1
|
Truax J, Vonk J, Meri E, Troxell-Smith SM. Aquarium Visitors Catch Some Rays: Rays Are More Active in the Presence of More Visitors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3526. [PMID: 38003144 PMCID: PMC10668762 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223526] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are a constant in the lives of captive animals, but the effects of human-animal interactions vary. Research on the welfare impacts of human-animal interactions focus predominantly on mammals, whereas fish have been overlooked. To address this lack of research, we assessed the impacts of aquarium visitors on the behaviors of ten members of four elasmobranch species: an Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina), four southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus), two blue-spotted maskrays (Neotrygon kuhlii), and three fiddler rays (Trygonorrhina dumerilii). The rays engaged in a significantly higher proportion of active behaviors and a lower proportion of inactive behaviors when visitor density levels were high; however, there were no significant changes for negative or social behaviors. Individual analyses indicated that all three fiddler rays and one of the southern stingrays' active behaviors differed across visitor density levels, whereas there was no association between active behavior and visitor density levels for the other rays. Further research is needed to determine whether this pattern is an adaptive or maladaptive response to visitors, but this research provides much needed initial data on activity budgets within elasmobranch species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn Truax
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (J.T.); (J.V.)
| | - Jennifer Vonk
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (J.T.); (J.V.)
| | - Eness Meri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA;
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vedel G, de la Peña E, Moreno-Rojas JM, Gómez JCM, Carranza J. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values in hair reveal management differences and hidden practices in wild boar populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 823:154071. [PMID: 35219677 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154071] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of stable isotopes in different tissues has been widely used to obtain information on the ecology and nutritional patterns of wildlife. The isotope ratios of the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) analysed in different tissues are directly related to the animal's diet and, to some extent, to the environment where the individual has growth. Specifically, this type of analysis in hair samples has become relevant as it provides information on the quality and long-term composition of the diet that produced the isotope accumulation during the tissue growth. We took samples of wild boar (Sus scrofa) hair from 7 different populations in the south-west of Spain (Mediterranean habitats), in the 2018/2019 hunting season. The main objectives of this study were (i) to investigate the use of hair stable isotopes to reveal differences in composition and quality of the diet of wild boar within the same population or between populations, and (ii) to use hair isotopes as a tool to uncover hidden management practices that may occur in hunting areas associated with the use of supplementary feeding or even captive breeding and release. Each animal had a hair (long 10 cm) analysed in duplicate, previously cut into parts of equal size (from the oldest part of the hair to the most recent part), that were analysed separately. We found differences in δ13C and δ 15N between hair parts and populations, which can be related to management actions at different times during the hair growth. Moreover, the use of corn, a type of plant not occurring naturally in the study area, can be documented with the isotope analysis to prove unauthorized supplementary feeding or captive origin of wild boar in hunting areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vedel
- Wildlife Research Unit (UiRCP), University of Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Eva de la Peña
- Wildlife Research Unit (UiRCP), University of Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Manuel Moreno-Rojas
- Department of Food Science and Health, Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), Spain, Alameda del Obispo, Avda. Menéndez Pidal, s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Carlos Montenegro Gómez
- Department of Food Science and Health, Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), Spain, Alameda del Obispo, Avda. Menéndez Pidal, s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Carranza
- Wildlife Research Unit (UiRCP), University of Córdoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shark habituation to a food-related olfactory cue. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
4
|
Jones‐Todd CM, Pirotta E, Durban JW, Claridge DE, Baird RW, Falcone EA, Schorr GS, Watwood S, Thomas L. Discrete-space continuous-time models of marine mammal exposure to Navy sonar. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e02475. [PMID: 34653299 PMCID: PMC9786920 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the patterns of wildlife attendance to specific areas is relevant across many fundamental and applied ecological studies, particularly when animals are at risk of being exposed to stressors within or outside the boundaries of those areas. Marine mammals are increasingly being exposed to human activities that may cause behavioral and physiological changes, including military exercises using active sonars. Assessment of the population-level consequences of anthropogenic disturbance requires robust and efficient tools to quantify the levels of aggregate exposure for individuals in a population over biologically relevant time frames. We propose a discrete-space, continuous-time approach to estimate individual transition rates across the boundaries of an area of interest, informed by telemetry data collected with uncertainty. The approach allows inferring the effect of stressors on transition rates, the progressive return to baseline movement patterns, and any difference among individuals. We apply the modeling framework to telemetry data from Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) tagged in the Bahamas at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), an area used by the U.S. Navy for fleet readiness training. We show that transition rates changed as a result of exposure to sonar exercises in the area, reflecting an avoidance response. Our approach supports the assessment of the aggregate exposure of individuals to sonar and the resulting population-level consequences. The approach has potential applications across many applied and fundamental problems where telemetry data are used to characterize animal occurrence within specific areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrico Pirotta
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsWashington State University14204 NE Salmon Creek AvenueVancouverWashington98686USA
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkNorth MallDistillery FieldsCorkT23 N73KIreland
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingThe ObservatoryUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsKY16 9LZUK
| | - John W. Durban
- Southall Environmental Associates Inc.9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8AptosCalifornia95003USA
| | - Diane E. Claridge
- Bahamas Marine Mammal Research OrganizationMarsh HarbourAbacoBahamas
| | - Robin W. Baird
- Cascadia Research Collective218 ½ W. 4th AvenueOlympiaWashington98501USA
| | - Erin A. Falcone
- Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research2420 Nellita Road NWSeabeckWashington98380USA
| | - Gregory S. Schorr
- Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research2420 Nellita Road NWSeabeckWashington98380USA
| | - Stephanie Watwood
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center DivisionCode 70TNewportRhode Island02841USA
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingThe ObservatoryUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsKY16 9LZUK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Séguigne C, Mourier J, Vignaud T, Buray N, Clua É. Effects of a COVID-19 lockdown-induced pause and resumption of artificial provisioning on blacktip reef sharks ( Carcharhinus melanopterus) and pink whiprays ( Pateobatis fai) in French Polynesia (East-Pacific). Ethology 2021; 128:119-130. [PMID: 34898773 PMCID: PMC8652997 DOI: 10.1111/eth.13246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The tourism activities linked to artificial provisioning of blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and pink whiprays (Pateobatis fai) on a specific site in French Polynesia were suddenly and completely stopped due to a COVID‐19 lockdown that lasted 6 weeks from March 20 until April 30, 2020. Using both drone footage and underwater counting, we were able to track the abundance of those two species before, during, and after reopening and thus investigate the impact of provisioning on wild shark populations. The absence of any stimulus during this long period resulted in almost total desertion of the site by the elasmobranchs. However, 1 day prior to reopening, some individuals of both species positively reacted to the single acoustic stimulus of an engine boat, showing the resilience of conditioning, and some elasmobranchs reacted to acoustic and olfactive stimuli linked to the provisioning practice from the first day after reopening. During the first 2 weeks after reopening, the abundance of both species remained at reduced levels comparable to those observed between 2008 and 2010 for sharks; i.e., around 9 animals in the presence of local tourists. Pre‐lockdown abundance levels, reaching approximatively 15 individuals for sharks and 10 for rays, were considered restored 1 and 2 months after reopening for blacktip reef sharks and pink whiprays, respectively. These findings improve our capacity to better understand the potential effects of artificial provisioning tourism on the abundance of elasmobranchs by showing that conditioning is resilient for several weeks, suggesting that intermittent interruption of elasmobranchs feeding would not really help to decrease its impact on animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Séguigne
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013 Papetoai French Polynesia.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL" Moorea French Polynesia
| | - Johann Mourier
- Observatoire des Requins de Polynésie Temae French Polynesia.,Université de Corte Pasquale Paoli UMS 3514 Plateforme Marine Stella Mare Biguglia France
| | - Thomas Vignaud
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013 Papetoai French Polynesia.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL" Moorea French Polynesia
| | - Nicolas Buray
- Observatoire des Requins de Polynésie Temae French Polynesia
| | - Éric Clua
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013 Papetoai French Polynesia.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL" Moorea French Polynesia.,Observatoire des Requins de Polynésie Temae French Polynesia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Heinrich D, Dhellemmes F, Guttridge TL, Smukall M, Brown C, Rummer J, Gruber S, Huveneers C. Short-term impacts of daily feeding on the residency, distribution and energy expenditure of sharks. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
7
|
Smulders FOH, O’Shea OR, Christianen MJA. Animal-borne video reveals atypical behaviour in provisioned green turtles: A global perspective of a widespread tourist activity. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
|
8
|
Seasonal patterns in stable isotope and fatty acid profiles of southern stingrays (Hypanus americana) at Stingray City Sandbar, Grand Cayman. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19753. [PMID: 33184444 PMCID: PMC7661509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76858-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecotourism opportunities in the marine environment often rely heavily on provisioning to ensure the viewing of cryptic species by the public. However, intentional feeding of wildlife can impact numerous aspects of an animals’ behavior and ecology. Southern stingrays (Hypanus americana) provisioned at Stingray City Sandbar (SCS) in Grand Cayman have altered diel activity patterns and decreased measures of health. This study looked at seasonal changes in stable isotope (SI) and fatty acid (FA) profiles of provisioned stingrays at SCS. Plasma δ15N was higher in male stingrays (11.86 ± 1.71‰) compared to females (10.70 ± 1.71‰). Lower values for δ15N in males and females were measured in October during low tourist season, suggesting stingrays may be forced to rely on native prey items to supplement the decreased amount of provisioned squid available during this time. Plasma FA profiles were significantly different between sexes and across sampling time points, with FAs 22:6n3, 16:0, 20:5n3, 18:1n3C, 18:0 and 18:1n9T contributing to dissimilarity scores between groups. Dietary FAs primarily contributed to differences between males and females lending further evidence to differences in foraging patterns at SCS, likely due to intraspecific competition. Further, canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP) analysis of FA profiles suggest similar diets during peak tourist season and differences in diet between males and females during the low season. This study demonstrates alterations in feeding ecology in stingrays at SCS which is of critical importance for effective management of the SCS aggregation.
Collapse
|
9
|
Changes in diving behaviour and habitat use of provisioned whale sharks: implications for management. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16951. [PMID: 33046780 PMCID: PMC7550605 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73416-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) tourism is increasingly popular at predictable aggregations around the world, but only a few use provisioning to ensure close interactions. Understanding the effects of provisioning on the behaviour of this endangered species is critical to manage this growing industry. We recorded the diving behaviour and habitat use of juvenile whale sharks (n = 4) for a mean of 49.5 provisioned and 33.8 non-provisioned days using temperature-depth-recorders. We found that time spent at the surface (< 2 m) between 6 am and 1 pm increased ~ sixfold, while timing of deep dives shifted from 4–10 am to 10 am–2 pm, i.e. near or at the end of the provisioning activities. The shift might be related to a need to thermoregulate following a prolonged period of time in warmer water. These changes could have fitness implications for individuals frequently visiting the provisioning site. Based on recorded amount of time spent in warm waters and published Q10 values for ectotherms, we estimate a 7.2 ± 3.7% (range 1.3–17.8%) higher metabolic rate when sharks frequent the provisioning site. The observed behavioural, habitat use, and potential fitness shifts should be considered when developing guidelines for sustainable tourism, particularly in light of new provisioning sites developing elsewhere.
Collapse
|
10
|
Aberle M, Langwig K, Adelman J, Hawley D. Effects of bird feeder density on the foraging behaviors of a backyard songbird (the House Finch, Haemorhous mexicanus) subject to seasonal disease outbreaks. CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Provisioning of wildlife, such as backyard bird feeding, can alter animal behavior and ecology in diverse ways. For species that are highly dependent on supplemental resources, it is critical to understand how variation in the degree of provisioning, as occurs naturally across backyards, alters wildlife behavior and ecology in ways potentially relevant to disease spread. We experimentally manipulated feeder density at suburban sites and tracked local abundance, foraging behaviors, body mass, and movement in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus (P.L. Statius Müller, 1776)), the primary host of a pathogen commonly spread at feeders. Sites with high feeder density harbored higher local House Finch abundance, and birds at these sites had longer feeding bouts and total time on feeders relative to sites with low feeder density. House Finches at high-density feeder sites had lower residual body mass despite greater apparent feeder access. Finally, birds first recorded at low-density feeder sites were more likely to move to neighboring high-density feeder sites than vice versa. Because local abundance and time spent on feeders have both been linked with disease risk in this species, the effects of heterogeneity in bird feeder density on these traits may have important consequences for disease dynamics in this system and more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M.A. Aberle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - K.E. Langwig
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - J.S. Adelman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - D.M. Hawley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mourier J, Claudet J, Planes S. Human‐induced shifts in habitat use and behaviour of a marine predator: the effects of bait provisioning in the blacktip reef shark. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Mourier
- PSL Université ParisEPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
- MARBECUniv MontpellierCNRSIFREMERIRD Sète France
| | - J. Claudet
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
- National Center for Scientific ResearchPSL Université ParisEPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE Paris France
| | - S. Planes
- PSL Université ParisEPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Heinrich DDU, Vila Pouca C, Brown C, Huveneers C. Effects of reward magnitude and training frequency on the learning rates and memory retention of the Port Jackson shark Heterodontus portusjacksoni. Anim Cogn 2020; 23:939-949. [PMID: 32524291 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of adaptive responses to novel situations via learning has been demonstrated in a wide variety of animal taxa. However, knowledge on the learning abilities of one of the oldest extant vertebrate groups, Chondrichthyes, remains limited. With the increasing interest in global wildlife tourism and shark feeding operations, it is important to understand the capacities of these animals to form associations between human activities and food. We used an operant conditioning regime with a simple spatial cognitive task to investigate the effects of reinforcement frequency and reward magnitude on the learning performance and memory retention of Port Jackson sharks (Heterodontus portusjacksoni). Twenty-four Port Jackson sharks were assigned one of four treatments differing in reward magnitude and reinforcement frequency (large magnitude-high frequency; large magnitude-low frequency; small magnitude-high frequency; small magnitude-low frequency). The sharks were trained over a 21-day period to compare the number of days that it took to learn to pass an assigned door to feed. Sharks trained at a high reinforcement frequency demonstrated faster learning rates and a higher number of passes through the correct door at the end of the trials, while reward magnitude had limited effects on learning rate. This suggests that a reduction in reinforcement frequency during tourism-related feeding operations is likely to be more effective in reducing the risk of sharks making associations with food than limiting the amount of food provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis D U Heinrich
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Catarina Vila Pouca
- Zoological Institute, Stockholm University, 10691, Stockholm, Sweden.,Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Culum Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Innovation Drive, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charlie Huveneers
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schwanck TN, Schweinsberg M, Lampert KP, Guttridge TL, Tollrian R, O'Shea O. Linking local movement and molecular analysis to explore philopatry and population connectivity of the southern stingray Hypanus americanus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 96:1475-1488. [PMID: 32191344 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Limited data pertaining to life history and population connectivity of the data-deficient southern stingray (Hypanus americanus) are available. To determine potential vulnerabilities of their populations, this study aimed to analyse their movement patterns and genetic variability. A population of southern stingrays encompassing nine sites around Cape Eleuthera, the Bahamas, has been monitored using mark-recapture, spanning a 2.5 year period. Out of 200 individual stingrays, more than a third were encountered again. The home range of the females appears to be restricted, which supports the notion of high site residency. As resident populations of stingrays could suffer from a lack of population connectivity and be predestined for genetic isolation and local extirpation, this study further investigated the genetic connectivity of four sample sites in the central and western Bahamas. A haplotype analysis from the mitochondrial D-loop region showed that no distinct population structure strictly correlated with the sample site. These findings were complemented by five microsatellite loci that revealed high degrees in genotypic variability and little population differentiation. The results suggest gene flow mediated by both males and females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja N Schwanck
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Maximilian Schweinsberg
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Kathrin P Lampert
- Institute for Zoology, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Tristan L Guttridge
- Bimini Biological Field Station Foundation, 15 Elizabeth Drive, South Bimini, The Bahamas
- Saving the Blue, Kendall, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ralph Tollrian
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Owen O'Shea
- The Centre for Ocean Research and Education, Gregory Town, Eleuthera, The Bahamas
- Shark Research and Conservation Program, Cape Eleuthera Institute, Eleuthera, The Bahamas
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mazzoldi C, Bearzi G, Brito C, Carvalho I, Desiderà E, Endrizzi L, Freitas L, Giacomello E, Giovos I, Guidetti P, Ressurreição A, Tull M, MacDiarmid A. From sea monsters to charismatic megafauna: Changes in perception and use of large marine animals. PLoS One 2020; 14:e0226810. [PMID: 31891944 PMCID: PMC6938407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine megafauna has always elicited contrasting feelings. In the past, large marine animals were often depicted as fantastic mythological creatures and dangerous monsters, while also arousing human curiosity. Marine megafauna has been a valuable resource to exploit, leading to the collapse of populations and local extinctions. In addition, some species have been perceived as competitors of fishers for marine resources and were often actively culled. Since the 1970s, there has been a change in the perception and use of megafauna. The growth of marine tourism, increasingly oriented towards the observation of wildlife, has driven a shift from extractive to non-extractive use, supporting the conservation of at least some species of marine megafauna. In this paper, we review and compare the changes in the perception and use of three megafaunal groups, cetaceans, elasmobranchs and groupers, with a special focus on European cultures. We highlight the main drivers and the timing of these changes, compare different taxonomic groups and species, and highlight the implications for management and conservation. One of the main drivers of the shift in perception, shared by all the three groups of megafauna, has been a general increase in curiosity towards wildlife, stimulated inter alia by documentaries (from the early 1970s onwards), and also promoted by easy access to scuba diving. At the same time, environmental campaigns have been developed to raise public awareness regarding marine wildlife, especially cetaceans, a process greatly facilitated by the rise of Internet and the World Wide Web. Currently, all the three groups (cetaceans, elasmobranchs and groupers) may represent valuable resources for ecotourism. Strikingly, the economic value of live specimens may exceed their value for human consumption. A further change in perception involving all the three groups is related to a growing understanding and appreciation of their key ecological role. The shift from extractive to non-extractive use has the potential for promoting species conservation and local economic growth. However, the change in use may not benefit the original stakeholders (e.g. fishers or whalers) and there may therefore be a case for providing compensation for disadvantaged stakeholders. Moreover, it is increasingly clear that even non-extractive use may have a negative impact on marine megafauna, therefore regulations are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Mazzoldi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- CoNISMa (Interuniversitary Consortium of Marine Sciences), Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Cristina Brito
- CHAM—Center for the Humanities, NOVA FCSH/Uaç, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associação para as Ciências do Mar, APCM, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Carvalho
- Associação para as Ciências do Mar, APCM, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, IGC, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Elena Desiderà
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - Lara Endrizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luis Freitas
- Museu da Baleia da Madeira, Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Eva Giacomello
- MARE–Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Horta, Portugal
- IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Horta, Portugal
- OKEANOS Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Greece
| | - Paolo Guidetti
- CoNISMa (Interuniversitary Consortium of Marine Sciences), Rome, Italy
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - Adriana Ressurreição
- MARE–Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Horta, Portugal
- OKEANOS Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
- CCMAR Centre of Marine Sciences, Faro, Portugal
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fondren A, Swierk L, Putman BJ. Clothing color mediates lizard responses to humans in a tropical forest. Biotropica 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Fondren
- College of Agriculture and Sciences Iowa State University Ames IA USA
| | - Lindsey Swierk
- Department of Biological Sciences Binghamton University State University of New York Binghamton NY USA
| | - Breanna J. Putman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Los Angeles CA USA
- Section of Herpetology and Urban Nature Research Center Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Los Angeles CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Back JP, Bicca-Marques JC. Supplemented howler monkeys eat less wild fruits, but do not change their activity budgets. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e23051. [PMID: 31520447 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Research on the influence of food supplementation on primate behavior has focused on terrestrial and semiterrestrial species. Its effects on highly arboreal species are poorly known. We assessed the influence of food supplementation on the feeding behavior and activity budget of four adult female and two adult male brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) belonging to two groups (JA and RO) that inhabited periurban forest fragments in southern Brazil. We used the "focal-animal" method during 6-8 full days per month from March to August 2017 (916 h of observation) to record the behavior of the study subjects. The feeding events of the focal individual were recorded using the "all occurrences" method. The supplementation was unevenly distributed during the day and accounted for 5-6% of all feeding events of male and female howlers, respectively. JA always received fruit in a platform, whereas RO had access to fruits and processed foods on roofs and directly from humans. The mean biomass of wild foods ingested by each adult per day was >300% higher than the ingested biomass of supplemented foods (females: 395 vs. 109 g/day; males: 377 vs. 120 g/day), but the ingestion rate of supplemented foods was ca. 400% higher than that of wild foods (females: 17 vs. 4 g/min; males: 19 vs. 5 g/min). The activity budgets of females and males were dominated by resting (66-72%) followed by feeding (18-14%), moving (12-11%), and socializing (2%). We found that food supplementation reduced the ingestion of wild fruits, but it did not affect the howlers' need to ingest a given amount of leaves per day and the time spent resting, feeding, moving, and socializing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janaína Paula Back
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Júlio César Bicca-Marques
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wen CKC, Chen KS, Tung WC, Chao A, Wang CW, Liu SL, Ho MJ. The influence of tourism-based provisioning on fish behavior and benthic composition. AMBIO 2019; 48:779-789. [PMID: 30390226 PMCID: PMC6509303 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1112-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Distribution of non-natural food (provisioning) to attract fish, though popular in coral reef tourism, has often been discouraged due to its assumed adverse effects on fish health and behavior. However, the effects of provisioning on community structure, anti-predator, and foraging behavior of teleost fishes, as well as their potential to indirectly affect benthic organisms, are not yet clear. Here, we compared fish composition, wariness, foraging behavior of herbivorous fishes, and the benthic cover between provisioned and control sites. We found significant differences in fish abundance, species number, and composition at some locations, but not all. Although most provisioned herbivorous fish did not reduce their biting rates of benthic algae, provisioned sites still had higher coverage of green macroalgae. Our results dispute widely held presumptions on the effects of tourism-based provisioning on the ecology and behavior of teleost fishes, as well as the benthic cover. These findings suggest that while regulation of provisioning is necessary to manage and mitigate any deleterious outcomes, when moderated and monitored, it could still provide an educationally beneficial tool for coral reef ecotourism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin K C Wen
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Center for Ecology and Environment, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Kao-Sung Chen
- Planning and Information Division, Fisheries Research Institute, COA, Keelung, Taiwan
- Institute of Fisheries Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Tung
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Anyo Chao
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wei Wang
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Lun Liu
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jay Ho
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Green Island Marine Station, Academia Sinica, Green Island, Taitung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Borowski Z, Bałazy R, Ciesielski M, Korzeniewski K. Does winter supplementary feeding affect deer damage in a forest ecosystem? A field test in areas with different levels of deer pressure. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:893-899. [PMID: 29956445 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5131] [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: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supplementary feeding is a widespread but controversial practice in game management. While many studies have been conducted on this issue, there is limited empirical evidence on how feeding affects damage caused by wildlife. In this context, the present study focused on the effect of artificial winter feeding on tree damage in three mountain regions in Poland. RESULTS The presence of additional winter food did not increase tree damage caused by deer in any region, as expected. Moreover, we observed that additional feeding mitigated forest damage in one region, where the highest level of deer impact had occurred. However, in this mountain region, the most important factor was elevation, which was used to classify additional feeding practice as efficient or inefficient. In the two other study regions, we did not observe any effect of supplementary feeding. CONCLUSIONS Additional winter supplementary feeding can reduce damage caused by deer in forest stands, but only in areas with high deer pressure. Moreover, feeders should be situated in locations > 600 m above sea level in our study area. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Borowski
- Department of Forest Ecology, Forest Research Institute, Sękocin Stary, Raszyn, Poland
| | - Radomir Bałazy
- Laboratory of Geomatics, Forest Research Institute, Sękocin Stary, Raszyn, Poland
| | - Mariusz Ciesielski
- Laboratory of Geomatics, Forest Research Institute, Sękocin Stary, Raszyn, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The existence of a synthetic program of research on what was then termed the "nocturnal problem" and that we might now call "nighttime ecology" was declared more than 70 years ago. In reality, this failed to materialize, arguably as a consequence of practical challenges in studying organisms at night and instead concentrating on the existence of circadian rhythms, the mechanisms that give rise to them, and their consequences. This legacy is evident to this day, with consideration of the ecology of the nighttime markedly underrepresented in ecological research and literature. However, several factors suggest that it would be timely to revive the vision of a comprehensive research program in nighttime ecology. These include (i) that the study of the ecology of the night is being revolutionized by new and improved technologies; (ii) suggestions that, far from being a minor component of biodiversity, a high proportion of animal species are active at night; (iii) that fundamental questions about differences and connections between the ecology of the daytime and the nighttime remain largely unanswered; and (iv) that the nighttime environment is coming under severe anthropogenic pressure. In this article, I seek to reestablish nighttime ecology as a synthetic program of research, highlighting key focal topics and questions and providing an overview of the current state of understanding and developments.
Collapse
|
20
|
Satterfield DA, Marra PP, Sillett TS, Altizer S. Responses of migratory species and their pathogens to supplemental feeding. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019. [PMID: 29531149 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory animals undergo seasonal and often spectacular movements and perform crucial ecosystem services. In response to anthropogenic changes, including food subsidies, some migratory animals are now migrating shorter distances or halting migration altogether and forming resident populations. Recent studies suggest that shifts in migratory behaviour can alter the risk of infection for wildlife. Although migration is commonly assumed to enhance pathogen spread, for many species, migration has the opposite effect of lowering infection risk, if animals escape from habitats where pathogen stages have accumulated or if strenuous journeys cull infected hosts. Here, we summarize responses of migratory species to supplemental feeding and review modelling and empirical work that provides support for mechanisms through which resource-induced changes in migration can alter pathogen transmission. In particular, we focus on the well-studied example of monarch butterflies and their protozoan parasites in North America. We also identify areas for future research, including combining new technologies for tracking animal movements with pathogen surveillance and exploring potential evolutionary responses of hosts and pathogens to changing movement patterns. Given that many migratory animals harbour pathogens of conservation concern and zoonotic potential, studies that document ongoing shifts in migratory behaviour and infection risk are vitally needed.This article is part of the theme issue 'Anthropogenic resource subsidies and host-parasite dynamics in wildlife'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dara A Satterfield
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter P Marra
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
| | - T Scott Sillett
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Becker DJ, Hall RJ, Forbes KM, Plowright RK, Altizer S. Anthropogenic resource subsidies and host-parasite dynamics in wildlife. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019. [PMID: 29531141 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Becker
- Odum School of Ecology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA .,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Richard J Hall
- Odum School of Ecology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Department of Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kristian M Forbes
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.,Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Raina K Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bojarska K, Drobniak S, Jakubiec Z, Zyśk-Gorczyńska E. Winter insomnia: How weather conditions and supplementary feeding affect the brown bear activity in a long-term study. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
|
23
|
Freitas RHA, Aguiar AA, Freitas AKCHA, Lima SMQ, Valentin JL. Unravelling the foraging behavior of the southern stingray, Hypanus americanus (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae) in a Southwestern Atlantic MPA. NEOTROPICAL ICHTHYOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-20180131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Previous study suggested that the southern stingray (Hypanus americanus) displays a marked ontogenetic shift in its habitat use in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FNA), an attractive touristic spot in Brazil, that could be associated with changes in its feeding habits and foraging strategies. Here, we conducted underwater visual surveys (~100 h a 3 years’ study) at this site to describe the foraging behavior of the same species in details and to assess diel patterns in activity. We observed that H. americanus is capable of several complex and highly plastic behaviors (we described more than 21 of them) while foraging. The foraging events’ timing appears to be related to the size (as well as sex) of the stingrays, environment and depth. In addition, our results support a segregation of habitat mediated by the size and sex of the stingrays, but it is able to modulate its foraging repertoire based mainly on environmental stimulus. Finally, we found that H. americanus forage intermittently throughout the day and tidal cycle, yet are less active during non-crepuscular periods and at flood and ebb tides. These results, coupled with the fact that the species uses both reef and beach environments, should be considered by decision makers in management plans.
Collapse
|
24
|
Is diversionary feeding a useful tool to avoid human-ungulate conflicts? A case study with the aoudad. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-018-1226-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
25
|
Paula YCD, Schiavetti A, Sampaio CLS, Calderon E. The effects of fish feeding by visitors on reef fish in a Marine Protected Area open to tourism. BIOTA NEOTROPICA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2017-0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract: Coral reef-based tourism has risen sharply across the globe, coupled with an increase in fish feeding by visitors. Studies indicate that fish feeding is one of the leading causes of changes in distribution patterns, abundance, the structure of marine fish communities, and fish behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of human presence and fish feeding on the behavior of reef fish by conducting in situ experiments in tide pools in a Marine Protected Area located at the northern limit of the Abrolhos Bank in the South Atlantic Ocean. Eight feeding sessions were conducted and filmed, resulting in a total of 160 minutes of video footage. Each filming session recorded four different experimental conditions alternating between human presence, human absence, and fish feeding. Our findings suggest that fish feeding may cause changes in fish behavior, such as habituation to human presence, conditioning to fish feeding, increased aggressiveness, attacks on humans, and short-term changes in species distribution. The continuation of fish feeding over time can cause an increase in the size of the populations of species that consume food provided during feeding and consequently trigger changes in the structure of communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emiliano Calderon
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Coral Vivo, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Huveneers C, Watanabe YY, Payne NL, Semmens JM. Interacting with wildlife tourism increases activity of white sharks. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy019. [PMID: 29780593 PMCID: PMC5912080 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities are dramatically changing marine ecosystems. Wildlife tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry and has the potential to modify the natural environment and behaviour of the species it targets. Here, we used a novel method to assess the effects of wildlife tourism on the activity of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). High frequency three-axis acceleration loggers were deployed on ten white sharks for a total of ~9 days. A combination of multivariate and univariate analysis revealed that the increased number of strong accelerations and vertical movements when sharks are interacting with cage-diving operators result in an overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) ~61% higher compared with other times when sharks are present in the area where cage-diving occurs. Since ODBA is considered a proxy of metabolic rate, interacting with cage-divers is probably more costly than are normal behaviours of white sharks at the Neptune Islands. However, the overall impact of cage-diving might be small if interactions with individual sharks are infrequent. This study suggests wildlife tourism changes the instantaneous activity levels of white sharks, and calls for an understanding of the frequency of shark-tourism interactions to appreciate the net impact of ecotourism on this species' fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Huveneers
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia 5165, Australia
| | - Yuuki Y Watanabe
- National Institute of Polar Research, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-8518, Japan
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-8518, Japan
| | - Nicholas L Payne
- National Institute of Polar Research, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-8518, Japan
- University of Roehampton, London SW154JD, UK
| | - Jayson M Semmens
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Reed JH, Bonter DN. Supplementing non-target taxa: bird feeding alters the local distribution of mammals. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 28:761-770. [PMID: 29509299 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Although the effects of bird feeding on avian species have been extensively examined, few studies evaluate the indirect effects of bird feeding on non-target taxa. Bird seed could provide direct nourishment to several mammalian species (e.g., Lagomorpha, Rodentia, and Cetartiodactyla), potentially altering their distribution and behavior with possible unintended consequences for some avian populations, particularly those not directly benefiting from the resource. To examine how bird feeders may influence the presence and behavior of mammals, we used camera traps to quantify differences in the distribution and richness of mammal species frequenting sites with bird feeders and control sites (lacking feeders) in Ithaca, New York, USA. We recorded 15,684 images capturing 12 mammal species with gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) detected significantly more often at feeder sites than at control sites. Detections of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) marginally increased near feeders whereas detections of several carnivorous species were unrelated to the presence of bird feeders. We recorded larger gray squirrel and raccoon group sizes and greater mammal richness at feeder sites than at nearby control sites. We detected squirrels and raccoons less when snow covered the ground than on snow-free days. Ambient temperature was not a strong predictor of mammal detections. Camera trapping revealed strong, species-specific patterns in the timing of daily visitation to areas with feeders. Because many mammals depredate bird nests, the local increases in mammal richness and activity near bird feeders may create an ecological trap for avian species nesting in close proximity to supplemental feeding stations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Hunter Reed
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Morrison Hall, 507 Tower Road, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - David N Bonter
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Becker DJ, Streicker DG, Altizer S, Derryberry E. Using host species traits to understand the consequences of resource provisioning for host-parasite interactions. J Anim Ecol 2018; 87:511-525. [PMID: 29023699 PMCID: PMC5836909 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental food provided to wildlife by human activities can be more abundant and predictable than natural resources, and subsequent changes in wildlife ecology can have profound impacts on host-parasite interactions. Identifying traits of species associated with increases or decreases in infection outcomes with resource provisioning could improve assessments of wildlife most prone to disease risks in changing environments. We conducted a phylogenetic meta-analysis of 342 host-parasite interactions across 56 wildlife species and three broad taxonomic groups of parasites to identify host-level traits that influence whether provisioning is associated with increases or decreases in infection. We predicted dietary generalists that capitalize on novel food would show greater infection in provisioned habitats owing to population growth and food-borne exposure to contaminants and parasite infectious stages. Similarly, species with fast life histories could experience stronger demographic and immunological benefits from provisioning that affect parasite transmission. We also predicted that wide-ranging and migratory behaviours could increase infection risks with provisioning if concentrated and non-seasonal foods promote dense aggregations that increase exposure to parasites. We found that provisioning increased infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa (i.e. microparasites) most for wide-ranging, dietary generalist host species. Effect sizes for ectoparasites were also highest for host species with large home ranges but were instead lowest for dietary generalists. In contrast, the type of provisioning was a stronger correlate of infection outcomes for helminths than host species traits. Our analysis highlights host traits related to movement and feeding behaviour as important determinants of whether species experience greater infection with supplemental feeding. These results could help prioritize monitoring wildlife with particular trait profiles in anthropogenic habitats to reduce infectious disease risks in provisioned populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Becker
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious DiseaseUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Daniel G. Streicker
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- MRC‐University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious DiseaseUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Déaux EC, Crowe T, Charrier I. Recreational fishing alters dingo foraging behavior on Fraser Island. J Wildl Manage 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eloïse C. Déaux
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSW2109Australia
| | - Trent Crowe
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSW2109Australia
| | - Isabelle Charrier
- Université Paris‐SaclayUniversité Paris‐Sud, CNRS, UMR 9197, Institut des Neurosciences Paris‐Saclay91405OrsayFrance
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rizzari JR, Semmens JM, Fox A, Huveneers C. Observations of marine wildlife tourism effects on a non-focal species. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2017; 91:981-988. [PMID: 28758213 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A radio-acoustic positioning system was used to assess the effects of shark cage-diving operators (SCDO) on the fine-scale movements of a non-focal species, the smooth stingray Bathytoshia brevicaudata. The results revealed that the time spent in the array was individually variable, but generally increased when SCDO were present and that the presence of SCDO may have the capacity to elicit changes in the space use of B. brevicaudata. These results indicate that the effects of marine wildlife tourism may extend beyond the focal species of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Rizzari
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - J M Semmens
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - A Fox
- Fox Shark Research Foundation, Adelaide, South Australia 5070, Australia
| | - C Huveneers
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Thomson JA, Araujo G, Labaja J, McCoy E, Murray R, Ponzo A. Feeding the world's largest fish: highly variable whale shark residency patterns at a provisioning site in the Philippines. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170394. [PMID: 28989750 PMCID: PMC5627090 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Provisioning wildlife for tourism is a controversial yet widespread practice. We analysed the residency patterns of juvenile whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Oslob, Philippines, where provisioning has facilitated a large shark-watching operation since 2011. We identified 208 individual sharks over three years, with an average of 18.6 (s.d. = 7.8, range = 6-43) individuals sighted per week. Weekly shark abundance varied seasonally and peak-season abundance (approx. May-November) increased across years. Whale sharks displayed diverse individual site visitation patterns ranging from a single visit to sporadic visits, seasonal residency and year-round residency. Nine individuals became year-round residents, which represents a clear response to provisioning. The timing of the seasonal peak at Oslob did not align with known non-provisioned seasonal aggregations elsewhere in the Philippines, which could suggest that seasonal residents at Oslob exploit this food source when prey availability at alternative sites is low. Since prolonged residency equates to less time foraging naturally, provisioning could influence foraging success, alter distributions and lead to dependency in later life stages. Such impacts must be carefully weighed against the benefits of provisioning (i.e. tourism revenue in a remote community) to facilitate informed management decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A. Thomson
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia
| | - Gonzalo Araujo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Jessica Labaja
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Emer McCoy
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Ryan Murray
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Alessandro Ponzo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Madliger CL, Cooke SJ, Crespi EJ, Funk JL, Hultine KR, Hunt KE, Rohr JR, Sinclair BJ, Suski CD, Willis CKR, Love OP. Success stories and emerging themes in conservation physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cov057. [PMID: 27382466 PMCID: PMC4922248 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The potential benefits of physiology for conservation are well established and include greater specificity of management techniques, determination of cause-effect relationships, increased sensitivity of health and disturbance monitoring and greater capacity for predicting future change. While descriptions of the specific avenues in which conservation and physiology can be integrated are readily available and important to the continuing expansion of the discipline of 'conservation physiology', to date there has been no assessment of how the field has specifically contributed to conservation success. However, the goal of conservation physiology is to foster conservation solutions and it is therefore important to assess whether physiological approaches contribute to downstream conservation outcomes and management decisions. Here, we present eight areas of conservation concern, ranging from chemical contamination to invasive species to ecotourism, where physiological approaches have led to beneficial changes in human behaviour, management or policy. We also discuss the shared characteristics of these successes, identifying emerging themes in the discipline. Specifically, we conclude that conservation physiology: (i) goes beyond documenting change to provide solutions; (ii) offers a diversity of physiological metrics beyond glucocorticoids (stress hormones); (iii) includes approaches that are transferable among species, locations and times; (iv) simultaneously allows for human use and benefits to wildlife; and (v) is characterized by successes that can be difficult to find in the primary literature. Overall, we submit that the field of conservation physiology has a strong foundation of achievements characterized by a diversity of conservation issues, taxa, physiological traits, ecosystem types and spatial scales. We hope that these concrete successes will encourage the continued evolution and use of physiological tools within conservation-based research and management plans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L. Madliger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4. Tel: +1 519 253 3000.
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Erica J. Crespi
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Funk
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Kevin R. Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| | - Kathleen E. Hunt
- John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory, Research Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Jason R. Rohr
- Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Brent J. Sinclair
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Cory D. Suski
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Craig K. R. Willis
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 2E9
| | - Oliver P. Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Burgin S, Hardiman N. Effects of non-consumptive wildlife-oriented tourism on marine species and prospects for their sustainable management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2015; 151:210-220. [PMID: 25576698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Marine non-consumptive wildlife-oriented tourism, whereby tourists observe and/or interact closely with animals, without purposely having a detrimental effect on them, has been growing globally in recent decades. Human-mediated feeding (provisioning) is widely used by tour operators to attract target species, facilitate viewing and interaction with tourists. Although potential effects of such provisioning on terrestrial fauna have been given moderate scientific research attention, equivalent research in the marine environment is limited. Effects of provisioning marine wildlife may include direct habituation, behavioural change, and/or dietary impacts among individuals and species. There may also be disruption to the species associated assemblage. It was found that the literature on the effects of non-consumptive wildlife tourism is fragmented and results from different areas and taxa are frequently contradictory. Most studies appeared to be of a few years duration, at most. This reflects the relative immaturity of the industry - many enterprises studied typically commenced within the 1990 s. Studies (other than fish) tended to focus on a focal species with few addressing the wider implications for the associated assemblage. Supplementary feeding may also have impacts on the health and wellbeing of provisioned animals. It is concluded that such nature tourism is often not benign - focal species and their assemblage are often disrupted. We conclude that funding to better understand the impacts and thus address them is imperative. To supplement funding for the research and monitoring required, an additional charge could incorporated into the fee charged to those engaging in marine wildlife tourism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelley Burgin
- Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University, Gold Coast 4229, Australia.
| | - Nigel Hardiman
- University of Kent, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Canterbury Campus, Kent CT2 7NZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Selva N, Berezowska-Cnota T, Elguero-Claramunt I. Unforeseen effects of supplementary feeding: ungulate baiting sites as hotspots for ground-nest predation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90740. [PMID: 24599216 PMCID: PMC3944607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the ubiquity and magnitude of food provision to wildlife, our understanding of its ecological effects and conservation implications is very limited. Supplementary feeding of ungulates, still one of the main paradigms of game management in Europe, occurs in natural areas on an enormous scale. We investigated the indirect effects of this practice on nest predation risk in the Polish Eastern Carpathians (Bieszczady Mountains). We hypothesized that the predators attracted to ungulate baiting sites would also forage for alternative prey nearby, increasing the nest predation risk for ground-nesting birds in the vicinity. We conducted a paired experiment by placing artificial nests (N=120) in feeding and control sites (N=12) at different distances from the ungulate feeding site. We also documented the use of three ungulate feeding sites by potential nest predators with automatic cameras. The proportion of depredated nests was 30% higher in the vicinity of feeding sites than at control sites (65%± 31.5 vs 35%± 32.1). The probability of a nest being depredated significantly increased with time and at shorter distances from the feeding site. We predicted that the area within 1-km distance from the feeding site would have a high risk (>0.5) of nest predation. We recorded 13 species of potential ground-nest predators at ungulate baiting sites. Most frequent were Eurasian jays Garrulus glandarius, mice and voles Muroidea, ravens Corvus corax, brown bears Ursus arctos, and wild boar Sus scrofa. Nest predators made most use of supplementary feeding sites (82% pictures with predators vs 8% with ungulates, the target group). Our study alerts of the impacts of ungulate feeding on alternative prey; this is of special concern when affecting protected species. We urge for a sensible management of ungulate feeding, which considers potential indirect effects on other species and the spatial and temporal components of food provision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza, Kraków
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Brunnschweiler JM, Abrantes KG, Barnett A. Long-term changes in species composition and relative abundances of sharks at a provisioning site. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86682. [PMID: 24466197 PMCID: PMC3900589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Diving with sharks, often in combination with food baiting/provisioning, has become an important product of today’s recreational dive industry. Whereas the effects baiting/provisioning has on the behaviour and abundance of individual shark species are starting to become known, there is an almost complete lack of equivalent data from multi-species shark diving sites. In this study, changes in species composition and relative abundances were determined at the Shark Reef Marine Reserve, a multi-species shark feeding site in Fiji. Using direct observation sampling methods, eight species of sharks (bull shark Carcharhinus leucas, grey reef shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, whitetip reef shark Triaenodon obesus, blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus, tawny nurse shark Nebrius ferrugineus, silvertip shark Carcharhinus albimarginatus, sicklefin lemon shark Negaprion acutidens, and tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier) displayed inter-annual site fidelity between 2003 and 2012. Encounter rates and/or relative abundances of some species changed over time, overall resulting in more individuals (mostly C. leucas) of fewer species being encountered on average on shark feeding dives at the end of the study period. Differences in shark community composition between the years 2004–2006 and 2007–2012 were evident, mostly because N. ferrugineus, C. albimarginatus and N. acutidens were much more abundant in 2004–2006 and very rare in the period of 2007–2012. Two explanations are offered for the observed changes in relative abundances over time, namely inter-specific interactions and operator-specific feeding protocols. Both, possibly in combination, are suggested to be important determinants of species composition and encounter rates, and relative abundances at this shark provisioning site in Fiji. This study, which includes the most species from a spatially confined shark provisioning site to date, suggests that long-term provisioning may result in competitive exclusion among shark species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kátya G. Abrantes
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Adam Barnett
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
- Oceans IQ, Cairns, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sorensen A, van Beest FM, Brook RK. Impacts of wildlife baiting and supplemental feeding on infectious disease transmission risk: a synthesis of knowledge. Prev Vet Med 2013; 113:356-63. [PMID: 24365654 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Baiting and supplemental feeding of wildlife are widespread, yet highly controversial management practices, with important implications for ecosystems, livestock production, and potentially human health. An often underappreciated threat of such feeding practices is the potential to facilitate intra- and inter-specific disease transmission. We provide a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence of baiting and supplemental feeding on disease transmission risk in wildlife, with an emphasis on large herbivores in North America. While the objectives of supplemental feeding and baiting typically differ, the effects on disease transmission of these practices are largely the same. Both feeding and baiting provide wildlife with natural or non-natural food at specific locations in the environment, which can result in large congregations of individuals and species in a small area and increased local densities. Feeding can lead to increased potential for disease transmission either directly (via direct animal contact) or indirectly (via feed functioning as a fomite, spreading disease into the adjacent environment and to other animals). We identified numerous diseases that currently pose a significant concern to the health of individuals and species of large wild mammals across North America, the spread of which are either clearly facilitated or most likely facilitated by the application of supplemental feeding or baiting. Wildlife diseases also have important threats to human and livestock health. Although the risk of intra- and inter-species disease transmission likely increases when animals concentrate at feeding stations, only in a few cases was disease prevalence and transmission measured and compared between populations. Mostly these were experimental situations under controlled conditions, limiting direct scientific evidence that feeding practices exacerbates disease occurrence, exposure, transmission, and spread in the environment. Vaccination programs utilizing baits have received variable levels of success. Although important gaps in the scientific literature exist, current information is sufficient to conclude that providing food to wildlife through supplemental feeding or baiting has great potential to negatively impact species health and represents a non-natural arena for disease transmission and preservation. Ultimately, this undermines the initial purpose of feeding practices and represents a serious risk to the maintenance of biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, human health, and livestock production. Managers should consider disease transmission as a real and serious concern in their decision to implement or eliminate feeding programs. Disease surveillance should be a crucial element within the long-term monitoring of any feeding program in combination with other available preventive measures to limit disease transmission and spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Sorensen
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science & Indigenous Land Management Institute, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Floris M van Beest
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science & Indigenous Land Management Institute, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada; Department of Bioscience, Arctic Environment, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ryan K Brook
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science & Indigenous Land Management Institute, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dubois S, Fraser D. A Framework to Evaluate Wildlife Feeding in Research, Wildlife Management, Tourism and Recreation. Animals (Basel) 2013; 3:978-94. [PMID: 26479747 PMCID: PMC4494361 DOI: 10.3390/ani3040978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Human feeding of wildlife is a world-wide phenomenon with very diverse effects on conservation, animal welfare and public safety. From a review of the motivations, types and consequences of wildlife feeding, an evaluative framework is presented to assist policy-makers, educators and managers to make ethical- and biologically-based decisions about the appropriateness of feeding wildlife in the context of research, wildlife management, tourism and recreation. Abstract Feeding of wildlife occurs in the context of research, wildlife management, tourism and in opportunistic ways. A review of examples shows that although feeding is often motivated by good intentions, it can lead to problems of public safety and conservation and be detrimental to the welfare of the animals. Examples from British Columbia illustrate the problems (nuisance animal activity, public safety risk) and consequences (culling, translocation) that often arise from uncontrolled feeding. Three features of wildlife feeding can be distinguished: the feasibility of control, the effects on conservation and the effects on animal welfare. An evaluative framework incorporating these three features was applied to examples of feeding from the literature. The cases of feeding for research and management purposes were generally found to be acceptable, while cases of feeding for tourism or opportunistic feeding were generally unacceptable. The framework should allow managers and policy-makers to distinguish acceptable from unacceptable forms of wildlife feeding as a basis for policy, public education and enforcement. Many harmful forms of wildlife feeding seem unlikely to change until they come to be seen as socially unacceptable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dubois
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - David Fraser
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|