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Bell E, Fisher JT, Darimont C, Hart H, Bone C. Influence of heterospecifics on mesocarnivore behaviour at shared scavenging opportunities in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11026. [PMID: 37419891 PMCID: PMC10329011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34911-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In seasonal environments, the ability of mustelid species to acquire carrion-a dietary resource heavily depended upon-is driven by a collection local habitat characteristics and competition dynamics. In resource-scarce winter, sympatric mesocarnivores must balance energetic rewards of carrion with avoiding antagonistic interactions with conspecifics. We examined scavenging interactions among three mustelid species in the northern Canadian Rocky Mountains. Camera traps (n = 59) were baited with carrion during winter between 2006 to 2008. Spatial and temporal dimensions of scavenger behaviour (i.e., carcass use) were evaluated using a multi-model approach, which enabled us to recognize potentially adaptive behavioural mechanisms for mitigating competition at carcass sites. Best performing models indicated that carrion site use is governed by a combination of competition threats and environmental factors. A decrease in scavenging with increasing snow depth was observed across all species. Mustelids adopted a host of adaptive behavioural strategies to access shared scavenging opportunities. We found evidence that wolverine (Gulo gulo) and American marten (Martes americana) segregate in space but temporally tracked one another. Short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) scavenging decreased with greater site use by marten. Carcass availability across a spatially complex environment, as well as spatial-temporal avoidance strategies, can facilitate carrion resource partitioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elicia Bell
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada.
| | - Jason T Fisher
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Chris Darimont
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Henry Hart
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Christopher Bone
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
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2
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Aubry KB, Raley CM, Shirk AJ, McKelvey KS, Copeland JP. Climatic conditions limit wolverine distribution in the Cascade Range of southwestern North America. CAN J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2022-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recolonization of the Cascade Range in southern British Columbia, Canada, and Washington, USA, by wolverines ( Gulo gulo (L., 1758)) is an ongoing process whose ultimate outcome is unknown. A reliable species distribution model for the wolverine in the Cascades (i.e., their first-order habitat selection) is urgently needed to help inform management and conservation strategies. Using Argos location data obtained on 10 resident adult wolverines (six females, four males) from 2008 to 2016, we generated a multi-covariate species distribution model for the wolverine in the Cascades. Our final model included three climatic covariates and their quadratic terms: Proximity to the Transitional Zone Near Alpine Tree Line, Number of Frost-free Days per Year, and Annual Precipitation as Snow. Model validations indicated that our model was robust and could identify areas of potential wolverine distribution in the Cascades reliably. Our model provides evidence that wolverine distribution in the Cascades is constrained by climatic conditions and that snowy and cold environments define the geographic areas that are overwhelmingly associated with resident wolverines. In addition, our model provides a reliable basis for monitoring the direct effects of climate change on wolverines in the Cascade Range and for predicting the extent to which climate change may impact their populations under various scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith B. Aubry
- US Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3625 93rd Avenue SW, Olympia, WA 98512, USA
| | - Catherine M. Raley
- US Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3625 93rd Avenue SW, Olympia, WA 98512, USA
| | - Andrew J. Shirk
- School of the Environment, University of Washington, Climate Impacts Group, P.O. Box 355674, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kevin S. McKelvey
- US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 800 East Beckwith, Missoula, MT 59801, USA
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3
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Zimova M, Moberg D, Mills LS, Dietz AJ, Angerbjörn A. Colour moult phenology and camouflage mismatch in polymorphic populations of Arctic foxes. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20220334. [PMID: 36382371 PMCID: PMC9667137 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Species that seasonally moult from brown to white to match snowy backgrounds become conspicuous and experience increased predation risk as snow cover duration declines. Long-term adaptation to camouflage mismatch in a changing climate might occur through phenotypic plasticity in colour moult phenology and or evolutionary shifts in moult rate or timing. Also, adaptation may include evolutionary shifts towards winter brown phenotypes that forgo the winter white moult. Most studies of these processes have occurred in winter white populations, with little attention to polymorphic populations with sympatric winter brown and winter white morphs. Here, we used remote camera traps to record moult phenology and mismatch in two polymorphic populations of Arctic foxes in Sweden over 2 years. We found that the colder, more northern population moulted earlier in the autumn and later in the spring. Next, foxes moulted earlier in the autumn and later in the spring during colder and snowier years. Finally, white foxes experienced relatively low camouflage mismatch while blue foxes were mismatched against snowy backgrounds most of the autumn through the spring. Because the brown-on-white mismatch imposes no evident costs, we predict that as snow duration decreases, increasing blue morph frequencies might help facilitate species persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Zimova
- Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Dick Moberg
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
| | - L. Scott Mills
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Office of the Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences - Evenstad, 2418 Elverum, Norway
| | - Andreas J. Dietz
- German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD), German Aerospace Center (DLR), 82234 Wessling, Germany
| | - Anders Angerbjörn
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
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4
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Barrueto M, Forshner A, Whittington J, Clevenger AP, Musiani M. Protection status, human disturbance, snow cover and trapping drive density of a declining wolverine population in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17412. [PMID: 36280695 PMCID: PMC9592595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Protected areas are important in species conservation, but high rates of human-caused mortality outside their borders and increasing popularity for recreation can negatively affect wildlife populations. We quantified wolverine (Gulo gulo) population trends from 2011 to 2020 in > 14,000 km2 protected and non-protected habitat in southwestern Canada. We conducted wolverine and multi-species surveys using non-invasive DNA and remote camera-based methods. We developed Bayesian integrated models combining spatial capture-recapture data of marked and unmarked individuals with occupancy data. Wolverine density and occupancy declined by 39%, with an annual population growth rate of 0.925. Density within protected areas was 3 times higher than outside and declined between 2011 (3.6 wolverines/1000 km2) and 2020 (2.1 wolverines/1000 km2). Wolverine density and detection probability increased with snow cover and decreased near development. Detection probability also decreased with human recreational activity. The annual harvest rate of ≥ 13% was above the maximum sustainable rate. We conclude that humans negatively affected the population through direct mortality, sub-lethal effects and habitat impacts. Our study exemplifies the need to monitor population trends for species at risk-within and between protected areas-as steep declines can occur unnoticed if key conservation concerns are not identified and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Barrueto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 507 Campus Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4V8, Canada.
| | - Anne Forshner
- Parks Canada, Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, PO Box 213, Lake Louise, AB, T0L1E0, Canada
| | - Jesse Whittington
- Parks Canada, Banff National Park Resource Conservation, PO Box 900, Banff, AB, T1L 1K2, Canada
| | - Anthony P Clevenger
- Western Transportation Institute, Montana State University, P.O. Box 174250, Bozeman, MT, 59717-4250, USA
| | - Marco Musiani
- Dipartimento Scienze Biologiche Geologiche Ambientali, BiGeA, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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5
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Milligan MC, McNew LB. Evaluating the Cumulative Effects of Livestock Grazing on Wildlife With an Integrated Population Model. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.818050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock grazing can shape temperate grassland ecosystems, with both positive and negative effects on wildlife documented depending on a variety of grazing and site factors. Historically, research investigating the impacts of livestock grazing on wildlife has been limited by a narrow focus on simple “grazed” vs. “ungrazed” treatments or examining how grazing affects only a single vital rate in isolation. To overcome these limitations, we used a two-stage class, female-based integrated population model (IPM) to examine whether three grazing management regimes (season-long, rest-rotation, and summer rotation) differentially impacted population growth rates of sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanachus phasianellus) in eastern Montana and western North Dakota. We estimated 14 vital rates related to survival and fecundity and examined whether subtle cumulative effects of livestock grazing were present but not detected in prior analyses focused on single vital rates. While the management regimes did not differentially impact survival or fecundity of female grouse in our study system, we found evidence for significant cumulative impacts of grazing regime on population growth rates that were only apparent when all vital rates were evaluated concurrently. Population growth rates were higher in areas managed with season-long livestock grazing. The IPM framework encourages comprehensive investigations into the influence of covariates on critical components of species life histories and can assist in guiding management decisions in a world of limited resources. This integrated approach allowed us to more efficiently use multiple data types to provide a more complete picture of the effects of management on an important indicator species.
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6
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Wolverines (Gulo gulo) in a changing landscape and warming climate: A decadal synthesis of global conservation ecology research. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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7
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Kukka PM, Jung TS, Schmiegelow FKA. Spatiotemporal patterns of wolverine (Gulo gulo) harvest: the potential role of refugia in a quota-free system. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01566-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Wittische J, Heckbert S, James PMA, Burton AC, Fisher JT. Community-level modelling of boreal forest mammal distribution in an oil sands landscape. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142500. [PMID: 33049527 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic landscape disturbances are known to alter, destroy, and fragment habitat, which typically leads to biodiversity loss. The effects of landscape disturbance generally vary among species and depend on the nature of the disturbances, which may interact and result in synergistic effects. Western Canada's oil sands region experiences disturbances from forestry and energy sector activities as well as municipal and transportation infrastructure. The effects of those disturbances on single species have been studied and have been implicated in declines of the boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Yet, the specific responses of the mammal community, and of functional groups such as prey and predators, to those interacting disturbances are still poorly known. We investigated the responses of black bear, grey wolf, coyote, fisher, lynx, red fox, American red squirrel, white-tailed deer, moose, caribou, and snowshoe hare to both natural habitat and disturbance associated with anthropogenic features within Alberta's northeast boreal forest. We used a novel community-level modelling framework on three years of camera-trap data collected in an oil sands landscape. This framework allowed us to identify the natural and anthropogenic features which explained the most variation in occurrence frequency among functional groups, as well as compare responses to linear and non-linear anthropogenic disturbance. Occurrence frequency by predators was better explained by anthropogenic features than by natural habitat. Both linear and non-linear anthropogenic features helped explain occurrence frequency by prey and predators, although the effects differed in magnitude and spatial scale. To better conserve boreal biodiversity, management actions should extend beyond a focus on caribou and wolves and aim to restore habitat across a diversity of anthropogenic disturbances and monitor the dynamics of the entire mammal community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wittische
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
| | - Scott Heckbert
- Department of Geography, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; Alberta Energy Regulator, Calgary, AB T2P 0R4, Canada
| | - Patrick M A James
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Graduate Department of Forestry, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, University of Toronto, 33 Willcocks St., Toronto M5S 2J5, ON, Canada
| | - A Cole Burton
- Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jason T Fisher
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
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9
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Fisher JT, Grey F, Anderson N, Sawan J, Anderson N, Chai SL, Nolan L, Underwood A, Amerongen Maddison J, Fuller HW, Frey S. Indigenous-led camera-trap research on traditional territories informs conservation decisions for resource extraction. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The resource extraction that powers global economies is often manifested in Indigenous Peoples’ territories. Indigenous Peoples living on the land are careful observers of resulting biodiversity changes, and Indigenous-led research can provide evidence to inform conservation decisions. In the Nearctic western boreal forest, landscape change from forest harvesting and petroleum extraction is intensive and extensive. A First Nations community in the Canadian oil sands co-created camera-trap research to explore observations of presumptive species declines, seeking to identify the relative contributions of different industrial sectors to changes in mammal distributions. Camera data were analyzed via generalized linear models in a model-selection approach. Multiple forestry and petroleum extraction features positively and negatively affected boreal mammal species. Pipelines had the greatest negative effect size (for wolves), whereas well sites had a large positive effect size for multiple species, suggesting the energy sector as a target for co-management. Co-created research reveals spatial relationships of disturbance, prey, and predators on Indigenous traditional territories. It provides hypotheses, tests, and interpretations unique to outside perspectives; Indigenous participation in conservation management of their territories scales up to benefit global biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Fisher
- University of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies, PO Box 1700 STN CSC Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Fabian Grey
- Whitefish Lake First Nation. General Delivery, Atikameg, AB T0G 0C0, Canada
| | - Nelson Anderson
- Whitefish Lake First Nation. General Delivery, Atikameg, AB T0G 0C0, Canada
| | - Josiah Sawan
- Whitefish Lake First Nation. General Delivery, Atikameg, AB T0G 0C0, Canada
| | - Nicholas Anderson
- Whitefish Lake First Nation. General Delivery, Atikameg, AB T0G 0C0, Canada
| | - Shauna-Lee Chai
- InnoTech Alberta, 250 Karl Clark Road, Edmonton, AB T6N 1E4 Canada
| | - Luke Nolan
- InnoTech Alberta, 250 Karl Clark Road, Edmonton, AB T6N 1E4 Canada
| | - Andrew Underwood
- InnoTech Alberta, 250 Karl Clark Road, Edmonton, AB T6N 1E4 Canada
| | - Julia Amerongen Maddison
- University of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies, PO Box 1700 STN CSC Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Hugh W. Fuller
- University of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies, PO Box 1700 STN CSC Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Sandra Frey
- University of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies, PO Box 1700 STN CSC Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. Dyson
- University of Waterloo 200 University Avenue W Waterloo ON N2B 3A5 Canada
| | - Stuart M. Slattery
- Institute for Wetlands and Waterfowl Research, Ducks Unlimited Canada Stonewall MB R0C 2Z0 Canada
| | - Bradley C. Fedy
- University of Waterloo 200 University Avenue W Waterloo ON N2B 3A5 Canada
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11
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Frey S, Volpe JP, Heim NA, Paczkowski J, Fisher JT. Move to nocturnality not a universal trend in carnivore species on disturbed landscapes. OIKOS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.07251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Frey
- Univ. of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies PO Box 3060, STN CSC Victoria British Columbia V8W 3R4 Canada
| | - J. P. Volpe
- Univ. of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies PO Box 3060, STN CSC Victoria British Columbia V8W 3R4 Canada
| | - N. A. Heim
- Alberta Environment and Parks Alberta Canada
| | | | - J. T. Fisher
- Univ. of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies PO Box 3060, STN CSC Victoria British Columbia V8W 3R4 Canada
- InnoTech Alberta Victoria BC Canada
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12
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Terraube J, Van Doninck J, Helle P, Cabeza M. Assessing the effectiveness of a national protected area network for carnivore conservation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2957. [PMID: 32528022 PMCID: PMC7289803 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16792-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protected areas (PAs) are essential to prevent further biodiversity loss yet their effectiveness varies largely with governance and external threats. Although methodological advances have permitted assessments of PA effectiveness in mitigating deforestation, we still lack similar studies for the impact of PAs on wildlife populations. Here we use an innovative combination of matching methods and hurdle-mixed models with a large-scale and long-term dataset for Finland's large carnivore species. We show that the national PA network does not support higher densities than non-protected habitat for 3 of the 4 species investigated. For some species, PA effects interact with region or time, i.e., wolverine densities decreased inside PAs over the study period and lynx densities increased inside eastern PAs. We support the application of matching methods in combination of additional analytical frameworks for deeper understanding of conservation impacts on wildlife populations. These methodological advances are crucial for preparing ambitious PA targets post-2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Terraube
- Global Change and Conservation Lab, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program. Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - J Van Doninck
- Amazon Research Team, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
| | - P Helle
- Natural Resources Research Institute, Paavo Havaksen tie 3, FI-90570, Oulu, Finland
| | - M Cabeza
- Global Change and Conservation Lab, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program. Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Fisher JT, Burton AC, Nolan L, Roy L. Influences of landscape change and winter severity on invasive ungulate persistence in the Nearctic boreal forest. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8742. [PMID: 32457474 PMCID: PMC7250834 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65385-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate and landscape change are drivers of species range shifts and biodiversity loss; understanding how they facilitate and sustain invasions has been empirically challenging. Winter severity is decreasing with climate change and is a predicted mechanism of contemporary and future range shifts. For example, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) expansion is a continental phenomenon across the Nearctic with ecological consequences for entire biotic communities. We capitalized on recent temporal variation in winter severity to examine spatial and temporal dynamics of invasive deer distribution in the Nearctic boreal forest. We hypothesized deer distribution would decrease in severe winters reflecting historical climate constraints, and remain more static in moderate winters reflecting recent climate. Further, we predicted that regardless of winter severity, deer distribution would persist and be best explained by early seral forage subsidies from extensive landscape change via resource extraction. We applied dynamic occupancy models in time, and species distribution models in space, to data from 62 camera traps sampled over 3 years in northeastern Alberta, Canada. Deer distribution shrank more markedly in severe winters but rebounded each spring regardless of winter severity. Deer distribution was best explained by anthropogenic landscape features assumed to provide early seral vegetation subsidy, accounting for natural landcover. We conclude that deer dynamics in the northern boreal forest are influenced both by landscape change across space and winter severity through time, the latter expected to further decrease with climate change. We contend that the combined influence of these two drivers is likely pervasive for many species, with changing resources offsetting or augmenting physiological limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Fisher
- University of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies, Victoria, British, Columbia, Canada.
- Former address: InnoTech Alberta, Bag 4000, Vegreville, Alberta, T9C1T4, Canada.
| | - A Cole Burton
- Former address: InnoTech Alberta, Bag 4000, Vegreville, Alberta, T9C1T4, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Department of Forest Resources Management, Forest Sciences Centre, 2045 - 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British, Columbia, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Luke Nolan
- Former address: InnoTech Alberta, Bag 4000, Vegreville, Alberta, T9C1T4, Canada
| | - Laurence Roy
- Former address: InnoTech Alberta, Bag 4000, Vegreville, Alberta, T9C1T4, Canada
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14
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Barrueto M, Sawaya M, Clevenger A. Low wolverine (Gulo gulo) density in a national park complex of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Large carnivores are sensitive to human-caused extirpation due to large home ranges, low population densities, and low reproductive rates. Protected areas help maintain populations by acting as sources, but human-caused mortality, habitat displacement, and edge effects occurring at protected area boundaries may reduce that function. The national parks Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay in the Canadian Rocky Mountains are refugia for large carnivores, including wolverines (Gulo gulo (Linnaeus, 1758)). Despite growing conservation concern, empirical baseline population data for wolverines remain scarce throughout their range, including most of Canada. We hypothesized (i) that in these national parks, wolverine density matched values expected for high-quality habitat, and (ii) that edge effects decreased density towards park boundaries. We conducted systematic non-invasive genetic sampling surveys covering >7000 km2 (2011 and 2013). Using spatial capture–recapture models, we estimated mean (±SE) female (1.5 ± 0.3 and 1.4 ± 0.3 wolverine/1000 km2), male (1.8 ± 0.4 and 1.5 ± 0.3 wolverine/1000 km2), and combined (3.3 ± 0.5 and 3.0 ± 0.4 wolverine/1000 km2) densities for 2011 and 2013, respectively. These estimates were lower than predictions based on density extrapolation from nearby high-quality habitat, and density decreased towards park boundaries. To benefit the population, we recommend creating buffer zones around parks that protect female habitat and prohibit harvest.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Barrueto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - M.A. Sawaya
- Sinopah Wildlife Research Associates, 127 North Higgins, Suite 310, Missoula, MT 59802, USA
| | - A.P. Clevenger
- Western Transportation Institute, Montana State University, P.O. Box 174250, Bozeman, MT 59717-4250, USA
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15
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Balkenhol N, Schwartz MK, Inman RM, Copeland JP, Squires JS, Anderson NJ, Waits LP. Landscape genetics of wolverines ( Gulo gulo): scale-dependent effects of bioclimatic, topographic, and anthropogenic variables. J Mammal 2020; 101:790-803. [PMID: 32665742 PMCID: PMC7333878 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change can have particularly severe consequences for high-elevation species that are well-adapted to long-lasting snow conditions within their habitats. One such species is the wolverine, Gulo gulo, with several studies showing a strong, year-round association of the species with the area defined by persistent spring snow cover. This bioclimatic niche also predicts successful dispersal paths for wolverines in the contiguous United States, where the species shows low levels of genetic exchange and low effective population size. Here, we assess the influence of additional climatic, vegetative, topographic, and anthropogenic, variables on wolverine genetic structure in this region using a multivariate, multiscale, landscape genetic approach. This approach allows us to detect landscape-genetic relationships both due to typical, small-scale genetic exchange within habitat, as well as exceptional, long-distance dispersal among habitats. Results suggest that a combination of snow depth, terrain ruggedness, and housing density, best predict gene flow in wolverines, and that the relative importance of variables is scale-dependent. Environmental variables (i.e., isolation-by-resistance, IBR) were responsible for 79% of the explained variation at small scales (i.e., up to ~230 km), and 65% at broad scales (i.e., beyond ~420 km). In contrast, a null model based on only space (i.e., isolation-by-distance, IBD) accounted only for 17% and 11% of the variation at small and broad scales, respectively. Snow depth was the most important variable for predicting genetic structures overall, and at small scales, where it contributed 43% to the variance explained. At broad spatial scales, housing density and terrain ruggedness were most important with contributions to explained variation of 55% and 25%, respectively. While the small-scale analysis most likely captures gene flow within typical wolverine habitat complexes, the broad-scale analysis reflects long-distance dispersal across areas not typically inhabited by wolverines. These findings help to refine our understanding of the processes shaping wolverine genetic structure, which is important for maintaining and improving functional connectivity among remaining wolverine populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Balkenhol
- Wildlife Sciences, University of Goettingen, Buesgenweg, Goettingen, Germany.,Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences, Univesity of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Michael K Schwartz
- USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, E. Beckwith, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey P Copeland
- USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, E. Beckwith, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - John S Squires
- USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, E. Beckwith, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | - Lisette P Waits
- Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences, Univesity of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
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16
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Mowat G, Clevenger AP, Kortello AD, Hausleitner D, Barrueto M, Smit L, Lamb C, DorsEy B, Ott PK. The Sustainability of Wolverine Trapping Mortality in Southern Canada. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Garth Mowat
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Suite 401, 333 Victoria Street Nelson BC V1L 4K3 Canada
| | - Anthony P. Clevenger
- Western Transportation InstituteMontana State University PO Box 174250 Bozeman MT 59717 USA
| | - Andrea D. Kortello
- Grylloblatta Ecological Consulting 206 Innes Street Nelson BC V1L 5E3 Canada
| | - Doris Hausleitner
- Seepanee Ecological Consulting 2880 Granite Road Nelson BC V1L 6Y5 Canada
| | - Mirjam Barrueto
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Laura Smit
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Suite 401, 333 Victoria Street Nelson BC V1L 4K3 Canada
| | - Clayton Lamb
- Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences, University of Alberta 116 Street and 85 Avenue Edmonton AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - BenJAMIN DorsEy
- Parks Canada Agency, Box 350 Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National ParksRevelstoke BC V0E 2S0 Canada
| | - Peter K. Ott
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development 727 Fisgard Street Victoria BC V8W 1R8 Canada
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17
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Webb SM, Anderson RB, Jokinen ME, Abercrombie B, Bildson B, Manzer DL. Incorporating local ecological knowledge to explore wolverine distribution in Alberta, Canada. WILDLIFE SOC B 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shevenell M. Webb
- Alberta Conservation Association Box 1139 Provincial Building Blairmore AB T0K 0E0 Canada
| | - Robert B. Anderson
- Alberta Conservation Association Box 1139 Provincial Building Blairmore AB T0K 0E0 Canada
| | - Michael E. Jokinen
- Alberta Conservation Association 817‐4th Avenue South Lethbridge AB T1J 0P6 Canada
| | - Bill Abercrombie
- Alberta Trappers’ Association 6020 Stn. Main Westlock AB T7P 2P7 Canada
| | - Brian Bildson
- Alberta Trappers’ Association 6020 Stn. Main Westlock AB T7P 2P7 Canada
| | - Douglas L. Manzer
- Alberta Conservation Association Box 1139 Provincial Building Blairmore AB T0K 0E0 Canada
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18
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Yen SC, Ju YT, Shaner PJL, Chen HL. Spatial and temporal relationship between native mammals and free-roaming dogs in a protected area surrounded by a metropolis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8161. [PMID: 31160614 PMCID: PMC6546781 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
With rapid urbanization worldwide, anthropogenic impacts such as human settlements and invasive carnivores (dogs Canis familiaris, cats Felis catus) are altering spatial distributions and temporal activity patterns of native species. In this study, we focused on spatiotemporal responses of native mammals to anthropogenic impacts in a protected area surrounded by a large metropolis (i.e. Yangmingshan National Park inside Taipei-Keelung metropolis in northern Taiwan). We collected site use data of 11 mammal species (i.e. dogs, cats, nine native species) between 2012 and 2017 with a camera system comprising 121 camera sites. We quantified anthropogenic disturbances as distance to human settlements and activity levels of free-roaming dogs and cats. Species richness and occurrences of the native mammals increased with increasing distances to human settlements and decreasing activity level of dogs, with the latter having a stronger effect than the former. Diel activity overlap between native mammals and dogs was lower during April–July season, coinciding with the breeding season for several native mammals. In contrast, activity level of cats showed no relationships with species richness, occurrences or diel activities of the native mammals. This study demonstrated negative impacts of human settlements and free-roaming dogs on native mammal communities for protected areas in urban environments, and highlights dog activity as a major anthropogenic threat to wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Ching Yen
- Center for General Education, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ten Ju
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, 50, Lane 155, Sec. 3, Keelung Rd., Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jen Lee Shaner
- School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chow Rd, Taipei, 116, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang Ling Chen
- Department of Forestry, National Chung Hsing University, 145, Xingda Rd., Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
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19
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Kortello A, Hausleitner D, Mowat G. Mechanisms influencing the winter distribution of wolverine Gulo gulo luscus in the southern Columbia Mountains, Canada. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kortello
- A. Kortello (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8047-3331) , Grylloblatta Ecological Consulting, 206 Innes St., Nelson, BC, V1L 5E3, Canada
| | - Doris Hausleitner
- D. Hausleitner, Seepanee Ecological Consulting and Selkirk College, Nelson, BC, Canada
| | - Garth Mowat
- G. Mowat, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Nelson, BC, Canada, and: Dept of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, The Univ. of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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20
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Heinemeyer K, Squires J, Hebblewhite M, O'Keefe JJ, Holbrook JD, Copeland J. Wolverines in winter: indirect habitat loss and functional responses to backcountry recreation. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Heinemeyer
- Round River Conservation Studies 104 East Main Street Bozeman Montana 59715 USA
| | - John Squires
- Rocky Mountain Research Station United States Forest Service Missoula Montana 59802 USA
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana Missoula Montana 59812 USA
| | - Julia J. O'Keefe
- Round River Conservation Studies 104 East Main Street Bozeman Montana 59715 USA
| | - Joseph D. Holbrook
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming 82072 USA
| | - Jeffrey Copeland
- Rocky Mountain Research Station United States Forest Service Missoula Montana 59802 USA
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21
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Heim N, Fisher JT, Clevenger A, Paczkowski J, Volpe J. Cumulative effects of climate and landscape change drive spatial distribution of Rocky Mountain wolverine ( Gulo gulo L.). Ecol Evol 2017; 7:8903-8914. [PMID: 29152186 PMCID: PMC5677488 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Contemporary landscapes are subject to a multitude of human‐derived stressors. Effects of such stressors are increasingly realized by population declines and large‐scale extirpation of taxa worldwide. Most notably, cumulative effects of climate and landscape change can limit species’ local adaptation and dispersal capabilities, thereby reducing realized niche space and range extent. Resolving the cumulative effects of multiple stressors on species persistence is a pressing challenge in ecology, especially for declining species. For example, wolverines (Gulo gulo L.) persist on only 40% of their historic North American range. While climate change has been shown to be a mechanism of range retractions, anthropogenic landscape disturbance has been recently implicated. We hypothesized these two interact to effect declines. We surveyed wolverine occurrence using camera trapping and genetic tagging at 104 sites at the wolverine range edge, spanning a 15,000 km2 gradient of climate, topographic, anthropogenic, and biotic variables. We used occupancy and generalized linear models to disentangle the factors explaining wolverine distribution. Persistent spring snow pack—expected to decrease with climate change—was a significant predictor, but so was anthropogenic landscape change. Canid mesocarnivores, which we hypothesize are competitors supported by anthropogenic landscape change, had comparatively weaker effect. Wolverine population declines and range shifts likely result from climate change and landscape change operating in tandem. We contend that similar results are likely for many species and that research that simultaneously examines climate change, landscape change, and the biotic landscape is warranted. Ecology research and species conservation plans that address these interactions are more likely to meet their objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason T Fisher
- InnoTech Alberta University of Victoria Victoria BC Canada
| | - Anthony Clevenger
- Western Transportation Institute Montana State University Bozeman MT USA
| | | | - John Volpe
- University of Victoria Victoria BC Canada
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