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McGrane-Corrigan B, Mason O, de Andrade Moral R. Inferring stochastic group interactions within structured populations via coupled autoregression. J Theor Biol 2024; 584:111793. [PMID: 38492917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111793] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The internal behaviour of a population is an important feature to take account of when modelling its dynamics. In line with kin selection theory, many social species tend to cluster into distinct groups in order to enhance their overall population fitness. Temporal interactions between populations are often modelled using classical mathematical models, but these sometimes fail to delve deeper into the, often uncertain, relationships within populations. Here, we introduce a stochastic framework that aims to capture the interactions of animal groups and an auxiliary population over time. We demonstrate the model's capabilities, from a Bayesian perspective, through simulation studies and by fitting it to predator-prey count time series data. We then derive an approximation to the group correlation structure within such a population, while also taking account of the effect of the auxiliary population. We finally discuss how this approximation can lead to ecologically realistic interpretations in a predator-prey context. This approximation also serves as verification to whether the population in question satisfies our various assumptions. Our modelling approach will be useful for empiricists for monitoring groups within a conservation framework and also theoreticians wanting to quantify interactions, to study cooperation and other phenomena within social populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake McGrane-Corrigan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Kildare, Ireland.
| | - Oliver Mason
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Kildare, Ireland
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Simpson TL, Thiel RP, Sailer DT, Reineke DM, Thomsen M. Demographics of Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) Packs Recolonizing Variable Habitats in Central Wisconsin. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2023. [DOI: 10.1656/045.030.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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3
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Nordli K, Wabakken P, Eriksen A, Sand H, Wikenros C, Maartmann E, Zimmermann B. Spatial and temporal cohesion of parents and offspring in a social large carnivore. Anim Behav 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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4
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McLaren AAD, Newton EJ, Silver A, Allan MR, Middel KR, Pond BA, Patterson BR. Too many to count: Using orthophotography to census an unharvested beaver (
Castor canadensis
) population in Ontario. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. A. D. McLaren
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada
| | - E. J. Newton
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada
| | - A. Silver
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada
| | - M. R. Allan
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada
| | - K. R. Middel
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada
| | - B. A. Pond
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada
| | - B. R. Patterson
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada
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5
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Patterns and processes of pathogen exposure in gray wolves across North America. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3722. [PMID: 33580121 PMCID: PMC7881161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81192-w] [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: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of many pathogens varies in a predictable manner with latitude, with infections decreasing from the equator towards the poles. We investigated the geographic trends of pathogens infecting a widely distributed carnivore: the gray wolf (Canis lupus). Specifically, we investigated which variables best explain and predict geographic trends in seroprevalence across North American wolf populations and the implications of the underlying mechanisms. We compiled a large serological dataset of nearly 2000 wolves from 17 study areas, spanning 80° longitude and 50° latitude. Generalized linear mixed models were constructed to predict the probability of seropositivity of four important pathogens: canine adenovirus, herpesvirus, parvovirus, and distemper virus-and two parasites: Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. Canine adenovirus and herpesvirus were the most widely distributed pathogens, whereas N. caninum was relatively uncommon. Canine parvovirus and distemper had high annual variation, with western populations experiencing more frequent outbreaks than eastern populations. Seroprevalence of all infections increased as wolves aged, and denser wolf populations had a greater risk of exposure. Probability of exposure was positively correlated with human density, suggesting that dogs and synanthropic animals may be important pathogen reservoirs. Pathogen exposure did not appear to follow a latitudinal gradient, with the exception of N. caninum. Instead, clustered study areas were more similar: wolves from the Great Lakes region had lower odds of exposure to the viruses, but higher odds of exposure to N. caninum and T. gondii; the opposite was true for wolves from the central Rocky Mountains. Overall, mechanistic predictors were more informative of seroprevalence trends than latitude and longitude. Individual host characteristics as well as inherent features of ecosystems determined pathogen exposure risk on a large scale. This work emphasizes the importance of biogeographic wildlife surveillance, and we expound upon avenues of future research of cross-species transmission, spillover, and spatial variation in pathogen infection.
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Balčiauskas L, Balčiauskienė L, Litvaitis JA, Tijušas E. Adaptive monitoring: using citizen scientists to track wolf populations when winter-track counts become unreliable. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextIn many countries, annual wolf surveys based on snow-track counts have become unreliable because of inconsistent snow coverage. We considered incidental observations by volunteers throughout the year as an alternative monitoring protocol.
AimsWe recruited interested citizens throughout Lithuania, including hunters, foresters and farmers, to estimate wolf distribution, abundance, pack numbers and group size from 2015 to 2018.
MethodsObservation-based records of wolves were collected using simple questionnaires that included time, location and method of observation (e.g. track, scat, vocalisation or prey-kill remains). We summarised 979 reports of 1938 observed wolves.
Key resultsVolunteer reports suggested an increase in wolf distribution and abundance from 2015 to 2018. The observed number of wolf packs was estimated to be at least 100 by 2018, pack size increased to 3.6, and the share of single wolves decreased from 56% in 2015 to 40% in 2018.
ConclusionsWe found that volunteer observations can provide useful information on wolf distribution, pack size and pack numbers. Our results support previous reports of expanding wolf populations in the Baltic region.
ImplicationsResults of our citizen-science effort by Nature Research Centre and Lithuanian Hunters and Fishers Association have been accepted by the Ministry of Environment as a complement to other surveys in Lithuania and should aid in developing an informed wolf-management policy.
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Neufeld BT, Superbie C, Greuel RJ, Perry T, Tomchuk PA, Fortin D, McLoughlin PD. Disturbance‐Mediated Apparent Competition Decouples in a Northern Boreal Caribou Range. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Branden T. Neufeld
- Department of Biology University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2 Canada
| | - Clara Superbie
- Department of Biology University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2 Canada
| | - Ruth J. Greuel
- Department of Biology University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2 Canada
| | - Thomas Perry
- Department of Biology University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2 Canada
| | - Patricia A. Tomchuk
- Department of Biology University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2 Canada
| | - Daniel Fortin
- Département de biologie Université Laval Québec, QC G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - Philip D. McLoughlin
- Department of Biology University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2 Canada
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Nieder A. The Adaptive Value of Numerical Competence. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:605-617. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Gable TD, Windels SK, Romanski MC, Rosell F. The forgotten prey of an iconic predator: a review of interactions between grey wolvesCanis lupusand beaversCastorspp. Mamm Rev 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D. Gable
- University of Minnesota; 2003 Upper Buford Circle St Paul MN 55108 USA
| | - Steve K. Windels
- Voyageurs National Park; 360 Highway 11 E International Falls MN 56649 USA
| | - Mark C. Romanski
- Isle Royale National Park; 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton MI 49931 USA
| | - Frank Rosell
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health; University College of Southeast Norway; Bø i Telemark Norway
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Benson JF, Loveless KM, Rutledge LY, Patterson BR. Ungulate predation and ecological roles of wolves and coyotes in eastern North America. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 27:718-733. [PMID: 28064464 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the ecological roles of species that influence ecosystem processes is a central goal of ecology and conservation biology. Eastern coyotes (Canis latrans) have ascended to the role of apex predator across much of eastern North America since the extirpation of wolves (Canis spp.) and there has been considerable confusion regarding their ability to prey on ungulates and their ecological niche relative to wolves. Eastern wolves (C. lycaon) are thought to have been the historical top predator in eastern deciduous forests and have previously been characterized as deer specialists that are inefficient predators of moose because of their smaller size relative to gray wolves (C. lupus). We investigated intrinsic and extrinsic influences on per capita kill rates of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and moose (Alces alces) during winter by sympatric packs of eastern coyotes, eastern wolves, and admixed canids in Ontario, Canada to clarify the predatory ability and ecological roles of the different canid top predators of eastern North America. Eastern coyote ancestry within packs negatively influenced per capita total ungulate (deer and moose combined) and moose kill rates. Furthermore, canids in packs dominated by eastern coyote ancestry consumed significantly less ungulate biomass and more anthropogenic food than packs dominated by wolf ancestry. Similar to gray wolves in previous studies, eastern wolves preyed on deer where they were available. However, in areas were deer were scarce, eastern wolves killed moose at rates similar to those previously documented for gray wolves at comparable moose densities across North America. Eastern coyotes are effective deer predators, but their dietary flexibility and low kill rates on moose suggest they have not replaced the ecological role of wolves in eastern North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Benson
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Karen M Loveless
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Linda Y Rutledge
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
| | - Brent R Patterson
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
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