Are we telling the same story? Comparing inferences made from camera trap and telemetry data for wildlife monitoring

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 33(1)

Published: Sept. 15, 2022

Abstract Estimating habitat and spatial associations for wildlife is common across ecological studies it well known that individual traits can drive population dynamics vice versa. Thus, commonly assumed individual‐ population‐level data should represent the same underlying processes, but few have directly compared contemporaneous representing these different perspectives. We evaluated circumstances under which collected from Lagrangian (individual‐level) Eulerian (population‐level) perspectives could yield comparable inference to understand how scalable information population. used Global Positioning System (GPS) collar (Lagrangian) camera trap (Eulerian) seven species simultaneously in eastern Washington (2018–2020) compare inferences made survey fit respective streams resource selection functions (RSFs) occupancy models estimated habitat‐ space‐use patterns each species. Although previous considered whether generated information, ours first make this comparison multiple specifically ask two differed depending on focal found general agreement between predicted distributions most paired analyses, although specific relationships differed. hypothesize discrepancies arose due differences statistical power associated with GPS‐collar sampling, as mismatches data. Our research suggests individual‐based sampling methods capture coarse population‐wide a diversity of species, results differ when interpreting wildlife‐habitat relationships.

Language: Английский

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Assessing target and non-target species interactions with buried non-toxic meat baits across fire mosaics

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 52(1)

Published: Jan. 17, 2025

Context Lethal 1080 baiting to control invasive predators, or reduce livestock predation by canids, is a widespread management tool used throughout Australia and New Zealand. Techniques the impact of on non-target species exist, but their efficacy, including effects environmental variation disturbance outcomes, remains poorly understood. Aims We aimed experimentally quantify extent which target dig up consume buried baits, examine how habitat fire affect such interactions. Methods Remote cameras were deployed for 70 days monitor fate non-toxic baits in semi-arid Big Desert-Wyperfeld region southeastern Australia. Species digging eating (collectively ‘bait interactions’) identified, factors bait interaction rates assessed. Key results Non-target accounted 128 (88%) 146 total interactions, primarily native mice species. Target interacted with fewer took longer record foxes (Vulpes vulpes) averaging 41 17 interactions one dingo (Canis familiaris/Canis dingo) taking 60 days, whereas occurred after ~13 days. At sites where dingoes detected, both almost always (83%), at less than half they detected (42%). Areas greater frequency (pyrodiversity) mid-successional vegetation associated more mice-bait Conclusions often sooner species, suggesting efforts predator populations could have inadvertent other The influence variables also highlights importance accounting landscape features when designing lethal programs. Implications Predator can benefit wildlife, help loss; however, managers must account that may are most likely be affected toxic extension possible broader impacts ecosystems. Monitoring assess outcomes limit negative consequences constitutes best practice.

Language: Английский

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Mammalian predator co‐occurrence affected by prey and habitat more than competitor presence at multiple time scales

Ecological Monographs, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 95(1)

Published: Jan. 30, 2025

Abstract The behavior and abundance of sympatric predators can be affected by a complex dominance hierarchy. strength antagonistic interactions in predator communities is difficult to study remains poorly understood for many assemblages. Predators directly indirectly influence the broader ecosystem, so identifying relative importance competition, prey, habitat shaping has broad conservation management implications. We investigated space use among five species (black bear [ Ursus americanus ], bobcat Lynx rufus coyote Canis latrans mountain lion Puma concolor gray wolf lupus ]) across three temporal scales northern Idaho, USA. used camera trap data test whether potentially subordinate spatially avoided dominant how prey availability influenced those relationships. found few instances avoiding only at finest scale our analyses. Instead, features generally patterns coarser whereas competitor presence finer scales. Co‐occurrence was positively associated between coyotes bobcats timescales mesopredators apex timescales. Bobcats lions temporarily delayed sites recently visited black bears, respectively. And all sooner following detection areas with higher abundances (primarily white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus ]). Our results suggest attraction shared habitats resources community more than avoidance competitors. propose that effects interspecific on distributions were most evident because their trophic position requires balancing risks rewards predators, other mesopredators. In addition, relatively high densities common source likely facilitated spatial coexistence this community. demonstrates value simultaneously assessing multiple different spatiotemporal discern relationships within guild.

Language: Английский

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Weather, habitat area, connectivity, and number of patches influence breeding ecology of ring‐necked pheasants

Journal of Wildlife Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 10, 2025

Abstract Understanding habitat selection is critical in prioritization for species of conservation and management concern. Information on particularly important grassland bird whose populations have suffered steep declines over the last few decades. We assessed ring‐necked pheasants' ( Phasianus colchicus ) a dynamic agricultural landscape. The population dynamics pheasants are partially related to nest survival, which may be influenced by quality nesting habitat. Consequently, knowledge vegetation composition structural characteristics associated with survival nests would help inform decisions improve success. monitored from 103 radio‐collared inhabiting an landscape South Dakota, USA, 2017–2019 determine effect configuration nest‐site survival. explored behavior at 2 orders selection: resource within home range (third order) specific items patch (fourth order). Proportion row crop connectivity was negatively third order. At fourth order, tended select taller greater percent grass cover than paired random sites. Pheasants also selected areas more grasslands. A 1% increase proportion increased odds 2%, respectively. Connectivity patches daily evaluated factors affecting pheasant brood‐site selection. 1‐unit Hemiptera biomass 4%. probability fewer patches. Weather played crucial role driving consideration local weather trends regional variation can pheasants. Pheasant benefit research that identifies thermal landscapes land techniques promote cooler microclimates brood‐rearing activities.

Language: Английский

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Integrating Human and Wildlife Dynamics in Co‐Occurrence Modelling

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT In shared environments, where different species interact depending on overlapping resources, complex interspecific interactions emerge, with human activities impacting these dynamics and influencing wildlife abundance distribution. the Alps, presence of multiple ungulates, such as roe deer red deer, a predator, wolf, creates web spatial behavioral in an area farming, hunting tourism have persisted over time, recently experiencing substantial growth. Accounting for interactions, we modelled co‐occurrence probabilities wolves Maritime Alps using data derived from 60 camera traps. We applied multi‐species occupancy models to investigate (i) role co‐occurrences explaining model across landscape, (ii) (iii) potential effect season detection probabilities. Among identified species, reported highest frequency recorded events were most widespread species. provided important evidence dependence, revealing that pairwise among had greater impact than only considering individual environmental effects. documented setting cameras trails increased likelihood detecting but decreased ungulates. Most importantly, significantly reduced capturing while having no either or wolves. Our results confirmed relevance including prey, predators, whole. Since sharing habitat makes defining predator–prey mechanisms, our insights are particularly relevant solutions optimize human‐wildlife coexistence, especially highly anthropogenic system Europe.

Language: Английский

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Habitat and Predator Influences on the Spatial Ecology of Nine-Banded Armadillos

Diversity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(4), P. 290 - 290

Published: April 19, 2025

Mesopredator suppression has implications for community structure, biodiversity, and ecosystem function, but mesopredators with physical defenses may not avoid apex predators. We investigated nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) in southwestern Oklahoma (USA) to evaluate if a species was influenced by dominant predator, the coyote (Canis latrans). sampled coyotes motion-activated cameras. used single-species conditional two-species occupancy models assess influences of environmental factors on armadillo occurrence site-use intensity (i.e., detection). camera-based detections characterize diel activity each their overlap. Nine-banded greater at sites closer cover, lower slopes, further from water, whereas space use higher elevations; both were positively associated recent burns. coyotes, suppressed presence coyotes. (strictly nocturnal) (predominantly had high overlap summer activity. are engineers often considered threat concern and/or nuisance. Thus, understanding role interspecific interactions important conservation management.

Language: Английский

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Forest road use by mammals revealed by camera traps: a case study in northeastern Japan

Landscape and Ecological Engineering, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 19(2), P. 289 - 296

Published: Jan. 30, 2023

Language: Английский

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Can camera traps predict habitat-species associations? A comparison with GPS-based habitat selection in red deer

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 40(2)

Published: Feb. 5, 2025

Language: Английский

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Conservation of rare and cryptic species: Challenges of uncertainty and opportunities for progress

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 4(11)

Published: Oct. 6, 2022

Abstract Effective conservation of at‐risk species presents a conundrum, often requiring rapid status assessments and timely actions regardless the adequacy best available information. Here, we present case study on Humboldt martens ( Martes caurina humboldtensis ), rare cryptic carnivore listed as threatened in 2020 under United States Endangered Species Act. Given their rarity, many aspects marten population ecology remain understudied. To help inform conservation, conducted exploratory analyses to estimate growth by incorporating empirically derived data into two demographic modeling approaches. Population rates from each approach exhibited substantial variability were uninformative evaluating status. Our results highlight inherent difficulties studying animals exemplify issues using sparse or uncertain potentially consequential circumstances. Considering shortcomings our findings, provide framework reliable improve future outcomes for poorly‐understood species.

Language: Английский

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Efficacy of machine learning image classification for automated occupancy‐based monitoring

Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 10(1), P. 56 - 71

Published: July 10, 2023

Abstract Remote cameras have become a widespread data‐collection tool for terrestrial mammals, but classifying images can be labor intensive and limit the usefulness of broad‐scale population monitoring. Machine learning algorithms automated image classification expedite data processing, misclassifications may influence inferences. Here, we used camera three sympatric species with disparate body sizes life histories – black‐tailed jackrabbits ( Lepus californicus ), kit foxes Vulpes macrotis pronghorns Antilocapra americana ) as model system to evaluate competing approaches on estimates occupancy inferences about space use. We classified with: (i) single review (manual), (ii) double (manual by two observers), (iii) an automated‐manual (machine cull empty remaining images), (iv) pretrained machine‐learning algorithm that classifies (base model), (v) base accepting only classifications ≥95% confidence, (vi) trained regional (trained (vii) confidence. compared species‐specific results from alternative review, which reduces potential was assumed best approximation truth. Despite high success, species‐level misclassification rates models were sufficiently produce erroneous related use across species. Increasing confidence thresholds 95% did not consistently improve performance. Classifying (or not) offered reasonable approach reduce effort (by 97.7%) facilitated semi‐automated workflow produced reliable Thus, camera‐based monitoring combined machine could facilitate limited manual classification.

Language: Английский

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