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Jeong YH, Choi SH, Banjade M, Jin SD, Park SM, Kunwar B, Oh HS. Spatiotemporal Niche Separation among Passeriformes in the Halla Mountain Wetland of Jeju, Republic of Korea: Insights from Camera Trap Data. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:724. [PMID: 38473109 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050724] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study analyzed 5322 camera trap photographs from Halla Mountain Wetland, documenting 1427 independent bird sightings of 26 families and 49 species of Passeriformes. Key observations include morning activities in Cyanoptila cyanomelana and Horornis canturians and afternoon activity in Muscicapa dauurica and Phoenicurus auroreus. Wetlands were significantly preferred (P_i = 0.398) despite their smaller area, contrasting with underutilized grasslands (P_i = 0.181). Seasonal activity variations were notable, with overlap coefficients ranging from 0.08 to 0.81 across species, indicating diverse strategies in resource utilization and thermoregulation. Population density was found to be a critical factor in habitat usage, with high-density species showing more consistent activity patterns. The study's results demonstrate the ecological adaptability of Passeriformes in the Halla Mountain Wetland while highlighting the limitations of camera trapping methods. These limitations include their fixed field of view and intermittent recording capability, which may not fully capture the spectrum of complex avian behaviors. This research underlines the need for future studies integrating various methodologies, such as direct observation and acoustic monitoring, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of avian ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Hun Jeong
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju-si 63243, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan Choi
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju-si 63243, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Maniram Banjade
- National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseru-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Deok Jin
- National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseru-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Mi Park
- Research Institute for Basic Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju-si 63243, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Binod Kunwar
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju-si 63243, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Shik Oh
- Faculty of Science Education, Jeju National University, Jeju-si 63243, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
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Lazzeri L, Ferretti F, Churski M, Diserens TA, Oliveira R, Schmidt K, Kuijper DPJ. Spatio-temporal interactions between the red fox and the wolf in two contrasting European landscapes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:221. [PMID: 38167473 PMCID: PMC10762132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50447-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Relationships among carnivore species are complex, potentially switching from competition to facilitation on a context-dependent basis. Negative associations are predicted to increase with latitude, due to limited resources emphasising competition and/or intra-guild predation. Accordingly, a stronger negative correlation between large- and meso-carnivore abundances should be expected at higher latitudes, with a substantial spatio-temporal partitioning favouring interspecific coexistence. Human presence may influence spatio-temporal relationships between (meso)carnivore species, as it can be perceived as a risk factor, but anthropogenic food can also provide an important additional food resource. Using camera-trap data, we studied the spatio-temporal associations between two of the most widespread carnivores in Europe, i.e., the red fox and wolf. We compared their monthly/daily spatio-temporal partitioning between two different landscapes: Białowieża Primeval Forest (Poland) and the Mediterranean Maremma Regional Park (Italy). We predicted a stronger interspecific partitioning, as well as more attraction of red foxes to humans in the northern site (Poland). Temporal activity patterns of the two carnivores overlapped in both sites, and their detection rates were positively associated, even though in weaker way in Poland. We observed a positive spatial association of red foxes with human activity in Białowieża, but not in Maremma. This association occurred only at a monthly temporal scale and disappeared at a daily scale, suggesting some disturbance in the shorter term. Our results provided partial support to our predictions and suggest that, despite the ecological differences between our study areas, only weak differences in wolf-fox relations were observed, suggesting that red fox responses to wolves may be relatively comparable over large spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Lazzeri
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - F Ferretti
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Churski
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - T A Diserens
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02‑097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - R Oliveira
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - K Schmidt
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - D P J Kuijper
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
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Esattore B, Rossi AC, Bazzoni F, Riggio C, Oliveira R, Leggiero I, Ferretti F. Same place, different time, head up: Multiple antipredator responses to a recolonizing apex predator. Curr Zool 2023; 69:703-717. [PMID: 37876645 PMCID: PMC10591180 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Prey adjust their antipredator behavioral tactics to minimize the risk of an encounter with predators. Spatiotemporal responses of prey to predators have been reported, but the nature of antipredator response is not ubiquitous and it is the object of increasing interest, especially considering the recent recovery of large carnivores in Europe, and the potential for behavioral antipredator responses to elicit consequences at the ecosystem level. We have tested multiple antipredator responses by fallow deer Dama dama to wolf Canis lupus in a Mediterranean protected area recently recolonized by this apex predator. Through intensive camera trapping, we tested for temporal and spatial association between predator and prey, and we have also studied deer vigilance in forest habitats where focal observations are usually impossible. Wolf detection rates were spatially associated with those of fallow deer. Accordingly, no evidence was found for fallow deer avoiding sites with higher predator detection rates. Temporal activity patterns were significantly different between the 2 species, with the wolf being mainly nocturnal whereas fallow deer was active especially during daylight. A comparison with a preliminary study strongly suggests an increase in the diurnal activity of fallow deer along with the stabilization of wolf presence in the area. Both the rate and the duration of vigilance of female fallow deer increased with the local frequency of wolf activity. We suggest an antipredator response based on temporal-rather than spatial-avoidance, as well as increased vigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Esattore
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Přátelství 815,104 00, Uhříněves, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Ethology and Companion Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Suchdol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Agnese Carlotta Rossi
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Unit of Behavioral Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Bazzoni
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Unit of Behavioral Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Riggio
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Unit of Behavioral Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Raquel Oliveira
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Unit of Behavioral Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Ivan Leggiero
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Unit of Behavioral Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferretti
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Unit of Behavioral Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
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Zhang K, Qiu D, Zhao L, Yan C, Jin L, Liao W. Geographical Variation in Body Size in the Asian Common Toad ( Duttaphrynus melanostictus). Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2219. [PMID: 38004360 PMCID: PMC10672612 DOI: 10.3390/life13112219] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The geographic variation in life-history traits of organisms and the mechanisms underlying adaptation are interesting ideas in evolutionary biology. This study investigated age and body size of the Asian common toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) among five populations along a geographical gradient. We found that geographical variation in age was non-significant among populations but there was a significant and positive correlation between mean age and body size. Although the body size values at 1043 m are quite different from other sites, after controlling for age effects, there was a significant positive correlation between altitude and body size. Our findings followed the predictions of Bergmann's rule, suggesting that the body size of D. melanostictus is potentially influenced by the low air temperatures at higher altitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunhao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China; (K.Z.); (D.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Duojing Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China; (K.Z.); (D.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China; (K.Z.); (D.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Chengzhi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China; (K.Z.); (D.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Long Jin
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China; (K.Z.); (D.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Wenbo Liao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China; (K.Z.); (D.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
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Ferretti F, Oliveira R, Rossa M, Belardi I, Pacini G, Mugnai S, Fattorini N, Lazzeri L. Interactions between carnivore species: limited spatiotemporal partitioning between apex predator and smaller carnivores in a Mediterranean protected area. Front Zool 2023; 20:20. [PMID: 37231517 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-023-00489-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is need of information on ecological interactions that keystone species such as apex predators establish in ecosystems recently recolonised. Interactions among carnivore species have the potential to influence community-level processes, with consequences for ecosystem dynamics. Although avoidance of apex predators by smaller carnivores has been reported, there is increasing evidence that the potential for competitive-to-facilitative interactions is context-dependent. In a protected area recently recolonised by the wolf Canis lupus and hosting abundant wild prey (3 ungulate species, 20-30 individuals/km2, together), we used 5-year food habit analyses and 3-year camera trapping to (i) investigate the role of mesocarnivores (4 species) in the wolf diet; (ii) test for temporal, spatial, and fine-scale spatiotemporal association between mesocarnivores and the wolf. RESULTS Wolf diet was dominated by large herbivores (86% occurrences, N = 2201 scats), with mesocarnivores occurring in 2% scats. We collected 12,808 carnivore detections over > 19,000 camera trapping days. We found substantial (i.e., generally ≥ 0.75, 0-1 scale) temporal overlap between mesocarnivores-in particular red fox-and the wolf, with no support for negative temporal or spatial associations between mesocarnivore and wolf detection rates. All the species were nocturnal/crepuscular and results suggested a minor role of human activity in modifying interspecific spatiotemporal partitioning. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the local great availability of large prey to wolves limited negative interactions towards smaller carnivores, thus reducing the potential for spatiotemporal avoidance. Our study emphasises that avoidance patterns leading to substantial spatiotemporal partitioning are not ubiquitous in carnivore guilds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferretti
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy.
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Raquel Oliveira
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Mariana Rossa
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Irene Belardi
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giada Pacini
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Mugnai
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Niccolò Fattorini
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lazzeri
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
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6
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Garabedian JE, Cox KJ, Vukovich M, Kilgo JC. Co‐occurrence of native white‐tailed deer and invasive wild pigs: Evidence for competition? Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James E. Garabedian
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station New Ellenton South Carolina USA
| | - Kyle J. Cox
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station New Ellenton South Carolina USA
| | - Mark Vukovich
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station New Ellenton South Carolina USA
| | - John C. Kilgo
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station New Ellenton South Carolina USA
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7
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Domestic Cattle in a National Park Restricting the Sika Deer Due to Diet Overlap. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040561. [PMID: 36830347 PMCID: PMC9951756 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040561] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Managers need to know the extent of the conflict between livestock and wild animals. Although many studies have reported the conflict between livestock and wild animals, few have checked the extent of the conflict. Cattle raising in the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park is considered one of the main driving forces behind the restricted distribution of sika deer. To understand whether foraging competition is contributing to avoidance patterns between sika deer and cattle, we investigated their feeding habits using DNA barcoding and high-throughput sequencing. Our study shows that although cattle are grazers in the traditional division of herbivores, their diet shifted to a predominance of dicotyledonous woody plants, and this diet shift resulted in a high degree of dietary overlap between sika deer and cattle. Moreover, compared to sika deer, cattle diets are more diverse at the species level with a wider ecological niche. Our results confirm that overlapping dietary niches and the superior competitive abilities of cattle contribute to the restricted distribution of the sika deer, which has critical implications for the conservation of their predators. Our study suggests that cattle grazing should be prohibited in the Park and effective measures should be taken for the benefit of sika deer.
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8
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A test of motion‐sensitive cameras to index ungulate densities: group size matters. J Wildl Manage 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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9
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Ferretti F, Lazzeri L, Sforzi A. Spatio-temporal patterns of the European wildcat in a Mediterranean coastal area. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00317-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
AbstractLike most small felids, the European wildcat Felis silvestris is a rather elusive species, poorly detectable in the wild, due to several aspects of its biology. Camera trapping can represent a suitable tool to understand temporal activity patterns and habitat preferences of such elusive species. We used intensive camera trapping over two full years to investigate spatio-temporal patterns of the wildcat in a Mediterranean coastal protected area (Maremma Regional Park, central Italy). At the seasonal scale, the wildcat showed a marked twilight activity in summer and winter (mating period), and nocturnal activity in autumn. Conversely, a peak of activity during the day, i.e., in broad daylight, was reported in spring. Reproductive females may limit their nocturnal movements in spring to increase protection from predators to their kittens at the den, although further data are required to support this conclusion. At seasonal, semestral, and yearly temporal scales, the frequency of wildcat detections increased along with availability of shrubwood. These results emphasise the importance for this small felid of areas with dense vegetation cover (Mediterranean maquis and shrubwood, in our study area). Areas densely covered with shrubby vegetation are expected to provide benefits to this elusive small cat in terms of reduced human disturbance (included tourists), availability of prey (e.g., small mammals), as well as shelter, essential to ensure protection towards potential larger predators.
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10
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Li N, Yang X, Ren Y, Wang Z. Importance of species traits on individual-based seed dispersal networks and dispersal distance for endangered trees in a fragmented forest. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1010352. [PMID: 36212316 PMCID: PMC9534520 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1010352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although mutualistic network analyses have sparked a renewed interest in the patterns and drivers of network structures within communities, few studies have explored structural patterns within populations. In an endangered tree species population, plant individuals share their bird seed dispersers; however, the factors affecting individual interaction patterns are poorly understood. In this study, four individual-based networks were built for the endangered Chinese yew, Taxus chinensis, in a fragmented forest based on bird foraging type (swallowing and pecking networks) and habitat type (networks in a bamboo patch and an evergreen broad-leaved forest patch). Species-level network metrics (species degree and specialization, d') were used to evaluate the effects of species traits (bird and plant traits) on species-level networks and dispersal distance for T. chinensis. It was revealed that the interaction networks between T. chinensis individuals and their bird partners were influenced by foraging type and the habitat of plant distribution. Compared to the other two networks, bird swallowing and bird-fruit networks in the evergreen broad-leaved patch habitat had higher nestedness and connectance but lower modules and specialization. Bird (body weight and wing and bill lengths) and plant traits (height, crop size, and cover) significantly affected species-level network metrics such as degree and specialization. Furthermore, seed dispersal distance was influenced by species traits and the species-level metrics of fruit-bird interaction networks. These results provide new insights into individual-based seed dispersal mutualistic networks of endangered plant species under habitat fragmentation. Moreover, these findings have relevant implications for conserving and managing individual endangered trees in increasingly disturbed ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xifu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanhao Ren
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- College of Biology and Environmental Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
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Magdálek J, Bourgoin G, Vadlejch J. Non-native Nematode Ashworthius sidemi Currently Dominates the Abomasal Parasite Community of Cervid Hosts in the Czech Republic. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:862092. [PMID: 35573405 PMCID: PMC9096835 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.862092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ashworthius sidemi is an abomasal nematode typical for Asiatic cervids such as sambar (Rusa unicolor) or sika deer (Cervus nippon). This non-native parasite was introduced into Europe via sika deer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The current dynamic spread of this parasite amongst autochthonous wild cervids occurs independently of human activities, and A. sidemi has a negative impact on the health of wild ruminants and may pose a threat to the conservation of endangered wild ungulates and to livestock. This invasive parasite has been previously detected in the Czech Republic, but more accurate information on A. sidemi is required. Only limited information is generally available on the factors influencing the spread of abomasal nematodes in wild ruminants, so more information is necessary for planning effective strategies of parasite control. We therefore conducted a survey on the abomasal nematodes in cervids in both game reserves and hunting grounds across the Czech Republic, taking into account the hosts (species, age, sex) and environmental factors (monthly average temperature). The abomasa of 104 animals belonging to five cervid species originating from various locations of the country were collected. Data on host (species, sex, and age group) and the monthly average temperature in the region were obtained for each animal. The parasitological analyses indicated that 92% of the abomasa were infected by nematodes. Ashworthius sidemi was the most prevalent (72%) and abundant (80% of the total recovered individuals) nematode species and was detected in all cervid species except white-tailed deer. The intensity of A. sidemi was highest in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), but A. sidemi abundance did not depend substantially on the host or environmental factors. In contrast, the abundance of nematodes from the subfamily Ostertagiinae was influenced by the host species and temperature. Parasitic load was significantly higher in roe deer and during the warmer periods of the survey. We also detected another non-native nematode species, Spiculopteragia houdemeri. The results of our study suggest that the non-native nematode A. sidemi is now widespread amongst cervid hosts in the Czech Republic, probably due to the high sensitivity of autochthonous cervids to A. sidemi infections as well as adaptation of this parasite to the current climatic conditions of this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Magdálek
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, CNRS, UMR 5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jaroslav Vadlejch
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jaroslav Vadlejch
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Montalva F, Pavés H, Pérez-Venegas D, Barrientos E KG, Valencia C, Miranda-Urbina D, Seguel M. Lower marine productivity increases agonistic interactions between sea lions and fur seals in Northern Pacific Patagonia. Curr Zool 2022; 68:657-666. [PMID: 36864890 PMCID: PMC9972520 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interspecific interactions are key drivers of individual and population-level fitness in a wide range of animals. However, in marine ecosystems, it is relatively unknown which biotic and abiotic factors impact behavioral interactions between competing species. We assessed the impact of weather, marine productivity, and population structure on the behavioral agonistic interactions between South American fur seals (SAFSs), Arctocephalus australis, and South American sea lions (SASLs), Otaria byronia, in a breeding colony of SAFS. We hypothesized that agonistic interactions between SAFSs and SASLs respond to biotic and abiotic factors such as SAFS population structure, marine productivity, and weather. We found that SASL and SAFS interactions almost always resulted in negative impacts on the social structure or reproductive success of the SAFS colony. SASL adult males initiated stampedes of SAFS and/or abducted and predated SAFS pups. Adult SAFS males abundance and severe weather events were negatively correlated with agonistic interactions between species. However, proxies for lower marine productivity such as higher sea surface temperature and lower catches of demerso-pelagic fish were the most important predictors of more frequent agonistic interactions between SAFS and SASL. Under the current scenario of decline in marine biomass due to global climate change and overfishing, agonistic interactions between competing marine predators could increase and exacerbate the negative impacts of environmental change in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Montalva
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hector Pavés
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Osorno, Chile
| | - Diego Pérez-Venegas
- Centro de Investigación y Gestión de Recursos Naturales (CIGREN), Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Karin G Barrientos E
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Agrarias, Escuela de Graduados de la, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Alimentarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carola Valencia
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Sede Patagonia, Universidad San Sebastian, Puerto Montt, Chile
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Ariefiandy A, Purwandana D, Azmi M, Panggur MR, Mardani J, Parra DP, Jessop TS. Invasive water buffalo population trends and competition-related consequences for native rusa deer in eastern Indonesian protected areas. Mamm Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-021-00161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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14
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Livestock grazing affects movements and activity pattern of Italian roe deer in Southern Italy. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-021-01506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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15
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Rossa M, Lovari S, Ferretti F. Spatiotemporal patterns of wolf, mesocarnivores and prey in a Mediterranean area. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02956-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Spatial and temporal occurrence can mediate behavioural interactions between apex predators, mesocarnivores and herbivores. Predators should adapt their activity to that of prey, whereas predator avoidance would be expected to influence activity patterns and space use of prey and smaller competitors. We evaluated interspecific spatiotemporal relationships in a prey-rich community including an apex predator (the wolf), three wild ungulates and several smaller herbivores/mesocarnivores, through camera trapping. All considered species (i.e. wolves and potential prey/smaller competitors: wild boar, fallow deer, roe deer, crested porcupine, red fox and European badger) were active especially at night and/or twilight. Among wild ungulates, the wolf showed the greatest temporal overlap with the wild boar and the lowest one with the least abundant and used of them, i.e. the roe deer. The main prey (i.e. the fallow deer) showed more diurnal activity and a lower temporal overlap with the predator in sites with high wolf activity than in low-activity ones. Among mesocarnivores, the red fox showed extensive temporal overlap with the wolf: the overlap between the two canids was greater in sites intensively used by this apex predator than in sites with low wolf activity, supporting a concurrent study which suggested a potential for facilitative—rather than competitive—interactions. Spatiotemporal relationships suggest complex interactions between the apex predator, prey and smaller carnivores, for which a substantial temporal or spatial association was often supported.
Significance statement
There is a growing interest in the influence of apex predators on ecosystems through their effects on the behaviour of prey and smaller carnivores, especially in the light of the ongoing recovery of large carnivores in temperate areas. Predators should synchronise their activity to that of prey; conversely, prey and smaller carnivores would be expected to avoid predators. In a rich community including the wolf, three wild ungulates and several mesomammals, we detected (i) a substantial temporal overlap between wolves and wild boar, porcupines and mesocarnivores; (ii) a negative temporal association between the predator and its main prey (i.e. the fallow deer) and (iii) a great temporal overlap between the wolf and the red fox. We provide a baseline to evaluate temporal changes of predator-prey-mesocarnivore behavioural interactions along with variations of carnivore-prey densities.
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Ferretti F, Pacini G, Belardi I, ten Cate B, Sensi M, Oliveira R, Rossa M, Burrini L, Lovari S. Recolonizing wolves and opportunistic foxes: interference or facilitation? Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The mechanisms of interactions among carnivore species range from facilitation (mainly through increased availability of prey carcasses) to competition. We assessed the potential for facilitative/competitive interactions between the two most widespread carnivores in the world, the wolf and the red fox, in a prey-rich area recently recolonized by the apex predator. One could expect that the superior competitor would ecologically suppress the inferior one, leading to avoidance of the former by the latter. In a Mediterranean coastal area (2017–2018), we assessed spatiotemporal and dietary interspecific overlap and investigated whether the recovery of wolves affected food habits of foxes. Spatiotemporal overlap was extensive (0.84–0.89). Wild ungulates were the staple of the wolf diet (~88–90%); foxes used mainly invertebrates and fruits (~78%), with ungulates being a substantial food category (13% of diet; 66% of occurrences among vertebrate prey). Interspecific dietary overlap was low (0.23), but extensive (0.89) for vertebrate prey. In comparison to a preceding wolf-free period, the volume and occurrence of large mammals in the diet of foxes showed a 2.8- to 3.5-fold increase. Apparently, foxes did not avoid wolves, which provided additional food to the foxes as prey leftovers. In a rich community, the presence of wolves may increase the food spectrum of foxes. Temporal variation of facilitation vs. competition should be assessed in relationship to spatiotemporal changes of predator–prey numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferretti
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, Siena, Italy
| | - Giada Pacini
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, Siena, Italy
| | - Irene Belardi
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, Siena, Italy
| | - Bouke ten Cate
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Sensi
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, Siena, Italy
| | - Raquel Oliveira
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, Siena, Italy
| | - Mariana Rossa
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, Siena, Italy
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lucia Burrini
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandro Lovari
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, Siena, Italy
- Maremma Natural History Museum, Strada Corsini, Grosseto, Italy
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Ferretti F, Fattorini N. Competitor densities, habitat, and weather: effects on interspecific interactions between wild deer species. Integr Zool 2020; 16:670-684. [PMID: 32654371 PMCID: PMC8451872 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing interest on the potential interplay between weather, habitat, and interspecific competition on population dynamics of wild herbivores. Favorable environmental conditions may buffer the negative effects of competition; conversely, competition may be expected to be stronger under harsh environmental conditions. We investigated relationships between competitor abundance, weather, and habitat cover on density and local distribution of a medium‐sized herbivore, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus, as well as its spatial overlap with fallow deer Dama dama in a Mediterranean protected area. Over 11 years (2007–2017), roe deer density was not affected by spring–summer rainfall in the previous year and decreased with increasing density of fallow deer in the previous year. Hence, over the considered temporal scale, results supported a major role of competition over weather in influencing population trends of roe deer. At a finer spatial scale, roe deer occupancy was negatively affected by local abundance of fallow deer, especially in “poorer” habitats. We found a slight support for a positive effect of fallow deer density on interspecific spatial overlap. Moreover, fine‐scale spatial overlap between deer species increased with decreasing rainfall in spring–summer. Fallow deer were introduced to our study area in historical times and their role as superior competitors over roe deer has been found also in other study areas. We suggest a potential role of harsh weather conditions during the growing season of vegetation (i.e. scarce rainfall) in triggering the potential for ecological overlap, emphasizing the negative effects of interspecific competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferretti
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Niccolò Fattorini
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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