Tag: nature

How to make agriculture sustainable with amphibians and reptiles?

Amaël Borzée

A question that led to our recent publication in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

As the need for sustainable pest management grows, integrating animal cognition into biological control presents an innovative and effective approach. In our recent paper, “Biological pest regulation can benefit from diverse predation modes”, we explore the critical role of amphibians and reptiles in natural pest regulation, emphasising the cognitive mechanisms that drive their foraging behaviour.

Amphibians and reptiles, with their diverse predation strategies—ambush and active foraging—are key to efficient pest control. These species exhibit distinct cognitive traits, from perception and learning to spatial memory, all of which influence their interaction with prey. For instance, ambush predators rely heavily on movement cues, waiting for mobile prey, while active foragers actively seek out food, utilising olfactory and spatial cues to navigate their environment.

Overview of the concept showing the difference in foraging mode between active and ambush predators impacting biological pest regulation (with amphibians as the model bioregulator). More here: 10.1098/rsos.240535

By understanding these cognitive processes, we can develop more targeted strategies to keep pest management evolving. As agricultural landscapes become more fragmented and ecosystems face increasing pressure, tapping into the behavioural flexibility of amphibians and reptiles offers a promising path. Their cognitive abilities not only make them efficient bioregulators but also provide a natural, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, aligning pest control with biodiversity conservation. The future of pest management lies in understanding and leveraging these animal behaviours for both ecological and agricultural benefits.

Link: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240535

Continental Northeast Asian Amphibians: Origins, Behavioural Ecology, and Conservation

Amaël Borzée

New book published by the lab, available from Elsevier.

“Continental Northeast Asian Amphibians: Origins, Behavioural Ecology, and Conservation is the only comprehensive compilation of knowledge on the amphibian species of continental northeast Asia. Along with accounts for each species, the book introduces the biogeographic history, behavioral patterns, ecological requirements, and threats in the region. Written by a leading expert on Asian amphibians, this book delves into the details of origin and life history and distinguishes which variables have been instrumental to the distribution of populations and amphibian biodiversity in this region. Sections provide detailed accounts for field identification and range of the species’ behaviour during both breeding and non-breeding seasons. Finally, the book provides in-depth accounts on the threats and trends for each species, considering the current conservation pressure in the region. Each point is explained in relation with the very contrasted landscapes of the region that include two rather different species assemblages, one on the alluvial plains and the other at higher elevation on mountain ranges”.