Integrating geodiversity in animal spatial ecology: microhabitat selection of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in a karst landscape DOI Creative Commons
Špela Čonč, Teresa Oliveira, Lan Hočevar

и другие.

Global Ecology and Conservation, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 54, С. e03138 - e03138

Опубликована: Авг. 11, 2024

Geodiversity, encompassing various geophysical elements, can have an important impact on species distribution and affect animal behaviour patterns. Although many wild felids are attracted to rugged terrain conspicuous relief features, most previous research was limited general topographical characteristics (e.g., slope or ruggedness) rarely considered the effects of specific microhabitat characteristics. This gap is primarily due availability high-resolution digital models (DTMs) features data at larger scales. However, LiDAR DTMs be used in combination with automatic methods detect enabling non-contact accurate mapping large, remote densely-forested areas. Here, we investigated selection patterns karstic as well topographic, anthropogenic vegetation characteristics, by two sympatric felids, Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) European wildcat (Felis silvestris), Dinaric Mountains, Slovenia. We DTM calculate topographic karst based methods. compared these between GPS-collared wildcats under a use-availability approach. also differences their origin experience (remnant vs. translocated naive experienced, respectively). observed significant space use both detected distinct species. Lynx selected proximity caves, cliffs, depressions, ridges, small rocky outcrops, roads, but avoided human settlements forest edges. Wildcats areas lower surface slope, closer main edges, caves roads settlements. stronger selection/avoidance among remnant lynx, while levels were less important. Our study demonstrates potential integrating sensing techniques information geodiversity into spatial ecology. Furthermore, our results indicate that provide abiotic microhabitats for may influence habitat segregation findings further evidence importance conservation need incorporate wildlife studies.

Язык: Английский

The Impact of Darting on the Habitat Selection of Lions and Tourist-Viewing Opportunities DOI
Teja Curk, Rubén Portas,

Claudine C. Cloete

и другие.

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

Increasing numbers of animals are captured every year for the deployment bio-loggers to collect data scientific research. This usually requires immobilisation and handling by researchers, which has potential change spatial behaviour animals, such as avoiding humans human infrastructure. is especially relevant species lions (Panthera leo), among most studied carnivores at same time globally one sought-after wildlife-viewing tourism. Here, we used habitat-selection functions examine whether modify their habitat selection after being chemically immobilised darting from a car in Etosha National Park, Namibia, protected area with large, but regulated tourist presence. We found that did not avoid camps, roads or waterholes Lions also these areas dependent how many times they were (once vs twice). Our study indicated strictly-controlled movements (restriction daytime periods), tourism minimal impact on movement lions. Furthermore, repeated chemical do seem importantly affect reduce lion-viewing possibilities tourists. These findings crucial shaping more effective policy visitor management strategies areas. Implementing similar measures other zero-tolerance off-road driving restricting activity hours—when less active—can help minimize effects wildlife.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0
Phenological Plant Pattern in the Topographic Complex Karstic Landscape of the Northern Dinaric Alps DOI Creative Commons
Aljaž Jakob, Mateja Breg Valjavec, Andraž Čarni

и другие.

Plants, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 14(7), С. 1093 - 1093

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2025

Vegetation phenology has lately gained attention in the context of studying human-induced climate change and its effects on terrestrial ecosystems. It is typically studied various regional temporal scales. This research focused microscale dolines Northernmost part Dinaric Alps. The aim was to determine timing flowering onset relate it topographic ecological conditions. We (1) floristic gradient along N-W transects divided 2 m × plots, from top slopes bottom dolines, identified discrete groups relation this (2) provided their diagnostic species communities. results indicate that early spring ground vegetation lower stimulated by high moisture nutrient availability, as well open canopy mesophilous deciduous forests. upper karst plateau starts later, which due precipitation peak May/June higher temperatures light availability thermophilous delayed late summer rocky crevices places a particular physiology harsh site pattern doline inverse general patterns phenology. Further study role soils should be made impact

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0
Supporting Reintroduction Planning: A Framework Integrating Habitat Suitability, Connectivity and Individual‐Based Modelling. A Case Study With the Eurasian Lynx in the Apennines DOI Creative Commons
Davide Serva, Miha Krofel, Francesco Cerasoli

и другие.

Diversity and Distributions, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 31(4)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Aim Reintroducing carnivores is a widely used approach to restore the natural integrity of ecosystems. Species distribution models (SDMs) and connectivity analyses are valuable tools for planning reintroductions identifying release sites but rarely combined. We propose new framework combining SDMs, modelling individual‐based (IBMs) assess feasibility various reintroduction scenarios. As case study, we applied this plan potential Eurasian lynx ( Lynx ) Apennines by: (i) assessing niche overlap between source target populations; (ii) integrating habitat suitability select (iii) evaluating outcomes through IBMs. Location Apennines, Peninsular Italy. Methods combined analysis, ensembles fine‐tuned SDMs circuit‐theory techniques model connectivity. Then, integrated predictions within GIS environment identify optimal under different Finally, IBMs population viability, site occupancy dispersal. Results Niche suggested that Carpathian populations may serve as valid source. Integrating highlighted most functional in Central (CA) Northern (NA). A scenario with individuals released both CA NA did not outperform single‐area Releasing only showed long‐term higher risk isolation, while would result viable long term, despite closer proximity suitable areas Alps. Main Conclusions Our can help practitioners selection species reintroductions. recommend incorporating demography, well dispersal settlement phases, when This identifies critical mortality areas, predicts size, enhances decision‐making successful

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0
The tortoise and the antilocaprid: adapting GPS tracking and terrain data to model wildlife walking functions DOI Creative Commons
Samuel Norton Chambers, Joshua von Nonn, Matthew A. Burgess

и другие.

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 40(5)

Опубликована: Апрель 29, 2025

Abstract Context The relationship between slope and terrestrial animal locomotion is key to landscape ecology but underexplored across species. This partly due a lack of scalable methodology that applies diversity wildlife. Objectives study investigates the slope-speed for two species, Texas tortoise ( Gopherus berlandieri ) pronghorn Antilocapra americana ), through combined application remote sensing, GPS tracking, behavior models, parametric distribution. While using readily available Digital Elevation Models (DEM) pronghorn, we explore use very high-resolution lidar Terrain (DTM) from Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) characterize movements at micro-scales. Methods After classifying with tracking data Hidden Markov (HMMs), analyzed speed animals terrain 30-m DEM fine-scale UAS DTM tortoise, three nonlinear models: Laplace, Gauss, Lorentz. Results High-resolution DTM, coupled accurately models micro-scale, while suitable larger scale. Laplace best predicted both pronghorn. showed tortoises, which are not known rapid agile movement like have broader tolerance varying slopes fine Conclusions These findings enhance understanding species-specific offering valuable insights habitat management conservation tailored species’ behaviors capabilities.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0
A novel adaptive similarity-based ecological niche model for the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) using UAV LiDAR data DOI
Guoqiang Hou, Xin Shen,

Sang Ge

и другие.

Remote Sensing of Environment, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 326, С. 114804 - 114804

Опубликована: Май 20, 2025

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0
Integrating geodiversity in animal spatial ecology: microhabitat selection of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in a karst landscape DOI Creative Commons
Špela Čonč, Teresa Oliveira, Lan Hočevar

и другие.

Global Ecology and Conservation, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 54, С. e03138 - e03138

Опубликована: Авг. 11, 2024

Geodiversity, encompassing various geophysical elements, can have an important impact on species distribution and affect animal behaviour patterns. Although many wild felids are attracted to rugged terrain conspicuous relief features, most previous research was limited general topographical characteristics (e.g., slope or ruggedness) rarely considered the effects of specific microhabitat characteristics. This gap is primarily due availability high-resolution digital models (DTMs) features data at larger scales. However, LiDAR DTMs be used in combination with automatic methods detect enabling non-contact accurate mapping large, remote densely-forested areas. Here, we investigated selection patterns karstic as well topographic, anthropogenic vegetation characteristics, by two sympatric felids, Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) European wildcat (Felis silvestris), Dinaric Mountains, Slovenia. We DTM calculate topographic karst based methods. compared these between GPS-collared wildcats under a use-availability approach. also differences their origin experience (remnant vs. translocated naive experienced, respectively). observed significant space use both detected distinct species. Lynx selected proximity caves, cliffs, depressions, ridges, small rocky outcrops, roads, but avoided human settlements forest edges. Wildcats areas lower surface slope, closer main edges, caves roads settlements. stronger selection/avoidance among remnant lynx, while levels were less important. Our study demonstrates potential integrating sensing techniques information geodiversity into spatial ecology. Furthermore, our results indicate that provide abiotic microhabitats for may influence habitat segregation findings further evidence importance conservation need incorporate wildlife studies.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0