Dynamics of distribution of introduced mammals in Ukraine and factors influencing them DOI Creative Commons
Ігор Загороднюк, Denys Lazariev

Biosystems Diversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 32(4)

Published: Dec. 5, 2024

This article considers changes in the composition of fauna and abundance alien mammals from group introduced species over past two decades, which Ukraine are marked by powerful processes. These distinct processes climate warming shortening winters, on one hand, large-scale war waged Russia against territory Ukraine, other. Such natural environment lead to significant shifts boundaries zones and, accordingly, living conditions all species, not only local biota but also aliens. Among latter, a special is made up as those that appeared result dispersal context global change, due various types introductions. them three superorder Rodentia ( Oryctolagus cuniculus , Ondatra zibethicus Myocastor coypus ), Carnivora Nyctereutes procyonoides Neogale vison Procyon lotor five Ungulata Cervus nippon Dama dama Ovis gmelini Equus hemionus ferus ). The following factors contributed success introductions: 1) captivity with possibility escape, 2) destruction kinds nurseries (during war), 3) reduction native 4) increase share degraded habitats, 5) forms nature use population regulation. successful introductions analysed terms habitat structure guilds integrated. It shown confined eutrophic habitats occupying ‘windows’ or marginal places guild successful. Most carried out have resulted formation populations mainly semi-aquatic mammals: rodents O. partially M. ) carnivores N. Terrestrial did show expansion naturalisation, exception sika deer. number some C. occurred simultaneously decrease their competitors Arvicola amphibius elaphus Mustela lutreola most problematic was entry into mustelid guild. appearance has led extinction part ecologically similar total these groups animals become almost equal. Hunting means regulating proved be ineffective, volume hunting 1–2 orders magnitude lower than annual growth indicates vulnerable hunters.

Language: Английский

Genomic Insights Into Red Squirrels in Scotland Reveal Loss of Heterozygosity Associated With Extreme Founder Effects DOI Creative Commons
Melissa M. Marr, Emily Humble, Peter W. W. Lurz

et al.

Evolutionary Applications, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 18(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Remnant populations of endangered species often have complex demographic histories associated with human impact. This can present challenges for conservation as modified by activity may require bespoke management. The Eurasian red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris (L., 1758), is in the UK. Scotland represents a key stronghold, but Scottish been subjected to intense anthropogenic influence, including widespread extirpations, reintroductions and competition from an invasive species. study examined genetic legacy these events through low coverage whole-genome resequencing 106 squirrels. Previously undetected patterns population structure gene flow were uncovered. One offshore island, four mainland populations, east-coast migration corridor observed. An abrupt historical bottleneck, related extreme founder effects, has led severe prolonged depression genome-wide heterozygosity, which amongst lowest reported any Current designated squirrel stronghold locations do not encompass all existing diversity. These findings highlight legacies past influence on long-term diversity taxa. Continuing management interventions regular monitoring are recommended safeguard improve future

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Multilevel ecological interactions: Impact of weather, forest extreme events and seed production on squirrel population dynamics DOI
Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto, Francesca Santicchia, Damiano Preatoni

et al.

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 966, P. 178713 - 178713

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Over the limit: Consequences of gray squirrel personality on the shifting range limits of oak and hickory species DOI Creative Commons
Margaret R. Merz,

Francesca Colombini,

Alessio Mortelliti

et al.

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. e03539 - e03539

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Urban intensity predicts eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) occupancy and detection in St. Louis green spaces DOI Creative Commons
Whitney J. B. Anthonysamy, Elizabeth G. Biro, Solny A. Adalsteinsson

et al.

Journal of Urban Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Abstract Resource partitioning allows ecologically similar species to coexist, but human-altered landscapes such as cities change the availability and quality of resources. Tree squirrels are common in cities, yet mechanisms that drive coexistence urban habitats remain unclear. We explored how landscape features affect occupancy detection eastern gray (Sciurus carolinensis) fox niger) along an urbanization gradient St. Louis, Missouri. conducted presence/absence surveys 34 green spaces using seasonal camera trapping from fall 2018 summer 2019. examined relationship between metrics (NDVI, % impervious surface, human population density) estimates detection. also investigated mean daily frequency among urban, suburban rural across seasons. Autologistic models with intensity covariate yielded higher for than squirrels. Fox squirrel were negatively correlated intensity, whereas positively it. Gray sites while rates sites. Both had highest lowest summer. Our results indicated thrive environments limited more areas. offer insight into influencing species’ distribution interactions, which important understanding broader impacts on biodiversity.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Alien vs. Native—Influence of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Introduction on the Native Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Population DOI Open Access
Jakub Gryz, Dagny Krauze‐Gryz, Karolina Jasińska

et al.

Forests, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(6), P. 1014 - 1014

Published: June 11, 2024

Fallow deer is one of the most widespread alien mammals in Europe. We documented response roe population shortly after fallow was introduced to a hunting ground central Poland. Mean density dropped from 17.6 ind./100 ha 10.5 species introduced. In reference area, where absent, did not change analogue study period. At both sites, mean productivity before introduction similar (1.6 juv./female). However, first 1.4, while it slightly increased 1.75. The presence influenced space use negatively, i.e., number pellet groups decreased with an increase feces. Overall, successful and grew quickly. Yet, economic impact its far satisfactory. same time, negative influence on apparent. This shows that threatening local biodiversity.

Language: Английский

Citations

3
The impact of urbanisation on chipmunks, arboreal and flying squirrels: a global systematic review DOI Creative Commons
Claudia Tranquillo, Francesco Bisi, Lucas A. Wauters

et al.

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 54(2), P. 150 - 177

Published: Dec. 9, 2023

Abstract The current, rapid urbanisation process impacts global biodiversity and can be a driver for phenotypic changes in mammals that persist cities. Animals display different response strategies urban environments compared to natural areas, but patterns may differ among species. To better comprehend this process, we focused on limited number of species are present many green spaces around the globe. aim systematic review is investigate which chipmunks, arboreal flying squirrels use cope with environments, exploring whether there general patterns, reveal potential adaptations life areas. We included studies trait differences conspecifics living areas along an gradient (rural–urban) comparing individuals or populations between environmental characteristics. effects squirrels, at individual population levels, were identified nine topics. Included articles explored least one these topics their key findings described. Effects evident all considered However, found contrasting even same studied geographical Overall, reported two knowledge gaps: some traits few studies, species, especially those Global South, where growth rate higher, have not been studied. This suggests important adaptation small mammals, underlining complexity differentiation patterns. Since target ecological social roles, additional comparative increasing our understanding processes determine presence cities, essential planning aims conserve biodiversity.

Language: Английский

Citations

8
Immune interactions and heterogeneity in transmission drives the pathogen‐mediated invasion of grey squirrels in the UK DOI Creative Commons
Elizabeth A. Howell, Andrew White, Peter W. W. Lurz

et al.

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 93(6), P. 663 - 675

Published: March 17, 2024

Abstract Mathematical models highlighted the importance of pathogen‐mediated invasion, with replacement red squirrels by squirrelpox virus (SQPV) carrying grey in UK, a well‐known example. In this study, we combine new epidemiological models, range infection characteristics, recent longitudinal field and experimental studies on SQPV dynamics squirrel populations to better infer mechanistic basis disease interaction. A key finding is that model either partial immunity or waning reinfection, where individuals become seropositive second exposure infection, up now has been shown data only, can capture aspects study observations. By fitting epidemic observations isolated populations, transmission between significantly (4×) higher than as result our shows disease‐mediated greys considerably more rapid absence SQPV. Our findings recover results previous studies, which highlights value simple strategic are appropriate when there limited data, but also emphasise likely complexity immune interactions wildlife how help processes from data.

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Going urban: variation in personality traits of an invasive species along an urbanization gradient DOI
Claudia Tranquillo, Francesca Santicchia, Claudia Romeo

et al.

Journal of Mammalogy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 105(6), P. 1300 - 1308

Published: July 22, 2024

Abstract The fast-growing expansion of urban areas pose severe pressures on wildlife. However, some generalist native mammals thrive in urbanized landscapes, while invasive alien species (IAS) are often more abundant cities than rural habitats. Variation phenotypes—such as differences personality traits—can influence the probability to colonize anthropized areas, especially case IAS where certain traits related invasion success. Here, we investigated expression activity, exploration, and social tendency Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) replicated study sites along a rural–urban gradient Northern Italy. Personality was estimated using an open field test (OFT) followed by mirror image stimulation (MIS) test. We found that squirrels were active suburban sites, behaved sociable sites. Conversely, exploration did not differ gradient. Results also reveal presence behavioral syndrome: activity (OFT), tendency, activity–exploration (MIS). suggest variation level behavior habitats could favor respond positively urbanization. This sheds light underexplored personality–urbanization relationship IAS, helping understand complex process invasion.

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Physiological stress response to urbanisation differs between native and invasive squirrel species DOI Creative Commons
Francesca Santicchia, Claudia Tranquillo, Lucas A. Wauters

et al.

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 922, P. 171336 - 171336

Published: Feb. 27, 2024

Novel pressures derived from urbanisation can alter native habitats and ultimately impact wildlife. Coping with such human-driven changes might induce shifts in species phenotypic traits, as physiological responses to anthropogenic stressors. Preadaptation face those challenges has been suggested favour settlement spread of invasive alien urbanised areas which, consequently, respond differently than ecologically similar stressors posed by urbanisation. The activation the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis subsequent release glucocorticoids (GCs) mediate disturbance vertebrates. Furthermore, intraspecific competition, conjunction related urbanisation, affect stress differently. Using a parallel pseudo-experimental study system we measured faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations Eurasian red squirrel Eastern grey along rural-urban gradient relation conspecific density. two responded synergic effect competition. Association FGMs density squirrels varied between rural suburban sites, potentially depending on differential HPA responses. In urban this relationship did not differ significantly that ones. Conversely, squirrels' vary density, nor differed gradient. Improving knowledge about competing species' support conservation strategies altered man. Our findings be preadapted cope these areas, increasing their success under future global change scenario.

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) and mesocarnivores in a Mongolian protected area DOI
Delgerchimeg Davaasuren, Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto, Claudia Tranquillo

et al.

Mammalia, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 88(6), P. 509 - 516

Published: July 17, 2024

Abstract Prey-predator interactions across time and space strongly influence many animal communities. This study unveils the first insights into ecology of Eurasian red squirrel ( Sciurus vulgaris ) in Mongolia, specifically Bogd Khan Mountain Strictly Protected Area. We used by-catch data obtained from camera traps to analyze activity patterns potential with mammalian predators. Red squirrels exhibited primarily diurnal occasional nocturnal forays, while predators like foxes Vulpes vulpes, corsac martens Martes foina, zibellina displayed cathemeral patterns, respectively. The Pallas’s cat Otocolobus manul showed greatest overlap squirrels. Suggesting predator avoidance behavior potentially mediated by olfactory cues, was negatively impacted marten presence, which turn affected human disturbance. highlight need for further investigations, particularly regarding dietary composition cats forested habitats broader ecological implications disturbance on predator–prey dynamics within this crucial conservation area.

Language: Английский

Citations

1