Trophic consequences of terrestrial eutrophication for a threatened ungulate

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 288(1943), P. 20202811 - 20202811

Published: Jan. 20, 2021

Changes in primary productivity have the potential to substantially alter food webs, with positive outcomes for some species and negative others. Understanding environmental context traits that give rise these divergent is a major challenge generality of both theoretical applied ecology. In aquatic systems, nutrient-mediated eutrophication has led declines diversity, motivating us seek terrestrial analogues using large-mammal system across 598 000 km 2 Canadian boreal forest. These forests are undergoing most rapid rates land-use change on Earth home declining caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ) populations. Using satellite-derived estimates productivity, coupled moose Alces alces wolf Canis lupus abundance, we used path analyses discriminate among hypotheses explaining how habitat alteration can affect population growth. Hypotheses included limitation, resource dominance by over caribou, apparent competition predators shared between caribou. Results support yield densities (1.8 individuals 1000 −2 above which populations decline. Our multi-trophic analysis provides insight into cascading effects from forest cutting destabilize predator–prey dynamics. Finally, highlights why conservation actions directed at proximate cause decline been more successful near term than those further along trophic chain.

Language: Английский

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Cumulative effects of human footprint, natural features and predation risk best predict seasonal resource selection by white-tailed deer

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Jan. 20, 2022

Abstract Land modified for human use alters matrix shape and composition is a leading contributor to global biodiversity loss. It can also play key role in facilitating range expansion ecosystem invasion by anthrophilic species, as it alter food abundance distribution while influencing predation risk; the relative roles of these processes are habitat selection theory. We researched influences examining footprint, natural habitat, predator occurrence on seasonal range-expanding boreal white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) oil sands western Canada. hypothesized that polygonal industrial features (e.g. cutblocks, well sites) drive distributions sources early seral forage, linear e.g. roads, trails, seismic lines) associated with predators avoided deer. developed 2nd -order resource models from three years GPS-telemetry data, camera-trap-based model occurrence, landscape spatial data weigh evidence six competing hypotheses. Deer was best explained combination features, intact deciduous forest, wolf Canis lupus occurrence. strongly selected such roads despite potential increased risk encounters. Linear may attract providing high density forage opportunity heavily exploited landscapes, into north.

Language: Английский

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Habitat alteration or climate: What drives the densities of an invading ungulate?

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(4)

Published: April 1, 2024

Abstract Anthropogenic habitat alteration and climate change are two well‐known contributors to biodiversity loss through changes species distribution abundance; yet, disentangling the effects of these factors is often hindered by their inherent confound across both space time. We leveraged a contrast in associated with jurisdictional boundary between Canadian provinces evaluate relative spatial variation on white‐tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) densities. White‐tailed an invading ungulate much North America, whose expansion into Canada's boreal forest implicated decline caribou Rangifer tarandus ), listed as Threatened Canada. estimated densities using 300 remote cameras 12 replicated 50 km 2 landscapes over 5 years. were significantly lower areas where winter severity was higher. For example, predicted declined from 1.83 0.35 deer/km when increased lowest value median value. There tendency for increase increasing alteration; however, magnitude this effect approximately half that climate. Our findings suggest primary driver populations; understanding mechanisms underpinning relationship requires further study over‐winter survival fecundity. Long‐term monitoring at invasion front needed drivers abundance time, particularly given unpredictability prevalence extreme weather events.

Language: Английский

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Simultaneous monitoring of vegetation dynamics and wildlife activity with camera traps to assess habitat change

Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 7(4), P. 666 - 684

Published: June 14, 2021

Abstract Vegetation phenology and productivity drive resource use by wildlife. dynamics also reveal patterns of habitat disturbance recovery. Monitoring these fine‐scale vegetation over large spatiotemporal extents can be difficult, but camera traps (CTs) commonly used to survey wildlife populations collect data on local conditions. We CTs (n = 73) from 2016 2019 assess impacts change in a boreal landscape northern Canada, where seismic lines for petroleum exploration disturbed prompted restoration efforts. First, we quantified CTs, comparing them satellite‐based estimates that are typically monitor at broad spatial scales. then understory estimated CT time‐lapse images recovery lines. Finally, related with the three species: sandhill cranes Grus canadensis , woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus . provided unique insight into were different signals measured satellites, temporally inconsistent even some negative correlations between satellite metrics. found indication had received treatment, more similar undisturbed than did not receive treatment. inferences about activity resources, which approaches using failed detect. Wildlife tracked phenology, always increase weekly, 16‐day, or annual intervals. Instead, associations depended species, temporal scale, Given widespread growing terrestrial wildlife, recommend their simultaneously conditions better understand mechanisms govern changing environments.

Language: Английский

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Modelling Resilience: Zooarchaeological Insights into Subsistence Diversity and Land Use Practices of the Ancient Maya in the Upper Belize River Valley

Environmental Archaeology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 22

Published: March 23, 2025

Language: Английский

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Mosquito‐Borne Diseases in Canada: Integrated Perspectives on Disease Management and Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Factors Affecting the Transmission Cycle

Public Health Challenges, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 4(2)

Published: April 21, 2025

ABSTRACT Globally, mosquito‐borne diseases (MBD) cause the highest morbidity and mortality in humans animals. Currently, Canada, endemic MBDs that are significant public health problems all zoonoses caused primarily by West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis Californian serogroup viruses, including Jamestown Canyon Snowshoe hare viruses. The transmission cycles of these viruses changing, linked to global population movements (including vectors) climate land use changes. Here, we present state knowledge, related as well salient surveillance approaches carried out monitor them their infection rates. We propose a few theoretical operational research avenues order improve our understanding cycle changes, potential new tools such citizen science, metagenomics, artificial intelligence, remote sensing help reduce disease burdens on Canadians. This will support animal responses proactively manage under changing environmental conditions.

Language: Английский

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Applying and testing a novel method to estimate animal density from motion‐triggered cameras

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13(4)

Published: April 1, 2022

Abstract Estimating animal abundance and density are fundamental goals of many wildlife monitoring programs. Camera trapping has become an increasingly popular tool to achieve these due recent advances in modeling approaches the capacity simultaneously collect data on multiple species. However, estimating unmarked populations continues be problematic difficulty implementing complex approaches, low precision estimates, absence rigor testing model assumptions their influence results. Here, we describe a novel approach that uses still image camera traps estimate without need for individual identification, based time spent front (TIFC). Using results from large‐scale multispecies program with nearly 3000 cameras deployed over 6 years Alberta, Canada, provide reproducible methodology parameters test key TIFC model. We compare moose ( Alces alces ) estimates aerial surveys TIFC, including incorporating correction factors known assumption violations. The resulting corrected comparable estimates. discuss limitations method areas needing further investigation, long‐term violations number necessary precise Despite challenges high measurement error, can useful alternative or complementary when compared traditional methods.

Language: Английский

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Ungulate occurrence in forest harvest blocks is influenced by forage availability, surrounding habitat and silviculture practices

Ecological Solutions and Evidence, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 4(2)

Published: April 1, 2023

Abstract Forest harvesting causes habitat loss and alteration can change predator–prey dynamics. In Canada, forest has shifted the distribution abundance of ungulates (deer, elk moose) that prefer early seral forest, resulting in unsustainable caribou predation by shared predators (bears, cougars wolves). Long‐term solutions for recovery require management to reduce ungulate prey species within ranges. Silviculture practices applied after directly affect amount forage available harvested areas, therefore influence distribution, but few studies have completed detailed assessments on how specific treatments site preparation, planting stand tending use harvest blocks. We used camera traps, silviculture data, GIS‐derived disturbance vegetation data collected at field sites investigate occurrence blocks west‐central Alberta, Canada. compared seasonal investigated site‐specific characteristics, surrounding density, fine‐scale influenced Deer, moose was higher summer winter. Elk, white‐tailed deer with greater availability species. Moose a lower road density area, further from seismic lines proportion area. younger Mule densities lodgepole pine, mule also had been tended. Our study provides information response methods linking wildlife forestry practices, providing practical scientific inform sustainable forestry. Translating this research into landscape decisions could benefit boreal biodiversity, including threatened like caribou, culturally economically important deer, moose.

Language: Английский

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California Serogroup Viruses in a Changing Canadian Arctic: A Review

Viruses, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 15(6), P. 1242 - 1242

Published: May 25, 2023

The Arctic is warming at four times the global rate, changing diversity, activity and distribution of vectors associated pathogens. While not often considered a hotbed vector-borne diseases, Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) Snowshoe Hare (SSHV) are mosquito-borne zoonotic viruses California serogroup endemic to Canadian North. maintained by transovarial transmission in circulate among vertebrate hosts, both which well characterized regions. most human infections subclinical or mild, serious cases occur, JCV SSHV have recently been identified as leading causes arbovirus-associated neurological diseases North America. Consequently, currently recognised neglected emerging public health concern. This review aims summarise previous findings region regarding enzootic cycle viruses. We identify key gaps approaches needed critically evaluate, detect, model effects climate change on these uniquely northern Based limited data, we predict that (1) adapted will increase their range northwards, but lose southern limits, (2) undergo more rapid amplification amplified regions for longer vector-biting seasons, (3) take advantage northward shifts hosts vectors, (4) bite rates following an availability breeding sites, along with phenological synchrony between reproduction theorized reservoirs (such caribou calving) mosquito emergence.

Language: Английский

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Towards Managing Biodiversity of European Marginal Agricultural Land for Biodiversity-Friendly Biomass Production

Agronomy, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(6), P. 1651 - 1651

Published: June 20, 2023

The use of marginal land, especially that which has already been used for agricultural purposes in the past two decades, biomass cultivation is seen as an important approach transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Marginal land can provide many other ecosystem services than provisioning bioenergy and biobased products such erosion mitigation, groundwater protection nursery promote biodiversity. However, also often subject dynamic processes, mostly soil degradation climate change, make its fauna flora particularly vulnerable land-use changes. This study provides insights into land’s potential biodiversity characterization critically discusses further steps towards applicable management approaches. Not all commonly indicators apply types regarding site-specific biophysical constraints landscape heterogeneity. because both are sensitive disturbances. Therefore, when lands production, available measures should be taken allow predominantly positive impacts on local biodiversity, survey status quo using camera traps, area mapping, or caterpillar mimics forecast agrobiological management.

Language: Английский

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