Wolverines on the Move: A Multi‐Scale Analysis of Forest and Landscape Factors Influencing Wolverine Occurrence in Finland

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Species distributions in forest‐dominated landscapes are closely tied to vegetation structure and heterogeneity, which can vary across spatial scales. As Fennoscandian wolverines recolonize their historical range boreal forests, specific structural features linked better resources, such as prey availability, cover, suitable denning habitats, may promote occupancy these areas. We studied wolverine ( Gulo gulo ) occurrence mainland Finland between 2009–2010 2018–2022. conducted a multi‐scale analysis using wildlife field triangle data Multi‐Source National Forest Inventory (MS‐NFI) remote sensing products. applied generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) assess the influence of forest landscape variables on probability at two scales: local (3.13 km radius) (20 radius). Occupied unoccupied sites were distinguished by fragmentation, tree volume, species composition, distance clearcuts. Sites more likely become occupied when forests less fragmented had broadleaved trees, while decreased if total volume trees was high or fresh clearcuts close proximity. Landscape scale seems be relevant than studying overall structure's impact occurrence. Our findings provide new insights into Finnish could used aid conservation management planning.

Language: Английский

Wolverine population density and home range size in Arctic Alaska

Journal of Wildlife Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 88(5)

Published: June 3, 2024

Abstract Understanding the spatial requirements of exploited wildlife species, including population density and home range size, is important for management conservation. Wolverines ( Gulo gulo ) are hunted trapped across Arctic, vulnerable to numerous, often interrelated, threats resulting from anthropogenic changes in their environment. Previous estimates wolverines Arctic tenfold, lowest highest available limiting utility outside specific areas times they were derived. The most recent estimate Alaska, USA, was produced 4 decades ago derived a relatively small study area. We evaluated wolverine size North Slope Alaska during 2017–2022 using global positioning system (GPS)‐based collar data capture‐recapture models. Population 2.0 individuals/1,000 km 2 (95% credible interval = 1.3–3.5) 2018 2.8 1.7–3.5) 2021. Median sizes modeled with autocorrelated kernel estimators Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck foraging movement processes 699 (range 158–2,895 among 12 females 2,332 797–4,699 10 males. These nearly lower than previous Alaska. recommend incorporating this information into strategies ensure sustainable harvest, particularly as region's remote more efficiently accessed by hunters being considered transportation corridors supporting new industrial development.

Language: Английский

An Estimate of Wolverine Density for the Canadian Province of Alberta

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Dec. 30, 2024

ABSTRACT Wolverines ( Gulo gulo ) are a circumboreal species that has experienced substantial range reduction worldwide. In Canada, the wolverine been extirpated entirely from east, and prairie regions in west. The province of Alberta holds south‐central portion wolverines' Canadian range, there they have designated as Data Deficient since 2001 due to historical lack information. Our aim was provide first approximation abundance estimate at provincial scale inform science‐based management well status designation. We synthesised existing density estimates wolverine–habitat relationships create province‐wide for wolverines. Densities were derived five landscapes, spanning protected National Parks Rocky Mountains, highly developed Foothills northcentral northwestern boreal forests. estimated using spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models. ranged 6.74 wolverines/1000 km 2 northwest 0.71 foothills. proportion adults based on study northwest, which 57% 43% subadults. Extrapolating densities across natural subregions (bioclimatic ecoregions), known habitat relationships, it 955 wolverines province, 544 adults. This number falls below an IUCN threshold legally listed species; we suggest reassessment considering commensurate conservation actions.

Language: Английский