1
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Gatto JV, Travis J. Different patterns of coupled predator-prey dynamics when the same species interact in different locations. Oecologia 2024; 205:461-471. [PMID: 38995364 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05594-z] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Individual predator and prey species exhibit coupled population dynamics in simple laboratory systems and simple natural communities. It is unclear how often such pairwise coupling occurs in more complex communities, in which an individual predator species might feed on several prey species and an individual prey species might be attacked by several predators. To examine this problem, we applied multivariate autoregressive state-space (MARSS) models to 5-year time-series of monthly surveys of a predatory fish, the eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), and its littoral zone prey species, the least killifish (Heterandria formosa), in three locations in north Florida. The MARSS models were consistent with coupled predator-prey dynamics at two of the three locations. In one of these two locations, the estimated densities of the two species displayed classic predator-prey oscillations. In the third location, there was a positive effect of killifish density on mosquitofish density but no detectable effect of mosquitofish density on killifish density. In all three locations, increased submergent vegetation cover was associated with increased prey density but not increased predator density. Eigenvalues analyses for the joint predator-prey dynamics indicated that one of the cyclic locations had more stable dynamics than the other locations. The three different patterns demonstrate that the dynamics of a pairwise predator-prey interaction emerge not only from the characteristics of the prey and the predator, but also those of the habitat and trophic web in which the predator and prey are embedded.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V Gatto
- Denver Federal Center, Technical Service Center, Bureau of Reclamation, Building 67, P.O. Box 25007, Denver, CO, 80225, USA
| | - Joseph Travis
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4340, USA.
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2
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Randolph JF, Young JK, Stoner DC, Garcelon DK. Impacts of management practices on habitat selection during juvenile mountain lion dispersal. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70097. [PMID: 39091328 PMCID: PMC11293884 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70097] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Dispersal is a complex series of movements before an individual establishes a home range. Animals must travel and forage in unfamiliar landscapes that include anthropogenic risks such as road crossings, harvest, and urban landscapes. We compare dispersal behavior of juvenile mountain lions (Puma concolor) from two geographically distinct populations in California and Nevada, USA. These two sites are ecologically similar but have different management practices; hunting is permitted in Nevada, whereas mountain lions are protected in California. We used GPS-collar data and net-squared displacement analysis to identify three dispersal states: exploratory, departure, and transient home range. We then compared each dispersal state of the two mountain lion populations using an integrated step selection analysis (iSSA). The model included explanatory variables hypothesized to influence one or more dispersal states, including distance to forest, shrub, water, hay and crop, developed lands, and four-wheel drive roads, as well as elevation and terrain ruggedness. Results revealed consistent habitat selection between sites across most landscape variables, with one notable exception: anthropogenic covariates, including distance to developed land, distance to hay and crop, and distance to four-wheeled drive roads, were only statistically significant on modeled habitat selection during dispersal in the population subject to hunting (i.e., Nevada). Results suggest that hunting (pursuit with hounds resulting in harvest) and non-lethal pursuit (pursuit with hounds but no harvest allowed) increase avoidance of anthropogenic landscapes during dispersal for juvenile mountain lions. By comparing populations, we provided valuable insights into the role of management in shaping dispersal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F. Randolph
- Department of Wildland ResourcesUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
- Ecology CenterUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
- Institute for Wildlife StudiesArcataCaliforniaUSA
| | - Julie K. Young
- Department of Wildland ResourcesUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
- Ecology CenterUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
| | - David C. Stoner
- Department of Wildland ResourcesUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
- Ecology CenterUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
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3
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Wang ZN, Wang H, Shen YZ, Li FK, Xiao JX, Yang Y, Lv SJ. Behavioural and physiological responses of Small Tail Han sheep to predators. Animal 2023; 17:100884. [PMID: 37437473 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100884] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prey animals modify their behaviour and physiology in the presence of predators. Domestic animals differ from wild animals in having less exposure to wild predators, but whether they still retain an antipredator instinct is frequently unknown. In this study, we used domesticated Small Tail Han sheep as a model prey animal to gauge their response to the presence of predators, in the form of odours from the faeces of lion, tiger, and leopard. The faeces of male sheep and male rabbit (as a heterogeneous non-predator) were used as control. We found that the frequency and time of feeding, exploration, moving, watching, and lying down behaviours were significantly affected by predator odour, and that there was an interaction between odour sources and sex. When exposed to predator odour, sheep reduced their frequency and time of feeding, and increased their exploratory, moving, and watching behaviours. Female sheep showed greater motivation towards frequent and lengthy exploration, moving, watching, and lying down behaviours than male sheep, and less motivation towards feeding and drinking behaviours. Serum cortisol levels were lowest in response to tiger stimuli. These results illustrated that Small Tail Han sheep could recognise predator odour and adjust their behaviour to display antipredator strategies, and displayed some physiological responses, although only changing in serum cortisol could be significantly attributed to the odour of predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z N Wang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Linyi University, 276000 Linyi, China
| | - H Wang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Linyi University, 276000 Linyi, China
| | - Y Z Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, 071000 Baoding, China
| | - F K Li
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Linyi University, 276000 Linyi, China
| | - J X Xiao
- Linyi Zoological and Botanical Garden, 276000 Linyi, China
| | - Y Yang
- Linyi Academy of Agricultural Science, 276000 Linyi, China
| | - S J Lv
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Linyi University, 276000 Linyi, China.
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4
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Whiting JC, Bleich VC, Bowyer RT, Epps CW. Restoration of bighorn sheep: History, successes, and remaining conservation issues. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1083350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals are imperiled worldwide, primarily from habitat loss or modification, and exhibit downward trends in their populations and distributions. Likewise, large-bodied herbivores have undergone a collapse in numbers and are at the highest extinction risk of all mammals. Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are among those large-bodied herbivores that possess a slow-paced life history, suffer from debilitating diseases, and have experienced range contractions across their historical distribution since the late 1800s. Translocations and reintroductions of these mountain ungulates are key aspects of restoration and often are used to re-establish populations in historical habitat or to supplement declining herds. Millions of US dollars and much effort by state and federal natural resource agencies, as well as public and private organizations, have been expended to restore bighorn sheep. Despite those efforts, translocated populations of bighorn sheep have not always been successful. We assessed restoration of bighorn sheep to provide insights in the context of conservation of populations of bighorn sheep, because this management tool is a frequently used to re-establish populations. We focused briefly on past efforts to restore bighorn sheep populations and followed with updates on the value of habitat enhancements, genetic issues, the importance of ecotypic or phenotypic adaptations when restoring populations, predation, and disease transmission. We also raised issues and posed questions that have potential to affect future decisions regarding the restoration of bighorn sheep. This information will help conservationists improve the success of conserving these iconic large mammals.
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5
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Fisk EA, Cassirer EF, Huggler KS, Pessier AP, White LA, Ramsay JD, Goldsmith EW, Drankhan HR, Wolking RM, Manlove KR, Nordeen T, Hogg JT, Taylor KR. ABORTION AND NEONATAL MORTALITY DUE TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN BIGHORN SHEEP (OVIS CANADENSIS). J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:37-48. [PMID: 36648765 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Low lamb recruitment can be an obstacle to bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) conservation and restoration. Causes of abortion and neonate loss in bighorn sheep, which may affect recruitment, are poorly understood. Toxoplasma gondii is a major cause of abortion and stillbirth in domestic small ruminants worldwide, but no reports exist documenting abortion or neonatal death in bighorn sheep attributable to toxoplasmosis. Between March 2019 and May 2021, eight fetal and neonatal bighorn lamb cadavers from four western US states (Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and Washington) were submitted to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for postmortem examination, histologic examination, and ancillary testing to determine the cause of abortion or neonatal death. Necrotizing encephalitis characteristic of toxoplasmosis was identified histologically in six of eight cases, and T. gondii infection was confirmed by PCR in five cases with characteristic lesions. Other lesions attributable to toxoplasmosis were pneumonia (3/5 cases) and myocarditis (2/5 cases). Protozoal cysts were identified histologically within brain, lung, heart, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, or a combination of samples in all five sheep with PCR-confirmed T. gondii infections. Seroprevalence of T. gondii ranged from 40-81% of adult females sampled in the Washington population in October and November 2018-2021, confirming high rates of exposure before detection of Toxoplasma abortions in this study. Of 1,149 bighorn sheep postmortem samples submitted to Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory between January 2000 and May 2021, 21 of which were from fetuses or neonates, a single case of chronic toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in one adult ewe. Recent identification of Toxoplasma abortions in bighorn sheep suggests that toxoplasmosis is an underappreciated cause of reproductive loss. Abortions and neonatal mortalities should be investigated through postmortem and histologic examination, particularly in herds that are chronically small, demographically stagnant, or exhibit reproductive rates lower than expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elis A Fisk
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 1940 SE Olympia Ave., Pullman, Washington 99164-7034, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647040, Pullman, Washington 99164-7040, USA
| | - E Frances Cassirer
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 3316 16th St., Lewiston, Idaho 83501, USA
| | - Katey S Huggler
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Dr., Moscow, Idaho 83844, USA
| | - Allan P Pessier
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 1940 SE Olympia Ave., Pullman, Washington 99164-7034, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647040, Pullman, Washington 99164-7040, USA
| | - Laura A White
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 1940 SE Olympia Ave., Pullman, Washington 99164-7034, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647040, Pullman, Washington 99164-7040, USA
| | - Joshua D Ramsay
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 1940 SE Olympia Ave., Pullman, Washington 99164-7034, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647040, Pullman, Washington 99164-7040, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Goldsmith
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 1940 SE Olympia Ave., Pullman, Washington 99164-7034, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647040, Pullman, Washington 99164-7040, USA
| | - Holly R Drankhan
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 1940 SE Olympia Ave., Pullman, Washington 99164-7034, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647040, Pullman, Washington 99164-7040, USA
| | - Rebecca M Wolking
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 1940 SE Olympia Ave., Pullman, Washington 99164-7034, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647040, Pullman, Washington 99164-7040, USA
| | - Kezia R Manlove
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, 5230 Old Main Hill, NR 206, Logan, Utah 84322, USA
| | - Todd Nordeen
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N 33rd St., PO Box 30370, Lincoln, Nebraska 68503, USA
| | - John T Hogg
- Montana Conservation Science Institute Ltd., 5200 Miller Creek Rd., Missoula, Montana 59803, USA
| | - Kyle R Taylor
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 1940 SE Olympia Ave., Pullman, Washington 99164-7034, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647040, Pullman, Washington 99164-7040, USA
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Mesler JI, Jones AS. FERAL BURROS AS A MOUNTAIN LION PREY ITEM IN WEST CENTRAL ARIZONA. SOUTHWEST NAT 2022. [DOI: 10.1894/0038-4909-66.4.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob I. Mesler
- Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086
| | - Andrew S. Jones
- Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086
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7
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Forshee SC, Mitchell MS, Stephenson TR. Predator avoidance influences selection of neonatal lambing habitat by Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon C. Forshee
- Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | | | - Thomas R. Stephenson
- Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program California Department of Fish and Wildlife 787 N. Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93514 USA
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8
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The abundance and persistence of Caprinae populations. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13807. [PMID: 35970998 PMCID: PMC9378773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17963-w] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable or growing populations may go extinct when their sizes cannot withstand large swings in temporal variation and stochastic forces. Hence, the minimum abundance threshold defining when populations can persist without human intervention forms a key conservation parameter. We identify this threshold for many populations of Caprinae, typically threatened species lacking demographic data. Doing so helps triage conservation and management actions for threatened or harvested populations. Methodologically, we used population projection matrices and simulations, with starting abundance, recruitment, and adult female survival predicting future abundance, growth rate (λ), and population trend. We incorporated mean demographic rates representative of Caprinae populations and corresponding variances from desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), as a proxy for Caprinae sharing similar life histories. We found a population’s minimum abundance resulting in ≤ 0.01 chance of quasi-extinction (QE; population ≤ 5 adult females) in 10 years and ≤ 0.10 QE in 30 years as 50 adult females, or 70 were translocation (removals) pursued. Discovering the threshold required 3 demographic parameters. We show, however, that monitoring populations’ relationships to this threshold requires only abundance and recruitment data. This applied approach avoids the logistical and cost hurdles in measuring female survival, making assays of population persistence more practical.
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9
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Review of puma density estimates reveals sources of bias and variation, and the need for standardization. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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10
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Johnson CJ, Ray JC, St‐Laurent M. Efficacy and ethics of intensive predator management to save endangered caribou. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chris J. Johnson
- Ecosystem Science and Management University of Northern British Columbia Prince George British Columbia Canada
| | - Justina C. Ray
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Martin‐Hugues St‐Laurent
- Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie Université du Québec à Rimouski, Centre for Forest Research, Centre for Northern Studies Rimouski Québec Canada
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11
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Jones AS, Rubin ES, Clement MJ, Harding LE, Mesler JI. Desert bighorn sheep habitat selection, group size, and mountain lion predation risk. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Jones
- Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix AZ 85086 USA
| | - Esther S. Rubin
- Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix AZ 85086 USA
| | - Matthew J. Clement
- Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix AZ 85086 USA
| | - Larisa E. Harding
- Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix AZ 85086 USA
| | - Jacob I. Mesler
- Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix AZ 85086 USA
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12
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Armstrong TA, Lahiri C, Moran WK, Fuller BD, Mix JA, Cerny TM, Ibarra‐Garibay EJ. Wildlife visitation at abandoned mines. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A. Armstrong
- Department of Biology and Geosciences Adams State University 208 Edgemont Boulevard Alamosa CO 81101 USA
| | - Chayan Lahiri
- Department of Biology and Geosciences Adams State University 208 Edgemont Boulevard Alamosa CO 81101 USA
| | - Wyatt K. Moran
- Department of Biology and Geosciences Adams State University 208 Edgemont Boulevard Alamosa CO 81101 USA
| | - Brett D. Fuller
- Department of Biology and Geosciences Adams State University 208 Edgemont Boulevard Alamosa CO 81101 USA
| | - Jose A. Mix
- Department of Biology and Geosciences Adams State University 208 Edgemont Boulevard Alamosa CO 81101 USA
| | - Tyler M. Cerny
- Department of Biology and Geosciences Adams State University 208 Edgemont Boulevard Alamosa CO 81101 USA
| | - Erika J. Ibarra‐Garibay
- Department of Biology and Geosciences Adams State University 208 Edgemont Boulevard Alamosa CO 81101 USA
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13
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Alexander PD, Craighead DJ. A novel camera trapping method for individually identifying pumas by facial features. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8536. [PMID: 35136565 PMCID: PMC8809426 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8536] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Camera traps (CTs), used in conjunction with capture-mark-recapture analyses (CMR; photo-CMR), are a valuable tool for estimating abundances of rare and elusive wildlife. However, a critical requirement of photo-CMR is that individuals are identifiable in CT images (photo-ID). Thus, photo-CMR is generally limited to species with conspicuous pelage patterns (e.g., stripes or spots) using lateral-view images from CTs stationed along travel paths. Pumas (Puma concolor) are an elusive species for which CTs are highly effective at collecting image data, but their suitability to photo-ID is controversial due to their lack of pelage markings. For a wide range of taxa, facial features are useful for photo-ID, but this method has generally been limited to images collected with traditional handheld cameras. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using puma facial features for photo-ID in a CT framework. We consider two issues: (1) the ability to capture puma facial images using CTs, and (2) whether facial images improve human ability to photo-ID pumas. We tested a novel CT accessory that used light and sound to attract the attention of pumas, thereby collecting face images for use in photo-ID. Face captures rates increased at CTs that included the accessory (n = 208, χ 2 = 43.23, p ≤ .001). To evaluate if puma faces improve photo-ID, we measured the inter-rater agreement of 5 independent assessments of photo-ID for 16 of our puma face capture events. Agreement was moderate to good (Fleiss' kappa = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.48-0.60), and was 92.90% greater than a previously published kappa using conventional CT methods. This study is the first time that such a technique has been used for photo-ID, and we believe a promising demonstration of how photo-ID may be feasible for an elusive but unmarked species.
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14
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Paterson JT, Proffitt K, Rotella J, McWhirter D, Garrott R. Drivers of variation in the population dynamics of bighorn sheep. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Proffitt
- Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Bozeman Montana USA
| | - Jay Rotella
- Department of Ecology Montana State University Bozeman Montana USA
| | | | - Robert Garrott
- Department of Ecology Montana State University Bozeman Montana USA
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15
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Sanderson EW, Beckmann JP, Beier P, Bird B, Bravo JC, Fisher K, Grigione MM, López González CA, Miller JRB, Mormorunni C, Paulson L, Peters R, Polisar J, Povilitis T, Robinson MJ, Wilcox S. The case for reintroduction: The jaguar (
Panthera onca
) in the United States as a model. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric W. Sanderson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program Bronx New York USA
| | - Jon P. Beckmann
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Rocky Mountain Program Santa Fe New Mexico USA
| | - Paul Beier
- Center for Large Landscape Conservation Bozeman Montana USA
| | - Bryan Bird
- Defenders of Wildlife, Field Conservation—Southwest Office Santa Fe New Mexico USA
| | - Juan Carlos Bravo
- Wildlands Network, Programa Mexico y Tierras Fronterizas Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - Kim Fisher
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program Bronx New York USA
| | | | | | | | - Cristina Mormorunni
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Rocky Mountain Program Santa Fe New Mexico USA
| | - Laura Paulson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Rocky Mountain Program Santa Fe New Mexico USA
| | - Rob Peters
- Defenders of Wildlife, Field Conservation—Southwest Office Santa Fe New Mexico USA
| | - John Polisar
- Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation Front Royal Virginia USA
| | | | | | - Sharon Wilcox
- Defenders of Wildlife, Field Conservation—Southwest Office Santa Fe New Mexico USA
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16
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Spaan RS, Epps CW, Crowhurst R, Whittaker D, Cox M, Duarte A. Impact of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae on juvenile bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis) survival in the northern Basin and Range ecosystem. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10710. [PMID: 33552728 PMCID: PMC7821761 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the demographic impacts of wildlife disease is complex because extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of survival, reproduction, body condition, and other factors that may interact with disease vary widely. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae infection has been linked to persistent mortality in juvenile bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), although mortality appears to vary widely across subspecies, populations, and outbreaks. Hypotheses for that variation range from interactions with nutrition, population density, genetic variation in the pathogen, genetic variation in the host, and other factors. We investigated factors related to survival of juvenile bighorn sheep in reestablished populations in the northern Basin and Range ecosystem, managed as the formerly-recognized California subspecies (hereafter, "California lineage"). We investigated whether survival probability of 4-month juveniles would vary by (1) presence of M. ovipneumoniae-infected or exposed individuals in populations, (2) population genetic diversity, and (3) an index of forage suitability. We monitored 121 juveniles across a 3-year period in 13 populations in southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada. We observed each juvenile and GPS-collared mother semi-monthly and established 4-month capture histories for the juvenile to estimate survival. All collared adult females were PCR-tested at least once for M. ovipneumoniae infection. The presence of M. ovipneumoniae-infected juveniles was determined by observing juvenile behavior and PCR-testing dead juveniles. We used a known-fate model with different time effects to determine if the probability of survival to 4 months varied temporally or was influenced by disease or other factors. We detected dead juveniles infected with M. ovipneumoniae in only two populations. Derived juvenile survival probability at four months in populations where infected juveniles were not detected was more than 20 times higher. Detection of infected adults or adults with antibody levels suggesting prior exposure was less predictive of juvenile survival. Survival varied temporally but was not strongly influenced by population genetic diversity or nutrition, although genetic diversity within most study area populations was very low. We conclude that the presence of M. ovipneumoniae can cause extremely low juvenile survival probability in translocated bighorn populations of the California lineage, but found little influence that genetic diversity or nutrition affect juvenile survival. Yet, after the PCR+ adult female in one population died, subsequent observations found 11 of 14 ( 79%) collared adult females had surviving juveniles at 4-months, suggesting that targeted removals of infected adults should be evaluated as a management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Spaan
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Clinton W. Epps
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Rachel Crowhurst
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - Donald Whittaker
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Salem, OR, United States of America
| | - Mike Cox
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, NV, United States of America
| | - Adam Duarte
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
- Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Olympia, WA, United States of America
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17
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Accurate population estimation of Caprinae using camera traps and distance sampling. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17729. [PMID: 33082374 PMCID: PMC7576118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73893-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
With most of the world’s Caprinae taxa threatened with extinction, the IUCN appeals to the development of simple and affordable sampling methods that will produce credible abundance and distribution data for helping conserve these species inhabiting remote areas. Traditional sampling approaches, like aerial sampling or mark-capture-recapture, can generate bias by failing to meet sampling assumptions, or by incurring too much cost and logistical burden for most projects to address them. Therefore, we met the IUCN’s challenge by testing a sampling technique that leverages imagery from camera traps with conventional distance sampling, validating its operability in mountainous topography by comparing results to known abundances. Our project occurred within a captive facility housing a wild population of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in the Chihuahuan desert of New Mexico, which is censused yearly. True abundance was always within our 90% confidence bounds, and the mean abundance estimates were within 4.9 individuals (average) of the census values. By demonstrating the veracity of this straightforward and inexpensive sampling method, we provide confidence in its operability, urging its use to fill conservation voids for Caprinae and other data-deficient species inhabiting rugged or heavily vegetated terrain.
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Devoe JD, Lowrey B, Proffitt KM, Garrott RA. Restoration Potential of Bighorn Sheep in a Prairie Region. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D. Devoe
- Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management Program, Department of EcologyMontana State University Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Blake Lowrey
- Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management Program, Department of EcologyMontana State University Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Kelly M. Proffitt
- Montana Department of FishWildlife and Parks 1400 South 19th Street Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Robert A. Garrott
- Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management Program, Department of EcologyMontana State University Bozeman MT 59718 USA
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Lehman CP, Rominger EM, Neiles BY. Mountain goat survival and mortality during a period of increased puma abundance in the Black Hills, South Dakota. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9143. [PMID: 32523807 PMCID: PMC7263294 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated survival and cause-specific mortality for a mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) population during a period when the puma (Puma concolor) population was growing in the Black Hills, South Dakota, 2006–2018. We obtained survival data from 47 adult goats (n = 33 females, n = 14 males). Annual survival varied from 0.538 (95% CI [0.285–0.773]) to 1.00 (95% CI [1.00–1.00]) and puma predation was the primary cause-specific mortality factor over a 12-year period. Cumulative hectares of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) disturbance was a covariate of importance (wi = 0.972; β = 0.580, 95% CI [0.302–0.859]) influencing survival. To our knowledge, this is the first account of puma being the primary mortality factor of mountain goats over a long-term study. The Black Hills system is unique because we could examine the expanded realized niche of puma in the absence of other large carnivores and their influence on mountain goats. We hypothesize that puma were being sustained at higher densities due to alternate prey sources (e.g., white-tailed deer; Odocoileous virginianus) and this small population of mountain goats was susceptible to predation by one or several specialized puma in the Black Hills. However, we also hypothesize a changing landscape with increased tree mortality due to insect infestation provided conditions for better predator detection by goats and increased survival. Alternatively, open canopy conditions may have increased understory forage production potentially increasing mountain goat survival but we did not evaluate this relationship. Survival and mortality rates of mountain goats should continue to be monitored as this small population may be highly susceptible to population declines due to slow growth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadwick P Lehman
- South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, Custer, SD, United States of America
| | - Eric M Rominger
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, NM, United States of America
| | - Brady Y Neiles
- South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, Custer, SD, United States of America
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Berger J, Wangchuk T, Briceño C, Vila A, Lambert JE. Disassembled Food Webs and Messy Projections: Modern Ungulate Communities in the Face of Unabating Human Population Growth. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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21
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Beale MM, Boyce MS. Mine reclamation enhances habitats for wild ungulates in west‐central Alberta. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan M. Beale
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Mark S. Boyce
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E9 Canada
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22
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Adams LG, Farnell R, Oakley MP, Jung TS, Larocque LL, Lortie GM, Mclelland J, Reid ME, Roffler GH, Russell DE. Evaluation of Maternal Penning to Improve Calf Survival in the Chisana Caribou Herd. WILDLIFE MONOGRAPHS 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wmon.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Layne G. Adams
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center 4210 University Drive Anchorage AK 99508 USA
| | - Richard Farnell
- Yukon Department of Environment Fish and Wildlife Branch P. O. Box 2703 Whitehorse YT Y1A 2C6 Canada
| | - Michelle P. Oakley
- Yukon Department of Environment Fish and Wildlife Branch P. O. Box 5429 Haines Junction YT Y0B 1L0 Canada
| | - Thomas S. Jung
- Yukon Department of Environment Fish and Wildlife Branch P. O. Box 2703 Whitehorse YT Y1A 2C6 Canada
| | - Lorne L. Larocque
- Yukon Department of Environment Fish and Wildlife Branch P. O. Box 5429 Haines Junction YT Y0B 1L0 Canada
| | | | - Jamie Mclelland
- Yukon Department of Environment Fish and Wildlife Branch P. O. Box 2703 Whitehorse YT Y1A 2C6 Canada
| | - Mason E. Reid
- U.S. National Park Service Wrangell‐St. Elias National Park and Preserve, P. O. Box 439, Copper Center, AK 99573 USA
| | - Gretchen H. Roffler
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center 4210 University Drive Anchorage AK 99508 USA
| | - Don E. Russell
- Canadian Wildlife Service 91782 Alaska Highway Whitehorse YT Y1A 5B7 Canada
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Murphy SM, Wilckens DT, Augustine BC, Peyton MA, Harper GC. Improving estimation of puma (Puma concolor) population density: clustered camera-trapping, telemetry data, and generalized spatial mark-resight models. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4590. [PMID: 30872785 PMCID: PMC6418282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Obtaining reliable population density estimates for pumas (Puma concolor) and other cryptic, wide-ranging large carnivores is challenging. Recent advancements in spatially explicit capture-recapture models have facilitated development of novel survey approaches, such as clustered sampling designs, which can provide reliable density estimation for expansive areas with reduced effort. We applied clustered sampling to camera-traps to detect marked (collared) and unmarked pumas, and used generalized spatial mark-resight (SMR) models to estimate puma population density across 15,314 km2 in the southwestern USA. Generalized SMR models outperformed conventional SMR models. Integrating telemetry data from collars on marked pumas with detection data from camera-traps substantially improved density estimates by informing cryptic activity (home range) center transiency and improving estimation of the SMR home range parameter. Modeling sex of unmarked pumas as a partially identifying categorical covariate further improved estimates. Our density estimates (0.84–1.65 puma/100 km2) were generally more precise (CV = 0.24–0.31) than spatially explicit estimates produced from other puma sampling methods, including biopsy darting, scat detection dogs, and regular camera-trapping. This study provides an illustrative example of the effectiveness and flexibility of our combined sampling and analytical approach for reliably estimating density of pumas and other wildlife across geographically expansive areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Murphy
- Wildlife Management Division, New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, Santa Fe, 87507, USA. .,Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, 40546, USA.
| | - David T Wilckens
- Wildlife Management Division, New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, Santa Fe, 87507, USA
| | - Ben C Augustine
- Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, 14853, USA
| | - Mark A Peyton
- Valles Caldera National Preserve, U.S. National Park Service, Jemez Springs, 87025, USA
| | - Glenn C Harper
- Department of Natural Resources, Pueblo of Santa Ana, Santa Ana Pueblo, 87004, USA
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Cain JW, Karsch RC, Goldstein EJ, Rominger EM, Gould WR. Survival and cause‐specific mortality of desert bighorn sheep lambs. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James W. Cain
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, New Mexico State University, Department of FishWildlife and Conservation EcologyP.O. Box 30003, MSC 4901Las CrucesNM88033USA
| | - Rebekah C. Karsch
- New Mexico State University, Department of FishWildlife and Conservation EcologyP.O. Box 30003, MSC 4901Las CrucesNM88003USA
| | | | - Eric M. Rominger
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish1 Wildlife WaySanta FeNM87507USA
| | - William R. Gould
- New Mexico State UniversityApplied Statistics ProgramP.O. Box 30001Las CrucesNM88003USA
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25
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Boyce MS, Coulson T, Heffelfinger JR, Krausman PR. Mountain sheep management must use representative data: A reply to Festa-Bianchet (2019). J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21617] [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)
- Mark S. Boyce
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; Edmonton T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Tim Coulson
- Department of Zoology; University of Oxford; Oxford OX1 3PS UK
| | | | - Paul R. Krausman
- School of Renewable Natural Resources and the Environment; University of Arizona; Tucson AZ 98231 USA
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26
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Conner MM, Stephenson TR, German DW, Monteith KL, Few AP, Bair EH. Survival analysis: Informing recovery of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. J Wildl Manage 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary M. Conner
- Utah State University; Department of Wildland Resources; 5320 Old Main Hill Logan UT 84322 USA
| | - Thomas R. Stephenson
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program; 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93515 USA
| | - David W. German
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program; 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93515 USA
| | - Kevin L. Monteith
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology; University of Wyoming; 804 East Fremont Laramie WY 82072 USA
| | - Alexandra P. Few
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program; 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93515 USA
| | - Edward H. Bair
- University of California; Earth Research Institute; 6832 Ellison Hall Santa Barbara CA 93106-3060 USA
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