in
Peruvian Amazon
Pablo Perez, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Biology
papech@utu.�
Species distribution models (SDM) for Amazonian trees have mostly been produced at
scales and resolutions that are too broad and coarse for practical use in either conserva-
tion or forestry. On the other hand, several studies have shown that the relatively �ne
resolution remote sensing data available via Landsat imagery and the SRTM topograph-
ical model can be successfully used to detect di�erences in plant species composition
in Amazonia. Therefore, it seems likely that the same data can also be used to pre-
dict geographical distributions of individual taxa. Here we use remotely sensed data
and a maximum entropy algorithm to generate landscape-scale distribution models at
30-m-resolution for �ve economically important timber tree genera (Apuleia, Amburana,
Crepidospermum, Dipteryx and Manilkara). Individual Landsat TM bands and NDVI
yielded acceptable modeling performance, and the use of averaging �lters (3x3 and 5x5
low-pass �lters) improved model performance further. Including elevation as a predictor
also improved model performance for all the taxa. Our results suggest that it is possible
to use Landsat bands and elevation as predictors for modeling the potential distribution
of tree species in lowland Amazonia at a �ne enough resolution to facilitate the practical
management of forest resources.
35
Population census of the white-tailed deer using camera trapping
and DNA method
Jenni Poutanen, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Biology/Ecology
jenni.poutanen@utu.�
In Finland, the white-tailed deer is an important game species but we are still lacking
proper method to census it. Thus, we lack good information on the composition of the
populations, which would be necessary to know when developing game management plans.
Here, I aim to develop accurate census method for the species by using non-invasive DNA
methods and wildlife camera trapping. Based on the DNA extracted from faecal samples
or the pictures of cameras, di�erent individuals can be identi�ed. Obtained individual
encounter history data is then analyzed with Spatial Capture Recapture (SCR) methods,
which utilize the spatial information of captures to estimate the density. In addition to
density estimation, SCR methods allow studying more ecological research questions such
as home range sizes and habitat selection. First, we developed a study design to collect
white-tailed deer fecal samples. Data was collected in 2015 in Tammisaari. This data has
been successfully analysed with SCR methods, which produced reliable density estimates.
Now in the next phase, DNA sampling is compared with camera trapping. This design
has now carried out twice (2016 and 2017) in Loimaa. From the pictures, males can be
identi�ed based on their antler shape. But females and fawns remain unidenti�ed. SCR
methods can be applied in this kind of data containing the individual encounter histories
and the occupation data including unidenti�ed individuals.le: Population census of the
white-tailed deer using camera trapping and DNA methods.
36
Global warming decreases red squirrel abundance in Finland and
NW Russia
Tytti Turkia, PhD candidate
University of Turku, Department of Biology
tysisit@utu.�
The global warming and other anthropogenic changes have caused well-documented range
shifts and population declines in many species over a large spatial extent. Most large-
scale studies focus on birds, large mammals, and threatened species, whereas large-scale
population trends of small to medium-sized mammals and species that are currently of
least concern remain poorly studied. Large-scale studies are needed because on a smaller
scale, important patterns may be masked by local variation and stochastic processes. Here,
we utilized snow track census data from Finland and NW Russia to estimate population
growth rates of the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris L) for a period of 17 years in an
area of over 1 000 000 km2. We also studied the e�ects of changes in summer and winter
temperatures, winter precipitation, predator abundance, and canopy cover on estimated
red squirrel population growth rates. Our results suggest that red squirrel populations
have declined in most parts of the study area, the only remarkable exception being SW
Russia. These results are in concordance with previous studies suggesting that species
that are still common and of least concern may be declining. However, our �ndings are
in contrast to the common pattern of northern populations of boreal species increasing
due to global warming. The estimated population growth rates are in synchrony over vast
areas, suggesting that the underlying reasons also operate on a large scale. We indeed �nd
that the population growth rate was lower in regions where winters warmed faster during
the study period, suggesting that changes in the environment (or biotic changes associated
with it) are linked with the decline of red squirrels. I will also present preliminary results
from analyses of the Finnish data only. This data set is georgaphically smaller, but 11
years longer, and there are more covariates available to help us understand the e�ects
of di�erent biotic and abiotic factors on changes in red squirrel abundance over di�erent
spatiotemporal scales.
37
