1
|
Clare JDJ, Zuckerberg B, Liu N, Stenglein JL, Van Deelen TR, Pauli JN, Townsend PA. A phenology of fear: Investigating scale and seasonality in predator-prey games between wolves and white-tailed deer. Ecology 2023; 104:e4019. [PMID: 36882907 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Predators and prey engage in games where each player must counter the moves of the other, and these games include multiple phases operating at different spatiotemporal scales. Recent work has highlighted potential issues related to scale-sensitive inferences in predator-prey interactions, and there is growing appreciation that these may exhibit pronounced but predictable dynamics. Motivated by previous assertions about effects arising from foraging games between white-tailed deer and canid predators (coyotes and wolves), we used a large and year-round network of trail cameras to characterize deer and predator foraging games, with a particular focus on clarifying its temporal scale and seasonal variation. Linear features were strongly associated with predator detection rates, suggesting these play a central role in canid foraging tactics by expediting movement. Consistent with expectations for prey contending with highly mobile predators, deer responses were more sensitive to proximal risk metrics at finer spatiotemporal scales, suggesting that coarser but more commonly used scales of analysis may miss useful insights into prey risk-response. Time allocation appears to be a key tactic for deer risk management and was more strongly moderated by factors associated with forage or evasion heterogeneity (forest cover, snow and plant phenology) than factors associated with the likelihood of predator encounter (linear features). Trade-offs between food and safety appeared to vary as much seasonally as spatially, with snow and vegetation phenology giving rise to a "phenology of fear." Deer appear free to counter predators during milder times of year, but a combination of poor foraging state, reduced forage availability, greater movements costs, and reproductive state dampen responsiveness during winter. Pronounced intra-annual variation in predator-prey interactions may be common in seasonal environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John D J Clare
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - Benjamin Zuckerberg
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - Nanfeng Liu
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer L Stenglein
- Office of Applied Science, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 101 S. Webster Street, Box 7921, Madison, Wisconsin, 53707, USA
| | - Timothy R Van Deelen
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - Jonathan N Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - Philip A Townsend
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marrotte RR, Patterson BR, Northrup JM. Harvest and density-dependent predation drive long-term population decline in a northern ungulate. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2629. [PMID: 35403759 PMCID: PMC9541669 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The relative effect of top-down versus bottom-up forces in regulating and limiting wildlife populations is an important theme in ecology. Untangling these effects is critical for a basic understanding of trophic dynamics and effective management. We examined the drivers of moose (Alces alces) population growth by integrating two independent sources of observations within a hierarchical Bayesian population model. We used one of the largest existing spatiotemporal data sets on ungulate population dynamics globally. We documented a 20% population decline over the period examined. There was negative density-dependent population growth of moose. Although we could not determine the mechanisms producing density-dependent suppression of population growth, the relatively low densities at which we documented moose populations suggested it could be due to density-dependent predation. Predation primarily limited population growth, except at low density, where it was regulating. After we simulated several harvest scenarios, it appeared that harvest was largely additive and likely contributed to population declines. Our results highlight how population dynamics are context dependent and vary strongly across gradients in climate, forest type, and predator abundance. These results help clarify long-standing questions in population ecology and highlight the complex relationships between natural and human-caused mortality in driving ungulate population dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robby R. Marrotte
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Wildlife Research & Monitoring SectionTrent UniversityPeterboroughOntarioCanada
| | - Brent R. Patterson
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Wildlife Research & Monitoring SectionTrent UniversityPeterboroughOntarioCanada
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate ProgramTrent UniversityPeterboroughOntarioCanada
| | - Joseph M. Northrup
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Wildlife Research & Monitoring SectionTrent UniversityPeterboroughOntarioCanada
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate ProgramTrent UniversityPeterboroughOntarioCanada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Koitzsch KB, Anton CB, Koitzsch LO, Tjepkes TL, Schumann AC, Strasburg JL. A noninvasive and integrative approach for improving density and abundance estimates of moose. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Colby B. Anton
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, National Park Service Yellowstone National Park WY 82190 USA
| | | | - Tessa L. Tjepkes
- Department of Biology University of Minnesota‐Duluth 207 Swenson Science Building, 1035 Kirby Drive Duluth MN 55812 USA
| | - Abby C. Schumann
- Department of Biology University of Minnesota‐Duluth 207 Swenson Science Building, 1035 Kirby Drive Duluth MN 55812 USA
| | - Jared L. Strasburg
- Department of Biology University of Minnesota‐Duluth 207 Swenson Science Building, 1035 Kirby Drive Duluth MN 55812 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Northrup JM, Vander Wal E, Bonar M, Fieberg J, Laforge MP, Leclerc M, Prokopenko CM, Gerber BD. Conceptual and methodological advances in habitat-selection modeling: guidelines for ecology and evolution. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e02470. [PMID: 34626518 PMCID: PMC9285351 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Habitat selection is a fundamental animal behavior that shapes a wide range of ecological processes, including animal movement, nutrient transfer, trophic dynamics and population distribution. Although habitat selection has been a focus of ecological studies for decades, technological, conceptual and methodological advances over the last 20 yr have led to a surge in studies addressing this process. Despite the substantial literature focused on quantifying the habitat-selection patterns of animals, there is a marked lack of guidance on best analytical practices. The conceptual foundations of the most commonly applied modeling frameworks can be confusing even to those well versed in their application. Furthermore, there has yet to be a synthesis of the advances made over the last 20 yr. Therefore, there is a need for both synthesis of the current state of knowledge on habitat selection, and guidance for those seeking to study this process. Here, we provide an approachable overview and synthesis of the literature on habitat-selection analyses (HSAs) conducted using selection functions, which are by far the most applied modeling framework for understanding the habitat-selection process. This review is purposefully non-technical and focused on understanding without heavy mathematical and statistical notation, which can confuse many practitioners. We offer an overview and history of HSAs, describing the tortuous conceptual path to our current understanding. Through this overview, we also aim to address the areas of greatest confusion in the literature. We synthesize the literature outlining the most exciting conceptual advances in the field of habitat-selection modeling, discussing the substantial ecological and evolutionary inference that can be made using contemporary techniques. We aim for this paper to provide clarity for those navigating the complex literature on HSAs while acting as a reference and best practices guide for practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Northrup
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 1Z8, Canada
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 1Z8, Canada
| | - Eric Vander Wal
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Maegwin Bonar
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 1Z8, Canada
| | - John Fieberg
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michel P Laforge
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Martin Leclerc
- Département de Biologie, Caribou Ungava and Centre d'études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Christina M Prokopenko
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Brian D Gerber
- Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
An on-ice aerial survey of the Kane Basin polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulation. Polar Biol 2021; 45:89-100. [PMID: 35125636 PMCID: PMC8776663 DOI: 10.1007/s00300-021-02974-6] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThere is an imminent need to collect information on distribution and abundance of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) to understand how they are affected by the ongoing decrease in Arctic sea ice. The Kane Basin (KB) subpopulation is a group of high-latitude polar bears that ranges between High Arctic Canada and NW Greenland around and north of the North Water polynya (NOW). We conducted a line transect distance sampling aerial survey of KB polar bears during 28 April–12 May 2014. A total of 4160 linear kilometers were flown in a helicopter over fast ice in the fjords and over offshore pack ice between 76° 50′ and 80° N′. Using a mark-recapture distance sampling protocol, the estimated abundance was 190 bears (95% lognormal CI: 87–411; CV 39%). This estimate is likely negatively biased to an unknown degree because the offshore sectors of the NOW with much open water were not surveyed because of logistical and safety reasons. Our study demonstrated that aerial surveys may be a feasible method for obtaining abundance estimates for small subpopulations of polar bears.
Collapse
|
6
|
DYAL JORDANR, Miller KV, Cherry MJ, D'Angelo GJ. Estimating Sightability for Helicopter Surveys Using Surrogates of White‐Tailed Deer. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- JORDAN R. DYAL
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia 180 E Green Street Athens GA 30602 USA
| | - Karl V. Miller
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia 180 E Green Street Athens GA 30602 USA
| | - Michael J. Cherry
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Texas A&M University‐Kingsville 700 University Boulevard Kingsville TX 78363 USA
| | - Gino J. D'Angelo
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia 180 E Green Street Athens GA 30602 USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Monitoring sun bears and Asiatic black bears with remotely sensed predictors to inform conservation management. ORYX 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605318001187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAsiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus and sun bear Helarctos malayanus populations are declining throughout South-east Asia as a result of habitat loss and human disturbance. Knowledge of the distribution and status of each species is limited and largely anecdotal. Range maps are coarse, compiled by expert opinion, and presence or absence is unknown over large portions of South-east Asia. These two species co-occur in Lao People's Democratic Republic and may be faring better there than in neighbouring countries. During 2010–2013 we searched for bear sign along 99 transects within eight study sites throughout Lao. To explore countrywide relative abundance and habitat suitability, we modelled bear sign as a log-linear function of biological and anthropogenic predictors that were associated with habitat assemblages and human disturbance. Bears favored higher elevations and rugged terrain in areas less accessible to humans, and were most abundant in the north and east of Lao. Suitable habitats were rare in the southern lowland plains where bear abundance was relatively low. Our model predicted that Nam Et–Phou Louey National Protected Area had the largest areas of suitable bear habitat, followed by the Nakai-Nam Teun and Nam Ha National Protected Areas. Using transects to survey for bear sign, we created a replicable geographical information system based assessment tool for bears in Lao that can be used to identify conservation opportunities and monitor changes in bear distribution over time.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bergman EJ, Hayes FP, Lukacs PM, Bishop CJ. Moose calf detection probabilities: quantification and evaluation of a ground-based survey technique. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Bergman
- E. J. Bergman (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4298-0732) ✉ , Mammals Research Group, Colorado Parks andWildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Forest P. Hayes
- F. P. Hayes, P. M. Lukacs and C. J. Bishop, Wildlife Biology Program, Dept of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, Univ. of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Paul M. Lukacs
- F. P. Hayes, P. M. Lukacs and C. J. Bishop, Wildlife Biology Program, Dept of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, Univ. of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Chad J. Bishop
- F. P. Hayes, P. M. Lukacs and C. J. Bishop, Wildlife Biology Program, Dept of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, Univ. of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Severud WJ, DelGiudice GD, Bump JK. Comparing survey and multiple recruitment-mortality models to assess growth rates and population projections. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:12613-12622. [PMID: 31788201 PMCID: PMC6875566 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimation of population trends and demographic parameters is important to our understanding of fundamental ecology and species management, yet these data are often difficult to obtain without the use of data from population surveys or marking animals. The northeastern Minnesota moose (Alces alces Linnaeus, 1758) population declined 58% during 2006-2017, yet aerial surveys indicated stability during 2012-2017. In response to the decline, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) initiated studies of adult and calf survival to better understand cause-specific mortality, calf recruitment, and factors influencing the population trajectory. We estimated population growth rate (λ) using adult survival and calf recruitment data from demographic studies and the recruitment-mortality (R-M) Equation and compared these estimates to those calculated using data from aerial surveys. We then projected population dynamics 50 years using each resulting λ and used a stochastic model to project population dynamics 30 years using data from the MNDNR's studies. Calculations of λ derived from 2012 to 2017 survey data, and the R-M Equation indicated growth (1.02 ± 0.16 [SE] and 1.01 ± 0.04, respectively). However, the stochastic model indicated a decline in the population over 30 years (λ = 0.91 ± 0.004; 2014-2044). The R-M Equation has utility for estimating λ, and the supporting information from demographic collaring studies also helps to better address management questions. Furthermore, estimates of λ calculated using collaring data were more certain and reflective of current conditions. Long-term monitoring using collars would better inform population performance predictions and demographic responses to environmental variability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J. Severud
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSaint PaulMNUSA
| | - Glenn D. DelGiudice
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSaint PaulMNUSA
- Forest Wildlife Populations and Research GroupMinnesota Department of Natural ResourcesForest LakeMNUSA
| | - Joseph K. Bump
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSaint PaulMNUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Severud WJ, Obermoller TR, Delgiudice GD, Fieberg JR. Survival and cause‐specific mortality of moose calves in Northeastern Minnesota. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William J. Severud
- Department of FisheriesWildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota2003 Upper Buford Circle, Suite 135 Saint Paul MN 55108 USA
| | - Tyler R. Obermoller
- Department of FisheriesWildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota2003 Upper Buford Circle, Suite 135 Saint Paul MN 55108 USA
| | - Glenn D. Delgiudice
- Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources5463 West Broadway Avenue Forest Lake MN 55025 USA
| | - John R. Fieberg
- Department of FisheriesWildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota2003 Upper Buford Circle, Suite 135 Saint Paul MN 55108 USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Duangchatrasiri S, Jornburom P, Jinamoy S, Pattanvibool A, Hines JE, Arnold TW, Fieberg J, Smith JLD. Impact of prey occupancy and other ecological and anthropogenic factors on tiger distribution in Thailand's western forest complex. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:2449-2458. [PMID: 30891192 PMCID: PMC6405490 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite conservation efforts, large mammals such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and their main prey, gaur (Bos gaurus), banteng (Bos javanicus), and sambar (Rusa unicolor), are highly threatened and declining across their entire range. The only large viable source population of tigers in mainland Southeast Asia occurs in Thailand's Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM), an approximately 19,000 km2 landscape of 17 contiguous protected areas.We used an occupancy modeling framework, which accounts for imperfect detection, to identify the factors that affect tiger distribution at the approximate scale of a female tiger's home range, 64 km2, and site use at a scale of 1-km2. At the larger scale, we estimated the proportion of sites at WEFCOM that were occupied by tigers; at the finer scale, we identified the key variables that influence site-use and developed a predictive distribution map. At both scales, we examined key anthropogenic and ecological factors that help explain tiger distribution and habitat use, including probabilities of gaur, banteng, and sambar occurrence from a companion study.Occupancy estimated at the 64-km2 scale was primarily influenced by the combined presence of all three large prey species, and 37% or 5,858 km2 of the landscape was predicted to be occupied by tigers. In contrast, site use estimated at the scale of 1 km2 was most strongly influenced by the presence of sambar.By modeling occupancy while accounting for imperfect probability of detection, we established reliable benchmark data on the distribution of tigers in WEFCOM. This study also identified factors that limit tiger distributions; which managers can then target to expand tiger distribution and guide recovery elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somphot Duangchatrasiri
- Wildlife Research DivisionDepartment of National Parks, Plant, and Wildlife ConservationBangkokThailand
| | - Pornkamol Jornburom
- University of MinnesotaSaint PaulMinnesota
- Wildlife Conservation Society Thailand ProgramNonthaburiThailand
| | | | | | - James E. Hines
- Patuxent Wildlife Research CenterU.S. Geological SurveyLaurelMaryland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Delineating the ecological and geographic edge of an opportunist: The American black bear exploiting an agricultural landscape. Ecol Modell 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
13
|
Oyster JH, Keren IN, Hansen SJ, Harris RB. Hierarchical mark-recapture distance sampling to estimate moose abundance. J Wildl Manage 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jared H. Oyster
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 2315 North Discovery Place Spokane WA 99216 USA
| | - Ilai N. Keren
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 600 Capital Way North Olympia WA 98501 USA
| | - Sara J.K. Hansen
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 2315 North Discovery Place Spokane WA 99216 USA
| | - Richard B. Harris
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 600 Capital Way North Olympia WA 98501 USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
ArchMiller AA, Dorazio RM, St. Clair K, Fieberg JR. Time series sightability modeling of animal populations. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190706. [PMID: 29329309 PMCID: PMC5766105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Logistic regression models—or “sightability models”—fit to detection/non-detection data from marked individuals are often used to adjust for visibility bias in later detection-only surveys, with population abundance estimated using a modified Horvitz-Thompson (mHT) estimator. More recently, a model-based alternative for analyzing combined detection/non-detection and detection-only data was developed. This approach seemed promising, since it resulted in similar estimates as the mHT when applied to data from moose (Alces alces) surveys in Minnesota. More importantly, it provided a framework for developing flexible models for analyzing multiyear detection-only survey data in combination with detection/non-detection data. During initial attempts to extend the model-based approach to multiple years of detection-only data, we found that estimates of detection probabilities and population abundance were sensitive to the amount of detection-only data included in the combined (detection/non-detection and detection-only) analysis. Subsequently, we developed a robust hierarchical modeling approach where sightability model parameters are informed only by the detection/non-detection data, and we used this approach to fit a fixed-effects model (FE model) with year-specific parameters and a temporally-smoothed model (TS model) that shares information across years via random effects and a temporal spline. The abundance estimates from the TS model were more precise, with decreased interannual variability relative to the FE model and mHT abundance estimates, illustrating the potential benefits from model-based approaches that allow information to be shared across years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Althea A. ArchMiller
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Robert M. Dorazio
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Katherine St. Clair
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton College, Northfield, MN, United States of America
| | - John R. Fieberg
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mech LD, Fieberg J, Barber‐Meyer S. An historical overview and update of wolf–moose interactions in northeastern Minnesota. WILDLIFE SOC B 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. David Mech
- U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Prairie Wildlife Research Center8711–37th Street SEJamestownND58401USA
| | - John Fieberg
- University of MinnesotaDepartment of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation BiologySt. PaulMN55108USA
| | - Shannon Barber‐Meyer
- U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Prairie Wildlife Research Center8711–37th Street SEJamestownND58401USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Baumgardt JA, Reese KP, Connelly JW, Garton EO. Visibility bias for sage-grouse lek counts. WILDLIFE SOC B 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A. Baumgardt
- Fish and Wildlife Sciences; University of Idaho; P.O. Box 441136 Moscow ID 83844 USA
| | - Kerry P. Reese
- Fish and Wildlife Sciences; University of Idaho; P.O. Box 441136 Moscow ID 83844 USA
| | - John W. Connelly
- Fish and Wildlife Sciences; University of Idaho; P.O. Box 441136 Moscow ID 83844 USA
| | - Edward O. Garton
- Fish and Wildlife Sciences; University of Idaho; P.O. Box 441136 Moscow ID 83844 USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
We tested serum samples from 387 free-ranging wolves ( Canis lupus ) from 2007 to 2013 for exposure to eight canid pathogens to establish baseline data on disease prevalence and spatial distribution in Minnesota's wolf population. We found high exposure to canine adenoviruses 1 and 2 (88% adults, 45% pups), canine parvovirus (82% adults, 24% pups), and Lyme disease (76% adults, 39% pups). Sixty-six percent of adults and 36% of pups exhibited exposure to the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum . Exposure to arboviruses was confirmed, including West Nile virus (37% adults, 18% pups) and eastern equine encephalitis (3% adults). Exposure rates were lower for canine distemper (19% adults, 5% pups) and heartworm (7% adults, 3% pups). Significant spatial trends were observed in wolves exposed to canine parvovirus and Lyme disease. Serologic data do not confirm clinical disease, but better understanding of disease ecology of wolves can provide valuable insight into wildlife population dynamics and improve management of these species.
Collapse
|
18
|
Terletzky PA, Koons DN. Estimating ungulate abundance while accounting for multiple sources of observation error. WILDLIFE SOC B 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pat A. Terletzky
- Department of Wildland Resources and the Ecology Center; Utah State University; Logan UT 84322-5230 USA
| | - David N. Koons
- Department of Wildland Resources and the Ecology Center; Utah State University; Logan UT 84322-5230 USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Three flawed practices associated with model averaging coefficients for predictor variables in regression models commonly occur when making multimodel inferences in analyses of ecological data. Model-averaged regression coefficients based on Akaike information criterion (AIC) weights have been recommended for addressing model uncertainty but they are not valid, interpretable estimates of partial effects for individual predictors when there is multicollinearity among the predictor variables. Multicollinearity implies that the scaling of units in the denominators of the regression coefficients may change across models such that neither the parameters nor their estimates have common scales, therefore averaging them makes no sense. The associated sums of AIC model weights recommended to assess relative importance of individual predictors are really a measure of relative importance of models, with little information about contributions by individual predictors compared to other measures of relative importance based on effects size or variance reduction. Sometimes the model-averaged regression coefficients for predictor variables are incorrectly used to make model-averaged predictions of the response variable when the models are not linear in the parameters. I demonstrate the issues with the first two practices using the college grade point average example extensively analyzed by Burnham and Anderson. I show how partial standard deviations of the predictor variables can be used to detect changing scales of their estimates with multicollinearity. Standardizing estimates based on partial standard deviations for their variables can be used to make the scaling of the estimates commensurate across models, a necessary but not sufficient condition for model averaging of the estimates to be sensible. A unimodal distribution of estimates and valid interpretation of individual parameters are additional requisite conditions. The standardized estimates or equivalently the t statistics on unstandardized estimates also can be used to provide more informative measures of relative importance than sums of AIC weights. Finally, I illustrate how seriously compromised statistical interpretations and predictions can be for all three of these flawed practices by critiquing their use in a recent species distribution modeling technique developed for predicting Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) distribution in Colorado, USA. These model averaging issues are common in other ecological literature and ought to be discontinued if we are to make effective scientific contributions to ecological knowledge and conservation of natural resources.
Collapse
|
20
|
Fieberg JR, Jenkins K, McCorquodale S, Rice CG, White GC, White K. Do capture and survey methods influence whether marked animals are representative of unmarked animals? WILDLIFE SOC B 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John R. Fieberg
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota; 2003 Upper Buford Circle; Skok Hall 135 St. Paul MN 55108 USA
| | - Kurt Jenkins
- United States Geological Survey; Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center; 600 E Park Avenue, Port Angeles WA 98362 USA
| | - Scott McCorquodale
- Department of Fish and Wildlife; 1701 S 24th Avenue, Yakima WA 98902 USA
| | - Clifford G. Rice
- Department of Fish and Wildlife; 600 Capitol Way N, Olympia WA 98501 USA
| | - Gary C. White
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; Colorado State University; Fort Collins CO 80523 USA
| | - Kevin White
- Department of Fish and Game; Division of Wildlife Conservation; 802 3rd Street, Douglas AK 99824 USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Estimating the abundance of the Southern Hudson Bay polar bear subpopulation with aerial surveys. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
22
|
Fieberg J, Johnson DH. MMI: Multimodel inference or models with management implications? J Wildl Manage 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Fieberg
- Department of Fisheries; Wildlife and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota; 2003 Upper Buford Circle; Suite 135, Saint Paul MN 55108 USA
| | - Douglas H. Johnson
- U.S. Geological Survey; Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center; 2003 Upper Buford Circle; Suite 135, Saint Paul MN 55108 USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lindberg MS, Schmidt JH, Walker J. History of multimodel inference via model selection in wildlife science. J Wildl Manage 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Lindberg
- Institute of Arctic Biology; University of Alaska; Fairbanks AK 99775 USA
| | - Joshua H. Schmidt
- U.S. National Park Service; Central Alaska Network; 4175 Geist Road., Fairbanks AK 99709 USA
| | - Johann Walker
- Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; Great Plains Regional Office; 2525 River Road, Bismarck ND 58503 USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
|
25
|
Mech LD, Fieberg J. Re-evaluating the northeastern Minnesota moose decline and the role of wolves. J Wildl Manage 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. David Mech
- U.S. Geological Survey; Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center; 8711-37th St. SE Jamestown ND 58401 USA
| | - John Fieberg
- University of Minnesota; Department of Fisheries; Wildlife and Conservation Biology; St. Paul MN 55108 USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Peters W, Hebblewhite M, Smith KG, Webb SM, Webb N, Russell M, Stambaugh C, Anderson RB. Contrasting aerial moose population estimation methods and evaluating sightability in west-central Alberta, Canada. WILDLIFE SOC B 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Peters
- Wildlife Biology Program; Department of Ecosystem Sciences and Conservation; College of Forestry and Conservation; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program; Department of Ecosystem Sciences and Conservation; College of Forestry and Conservation; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Kirby G. Smith
- Environment and Sustainable Resource Development; 2nd floor Provincial Building 111-54 Street Provincial Building Edson AB T7E 1T2 Canada
| | - Shevenell M. Webb
- Alberta Conservation Association; 101-9 Chippewa Road Sherwood Park AB T8A 6J7 Canada
| | - Nathan Webb
- Alberta Conservation Association; P.O. Box 336 Rocky Mountain House AB T4T 1A3 Canada
| | - Mike Russell
- Environment and Sustainable Resource Development; Main floor Provincial Building 10320-99 Street Grande Prairie AB T8V 6J4 Canada
| | - Curtis Stambaugh
- Environment and Sustainable Resource Development; 1st floor Provincial Building 5020-52 Avenue Whitecourt AB T7S 1N2 Canada
| | - Robert B. Anderson
- Alberta Conservation Association; P.O. Box 1139 Blairmore AB T0K 0E0 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Griffin PC, Lubow BC, Jenkins KJ, Vales DJ, Moeller BJ, Reid M, Happe PJ, Mccorquodale SM, Tirhi MJ, Schaberl JP, Beirne K. A hybrid double-observer sightability model for aerial surveys. J Wildl Manage 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Griffin
- U.S. Geological Survey; Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center; 600 E. Park Ave. Port Angeles WA 98362 USA
| | | | - Kurt J. Jenkins
- U.S. Geological Survey; Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center; 600 E. Park Ave. Port Angeles WA 98362 USA
| | | | | | - Mason Reid
- Mount Rainier National Park; Ashford WA USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Katherine Beirne
- North Coast and Cascades Network Inventory and Monitoring Program; Olympic National Park; Port Angeles WA USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Fieberg J, Alexander M, Tse S, St. Clair K. Abundance estimation with sightability data: a Bayesian data augmentation approach. Methods Ecol Evol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Alexander
- Department of Mathematics; Carleton College; One North College St; Northfield; MN; 55057; USA
| | - Scarlett Tse
- Department of Mathematics; Carleton College; One North College St; Northfield; MN; 55057; USA
| | - Katie St. Clair
- Department of Mathematics; Carleton College; One North College St; Northfield; MN; 55057; USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fieberg J, Ditmer M. Understanding the causes and consequences of animal movement: a cautionary note on fitting and interpreting regression models with time-dependent covariates. Methods Ecol Evol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-210x.2012.00239.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Fieberg
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota; St. Paul MN 55108 USA
- Biometrics Unit; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; 5463-C W. Broadway Forest Lake MN 55025 USA
| | - M. Ditmer
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota; St. Paul MN 55108 USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Conn PB, Johnson DS, London JM, Boveng PL. Accounting for missing data when assessing availability in animal population surveys: an application to ice-associated seals in the Bering Sea. Methods Ecol Evol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-210x.2012.00238.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul B. Conn
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory; NOAA-NMFS; Alaska Fisheries Science Center; 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle WA 98115 USA
| | - Devin S. Johnson
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory; NOAA-NMFS; Alaska Fisheries Science Center; 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle WA 98115 USA
| | - Josh M. London
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory; NOAA-NMFS; Alaska Fisheries Science Center; 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle WA 98115 USA
| | - Peter L. Boveng
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory; NOAA-NMFS; Alaska Fisheries Science Center; 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle WA 98115 USA
| |
Collapse
|