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Ford AT, Dorsey B, Lee TS, Clevenger AP. A before-after-control-impact study of wildlife fencing along a highway in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.935420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife exclusion fencing has become a standard component of highway mitigation systems designed to reduce collisions with large mammals. Past work on the effectiveness of exclusion fencing has relied heavily on control–impact (i.e., space-for-time substitutions) and before–after study designs. These designs limit inference and may confound the effectiveness of mitigation with co-occurring process that also changes the rate of collisions. We used a replicated (n = 2 sites monitored for over 1000 km years combined) before-after-control-impact study design to assess fencing effectiveness along the Trans-Canada Highway in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. We found that collisions declined for common ungulates species (elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer) by up to 96% but not for large carnivores. The weak response of carnivores is likely due to the combination of fence intrusions and low sample sizes. We calculated realized fencing effectiveness by applying the same change in collision rates observed at control (unfenced) sites as the expected change for adjacent fenced sections. Compared with the apparent fencing effectiveness (i.e., the difference in WVCs rates before and after fencing was installed), the realized estimates of fencing effectiveness declined by 6% at one site and increased by 10% at another site. When factoring in the cost of ungulate collisions to society, fencing provided a net economic gain within 1 year of construction. Over a 10-year period, fencing would provide a net economic gain of > $500,000 per km in reduced collisions. Our study highlights the benefits of long-term monitoring of road mitigation projects and provides evidence of fencing effectiveness for reducing wildlife–vehicle collisions involving large mammals.
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MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF FREE-RANGING AMERICAN BLACK BEARS (URSUS AMERICANUS) UNDERGOING REHABILITATION IN EASTERN TENNESSEE, USA, 1996-2021. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:575-583. [PMID: 35512299 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Free-ranging American black bears (Ursus americanus) often share habitat with humans and domestic animals, predisposing them to anthropogenic conflicts. Rehabilitation under professional care is a management option for orphaned, injured, and/or ill bears. Across several southeastern states, rescued bears are assessed and treated at the University of Tennessee and rehabilitated at Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR). Records from 1996-2021 showed 337 bears (170 males, 166 females, 1 unknown) from nine states were admitted to ABR. Three bears were admitted twice, resulting in 340 admissions (42 neonates <3 mo old, 206 cubs 3-12 mo, 87 yearlings 1-2 yr, and 5 adults >2 yr). Bears presented as orphans (58%), malnourished (24%), injured or ill (12%), or confiscated/other (6%). Individuals were returned to the wild (85%); died or were euthanized (12%); or were placed into professional care (3%). Of released bears, 195 had complete medical records available for evaluation; 31% were healthy upon intake while the remaining were treated successfully for malnutrition and internal parasites (49%), orthopedic (9%) and soft tissue injuries (5%), or other diseases (5%). Causes of death determined during necropsies performed (n=30) were classified as trauma (50%), developmental (13%), undetermined (13%), malnutrition (13%), infectious or inflammatory (7%), and toxicosis (3%). Despite the lack of maternal care and high prevalence of malnutrition and trauma, most bears recovered to release with appropriate husbandry and medical care. This study provides a foundation for research to further improve care of rehabilitating black bears.
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Ragan K, Marin G, Tellez C, Sierra-Corona R, Schipper J. CO-OCCURRENCE OF FOUR ENDANGERED MAMMALS IN THE MEXICO–UNITED STATES BORDERLANDS: JAGUAR (PANTHERA ONCA), OCELOT (LEOPARDUS PARDALIS), BEAVER (CASTOR CANADENSIS) AND BLACK BEAR (URSUS AMERICANUS). SOUTHWEST NAT 2022. [DOI: 10.1894/0038-4909-66.1.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kinley Ragan
- Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (KR, CT, JS)
| | - Ganesh Marin
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (GM)
| | - Chelsey Tellez
- Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (KR, CT, JS)
| | | | - Jan Schipper
- Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (KR, CT, JS)
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Huang Y, Kausrud K, Hassim A, Ochai SO, van Schalkwyk OL, Dekker EH, Buyantuev A, Cloete CC, Kilian JW, Mfune JKE, Kamath PL, van Heerden H, Turner WC. Environmental drivers of biseasonal anthrax outbreak dynamics in two multihost savanna systems. ECOL MONOGR 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yen‐Hua Huang
- Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison WI USA
| | - Kyrre Kausrud
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, PO. box 64 Ås Norway
| | - Ayesha Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - Sunday O. Ochai
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - O. Louis van Schalkwyk
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
- Office of the State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Government of South Africa Skukuza South Africa
- Department of Migration Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany
| | - Edgar H. Dekker
- Office of the State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Government of South Africa Skukuza South Africa
| | - Alexander Buyantuev
- Department of Geography and Planning, University at Albany State University of New York Albany NY USA
| | - Claudine C. Cloete
- Etosha Ecological Institute, Etosha National Park, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Namibia
| | - J. Werner Kilian
- Etosha Ecological Institute, Etosha National Park, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Namibia
| | - John K. E. Mfune
- Department of Environmental Science University of Namibia Windhoek Namibia
| | | | - Henriette van Heerden
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - Wendy C. Turner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison WI USA
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Lala F, Chiyo PI, Omondi P, Okita-Ouma B, Kanga E, Koskei M, Tiller L, Morris AW, Severud WJ, Bump JK. Influence of infrastructure, ecology, and underpass-dimensions on multi-year use of Standard Gauge Railway underpasses by mammals in Tsavo, Kenya. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5698. [PMID: 35383206 PMCID: PMC8983743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09555-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rail and road infrastructure is essential for economic growth and development but can cause a gradual loss in biodiversity and degradation of ecosystem function and services. We assessed the influence of underpass dimensions, fencing, proximity to water and roads, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), presence of other species and livestock on underpass use by large and medium-sized mammals. Results revealed hyenas and leopards used the underpasses more than expected whereas giraffes and antelopes used the underpasses less than expected. Generalized linear mixed-effects models revealed that underpass height influenced use by wildlife, with several species preferring to use taller underpasses. Electric fencing increased underpass use by funneling species towards underpasses, except for elephants and black-backed jackal for which it reduced underpass passage. We also found that the use of underpasses by livestock reduced the probability of use by nearly 50% for wildlife species. Carnivore species were more likely to cross underpasses used by their prey. Buffalo, livestock, and hyenas used underpasses characterized by vegetation with higher NDVI and near water sources while baboons, dik-diks and antelope avoided underpasses with high NDVI. Our findings suggest a need for diverse and comprehensive approaches for mitigating the negative impacts of rail on African wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick Lala
- Wildlife Research and Training Institute, P.O. Box 842-20117, Naivasha, Kenya. .,University of Minnesota, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, 55108-6074, USA.
| | - Patrick I Chiyo
- Department of Biology, Duke University, P.O. Box 90338, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Patrick Omondi
- Wildlife Research and Training Institute, P.O. Box 842-20117, Naivasha, Kenya
| | | | - Erustus Kanga
- Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, P. O. Box 41394, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Michael Koskei
- Save the Elephants, P.O. Box 54667, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya
| | - Lydia Tiller
- Save the Elephants, P.O. Box 54667, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya
| | - Aaron W Morris
- University of Minnesota, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, 55108-6074, USA
| | - William J Severud
- University of Minnesota, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, 55108-6074, USA
| | - Joseph K Bump
- University of Minnesota, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, 55108-6074, USA
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Hamr J, Lieske DJ, Martin M, Nickel CB, Popp JN. The efficacy of highway wildlife collision mitigation in preventing elk mortality in central Ontario. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Hamr
- Biology Department Laurentian University 935 Ramsey Lake Road Sudbury P3E 2C6 ON Canada
| | - David J. Lieske
- Department of Geography and Environment Mount Allison University 144 Main Street, Sackville E4L 1A7 NB Canada
| | - Michelle Martin
- Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks 4890 Victoria Avenue N, Vineland Station L0R 2E0 ON Canada
| | - Connor B. Nickel
- Department of Geography and Environment Mount Allison University 144 Main Street, Sackville E4L 1A7 NB Canada
| | - Jesse N. Popp
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Guelph 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
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St Clair CC, Whittington J, Forshner A, Gangadharan A, Laskin DN. Railway mortality for several mammal species increases with train speed, proximity to water, and track curvature. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20476. [PMID: 33235322 PMCID: PMC7686331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77321-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Railways are a major source of direct mortality for many populations of large mammals, but they have been less studied or mitigated than roads. We evaluated temporal and spatial factors affecting mortality risk using 646 railway mortality incidents for 11 mammal species collected over 24 years throughout Banff and Yoho National Parks, Canada. We divided species into three guilds (bears, other carnivores, and ungulates), compared site attributes of topography, land cover, and train operation between mortality and paired random locations at four spatial scales, and described temporal patterns or mortality. Mortality risk increased across multiple guilds and spatial scales with maximum train speed and higher track curvature, both suggesting problems with train detection, and in areas with high proximity to and amount of water, both suggesting limitations to animal movement. Mortality risk was also correlated, but more varied among guilds and spatial scales, with shrub cover, topographic complexity, and proximity to sidings and roads. Seasonally, mortality rates were highest in winter for ungulates and other carnivores, and in late spring for bears, respectively. Our results suggest that effective mitigation could address train speed or detectability by wildlife, especially at sites with high track curvature that are near water or attractive habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesse Whittington
- Parks Canada Agency, Banff National Park, Banff, AB, T1L 1K2, Canada
| | - Anne Forshner
- Parks Canada Agency, Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks, Lake Louise, AB, T0L 1E0, Canada
| | - Aditya Gangadharan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - David N Laskin
- Parks Canada Agency, Banff National Park, Banff, AB, T1L 1K2, Canada
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Pollock SZ, St Clair CC. Railway-Associated Attractants as Potential Contaminants for Wildlife. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 66:16-29. [PMID: 32147802 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01277-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) appear to be attracted to natural and anthropogenic forage along railways, which may increase collision vulnerability, but also potentially causes exposure to contaminants associated with railway infrastructure. We assessed contaminant exposure for a vulnerable population of grizzly bears in the Canadian Rocky Mountains by determining if (1) dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) growing adjacent to a railway and grain spilled from hopper cars contain heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and mycotoxins and (2) metal concentrations from hair samples of individual bears correlates with use of the railway or other anthropogenic features. We used principle components analysis to represent 10 heavy metals and 16 PAHs and then compared their concentrations in railway-associated sources of grain and dandelions to reference samples that we purchased (grain) or sampled from nearby sites (dandelions). We also measured metal concentrations in the hair of bears that were captured and fitted with GPS collars. We found significantly higher concentrations in railway-associated samples of dandelion and grain for both metals (particularly lead, iron, and chromium), and the sum of 16 PAHs. Several metals and PAHs in railway-associated samples exceeded regulatory standards for soil or animal feed. Mycotoxins were detectable in grain samples, but occurred well below permissible standards. Metal concentrations in bear hair were not predicted by railway use, but higher metal concentrations occurred in male bears and two individuals that used ski hills during fall. As mitigation to reduce wildlife exposure to contaminants, particularly in protected areas, we encourage removal of railway grain deposits, regular maintenance of railway infrastructure, such as lubricating stations, and investigation of contaminants associated with other human infrastructures, such as ski hills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Zoey Pollock
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
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Pollock SZ, Whittington J, Nielsen SE, Clair CC. Spatiotemporal railway use by grizzly bears in Canada's Rocky Mountains. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Z. Pollock
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences Edmonton AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | | | - Scott E. Nielsen
- University of AlbertaDepartment of Renewable Resources Edmonton AB T6G 2H1 Canada
| | - Colleen C. Clair
- University of AlbertaDepartment of Biological Sciences Edmonton AB T6G 2E9 Canada
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St Clair CC, Backs J, Friesen A, Gangadharan A, Gilhooly P, Murray M, Pollock S. Animal learning may contribute to both problems and solutions for wildlife-train collisions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180050. [PMID: 31352891 PMCID: PMC6710577 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transportation infrastructure can cause an ecological trap if it attracts wildlife for foraging and travel opportunities, while increasing the risk of mortality from collisions. This situation occurs for a vulnerable population of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in Banff National Park, Canada, where train strikes have become a leading cause of mortality. We explored this problem with analyses of rail-associated food attractants, habitat use of GPS-collared bears and patterns of past mortality. Bears appeared to be attracted to grain spilled from rail cars, enhanced growth of adjacent vegetation and train-killed ungulates with rail use that increased in spring and autumn, and in areas where trains slowed, topography was rugged, and human density was low. However, areas with higher grain deposits or greater use by bears did not predict sites of past mortality. The onset of reported train strikes occurred amid several other interacting changes in this landscape, including the cessation of lethal bear management, changes in the distribution and abundance of ungulates, increasing human use and new anthropogenic features. We posit that rapid learning by bears is critical to their persistence in this landscape and that this capacity might be enhanced to prevent train strikes in future with simple warning devices, such as the one we invented, that signal approaching trains. This article is part of the theme issue 'Linking behaviour to dynamics of populations and communities: application of novel approaches in behavioural ecology to conservation'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Backs
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Alyssa Friesen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Aditya Gangadharan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Patrick Gilhooly
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Maureen Murray
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Sonya Pollock
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2E9
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