Tasks

Task 1 – Study sites selection and landscape characterization

Aims to select the most appropriate sampling locations for the project’s development within both study areas (Portugal and Amapá, Brazil). We will characterize the landscape composition and configuration across a larger scale in both study areas to identify the EP large-scale spatial arrangements to define the areas where it will be more logistically feasible to implement the sampling protocol. We will also assess each site landscape structure and the seasonal landscape evolution throughout the project by using remote sensing products to characterize how the landscape changes and how this structure and temporal heterogeneity might influence the vertebrate patterns.

Task 2 – Food resource diversity and availability in EP

Aims to evaluate/implement food resources available in the sampling areas. After selecting the study sites (task 1) where the camera-trapping, line transects, bird counting stations, and trapping campaigns will be implemented, we will assess the capacity of each landscape unit that composes both sampling sites (in Brazil and Portugal; in FSC-certified and not certified EP, and control areas) to provide food resources for wildlife. We will target vegetation abundance and cover (i.e. all shrub and tree species, especially those producing zoochoric fruits); small mammals and reptiles (pitfall buckets in Brazil and live trapping and transects, in Portugal), and invertebrates (pitfalls traps) abundance.

Task 3 – Vertebrate’s diversity, occupancy, and abundance/density patterns

Aims to evaluate vertebrates’ diversity, occupancy, and density/abundance patterns in the EP with and without FC and in control sites. This task is based on using camera-trapping for monitoring medium-large-sized mammals and assess occupancy patterns, small mammal trapping to estimate species density (Sherman traps), pitfall set with a canvas (drift-fences) and line transects 20 transects to estimate reptile abundances and transects together with point counts to assess bird densities/abundances.

Task 4 – Animal trapping and radio-collars fitting

Aims to evaluate/implement a capture protocol to trap six individuals of each of the target species selected to assess the small-scale use of Eucalyptus plantation, representing two groups of mammals with different habits: forest specialists (ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Brazil and common genets (Genetta genetta) and stone martens (Martes foina) in Portugal) and habitat generalists mesocarnivores (crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) in Brazil and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Portugal). Each animal will be fit with GPS collars.

Task 5 - Physical condition of vertebrates

Aims to assess the physiological and parasitological impacts of inhabiting a Eucalyptus-dominated landscape, and for the Portuguese populations, on living in FSC certified and non-certified plantations. It is structured to collect data on three different surrogates of individual fitness, depending on the considered taxa: parasite load (hemoparasites and ectoparasites), body condition, and stress-related hormone (Cortisol).

Task 6 – Fine-scale spatial patterns of mesocarnivores

Aims to uncover the fine-scale spatial ecology patterns of the monitored species and understand the role of FC and each landcover unit that composes the studied EP landscape to carnivores in Brazil and Portugal (using data from task 1 and 2). We will estimate home range and core-area sizes and configurations via different home-range metrics (e.g., Fixed Kernels, Brownian bridge movement estimators), and assess habitat selection using resource selection functions (RSFs) based on three levels of selection: first-order (home ranges within the study area); second-order (core area within home ranges); and third-order (locations within individual home ranges; Step-Selection-Functions (SSF)).

Task 7 – Activity patterns of mesocarnivores

Aims to estimate the activity patterns of the target mammals based on the: 1) time of the photos taken using camera-traps (Task 3); and 2) time of each GPS location (Task 6). We will also assess the activity pattern seasonal and habitat type variation, and interspecific overlap, and assess how the maintenance and harvesting activities may alter the species temporal ecology.

Task 8 - Motivations and attitudes towards FC

Aims to understand the motivations and attitudes of landowners and general public towards FC, as societal demands have implications of how forests are used and managed. Thus, we aim to 1) assess dissimilarities in perceptions and motivations between certified and noncertified landowners; 2) understand landowners and managers attitudes towards biodiversity conservation and environmental management; 3) identification of benefits and types of cultural and recreational use of certified and non-certified forests. This task will be based on the use distinct types of questionnaires and sampling methods for the different sample groups: landowners and the general public.

Task 9 – Forest certification and management guidelines

9.1. Forest Certification efficiency as vertebrates’ biodiversity promoter

Aims to test if the Forest certification (FSC) is really promoting diversity, occupancy/abundance/density and use of temperate plantation when compared to non-certified forestry areas.

9.2. Definition of management guidelines to achieve sustainable forestry production

Aims to produce, using a collaborative and participative network with stakeholders and managers, guidelines that can contribute to promoting the compatibilization of conservation values and production profitability, in a sustainable landscape context.

Task 10 – Outreach and science communication activities

Aims to create an information flow between the ForCe team and the different target audiences, using various types of dissemination materials and platforms. We aim to reach different stakeholders land planners and decision-makers (governmental authorities); landowners and managers; researchers; general public). This task will be organized into 2 topics, using multiple channels: 1) Dissemination of the research scientific results; 2) Communication and public engagement activities.