The ecology of human-caused mortality for a protected large carnivore

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 120(13)

Опубликована: Март 20, 2023

Mitigating human-caused mortality for large carnivores is a pressing global challenge wildlife conservation. However, almost exclusively studied at local (within-population) scales creating mismatch between our understanding of risk and the spatial extent most relevant to conservation management wide-ranging species. Here, we quantified 590 radio-collared mountain lions statewide across their distribution in California identify drivers investigate whether additive or compensatory. Human-caused mortality, primarily from conflict vehicles, exceeded natural despite being protected hunting. Our data indicate that as population-level survival decreased function increasing did not decrease with increased mortality. Mortality closer rural development areas higher proportions citizens voting support environmental initiatives. Thus, presence human infrastructure variation mindset humans sharing landscapes appear be primary risk. We show can reduce scales, even when they are

Язык: Английский

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First evidence of widespread positivity to anticoagulant rodenticides in grey wolves (Canis lupus)

The Science of The Total Environment, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 915, С. 169990 - 169990

Опубликована: Янв. 15, 2024

Second-generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (ARs) can be critical for carnivores, due to their widespread use and impacts. However, although many studies explored the impacts of ARs on small mesocarnivores, none assessed extent which they could contaminate large carnivores in anthropized landscapes. We filled this gap by exploring spatiotemporal trends grey wolf (Canis lupus) exposure central northern Italy, subjecting a sample dead wolves (n = 186) LC-MS/MS method. Most 115/186, 61.8 %) tested positive (1 compound, n 36; 2 compounds, 47; 3 16; 4 or more 16). Bromadiolone, brodifacoum difenacoum, were most common with bromadiolone being that co-occurred 61). Both probability testing multiple concentration brodifacoum, liver, systematically increased found at sites. Moreover, became likely test through time, particularly after 2020. Our results underline rodent control, based ARs, increases risks unintentional poisoning non-target wildlife. risk does not only involve but also top food chain, such as wolves. Therefore, control is adding one further conservation threat endangered landscapes Europe, whose severity increase over time far higher than previously thought. Large-scale monitoring schemes European should devised soon possible.

Язык: Английский

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Potential Adaptive Introgression From Dogs in Iberian Grey Wolves (Canis lupus)

Molecular Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 10, 2025

ABSTRACT Invading species along with increased anthropogenization may lead to hybridization events between wild and closely related domesticates. As a consequence, carry introgressed alleles from domestic species, which is generally assumed yield adverse effects in populations. The opposite evolutionary adaptive introgression, where genes are positively selected the possible but has rarely been documented. Grey wolves ( Canis lupus ) widely distributed across Holarctic frequently coexist their close relative, dog C. familiaris ). Despite ample opportunity, occurs most Here we studied geographically isolated grey of Iberian Peninsula, who have coexisted large population loosely controlled dogs for thousands years human‐modified landscape. We assessed extent impact introgression on current wolf by analysing 150 whole genomes other Eurasian as well originating Europe western Siberia. identified almost no recent small (< 5%) overall ancient ancestry. Using combination single scan statistics ancestry enrichment estimates, positive selection six DAPP1 , NSMCE4A MPPED2 PCDH9 MBTPS1 CDH13 dogs. include functions immune response brain functions, explain some unique behavioural phenotypes such reduced dispersal compared

Язык: Английский

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Humans drive spatial variation in mortality risk for a threatened wolf population in a Canis hybrid zone

Journal of Applied Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 61(4), С. 700 - 712

Опубликована: Янв. 27, 2024

Abstract Large carnivores often exhibit high survival rates in protected areas, whereas intentional and unintentional human‐caused mortality may be greater adjacent areas. These patterns can result source‐sink dynamics limit population expansion beyond We used telemetry data from 438 canids 141 packs collected 2002 to 2020 evaluate risk for wolves, coyotes, admixed a 3‐species hybrid zone large area Ontario, Canada. The is occupied by most of the remaining eastern wolves ( Canis lycaon ), rare, threatened species that hybridizes with sympatric coyotes C. latrans ) Great Lakes grey lupus ). Within Algonquin Provincial Park (APP), annual harvest vehicles was low (0.06, 95% CI [0.03, 0.08]), higher areas (0.31, [0.25, 0.37]). Smaller implemented help protect did not significantly reduce mortality. Eastern survived poorly relative other dispersing residents. Mortality when were closer roads. also increased or reduced strength individual‐level selection avoidance roads their availability, respectively. Our results provide comprehensive evaluation factors influencing spatial variation inform wolf recovery efforts. Additionally, we developed novel modelling approach investigating influence resource on risk, which highlighted responses strongly population‐level patterns. Synthesis applications . Despite being listed as ‘threatened’ under Ontario Endangered Species Act, are still legally trapped shot outside central Ontario. survive APP, primarily results, along apparent inadequacy smaller suggest expanding APP unlikely current management conditions. Protecting complicated it would require ban all canids, including coyotes.

Язык: Английский

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Seasonal activity patterns and home range sizes of wolves in the human‐dominated landscape of northeast Türkiye

Wildlife Biology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 2024(6)

Опубликована: Июнь 19, 2024

Gray wolves Canis lupus comprise one of the most widely distributed carnivore species on planet, but they face myriad environmental and anthropogenic pressures. Previous research suggests that adjust their time‐ space‐use seasonally to mitigate risks from humans, conspecifics, other predators while maximizing hunting reproductive success. With many populations resettling in areas with dense human populations, understanding how may temporal spatial patterns these more human‐dominated landscapes is high conservation importance. Typically, presence causes increase nocturnality home range size. Here, we look at seasonal size diel activity among resident non‐resident differ an ecosystem experiences significant differences between seasons. While had larger ranges than wolves, there were no sizes within residents non‐residents seasons, suggesting changes effect The similar greater overlap humans active when less present landscape. Both showed increased nocturnality, both groups selecting for strongly nomadic season. This first study tracking Türkiye's offers descriptions trends GPS‐collared this highly environment.

Язык: Английский

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Wolf Dispersal Patterns in the Italian Alps and Implications for Wildlife Diseases Spreading

Animals, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 12(10), С. 1260 - 1260

Опубликована: Май 13, 2022

Wildlife dispersal directly influences population expansion patterns, and may have indirect effects on the spread of wildlife diseases. Despite its importance to conservation, little is known about for several species. Dispersal processes in expanding wolf (Canis lupus) populations Europe not well documented. Documenting natural pattern Alps might help understanding overall dynamics identifying diseases that be connected with process. We documented 55 events Italian alpine over a 20-year period through use non-invasive genetic sampling. examined 16-locus microsatellite DNA dataset 2857 samples mainly collected Western Alps. From this, we identified 915 individuals, recaptured 387 (42.3%) documenting events. On average, minimum straight distance was 65.8 km (±67.7 km), from 7.7 517.2 km. discussed potential implications maintaining diversity spreading.

Язык: Английский

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The challenges of success: Future wolf conservation and management in the United States

BioScience, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 73(8), С. 587 - 591

Опубликована: Авг. 1, 2023

Abstract Gray wolf (Canis lupus) recovery and conservation has been a remarkable success over the last 30 years in United States. Remarkable yields challenges, however. As populations expand, wolves will colonize more human-dominated landscapes face numerous such as fragmented habitats, barriers to dispersal, increased encounters with humans, pets, livestock. In areas, conflicts between humans increase. We summarize several major scientific social challenges that conservation, recovery, management coming years. addition, we suggest actions help address each challenge. Future States be affected by ability of managers predict colonization dispersal dynamics, reduce hybridization disease transmission, mitigate deter wolf–livestock conflicts, harvest sustainably while satisfying diverse stakeholders, avert reduction tolerance for due disinterest nature, engage stakeholders avoid ballot initiative or legislative judicial decrees.

Язык: Английский

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Changes in Wolf Occupancy and Feeding Habits in the Northern Apennines: Results of Long-Term Predator–Prey Monitoring

Animals, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 14(5), С. 735 - 735

Опубликована: Фев. 27, 2024

The comprehension of the factors that have influenced recent changes in wolf (Canis lupus) range and diet occurred our study area, characterized by a highly heterogeneous landscape, can shed light on their current process expansion toward plain. Wolf presence was monitored using standardized protocol from 2007 to 2022 carrying out eight monitoring sessions organized seasonal surveys, during which, we collected data. To model dynamics, used dynamic occupancy models considering land cover types wild ungulate abundances as covariates. Moreover, studied through scat analysis, identifying consumed items undigested remains. area progressed mountains lower hills gradually; observed dynamics were driven prey abundance human presence: particular, probability colonization increased with roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) abundance, whereas extinction urban areas. showed gradual shift prevalent consumption boar (2007–2008 2011–2012) (continuously increasing 2015 onward). Our results might be related specific adaptation predator local ecology most species: deer.

Язык: Английский

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The origin, connectivity, and individual specialization of island wolves after deer extirpation

Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 14(4)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2024

Wolves are assumed to be ungulate obligates, however, a recently described pack on Pleasant Island, Alaska USA, is persisting sea otters and other marine resources without prey, violating this long-held assumption. We address questions about these wolves regarding their origin fate, degree of isolation, risk inbreeding depression, diet specialization by individual sex. applied DNA metabarcoding genotyping amplicon sequencing using 957 scats collected from 2016 2022, reduced representation tissue samples establish detailed understanding Island wolf ecology compare them with adjacent mainland wolves. Dietary overlap was higher among (Pianka's index mean 0.95 ± 0.03) compared (0.70 0.21). The diets island were dominated otter, ranging 40.6% 63.2% weighted percent occurrence (wPOO) (mean 55.5 8.7). In contrast, primarily fed ungulates (42.2 21.3) or voles during population outbreak (31.2 23.2). traced the pair that colonized around 2013 produced several litters. After breeding killed, female offspring an immigrant male became new breeders in 2019. detected 20 individuals which 8 (40%) trapped killed while two died natural causes 6-year study. Except for male, pedigree analysis genotype results showed no additional movement island, indicating limited dispersal but evidence inbreeding. Our findings suggest exhibit more flexible foraging behavior than previously believed, hunting strategies can substantially differ between within packs. Nevertheless, anthropogenic mortality combined connectivity may inhibit continued persistence

Язык: Английский

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Species recovery as a half empty process: the case against ignoring social ecology for gray wolf recovery

BioScience, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 22, 2025

Abstract The criteria used to assess recovery under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) often fall short when considering social, group-living species. To illustrate this, we use recent insights on sociality in gray wolves highlight how such definitional failures implementing ESA limit efficacy of efforts for species with complex societal arrays. loss conspecifics social has an enhanced impact demographic viability that is not captured by estimates population abundance. reproductive skew reduces effective size and exacerbates threats genetic health populations. For as wolves, it critical regulations consider guidelines. Biological processes include behavior group structure need be more fully considered effectively reflect biological reality. Until policy language incorporates these considerations, try protect will lose.

Язык: Английский

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