Environmental variability across space and time drives the recolonization pattern of a historically persecuted large carnivore

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 122(5)

Published: Jan. 27, 2025

Wildlife populations are not static. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect individuals, which lead to spatiotemporal variation in population density range. Yet, dynamics their drivers rarely documented, due part the inherent difficulty of studying long-term population-level phenomena at ecologically meaningful scales. We studied a recolonizing large carnivore population, wolverine Gulo gulo , across Scandinavian Peninsula over nine years. fitted open-population spatial capture-recapture models noninvasive genetic sampling data collected Norway Sweden estimate annual surfaces drivers. This approach allowed us model sex-specific changes effect landscape-level environmental determinants time. Our results revealed that, as wolverines successfully recolonized many parts historical range Scandinavia, relationship with has changed also found support for responses differences temporal relationships, indicating disproportionate recolonization ability anthropogenic pressures. observed significant female several during study period, suggesting still ongoing expansion whereas males might have already reached limits. These findings show that is recovering from centuries persecution severe contraction. sheds light on challenges carnivores human-dominated landscapes time space.

Language: Английский

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Mapping sex- and age-structure reveals lonely males at the front in an expanding brown bear population

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 306, P. 111122 - 111122

Published: April 8, 2025

Language: Английский

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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

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Wolverine density, survival, and population trends in the Canadian boreal forest

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

Published: April 24, 2024

Abstract There is limited information available on wolverine ( Gulo gulo ) population density and trends in the boreal forest of North America. We estimated using spatial capture‐recapture methods across 2 study areas Red Lake, Ontario (26,568 km Rainbow Alberta (19,084 ), Canada. also used radio‐telemetry data to estimate annual survival adult sub‐adult wolverines evaluated with a stage‐based matrix model. an array run poles live traps detect wolverines. In Lake over 3 winter field seasons (2019–2022), we detected 56 individual (17 females, 32 males, 7 unknown sex), (2014–2016), 48 individuals (19 18 11 sex). Average densities were 3.64 6.74 wolverines/1,000 , respectively. Adults sub‐adults occurred at equal abundance. Spring snow cover, roads, industrial developments not associated patterns density. Most deaths near roads; killed fur set along by wolves roads travel, vehicles. The largest source death was from incidental n = 6 Lake) or licensed trapping 8 report injuries sets. estimates for adults (0.87) (0.86) contributed stable trend. (0.66) (0.50) declining trend based relatively low sample radio‐days. combined (0.77) (0.73) Our modeling suggests that human‐caused mortality significant risk these populations. results can be applied status assessments as benchmarks future monitoring. Wolverine stability growth might achieved reducing injury hindering human access habitats through decommissioning limiting development other anthropogenic linear features.

Language: Английский

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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

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Effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on parturition and reproductive output in wolverines

Journal of Wildlife Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 88(7)

Published: June 27, 2024

Abstract One of the selective advantages delayed implantation in carnivores is flexibility to decouple time between mating and parturition, allowing both occur when conditions are most favorable. Terrestrial with have evolved reduced maternal energy expenditure through shorter gestation length, smaller neonates, litters, a possible linkage body condition birth or litter size. Using data on wolverine ( Gulo gulo ) females cubs from management removals covering entire latitudinal gradient Scandinavian population 2001‐2022, I assessed effect extrinsic intrinsic factors variation parturition date Timing varied over 2 months, where 90% litters were born 5 February 11 March, peak 23 February. Females living winter grazing pastures semi‐domestic reindeer Rangifer tarandus gave earlier than those outside, along an elevation was at higher altitudes. did not find evidence latitude date. Furthermore, older had greater odds younger having 3 rather 1 cub. To minimize risk harvesting lactating females, regulations should implement harvest seasons that extend no longer end January.

Language: Английский

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Genetic connectivity of wolverines in western North America

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Nov. 15, 2024

Abstract Wolverine distribution contracted along the southern periphery of its range in North America during 19th and 20th centuries due primarily to human influences. This history, with low densities, sensitivity climate change, concerns about connectivity among fragmented habitats spurred recent US federal listing threatened status special concern Canada. To help inform large scale landscape connectivity, we collected 882 genetic samples genotyped at 19 microsatellite loci. We employed multiple statistical models assess factors (terrain complexity, disturbance, forest configuration, climate) associated wolverine across 2.2 million km 2 southwestern Canada northwestern contiguous United States. Genetic similarity (positive spatial autocorrelation) wolverines was detected up 555 a high-to-low gradient diversity occurred from north-to-south. Landscape genetics analyses confirmed that has been negatively influenced by disturbance broad scales positively cover snow persistence fine- broad–scales, respectively. information applied landscapes can be used guide management actions goal maintaining or restoring population connectivity.

Language: Английский

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Lonely males at the front: A new open SCR model reveals the spatial sex-age structure of an expanding brown bear population

Authorea (Authorea), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 8, 2024

Range expansion is a common feature from invasive to reintroduced or recovering populations. This process mainly driven by population growth and dispersal and, consequently, different species’ intrinsic characteristics mechanisms will result in contrasting structures space. How individuals of sex age classes are spatially distributed key understand forecast range expansions, but remains largely unexplored. Here, we developed an age-structured open spatial capture recapture (OPSCR) model how can shape dynamics, as well recovery processes. We use the expanding endangered Pyrenean brown bear case study, taking advantage comprehensive non-invasive monitoring dataset collected between 2017 2021. The front was dominated adult (>4 years) subadult males (2-4 years), while females juveniles (<2 prevailed at core. Overall, density declined with distance core (area where last bears remained ‘90s translocated established). Bear affected locations remnant (i.e., areas) constrained female philopatry. Future projections suggest that increasing reproduction events periphery could speed up future spread, this continue growing even under some level demographic stochasticity. Our novel OPSCR opens new pathways complex spatiotemporal patterns populations large carnivores, inform conservation action, for example, anticipating adoption damage prevention measures raising awareness campaigns on coexist areas.

Language: Английский

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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

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Wolverine Habitat Suitability Analysis in Lake County, Colorado, Using GIS

Published: Aug. 24, 2024

This project explores the reintroduction of wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) to Colorado’s mountainous regions, where species has been extirpated due habitat destruction and human activities. The study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) identify optimal habitats for reintroduction, considering factors like snowpack duration, prey availability, disturbance. By creating a GIS-based suitability model, this research will guide conservationists in selecting sites. addresses species' role maintaining alpine ecosystem balance contributes broader understanding biodiversity restoration face climate change. Results inform future conservation planning wildlife management Colorado.

Language: Английский

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