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Hadfield R, Mulford T, Fisher ML, Borgmeier A, Ardon DA, Suchomel AD, Fomekonreg Lontchi J, Sutherland L, Huie M, Lupiyaningdyah P, Nichols S, Fei Lin Y, Anantaprayoon N, Leavitt SD. Imperiled wanderlust lichens in steppe habitats of western North America comprise geographically structured mycobiont lineages and a reversal to sexual reproduction within this asexual clade. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2024:108212. [PMID: 39384122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
The northern North American Cordillera is a globally significant center of endemism. In western North America, imperiled arid steppe habitats support a number of unique species, including several endemic lichens. However, processes driving diversification and endemism in this region remain unclear. In this study, we investigate diversity and phylogeography of the threatened wanderlust lichens (mycobiont = Rhizoplaca species) which occur unattached on calcareous soils in steppe habitats in western North America. Wanderlust lichens comprise three species of lichen-forming fungi (LFF) - Rhizoplaca arbuscula, R. haydenii, and R. idahoensis (endangered, IUCN Red List) - which occur in fragmented populations in Idaho and Wyoming, with more limited populations in southeastern Montana and northern Utah. These lichens reproduce almost exclusively via large, asexual vegetative propagules. Here, our aims were to (i) assess the evolutionary origin of this group and identify phylogeographic structure, (ii) infer ancestral geographic distributions for lineages within this clade, and (iii) use species distribution modeling to better understand the distribution of contemporary populations. Using a genome-skimming approach, we generated a 19.1 Mb alignment, spanning ca. half of the complete LFF genome, from specimens collected throughout the entire range of wanderlust lichens. Based on this phylogeny we investigated phylogeographic patterns using RASP. Finally, we used MaxEnt to estimate species distribution models for R. arbuscula and R. haydenii. We inferred a highly structured topology, with clades corresponding to distinct geographic regions and morphologies represented throughout the group's distribution. We found that R. robusta, a sexually reproducing taxon, is clearly nested within this asexual lineage. Phylogeographic analyses suggest that both dispersal and vicariance played a significant role throughout the evolutionary history of the vagrant Rhizoplaca clade, with most of the dispersal events originating from the Salmon Basin in eastern Idaho - the center of diversity for this group. Despite the fact that wanderlust lichens are dispersal limited due to large, unspecialized vegetative propagules, we inferred multiple dispersal events crossing the Continental Divide. Comparing herbarium records with SDMs suggests that wanderlust lichens don't fully occupy the areas of highest distribution probability. In fact, documented records often occur in areas predicted to be only marginally suitable. These data suggest a potential mismatch between contemporary habitats outside of the center of diversity in eastern Idaho with the most suitable habitat, adding to the vulnerability of this imperiled complex of endemic lichens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hadfield
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Monte L. Bean Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Teagan Mulford
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Monte L. Bean Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Makani L Fisher
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Abigail Borgmeier
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Diego A Ardon
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Andrew D Suchomel
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Judicael Fomekonreg Lontchi
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Monte L. Bean Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Laura Sutherland
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Monte L. Bean Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Madison Huie
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Department of Botany, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pungki Lupiyaningdyah
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Monte L. Bean Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Sierra Nichols
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Ying Fei Lin
- Monte L. Bean Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Department of Plant and Wildlife Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Department of Botany, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nopparat Anantaprayoon
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Department of Botany, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Steven D Leavitt
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Monte L. Bean Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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2
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Bean WT, Butterfield HS, Howard JK, Batter TJ. Climatically robust multiscale species distribution models to support pronghorn recovery in California. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11454. [PMID: 38903145 PMCID: PMC11188984 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11454] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
We combined two climate-based distribution models with three finer-scale suitability models to identify habitat for pronghorn recovery in California now and into the future. We used a consensus approach to identify areas of suitable climate now and future for pronghorn in California. We compared the results of climate models from two separate hypotheses about their historical ecology in the state. Under the migration hypothesis, pronghorn were expected to be limited climatically by extreme cold in winter and extreme heat in summer; under the niche reduction hypothesis, historical pronghorn of distribution would have better represented the climatic limitations of the species. We combined occurrences from GPS collars distributed across three populations of pronghorn in the state to create three distinct habitat suitability models: (1) an ensemble model using random forests, Maxent, classification and regression Trees, and a generalized linear model; (2) a step selection function; and (3) an expert-driven model. We evaluated consensus among both the climate models and the suitability models to prioritize areas for, and evaluate the prospects of, pronghorn recovery. Climate suitability for pronghorn in the future depends heavily on model assumptions. Under the migration hypothesis, our model predicted that there will be no suitable climate in California in the future. Under the niche reduction hypothesis, by contrast, suitable climate will expand. Habitat suitability also depended on the methods used, but areas of consensus among all three models exist in large patches throughout the state. Identifying habitat for a species which has undergone extreme range collapse, and which has very fine scale habitat needs, presents novel challenges for spatial ecologists. Our multimethod, multihypothesis approach can allow habitat modelers to identify areas of consensus and, perhaps more importantly, fill critical knowledge gaps that could resolve disagreements among the models. For pronghorn, a better understanding of their upper thermal tolerances and whether historical populations migrated will be crucial to their potential recovery in California and throughout the arid Southwest.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T. Bean
- California Polytechnic State University – San Luis ObispoSan Luis ObispoCaliforniaUSA
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3
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Osterhout MJ, Stewart KM, Wakeling BF, Schroeder CA, Blum ME, Brockman JC, Shoemaker KT. Effects of large-scale gold mining on habitat use and selection by American pronghorn. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:170750. [PMID: 38336073 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbances, including extraction of natural resources and development of alternative energy, are reducing and fragmenting habitat for wildlife across the globe. Effects of those disturbances have been explored by studying populations that migrate through oil and gas fields or alternative energy facilities. Extraction of minerals, including precious metals and lithium, is increasing rapidly in remote areas, which results in dramatically altered landscapes in areas of resident populations of wildlife. Our goal was to examine how a resident population of American pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in the Great Basin ecosystem selected resources near a large-scale disturbance year around. We investigated how individuals selected resources around a large, open-pit gold mine. We classified levels of disturbance associated with the mine, and used a random forest model to select ecological covariates associated with habitat selection by pronghorn. We used resource selection functions to examine how disturbances affected habitat selection by pronghorn both annually and seasonally. Pronghorn strongly avoided areas of high disturbance, which included open pits, heap leach fields, rock disposal areas, and a tram. Pronghorn selected areas near roads, although selection was strongest about 2 km away. We observed relatively broad variation among individuals in selection of resources, and how they responded to the mine. The Great Basin is a mineral-rich area that continues to be exploited for natural resources, especially minerals. Sagebrush-dependent species, including pronghorn, that rely on this critical habitat were directly affected by that transformation of the landscape, which is likely to increase with expansion of the mine. As extraction of minerals from remote landscapes around the world continues to fragment habitats for wildlife, increasing our understanding of impacts of those changes on behaviors of wildlife before populations decline, may assist in the mitigation and minimization of negative impacts on mineral-rich landscapes and on wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Osterhout
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Kelley M Stewart
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA; Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
| | | | - Cody A Schroeder
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA; Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Marcus E Blum
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA; Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Julia C Brockman
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA; Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Kevin T Shoemaker
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA; Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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4
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Ortega AC, Merkle JA, Sawyer H, Monteith KL, Lionberger P, Valdez M, Kauffman MJ. A test of the frost wave hypothesis in a temperate ungulate. Ecology 2024; 105:e4238. [PMID: 38212148 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that temperate herbivores surf the green wave of emerging plants during spring migration. Despite the importance of autumn migration, few studies have conceptualized resource tracking of temperate herbivores during this critical season. We adapted the frost wave hypothesis (FWH), which posits that animals pace their autumn migration to reduce exposure to snow but increase acquisition of forage. We tested the FWH in a population of mule deer in Wyoming, USA by tracking the autumn migrations of n = 163 mule deer that moved 15-288 km from summer to winter range. Migrating deer experienced similar amounts of snow but 1.4-2.1 times more residual forage than if they had naïve knowledge of when or how fast to migrate. Importantly, deer balanced exposure to snow and forage in a spatial manner. At the fine scale, deer avoided snow near their mountainous summer ranges and became more risk prone to snow near winter range. Aligning with their higher tolerance of snow and lingering behavior to acquire residual forage, deer increased stopover use by 1 ± 1 day (95% CI) day for every 10% of their migration completed. Our findings support the prediction that mule deer pace their autumn migration with the onset of snow and residual forage, but refine the FWH to include movement behavior en route that is spatially dynamic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Ortega
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
- Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Jerod A Merkle
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Hall Sawyer
- Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc., Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Kevin L Monteith
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Patrick Lionberger
- Bureau of Land Management, Rock Springs Field Office, Rock Springs, Wyoming, USA
| | - Miguel Valdez
- Bureau of Land Management, Rock Springs Field Office, Rock Springs, Wyoming, USA
| | - Matthew J Kauffman
- US Geological Survey, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
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5
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Watts HE, Cornelius JM. Toward understanding the endocrine regulation of diverse facultative migration strategies. Horm Behav 2024; 158:105465. [PMID: 38061233 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Migration is an important event in the annual cycle of many animals that facilitates the use of resources that vary across space and time. It can occur with regular and predictable timing, as in obligate migration, or with much greater flexibility, as in facultative migration. Most research aimed at understanding the endocrine mechanisms regulating the transition to a migratory stage has focused on obligate migration, whereas less is known about facultative forms of migration. One challenge for research into the endocrine regulation of facultative migration is that facultative migrations encompass a diverse array of migratory movements. Here, we present a framework to describe and conceptualize variation in facultative migrations that focuses on conditions at departure. Within the context of this framework, we review potential endocrine mechanisms involved in the initiation of facultative migrations in vertebrates. We first focus on glucocorticoids, which have been the subject of most research on the topic. We then examine other potential hormones and neurohormones that have received less attention, but are exciting candidates to consider. We conclude by highlighting areas where future research is particularly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Watts
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
| | - Jamie M Cornelius
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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6
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Paterson JT, Johnston AN, Ortega AC, Wallace C, Kauffman M. Hidden Markov movement models reveal diverse seasonal movement patterns in two North American ungulates. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10282. [PMID: 37484933 PMCID: PMC10361361 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10282] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal movement is the mechanism connecting landscapes to fitness, and understanding variation in seasonal animal movements has benefited from the analysis and categorization of animal displacement. However, seasonal movement patterns can defy classification when movements are highly variable. Hidden Markov movement models (HMMs) are a class of latent-state models well-suited to modeling movement data. Here, we used HMMs to assess seasonal patterns of variation in the movement of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), a species known for variable seasonal movements that challenge analytical approaches, while using a population of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), for whom seasonal movements are well-documented, as a comparison. We used population-level HMMs in a Bayesian framework to estimate a seasonal trend in the daily probability of transitioning between a short-distance local movement state and a long-distance movement state. The estimated seasonal patterns of movements in mule deer closely aligned with prior work based on indices of animal displacement: a short period of long-distance movements in the fall season and again in the spring, consistent with migrations to and from seasonal ranges. We found seasonal movement patterns for pronghorn were more variable, as a period of long-distance movements in the fall was followed by a winter period in which pronghorn were much more likely to further initiate and remain in a long-distance movement pattern compared with the movement patterns of mule deer. Overall, pronghorn were simply more likely to be in a long-distance movement pattern throughout the year. Hidden Markov movement models provide inference on seasonal movements similar to other methods, while providing a robust framework to understand movement patterns on shorter timescales and for more challenging movement patterns. Hidden Markov movement models can allow a rigorous assessment of the drivers of changes in movement patterns such as extreme weather events and land development, important for management and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron N. Johnston
- U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science CenterBozemanMontanaUSA
| | - Anna C. Ortega
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Cody Wallace
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Matthew Kauffman
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
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7
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Eacker DR, Jakes AF, Jones PF. Spatiotemporal risk factors predict landscape‐scale survivorship for a northern ungulate. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew F. Jakes
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Missoula Montana USA
- National Wildlife Federation Missoula Montana USA
| | - Paul F. Jones
- Alberta Conservation Association Lethbridge Alberta Canada
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8
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Lee TS, Jones PF, Jakes AF, Jensen M, Sanderson K, Duke D. Where to invest in road mitigation? A comparison of multiscale wildlife data to inform roadway prioritization. J Nat Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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9
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Milligan MC, Johnston AN, Beck JL, Taylor KL, Hall E, Knox L, Cufaude T, Wallace C, Chong G, Kauffman MJ. Wind-energy development alters pronghorn migration at multiple scales. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9687. [PMID: 36644697 PMCID: PMC9831971 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9687] [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: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Migration is a critical behavioral strategy necessary for population persistence and ecosystem functioning, but migration routes have been increasingly disrupted by anthropogenic activities, including energy development. Wind energy is the world's fastest growing source of electricity and represents an important alternative to hydrocarbon extraction, but its effects on migratory species beyond birds and bats are not well understood. We evaluated the effects of wind-energy development on pronghorn migration, including behavior and habitat selection, to assess potential effects on connectivity and other functional benefits including stopovers. We monitored GPS-collared female pronghorn from 2010 to 2012 and 2018 to 2020 in south-central Wyoming, USA, an area with multiple wind-energy facilities in various stages of development and operation. Across all time periods, we collected 286 migration sequences from 117 individuals, including 121 spring migrations, 123 fall migrations, and 42 facultative winter migrations. While individuals continued to migrate through wind-energy facilities, pronghorn made important behavioral adjustments relative to turbines during migration. These included avoiding turbines when selecting stopover sites in spring and winter, selecting areas farther from turbines at a small scale in spring and winter, moving more quickly near turbines in spring (although pronghorn moved more slowly near turbines in the fall), and reducing fidelity to migration routes relative to wind turbines under construction in both spring and fall. For example, an increase in distance to turbine from 0 to 1 km translated to a 33% and 300% increase in the relative probability of selection for stopover sites in spring and winter, respectively. The behavioral adjustments pronghorn made relative to wind turbines could reduce the functional benefits of their migration, such as foraging success or the availability of specific routes, over the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C. Milligan
- U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science CenterBozemanMontanaUSA
| | - Aaron N. Johnston
- U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science CenterBozemanMontanaUSA
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and ManagementUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Kaitlyn L. Taylor
- Department of Ecosystem Science and ManagementUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
- Grouse Mountain Environmental ConsultantsBuffaloWyomingUSA
| | - Embere Hall
- Wyoming Game and Fish DepartmentLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Lee Knox
- Wyoming Game and Fish DepartmentLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Teal Cufaude
- Wyoming Game and Fish DepartmentLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Cody Wallace
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Geneva Chong
- U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science CenterBozemanMontanaUSA
| | - Matthew J. Kauffman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
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10
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Bonar M, Anderson SJ, Anderson CR, Wittemyer G, Northrup JM, Shafer ABA. Genomic correlates for migratory direction in a free-ranging cervid. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221969. [PMID: 36475444 PMCID: PMC9727677 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal migrations are some of the most ubiquitous and one of the most threatened ecological processes globally. A wide range of migratory behaviours occur in nature, and this behaviour is not uniform among and within species, where even individuals in the same population can exhibit differences. While the environment largely drives migratory behaviour, it is necessary to understand the genetic mechanisms influencing migration to elucidate the potential of migratory species to cope with novel conditions and adapt to environmental change. In this study, we identified genes associated with a migratory trait by undertaking pooled genome-wide scans on a natural population of migrating mule deer. We identified genomic regions associated with variation in migratory direction, including FITM1, a gene linked to the formation of lipids, and DPPA3, a gene linked to epigenetic modifications of the maternal line. Such a genetic basis for a migratory trait contributes to the adaptive potential of the species and might affect the flexibility of individuals to change their behaviour in the face of changes in their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maegwin Bonar
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2
| | - Spencer J. Anderson
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2
| | - Charles R. Anderson
- Mammals Research Section, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - George Wittemyer
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Joseph M. Northrup
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2,Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9J 3C7
| | - Aaron B. A. Shafer
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2
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MacDonald AM, Jones PF, Hanlon JA, Martin BH, Jakes AF. How did the deer cross the fence: An evaluation of wildlife-friendlier fence modifications to facilitate deer movement. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.991765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Fences are a common feature throughout the landscape of North America’s Great Plains region. Knowledge surrounding the harmful implication that fences have on the movement of wildlife, specifically ungulates, is expanding. Across the region, it is accepted that there is a need to mitigate the impacts of barbed wire fencing and that “wildlife-friendlier” fence designs are emerging as a practical tool to meet these goals. Here we evaluate the response of sympatric deer species to the implementation of two fence modifications, fastening the top two wires together using clips and the installation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe to encompass the top two wires. We also aim to determine the optimal top wire height to allow for successful crossing by deer, with the goal to provide a more robust understanding of effective wildlife-friendlier fence standards. We used remote trail cameras to capture crossing events and recorded responses for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Using generalized linear mixed modelling, we tested the influence modifications had on crossing success and decisions prior to and after the modifications were installed compared to control sites. We found that these modifications had little impact on deer crossing behavior. We determined that wire height had the greatest impact on the permeability of fences, but that deer permeability was strongly influenced by species and sex. We found that the current maximum recommended top wire height of 102 cm (40 inches) is adequate to allow individuals of both deer species to cross over the fence, with the exception of female mule deer. Our results also indicate as the top wire height reaches 110 cm (43 inches) or higher, that the probability of successfully jumping over the fence dramatically drops off, with the exception for male mule deer. We recommend the installation of clips as a cost-effective method to lower top wire height and PVC pipe to improve fence visibility and potentially reduce entanglement events, all while effectively keeping livestock in intended pastures.
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Jakopak RP, Sawyer H, LaSharr TN, Randall J, Dwinnell SP, Fralick GL, Monteith KL. Diel timing of migration is not plastic in a migratory ungulate. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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13
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Sandoval Lambert M, Sawyer H, Merkle JA. Responses to natural gas development differ by season for two migratory ungulates. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2652. [PMID: 35543078 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
While migrating, animals make directionally persistent movements and may only respond to human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC), such as climate and land-use change, once a threshold of HIREC is surpassed. In contrast, animals on other seasonal ranges (e.g., winter range) make more localized and tortuous movements while foraging and may have the flexibility to adjust the location of their range and the intensity of use within it to minimize interactions with HIREC. Because of these seasonal differences in movement, animals on seasonal ranges should avoid areas that contain any level of HIREC, however, during migration, animals should use areas that contain low levels of HIREC, avoiding it only once a threshold of HIREC has been surpassed. We tested this hypothesis using a decade of GPS collar data collected from migratory mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus; n = 56 migration, 143 winter) and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana; n = 70 migration, 89 winter) that winter on and migrate through a natural gas field in western Wyoming. Using surface disturbance caused by well pads and roads as an index of HIREC, we evaluated behavioral responses across three spatial scales during winter and migration seasons. During migration, both species tolerated low levels of disturbance. Once a disturbance threshold was surpassed, however, they avoided HIREC. For mule deer, thresholds were consistently ~3%, whereas thresholds for pronghorn ranged from 1% to 9.25% surface disturbance. In contrast to migration, both species generally avoided all levels of HIREC while on winter range. Our study suggests that animal responses to HIREC are mediated by season-specific movement patterns. Our results provide further evidence of ungulates avoiding human disturbance on winter range and reveal disturbance thresholds that trigger mule deer and pronghorn responses during migration: information that managers can use to maintain the ecological function of migration routes and winter ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hall Sawyer
- Western Ecosystems Technology Inc., Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Jerod A Merkle
- Zoology and Physiology Department, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
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14
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Jones PF, Jakes AF, Vegter SE, Verhage MS. Is it the road or the fence? Influence of linear anthropogenic features on the movement and distribution of a partially migratory ungulate. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2022; 10:37. [PMID: 36038930 PMCID: PMC9422137 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthropogenic linear features change the behavior and selection patterns of species, which must adapt to these ever-increasing features on the landscape. Roads are a well-studied linear feature that alter the survival, movement, and distribution of animals. Less understood are the effects of fences on wildlife, though they tend to be more ubiquitous across the landscape than roads. Even less understood are potential indirect effects when fences are found in tandem with roads along transportation corridors. METHODS We assessed how the spatial configuration of fences and roads effect the movement (crossing effect) and distribution (proximity effect) of a partially migratory pronghorn population (Antilocapra americana) on the grasslands of southern Alberta, Canada. We used data from 55 collared pronghorn within a step-selection function framework to assess the influence of 4 linear features: (1) pasture fences, (2) roads not fenced, (3) roads fenced on one side, and (4) roads fenced on both sides on the selection pattern of migratory and resident animals. We examined whether steps along a movement pathway (i.e., crossing effect) were influenced by the type of linear feature animals attempted to cross and, whether these features affected the distribution of pronghorn (i.e., proximity effect) across the landscape. RESULTS The top model for crossing effect for both movement tactics contained all 4 linear features and land cover. Regression coefficients were negative for all linear features, indicating that individuals were less likely to chose steps that crossed linear features. For the proximity effect, migrant animals avoided all linear features except roads fenced on both sides, where they selected areas closer to this feature. Resident animals, on the other hand, were found closer to pasture fences but further from roads without fences. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that both fences and roads are indirectly affecting pronghorn resource use spatially and behaviorally, whether each linear feature is found separately or in tandem. Modifying existing fences and roads to account for responses to these distinct linear features could facilitate more successful crossing opportunities and/or shifts in distribution. Allowing pronghorn to freely move across the landscape will maintain functional connectivity to ensure population persistence of this endemic ungulate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Jones
- Alberta Conservation Association, #400 817-4th Ave South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0P3, Canada.
| | - Andrew F Jakes
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Scott E Vegter
- Alberta Conservation Association, #400 817-4th Ave South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0P3, Canada
| | - Mike S Verhage
- Alberta Conservation Association, #400 817-4th Ave South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0P3, Canada
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15
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SOURCE AND SEASONALITY OF EPIZOOTIC MYCOPLASMOSIS IN FREE-RANGING PRONGHORN (ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA). J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:524-536. [PMID: 35704476 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma bovis is an economically important bacterial pathogen of cattle (Bos taurus) and bison (Bison bison) that most commonly causes pneumonia, polyarthritis, and mastitis. It is prevalent in cattle and ranched bison; however, infections in other species are rare. In early 2019, we identified M. bovis in free-ranging pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in northeastern Wyoming. Here, we report on additional pronghorn mortalities caused by M. bovis, in the same approximately 120-km2 geographic region 1 yr later. Genetic analysis by multilocus sequence typing revealed that the mortalities were caused by the same M. bovis sequence type, which is unique among all sequence types documented thus far in North America. To explore whether pronghorn maintain chronic infections and begin assessing M. bovis status in other sympatric species, we used PCR testing of nasal swabs to opportunistically survey select free-ranging ungulates. We found no evidence of subclinical infections in 13 pronghorn sampled from the outbreak area (upper 95% binomial confidence limit [bCL], ∼24.7%) or among 217 additional pronghorn (upper 95% bCL, ∼1.7%) sampled from eight additional counties in Wyoming and 10 in Montana. All mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus; n=231; upper 95% bCL, ∼1.6%) sampled from 11 counties in Wyoming also were PCR negative. To assess the potential for environmental transmission, we examined persistence of M. bovis in various substrates and conditions. Controlled experiments revealed that M. bovis can remain viable for 6 h in shaded water and 2 h in direct sunlight. Our results indicate that environmental transmission of M. bovis from livestock to pronghorn is possible and that seasonality of infection could be due to shared resources during late winter. Further investigations to better understand transmission dynamics, to assess population level impacts to pronghorn, and to determine disease risks among pronghorn and other ungulate taxa appear warranted.
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Robb BS, Merkle JA, Sawyer H, Beck JL, Kauffman MJ. Nowhere to run: semi‐permeable barriers affect pronghorn space use. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S. Robb
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Jerod A. Merkle
- Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Hall Sawyer
- Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Matthew J. Kauffman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
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17
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Long-distance, synchronized and directional fall movements suggest migration in Arctic hares on Ellesmere Island (Canada). Sci Rep 2022; 12:5003. [PMID: 35322061 PMCID: PMC8943133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08347-1] [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: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal migration contributes largely to the seasonal dynamics of High Arctic ecosystems, linking distant habitats and impacting ecosystem structure and function. In polar deserts, Arctic hares are abundant herbivores and important components of food webs. Their annual migrations have long been suspected, but never confirmed. We tracked 25 individuals with Argos satellite telemetry to investigate the existence of migration in a population living at Alert (Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada). During fall, 21 hares undertook directional, long-distance movements in a southwestern direction towards Lake Hazen. Daily movement rates averaged 1.3 ± 0.5 km, 4.3 ± 1.6 km, and 1.7 ± 0.9 km before, during, and after relocation, respectively. Straight-line and minimum cumulative distances traveled averaged 98 ± 18 km (range: 72-148 km) and 198 ± 62 km (range: 113-388 km), respectively. This is the first report of large-scale seasonal movements in Arctic hares and, surprisingly, in any lagomorph species. These movements may be part of an annual migratory pattern. Our results redefine our understanding of the spatial ecology of Arctic hares, demonstrate unsuspected mobility capacities in lagomorphs, and open new perspectives regarding the ecological dynamics of the northern polar deserts.
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18
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Denryter K, Fischer JK. Mitigating anthropogenic barriers to facilitate distributional shifts helps reduce vulnerability of a large herbivore to climate change. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Denryter
- Wildlife Branch California Department of Fish and Wildlife West Sacramento California USA
| | - J. K. Fischer
- Wildlife Branch California Department of Fish and Wildlife West Sacramento California USA
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Abstract
The development of ecotourism involving wild animals in Russia is overlooked despite the fact that the country’s territory is significant not only in terms of area but also in terms of the diversity of its flora and fauna. A significant part of Russia’s territory has a low population density, especially beyond the Ural ridge. It retains its natural primeval nature, which can contribute to the development of ecotourism. Initial attempts have been made to develop this, mainly in the European part (Tatarstan, Murmansk Region, the Baltic Sea, Baikal, Altai), but the commercial use of wild animals within ecotourism programs, including the ones in Siberia and the Far East, has not been discussed. This work focuses on the basics of launching ecotourism in the industrial region of Siberia (Kuzbass, Russia) as part of the Alcesalces conservation program.
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Milligan MC, Johnston AN, Beck JL, Smith KT, Taylor KL, Hall E, Knox L, Cufaude T, Wallace C, Chong G, Kauffman MJ. Variable effects of wind‐energy development on seasonal habitat selection of pronghorn. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3850] [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)
- Megan C. Milligan
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center 2324 University Way, Suite 2 Bozeman Montana 59715 USA
| | - Aaron N. Johnston
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center 2324 University Way, Suite 2 Bozeman Montana 59715 USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
| | - Kurt T. Smith
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
- Western Ecosystems Technology Incorporated 1610 East Reynolds Street Laramie Wyoming 82072 USA
| | - Kaitlyn L. Taylor
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
- Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants 760 West Fetterman Street Buffalo Wyoming 82834 USA
| | - Embere Hall
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department 1212 S. Adams Street Laramie Wyoming 82070 USA
| | - Lee Knox
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department 1212 S. Adams Street Laramie Wyoming 82070 USA
| | - Teal Cufaude
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department 1212 S. Adams Street Laramie Wyoming 82070 USA
| | - Cody Wallace
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming 82701 USA
| | - Geneva Chong
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center 2324 University Way, Suite 2 Bozeman Montana 59715 USA
| | - Matthew J. Kauffman
- U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
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21
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Kauffman MJ, Aikens EO, Esmaeili S, Kaczensky P, Middleton A, Monteith KL, Morrison TA, Mueller T, Sawyer H, Goheen JR. Causes, Consequences, and Conservation of Ungulate Migration. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND SYSTEMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-012021-011516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of ungulate migration is advancing rapidly due to innovations in modern animal tracking. Herein, we review and synthesize nearly seven decades of work on migration and other long-distance movements of wild ungulates. Although it has long been appreciated that ungulates migrate to enhance access to forage, recent contributions demonstrate that their movements are fine tuned to dynamic landscapes where forage, snow, and drought change seasonally. Researchers are beginning to understand how ungulates navigate migrations, with the emerging view that animals blend gradient tracking with spatial memory, some of which is socially learned. Although migration often promotes abundant populations—with broad effects on ecosystems—many migrations around the world have been lost or are currently threatened by habitat fragmentation, climate change, and barriers to movement. Fortunately, new efforts that use empirical tracking data to map migrations in detail are facilitating effective conservation measures to maintain ungulate migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Kauffman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
| | - Ellen O. Aikens
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Saeideh Esmaeili
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Warner College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
| | - Petra Kaczensky
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN), NO-2480 Koppang, Norway
- University of Veterinary Sciences Vienna, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, A-1160 Vienna, Austria
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), NO-7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arthur Middleton
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California 94709, 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, Laramie, Wyoming 82072, USA
| | - Thomas A. Morrison
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, 60325 Frankfurt (Main), Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt (Main), Germany
| | - Hall Sawyer
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Laramie, Wyoming 82072, USA
| | - Jacob R. Goheen
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
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22
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Zeller KA, Schroeder CA, Wan HY, Collins G, Denryter K, Jakes AF, Cushman SA. Forecasting habitat and connectivity for pronghorn across the Great Basin ecoregion. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Zeller
- U.S. Forest ServiceAldo Leopold Wilderness Research InstituteRocky Mountain Research Station Missoula MT USA
| | | | - Ho Yi Wan
- Department of Wildlife Humboldt State University CA USA
| | - Gail Collins
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceSheldon‐Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex Lakeview OR USA
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23
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O'Donnell MS, Edmunds DR, Aldridge CL, Heinrichs JA, Monroe AP, Coates PS, Prochazka BG, Hanser SE, Wiechman LA, Christiansen TJ, Cook AA, Espinosa SP, Foster LJ, Griffin KA, Kolar JL, Miller KS, Moser AM, Remington TE, Runia TJ, Schreiber LA, Schroeder MA, Stiver SJ, Whitford NI, Wightman CS. Synthesizing and analyzing long-term monitoring data: A greater sage-grouse case study. ECOL INFORM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2021.101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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24
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Jakes AF, DeCesare NJ, Jones PF, Gates CC, Story SJ, Olimb SK, Kunkel KE, Hebblewhite M. Multi-scale habitat assessment of pronghorn migration routes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241042. [PMID: 33275623 PMCID: PMC7717543 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the habitat selection of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) during seasonal migration; an important period in an animal's annual cycle associated with broad-scale movements. We further decompose our understanding of migration habitat itself as the product of both broad- and fine-scale behavioral decisions and take a multi-scale approach to assess pronghorn spring and fall migration across the transboundary Northern Sagebrush Steppe region. We used a hierarchical habitat selection framework to assess a suite of natural and anthropogenic features that have been shown to influence selection patterns of pronghorn at both broad (migratory neighborhood) and fine (migratory pathway) scales. We then combined single-scale predictions into a scale-integrated step selection function (ISSF) map to assess its effectiveness in predicting migration route habitat. During spring, pronghorn selected for native grasslands, areas of high forage productivity (NDVI), and avoided human activity (i.e., roads and oil and natural gas wells). During fall, pronghorn selected for native grasslands, larger streams and rivers, and avoided roads. We detected avoidance of paved roads, unpaved roads, and wells at broad spatial scales, but no response to these features at fine scales. In other words, migratory pronghorn responded more strongly to anthropogenic features when selecting a broad neighborhood through which to migrate than when selecting individual steps along their migratory pathway. Our results demonstrate that scales of migratory route selection are hierarchically nested within each other from broader (second-order) to finer scales (third-order). In addition, we found other variables during particular migratory periods (i.e., native grasslands in spring) were selected for across scales indicating their importance for pronghorn. The mapping of ungulate migration habitat is a topic of high conservation relevance. In some applications, corridors are mapped according to telemetry location data from a sample of animals, with the assumption that the sample adequately represents habitat for the entire population. Our use of multi-scale modelling to predict resource selection during migration shows promise and may offer another relevant alternative for use in future conservation planning and land management decisions where telemetry-based sampling is unavailable or incomplete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F. Jakes
- Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Paul F. Jones
- Alberta Conservation Association, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - C. Cormack Gates
- Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Scott J. Story
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Helena, Montana, United States of America
| | - Sarah K. Olimb
- World Wildlife Fund–Northern Great Plains, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Kyran E. Kunkel
- World Wildlife Fund–Northern Great Plains, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
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25
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Lee TS, Creech TG, Martinson A, Nielsen SE, Jakes AF, Jones PF, Sanderson K, Ford AT. Prioritizing human safety and multispecies connectivity across a regional road network. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy S. Lee
- Miistakis Institute, Mount Royal University Calgary Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ken Sanderson
- Miistakis Institute, Mount Royal University Calgary Canada
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26
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Segar J, Keane A. Species and demographic responses to
wildlife‐friendly
fencing on ungulate crossing success and behavior. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Josiane Segar
- School of GeoSciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Aidan Keane
- School of GeoSciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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27
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Jones PF, Jakes AF, Eacker DR, Hebblewhite M. Annual Pronghorn Survival of a Partially Migratory Population. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul F. Jones
- Alberta Conservation Association Lethbridge AB T1J 0P6 Canada
| | - Andrew F. Jakes
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and ConservationUniversity of Montana Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Daniel R. Eacker
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and ConservationUniversity of MontanaMissoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and ConservationUniversity of MontanaMissoula MT 59812 USA
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28
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Butler AR, Bly KLS, Harris H, Inman RM, Moehrenschlager A, Schwalm D, Jachowski DS. Home range size and resource use by swift foxes in northeastern Montana. J Mammal 2020; 101:684-696. [PMID: 32665740 PMCID: PMC7333881 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Swift foxes (Vulpes velox) are endemic to the Great Plains of North America, but were extirpated from the northern portion of their range by the mid-1900s. Despite several reintroductions to the Northern Great Plains, there remains a ~350 km range gap between the swift fox population along the Montana and Canada border and that in northeastern Wyoming and northwestern South Dakota. A better understanding of what resources swift foxes use along the Montana and Canada border region will assist managers to facilitate connectivity among populations. From 2016 to 2018, we estimated the home range size and evaluated resource use within the home ranges of 22 swift foxes equipped with Global Positioning System tracking collars in northeastern Montana. Swift fox home ranges in our study were some of the largest ever recorded, averaging (± SE) 42.0 km2 ± 4.7. Our results indicate that both environmental and anthropogenic factors influenced resource use. At the population level, resource use increased by 3.3% for every 5.0% increase in percent grasslands. Relative probability of use decreased by 7.9% and 7.4% for every kilometer away from unpaved roads and gas well sites, respectively, and decreased by 3.0% and 11.3% for every one-unit increase in topographic roughness and every 0.05 increase in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), respectively. Our study suggests that, to reestablish connectivity among swift fox populations in Montana, managers should aim to maintain large corridors of contiguous grasslands at a landscape scale, a process that likely will require having to work with multiple property owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Butler
- Prairie Ecology Lab, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Kristy L S Bly
- Northern Great Plains Program, World Wildlife Fund, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Axel Moehrenschlager
- Centre for Conservation Research, Calgary Zoological Society, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Donelle Schwalm
- Department of Biology, University of Maine-Farmington, Farmington, ME, USA
| | - David S Jachowski
- Prairie Ecology Lab, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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29
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Le Corre M, Dussault C, Côté SD. Where to spend the winter? The role of intraspecific competition and climate in determining the selection of wintering areas by migratory caribou. OIKOS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.06668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mael Le Corre
- Caribou Ungava, Dépt de Biologie and Centre d’Études Nordiques, Univ. Laval Québec Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
- Dept of Archaeology, Univ. of Aberdeen Aberdeen AB24 3UF UK
| | - Christian Dussault
- Caribou Ungava, Dépt de Biologie and Centre d’Études Nordiques, Univ. Laval Québec Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
- Direction de l'expertise sur la faune terrestre, l'herpétofaune et l'avifaune, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec Québec QC Canada
| | - Steeve D. Côté
- Caribou Ungava, Dépt de Biologie and Centre d’Études Nordiques, Univ. Laval Québec Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
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30
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Roug A, Muse EA, Clifford DL, Larsen R, Paul G, Mathayo D, Mpanduji D, Mazet JAK, Kazwala R, Kiwango H, Smith W. Seasonal movements and habitat use of African buffalo in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania. BMC Ecol 2020; 20:6. [PMID: 32013942 PMCID: PMC6998266 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-020-0274-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Assessing wildlife movements and habitat use is important for species conservation and management and can be informative for understanding population dynamics. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population of Ruaha National Park, Tanzania has been declining, and little was known about the movement, habitat selection, and space use of the population, which is important for understanding possible reasons behind the decline. A total of 12 African buffalo cows from four different herds were collared with satellite transmitters. Movements were assessed over 2 years from 11 animals. Results The space use of the individual collared buffaloes as an approximation of the 95% home range size estimated using Brownian bridge models, ranged from 73 to 601 km2. The estimated home ranges were larger in the wet season than in the dry season. With the exception of one buffalo all collared animals completed a wet season migration of varying distances. A consistent pattern of seasonal movement was observed with one herd, whereas the other herds did not behave the same way in the two wet seasons that they were tracked. Herd splitting and herd switching occurred on multiple occasions. Buffaloes strongly associated with habitats near the Great Ruaha River in the dry season and had little association to permanent water sources in the wet season. Daily movements averaged 4.6 km (standard deviation, SD = 2.6 km), with the longest distances traveled during November (mean 6.9 km, SD = 3.6 km) at the end of the dry season and beginning of the wet season. The shortest daily distances traveled occurred in the wet season in April–June (mean 3.6 km, SD = 1.6–1.8 km). Conclusion The Great Ruaha River has experienced significant drying in the last decades due to water diversions upstream, which likely has reduced the suitable range for buffaloes. The loss of dry season habitat due to water scarcity has likely contributed to the population decline of the Ruaha buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Roug
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. .,Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 1594 West North Temple, Suite 2110, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116, USA.
| | - Epaphras A Muse
- Ruaha National Park, Tanzania National Parks, PO Box 369, Iringa, Tanzania
| | - Deana L Clifford
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1701 Nimbus Road Suite D, Rancho Cordova, CA, 95670, USA
| | - Randy Larsen
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Goodluck Paul
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Daniel Mathayo
- Ruaha National Park, Tanzania National Parks, PO Box 369, Iringa, Tanzania
| | - Donald Mpanduji
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Jonna A K Mazet
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Rudovick Kazwala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Halima Kiwango
- Ruaha National Park, Tanzania National Parks, PO Box 369, Iringa, Tanzania
| | - Woutrina Smith
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Longest terrestrial migrations and movements around the world. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15333. [PMID: 31654045 PMCID: PMC6814704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-distance terrestrial migrations are imperiled globally. We determined both round-trip migration distances (straight-line measurements between migratory end points) and total annual movement (sum of the distances between successive relocations over a year) for a suite of large mammals that had potential for long-distance movements to test which species displayed the longest of both. We found that caribou likely do exhibit the longest terrestrial migrations on the planet, but, over the course of a year, gray wolves move the most. Our results were consistent with the trophic-level based hypothesis that predators would move more than their prey. Herbivores in low productivity environments moved more than herbivores in more productive habitats. We also found that larger members of the same guild moved less than smaller members, supporting the ‘gastro-centric’ hypothesis. A better understanding of migration and movements of large mammals should aid in their conservation by helping delineate conservation area boundaries and determine priority corridors for protection to preserve connectivity. The magnitude of the migrations and movements we documented should also provide guidance on the scale of conservation efforts required and assist conservation planning across agency and even national boundaries.
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Jones PF, Jakes AF, Telander AC, Sawyer H, Martin BH, Hebblewhite M. Fences reduce habitat for a partially migratory ungulate in the Northern Sagebrush Steppe. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul F. Jones
- Alberta Conservation Association 817 4th Avenue South #400 Lethbridge Alberta T1J 0P3 Canada
| | - Andrew F. Jakes
- Wildlife Biology Program Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula Montana 59812 USA
| | - Andrew C. Telander
- Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. 200 South Second Street Laramie Wyoming 82070 USA
| | - Hall Sawyer
- Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. 200 South Second Street Laramie Wyoming 82070 USA
| | - Brian H. Martin
- The Nature Conservancy 32 South Ewing, Suite 215 Helena Montana 59601 USA
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula Montana 59812 USA
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Sawyer H, Beckmann JP, Seidler RG, Berger J. Long‐term effects of energy development on winter distribution and residency of pronghorn in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hall Sawyer
- Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. Laramie Wyoming
| | - Jon P. Beckmann
- Wildlife Conservation Society, North America Program Bozeman Montana
| | - Renee G. Seidler
- Wildlife Conservation Society, North America Program Bozeman Montana
| | - Joel Berger
- Wildlife Conservation Society, North America Program Bozeman Montana
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State University Fort Collins Colorado
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