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Calhoun KL, Connor T, Gaynor KM, Van Scoyoc A, McInturff A, Kreling SES, Brashares JS. Movement behavior in a dominant ungulate underlies successful adjustment to a rapidly changing landscape following megafire. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2024; 12:53. [PMID: 39085926 PMCID: PMC11293098 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-024-00488-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Movement plays a key role in allowing animal species to adapt to sudden environmental shifts. Anthropogenic climate and land use change have accelerated the frequency of some of these extreme disturbances, including megafire. These megafires dramatically alter ecosystems and challenge the capacity of several species to adjust to a rapidly changing landscape. Ungulates and their movement behaviors play a central role in the ecosystem functions of fire-prone ecosystems around the world. Previous work has shown behavioral plasticity is an important mechanism underlying whether large ungulates are able to adjust to recent changes in their environments effectively. Ungulates may respond to the immediate effects of megafire by adjusting their movement and behavior, but how these responses persist or change over time following disturbance is poorly understood. METHODS We examined how an ecologically dominant ungulate with strong site fidelity, Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), adjusted its movement and behavior in response to an altered landscape following a megafire. To do so, we collected GPS data from 21 individual female deer over the course of a year to compare changes in home range size over time and used resource selection functions (RSFs) and hidden Markov movement models (HMMs) to assess changes in behavior and habitat selection. RESULTS We found compelling evidence of adaptive capacity across individual deer in response to megafire. Deer avoided exposed and severely burned areas that lack forage and could be riskier for predation immediately following megafire, but they later altered these behaviors to select areas that burned at higher severities, potentially to take advantage of enhanced forage. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that despite their high site fidelity, deer can navigate altered landscapes to track rapid shifts in encounter risk with predators and resource availability. This successful adjustment of movement and behavior following extreme disturbance could help facilitate resilience at broader ecological scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall L Calhoun
- Department of Environmental, Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, 137 Mulford #3114, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- , 210 Wellman Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Thomas Connor
- Department of Environmental, Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, 137 Mulford #3114, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M Gaynor
- Departments of Zoology & Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Amy Van Scoyoc
- Department of Environmental, Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, 137 Mulford #3114, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Alex McInturff
- Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, U.S. Geological Survey, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samantha E S Kreling
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, University of Washington, Anderson Hall, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Justin S Brashares
- Department of Environmental, Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, 137 Mulford #3114, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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Sergeyev M, Holbrook JD, Lombardi JV, Tewes ME, Campbell TA. Behaviorally mediated coexistence of ocelots, bobcats and coyotes using hidden Markov models. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maksim Sergeyev
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Inst., Texas A&M Univ. Kingsville Kingsville TX USA
| | - Joseph D. Holbrook
- Haub School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Univ. of Wyoming Laramie WY USA
| | - Jason V. Lombardi
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Inst., Texas A&M Univ. Kingsville Kingsville TX USA
| | - Michael E. Tewes
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Inst., Texas A&M Univ. Kingsville Kingsville TX USA
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Gámez S, Harris NC. Conceptualizing the 3D niche and vertical space use. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:953-962. [PMID: 35872027 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Spatial partitioning in ecological communities has predominantly been described in two dimensions, yet habitat is complex and 3D. Complex space use mediates community structure and interaction strength by expanding spatial, temporal, and dietary dimensions. Vertical stratification of resources provides opportunities for novel specializations, creating a 3D niche. Competition and predation are mediated by 3D space use, as individuals use the vertical axis to access prey, flee predators, or avoid competitors. The 3D niche is important for long-term conservation strategies as species must navigate tradeoffs in habitat use between strata-specific threats and suboptimal habitat patches. Ultimately, elucidating the 3D niche has implications for protected area management and corridor design that directly influence species persistence and ecosystem function in a rapidly changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siria Gámez
- Applied Wildlife Ecology Lab, Yale School of the Environment, Yale University 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Nyeema C Harris
- Applied Wildlife Ecology Lab, Yale School of the Environment, Yale University 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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Ferreira EM, Valerio F, Medinas D, Fernandes N, Craveiro J, Costa P, Silva JP, Carrapato C, Mira A, Santos SM. Assessing behaviour states of a forest carnivore in a road-dominated landscape using Hidden Markov Models. NATURE CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.47.72781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic infrastructures and land-use changes are major threats to animal movements across heterogeneous landscapes. Yet, the behavioural consequences of such constraints remain poorly understood. We investigated the relationship between the behaviour of the Common genet (Genetta genetta) and road proximity, within a dominant mixed forest-agricultural landscape in southern Portugal, fragmented by roads. Specifically, we aimed to: (i) identify and characterise the behavioural states displayed by genets and related movement patterns; and (ii) understand how behavioural states are influenced by proximity to main paved roads and landscape features. We used a multivariate Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to characterise the fine-scale movements (10-min fixes GPS) of seven genets tracked during 187 nights (mean 27 days per individual) during the period 2016–2019, using distance to major paved roads and landscape features as predictors. Our findings indicated that genet’s movement patterns were composed of three basic behavioural states, classified as “resting” (short step-lengths [mean = 10.6 m] and highly tortuous), “foraging” (intermediate step-lengths [mean = 46.1 m] and with a wide range in turning angle) and “travelling” (longer step-lengths [mean = 113.7 m] and mainly linear movements). Within the genet’s main activity-period (17.00 h-08.00 h), the movement model predicts that genets spend 36.7% of their time travelling, 35.4% foraging and 28.0% resting. The probability of genets displaying the travelling state was highest in areas far away from roads (> 500 m), whereas foraging and resting states were more likely in areas relatively close to roads (up to 500 m). Landscape features also had a pronounced effect on behaviour state occurrence. More specifically, travelling was most likely to occur in areas with lower forest edge density and close to riparian habitats, while foraging was more likely to occur in areas with higher forest edge density and far away from riparian habitats. The results suggest that, although roads represent a behavioural barrier to the movement of genets, they also take advantage of road proximity as foraging areas. Our study demonstrates that the HMM approach is useful for disentangling movement behaviour and understanding how animals respond to roadsides and fragmented habitats. We emphasise that road-engaged stakeholders need to consider movement behaviour of genets when targeting management practices to maximise road permeability for wildlife.
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Rouse S, Behnoud P, Hobeali K, Moghadas P, Salahshour Z, Eslahi H, Ommatmohammadi M, Khani A, Shabani A, Macdonald DW, Farhadinia MS. Intraspecific interactions in a high-density leopard population. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:16572-16584. [PMID: 34938458 PMCID: PMC8668769 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8227] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Although less studied than interspecific interactions, interactions among members of the same species can influence space use and temporal activity. Using techniques commonly applied to the analysis of interspecific interactions-multispecies occupancy modeling and the analysis of temporal activity patterns-we studied intraspecific interactions within a high-density population of Persian leopards (Panthera pardus saxicolor) in Tandoureh National Park, northeastern Iran. Using camera-trap data, we investigated spatiotemporal interactions between male leopards, lone female leopards, and families (cubs/females with cubs). While we hypothesized that male and female leopards would display different temporal activity patterns, we did not predict spatial avoidance between these groups. We also predicted that leopard families would exhibit spatiotemporal avoidance from male leopards due to the risk of infanticide. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find any evidence for spatial or temporal avoidance between leopard families and adult male leopards. Male and lone female leopards exhibited positive pairwise co-occurrence, consistent with reports of high overlap between male and female leopard home ranges. While a high level of overlap in temporal activity patterns was found between males/lone females and males/families, there was evidence for variation in the proportion of time each leopard group was active in particular periods of the diel cycle. Male leopards showed cathemeral activity, while lone females and families were more active during daylight hours. The application of these techniques to interactions within a species has improved understanding of the ecology and behavior of this endangered solitary carnivore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rouse
- School of Geography and the EnvironmentUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | | | | | | | - Hossein Eslahi
- Khorasan Razavi Provincial Office of Department of the EnvironmentMashhadIran
| | | | - Ali Khani
- Khorasan Razavi Provincial Office of Department of the EnvironmentMashhadIran
| | - Abolfazl Shabani
- Khorasan Razavi Provincial Office of Department of the EnvironmentMashhadIran
| | | | - Mohammad S. Farhadinia
- Future4Leopards FoundationTehranIran
- Oxford Martin School and Department of ZoologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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Clermont J, Woodward-Gagné S, Berteaux D. Digging into the behaviour of an active hunting predator: arctic fox prey caching events revealed by accelerometry. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2021; 9:58. [PMID: 34838144 PMCID: PMC8626921 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-021-00295-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biologging now allows detailed recording of animal movement, thus informing behavioural ecology in ways unthinkable just a few years ago. In particular, combining GPS and accelerometry allows spatially explicit tracking of various behaviours, including predation events in large terrestrial mammalian predators. Specifically, identification of location clusters resulting from prey handling allows efficient location of killing events. For small predators with short prey handling times, however, identifying predation events through technology remains unresolved. We propose that a promising avenue emerges when specific foraging behaviours generate diagnostic acceleration patterns. One such example is the caching behaviour of the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), an active hunting predator strongly relying on food storage when living in proximity to bird colonies. METHODS We equipped 16 Arctic foxes from Bylot Island (Nunavut, Canada) with GPS and accelerometers, yielding 23 fox-summers of movement data. Accelerometers recorded tri-axial acceleration at 50 Hz while we obtained a sample of simultaneous video recordings of fox behaviour. Multiple supervised machine learning algorithms were tested to classify accelerometry data into 4 behaviours: motionless, running, walking and digging, the latter being associated with food caching. Finally, we assessed the spatio-temporal concordance of fox digging and greater snow goose (Anser caerulescens antlanticus) nesting, to test the ecological relevance of our behavioural classification in a well-known study system dominated by top-down trophic interactions. RESULTS The random forest model yielded the best behavioural classification, with accuracies for each behaviour over 96%. Overall, arctic foxes spent 49% of the time motionless, 34% running, 9% walking, and 8% digging. The probability of digging increased with goose nest density and this result held during both goose egg incubation and brooding periods. CONCLUSIONS Accelerometry combined with GPS allowed us to track across space and time a critical foraging behaviour from a small active hunting predator, informing on spatio-temporal distribution of predation risk in an Arctic vertebrate community. Our study opens new possibilities for assessing the foraging behaviour of terrestrial predators, a key step to disentangle the subtle mechanisms structuring many predator-prey interactions and trophic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Clermont
- Canada Research Chair On Northern Biodiversity, Université du Québec À Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada.
- Center for Northern Studies, Quebec, Canada.
- Quebec Center for Biodiversity Science, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Sasha Woodward-Gagné
- Canada Research Chair On Northern Biodiversity, Université du Québec À Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada
| | - Dominique Berteaux
- Canada Research Chair On Northern Biodiversity, Université du Québec À Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada.
- Center for Northern Studies, Quebec, Canada.
- Quebec Center for Biodiversity Science, Montreal, Canada.
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Tarugara A, Clegg BW, Gandiwa E, Muposhi VK. The effect of competing carnivores on the feeding behaviour of leopards ( Panthera pardus) in an African savanna. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7743-7753. [PMID: 34188848 PMCID: PMC8216938 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of competition dynamics among Africa's large carnivores is important for conservation. However, investigating carnivore behaviour in the field can be challenging especially for species that are difficult to access. Methods that enable remote collection of data provide a means of recording natural behaviour and are therefore useful for studying elusive species such as leopards (Panthera pardus). Camera traps and Global Positioning System (GPS) collars are powerful tools often used independently to study animal behaviour but where their data are combined, the interpretation of a species' behaviours is improved. In this study we used data from baited camera trap stations to investigate the feeding habits of leopards at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe. We investigated the influence of spotted hyenas, lions and other competing leopards on the feeding duration of leopards using Generalized Linear Mixed Effects Modelling. To test the influence of competing predators on resting distances from bait sites, eight leopards were fitted with GPS collars. Results showed that leopards spent the shortest time feeding on the baits in the presence of competing male leopards compared to other predators while lion presence caused animals to rest farthest from bait sites. Interaction analysis indicated that small-bodied leopards spent significantly shorter durations feeding when spotted hyenas were present. Our findings demonstrate that competition from guild carnivores has negative impacts on the food intake of leopards, which may have implications for fitness and survival. This study provides a snapshot of the competition dynamics at bait sites which may give insight to ecosystem level interactions among large carnivores in savanna ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Tarugara
- Malilangwe Wildlife ReserveChiredziZimbabwe
- School of Wildlife, Ecology and ConservationChinhoyi University of TechnologyChinhoyiZimbabwe
| | | | - Edson Gandiwa
- School of Wildlife, Ecology and ConservationChinhoyi University of TechnologyChinhoyiZimbabwe
| | - Victor K. Muposhi
- School of Wildlife, Ecology and ConservationChinhoyi University of TechnologyChinhoyiZimbabwe
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Goodbody TR, Coops NC, Srivastava V, Parsons B, Kearney SP, Rickbeil GJ, Stenhouse GB. Mapping recreation and tourism use across grizzly bear recovery areas using social network data and maximum entropy modelling. Ecol Modell 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Ylitalo A, Heikkinen J, Kojola I. Analysis of central place foraging behaviour of wolves using hidden Markov models. Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Juha Heikkinen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) Helsinki Finland
| | - Ilpo Kojola
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) Rovaniemi Finland
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