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Chan YC, Kormann UG, Witczak S, Scherler P, Grüebler MU. Ontogeny of migration destination, route and timing in a partially migratory bird. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 39072797 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14150] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
In migratory animals, the developmental period from inexperienced juveniles to breeding adults could be a key life stage in shaping population migration patterns. Nevertheless, the development of migration routines in early life remains underexplored. While age-related changes in migration routes and timing have been described in obligate migrants, most investigations into the ontogeny of partial migrants only focused on age-dependency of migration as a binary tactic (migrant or resident), and variations in routes and timing among individuals classified as 'migrants' is rarely considered. To fill this gap, we study the ontogeny of migration destination, route and timing in a partially migratory red kite (Milvus milvus) population. Using an extensive GPS-tracking dataset (292 fledglings and 38 adults, with 1-5 migrations tracked per individual), we studied how nine different migration characteristics changed with age and breeding status in migrant individuals, many of which become resident later in life. Individuals departed later from and arrived earlier at the breeding areas as they aged, resulting in a gradual prolongation of stay in the breeding area by 2 months from the first to the fifth migration. Individuals delayed southward migration in the year prior to territory acquirement, and they further delayed it after occupying a territory. Migration routes became more direct with age. Individuals were highly faithful to their wintering site. Migration distance shortened only slightly with age and was more similar among siblings than among unrelated individuals. The large gradual changes in northward and southward migrations suggest a high degree of plasticity in temporal characteristics during the developmental window. However, the high wintering site fidelity points towards large benefits of site familiarity, prompting spatial migratory plasticity to be expressed through a switch to residency. The contrasting patterns of trajectories of age-related changes between spatial and temporal migration characteristics might reflect different mechanisms underlying the expression of plasticity. Investigating such patterns among species along the entire spectrum of migration tactics would enable further understanding of the plastic responses exhibited by migratory species to rapid environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chi Chan
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Urs G Kormann
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Witczak
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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John C, Avgar T, Rittger K, Smith JA, Stephenson LW, Stephenson TR, Post E. Pursuit and escape drive fine-scale movement variation during migration in a temperate alpine ungulate. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15068. [PMID: 38956435 PMCID: PMC11219842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65948-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change reduces snowpack, advances snowmelt phenology, drives summer warming, alters growing season precipitation regimes, and consequently modifies vegetation phenology in mountain systems. Elevational migrants track spatial variation in seasonal plant growth by moving between ranges at different elevations during spring, so climate-driven vegetation change may disrupt historic benefits of migration. Elevational migrants can furthermore cope with short-term environmental variability by undertaking brief vertical movements to refugia when sudden adverse conditions arise. We uncover drivers of fine-scale vertical movement variation during upland migration in an endangered alpine specialist, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae) using a 20-year study of GPS collar data collected from 311 unique individuals. We used integrated step-selection analysis to determine factors that promote vertical movements and drive selection of destinations following vertical movements. Our results reveal that relatively high temperatures consistently drive uphill movements, while precipitation likely drives downhill movements. Furthermore, bighorn select destinations at their peak annual biomass and maximal time since snowmelt. These results indicate that although Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep seek out foraging opportunities related to landscape phenology, they compensate for short-term environmental stressors by undertaking brief up- and downslope vertical movements. Migrants may therefore be impacted by future warming and increased storm frequency or intensity, with shifts in annual migration timing, and fine-scale vertical movement responses to environmental variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian John
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
| | - Tal Avgar
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Wildlife Science Centre, Biodiversity Pathways Ltd., Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Karl Rittger
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Justine A Smith
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Logan W Stephenson
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Thomas R Stephenson
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program, Bishop, CA, USA
| | - Eric Post
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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3
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Harris NC, Bhandari A, Doamba B. Ungulate co-occurrence in a landscape of antagonisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169552. [PMID: 38142990 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169552] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Protected areas largely now exist as coupled natural-human ecosystems where human activities are increasingly forcing wildlife to adjust behaviors. For many ungulate species that rely on protected areas for their persistence, they must balance these anthropogenic pressures amid natural regulators. Here, we investigated the pressures exerted from humans and livestock, apex predators, and within guild competitors on ungulate co-occurrence patterns in a fragile protected area complex in West Africa. Specifically, we used multi-species occupancy modeling to quantify co-occurrence among four ungulates (Tragelaphus scriptus, Redunca redunca, Kobus kob, Phacochoerus africanus) and applied structural equation models to discern the relative contributions of pressures on co-occurrence patterns. We observed a strong spatial gradient across with higher co-occurrence in the wetter western portion of our ~13,000 km2 study area. Co-occurrence patterns among ungulate dyads ranged from 0.15 to 0.49 with the smallest body sized pair showing highest levels of sympatry, warthog and reedbuck. We found that anthropogenic pressures, namely cattle had the greatest effect in reducing sympatry among wild ungulates more strongly than the presence of African lions that also exhibited negative effects. Humans, hyenas, and competitors showed positive effects on ungulate co-occurrence. In a region of the world ongoing rapid socio-ecological change with increasing threats from climate and environmental instability, protected areas in West Africa represent a major safeguard for wildlife and human livelihoods alike. Our findings highlight the need for effective interventions that focus on large carnivore conservation, habitat restoration, and containment of livestock grazing to promote the coexistence of biodiversity and socio-economic goals within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyeema C Harris
- Applied Wildlife Ecology (AWE) Lab, Yale School of the Environment, United States of America.
| | - Aishwarya Bhandari
- Applied Wildlife Ecology (AWE) Lab, Yale School of the Environment, United States of America
| | - Benoit Doamba
- National Office of Protected Areas (OFINAP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Anderson TM, Hepler SA, Holdo RM, Donaldson JE, Erhardt RJ, Hopcraft JGC, Hutchinson MC, Huebner SE, Morrison TA, Muday J, Munuo IN, Palmer MS, Pansu J, Pringle RM, Sketch R, Packer C. Interplay of competition and facilitation in grazing succession by migrant Serengeti herbivores. Science 2024; 383:782-788. [PMID: 38359113 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg0744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Competition, facilitation, and predation offer alternative explanations for successional patterns of migratory herbivores. However, these interactions are difficult to measure, leaving uncertainty about the mechanisms underlying body-size-dependent grazing-and even whether succession occurs at all. We used data from an 8-year camera-trap survey, GPS-collared herbivores, and fecal DNA metabarcoding to analyze the timing, arrival order, and interactions among migratory grazers in Serengeti National Park. Temporal grazing succession is characterized by a "push-pull" dynamic: Competitive grazing nudges zebra ahead of co-migrating wildebeest, whereas grass consumption by these large-bodied migrants attracts trailing, small-bodied gazelle that benefit from facilitation. "Natural experiments" involving intense wildfires and rainfall respectively disrupted and strengthened these effects. Our results highlight a balance between facilitative and competitive forces in co-regulating large-scale ungulate migrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Michael Anderson
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - Staci A Hepler
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - Ricardo M Holdo
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jason E Donaldson
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Robert J Erhardt
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - J Grant C Hopcraft
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Matthew C Hutchinson
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Sarah E Huebner
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Thomas A Morrison
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Jeffry Muday
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - Issack N Munuo
- Serengeti Wildlife Research Centre, 2113 Lemara, Arusha, TZ
| | - Meredith S Palmer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Johan Pansu
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Robert M Pringle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Robert Sketch
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - Craig Packer
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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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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Enns GE, Jex B, Boyce MS. Diverse migration patterns and seasonal habitat use of Stone's sheep ( Ovis dalli stonei). PeerJ 2023; 11:e15215. [PMID: 37342360 PMCID: PMC10278595 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15215] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe temporal and spatial patterns of seasonal space-use and migration by 16 GPS-collared Stone's sheep (Ovis dalli stonei) from nine bands in the Cassiar Mountains of northern British Columbia, Canada. Our objectives were to identify the timing of spring and fall migrations, characterize summer and winter ranges, map and describe migration routes and use of stopover sites, and document altitudinal change across seasons. Our last objective was to assess individual migration strategies based on patterns of geographic migration, altitudinal migration, or residency. Median start and end dates of the spring migration were 12 and 17 Jun (range: 20 May to 05 Aug), and of the fall migration were 30 Aug and 22 Sep (range: 21 Aug to 07 Jan). The median area of winter and summer ranges for geographic migrants were 630.8 ha and 2,829.0 ha, respectively, with a broad range from about 233.6 to 10,196.2 ha. Individuals showed high fidelity to winter ranges over the limited duration of the study. The winter and summer ranges of most individuals (n = 15) were at moderate to high elevations with a median summer elevation of 1,709 m (1,563-1,827 m) and 1,673 m (1,478-1,751 m) that varied <150 m between ranges. Almost all collared females (n = 14) exhibited changes in elevation use that coincide with abbreviated altitudinal migration. Specifically, these females descended to lower spring elevations from their winter range (Δ > 150 m), and then gradually moved up to higher-elevation summer ranges (Δ > 150 m). In the fall, they descended to lower elevations (Δ > 100 m) before returning to their higher winter ranges. The median distance travelled along geographic migration routes was 16.3 km (range: 7.6-47.4 km). During the spring migration, most geographic migrants (n = 8) used at least one stopover site (median = 1.5, range: 0-4), while almost all migrants (n = 11) used stopover sites more frequently in the fall (median = 2.5, range: 0-6). Of the 13 migratory individuals that had at least one other collared individual in their band, most migrated at about the same time, occupied the same summer and winter ranges, used similar migration routes and stopover sites, and exhibited the same migration strategy. We found collared females exhibited four different migration strategies which mostly varied across bands. Migration strategies included long-distance geographic migrants (n = 5), short-distance geographic migrants (n = 5), vacillating migrants (n = 2), and abbreviated altitudinal migrants (n = 4). Different migratory strategies occurred within one band where one collared individual migrated and two did not. We conclude that female Stone's sheep in the Cassiar Mountains displayed a diverse assemblage of seasonal habitat use and migratory behaviors. By delineating seasonal ranges, migration routes and stopover sites, we identify potential areas of priority that can help inform land-use planning and preserve the native migrations of Stone's sheep in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E. Enns
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- WSP Canada, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bill Jex
- Fish & Wildlife Branch, British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Smithers, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark S. Boyce
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Dong J, Anderson LJ. Predicted impacts of global change on bottom-up trophic interactions in the plant-ungulate-wolf food chain in boreal forests. FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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He C, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Cai J, Gao J, Zhang J. Forage quality and physiological performance of mowed alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) subjected to combined light quality and drought. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1047294. [PMID: 36483958 PMCID: PMC9723141 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1047294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) can dwell in water-deficient habitats, where it is difficult to predict dry mass (DM) production and forage quality due to understory transmittance. Mowing is a recommended practice for alfalfa populations under drought, but its effect on forested land receives less attention. In a controlled indoor experiment, we found that drought better reduces shoot DM weight and crude fiber content (CFi) in blue light (33.7% red, 48.5% green, and 17.8% blue lights) than red light (71.7% red, 13.7% green, and 14.6% blue lights). Mowing decreases carbon (C) isotope signature (δ13C), CFi, and total C content in shoots but increases their accumulations in DM, nonstructural carbohydrates, and crude fat content (CFa). The results also demonstrated that mown alfalfa has higher starch content when exposed to green light (26.2% red, 56.4% green, and 17.4% blue lights) compared to the other two spectra. Multiple factorial regression indicated that higher soluble sugar content accounted for the increase of CFa and DM weight for CFi. Overall, mowing in blue-light-enriched understory stands is recommended and produces high-forage-quality alfalfa, which can be used as a lowered crude fiber component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia He
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Henan Xiaolangdi Earth Critical Zone National Research Station on the Middle Yellow River, Jiyuan, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Henan Xiaolangdi Earth Critical Zone National Research Station on the Middle Yellow River, Jiyuan, China
| | - Jinfeng Cai
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Henan Xiaolangdi Earth Critical Zone National Research Station on the Middle Yellow River, Jiyuan, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Henan Xiaolangdi Earth Critical Zone National Research Station on the Middle Yellow River, Jiyuan, China
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Candino M, Donadio E, Pauli JN. Phenological drivers of ungulate migration in South America: characterizing the movement and seasonal habitat use of guanacos. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2022; 10:34. [PMID: 35964073 PMCID: PMC9375948 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00332-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration is a widespread strategy among ungulates to cope with seasonality. Phenology, especially in seasonally snow-covered landscapes featuring "white waves" of snow accumulation and "green waves" of plant green-up, is a phenomenon that many migratory ungulates navigate. Guanacos (Lama guanicoe) are native camelids to South America and might be the last ungulate in South America that migrates. However, a detailed description of guanacos´ migratory attributes, including whether they surf or jump phenological waves is lacking. METHODS We quantified the migratory movements of 21 adult guanacos over three years in Patagonia, Argentina. We analyzed annual movement patterns using net squared displacement (NSD) and home range overlap and quantified snow and vegetation phenology via remotely sensed products. RESULTS We found that 74% of the individual guanacos exhibited altitudinal migrations. For migratory guanacos, we observed fidelity of migratory ranges and residence time, but flexibility around migration propensity, timing, and duration of migration. The scarce vegetation and arid conditions within our study area seemed to prevent guanacos from surfing green waves; instead, guanacos appeared to avoid white waves. CONCLUSION Our study shows that guanaco elevational migration is driven by a combination of vegetation availability and snow cover, reveals behavioral plasticity of their migration, and highlights the importance of snow phenology as a driver of ungulate migrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Candino
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | | | - Jonathan N Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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Sigrist B, Signer C, Wellig SD, Ozgul A, Filli F, Jenny H, Thiel D, Wirthner S, Graf RF. Green‐up selection by red deer in heterogeneous, human‐dominated landscapes of Central Europe. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9048. [PMID: 35813904 PMCID: PMC9251849 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sigrist
- Wildlife Management Unit Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences Wädenswil Switzerland
- Population Ecology Research Group Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Claudio Signer
- Wildlife Management Unit Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences Wädenswil Switzerland
| | - Sascha D. Wellig
- Wildlife Management Unit Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences Wädenswil Switzerland
- Valais Hunting, Fisheries and Wildlife Department Sion Switzerland
| | - Arpat Ozgul
- Population Ecology Research Group Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | | | - Hannes Jenny
- Grisons Game and Fisheries Department Chur Switzerland
| | - Dominik Thiel
- St. Gall Conservation Hunting and Fisheries Department St. Gallen Switzerland
| | - Sven Wirthner
- Valais Hunting, Fisheries and Wildlife Department Sion Switzerland
| | - Roland F. Graf
- Wildlife Management Unit Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences Wädenswil Switzerland
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Hurme E, Fahr J, Eric BF, Hash CT, O’Mara MT, Richter H, Tanshi I, Webala PW, Weber N, Wikelski M, Dechmann DKN. Fruit bat migration matches green wave in seasonal landscapes. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Hurme
- Department of Migration Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour University of Konstanz Konstanz
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Konstanz
| | - Jakob Fahr
- Department of Migration Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Germany
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Konstanz
| | - Bakwo Fils Eric
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences University of Maroua Cameroon
| | | | - M. Teague O’Mara
- Department of Migration Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Germany
- Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond LA USA
| | | | - Iroro Tanshi
- Department of Biological Sciences Texas Tech University Lubbock USA
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology University of Benin Benin City Nigeria
| | - Paul W. Webala
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management Maasai Mara University Narok Kenya
| | - Natalie Weber
- Department of Migration Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour University of Konstanz Konstanz
| | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of Migration Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour University of Konstanz Konstanz
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Konstanz
| | - Dina K. N. Dechmann
- Department of Migration Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour University of Konstanz Konstanz
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Konstanz
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12
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Ungulates on the move. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:853-854. [PMID: 35513578 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01757-4] [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]
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13
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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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14
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Peterson CJ, DeCesare NJ, Hayes TA, Bishop CJ, Mitchell MS. Consequences of migratory strategy on habitat selection by mule deer. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Collin J. Peterson
- Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula 59812 MT USA
| | - Nicholas J. DeCesare
- Montana Department of Fish Wildlife, and Parks 3201 Spurgin Road Missoula 59804 MT USA
| | - Teagan A. Hayes
- Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula 59812 MT USA
| | - Chad J. Bishop
- Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula 59812 MT USA
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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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Anderwald P, Campell Andri S, Palme R. Reflections of ecological differences? Stress responses of sympatric Alpine chamois and red deer to weather, forage quality, and human disturbance. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15740-15753. [PMID: 34824786 PMCID: PMC8601901 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8235] [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: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Depending on the habitats they live in, temperate ungulates have adapted to different degrees to seasonally changing forage and weather conditions, and to specific escape strategies from predators. Alpine chamois, a mountain ungulate, and red deer, originally adapted to open plains, would therefore be expected to differ in their physiological responses to potential stressors. Based on 742 chamois and 1557 red deer fecal samples collected year-round every 2 weeks for 4 years at the same locations within a strictly protected area in the Swiss Alps, we analyzed glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations for both species. Results from linear mixed effects models revealed no physiological stress response to changing visitor numbers, but instead to drought conditions for both species during summer. In winter, FGM concentrations increased with increasing snow height in both species, but this response was modulated by temperature in red deer. Chamois showed a stronger stress response to increasing snow height during November and December than between January and March, while FGM concentrations increased with decreasing temperature throughout winter. An increase in FGM concentrations with decreasing forage digestibility during winter was found only for red deer. The results are thus partly in contradiction to expectations based on feeding type and adaptations to different habitats between the two species. The lack of a response to forage digestibility in chamois may reflect either better adaptation to difficult feeding conditions in subalpine forests, or, by contrast, strong constraints imposed by forage quality. The similar responses of both species to weather conditions in winter suggest that climatic factors at the elevations examined here are sufficiently harsh to be limiting to temperate ungulates regardless of their specific adaptations to this environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Anderwald
- Swiss National ParkChastè Planta‐WildenbergZernezSwitzerland
| | | | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences/BiochemistryUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
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Kauffman MJ, Cagnacci F, Chamaillé-Jammes S, Hebblewhite M, Hopcraft JGC, Merkle JA, Mueller T, Mysterud A, Peters W, Roettger C, Steingisser A, Meacham JE, Abera K, Adamczewski J, Aikens EO, Bartlam-Brooks H, Bennitt E, Berger J, Boyd C, Côté SD, Debeffe L, Dekrout AS, Dejid N, Donadio E, Dziba L, Fagan WF, Fischer C, Focardi S, Fryxell JM, Fynn RWS, Geremia C, González BA, Gunn A, Gurarie E, Heurich M, Hilty J, Hurley M, Johnson A, Joly K, Kaczensky P, Kendall CJ, Kochkarev P, Kolpaschikov L, Kowalczyk R, van Langevelde F, Li BV, Lobora AL, Loison A, Madiri TH, Mallon D, Marchand P, Medellin RA, Meisingset E, Merrill E, Middleton AD, Monteith KL, Morjan M, Morrison TA, Mumme S, Naidoo R, Novaro A, Ogutu JO, Olson KA, Oteng-Yeboah A, Ovejero RJA, Owen-Smith N, Paasivaara A, Packer C, Panchenko D, Pedrotti L, Plumptre AJ, Rolandsen CM, Said S, Salemgareyev A, Savchenko A, Savchenko P, Sawyer H, Selebatso M, Skroch M, Solberg E, Stabach JA, Strand O, Suitor MJ, Tachiki Y, Trainor A, Tshipa A, Virani MZ, Vynne C, Ward S, Wittemyer G, Xu W, Zuther S. Mapping out a future for ungulate migrations. Science 2021; 372:566-569. [PMID: 33958460 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf0998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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18
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Aikens EO, Dwinnell SPH, LaSharr TN, Jakopak RP, Fralick GL, Randall J, Kaiser R, Thonhoff M, Kauffman MJ, Monteith KL. Migration distance and maternal resource allocation determine timing of birth in a large herbivore. Ecology 2021; 102:e03334. [PMID: 33710647 PMCID: PMC8243980 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Birth timing is a key life‐history characteristic that influences fitness and population performance. For migratory animals, however, appropriately timing birth on one seasonal range may be constrained by events occurring during other parts of the migratory cycle. We investigated how the use of capital and income resources may facilitate flexibility in reproductive phenology of migratory mule deer in western Wyoming, USA, over a 5‐yr period (2015–2019). Specifically, we examined how seasonal interactions affected three interrelated life‐history characteristics: fetal development, birth mass, and birth timing. Females in good nutritional condition at the onset of winter and those that migrated short distances had more developed fetuses (measured as fetal eye diameter in March). Variation in parturition date was explained largely by fetal development; however, there were up to 16 d of plasticity in expected birth date. Plasticity in expected birth date was shaped by income resources in the form of exposure to spring green‐up. Although individuals that experienced greater exposure to spring green‐up were able to advance expected birth date, being born early or late with respect to fetal development had no effect on birth mass of offspring. Furthermore, we investigated the trade‐offs migrating mule deer face by evaluating support for existing theory that predicts that births should be matched to local peaks in resource availability at the birth site. In contrast to this prediction, only long‐distance migrants that paced migration with the flush of spring green‐up, giving birth shortly after ending migration, were able to match birth with spring green‐up. Shorter‐distance migrants completed migration sooner and gave birth earlier, seemingly trading off more time for offspring to grow and develop over greater access to resources. Thus, movement tactic had profound downstream effects on birth timing. These findings highlight a need to reconsider classical theory on optimal birth timing, which has focused solely on conditions at the birth site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen O Aikens
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Laramie, Wyoming, 82701, USA.,Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Laramie, Wyoming, 82071, USA
| | - Samantha P H Dwinnell
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, 804 E. Fremont Street, Laramie, Wyoming, 82072, USA
| | - Tayler N LaSharr
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Laramie, Wyoming, 82701, USA.,Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, 804 E. Fremont Street, Laramie, Wyoming, 82072, USA.,Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming, 82071, USA
| | - Rhiannon P Jakopak
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Laramie, Wyoming, 82701, USA.,Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, 804 E. Fremont Street, Laramie, Wyoming, 82072, USA.,Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming, 82071, USA
| | - Gary L Fralick
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, P.O. Box 1022, Thayne, Wyoming, 83127, USA
| | - Jill Randall
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, PO Box 850, 432 East Mill St, Pinedale, Wyoming, 82941, USA
| | - Rusty Kaiser
- U.S. Forest Service, 10418 Highway 189, Big Piney, Wyoming, 83113, USA
| | - Mark Thonhoff
- U.S. Bureau of Land Management, 1625 W Pine St, PO Box 768, Pinedale, Wyoming, 82941, USA
| | - Matthew J Kauffman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming, 82071, USA
| | - Kevin L Monteith
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Laramie, Wyoming, 82701, USA.,Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, 804 E. Fremont Street, Laramie, Wyoming, 82072, USA
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Abrahms B, Aikens EO, Armstrong JB, Deacy WW, Kauffman MJ, Merkle JA. Emerging Perspectives on Resource Tracking and Animal Movement Ecology. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:308-320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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