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Canright VR, Piaggio AJ, Beasley JC. Invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa) diets on barrier islands in the southeastern United States. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3901-3911. [PMID: 38517109 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological invasions are a leading cause of reductions in global biodiversity. Islands are particularly sensitive to invasions, which often result in cascading impacts throughout island communities. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are globally invasive and pose threats to numerous taxa and ecosystems, particularly for islands where they have contributed to declines of many endemic species. However, the impacts of wild pig diet on the flora and fauna remain understudied in many island systems. RESULTS We used DNA metabarcoding of wild pig fecal samples to quantify the seasonal diet composition of wild pigs on three barrier islands in the southeastern United States. Wild pigs exhibited a diverse diet dominated by plants, but also including marine and terrestrial animals. The diet composition of plants varied seasonally and between islands. Consumption of invertebrates also changed seasonally, with a shift to coastal invertebrates, particularly crabs, in spring and summer. Vertebrates were found in <10% of samples, but spanned broad taxa including amphibians, fish, mammals, and reptiles. Species consumed by wild pigs indicate that wild pigs use a variety of habitats within barrier islands for foraging, including maritime forests, saltmarshes, and beaches. CONCLUSIONS An observed shift to beach foraging during sea turtle nesting season suggests wild pigs have potential to hinder nesting success on islands without established management programs. These findings provide insight into the diverse diets of wild pigs on barrier islands and highlight the need for removal of wild pigs from sensitive island ecosystems because of their potential impacts to native plant and animal communities. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vienna R Canright
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
| | - Antoinette J Piaggio
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
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Webster SC, Hinton JW, Chamberlain MJ, Murphy JJ, Beasley JC. Land cover and space use influence coyote carnivory: evidence from stable-isotope analysis. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17457. [PMID: 38854793 PMCID: PMC11160434 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
For many species, the relationship between space use and diet composition is complex, with individuals adopting varying space use strategies such as territoriality to facilitate resource acquisition. Coyotes (Canis latrans) exhibit two disparate types of space use; defending mutually exclusive territories (residents) or moving nomadically across landscapes (transients). Resident coyotes have increased access to familiar food resources, thus improved foraging opportunities to compensate for the energetic costs of defending territories. Conversely, transients do not defend territories and are able to redirect energetic costs of territorial defense towards extensive movements in search of mates and breeding opportunities. These differences in space use attributed to different behavioral strategies likely influence foraging and ultimately diet composition, but these relationships have not been well studied. We investigated diet composition of resident and transient coyotes in the southeastern United States by pairing individual space use patterns with analysis of stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values to assess diet. During 2016-2017, we monitored 41 coyotes (26 residents, 15 transients) with GPS radio-collars along the Savannah River area in the southeastern United States. We observed a canopy effect on δ13C values and little anthropogenic food in coyote diets, suggesting 13C enrichment is likely more influenced by reduced canopy cover than consumption of human foods. We also observed other land cover effects, such as agricultural cover and road density, on δ15N values as well as reduced space used by coyotes, suggesting that cover types and localized, resident-like space use can influence the degree of carnivory in coyotes. Finally, diets and niche space did not differ between resident and transient coyotes despite differences observed in the proportional contribution of potential food sources to their diets. Although our stable isotope mixing models detected differences between the diets of resident and transient coyotes, both relied mostly on mammalian prey (52.8%, SD = 15.9 for residents, 42.0%, SD = 15.6 for transients). Resident coyotes consumed more game birds (21.3%, SD = 11.6 vs 13.7%, SD = 8.8) and less fruit (10.5%, SD = 6.9 vs 21.3%, SD = 10.7) and insects (7.2%, SD = 4.7 vs 14.3%, SD = 8.5) than did transients. Our findings indicate that coyote populations fall on a feeding continuum of omnivory to carnivory in which variability in feeding strategies is influenced by land cover characteristics and space use behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Webster
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, United States
| | | | - Michael J. Chamberlain
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
| | | | - James C. Beasley
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, United States
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3
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Jameson TJM, Johnston GR, Barr M, Sandow D, Head JJ, Turner EC. Squamate scavenging services: Heath goannas ( Varanus rosenbergi) support carcass removal and may suppress agriculturally damaging blowflies. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11535. [PMID: 38919645 PMCID: PMC11197000 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Human-induced environmental change has caused widespread loss of species that support important functions for ecosystems and society. For example, vertebrate scavengers contribute to the functional health of ecosystems and provide services to agricultural landscapes by removing carcasses and associated pests. Widespread extirpation of native Australian mammals since the arrival of Europeans in Australia has removed many scavenging species from landscapes, while scavenging mammals such as European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been introduced. In much of Australia, squamate reptiles are the largest native terrestrial scavengers remaining, where large native mammals are extinct and conservation management is being undertaken to remove invasive mammals. The contribution of reptiles to scavenging functions is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the ecosystem functions provided by large reptiles as scavengers to better understand how populations can be managed to support ecosystem services. We investigated the ecosystem services provided by vertebrate scavengers in Australian coastal mallee ecosystems, focusing on the heath goanna (Varanus rosenbergi), the only extant native terrestrial scavenger in the region. We carried out exclosure experiments, isolating the scavenging activity of different taxonomic groups to quantify the contribution of different taxa to scavenging services, specifically the removal of rat carcasses, and its impact on the occurrence of agriculturally damaging blowflies. We compared areas with different native and invasive scavenger communities to investigate the impact of invasive species removal and native species abundance on scavenging services. Our results indicated that vertebrate scavenging significantly contributes to carcass removal and limitation of necrophagous fly breeding in carcasses and that levels of removal are higher in areas associated with high densities of heath goannas and low densities of invasive mammals. Therefore, augmentation of heath goanna populations represents a promising management strategy to restore and maximize scavenging ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom J. M. Jameson
- Department of Zoology and University Museum of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Gregory R. Johnston
- College of Science & EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- South Australian MuseumAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Max Barr
- Northern and Yorke Landscape BoardMinlatonSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Derek Sandow
- Northern and Yorke Landscape BoardClareSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jason J. Head
- Department of Zoology and University Museum of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Edgar C. Turner
- Department of Zoology and University Museum of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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Newsome T, Cairncross R, Cunningham CX, Spencer EE, Barton PS, Ripple WJ, Wirsing AJ. Scavenging with invasive species. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:562-581. [PMID: 38148253 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Carrion acts as a hotspot of animal activity within many ecosystems globally, attracting scavengers that rely on this food source. However, many scavengers are invasive species whose impacts on scavenging food webs and ecosystem processes linked to decomposition are poorly understood. Here, we use Australia as a case study to review the extent of scavenging by invasive species that have colonised the continent since European settlement, identify the factors that influence their use of carcasses, and highlight the lesser-known ecological effects of invasive scavengers. From 44 published studies we identified six invasive species from 48 vertebrates and four main groups of arthropods (beetles, flies, ants and wasps) that scavenge. Invasive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), feral pigs (Sus scrofa), black rats (Rattus rattus) and feral cats (Felis catus) were ranked as highly common vertebrate scavengers. Invasive European wasps (Vespula germanica) are also common scavengers where they occur. We found that the diversity of native vertebrate scavengers is lower when the proportion of invasive scavengers is higher. We highlight that the presence of large (apex) native vertebrate scavengers can decrease rates of scavenging by invasive species, but that invasive scavengers can monopolise carcass resources, outcompete native scavengers, predate other species around carcass resources and even facilitate invasion meltdowns that affect other species and ecological processes including altered decomposition rates and nutrient cycling. Such effects are likely to be widespread where invasive scavengers occur and suggest a need to determine whether excessive or readily available carcass loads are facilitating or exacerbating the impacts of invasive species on ecosystems globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Rhys Cairncross
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Calum X Cunningham
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, College of the Environment, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, 98195-2100, USA
| | - Emma E Spencer
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - William J Ripple
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Aaron J Wirsing
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, College of the Environment, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, 98195-2100, USA
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Wenting E, Jansen PA, Pattipeilohy L, van Lunteren P, Siepel H, van Langevelde F. Influence of tree cover on carcass detection and consumption by facultative vertebrate scavengers. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10935. [PMID: 38571788 PMCID: PMC10985364 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Scavenging mammals and vultures can exploit and deplete carcasses much faster than other birds and invertebrates. Vultures are strongly influenced by habitat type, e.g. tree cover, since they rely on their eyesight to detect carcasses. It remains unclear whether and how facultative scavengers - both other birds and mammals - are influenced by tree cover and how that affect carcass decomposition time, which in turn affects biodiversity and ecological processes, including the cycle of energy and nutrients. We studied whether the carcass detection and consumption, hence carcass decomposition speed, by facultative avian and mammalian scavengers varies with tree cover in areas without vultures. Fresh mammal carcasses were placed in different landscapes across the Netherlands at locations that widely varied in tree cover. Camera traps were used to record carcass exploitation by facultative avian and mammalian scavengers and to estimate carcass decomposition time. We found that carcass detection and consumption by birds, wild boar, and other mammals varied between locations. Carcass decomposition speed indeed increased with carcass detection and exploitation by mammals, especially by wild boar. However, this variation was not related to tree cover. We conclude that tree cover is not a major determinant of carcass exploitation by facultative scavengers in areas without obligate scavengers and large carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Wenting
- Department of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology and PhysiologyRadboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Patrick A. Jansen
- Department of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
| | - Luke Pattipeilohy
- Department of Animal Ecology and PhysiologyRadboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Henk Siepel
- Department of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology and PhysiologyRadboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Frank van Langevelde
- Department of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
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Krige Z, Spencer EE, Crowther MS, Dickman CR, Newsome TM. Flooding, season and habitat interact to drive changes in vertebrate scavenging and carcass persistence rates. Oecologia 2024; 204:861-874. [PMID: 38589583 PMCID: PMC11062959 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05531-0] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Scavenging dynamics are influenced by many abiotic and biotic factors, but there is little knowledge of how scavengers respond to extreme weather events. As carrion is a major driver of the organisation and structure of food webs within ecological communities, understanding the response of scavengers to extreme weather events is critical in a world that is increasingly subject to climate change. In this study, vertebrate scavenging and carcass persistence rates were quantified in the Simpson Desert of central Australia; a system that experiences major fluctuations and extremes in weather conditions. Specifically, a total of 80 adult red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) carcasses were placed on the landscape and monitored using remote sensor cameras. This included 40 carcasses monitored before and then 40 carcasses monitored after a major flooding event. The carcasses were monitored equally before and after the flood across different seasons (warm and cool) and in dune and interdune habitats. Overall, a total of 8124 scavenging events for 97,976 visitation minutes were recorded for 11 vertebrate species within 30 days of carcass placement pre- and post-flood. Vertebrate scavenging increased post-flood in the warm season, especially by corvids which quadrupled their scavenging events during this time. There was little difference in carcass persistence between habitats, but carcasses persisted 5.3-fold longer post-flood in warm seasons despite increased vertebrate scavenging. The results demonstrate that a flood event can influence scavenging dynamics and suggest a need to further understand how seasons, habitats and extreme weather events can drive changes in carrion-based food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zyna Krige
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Hoynes K, Holland AE, Bryan AL, Kupferman CA, Beasley JC. Trace elements and heavy metals in black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in the southeastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:9000-9010. [PMID: 38183546 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31722-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Many vulture species worldwide are declining at alarming rates due to a variety of anthropogenic causes, including exposure to pollutants and pharmaceuticals through consumption of contaminated carrion. However, little is known about the extent to which vultures are exposed to various contaminants as well as toxicity thresholds for trace elements and heavy metals. Our objective was to quantify levels of trace elements and heavy metals within black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) tissues to determine the extent to which populations in the Southeastern United States are exposed to carrion that contains high levels of contaminants. We collected 34 black vulture liver samples and examined differences in trace element and heavy metal concentrations between sexes and age classes (adult and juvenile). Further, we collected 81 blood and 42 feather samples from additional black and turkey vultures and compared differences between species and age classes. We found similar element concentrations between juvenile and adult black vultures with the exception of Cu, where levels were higher in juveniles compared to adults. However, we did observe substantial differences in element concentrations between species for both blood and feather samples, with black vultures generally having higher concentrations of most elements. Our data revealed higher element levels in both species compared to toxicity thresholds found in other bird of prey species, such as blood and liver toxicity threshold suggestions for Pb poisoning in Falconiformes. Further, while average contaminant levels were generally low, extreme outliers were observed for some elements, including Pb, suggesting some individuals were exposed to high levels of potentially toxic elements. More research is needed to better understand contaminant exposure in black and turkey vultures across a broader geographic region, as well as elucidate toxicity thresholds and non-lethal impacts of contaminant exposure in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleigh Hoynes
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Amanda E Holland
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2369 W. Orton Circle, Suite 50, West Valley City, UT, 84119, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Caitlin A Kupferman
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
| | - James C Beasley
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
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8
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Canright VR, Piaggio AJ, Chinn SM, Giglio RM, Craine JM, Beasley JC. DNA metabarcoding reveals consumption of diverse community of amphibians by invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in the southeastern United States. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20889. [PMID: 38017141 PMCID: PMC10684498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48139-9] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are one of the most widespread, destructive vertebrate species globally. Their success can largely be attributed to their generalist diets, which are dominated by plant material but also include diverse animal taxa. Wild pigs are demonstrated nest predators of ground-nesting birds and reptiles, and likely pose a threat to amphibians given their extensive overlap in wetland use. DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples from 222 adult wild pigs culled monthly from 2017 to 2018 revealed a diverse diet dominated by plant material, with 166 plant genera from 56 families and 18 vertebrate species identified. Diet composition varied seasonally with availability for plants and was consistent between sexes. Amphibians were the most frequent vertebrate group consumed and represented the majority of vertebrate species detected, suggesting amphibians are potentially vulnerable to predation by wild pigs in our study region. Mammal, reptile, and bird species were also detected in pig diets, but infrequently. Our results highlight the need for research on the impacts of wild pigs on amphibians to better inform management and conservation of imperiled species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vienna R Canright
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA.
| | - Antoinette J Piaggio
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Sarah M Chinn
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Rachael M Giglio
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
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Gonzálvez M, Paniagua J, Jiménez-Martín D, Cano-Terriza D, Castro-Scholten S, Barbero-Moyano J, Jiménez-Ruiz S, García-Bocanegra I. Monitoring the dynamics of consumption of ungulate game by-products in vulture feeding stations in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105026. [PMID: 37776609 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Vulture feeding stations (VFS) are strategic sites for the management of ungulate game by-products, with major implications for the conservation of obligate avian scavengers. These feeding points are designed to prevent access by facultative mammalian scavengers and to reduce the risk of trophically transmitted pathogen infection through scavenging behaviour. The aim of this study, using camera trap video recordings, was to evaluate the feeding dynamics around 32 lots of ungulate game by-products deposited in VFS in southern Spain. During the study period (2017-2022), 11 different avian and mammal scavenger species was detected. Also, many feeding events involving all scavenger species (51.1%; 362/709) and mammal scavenger species (23.4%; 166/709) was recorded. A significantly earlier presence of major obligate scavengers (Gyps fulvus and Aegypius monachus) (P = 0.023) and a lower persistence of by-products deposited (P < 0.001) were detected during October-December compared to January-March. Our results confirm that VFS play an important role in vulture conservation in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems. However, we also point out the potential risk of VFS as hotspots of foodborne pathogens for mammal scavengers, particularly when the hunting offal persists longer. Consequently, we urge the competent authorities to update the regulations affecting VFS management, and hunting estate managers to make every effort to correctly apply those preventing scavenging mammals from gaining access to VFS. Further studies tackling access of non-target species to VFS are also warranted to properly assess the sanitary implications and geographical extent of these problems for mammal species inhabiting areas where VFS are installed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jorge Paniagua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jesús Barbero-Moyano
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources & Associated Laboratory (CIBIO-InBIO), Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning (BIOPOLIS), University of Porto, Vairão 4485-661, Portugal.
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Kriegel P, Vogel S, Angeleri R, Baldrian P, Borken W, Bouget C, Brin A, Bussler H, Cocciufa C, Feldmann B, Gossner MM, Haeler E, Hagge J, Hardersen S, Hartmann H, Hjältén J, Kotowska MM, Lachat T, Larrieu L, Leverkus AB, Macagno ALM, Mitesser O, Müller J, Obermaier E, Parisi F, Pelz S, Schuldt B, Seibold S, Stengel E, Sverdrup-Thygeson A, Weisser W, Thorn S. Ambient and substrate energy influence decomposer diversity differentially across trophic levels. Ecol Lett 2023. [PMID: 37156097 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The species-energy hypothesis predicts increasing biodiversity with increasing energy in ecosystems. Proxies for energy availability are often grouped into ambient energy (i.e., solar radiation) and substrate energy (i.e., non-structural carbohydrates or nutritional content). The relative importance of substrate energy is thought to decrease with increasing trophic level from primary consumers to predators, with reciprocal effects of ambient energy. Yet, empirical tests are lacking. We compiled data on 332,557 deadwood-inhabiting beetles of 901 species reared from wood of 49 tree species across Europe. Using host-phylogeny-controlled models, we show that the relative importance of substrate energy versus ambient energy decreases with increasing trophic levels: the diversity of zoophagous and mycetophagous beetles was determined by ambient energy, while non-structural carbohydrate content in woody tissues determined that of xylophagous beetles. Our study thus overall supports the species-energy hypothesis and specifies that the relative importance of ambient temperature increases with increasing trophic level with opposite effects for substrate energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kriegel
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III), Julius Maximilians University Würzburg, Rauhenebrach, Germany
| | - Sebastian Vogel
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III), Julius Maximilians University Würzburg, Rauhenebrach, Germany
- Bavarian Environment Agency, Biodiversitätszentrum Rhön, Bischofsheim in der Rhön, Germany
| | - Romain Angeleri
- School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH, Zollikofen, Switzerland
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution IEE - Conservation Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Petr Baldrian
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha 4, Czech Republic
| | - Werner Borken
- Department for Soil Ecology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Christophe Bouget
- French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment INRAE, 'Forest Ecosystems' Research Unit, Nogent-sur-Vernisson, France
| | - Antoine Brin
- University of Toulouse, Engineering School of Purpan, UMR 1201 INRAE-INPT DYNAFOR, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Cristiana Cocciufa
- Arma dei Carabinieri CUFA, Projects, Conventions, Environmental Education Office, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Martin M Gossner
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Elena Haeler
- School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH, Zollikofen, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Forest Growth, Silviculture and Genetics, Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests Natural Hazards and Landscape BFW, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas Hagge
- Forest Nature Conservation, Northwest German Forest Research Institute, Hann. Münden, Germany
- Department for Forest Nature Conservation, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sönke Hardersen
- Reparto Carabinieri Biodiversità di Verona, Centro Nazionale Carabinieri Biodiversità "Bosco Fontana", Marmirolo, Italy
| | - Henrik Hartmann
- Department of Biogeochemical Processes, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany
- Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Forest Protection, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Joakim Hjältén
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Martyna M Kotowska
- Department of Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thibault Lachat
- School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH, Zollikofen, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Larrieu
- University of Toulouse, INRAE, UMR 1201 DYNAFOR, Castanet-Tolosan, France
- CNPF-CRPF Occitanie, Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | | | - Anna L M Macagno
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Indiana, Bloomington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Biostatistics Consulting Center, Indiana University, Indiana, Bloomington, USA
| | - Oliver Mitesser
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III), Julius Maximilians University Würzburg, Rauhenebrach, Germany
| | - Jörg Müller
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III), Julius Maximilians University Würzburg, Rauhenebrach, Germany
- Bavarian Forest National Park, Grafenau, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Obermaier
- Ecological-Botanical Garden of the University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Francesco Parisi
- Department of Bioscience and Territory, Università degli Studi del Molise, Pesche, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefan Pelz
- Institute for Applied Science, University of Applied Forest Sciences Rottenburg, Rottenburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schuldt
- Chair of Forest Botany, Institute of Forest Botany and Forest Zoology, Technical University of Dresden, Tharandt, Germany
- Chair of Ecophysiology and Vegetation Ecology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Seibold
- Ecosystem Dynamics and Forest Management Research Group, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Berchtesgaden National Park, Berchtesgaden, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Forest Zoology, Tharandt, Germany
| | - Elisa Stengel
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III), Julius Maximilians University Würzburg, Rauhenebrach, Germany
| | - Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, Ås, Norway
| | - Wolfgang Weisser
- Department for Life Science Systems, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Simon Thorn
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III), Julius Maximilians University Würzburg, Rauhenebrach, Germany
- Hessian Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology, Biodiversity Center, Gießen, Germany
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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11
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Helton JL, Hill JE, Bernasconi DA, Dixon WC, Chipman RB, Gilbert AT, Beasley JC, Dharmarajan G, Rhodes OE. Assessment of habitat‐specific competition for oral rabies vaccine baits between raccoons and opossums. J Wildl Manage 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James L. Helton
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Jacob E. Hill
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - David A. Bernasconi
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Wesley C. Dixon
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Richard B. Chipman
- National Rabies Management Program, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services Concord NH 03301 USA
| | - Amy T. Gilbert
- National Wildlife Research Center, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services Fort Collins CO 80521 USA
| | - James C. Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Guha Dharmarajan
- School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences Krea University Sri City AP India
| | - Olin E. Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
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12
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Allosaurus was predominantly a scavenger. Ecol Modell 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.110261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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13
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Hill JE, Turner KL, Smith JB, Hamilton MT, DeVault TL, Pitt WC, Beasley JC, Rhodes OE. Scavenging dynamics on Guam and implications for invasive species management. Biol Invasions 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-023-03014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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14
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Hallingstad E, Riser-Espinoza D, Brown S, Rabie P, Haddock J, Kosciuch K. Game bird carcasses are less persistent than raptor carcasses, but can predict raptor persistence dynamics. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279997. [PMID: 36595543 PMCID: PMC9810176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers conduct post-construction fatality monitoring (PCFM) to determine a wind energy facility's direct impacts on wildlife. Results of PCFM can be used to evaluate compliance with permitted take, potentially triggering adaptive management measures or offsetting mitigation; reducing uncertainty in fatality rates benefits wind companies, wildlife agencies, and other stakeholders. As part of PCFM, investigators conduct carcass persistence trials to account for imperfect detection during carcass surveys. In most PCFM studies, pen-raised game birds and other non-raptor surrogates have been used to estimate persistence of all large birds, including raptors. However, there is a growing body of evidence showing carcass persistence varies by bird type; raptor fatality estimates based on game bird carcass persistence may therefore be biased high. We conducted raptor and game bird carcass persistence field trials for 1 year at 6 wind energy facilities. Raptor carcass persistence varied by habitat and season, whereas the best-supported game bird model only included habitat. Raptor persistence probabilities were higher than corresponding game bird persistence probabilities for 13 of the 16 habitat and season combinations. Analysis of a curated large bird persistence meta-dataset showed that raptor carcass persistence varied by season, habitat, and region. The probability of persisting through a 30-day search interval ranged from 0.44 to 0.99 for raptors and from 0.16 to 0.79 for game birds. Raptor persistence was significantly higher than game bird persistence for 95% of the sampled strata. We used these carcass persistence estimates to develop linear mixed-effects models that predict raptor persistence probabilities based on estimated game bird persistence probabilities. Our scaling model provides an important statistical method to address gaps in raptor persistence data at sites in a broad range of landscape contexts in the continental United States and should be used to inform fatality estimation when site-specific raptor persistence data are limited or absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hallingstad
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Daniel Riser-Espinoza
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Samantha Brown
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Paul Rabie
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Jeanette Haddock
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Karl Kosciuch
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States of America
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15
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Kitano M, Smallwood KS, Fukaya K. Bird carcass detection from integrated trials at multiple wind farms. J Wildl Manage 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masato Kitano
- Research and Development Institute, TAKENAKA CORPORATION 1‐5‐1, Otsuka, Inzai‐shi Chiba 270‐1395 Japan
| | | | - Keiichi Fukaya
- National Institute for Environmental Studies 16‐2 Onogawa, Tsukuba Ibaraki 305‐8506 Japan
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16
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Myers JB, Bender MJ. Scavenging by a Barred Owl in Northern Georgia. SOUTHEAST NAT 2022. [DOI: 10.1656/058.021.0406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna B. Myers
- University of North Georgia, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, GA, 30542
| | - Michael J. Bender
- University of North Georgia, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, GA, 30542
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17
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Butler-Valverde MJ, DeVault TL, Rhodes OE, Beasley JC. Carcass appearance does not influence scavenger avoidance of carnivore carrion. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18842. [PMID: 36344611 PMCID: PMC9640519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22297-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The selection or avoidance of certain carrion resources by vertebrate scavengers can alter the flow of nutrients in ecosystems. Evidence suggests higher trophic level carrion is scavenged by fewer vertebrate species and persists longer when compared to lower trophic level carrion, although it is unclear how scavengers distinguish between carcasses of varying species. To investigate carnivore carrion avoidance and explore sensory recognition mechanisms in scavenging species, we investigated scavenger use of intact and altered (i.e., skin, head, and feet removed) coyote-Canis latrans (carnivore) and wild pig-Sus scrofa (omnivore) carcasses experimentally placed at the Savannah River Site, SC, USA. We predicted carnivore carcasses would persist longer due to conspecific and intraguild scavenger avoidance. Further, we hypothesized visually modifying carcasses would not reduce avoidance of carnivore carrion, given scavengers likely depend largely on chemical cues when assessing carrion resources. As expected, mammalian carnivores largely avoided scavenging on coyote carcasses, resulting in carnivore carcasses having longer depletion times than wild pig carcasses at intact and altered trials. Therefore, nutrients derived from carnivore carcasses are not as readily incorporated into higher trophic levels and scavengers largely depend on olfactory cues when assessing benefits and risks associated with varying carrion resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda J. Butler-Valverde
- grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XSavannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, P.O. Box Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802 USA
| | - Travis L. DeVault
- grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XSavannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, P.O. Box Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802 USA
| | - Olin E. Rhodes
- grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XSavannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, P.O. Box Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802 USA
| | - James C. Beasley
- grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XSavannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, P.O. Box Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802 USA
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18
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Carcass detection and consumption by facultative scavengers in forest ecosystem highlights the value of their ecosystem services. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16451. [PMID: 36180480 PMCID: PMC9525280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20465-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Scavenging is a common feeding behavior that provides ecosystem services by removing potentially infectious waste from the landscape. The importance of facultative scavenging is often overlooked, but likely becomes especially important in ecosystems without obligate scavengers. Here, we investigated the ecological function of vertebrate facultative scavengers in removing ungulate carcasses from Japanese forests that lack obligate scavengers. We found that mammals detected carcasses first more often than birds, and that raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were the most frequent scavenger to first detect carcasses. However, we found no evidence of there being species that signal the location of carrion to other species via social cues. Instead, higher temperatures promoted earlier detection of the carcasses by scavengers, likely related to increased olfactory signals. The carcasses were completely consumed on average in 7.0 days, reasonably similar to other systems regardless of habitat, indicating that facultative scavengers are providing ecosystem services. Larger carcasses tended to take longer to deplete, but carcasses were consumed faster in warmer temperatures. Our results indicate that facultative scavengers were capable of consuming carrion and contributing ecosystem services in a forest ecosystem that lacks obligate scavengers.
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19
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Oliva‐Vidal P, Sebastián‐González E, Margalida A. Scavenging in changing environments: woody encroachment shapes rural scavenger assemblages in Europe. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Oliva‐Vidal
- Inst. for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC‐UCLM‐JCCM) Ciudad Real Spain
- Dept of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, Univ. of Lleida Lleida Spain
| | | | - Antoni Margalida
- Inst. for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC‐UCLM‐JCCM) Ciudad Real Spain
- Pyrenean Inst. of Ecology (CSIC) Jaca Spain
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20
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Dogs suppress a pivotal function in the food webs of sandy beaches. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14069. [PMID: 35982210 PMCID: PMC9388640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic dogs are the most abundant carnivore globally and have demonstrable negative impacts to wildlife; yet, little evidence regarding their functional roles in natural food webs exists. Adding dogs to food webs may result in a net loss (via suppression of naturally occurring species), net gain (via mesopredator release), or no change (via functional replacement) to ecosystem function. Scavenging is a pivotal function in ecosystems, particularly those that are energetically supported by carrion. Dogs also scavenge on animal carcasses, but whether scavenging by dogs influences the structural and functional properties of food webs remains unclear. Here we used camera traps baited with carrion to test the effect of dogs on the composition and diversity of the vertebrate scavenger guild, as well as carrion detection and consumption rates. We conducted this work in sandy beach ecosystems, which rely on the import of marine organic matter (i.e. stranding of dead marine animals). Diversity of the scavenger community was similar on beaches without dogs. Dogs increased the time it took for carcasses to be detected and decreased the proportion of carrion consumed. This ‘dog suppression effect’ on scavenging was stronger for nocturnal mammalian scavengers, presumably being driven by indirect trait-mediated effects, which raises further questions about the broader ecological consequences of domestic dogs in natural systems.
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21
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Pepin KM, Brown VR, Yang A, Beasley JC, Boughton R, VerCauteren KC, Miller RS, Bevins SN. Optimizing response to an introduction of African swine fever in wild pigs. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3111-e3127. [PMID: 35881004 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14668] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFv) is a virulent pathogen that threatens domestic swine industries globally and persists in wild boar populations in some countries. Persistence in wild boar can challenge elimination and prevent disease-free status, making it necessary to address wild swine in proactive response plans. In the U.S., invasive wild pigs are abundant and found across a wide range of ecological conditions that could drive different epidemiological dynamics among populations. Information on size of control areas required to rapidly eliminate ASFv in wild pigs and how this area should change with management constraints and local ecology are needed to optimize response planning. We developed a spatially-explicit disease transmission model contrasting wild pig movement and contact ecology in two ecosystems in southeastern U.S. We simulated ASFv spread and determined optimal response area (reported as radius of a circle) for eliminating ASFv rapidly over a range of detection times (when ASFv is detected relative to true date of introduction), culling capacities (proportion of wild pigs in the culling zone removed weekly), and wild pig densities. Large radii for response areas (14 km) were needed under most conditions but could be shortened with early detection (≤ 8 weeks) and high culling capacities (≥ 15% weekly). Under most conditions ASFv was eliminated in less than 22 weeks using optimal control radii, although ecological conditions with high rates of wild pig movement required higher culling capacities (≥ 10% weekly) for elimination within one year. Results highlight the importance of adjusting response plans based on local ecology and show wild pig movement is a better predictor of optimal response area than numbers of ASFv cases early in the outbreak trajectory. Our framework provides a tool for determining optimal control plans in different areas, guiding expectations of response impacts, and planning resources needed for rapid elimination. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Pepin
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 4101 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526
| | - Vienna R Brown
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, Wildlife Services, National Feral Swine Damage Management Program, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Anni Yang
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 4101 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526.,Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, US
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, US
| | - Raoul Boughton
- Archbold Biological Station's Buck Island Ranch, 300 Buck Island Ranch Road, Lake Placid, FL, 33852, US
| | - Kurt C VerCauteren
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 4101 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526
| | - Ryan S Miller
- Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 2150 Center Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526
| | - Sarah N Bevins
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 4101 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526
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Sawyer SJ, Eubanks MD, Beasley JC, Barton BT, Puckett RT, Tomeček JM, Tomberlin JK. Vertebrate and invertebrate competition for carrion in human‐impacted environments depends on abiotic factors. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Micky D. Eubanks
- Department of Entomology Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - James C. Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia Aiken South Carolina USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
| | - Brandon T. Barton
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Robert T. Puckett
- Department of Entomology Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - John M. Tomeček
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
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23
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Butler-Valverde MJ, DeVault TL, Beasley JC. Trophic interactions at avian carcasses: Do scavengers feed on vulture carrion? FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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24
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Increased abundance of a common scavenger affects allocation of carrion but not efficiency of carcass removal in the Fukushima Exclusion Zone. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8903. [PMID: 35618781 PMCID: PMC9135767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12921-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima, Japan caused the evacuation of > 100,000 people and prompted studies on environmental impacts of radiological contamination. However, few researchers have explored how the human evacuation has affected ecosystem processes. Despite contamination, one common scavenger (wild boar, Sus scrofa) is 2–3× more abundant inside the Fukushima Exclusion Zone (FEZ). Shifts in abundance of some scavenger species can have cascading effects on ecosystems, so our objective was to investigate impacts of the evacuation and the resulting increase in wild boar on vertebrate scavenger communities. We deployed cameras at 300 carcasses in the FEZ and a nearby inhabited area, and quantified carcass fate, scavenger species, and detection/persistence times. We also tested effects of carcass size and habitat on scavenger community composition and efficiency by balancing trials across two carcass sizes and habitats in each zone. Overall scavenger richness and carcass removal rates (73%) were similar in the FEZ and inhabited area, but species-specific carcass removal rates and occurrence differed between zones. Wild boar removed substantially more carcasses inside the FEZ, with implications for nutrient and contaminant distribution. Our results suggest carcass size affects scavenging dynamics more than human activity or habitat, and abundance changes of common scavengers can influence carrion resource allocation.
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25
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Bragato PJ, Spencer EE, Dickman CR, Crowther MS, Tulloch A, Newsome TM. Effects of habitat, season and flood on corvid scavenging dynamics in Central Australia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Bragato
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Emma E. Spencer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Chris R. Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Mathew S. Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Ayesha Tulloch
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Thomas M. Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
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26
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Barros MAS, Iannuzzi L, Holanda Silva IL, Otálora‐Ardila A, Bernard E. Factors affecting searcher efficiency and scavenger removal of bat carcasses in Neotropical wind facilities. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marília A. S. Barros
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biologia Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
- Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
| | - Luciana Iannuzzi
- Laboratório de Taxonomia e Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
| | - Isabelle Leite Holanda Silva
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Biologia Vegetal, Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n 50670‐420 PE Brazil
| | - Aída Otálora‐Ardila
- Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
- Grupo en Conservación y Manejo de Vida Silvestre, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Av. Carrera 30 No. 45‐03 Bogotá 111321 DC Colombia
| | - Enrico Bernard
- Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
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Olson ZH, Torlone C, Russell CM, Wood CA, Welch JF, Burkholder KM. Foraging risk in scavenging ecology: a study of scavenger behavior and patterns of bacterial growth. Basic Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Hill JE, Holland AE, Brohl LK, Kluever BM, Pfeiffer MB, DeVault TL, Belant JL. Diets of Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures in Coastal South Carolina, USA with a Review of Species' Dietary Information. SOUTHEAST NAT 2022. [DOI: 10.1656/058.021.0102] [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)
- Jacob E. Hill
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802
| | - Amanda E. Holland
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210
| | - Lisa K. Brohl
- Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, P.O. Box 461, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
| | - Bryan M. Kluever
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Florida Field Station, 2820 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32641
| | - Morgan B. Pfeiffer
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Ohio Field Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870
| | - Travis L. DeVault
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210
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Temporal resource partitioning mediates vertebrate coexistence at carcasses: the role of competitive and facilitative interactions. Basic Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Arnberg MP, Frank SC, Blaalid R, Davey ML, Eycott AE, Steyaert SMJG. Directed endozoochorous dispersal by scavengers facilitate sexual reproduction in otherwise clonal plants at cadaver sites. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8503. [PMID: 35127028 PMCID: PMC8794756 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The regeneration niche of many plant species involves spatially and temporally unpredictable disturbances, called recruitment windows of opportunity. However, even species with clear dispersal adaptations such as fleshy berries may not successfully reach such elusive regeneration microsites. Ericaceous, berry-producing species in the northern hemisphere demonstrate this dispersal limitation. They are said to display a reproductive paradox owing to their lack of regeneration in apparently suitable microsites despite considerable investment in producing large quantities of berries.Cadavers generate vegetation-denuded and nutrient-rich disturbances termed cadaver decomposition islands (CDIs). Cadavers attract facultative scavengers with considerable capacity for endozoochorous seed dispersal. We hypothesize that CDIs facilitate recruitment in berry-producing ericaceous species due to endozoochorous dispersal directed toward favorable microsites with low competition.We examined seedling establishment within a permanent, semi-regular 10 × 10 m grid across an ungulate mass die-off on the Hardangervidda plateau in southeastern Norway. Competing models regarding the relative importance of factors governing recruitment were evaluated, specifically cadaver location (elevated seed rain) and microsite conditions (competition).We found that CDIs did facilitate seedling establishment, as cadaver density was the best predictor of seedling distribution. Other important factors governing seedling establishment such as percentage cover of soil and vascular plants alone were inadequate to explain seedling establishment. Synthesis: This study provides a novel understanding of sexual reproduction in species with cryptic generative reproduction. The directed nature of endozoochorous dispersal combined with long-distance dispersal abilities of medium to large vertebrate scavengers toward cadavers allows plants to exploit the advantageous but ephemeral resource provided by CDIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie Prik Arnberg
- Faculty of Biosciences and AquacultureNord UniversitySteinkjerNorway
| | | | - Rakel Blaalid
- Department of Natural HistoryUniversity Museum of BergenBergenNorway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature ResearchTrondheimNorway
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Sheehan TN, Klepzig KD. Arthropods and Fire Within the Biologically Diverse Longleaf Pine Ecosystem. ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 115:69-94. [PMID: 35059111 PMCID: PMC8764571 DOI: 10.1093/aesa/saab037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The longleaf pine Pinus palustris Miller (Pinales: Pinaceae) ecosystem once covered as many as 37 million hectares across the southeastern United States. Through fire suppression, development, and conversion to other plantation pines, this coverage has dwindled to fewer than 2 million hectares. A recent focus on the restoration of this ecosystem has revealed its complex and biologically diverse nature. Arthropods of the longleaf pine ecosystem are incredibly numerous and diverse-functionally and taxonomically. To provide clarity on what is known about the species and their functional roles in longleaf pine forests, we thoroughly searched the literature and found nearly 500 references. In the end, we tabulated 51 orders 477 families, 1,949 genera, and 3,032 arthropod species as having been stated in the scientific literature to occur in longleaf pine ecosystems. The body of research we drew from is rich and varied but far from comprehensive. Most work deals with land management objective associated taxa such as pests of pine, pests of-and food for-wildlife (red-cockaded woodpecker, northern bobwhite quail, gopher tortoise, pocket gopher, etc.), and pollinators of the diverse plant understory associated with longleaf pine. We explored the complex role frequent fire (critical in longleaf pine management) plays in determining the arthropod community in longleaf pine, including its importance to rare and threatened species. We examined known patterns of abundance and occurrence of key functional groups of longleaf pine-associated arthropods. Finally, we identified some critical gaps in knowledge and provide suggestions for future research into this incredibly diverse ecosystem.
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Turner KL, Conner LM, Beasley JC. Effects of red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) control on carrion use by vertebrate scavengers. FOOD WEBS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2021.e00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Miller CV, Pittman M. The diet of early birds based on modern and fossil evidence and a new framework for its reconstruction. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2058-2112. [PMID: 34240530 PMCID: PMC8519158 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Birds are some of the most diverse organisms on Earth, with species inhabiting a wide variety of niches across every major biome. As such, birds are vital to our understanding of modern ecosystems. Unfortunately, our understanding of the evolutionary history of modern ecosystems is hampered by knowledge gaps in the origin of modern bird diversity and ecosystem ecology. A crucial part of addressing these shortcomings is improving our understanding of the earliest birds, the non-avian avialans (i.e. non-crown birds), particularly of their diet. The diet of non-avian avialans has been a matter of debate, in large part because of the ambiguous qualitative approaches that have been used to reconstruct it. Here we review methods for determining diet in modern and fossil avians (i.e. crown birds) as well as non-avian theropods, and comment on their usefulness when applied to non-avian avialans. We use this to propose a set of comparable, quantitative approaches to ascertain fossil bird diet and on this basis provide a consensus of what we currently know about fossil bird diet. While no single approach can precisely predict diet in birds, each can exclude some diets and narrow the dietary possibilities. We recommend combining (i) dental microwear, (ii) landmark-based muscular reconstruction, (iii) stable isotope geochemistry, (iv) body mass estimations, (v) traditional and/or geometric morphometric analysis, (vi) lever modelling, and (vii) finite element analysis to reconstruct fossil bird diet accurately. Our review provides specific methodologies to implement each approach and discusses complications future researchers should keep in mind. We note that current forms of assessment of dental mesowear, skull traditional morphometrics, geometric morphometrics, and certain stable isotope systems have yet to be proven effective at discerning fossil bird diet. On this basis we report the current state of knowledge of non-avian avialan diet which remains very incomplete. The ancestral dietary condition in non-avian avialans remains unclear due to scarce data and contradictory evidence in Archaeopteryx. Among early non-avian pygostylians, Confuciusornis has finite element analysis and mechanical advantage evidence pointing to herbivory, whilst Sapeornis only has mechanical advantage evidence indicating granivory, agreeing with fossilised ingested material known for this taxon. The enantiornithine ornithothoracine Shenqiornis has mechanical advantage and pedal morphometric evidence pointing to carnivory. In the hongshanornithid ornithuromorph Hongshanornis only mechanical advantage evidence indicates granivory, but this agrees with evidence of gastrolith ingestion in this taxon. Mechanical advantage and ingested fish support carnivory in the songlingornithid ornithuromorph Yanornis. Due to the sparsity of robust dietary assignments, no clear trends in non-avian avialan dietary evolution have yet emerged. Dietary diversity seems to increase through time, but this is a preservational bias associated with a predominance of data from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Lagerstätte. With this new framework and our synthesis of the current knowledge of non-avian avialan diet, we expect dietary knowledge and evolutionary trends to become much clearer in the coming years, especially as fossils from other locations and climates are found. This will allow for a deeper and more robust understanding of the role birds played in Mesozoic ecosystems and how this developed into their pivotal role in modern ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Case Vincent Miller
- Vertebrate Palaeontology Laboratory, Research Division for Earth and Planetary ScienceThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong SARChina
| | - Michael Pittman
- Vertebrate Palaeontology Laboratory, Research Division for Earth and Planetary ScienceThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong SARChina
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Carnosaurs as Apex Scavengers: Agent-based simulations reveal possible vulture analogues in late Jurassic Dinosaurs. Ecol Modell 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2021.109706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Wu X, Niklas KJ, Sun S. Climate change affects detritus decomposition rates by modifying arthropod performance and species interactions. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 47:62-66. [PMID: 34033945 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Climate change can indirectly affect ecosystem functions including detritus decomposition by modifying physiological traits, feeding behavior, and species interactions (including consumptive and non-consumptive top-down cascading effects) of decomposing arthropods. It is known that the effect of climate change on decomposition can be negative, neutral, or positive, and that it is highly context-dependent, depending on detritus quality, species identity, species interactions, and ecosystem type. Thus, ongoing climate change will undoubtedly influence the effects of arthropods on decomposition rates. More comprehensive studies are urgently needed to elucidate the effect of climate change on arthropod-detritus decomposers, particularly in the context of the decomposition of animal droppings and carrion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Wu
- Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Karl J Niklas
- Department of Plant Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Shucun Sun
- Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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36
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Sebastián-González E, Morales-Reyes Z, Botella F, Naves-Alegre L, Pérez-García JM, Mateo-Tomás P, Olea PP, Moleón M, Barbosa JM, Hiraldo F, Arrondo E, Donázar JA, Cortés-Avizanda A, Selva N, Lambertucci SA, Bhattacharjee A, Brewer AL, Abernethy EF, Turner KL, Beasley JC, DeVault TL, Gerke HC, Rhodes OE, Ordiz A, Wikenros C, Zimmermann B, Wabakken P, Wilmers CC, Smith JA, Kendall CJ, Ogada D, Frehner E, Allen ML, Wittmer HU, Butler JRA, du Toit JT, Margalida A, Oliva-Vidal P, Wilson D, Jerina K, Krofel M, Kostecke R, Inger R, Per E, Ayhan Y, Sancı M, Yılmazer Ü, Inagaki A, Koike S, Samson A, Perrig PL, Spencer EE, Newsome TM, Heurich M, Anadón JD, Buechley ER, Gutiérrez-Cánovas C, Elbroch LM, Sánchez-Zapata JA. Functional traits driving species role in the structure of terrestrial vertebrate scavenger networks. Ecology 2021; 102:e03519. [PMID: 34449876 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Species assemblages often have a non-random nested organization, which in vertebrate scavenger (carrion-consuming) assemblages is thought to be driven by facilitation in competitive environments. However, not all scavenger species play the same role in maintaining assemblage structure, as some species are obligate scavengers (i.e., vultures) and others are facultative, scavenging opportunistically. We used a database with 177 vertebrate scavenger species from 53 assemblages in 22 countries across five continents to identify which functional traits of scavenger species are key to maintaining the scavenging network structure. We used network analyses to relate ten traits hypothesized to affect assemblage structure with the "role" of each species in the scavenging assemblage in which it appeared. We characterized the role of a species in terms of both the proportion of monitored carcasses on which that species scavenged, or scavenging breadth (i.e., the species "normalized degree"), and the role of that species in the nested structure of the assemblage (i.e., the species "paired nested degree"), therefore identifying possible facilitative interactions among species. We found that species with high olfactory acuity, social foragers, and obligate scavengers had the widest scavenging breadth. We also found that social foragers had a large paired nested degree in scavenger assemblages, probably because their presence is easier to detect by other species to signal carcass occurrence. Our study highlights differences in the functional roles of scavenger species and can be used to identify key species for targeted conservation to maintain the ecological function of scavenger assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Sebastián-González
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain.,Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, Cra. San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, E-03690, Spain
| | - Zebensui Morales-Reyes
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
| | - Francisco Botella
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
| | - Lara Naves-Alegre
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
| | - Juan M Pérez-García
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain.,Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, E-25002, Spain
| | - Patricia Mateo-Tomás
- Biodiversity Research Institute, University of Oviedo -Spanish National Research Council- Principality of Asturias, Mieres, E-33600, Spain.,Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, 3000-456, Portugal
| | - Pedro P Olea
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, E-28049, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, E-28049, Spain
| | - Marcos Moleón
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Granada, E-18071, Spain
| | - Jomar Magalhães Barbosa
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, E-41092, Spain
| | - Eneko Arrondo
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain.,Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, E-41092, Spain
| | - José A Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, E-41092, Spain
| | - Ainara Cortés-Avizanda
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, E-41092, Spain.,Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Avda. Reina Mercedes s/n, Seville, E-41012, Spain
| | - Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, PL-31-120, Poland
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Aishwarya Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York, 10010, USA.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10010, USA
| | - Alexis L Brewer
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York, 10010, USA.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10010, USA
| | - Erin F Abernethy
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA
| | - Kelsey L Turner
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - Travis L DeVault
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - Hannah C Gerke
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - Andrés Ordiz
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, NO-1432, Norway
| | - Camilla Wikenros
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Riddarhyttan, 73993, Sweden
| | - Barbara Zimmermann
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, 2318, Norway
| | - Petter Wabakken
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, 2318, Norway
| | - Christopher C Wilmers
- Center for Integrated Spatial Research, Environmental Studies Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, 95064, USA
| | - Justine A Smith
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Corinne J Kendall
- North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, North Carolina, 27205, USA
| | - Darcy Ogada
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, Idaho, 83709, USA
| | - Ethan Frehner
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, USA
| | - Maximilian L Allen
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, 61801, USA
| | - Heiko U Wittmer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | | | - Johan T du Toit
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 84322-5230, USA
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, E-25002, Spain.,Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, E-13071, Spain
| | - Pilar Oliva-Vidal
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, E-25002, Spain
| | - David Wilson
- The Biodiversity Consultancy, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ, United Kingdom
| | - Klemen Jerina
- Department of Forestry, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Miha Krofel
- Department of Forestry, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia
| | | | - Richard Inger
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Esra Per
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Gazi University, Teknikokullar, Ankara, 06560, Turkey.,DEDE Nature Team, İvedik Organize Sanayi Bölgesi 1122.cad. 1473.Sok. No:4-6-8 Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06374, Turkey
| | - Yunus Ayhan
- DEDE Nature Team, İvedik Organize Sanayi Bölgesi 1122.cad. 1473.Sok. No:4-6-8 Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06374, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sancı
- DEDE Nature Team, İvedik Organize Sanayi Bölgesi 1122.cad. 1473.Sok. No:4-6-8 Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06374, Turkey
| | - Ünsal Yılmazer
- DEDE Nature Team, İvedik Organize Sanayi Bölgesi 1122.cad. 1473.Sok. No:4-6-8 Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06374, Turkey
| | - Akino Inagaki
- Department of Environment Conservation, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-0054, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Koike
- Department of Environment Conservation, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-0054, Japan
| | - Arockianathan Samson
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, Government Arts College, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, 643002, India
| | - Paula L Perrig
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina.,Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - Emma E Spencer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas M Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Marco Heurich
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Straße 2, Grafenau, 94481, Germany.,Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, Freiburg, 79106, Germany
| | - José D Anadón
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York, 10010, USA.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10010, USA.,Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y el Medio Natural, Universidad de Zaragoza, Huesca, E-50009, Spain
| | - Evan R Buechley
- Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Washington, D.C., 20013, USA.,HawkWatch International, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84106, USA
| | | | - L Mark Elbroch
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street, New York, New York, 10018, USA
| | - José A Sánchez-Zapata
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
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Newsome TM, Spencer EE. Megafires attract avian scavenging but carcasses still persist. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Newsome
- Global Ecology Lab School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Emma E. Spencer
- Global Ecology Lab School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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Tobajas J, Descalzo E, Ferreras P, Mateo R, Margalida A. Effects on carrion consumption in a mammalian scavenger community when dominant species are excluded. Mamm Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-021-00163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCarrion is a valuable resource exploited not only by obligate scavengers but also by a wide variety of facultative scavengers. These species provide several important ecosystem services which can suffer if the scavenger community composition is altered, thus reducing the ecosystem provided. We studied the response of the Mediterranean facultative scavenger community to the exclusion of larger scavenger species (red fox Vulpes vulpes, European badger Meles meles, and wild boar Sus scrofa) using an exclusion fence permeable to small scavenger species (mainly Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon, common genet Genetta genetta, and stone marten Martes foina). The exclusion of dominant facultative scavengers led to a significant reduction in the amount of carrion consumed and an increase in carrion available for smaller species and decomposers, over a longer period of time. Although carrion consumption by the non-excluded species increased inside the exclusion area relative to the control area, it was insufficient to compensate for the carrion not eaten by the dominant scavengers. Of the small scavenger species, only the Egyptian mongoose significantly increased its carrion consumption in the exclusion area, and was the main beneficiary of the exclusion of dominant facultative scavengers. Therefore, altering the facultative scavenger community in Mediterranean woodlands can reduce the efficiency of small carcass removal and benefit other opportunistic species, such as the Egyptian mongoose, by increasing the carrion available to them. This interaction could have substantial implications for disease transmission, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem function.
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Peers MJL, Konkolics SM, Majchrzak YN, Menzies AK, Studd EK, Boonstra R, Boutin S, Lamb CT. Vertebrate scavenging dynamics differ between carnivore and herbivore carcasses in the northern boreal forest. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. L. Peers
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Sean M. Konkolics
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | | | - Allyson K. Menzies
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences Macdonald Campus McGill University Ste‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Emily K. Studd
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences Macdonald Campus McGill University Ste‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Toronto Scarborough Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Stan Boutin
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Clayton T. Lamb
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
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40
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Naves‐Alegre L, Morales‐Reyes Z, Sánchez‐Zapata JA, Durá‐Alemañ CJ, Gonçalves Lima L, Machado Lima L, Sebastián‐González E. Uncovering the vertebrate scavenger guild composition and functioning in the
Cerrado
biodiversity hotspot. Biotropica 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Naves‐Alegre
- Departamento de Biología Aplicada Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche Elche Spain
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO‐UMH), Universidad Miguel Hernández Elche Spain
| | - Zebensui Morales‐Reyes
- Departamento de Biología Aplicada Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche Elche Spain
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO‐UMH), Universidad Miguel Hernández Elche Spain
| | - José Antonio Sánchez‐Zapata
- Departamento de Biología Aplicada Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche Elche Spain
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO‐UMH), Universidad Miguel Hernández Elche Spain
| | - Carlos Javier Durá‐Alemañ
- Área de Formación e Investigación del Centro Internacional de Estudios de Derecho Ambiental (CIEDA‐CIEMAT) Soria Spain
| | | | | | - Esther Sebastián‐González
- Departamento de Biología Aplicada Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche Elche Spain
- Departamento de Ecología Universidad de Alicante Alicante Spain
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41
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Hill JE, Kellner KF, Kluever BM, Avery ML, Humphrey JS, Tillman EA, DeVault TL, Belant JL. Landscape transformations produce favorable roosting conditions for turkey vultures and black vultures. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14793. [PMID: 34285264 PMCID: PMC8292396 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent increases in turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) and black vulture (Coragyps atratus) populations in North America have been attributed in part to their success adapting to human-modified landscapes. However, the capacity for such landscapes to generate favorable roosting conditions for these species has not been thoroughly investigated. We assessed the role of anthropogenic and natural landscape elements on roosting habitat selection of 11 black and 7 turkey vultures in coastal South Carolina, USA using a GPS satellite transmitter dataset derived from previous research. Our dataset spanned 2006–2012 and contained data from 7916 nights of roosting. Landscape fragmentation, as measured by land cover richness, influenced roosting probability for both species in all seasons, showing either a positive relationship or peaking at intermediate values. Roosting probability of turkey vultures was maximized at intermediate road densities in three of four seasons, and black vultures showed a positive relationship with roads in fall, but no relationship throughout the rest of the year. Roosting probability of both species declined with increasing high density urban cover throughout most of the year. We suggest that landscape transformations lead to favorable roosting conditions for turkey vultures and black vultures, which has likely contributed to their recent proliferations across much of the Western Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Hill
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA. .,Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
| | - Kenneth F Kellner
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Bryan M Kluever
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Florida Field Station, Gainesville, FL, 32641, USA
| | - Michael L Avery
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Florida Field Station, Gainesville, FL, 32641, USA
| | - John S Humphrey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Florida Field Station, Gainesville, FL, 32641, USA
| | - Eric A Tillman
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Florida Field Station, Gainesville, FL, 32641, USA
| | - Travis L DeVault
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Jerrold L Belant
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
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42
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Beasley JC, Clontz LM, Rakowski A, Snow NP, VerCauteren KC. Evaluation of a warfarin bait for controlling invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3057-3067. [PMID: 33644948 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) cause widespread environmental and economic damage, and as a result are subjected to extensive control. Current management strategies have proven insufficient, and there is growing interest in use of toxicants to control invasive populations of this species. In 2017 a low-dose warfarin bait was federally approved for use in controlling wild pigs in the United States. However, no states have allowed use of this bait due to unanswered questions regarding welfare concerns, field efficacy, and non-target impacts. RESULTS All captive wild pigs fed 0.005% warfarin baits in no choice feeding trials succumbed in an average of 8 days from exposure. Behavioral symptoms of warfarin exposure included vomiting, external bleeding, abnormal breathing, incoordination, and limping. Postmortem examinations revealed hemorrhaging in organs and muscles, particularly the legs, gastrointestinal tract, and abdomen. Warfarin residues in tissues averaged 1.0 mg kg-1 for muscle, 3.9 mg kg-1 for liver, and 2.8 mg kg-1 for small intestines. Field testing revealed wild pigs required extensive training to access bait within pig-specific bait stations, and once acclimated, exhibited reluctance to consume toxic baits, resulting in no mortalities across two separate field deployments of toxic bait. CONCLUSION Our results suggest wild pigs are susceptible to low-dose warfarin, and warfarin residues in pig tissues postmortem are generally low. However, although warfarin-based baits are currently approved for use by the US Environmental Protection Agency, further improvements to pig-specific bait delivery systems and bait palatability are needed, as well as additional research to quantify efficacy, cost, and non-target impacts prior to widespread implementation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Lindsay M Clontz
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Allison Rakowski
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
| | - Nathan P Snow
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kurt C VerCauteren
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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43
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Ilardi MO, Cotter SC, Hammer EC, Riddell G, Caruso T. Scavenging beetles control the temporal response of soil communities to carrion decomposition. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco O. Ilardi
- School of Biological Sciences Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | | | | | - Gillian Riddell
- School of Biological Sciences Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | - Tancredi Caruso
- School of Biology & Environmental Science University College Dublin Dublin 4 Ireland
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44
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Spencer EE, Dickman CR, Greenville A, Crowther MS, Kutt A, Newsome TM. Carcasses attract invasive species and increase artificial nest predation in a desert environment. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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45
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Fielding MW, Buettel JC, Brook BW, Stojanovic D, Yates LA. Roadkill islands: Carnivore extinction shifts seasonal use of roadside carrion by generalist avian scavenger. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2268-2276. [PMID: 34013520 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Global road networks facilitate habitat modification and are integral to human expansion. Many animals, particularly scavengers, use roads as they provide a reliable source of food, such as carrion left after vehicle collisions. Tasmania is often cited as the 'roadkill capital of Australia', with the isolated offshore islands in the Bass Strait experiencing similar, if not higher, levels of roadkill. However, native mammalian predators on the islands are extirpated, meaning the remaining scavengers are likely to experience lower interference competition. In this study, we used a naturally occurring experiment to examine how the loss of mammalian carnivores within a community impacts roadside foraging behaviour by avian scavengers. We monitored the locations of roadkill and forest ravens Corvus tasmanicus, an abundant scavenger species, on eight road transects across the Tasmanian mainland (high scavenging competition) and the Bass Strait islands (low scavenging competition). We represented raven observations as one-dimensional point patterns, using hierarchical Bayesian models to investigate the dependence of raven spatial intensity on habitat, season, distance to roadkill and route location. We found that roadkill carcasses were a strong predictor of raven presence along road networks. The effect of roadkill was amplified on roads on the Bass Strait islands, where roadside carrion was a predictor of raven presence across the entire year. In contrast, ravens were more often associated with roadkill on Tasmanian mainland roads in the autumn, when other resources were low. This suggests that in the absence of competing mammalian scavengers, ravens choose to feed on roadside carrion throughout the year, even in seasons when other resources are available. This lack of competition could be disproportionately benefiting forest ravens, leading to augmented raven populations and changes to the vertebrate community structure. Our study provides evidence that scavengers modify their behaviour in response to reduced scavenger species diversity, potentially triggering trophic shifts and highlighting the importance of conserving or reintroducing carnivores within ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Fielding
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Jessie C Buettel
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Barry W Brook
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Dejan Stojanovic
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Luke A Yates
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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46
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Abstract
Many large predators are also facultative scavengers that may compete with and depredate other species at carcasses. Yet, the ecological impacts of facultative scavenging by large predators, or their "scavenging effects," still receive relatively little attention in comparison to their predation effects. To address this knowledge gap, we comprehensively examine the roles played by, and impacts of, facultative scavengers, with a focus on large canids: the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), dingo (Canis dingo), Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), gray wolf (Canis lupus), maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), and red wolf (Canis rufus). Specifically, after defining facultative scavenging as use or usurpation of a carcass that a consumer has not killed, we (1) provide a conceptual overview of the community interactions around carcasses that can be initiated by facultative scavengers, (2) review the extent of scavenging by and the evidence for scavenging effects of large canids, (3) discuss external factors that may diminish or enhance the effects of large canids as scavengers, and (4) identify aspects of this phenomenon that require additional research attention as a guide for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Wirsing
- School of Environment and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas M Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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47
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Lukas J, Auer F, Goldhammer T, Krause J, Romanczuk P, Klamser P, Arias-Rodriguez L, Bierbach D. Diurnal Changes in Hypoxia Shape Predator-Prey Interaction in a Bird-Fish System. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.619193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals often face changing environments, and behavioral flexibility allows them to rapidly and adaptively respond to abiotic factors that vary more or less regularly. However, abiotic factors that affect prey species do not necessarily affect their predators. Still, the prey’s response might affect the predator indirectly, yet evidence from the wild for such a classical bottom-up effect of abiotic factors shaping several trophic levels remains sparse. In many aquatic environments, daily changes in oxygen concentrations occur frequently. When oxygen levels drop to hypoxic levels, many fishes respond with aquatic surface respiration (ASR), during which they obtain oxygen by skimming the upper, oxygenated surface layer. By increasing time at the surface, fish become more vulnerable to fish-eating birds. We explored these cascading effects in a sulfidic spring system that harbors the endemic sulphur molly (Poecilia sulphuraria) as prey species and several fish-eating bird species. Sulfide-rich springs pose harsh conditions as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is lethal to most metazoans and reduces dissolved oxygen (DO). Field sampling during three daytimes indicated that water temperatures rose from morning to (after)noon, resulting in the already low DO levels to decrease further, while H2S levels showed no diurnal changes. The drop in DO levels was associated with a decrease in time spent diving in sulphur mollies, which corresponded with an increase in ASR. Interestingly, the laboratory-estimated threshold at which the majority of sulphur mollies initiate ASR (ASR50: <1.7 mg/L DO) was independent of temperature and this value was exceeded daily when hypoxic stress became more severe toward noon. As fish performed ASR, large aggregations built up at the water surface over the course of the day. As a possible consequence of fish spending more time at the surface, we found high activity levels of fish-eating birds at noon and in the afternoon. Our study reveals that daily fluctuations in water’s oxygen levels have the potential to alter predator-prey interactions profoundly and thus highlights the joined actions of abiotic and biotic factors shaping the evolution of a prey species.
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48
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Walker MA, Uribasterra M, Asher V, Getz WM, Ryan SJ, Ponciano JM, Blackburn JK. Factors influencing scavenger guilds and scavenging efficiency in Southwestern Montana. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4254. [PMID: 33608624 PMCID: PMC7895951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Scavenging of carrion shapes ecological landscapes by influencing scavenger population demography, increasing inter- and intra-specific interactions, and generating ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and disease moderation. Previous research found the cues promoting, or the constraints limiting, an individual's propensity or ability to scavenge vary widely, depending on anthropogenic and environmental factors. Here we investigated differences in scavenging patterns in a complex scavenger guild in Southwestern Montana. We used camera traps established at 13 carcass sites to monitor carcass detection, visitation, and consumption times, during 2016-2018 and generalized linear models to explore the influence of carcass characteristics, habitat features, and seasonality, on carcass selection and scavenging efficiency. We found that scavenger species diversity was higher at higher elevations and in grassland habitats. Scavenging efficiency was influenced inter alia by seasonality, distance to water, and elevation. We found that most carcass consumption was via facultative scavengers (bears, wolves, magpies, Corvus spp.) rather than turkey vultures, the only obligate scavengers in the study area. However, growing populations of turkey vultures may lead to increased competition with facultative scavengers over carrion, and could have cascading effects on food webs in this ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A Walker
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maria Uribasterra
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Valpa Asher
- Turner Enterprises Inc., 1123 Research Drive, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Wayne M Getz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA, USA.,School of Mathematical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sadie J Ryan
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Jason K Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. .,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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49
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Not avian but mammalian scavengers efficiently consume carcasses under heavy snowfall conditions: a case from northern Japan. Mamm Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00097-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractInterest in trophic interactions and ecosystem functions derived from carcass consumption by scavengers has been increasing. Here, we conducted the first evaluation of scavenging processes in an ecosystem with heavy snow, located in northern Japan, which is characterized by the limitations of visual and odor cues to detect carcasses. In this study, we verified the behavioral traits and assemblage compositions of avian and mammalian scavengers, which consumed six different carcass types buried in snow. We measured the visits of scavengers using camera traps between 2010 and 2020. The total scavenger richness observed was relatively low (only 12 species) compared to warmer biomes. We observed seven avian scavenger species, but their visit frequencies were extremely low compared with those of nocturnal mammalian scavengers, such as raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and martens (Martes melampus), which were able to detect carcasses more rapidly and frequently. Our findings imply that large snow piles significantly prevent avian scavengers from detecting carcasses. In contrast, the snow piles could protect carcasses from the freezing air and ensure the occurrence of a basal level of microbial decomposition, possibly leading to carcass decomposition. This probably results in carcasses still providing odor cues for mammalian scavengers with heightened sense of smell. Moreover, considering the high carcass consumption rate (91.3% of full-body carcass; n = 23) and short carcass detection times (approximately 90 h) observed, it is possible that scavenging in heavy snowfall conditions has become systematically integrated into the foraging tactics of many mammalian scavengers.
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50
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Preiszner B, Czeglédi I, Boros G, Liker A, Kern B, Erős T. Scavenging behaviour and size-dependent carcass consumption of the black bullhead (Ameiurus melas). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:1113-1119. [PMID: 32743806 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the size-dependent scavenging behaviour of black bullheads Ameiurus melas under laboratory conditions, using common bleak Alburnus alburnus and pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus carcasses. Video camera observations showed that the activity of A. melas was higher at night, but substantial daytime activity was also recorded. Larger A. melas were more active than their smaller conspecifics, especially at night. All size classes exhibited a well-defined sequence of consuming different parts of the carcasses independent of size, but larger individuals tended to consume carcasses more efficiently. Carcasses of the softer-bodied A. alburnus were consumed more readily than those of the bonier L. gibbosus, independent of size. This scavenging behaviour of A. melas might facilitate the invasion success of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Preiszner
- Balaton Limnological Institute, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
| | - István Czeglédi
- Balaton Limnological Institute, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
| | - Gergely Boros
- Balaton Limnological Institute, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
| | - András Liker
- MTA-PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Department of Limnology, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Kern
- Balaton Limnological Institute, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
| | - Tibor Erős
- Balaton Limnological Institute, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
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