Patterns and drivers of amphibian and reptile road mortality vary among species and across scales: Evidence from eastern Ontario, Canada

Global Ecology and Conservation, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 50, С. e02855 - e02855

Опубликована: Фев. 16, 2024

The mortality of wildlife on roadways is a major conservation concern worldwide. Amphibians and reptiles are especially vulnerable to vehicular collisions, this particular in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve (Ontario, Canada) where several species near their geographic limits distribution designated as species-at-risk. We completed regular surveys (n=270) two highways Reserve, each slightly less than 40 km length. All observations wildlife-vehicle collisions were documented for years road, including 18,278 frogs, turtles, snakes. used kernel density analysis map relative magnitude built suite regression tree models assess influence landcover other habitat factors roadkill at scales (1 ha 20 ha). Sample size was large enough conduct species-level analyses Chrysemys picta marginata (midland painted turtle) Nerodia sipedon (northern watersnake). Spatial clustering evident both roads all taxa. However, extent varied between due differences pattern more discrete frogs turtles For northern watersnakes we found that elevated levels positively associated with amount wetland open water adjacent areas well proximity features. locations snakes closely upland types. While some generalities emerge from our study, variation also suggests caution be exercised when attempting extend results different taxa roadways, since these may vary scale. Nonetheless, scale-related can informative identifying location mitigation efforts illustrate how such an approach could implemented exhibit mortality.

Язык: Английский

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Multispecies modelling reveals potential for habitat restoration to re‐establish boreal vertebrate community dynamics

Journal of Applied Ecology, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 58(12), С. 2821 - 2832

Опубликована: Сен. 7, 2021

Abstract The restoration of habitats degraded by industrial disturbance is essential for achieving conservation objectives in disturbed landscapes. In boreal ecosystems, disturbances from seismic exploration lines and other linear features have adversely affected biodiversity, most notably leading to declines threatened woodland caribou. Large‐scale needed, yet empirical assessments effectiveness on wildlife communities remain rare. We used 73 camera trap deployments 2015 2019 joint species distribution models investigate how habitat use the larger vertebrate community (>0.2 kg) responded variation key line characteristics (line‐of‐sight, width, density mounding) following treatments a landscape oil gas development northeastern Alberta. proportion explained was low comparison type season, suggesting short‐term responses were relatively weak. However, we found that with consistent restored conditions predicted support an altered composition, reduced wolf coyote, thereby indicating will result contact rates between caribou these predators. Synthesis applications . Our analysis provides framework assess predict emerging efforts. With growing importance species, recommend longer‐term monitoring combined landscape‐scale comparisons different approaches more fully understand direct critical investments. Only combining rigorous multispecies large‐scale restoration, effectively conserve biodiversity within rapidly changing environments.

Язык: Английский

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Community-level modelling of boreal forest mammal distribution in an oil sands landscape

The Science of The Total Environment, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 755, С. 142500 - 142500

Опубликована: Сен. 26, 2020

Язык: Английский

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Spatial structure of reproductive success infers mechanisms of ungulate invasion in Nearctic boreal landscapes

Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 11(2), С. 900 - 911

Опубликована: Дек. 17, 2020

Abstract Landscape change is a key driver of biodiversity declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation, but spatially shifting resources can also facilitate range expansion invasion. Invasive populations are reproductively successful, landscape may buoy this success. We show how modeling the spatial structure reproductive success elucidate mechanisms shifts sustained invasions for mammalian species with attendant young. use an example white‐tailed deer (deer; Odocoileus virginianus ) in Nearctic boreal forest, North American phenomenon implicated severe threatened woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ). hypothesized that linked forage subsidies provided by extensive via resource extraction. measured occurrence using data from 62 camera traps northern Alberta, Canada, over three years. weighed support multiple competing hypotheses about multistate occupancy models generalized linear AIC‐based model selection framework. Spatial patterns were best explained features associated petroleum exploration extraction, which offer early‐seral vegetation subsidies. Effect sizes anthropogenic eclipsed natural heterogeneity two orders magnitude. conclude high springtime success, mitigating or exceeding winter losses, maintaining populations. Synthesis Applications . Modeling structuring become goal remote camera‐based global networks, yielding ecological insights into invasion inform effective decision‐making conservation.

Язык: Английский

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Human disturbance and prey occupancy as predictors of carnivore richness and biomass in a Himalayan hotspot

Animal Conservation, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 24(1), С. 64 - 72

Опубликована: Май 16, 2020

Abstract Carnivores are of high ecological importance and often serve as flagship species for conservation. Yet, the direct indirect effects trophic interactions human disturbance on carnivore communities occurrence their prey in temperate forests remain poorly understood. Here we evaluate net primary productivity, ( Muntjac spp) occupancy shaping richness biomass based camera‐trap data path analysis. Path analysis indicated that muntjac proximity settlements were main factors structuring communities. Carnivore was directly affected by occupancy, while increased with distance from nearest residential site. per se depended productivity. We also identified several biomass. Increasing to site had a positive effect mediated increasing richness. Net productivity positively associated indirectly via occupancy. There no significant correlations between probability livestock muntjac. Our results point incorporating modelling biodiversity patterns conservation management practices should include efforts stop hunting restrict presence core zones protected areas.

Язык: Английский

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