Understanding an ecological tug of war: Disentangling competition between native and domesticated ungulates

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: April 1, 2024

Abstract Competition is a complex ecological process involving individual and community interactions at evolutionary time scales. Individuals within between species can compete through two mechanisms: exploitative interference competition. These mechanisms often co‐occur, making it difficult to develop mechanistic understanding of We used movement data from 19 GPS‐collared white‐tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) associated with an experimental cattle Bos taurus stocking event disentangle competition cattle. assumed any effect on reduced forage availability for would not occur immediately, whereas immediately after stocking, antagonistic alter behavior degrade habitat quality. evaluated the effects 30‐day intervals before as this period was be too short reduce resources assessed using metrics home range size, speed, resource selection. size proxy quality, assuming means other than loss forage. speed selection indicators behavior. experimentally stocked densities ranging 0 15.7 animal units/km 2 previously destocked pastures. Stocking did influence sizes = 17.033, 85% CI: −189.471 235.322) deer. However, density increased, decreased −0.014, −0.020 −0.008) increased woody cover 0.047, 0.031 0.063) sandier soils 0.062, 0.033 0.090). Our results suggest altered their realized niche our system. demonstrated by which livestock could native wildlife populations, inform management multiuse working landscapes.

Language: Английский

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Wolf spatial behavior promotes encounters and kills of abundant prey

Oecologia, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 200(1-2), P. 11 - 22

Published: Aug. 8, 2022

Language: Английский

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The search behavior of terrestrial mammals

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 3, 2023

Summary Animals moving through landscapes need to strike a balance between finding sufficient resources grow and reproduce while minimizing encounters with predators 1,2 . Because encounter rates are determined by the average distance over which directed motion persists 1,3–5 , this trade-off should be apparent in individuals’ movement. Using GPS data from 1,396 individuals across 62 species of terrestrial mammals, we show how maintained ~7 times longer than for similarly-sized prey, revealing prey must trade off search efficiency against predator rates. Individual strategies were also modulated resource abundance, forced risk higher when scarce. These findings highlight interplay availability shaping broad patterns mammalian movement strategies.

Language: Английский

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Incorporating mechanism into conservation actions in an age of multiple and emerging threats: The case of boreal caribou

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(7)

Published: July 1, 2023

Abstract Conservation strategies for imperiled species are frequently based on identifying and addressing the probable causes of population decline, an approach known as declining paradigm. Causes, however, linked to demographic outcomes by multiple mechanisms, failing target primary mechanisms can reduce effectiveness efficiency conservation actions. Increasingly, also need consider emerging threats, such climate change. Here, we use boreal caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ), a threatened ecotype woodland caribou, case study illustrate how landscape disturbance change each exert negative effects through complex mechanisms. We reviewed extensive literature focused identify assess relative importance putative mechanism. While disturbance‐mediated apparent competition, expansion novel predators, altered predator behavior appear be dictating past current declines has increasing potential strong direct indirect now in future. Predicted may prevent some populations from regaining self‐sustaining status, despite local Our review revealed several knowledge gaps, notably lack clarity spatial extent undisturbed habitat required stable. used our demonstrate mechanistic understanding decline inform habitat‐based caribou. For residing within highly disturbed ranges, restoration is key recommendation strategies, yet large disturbances will require prioritization areas restoration. Maximizing return‐on‐investment mechanistically informed process that targets actions toward underlying decline.

Language: Английский

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Optimal prey switching: Predator foraging costs provide a mechanism for functional responses in multi‐prey systems

Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 104(4)

Published: Nov. 23, 2022

Abstract Foragers must balance the costs and gains inherent in pursuit of their next meal. Classical functional response formulations describe consumption rates driven by prey density are naive to predator foraging costs. Here, we integrated into responses add mechanism precision foundational ideas. Specifically, using a model system with single two prey, express emerging from variable energy time each predation phase: searching, attacking, or consuming prey. The utility our is explored through focused example where can exert influence on antipredator traits. Dissimilarity between gain rate optimal switching. We found that small subset traits conditions generated stabilizing Type III (sigmoidal) response—the pattern often thought typify generalist switching species. sigmoid occurred for highly profitable only when costly (1) were at high (2) increased following an encounter. outline testable predictions regarding model. provide guidance how apply theory empirical scenarios vary due type, environmental conditions. Our framework represents synergy contemporary across disciplines, facilitating discovery shared principles context‐dependent variation varied predator–prey systems.

Language: Английский

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Home range and habitat selection of wolves recolonising central European human‐dominated landscapes

Wildlife Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 12, 2024

Decades of persecution has resulted in the long‐term absence grey wolves Canis lupus from most European countries. However, recent changes both legislation and public attitudes toward eased pressure, allowing to rapidly re‐establish territories their previous central habitats over last 20 years. Unfortunately, these are now heavily altered by humans. Understanding spatial ecology such highly modified environments is crucial, given high potential for conflict need reconcile return with multiple human concerns. We equipped wolves, originating seven packs six regions, GPS collars, us calculate monthly average home range sizes 14 animals 213.3 km 2 using autocorrelated kernel density estimation. then used ESA WorldCover data assess mosaic available within each range. Our confirmed a general seasonal pattern breeding individuals, smaller apparent ranges during reproduction phase, no specific non‐breeders. Predictably, our showed preference remote areas, especially forests, though some military training areas also broader grassland, possibly influenced local land use availability prey. results provide comprehensive insight into re‐colonisation Europe. Though spreading relatively quickly across landscapes, permanent reoccupation remains uncertain due conflicts population. To secure restoration wolf populations, further robust biological data, including on ecology, will be needed clearly identify any management implications.

Language: Английский

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Patterns of island fox habitat use in sand dune habitat on San Clemente Island

Wildlife Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 10, 2024

On San Clemente Island (SCI), the island fox subspecies Urocyon littoralis clementae has been monitored annually since 1988 to track long‐term population trends. Annual density estimates in most habitat types across range from 2 13 foxes/km , yet unusually high have repeatedly approached 50 a unique sand dune area. Although is restricted one small area on island, these suggest supports of highest densities any species world, and it may support > 5% SCI population. This finding prompted our investigation determine if foxes captured dunes maintained home ranges within this type. Between January July 2018, we used global positioning system (GPS) collars movements 12 Contrary initial predictions, found that do maintain core areas centralized habitat. All estimated contained 50% either their or 95% fixed kernel estimate (KDE) range, were 3.14 times more likely use active when compared second abundant type, maritime desert scrub (Adjusted β = 3.14, CI 3.07–3.12). We also much smaller than reported other types, with an average KDE size 0.42 km (95% 0.20–0.63 ). comprises just 2% available SCI, research highlights importance for foxes.

Language: Английский

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Sitka black-tailed deer habitat selection in relation to logging and vegetation in a temperate rainforest

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 568, P. 122134 - 122134

Published: July 16, 2024

Timber harvest can have spatially and temporally varying effects on wildlife populations. To explore the response of Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) to commercial forestry we performed habitat selection analyses (HSAs) based data across 3 spatial scales (step selection, home range, study area) 4 seasons in relation logging-related covariates (logged areas roads) LiDAR-derived vegetation metrics (canopy understory cover).We deployed global positioning system (GPS) collars 61 female a coastal temperate rainforest (Prince Wales Island, Alaska, USA). Deer young (<30 year) old (≥30) logged stands was equivocal scales, though there tendency for avoid older at range scale. However, both within outside stands, avoided greater canopy cover selected with more understory. near logging roads that were open vehicle traffic neutral towards closed roads. Although variation individual patterns, overall population generally consistent scales. Our results suggest forest structure rather than status influential responded road (open or traffic). Forest management activities (timber restoration) promote reduce may increase by deer.

Language: Английский

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Restoring historical moose densities results in fewer wolves killed for woodland caribou conservation

Journal of Wildlife Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 23, 2024

Abstract Woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ) are declining across much of their distribution in Canada response to habitat alteration, leading unsustainable predation, particularly by wolves Canis lupus ). Habitat alteration can benefit the primary prey species (moose [ Alces alces ] and deer Odocoileus spp.]) creating early seral conditions that contain more preferred food types. This increase populations results elevated wolf abundance heightened predation pressure on caribou. In risks caribou, managers have reduced key areas. Ecological theory suggests reducing would release moose from top‐down effects potentially allowing grow. Elevated thus has potential cause rebound quickly each year following reductions, suggesting a possible link between number killed for conservation. To test this idea we used unique management situation British Columbia Alberta, Canada, where lethal removals were annually conducted specific southern mountain population ranges and, some places, concurrently via liberalized hunting. We indices removal data hypothesis historical target hunting leads fewer After controlling quality, removed per km 2 was 3.2 times lower areas with density = 1.55 wolves/1,000 ± 0.33 [SE]) than those without 5.02 0.52). However, average decreased under both conditions. 9 years, there 35% reduction predicted difference annual reduction. Our suggest policies do not reduce or stabilize will result abundance. Like reductions also be controversial affect local harvesters. Thus, understanding consequences actions support recovery is essential supporting evidence‐based policy discussions.

Language: Английский

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Spatializing oil and gas subsidies in endangered caribou habitat: Identifying political‐economic drivers of defaunation

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5(10)

Published: Aug. 22, 2023

Abstract Reforming environmentally harmful subsidies is an international priority under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Research that links industrial to negative ecological impacts, however, limited. This paper contributes emerging agenda of global “subsidy accountability” research by linking oil and gas decline endangered caribou herds in British Columbia, Canada. While existing concretely attributes activity, including development, we suggest there a need identify political‐economic structures which drive ongoing development habitat, public subsidies. We use government data map wells critical habitat determine how many are run operators receiving provincial fossil fuel “royalty credits”. Ultimately, find 1678, or 54%, located within companies have received benefits from one both BC's largest royalty credit programs. points for further analysis as indirect drivers biodiversity loss scale, well increased emphasis conservation research. It also highlights obstacles implementing appropriate solutions contexts dominated resource extraction.

Language: Английский

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