Habitat loss accelerates for the endangered woodland caribou in western Canada

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 3(7)

Published: April 26, 2021

Abstract Habitat loss is often the ultimate cause of species endangerment and also a leading factor inhibiting recovery. For this reason, species‐at‐risk legislation, policies plans typically focus on habitat conservation restoration as mechanisms for To assess effectiveness these instruments in decelerating loss, we evaluated spatiotemporal changes an iconic endangered species, woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ). We quantified forest cover, key proxy habitat, all subpopulations Alberta British Columbia, Canada. Despite efforts under federal provincial recovery plans, requirements listed Canada's Species at Risk Act, lost twice much they gained during 12‐year period (2000–2012). Drivers varied by ecotype, with Boreal Northern Mountain affected most fire Southern more harvest. Our case study emphasizes critical gaps between planning management actions, which are core expectation legislation. Loss from 2000 to 2018 has accelerated. Linear features within ranges have increased over time, particularly seismic lines ranges, estimated that only 5% functionally regenerated. findings support idea short‐term actions such predator reductions translocations will likely just delay extinction absence well‐considered management. Given magnitude ongoing change, it clear unless cumulative impacts land‐uses effectively addressed through consider anthropogenic natural disturbances, fail achieve self‐sustaining populations across North America.

Language: Английский

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Endangered species lack research on the outcomes of conservation action

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 13, 2025

Abstract Given widespread biodiversity declines, there is an urgent need to ensure that conservation interventions are working. Yet, evidence regarding the effectiveness of actions often lacking. Using a case study 209 terrestrial species listed as Endangered in Canada, we conducted literature review collate base on to: (1) explore outcomes documented for each and (2) identify knowledge gaps. Action‐oriented research constituted only 2% all peer‐reviewed across target species, 61% found no investigating actions. Protected areas, habitat creation, artificial shelter, alternative farming practices were broadly beneficial most which these assessed. Habitat restoration frequently studied, but 38% harmful, ineffective, or demonstrated mixed results. The prescribed burns, timber harvesting approaches, vegetation control was examined greatest number yet 17%–30% negative effects. Our synthesis demonstrates lack published many implemented recovery at risk extinction, highlighting alarming gap literature.

Language: Английский

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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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Effectiveness of population‐based recovery actions for threatened southern mountain caribou

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 34(4)

Published: April 17, 2024

Abstract Habitat loss is affecting many species, including the southern mountain caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ) population in western North America. Over last half century, this threatened population's range and abundance have dramatically contracted. An integrated model was used to analyze 51 years (1973–2023) of demographic data from 40 subpopulations assess effectiveness population‐based recovery actions at increasing growth. Reducing potential limiting factors on populations offered a rare opportunity identify causes decline methods recovery. Southern declined by 51% between 1991 2023, 37% were functionally extirpated. Wolf reduction only action that consistently increased growth when applied isolation, combinations wolf reductions with maternal penning or supplemental feeding provided rapid but four subpopulations. As 52%, compared simulation no interventions. When predation pressure reduced, observed, even under contemporary climate change high levels habitat loss. Unless will continue be extirpated well before conservation restoration can become effective.

Language: Английский

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Effects of scent lure on camera trap detections vary across mammalian predator and prey species

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 15(5), P. e0229055 - e0229055

Published: May 12, 2020

Camera traps are a unique survey tool used to monitor wide variety of mammal species. trap (CT) data can be estimate animal distribution, density, and behaviour. Attractants, such as scent lures, often in an effort increase CT detections; however, the degree which effects attractants vary across species is not well understood. We investigated lure on detections by comparing detection rates between 404 lured 440 unlured stations sampled Alberta, Canada over 120 day periods February August 2015 2016. zero-inflated negative binomial generalized linear mixed models test effect for a) all mammals, b) six functional groups (all predator species, prey, large carnivores, small ungulates), c) four varied management interest (fisher, Pekania pennanti; gray wolf, Canis lupus; moose, Alces alces; Richardson's ground squirrel; Urocitellus richardsonii). Mammals were detected at 800 844 CTs, with nearly equal numbers total CTs (7110) without (7530) lure, variable individual Scent significantly increased predators group, including carnivore sub-groups fisher specifically, but wolf. There was no prey ungulate moose squirrel specifically. recommend that researchers explicitly consider when designing, interpreting, or multi-species surveys. Additional research needed further quantify variation responses lures other attractants, elucidate community-level inferences from camera

Language: Английский

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Demographic responses of nearly extirpated endangered mountain caribou to recovery actions in Central British Columbia

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 32(5)

Published: March 23, 2022

Abstract Recovering endangered species is a difficult and often controversial task that challenges status quo land uses. Southern Mountain caribou are threatened ecotype of historically ranged in southwestern Canada northwestern USA epitomize the tension between resource extraction, biodiversity conservation, Indigenous Peoples' treaty rights. Human‐induced habitat alteration considered ultimate cause population declines, whereby an increased abundance primary prey—such as moose deer—elevates predator populations creates unsustainable mortality. Here we focus on Klinse‐Za Quintette subpopulations, part Central Group British Columbia. These subpopulations were trending toward immediate extirpation until collaborative group initiated recovery by implementing two short‐term actions. We test effectiveness these actions—maternity penning adult females their calves, reduction predator, wolves—in increasing vital rates growth. received both actions, whereas only wolf reductions, providing opportunity to efficacy Between 1995 2021, followed 162 collared female for 414 animal‐years estimate survival used aerial counts calf recruitment. combined data integrated model growth, total abundance, action effectiveness. Results suggest declining rapidly (λ = 0.90–0.93 ) before interventions would have been functionally extirpated (<10 animals) within 10–15 years. Wolf growth ~0.12 each subpopulation. halted decline allowed them increase 1.05 , but alone stabilized 1.02). However, maternity further ~0.06, which when with grow 1.08). Taken together, actions survival, recruitment, overall more than doubling abundance. Our results reductions can be effective at numbers short term, while long‐term commitments protection restoration made.

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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Evaluating the impact of caribou habitat restoration on predator and prey movement

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(2)

Published: Sept. 13, 2022

Fragmentation of the boreal forest by linear features, including seismic lines, has destabilized predator-prey dynamics, resulting in decline woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations. Restoration human-altered habitat therefore been identified as a critical management tool for achieving self-sustaining However, only recently testing response and other wildlife to restoration activities conducted. Early work centered around assessing changes use restored lines. We evaluated whether reduces movement rates predators their associated prey, which is expected decrease predator hunting efficiency ultimately reduce mortality. developed new method using cameras measure fine-scale measuring speed animals traveled between an array. used our quantify caribou, moose (Alces alces), bears (Ursus americanus), wolves (Canis lupus) on treated (restored) untreated treatments reduced travel speeds along lines 1.38 km/h, 0.55 1.57 but did not speeds. Reduced are predicted encounter thus lower kill rates. further needed determine result with mortality.La fragmentación del bosque causado por los accidentes lineales, incluyendo las líneas sísmicas, ha desestabilizado dinámicas depredador-presa, lo que resulta en la declinación de poblaciones caribú caribou). Por esto, restauración hábitat con alteraciones antropogénicas sido identificada como una herramienta fundamental gestión para obtener autosuficientes esta especie. Sin embargo, no es hasta hace poco se analizado respuesta y otras especies actividades restauración; primeros trabajos centraban analizar cambios el uso les daban sísmicas restauradas. Evaluamos si tasas movimiento depredadores sus presas asociadas, cuales esperan disminuyan eficiencia caza último reduzcan mortalidad caribú. Desarrollamos un nuevo método usar cámaras medir detallado mediante medición velocidad animales trasladan largo serie cámaras. Usamos nuestro cuantificar caribú, alces osos americanus) lobos tratadas (restauradas) tratadas. Los tratamientos redujeron (reducción km/hora), (0.55 km/hora) (1.57 pero afectaron alces. Se pronostica reducción sobre disminuye proporción encuentros entre y, tanto, muertes necesita análisis más profundo determinar tasa reducida si, último, esto caribú.包括地震测线在内的线性特征对北方森林的破碎化破坏了捕食者-猎物动态的稳定性, 导致北美驯鹿(Rangifer caribou)种群的减少。因此, 恢复人为改变的栖息地已被认为是实现北美驯鹿种群自我维持的关键管理工具。然而, 直到最近才有研究测试了驯鹿及其他野生动物对恢复活动的响应;早期的工作主要是评估野生动物对恢复的地震测线的使用变化。本研究评估了恢复活动是否降低了捕食者及其猎物的移动速度, 这预计会降低捕食者的捕食效率, 并最终降低驯鹿的死亡率。我们开发了一种新的方法, 通过计算动物在红外相机阵列中的移动速度, 来用相机测量精细尺度的运动。我们用该方法量化了驯鹿、驼鹿(Alces alces)、美洲黑熊(Ursus americanus)和狼(Canis lupus)在处理(恢复)和未处理的地震测线上的速度。恢复处理使狼沿地震测线的移动速度降低了1.38千米/时, 熊降低了0.55千米/时, 驯鹿降低了1.57千米/时, 但没有降低驼鹿的移动速度。预计在恢复处理的地震测线上降低捕食者和驯鹿的速度会减少捕食者和驯鹿之间的相遇概率, 从而降低驯鹿的死亡率。然而, 还需要进一步的工作来确定降低移动速率是否会降低与猎物相遇概率, 并最终降低驯鹿的死亡率。【翻译:胡怡思;审校:聂永刚】.

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Climate change mitigation through woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) habitat restoration in British Columbia

Environmental Research Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 4(2), P. 025004 - 025004

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract Climate change poses a significant global threat, requiring rapid and effective mitigation strategies to limit future warming. Tree planting is commonly proposed readily implementable natural climate solution. It also vital component of habitat restoration for the threatened woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus) . There potential goals conservation carbon sequestration be combined co-benefits. We examine this opportunity by estimating impacts tree in range British Columbia (BC), Canada. To do so, we couple Landsat-derived datasets with Physiological Processes Predicting Growth, process-based model forest growth. compare informed needs maximum under multiple scenarios including shared socio‐economic pathways (SSP) 2, representing ∼2.7 °C warming, SSP5, ∼4.4 Trees were modelled as planted 2025. Province-wide 2100, maximum-carbon averaged 1062 Mg CO 2 · ha −1 planted, while resulted an average 930 reduction 12%. found that relative between herds remained similar across warming that, most ecotypes, increased from 5% 7% coldest (∼2.7 warming) warmest (∼4.4 scenario. Variability was observed herds, highlighting importance spatially-explicit, herd-level analysis growth when planning activities. Our findings indicate large co-benefits BC all modelled. They underscore value models evaluating implications areas changing climate.

Language: Английский

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Boreal Caribou Can Coexist with Natural but Not Industrial Disturbances

Journal of Wildlife Management, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 84(8), P. 1435 - 1444

Published: Aug. 7, 2020

ABSTRACT For species at risk, it is important that demographic models be consistent with our most recent knowledge because alternate model versions can have differing predictions for wildlife and natural resource management. To establish maintain this consistency, we compare predicted values to current or past observations knowledge. When novel predictor information becomes available, testing consistency between modeled observed ensures the best are used robust, evidence‐based, We combine on extent of historical disturbance regimes (industrial fire) an existing predict projected demographics woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ). Exploring 6 simulation experiments across 5 populations in Alberta, Canada, identify relative importance industrial disturbance, fire, population density size growth rate. confirm onset significant declines all began approximately 30 years ago, demonstrate these been consistent, conclude they more likely due from oil gas sector within contemporary ranges than fire regimes. These findings reinforce research cause declines. Testing prescribed recovery paramount assessing declines, projecting trends, refining strategies effective provide a method conducting tests. © 2020 The Authors. Journal Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC behalf Society.

Language: Английский

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