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Salamon A, Uccheddu S, Csepregi M, Miklósi Á, Gácsi M. Dogs outperform cats both in their testability and relying on human pointing gestures: a comparative study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17837. [PMID: 37857683 PMCID: PMC10587310 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45008-3] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The dog is a so far unique species to study interspecific communication and a promising evolutionary model for preverbal human communication. Recently cats were reported to show some similar skills to dogs. Here we directly compared both the testability and the success of companion dogs and cats in relying on human distal pointing gestures. Due to differences in their domestication, social and ecological background, and developmental processes, we expected better performance from dogs compared to cats. Using an object-choice task, cats made considerably fewer choices than dogs in the laboratory environment, and their tendency to make a choice declined during trials. They were slightly more testable at home, where their willingness to choose did not decrease over time. Dogs made more successful choices than cats, both at the group and individual level, irrespective of the type of the pointing gesture. Older cats were more successful. Despite the two species' rather similar role nowadays as human companions, our results support previous findings suggesting that, compared to the dog, the cat is a less ideal model to study some human communicative abilities in a laboratory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Salamon
- ELKH-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | | | - Melitta Csepregi
- ELKH-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Miklósi
- ELKH-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márta Gácsi
- ELKH-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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2
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Scandurra A, Di Lucrezia A, D’Aniello B, Pinelli C. Home Sweet Home: The Impact of Lifestyle on a Cat's Approach to Impossible Tasks in the Home Environment. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2679. [PMID: 37627470 PMCID: PMC10451177 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162679] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cat welfare is a topic of growing interest in the scientific literature. Although previous studies have focused on the effects of living style (i.e., indoor/outdoor) on cat welfare, there has been a noticeable dearth of analysis regarding the impact of lifestyle on cats' inclination and mode of communication with humans. Our research aimed to analyze the possible effect of lifestyle (e.g., living indoors only or indoor/outdoor) on cat-human communication. The cats were tested using the impossible task paradigm test, which consists of some solvable trials in which the subject learns to obtain a reward from an apparatus, followed by an impossible trial through blocking the apparatus. This procedure triggers a violation of expectations and is considered a useful tool for assessing both the decision-making process and the tendency to engage in social behaviors towards humans. A specific ethogram was followed to record the behavioral responses of the cats during the unsolvable trial. Our results show the effects of lifestyle and age on domestic cats, providing valuable insights into the factors that influence their social behaviors. Cats that can roam freely outdoors spent less time interacting with the apparatus compared to indoor-only cats. Additionally, roaming cats showed stress behaviors sooner following the expectancy of violation compared to indoor cats. The lifestyle of cats can influence their problem-solving approach while not affecting their willingness to interact with humans or their overall welfare. Future studies on this topic can be useful for improving the welfare of domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Scandurra
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (B.D.)
| | - Alfredo Di Lucrezia
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (B.D.)
| | - Biagio D’Aniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (B.D.)
| | - Claudia Pinelli
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
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3
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Dissegna A, Rota M, Basile S, Fusco G, Mencucci M, Cappai N, Galaverni M, Fabbri E, Velli E, Caniglia R. How to Choose? Comparing Different Methods to Count Wolf Packs in a Protected Area of the Northern Apennines. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040932. [PMID: 37107690 PMCID: PMC10137897 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a natural rewilding process that caused wolf populations in Europe to increase and expand in the last years, human-wolf conflicts still persist, threatening the long-term wolf presence in both anthropic and natural areas. Conservation management strategies should be carefully designed on updated population data and planned on a wide scale. Unfortunately, reliable ecological data are difficult and expensive to obtain and often hardly comparable through time or among different areas, especially because of different sampling designs. In order to assess the performance of different methods to estimate wolf (Canis lupus L.) abundance and distribution in southern Europe, we simultaneously applied three techniques: wolf howling, camera trapping and non-invasive genetic sampling in a protected area of the northern Apennines. We aimed at counting the minimum number of packs during a single wolf biological year and evaluating the pros and cons for each technique, comparing results obtained from different combinations of these three methods and testing how sampling effort may affect results. We found that packs' identifications could be hardly comparable if methods were separately used with a low sampling effort: wolf howling identified nine, camera trapping 12 and non-invasive genetic sampling eight packs. However, increased sampling efforts produced more consistent and comparable results across all used methods, although results from different sampling designs should be carefully compared. The integration of the three techniques yielded the highest number of detected packs, 13, although with the highest effort and cost. A common standardised sampling strategy should be a priority approach to studying elusive large carnivores, such as the wolf, allowing for the comparison of key population parameters and developing shared and effective conservation management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Dissegna
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Martino Rota
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Simone Basile
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fusco
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35121 Padova, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Mencucci
- Reparto Carabinieri Parco Nazionale Foreste Casentinesi, Via G. Brocchi 7, 52015 Pratovecchio-Stia, Italy
| | - Nadia Cappai
- Foreste Casentinesi National Park, Via G. Brocchi 7, 52015 Pratovecchio-Stia, Italy
| | | | - Elena Fabbri
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Edoardo Velli
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Romolo Caniglia
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
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Gaudiano L, Corriero G, Villani M, Anile S. Gone before it’s known? Camera-trapping shows alarming levels of putative hybrids in the wildcat ( Felis silvestris) population of the Gargano National Park (Southern Italy). MAMMALIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2021-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The European wildcat is a small carnivore widespread across Europe and hybridization with the domestic cat is one of the major threats to wildcats. We estimate the population density of wild-living cats (both wildcats and putative hybrids based on pelage) in the Gargano National Park (Southern Italy). We sampled 20 stations for 540 camera days. We obtained 23 images from 17 detections at 10 cameras, and we identified 10 individuals (6 wildcats and 4 putative hybrids). Population density was estimated at 0.34 ± 0.15 SE wild-living cats/km2. The proportion of putative hybrids indicates an alarming hybridization for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Gaudiano
- Dipartimento di Biologia , Universita’ di Bari , 70126 Bari , Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Anile
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, University of Southern Illinois , Carbondale 62901 , USA
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De R, Nigam P, Williams AC, Goyal SP. Beyond consensus genotyping: a case study on the Asian elephant Elephas maximus. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-022-01287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”: Molecular Tools to Reconstruct multilocus Genetic Profiles from Wild Canid Consumption Remains. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182428. [PMID: 36139288 PMCID: PMC9495216 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182428] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive genetic sampling is a practical tool to monitor pivotal ecological parameters and population dynamic patterns of endangered species. It can be particularly suitable when applied to elusive carnivores such as the Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) and the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris), which can live in overlapping ecological contexts and sometimes share their habitats with their domestic free-ranging relatives, increasing the risk of anthropogenic hybridisation. In this case study, we exploited all the ecological and genetic information contained in a single biological canid faecal sample, collected in a forested area of central Italy, to detect any sign of trophic interactions between wolves and European wildcats or their domestic counterparts. Firstly, the faecal finding was morphologically examined, showing the presence of felid hair and claw fragment remains. Subsequently, total genomic DNA contained in the hair and claw samples was extracted and genotyped, through a multiple-tube approach, at canid and felid diagnostic panels of microsatellite loci. Finally, the obtained individual multilocus genotypes were analysed with reference wild and domestic canid and felid populations to assess their correct taxonomic status using Bayesian clustering procedures. Assignment analyses classified the genotype obtained from the endothelial cells present on the hair sample as a wolf with slight signals of dog ancestry, showing a qi = 0.954 (C.I. 0.780–1.000) to the wolf cluster, and the genotype obtained from the claw as a domestic cat, showing a qi = 0.996 (95% C.I. = 0.982–1.000) to the domestic cat cluster. Our results clearly show how a non-invasive multidisciplinary approach allows the cost-effective identification of both prey and predator genetic profiles and their taxonomic status, contributing to the improvement of our knowledge about feeding habits, predatory dynamics, and anthropogenic hybridisation risk in threatened species.
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Lazzeri L, Fazzi P, Lucchesi M, Mori E, Velli E, Cappai N, Ciuti F, Ferretti F, Fonda F, Paniccia C, Pavanello M, Pecorella S, Sangiuliano A, Sforzi A, Siclari A, Spada A. The rhythm of the night: patterns of activity of the European wildcat in the Italian peninsula. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00276-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe European wildcat is a threatened carnivore, whose ecology is still scarcely studied, especially in Mediterranean areas. In this study, we estimated activity rhythm patterns of this felid, by means of camera-trapping at three spatial scales: (i) whole country (Italy); (ii) biogeographical areas; (iii) latitudinal zones. The activity rhythms patterns were also calculated according to temporal scales: (1) warm semester; (2) cold semester and (3) seasonal scales. Lastly, we also tested whether the effect of moon phases affected the wildcat activity. We conducted the analysis on a total of 975 independent events collected in 2009–2021, from 285 locations, in ~ 65,800 camera days. We showed that the wildcat in Italy exhibits a > 70% nocturnal behaviour, with 20% of diurnal activity, at all spatial scales, and throughout the whole year, with peaks at 10.00 p.m. and 04.00 a.m. We observed a high overlap of wildcat activity rhythms between different biogeographical and latitudinal zones. The wildcat was mainly active on the darkest nights, reducing its activity in bright moonlight nights. Diurnal activity was greater in the warm months and decreased with the distance from shrubs and woodlands, most likely according to activity rhythms of its main prey, water presence in summer, the care of offspring and the availability of shelter sites. Conversely, the distance to paved roads seems to have no significant effects on diurnal activity, suggesting that, in presence of natural shelters, the wildcat probably may tolerate these infrastructures. We suggested limited plasticity in activity rhythm patterns of the wildcat, emphasizing the importance of dark hours for this species.
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Lioy FG, Franculli D, Calandri S, Francescangeli D, Pecorella S, Gaudiano L, Filacorda S, Valvo ML, Nielsen CK, Anile S. Show me your tail, if you have one! Is inbreeding depression occurring in wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Italy? MAMMAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-022-00627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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9
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Kleemann S, Sandow D, Stevens M, Schultz DJ, Taggart DA, Croxford A. Non-invasive monitoring and reintroduction biology of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (. AUST J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/zo21009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-nine endangered brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata) were reintroduced to Grampians National Park, western Victoria, between 2008 and 2012. Subsequent high mortality, low breeding, and no recruitment were linked to fox predation and physical disturbance during monitoring. From 2014 to 2017, the colony was left undisturbed and monitored only by remote camera. Five adult animals were identified across this period (1 ♂ and 3 ♀s – all tagged; and one untagged female), and an average of 0.7 pouch young were birthed per tagged female per year. In 2019, camera-monitoring and non-invasive genetic monitoring (faecal) were used to identify colony members, genetic diversity, and breeding. Camera monitoring in 2019 identified the same five individuals, whereas genetic monitoring using 12 microsatellites identified eight individuals (two male and six female genotypes). Genetic diversity within the colony was moderate (expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.655, observed heterozygosity (Ho) = 0.854). Leaving the colony undisturbed after 2013 correlated with improved adult survival, increased breeding, and successful recruitment of young to the population. Recommendations for the Grampians colony include continuation of regular camera- and scat monitoring to improve our understanding of the reintroduction biology of P. penicillata and other marsupials in open, unfenced landscapes.
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Fonda F, Bacaro G, Battistella S, Chiatante G, Pecorella S, Pavanello M. Population density of European wildcats in a pre-alpine area (northeast Italy) and an assessment of estimate robustness. MAMMAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-021-00609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Noninvasive Genetic Assessment Is an Effective Wildlife Research Tool When Compared with Other Approaches. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111672. [PMID: 34828277 PMCID: PMC8625682 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife research has been indispensable for increasing our insight into ecosystem functioning as well as for designing effective conservation measures under the currently high rates of biodiversity loss. Genetic and genomic analyses might be able to yield the same information on, e.g., population size, health, or diet composition as other wildlife research methods, and even provide additional data that would not be possible to obtain by alternative means. Moreover, if DNA is collected non-invasively, this technique has only minimal or no impact on animal welfare. Nevertheless, the implementation rate of noninvasive genetic assessment in wildlife studies has been rather low. This might be caused by the perceived inefficiency of DNA material obtained non-invasively in comparison with DNA obtained from blood or tissues, or poorer performance in comparison with other approaches used in wildlife research. Therefore, the aim of this review was to evaluate the performance of noninvasive genetic assessment in comparison with other methods across different types of wildlife studies. Through a search of three scientific databases, 113 relevant studies were identified, published between the years 1997 and 2020. Overall, most of the studies (94%) reported equivalent or superior performance of noninvasive genetic assessment when compared with either invasive genetic sampling or another research method. It might be also cheaper and more time-efficient than other techniques. In conclusion, noninvasive genetic assessment is a highly effective research approach, whose efficacy and performance are likely to improve even further in the future with the development of optimized protocols.
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Matias G, Rosalino LM, Rosa JL, Monterroso P. Wildcat population density in
NE
Portugal: A regional stronghold for a nationally threatened felid. POPUL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Matias
- cE3c‐Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
| | - Luís Miguel Rosalino
- cE3c‐Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
| | - José Luís Rosa
- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas Bragança Portugal
| | - Pedro Monterroso
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
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Feline communication strategies when presented with an unsolvable task: the attentional state of the person matters. Anim Cogn 2021; 24:1109-1119. [PMID: 33797625 PMCID: PMC8360888 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-021-01503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Research on social cognitive ability in domestic cats is limited. The current study investigated social referencing in cats when exposed to first, a solvable, and then, an unsolvable scenario (i.e., reachable and unreachable treats) in the presence of either an attentive or an inattentive caregiver. Cats expressed more gaze alternation (P = 0.013), but less interaction with the caregiver (P = 0.048) and approached the treat container less frequently (P = 0.017) during the unsolvable test, compared to the solvable test. When in the presence of an attentive caregiver, cats initiated first gaze at the caregiver faster (P = 0.001); gazed at the caregiver for longer (P = 0.034); and approached the treat more frequently (P = 0.040), compared to when the caregiver was inattentive. Significant interaction was observed between test and caregiver’s attentional state on the expression of sequential behavior, a type of showing behavior. Cats exhibited this behavior marginally more with attentive caregivers, compared to inattentive caregivers, but only during the unsolvable test. There was a decrease in sequential behavior during the unsolvable test, compared to solvable test, but this was only seen with inattentive caregivers (P = 0.018). Our results suggest that gaze alternation is a behavior reliably indicating social referencing in cats and that cats’ social communication with humans is affected by the person’s availability for visual interaction.
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Suárez-Tangil BD, Rodríguez A. Estimates of Species Richness and Composition Depend on Detection Method in Assemblages of Terrestrial Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010186. [PMID: 33466807 PMCID: PMC7830977 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Detecting rapid changes in mammal composition at large spatial scales requires efficient detection methods. Many studies estimate species composition with a single survey method without asking whether that particular method optimises detection for all occurring species and yields reliable community-level indices. We explore the implications of between-method differences in efficiency, consistency, and sampling effort for the basic characterisation of assemblages of medium to large mammals in a region with three contrasted Mediterranean landscapes. We assessed differences between camera traps, scent stations, scat surveys, and track surveys. Using track surveys, we detected all species present in the regional pool (13) and obtained the most accurate description of local species richness and composition with the lowest sampling effort (16 sampling units and 2 survey sessions at most). Had we chosen camera traps, scent stations, or scat surveys as the only survey method, we would have underestimated species richness (9, 11, and 12 species, respectively) and misrepresented species composition in varying degrees. Preliminary studies of method performance inform whether single or multiple survey methods are needed and eventually which single method might be most appropriate. Without such a formal assessment current practices may produce unreliable and incomplete species inventories, ultimately leading to incorrect conclusions about the impact of human activity on mammal communities.
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Maronde L, McClintock BT, Breitenmoser U, Zimmermann F. Spatial capture-recapture with multiple noninvasive marks: An application to camera-trapping data of the European wildcat ( Felis silvestris) using R package multimark. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:13968-13979. [PMID: 33391695 PMCID: PMC7771165 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In Switzerland, the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), a native felid, is protected by national law. In recent decades, the wildcat has slowly returned to much of its original range and may have even expanded into new areas that were not known to be occupied before. For the implementation of efficient conservation actions, reliable information about the status and trend of population size and density is crucial. But so far, only one reliable estimate of density in Switzerland was produced in the northern Swiss Jura Mountains. Wildcats are relatively rare and elusive, but camera trapping has proven to be an effective method for monitoring felids. We developed and tested a monitoring protocol using camera trapping in the northern Jura Mountains (cantons of Bern and Jura) in an area of 100 km2. During 60 days, we obtained 105 pictures of phenotypical wildcats of which 98 were suitable for individual identification. We identified 13 individuals from both sides and, additionally, 5 single right-sided flanks and 3 single left-sided flanks that could not be matched to unique individuals. We analyzed the camera-trap data using the R package multimark, which has been extended to include a novel spatial capture-recapture model for encounter histories that include multiple "noninvasive" marks, such as bilaterally asymmetrical left- and right-sided flanks, that can be difficult (or impossible) to reliably match to individuals. Here, we present this model in detail for the first time. Based on a "semi-complete" data likelihood, the model is less computationally demanding than Bayesian alternatives that rely on a data-augmented complete data likelihood. The spatially explicit capture-recapture model estimated a wildcat density (95% credible interval) of 26 (17-36) per 100 km2 suitable habitat. Our integrated model produced higher abundance and density estimates with improved precision compared to single-sided analyses, suggesting spatially explicit capture-recapture methods with multiple "noninvasive" marks can improve our ability to monitor wildcat population status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Maronde
- Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife ManagementKORAMuri bei BernSwitzerland
| | - Brett T. McClintock
- Alaska Fisheries Science CenterMarine Mammal LaboratoryNOAA‐NMFSSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Urs Breitenmoser
- Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife ManagementKORAMuri bei BernSwitzerland
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Caravaggi A, Burton AC, Clark DA, Fisher JT, Grass A, Green S, Hobaiter C, Hofmeester TR, Kalan AK, Rabaiotti D, Rivet D. A review of factors to consider when using camera traps to study animal behavior to inform wildlife ecology and conservation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - A. Cole Burton
- Department of Forest Resources Management and Biodiversity Research CentreUniversity of British Columbia Vancouver Canada
| | - Douglas A. Clark
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
| | | | - Amelia Grass
- School of Applied SciencesUniversity of South Wales Pontypridd UK
| | - Sian Green
- Department of AnthropologyDurham University Durham UK
| | - Catherine Hobaiter
- School of Psychology and NeuroscienceUniversity of St Andrews St Andrews UK
| | - Tim R. Hofmeester
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental studiesSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences Umeå Sweden
| | - Ammie K. Kalan
- Department of PrimatologyMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig Germany
| | | | - Danielle Rivet
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
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17
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Anile S, Devillard S, Ragni B, Rovero F, Mattucci F, Valvo ML. Habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic factors affect wildcat Felis silvestris silvestris occupancy and detectability on Mt Etna. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Anile
- S. Anile, (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8871-9615) ✉ , Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Sebastien Devillard
- S. Devillard, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Bernardino Ragni
- B. Ragni, Dipto di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Univ. degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Rovero
- F. Rovero, Dept of Biology, Univ. of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, and: Sezione di Biodiversità Tropicale, MUSE – Museo delle Scienze di Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Federica Mattucci
- F. Mattucci, Laboratorio di Genetica, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Lo Valvo
- M. Lo Valvo, Dipto STEBICEF, Univ. di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Croose E, Birks JDS, Martin J, Ventress G, MacPherson J, O’Reilly C. Comparing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of sampling methods for estimating population abundance and density of a recovering carnivore: the European pine marten (Martes martes). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1282-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Koivuniemi M, Kurkilahti M, Niemi M, Auttila M, Kunnasranta M. A mark-recapture approach for estimating population size of the endangered ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214269. [PMID: 30901354 PMCID: PMC6430510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Reliable population estimates are fundamental to the conservation of endangered species. We evaluate here the use of photo-identification (photo-ID) and mark-recapture techniques for estimating the population size of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis). Photo-ID data based on the unique pelage patterns of individuals were collected by means of camera traps and boat-based surveys during the molting season in two of the species’ main breeding areas, over a period of five years in the Pihlajavesi basin and eight years in the Haukivesi basin. An open model approach provided minimum population estimates for these two basins. The results indicated high survival rates and site fidelity among the adult seals. More accurate estimates can be obtained in the future by increasing the surveying effort both spatially and temporally. The method presented here proved effective for evaluating population size objectively, whereas the results of the current snow lair censuses are dependent on varying winter conditions, for instance. We therefore suggest that a photo-ID-based non-invasive mark-recapture method should be used for estimating Saimaa ringed seal abundances in order to ensure reliable, transparent population monitoring under changing climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meeri Koivuniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | | | - Marja Niemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Miina Auttila
- Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Savonlinna, Finland
| | - Mervi Kunnasranta
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland.,Natural Resources Institute Finland, Joensuu, Finland
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Wearn OR, Glover-Kapfer P. Snap happy: camera traps are an effective sampling tool when compared with alternative methods. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:181748. [PMID: 31032031 PMCID: PMC6458413 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Camera traps have become a ubiquitous tool in ecology and conservation. They are routinely deployed in wildlife survey and monitoring work, and are being advocated as a tool for planetary-scale biodiversity monitoring. The camera trap's widespread adoption is predicated on the assumption of its effectiveness, but the evidence base for this is lacking. Using 104 past studies, we recorded the qualitative overall recommendations made by study authors (for or against camera traps, or ambiguous), together with quantitative data on the effectiveness of camera traps (e.g. number of species detected or detection probabilities) relative to 22 other methods. Most studies recommended the use of camera traps overall and they were 39% more effective based on the quantitative data. They were significantly more effective compared with live traps (88%) and were otherwise comparable in effectiveness to other methods. Camera traps were significantly more effective than other methods at detecting a large number of species (31% more) and for generating detections of species (91% more). This makes camera traps particularly suitable for broad-spectrum biodiversity surveys. Film camera traps were found to be far less effective than digital models, which has led to an increase in camera trap effectiveness over time. There was also evidence from the authors that the use of attractants with camera traps reduced their effectiveness (counter to their intended effect), while the quantitative data indicated that camera traps were more effective in closed than open habitats. Camera traps are a highly effective wildlife survey tool and their performance will only improve with future technological advances. The images they produce also have a range of other benefits, for example as digital voucher specimens and as visual aids for outreach. The evidence-base supports the increasing use of camera traps and underlines their suitability for meeting the challenges of global-scale biodiversity monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R. Wearn
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK
| | - Paul Glover-Kapfer
- WWF-UK, The Living Planet Centre, Rufford House, Brewery Road, Woking, UK
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How to spot a black-footed cat? Successful application of cross-species markers to identify captive-bred individuals from non-invasive genetic sampling. MAMMAL RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-018-0407-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Zwijacz-Kozica T, Ważna A, Muñoz-Fuentes V, Tiesmeyer A, Cichocki J, Nowak C. Not European Wildcats, But Domestic Cats Inhabit Tatra National Park. POLISH JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.3161/15052249pje2017.65.4.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnieszka Ważna
- Department of Zoology, University of Zielona Góra, Szafrana 1, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Violeta Muñoz-Fuentes
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, Gelnhausen 63571, Germany
| | - Annika Tiesmeyer
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, Gelnhausen 63571, Germany
- Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, Frankfurt am Main 60439, Germany
| | - Jan Cichocki
- Department of Zoology, University of Zielona Góra, Szafrana 1, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, Gelnhausen 63571, Germany
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Canu A, Mattioli L, Santini A, Apollonio M, Scandura M. ‘Video-scats’: combining camera trapping and non-invasive genotyping to assess individual identity and hybrid status in gray wolf. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Canu
- A. Canu, M. Apollonio and M. Scandura , Dept. of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources, Univ. of Sassari, Via Muroni 25, IT-07100 Sassari, Italy. AC also at: C.I.R.Se.M.A.F. Firenze, Italy
| | - Luca Mattioli
- L. Mattioli, Regione Toscana, Settore Attività Faunistico Venatoria, Pesca Dilettantistica, Pesca in Mare, Arezzo, Italy
| | | | - Marco Apollonio
- A. Canu, M. Apollonio and M. Scandura , Dept. of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources, Univ. of Sassari, Via Muroni 25, IT-07100 Sassari, Italy. AC also at: C.I.R.Se.M.A.F. Firenze, Italy
| | - Massimo Scandura
- A. Canu, M. Apollonio and M. Scandura , Dept. of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources, Univ. of Sassari, Via Muroni 25, IT-07100 Sassari, Italy. AC also at: C.I.R.Se.M.A.F. Firenze, Italy
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Jerosch S, Götz M, Roth M. Spatial organisation of European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) in an agriculturally dominated landscape in Central Europe. Mamm Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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