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Hoste A, Capblancq T, Broquet T, Denoyelle L, Perrier C, Buzan E, Šprem N, Corlatti L, Crestanello B, Hauffe HC, Pellissier L, Yannic G. Projection of current and future distribution of adaptive genetic units in an alpine ungulate. Heredity (Edinb) 2024; 132:54-66. [PMID: 38082151 PMCID: PMC10798982 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-023-00661-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate projections predict major changes in alpine environments by the end of the 21st century. To avoid climate-induced maladaptation and extinction, many animal populations will either need to move to more suitable habitats or adapt in situ to novel conditions. Since populations of a species exhibit genetic variation related to local adaptation, it is important to incorporate this variation into predictive models to help assess the ability of the species to survive climate change. Here, we evaluate how the adaptive genetic variation of a mountain ungulate-the Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)-could be impacted by future global warming. Based on genotype-environment association analyses of 429 chamois using a ddRAD sequencing approach, we identified genetic variation associated with climatic gradients across the European Alps. We then delineated adaptive genetic units and projected the optimal distribution of these adaptive groups in the future. Our results suggest the presence of local adaptation to climate in Northern chamois with similar genetic adaptive responses in geographically distant but climatically similar populations. Furthermore, our results predict that future climatic changes will modify the Northern chamois adaptive landscape considerably, with various degrees of maladaptation risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Hoste
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Thibaut Capblancq
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Thomas Broquet
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UMR 7144, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Place Georges Teissier, 29680, Roscoff, France
| | - Laure Denoyelle
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Perrier
- UMR CBGP, INRAE, CIRAD, IRD, Institut Agro, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Elena Buzan
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000, Koper, Slovenia
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, Trg mladosti 7, 3320, Velenje, Slovenia
| | - Nikica Šprem
- Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luca Corlatti
- Stelvio National Park - ERSAF Lombardia, Via De Simoni 42, 23032, Bormio, Italy
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Crestanello
- Conservation Genomics Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione E. Mach, Via E. Mach 1, 38098 S, Michele all'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Heidi Christine Hauffe
- Conservation Genomics Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione E. Mach, Via E. Mach 1, 38098 S, Michele all'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Loïc Pellissier
- Landscape Ecology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zrich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Glenn Yannic
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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van Beest FM, Schmidt NM, Stewart L, Hansen LH, Michelsen A, Mosbacher JB, Gilbert H, Le Roux G, Hansson SV. Geochemical landscapes as drivers of wildlife reproductive success: Insights from a high-Arctic ecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166567. [PMID: 37633375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The bioavailability of essential and non-essential elements in vegetation is expected to influence the performance of free-ranging terrestrial herbivores. However, attempts to relate the use of geochemical landscapes by animal populations directly to reproductive output are currently lacking. Here we measured concentrations of 14 essential and non-essential elements in soil and vegetation samples collected in the Zackenberg valley, northeast Greenland, and linked these to environmental conditions to spatially predict and map geochemical landscapes. We then used long-term (1996-2021) survey data of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) to quantify annual variation in the relative use of essential and non-essential elements in vegetated sites and their relationship to calf recruitment the following year. Results showed that the relative use of the geochemical landscape by muskoxen varied substantially between years and differed among elements. Selection for vegetated sites with higher levels of the essential elements N, Cu, Se, and Mo was positively linked to annual calf recruitment. In contrast, selection for vegetated sites with higher concentrations of the non-essential elements As and Pb was negatively correlated to annual calf recruitment. Based on the concentrations measured in our study, we found no apparent associations between annual calf recruitment and levels of C, Mn, Co, Zn, Cd, Ba, Hg, and C:N ratio in the vegetation. We conclude that the spatial distribution and access to essential and non-essential elements are important drivers of reproductive output in muskoxen, which may also apply to other wildlife populations. The value of geochemical landscapes to assess habitat-performance relationships is likely to increase under future environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris M van Beest
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Niels Martin Schmidt
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lærke Stewart
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Gullbringvegen 36, 3800 Bø, Norway
| | - Lars H Hansen
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anders Michelsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Hugo Gilbert
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (UMR- 5245), CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Gaël Le Roux
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (UMR- 5245), CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Sophia V Hansson
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (UMR- 5245), CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
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3
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Beumer LT, Schmidt NM, Pohle J, Signer J, Chimienti M, Desforges JP, Hansen LH, Højlund Pedersen S, Rudd DA, Stelvig M, van Beest FM. Accounting for behaviour in fine-scale habitat selection: A case study highlighting methodological intricacies. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:1937-1953. [PMID: 37454311 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Animal habitat selection-central in both theoretical and applied ecology-may depend on behavioural motivations such as foraging, predator avoidance, and thermoregulation. Step-selection functions (SSFs) enable assessment of fine-scale habitat selection as a function of an animal's movement capacities and spatiotemporal variation in extrinsic conditions. If animal location data can be associated with behaviour, SSFs are an intuitive approach to quantify behaviour-specific habitat selection. Fitting SSFs separately for distinct behavioural states helped to uncover state-specific selection patterns. However, while the definition of the availability domain has been highlighted as the most critical aspect of SSFs, the influence of accounting for behaviour in the use-availability design has not been quantified yet. Using a predator-free population of high-arctic muskoxen Ovibos moschatus as a case study, we aimed to evaluate how (1) defining behaviour-specific availability domains, and/or (2) fitting separate behaviour-specific models impacts (a) model structure, (b) estimated selection coefficients and (c) model predictive performance as opposed to behaviour-unspecific approaches. To do so, we first applied hidden Markov models to infer different behavioural modes (resting, foraging, relocating) from hourly GPS positions (19 individuals, 153-1062 observation days/animal). Using SSFs, we then compared behaviour-specific versus behaviour-unspecific habitat selection in relation to terrain features, vegetation and snow conditions. Our results show that incorporating behaviour into the definition of the availability domain primarily impacts model structure (i.e. variable selection), whereas fitting separate behaviour-specific models mainly influences selection strength. Behaviour-specific availability domains improved predictive performance for foraging and relocating models (i.e. behaviours with medium to large spatial displacement), but decreased performance for resting models. Thus, even for a predator-free population subject to only negligible interspecific competition and human disturbance we found that accounting for behaviour in SSFs impacted model structure, selection coefficients and predictive performance. Our results indicate that for robust inference, both a behaviour-specific availability domain and behaviour-specific model fitting should be explored, especially for populations where strong spatiotemporal selection trade-offs are expected. This is particularly critical if wildlife habitat preferences are estimated to inform management and conservation initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa T Beumer
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Niels M Schmidt
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jennifer Pohle
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Johannes Signer
- Wildlife Sciences, Faculty of Forest Science and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marianna Chimienti
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lars H Hansen
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Stine Højlund Pedersen
- Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Daniel A Rudd
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Floris M van Beest
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Łoś M, Smolak K, Mitrus C, Rohm W, Van de Weghe N, Sila-Nowicka K. The applicability of human mobility scaling laws on animals-A Herring Gull case study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286239. [PMID: 37531341 PMCID: PMC10395819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of sensors, recording and availability of high-resolution movement data from animals and humans, two disciplines have rapidly developed: human mobility and movement ecology. Addressing methodological gaps between these two mobility fields could improve the understanding of movement processes and has been defined as the Integrated Science of Movement. We apply well-known human mobility metrics and data processing methods to Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking data of European Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) to test the usefulness of these methods for explaining animal mobility behavior. We use stop detection, spatial aggregation, and for the first time on animal movement data, two approaches to temporal aggregation (Next Time-Bin and Next Place). We also calculate from this data a set of movement statistics (visitation frequency, distinct locations over time, and radius of gyration). Furthermore, we analyze and compare the gull and human data from the perspective of scaling laws commonly used for human mobility. The results confirm those of previous studies and indicate differences in movement parameters between the breeding season and other parts of the year. This paper also shows that methods used in human mobility analysis have the potential to improve our understanding of animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelina Łoś
- Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kamil Smolak
- Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Cezary Mitrus
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Palaeontology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Witold Rohm
- Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Sila-Nowicka
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Trondrud LM, Pigeon G, Król E, Albon S, Ropstad E, Kumpula J, Evans AL, Speakman JR, Loe LE. A Summer Heat Wave Reduced Activity, Heart Rate, and Autumn Body Mass in a Cold-Adapted Ungulate. Physiol Biochem Zool 2023; 96:282-293. [PMID: 37418606 DOI: 10.1086/725363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
AbstractHeat waves are becoming more frequent across the globe and may impose severe thermoregulatory challenges for endotherms. Heat stress can induce both behavioral and physiological responses, which may result in energy deficits with potential fitness consequences. We studied the responses of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), a cold-adapted ungulate, to a record-breaking heat wave in northern Finland. Activity, heart rate, subcutaneous body temperature, and body mass data were collected for 14 adult females. The post-heat wave autumn body masses were then analyzed against longitudinal body mass records for the herd from 1990 to 2021. With increasing air temperature during the day, reindeer became less active and had reduced heart rate and increased body temperature, reflecting both behavioral and physiological responses to heat stress. Although they increased activity in the late afternoon, they failed to compensate for lost foraging time on the hottest days (daily mean temperature ≥20°C), and total time active was reduced by 9%. After the heat wave, the mean September body mass of herd females (69.7±6.6 kg, n=52) was on average 16.4% ± 4.8% lower than predicted (83.4±6.0 kg). Among focal females, individuals with the lowest levels of activity during the heat wave had the greatest mass loss during summer. We show how heat waves impose a thermoregulatory challenge on endotherms, resulting in mass loss, potentially as a result of the loss of foraging time. While it is well known that environmental conditions affect large herbivore fitness indirectly through decreased forage quality and limited water supply, direct effects of heat may be increasingly common in a warming climate.
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Holmes SM, Dressel S, Morel J, Spitzer R, Ball JP, Ericsson G, Singh NJ, Widemo F, Cromsigt JPGM, Danell K. Increased summer temperature is associated with reduced calf mass of a circumpolar large mammal through direct thermoregulatory and indirect, food quality, pathways. Oecologia 2023; 201:1123-1136. [PMID: 37017733 PMCID: PMC10113315 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05367-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change represents a growing ecological challenge. The (sub) arctic and boreal regions of the world experience the most rapid warming, presenting an excellent model system for studying how climate change affects mammals. Moose (Alces alces) are a particularly relevant model species with their circumpolar range. Population declines across the southern edge of this range are linked to rising temperatures. Using a long-term dataset (1988-1997, 2017-2019), we examine the relative strength of direct (thermoregulatory costs) and indirect (food quality) pathways linking temperature, precipitation, and the quality of two important food items (birch and fireweed) to variation in moose calf mass in northern Sweden. The direct effects of temperature consistently showed stronger relationships to moose calf mass than did the indirect effects. The proportion of growing season days where the temperature exceeded a 20 °C threshold showed stronger direct negative relationships to moose calf mass than did mean temperature values. Finally, while annual forb (fireweed) quality was more strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation than were perennial (birch) leaves, this did not translate into a stronger relationship to moose calf weight. The only indirect path with supporting evidence suggested that mean growing season temperatures were positively associated with neutral detergent fiber, which was, in turn, negatively associated with calf mass. While indirect impacts of climate change deserve further investigation, it is important to recognize the large direct impacts of temperature on cold-adapted species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila M Holmes
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Sabrina Dressel
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
- Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Chair Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Morel
- Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Robert Spitzer
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - John P Ball
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Göran Ericsson
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Navinder J Singh
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Widemo
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Joris P G M Cromsigt
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kjell Danell
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
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Collins SM, Hendrix JG, Webber QMR, Boyle SP, Kingdon KA, Blackmore RJ, d'Entremont KJN, Hogg J, Ibáñez JP, Kennah JL, Lamarre J, Mejías M, Newediuk L, Richards C, Schwedak K, Wijekulathilake C, Turner JW. Bibliometric investigation of the integration of animal personality in conservation contexts. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14021. [PMID: 36285603 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14021] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Consistent individual differences in behavior, commonly termed animal personality, are a widespread phenomenon across taxa that have important consequences for fitness, natural selection, and trophic interactions. Animal personality research may prove useful in several conservation contexts, but which contexts remains to be determined. We conducted a structured literature review of 654 studies identified by combining search terms for animal personality and various conservation subfields. We scored the relevance of personality and conservation issues for each study to identify which studies meaningfully integrated the 2 fields as opposed to surface-level connections or vague allusions. We found a taxonomic bias toward mammals (29% of all studies). Very few amphibian or reptile studies applied personality research to conservation issues (6% each). Climate change (21%), invasive species (15%), and captive breeding and reintroduction (13%) were the most abundant conservation subfields that occurred in our search, though a substantial proportion of these papers weakly integrated conservation and animal personality (climate change 54%, invasive species 51%, captive breeding and reintroduction 40%). Based on our results, we recommend that researchers strive for consistent and broadly applicable terminology when describing consistent behavioral differences to minimize confusion and improve the searchability of research. We identify several gaps in the literature that appear to be promising and fruitful avenues for future research, such as disease transmission as a function of sociability or exploration as a driver of space use in protected areas. Practitioners can begin informing future conservation efforts with knowledge gained from animal personality research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney M Collins
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jack G Hendrix
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Quinn M R Webber
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Sean P Boyle
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Katrien A Kingdon
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Robert J Blackmore
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Kyle J N d'Entremont
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jennifer Hogg
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Juan P Ibáñez
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Joanie L Kennah
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jessika Lamarre
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Miguel Mejías
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Levi Newediuk
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Cerren Richards
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Katrina Schwedak
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Chirathi Wijekulathilake
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Julie W Turner
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Wildlife Division, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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8
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Zhi X, Du H, Zhang M, Long Z, Zhong L, Sun X. Mapping the habitat for the moose population in Northeast China by combining remote sensing products and random forests. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
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9
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Okuma I, Akasaka T, Yoshimatsu D, Yanagawa H. Influence of non-lethal human activities on daily activity patterns of sika deer (Cervus nippon) in an agricultural landscape. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00311-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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10
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Huggler KS, Holbrook JD, Hayes MM, Burke PW, Zornes M, Thompson DJ, Clapp JG, Lionberger P, Valdez M, Monteith KL. Risky business: How an herbivore navigates spatiotemporal aspects of risk from competitors and predators. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2648. [PMID: 35535971 PMCID: PMC9787716 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding factors that influence animal behavior is central to ecology. Basic principles of animal ecology imply that individuals should seek to maximize survival and reproduction, which means carefully weighing risk against reward. Decisions become increasingly complex and constrained, however, when risk is spatiotemporally variable. We advance a growing body of work in predator-prey behavior by evaluating novel questions where a prey species is confronted with multiple predators and a potential competitor. We tested how fine-scale behavior of female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) during the reproductive season shifted depending upon spatial and temporal variation in risk from predators and a potential competitor. We expected female deer to avoid areas of high risk when movement activity of predators and a competitor were high. We used GPS data collected from 76 adult female mule deer, 35 adult female elk, 33 adult coyotes, and six adult mountain lions. Counter to our expectations, female deer exhibited selection for multiple risk factors, however, selection for risk was dampened by the exposure to risk within home ranges of female deer, producing a functional response in habitat selection. Furthermore, temporal variation in movement activity of predators and elk across the diel cycle did not result in a shift in movement activity by female deer. Instead, the average level of risk within their home range was the predominant factor modulating the response to risk by female deer. Our results counter prevailing hypotheses of how large herbivores navigate risky landscapes and emphasize the importance of accounting for the local environment when identifying effects of risk on animal behavior. Moreover, our findings highlight additional behavioral mechanisms used by large herbivores to mitigate multiple sources of predation and potential competitive interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katey S. Huggler
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
- Haub School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Joseph D. Holbrook
- Haub School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Matthew M. Hayes
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
- Haub School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Patrick W. Burke
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Green River RegionGreen RiverWyomingUSA
| | - Mark Zornes
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Green River RegionGreen RiverWyomingUSA
| | - Daniel J. Thompson
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Large Carnivore SectionLanderWyomingUSA
| | - Justin G. Clapp
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Large Carnivore SectionLanderWyomingUSA
| | - Patrick Lionberger
- Bureau of Land Management, Rock Springs Field OfficeRock SpringsWyomingUSA
| | - Miguel Valdez
- Bureau of Land Management, Rock Springs Field OfficeRock SpringsWyomingUSA
| | - Kevin L. Monteith
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
- Haub School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
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11
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Ashrafzadeh MR, Khosravi R, Mohammadi A, Naghipour AA, Khoshnamvand H, Haidarian M, Penteriani V. Modeling climate change impacts on the distribution of an endangered brown bear population in its critical habitat in Iran. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155753. [PMID: 35526639 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is one of the major challenges to the current conservation of biodiversity. Here, by using the brown bear, Ursus arctos, in the southernmost limit of its global distribution as a model species, we assessed the impact of climate change on the species distribution in western Iran. The mountainous forests of Iran are inhabited by small and isolated populations of brown bears that are prone to extinction in the near future. We modeled the potential impact of climate change on brown bear distribution and habitat connectivity by the years 2050 and 2070 under four representative concentration pathways (RCPs) of two general circulation models (GCMs): BCC-CSM1-1 and MRI-CGCM3. Our projections revealed that the current species' range, which encompasses 6749.8 km2 (40.8%) of the landscape, will decline by 10% (2050: RCP2.6, MRI-CGCM3) to 45% (2070: RCP8.5, BCC-CSM1-1). About 1850 km2 (27.4%) of the current range is covered by a network of conservation (CAs) and no-hunting (NHAs) areas which are predicted to decline by 0.64% (2050: RCP2.6, MRI-CGCM3) to 15.56% (2070: RCP8.5, BCC-CSM1-1) due to climate change. The loss of suitable habitats falling within the network of CAs and NHAs is a conservation challenge for brown bears because it may lead to bears moving outside the CAs and NHAs and result in subsequent increases in the levels of bear-human conflict. Thus, re-evaluation of the network of CAs and NHAs, establishing more protected areas in suitable landscapes, and conserving vital linkages between habitat patches under future climate change scenarios are crucial strategies to conserve and manage endangered populations of the brown bear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Ashrafzadeh
- Department of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, 8818634141 Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Rasoul Khosravi
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, 71441-13131 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Naghipour
- Department of Nature Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, 8818634141 Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hadi Khoshnamvand
- Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Haidarian
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
| | - Vincenzo Penteriani
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IMIB, CSIC/University of Oviedo/Principality of Asturias), Campus Mieres, Mieres, Spain
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12
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Burkholder BO, Harris RB, DeCesare NJ, Boccadori SJ, Garrott RA. Winter habitat selection by female moose in southwestern Montana and effects of snow and temperature. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wlb3.01040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Braden O. Burkholder
- Dept of Ecology, Montana State Univ. Bozeman MT USA
- Montana Natural Heritage Program Helena MT USA
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13
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McGraw AM, Storm DJ, Bronson DR, Pearson T. Habitat and weather influence body condition in white‐tailed deer, Wisconsin, USA. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. McGraw
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 107 Sutliff Avenue Rhinelander WI 54501 USA
| | - Daniel J. Storm
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 1300 W. Clairemont Eau Claire WI USA
| | - Dustin R. Bronson
- Forest Service Northern Forest Research Station 5985 County Highway K Rhinelander WI 54501 USA
| | - Teresa Pearson
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 107 Sutliff Avenue Rhinelander WI 54501 USA
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14
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R. Hoy S, Forbey JS, Melody DP, Vucetich LM, Peterson RO, Koitzsch KB, Koitzsch LO, Von Duyke AL, Henderson JJ, Parikh GL, Vucetich JA. The nutritional condition of moose co‐varies with climate, but not with density, predation risk or diet composition. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Hoy
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological Univ. Houghton MI USA
| | | | | | - Leah M. Vucetich
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological Univ. Houghton MI USA
| | - Rolf O. Peterson
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological Univ. Houghton MI USA
| | - K. B. Koitzsch
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological Univ. Houghton MI USA
- K2 Consulting Waitsfield VT USA
| | - Lisa O. Koitzsch
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological Univ. Houghton MI USA
- K2 Consulting Waitsfield VT USA
| | | | - John J. Henderson
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological Univ. Houghton MI USA
| | - Grace L. Parikh
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological Univ. Houghton MI USA
| | - John A. Vucetich
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological Univ. Houghton MI USA
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15
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Verzuh TL, Hall LE, Cufaude T, Knox L, Class C, Monteith KL. Behavioural flexibility in a heat-sensitive endotherm: the role of bed sites as thermal refuges. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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16
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Declining recruitment and mass of Swedish moose calves linked to hot, dry springs and snowy winters. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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17
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Semenzato P, Cagnacci F, Ossi F, Eccel E, Morellet N, Hewison AJM, Sturaro E, Ramanzin M. Behavioural heat-stress compensation in a cold-adapted ungulate: Forage-mediated responses to warming Alpine summers. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:1556-1568. [PMID: 34028149 PMCID: PMC8362020 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alpine large herbivores have developed physiological and behavioural mechanisms to cope with fluctuations in climate and resource availability that may become maladaptive under climate warming. We tested this hypothesis in female Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) by modelling annual and daily movement and activity patterns in relation to temperature, vegetation productivity and reproductive status based on bio‐logging data and climate change projections. In summer, ibex moved upslope, tracking the green wave. Ibex decreased diel activity sharply above a threshold temperature of 13–14°C, indicating thermal stress, but compensated behaviourally by foraging both earlier and later in the day, and by moving further upslope than on cooler days, especially reproductive females. This critical temperature will be exceeded three times as often under climate change projections. Under such scenarios, the altitudinal extent of the area will limit the available habitat providing thermal shelter, potentially impacting performance and population distribution of this emblematic mountain ungulate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Semenzato
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Francesca Cagnacci
- Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology Department, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all' Adige (TN), Italy
| | - Federico Ossi
- Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology Department, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all' Adige (TN), Italy.,Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, San Michele all'Adige (TN), Italy
| | - Emanuele Eccel
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all' Adige (TN), Italy
| | - Nicolas Morellet
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, Castanet-Tolosan, France.,LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, Auzeville Tolosane, France
| | - A J Mark Hewison
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, Castanet-Tolosan, France.,LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, Auzeville Tolosane, France
| | - Enrico Sturaro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Maurizio Ramanzin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
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18
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Stratmann TSM, Dejid N, Calabrese JM, Fagan WF, Fleming CH, Olson KA, Mueller T. Resource selection of a nomadic ungulate in a dynamic landscape. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246809. [PMID: 33577613 PMCID: PMC7880454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nomadic movements are often a consequence of unpredictable resource dynamics. However, how nomadic ungulates select dynamic resources is still understudied. Here we examined resource selection of nomadic Mongolian gazelles (Procapra gutturosa) in the Eastern Steppe of Mongolia. We used daily GPS locations of 33 gazelles tracked up to 3.5 years. We examined selection for forage during the growing season using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). In winter we examined selection for snow cover which mediates access to forage and drinking water. We studied selection at the population level using resource selection functions (RSFs) as well as on the individual level using step-selection functions (SSFs) at varying spatio-temporal scales from 1 to 10 days. Results from the population and the individual level analyses differed. At the population level we found selection for higher than average NDVI during the growing season. This may indicate selection for areas with more forage cover within the arid steppe landscape. In winter, gazelles selected for intermediate snow cover, which may indicate preference for areas which offer some snow for hydration but not so much as to hinder movement. At the individual level, in both seasons and across scales, we were not able to detect selection in the majority of individuals, but selection was similar to that seen in the RSFs for those individuals showing selection. Difficulty in finding selection with SSFs may indicate that Mongolian gazelles are using a random search strategy to find forage in a landscape with large, homogeneous areas of vegetation. The combination of random searches and landscape characteristics could therefore obscure results at the fine scale of SSFs. The significant results on the broader scale used for the population level RSF highlight that, although individuals show uncoordinated movement trajectories, they ultimately select for similar vegetation and snow cover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa S. M. Stratmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Nandintsetseg Dejid
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - William F. Fagan
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christen H. Fleming
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kirk A. Olson
- Mongolia Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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19
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Teitelbaum CS, Sirén APK, Coffel E, Foster JR, Frair JL, Hinton JW, Horton RM, Kramer DW, Lesk C, Raymond C, Wattles DW, Zeller KA, Morelli TL. Habitat use as indicator of adaptive capacity to climate change. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexej P. K. Sirén
- Department of Interior Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Amherst MA USA
| | - Ethan Coffel
- Department of Interior Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Amherst MA USA
- Department of Geography and the Environment Syracuse University Syracuse NY USA
| | - Jane R. Foster
- Department of Interior Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Amherst MA USA
- University of Vermont Burlington VT USA
| | - Jacqueline L. Frair
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse NY USA
| | - Joseph W. Hinton
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse NY USA
| | - Radley M. Horton
- Department of Interior Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Amherst MA USA
- Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory Columbia University New York NY USA
| | - David W. Kramer
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation Albany NY USA
| | - Corey Lesk
- Department of Interior Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Amherst MA USA
- Columbia University New York NY USA
| | - Colin Raymond
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA
| | | | - Katherine A. Zeller
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Amherst MA USA
| | - Toni Lyn Morelli
- Department of Interior Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Amherst MA USA
- U.S. Geological Survey Amherst MA USA
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20
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Świsłocka M, Borkowska A, Matosiuk M, Czajkowska M, Duda N, Kowalczyk R, Ratkiewicz M. Sex-biased polyparasitism in moose ( Alces alces) based on molecular analysis of faecal samples. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:171-177. [PMID: 33134076 PMCID: PMC7591323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Simultaneous infection with multiple parasite species in an individual host is often observed in wild populations. The understanding of parasite species distribution across populations of wild animals is of basic and applied importance, because parasites can have pronounced effects on the dynamics of host population. Here, we quantified prevalence and endoparasite species richness in moose and explored sex-biased polyparasitism using diagnostic PCR method coupled with DNA sequencing of moose faecal samples from the Biebrza River valley, North-Eastern Poland. This is the largest moose population in Central Europe that has not been harvested for almost 20 years. We also evaluated the appropriate quantity of faeces for detecting DNA of parasite species. Faecal samples were screened for molecular markers of 10 different species of endoparasites. Endoparasite prevalence was high in the studied population. Almost all of the samples (98%) tested positive for at least one parasite species, and we found polyparasitism in the majority of the tested individuals. The number of different parasite species found in a single individual ranged from 0 to 9. The parasite species richness was significantly higher in male than in female individuals. The most prevalent were liver fluke Parafasciolopsis fasciolaemorpha and gastrointestinal nematodes Ostertargia sp. Of the ten endoparasite species detected, only the prevalence of the tapeworm Moniezia benedeni was significantly higher in males than in females. Additionally, we identified co-occurrence associations of parasite species, which tended to be random, but we noted some evidence of both positive and negative associations. Our findings promote applications of molecular methods for parasite species identification from non-invasively collected faecal samples in management and scientific study of moose population, which should include investigation of parasite status, and in health monitoring programs for other wild cervids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Świsłocka
- Department of Zoology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J st, 15-245, Białystok, Poland
- Corresponding author.
| | - Anetta Borkowska
- Department of Zoology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J st, 15-245, Białystok, Poland
| | - Maciej Matosiuk
- Department of Zoology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J st, 15-245, Białystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Czajkowska
- Department of Zoology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J st, 15-245, Białystok, Poland
| | - Norbert Duda
- Zespół Szkół Ogólnokształcących No 2 W Białymstoku, Narewska 11, 15-840, Białystok, Poland
| | - Rafał Kowalczyk
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Mirosław Ratkiewicz
- Department of Zoology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J st, 15-245, Białystok, Poland
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21
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Jennewein JS, Hebblewhite M, Mahoney P, Gilbert S, Meddens AJH, Boelman NT, Joly K, Jones K, Kellie KA, Brainerd S, Vierling LA, Eitel JUH. Behavioral modifications by a large-northern herbivore to mitigate warming conditions. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2020; 8:39. [PMID: 33072330 PMCID: PMC7559473 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-020-00223-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Temperatures in arctic-boreal regions are increasing rapidly and pose significant challenges to moose (Alces alces), a heat-sensitive large-bodied mammal. Moose act as ecosystem engineers, by regulating forest carbon and structure, below ground nitrogen cycling processes, and predator-prey dynamics. Previous studies showed that during hotter periods, moose displayed stronger selection for wetland habitats, taller and denser forest canopies, and minimized exposure to solar radiation. However, previous studies regarding moose behavioral thermoregulation occurred in Europe or southern moose range in North America. Understanding whether ambient temperature elicits a behavioral response in high-northern latitude moose populations in North America may be increasingly important as these arctic-boreal systems have been warming at a rate two to three times the global mean. METHODS We assessed how Alaska moose habitat selection changed as a function of ambient temperature using a step-selection function approach to identify habitat features important for behavioral thermoregulation in summer (June-August). We used Global Positioning System telemetry locations from four populations of Alaska moose (n = 169) from 2008 to 2016. We assessed model fit using the quasi-likelihood under independence criterion and conduction a leave-one-out cross validation. RESULTS Both male and female moose in all populations increasingly, and nonlinearly, selected for denser canopy cover as ambient temperature increased during summer, where initial increases in the conditional probability of selection were initially sharper then leveled out as canopy density increased above ~ 50%. However, the magnitude of selection response varied by population and sex. In two of the three populations containing both sexes, females demonstrated a stronger selection response for denser canopy at higher temperatures than males. We also observed a stronger selection response in the most southerly and northerly populations compared to populations in the west and central Alaska. CONCLUSIONS The impacts of climate change in arctic-boreal regions increase landscape heterogeneity through processes such as increased wildfire intensity and annual area burned, which may significantly alter the thermal environment available to an animal. Understanding habitat selection related to behavioral thermoregulation is a first step toward identifying areas capable of providing thermal relief for moose and other species impacted by climate change in arctic-boreal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti S. Jennewein
- Department of Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID USA
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Science, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT USA
| | - Peter Mahoney
- College of the Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Sophie Gilbert
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID USA
| | | | - Natalie T. Boelman
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY USA
| | - Kyle Joly
- National Park Service, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Fairbanks, AK USA
| | - Kimberly Jones
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1800 Glenn Hwy #2, Palmer, AK USA
| | - Kalin A. Kellie
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, 1300 College Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Scott Brainerd
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Evenstad, Norway
| | - Lee A. Vierling
- Department of Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID USA
| | - Jan U. H. Eitel
- Department of Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID USA
- McCall Outdoor Science School, University of Idaho, McCall, ID USA
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22
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Græsli AR, Thiel A, Fuchs B, Singh NJ, Stenbacka F, Ericsson G, Neumann W, Arnemo JM, Evans AL. Seasonal Hypometabolism in Female Moose. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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23
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Merems JL, Shipley LA, Levi T, Ruprecht J, Clark DA, Wisdom MJ, Jackson NJ, Stewart KM, Long RA. Nutritional-Landscape Models Link Habitat Use to Condition of Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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24
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Tyler NJC, Gregorini P, Parker KL, Hazlerigg DG. Animal responses to environmental variation: physiological mechanisms in ecological models of performance in deer (Cervidae). ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an19418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Context
Proper assessment of the consequences of environmental variation on animals depends on our ability to predict how they will perform under different circumstances. This requires two kinds of information. We need to know which environmental factors influence animal performance and their mode of action, i.e. whether a given factor acts alone or through interaction with other factors, directly or indirectly, instantaneously or after a delay and so on. This essentially correlative process falls within the domain of ecology. We also need to know what determines the direction, amplitude and limits of animal responses to environmental variation and change. This essentially experimental process falls within the domain of physiology. Physiological mechanisms are frequently poorly integrated within the correlative framework of ecological models. This is evident where programmed responses are attributed to environmental forcing and where the effect of environmental factors is evaluated without reference to the physiological state and regulatory capacity of the animal on which they act.
Aims
Here we examine ways in which the impacts of external (environmental) stimuli and constraints on performance are moderated by the animals (deer) on which they impinge.
Key results
The analysis shows (1) how trade-offs in foraging behaviour, illustrated by the timing of activity under the threat of predation, are modulated by integration of short-term metabolic feedback and animal emotions that influence the motivation to feed, (2) how the influence of thermal and nutritional challenges on performance, illustrated by the effect of weather conditions during gestation on the body mass of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) calves at weaning, depends on the metabolic state of the female at the time the challenge occurs and (3) how annual cycles of growth, appetite and reproduction in seasonal species of deer are governed by innate circannual timers, such that their responses to seasonal changes in food supply are anticipatory and governed by rheostatic systems that adjust homeostatic set- points, rather than being purely reactive.
Conclusions
Concepts like ‘maintenance’ and ‘energy balance’, which were originally derived from non-seasonal domestic ruminants, are unable to account for annual cycles in metabolic and nutritional status in seasonal deer. Contrasting seasonal phenotypes (fat and anoestrous in summer, lean and oestrous in winter) represent adaptive solutions to the predictable challenges presented by contrasting seasonal environments, not failure of homeostasis in one season and its success in another.
Implications
The analysis and interpretation of responses to environment in terms of interaction between the external stimuli and the internal systems that govern them offer a more comprehensive, multifaceted understanding of the influence of environmental variation on performance in deer and open lines of ecological enquiry defined by non-intuitive aspects of animal function.
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25
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Græsli AR, Le Grand L, Thiel A, Fuchs B, Devineau O, Stenbacka F, Neumann W, Ericsson G, Singh NJ, Laske TG, Beumer LT, Arnemo JM, Evans AL. Physiological and behavioural responses of moose to hunting with dogs. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa122. [PMID: 33408867 PMCID: PMC7772614 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Optimal management of hunted species requires an understanding of the impacts of hunting on both individual animal and population levels. Recent technological advancements in biologging enable us to obtain increasingly detailed information from free-ranging animals, covering longer periods of time, and providing the data needed to assess such impacts. In Sweden, more than 80 000 moose are harvested annually, mostly hunted with the use of baying dogs. The effects of this hunting method on animal welfare and stress are understudied. Here, we evaluated 6 real and 17 experimental hunting approaches with baying dogs [wearing global positioning system (GPS) collars] on 8 adult female moose equipped with ruminal temperature loggers, subcutaneous heart rate (HR) loggers and GPS collars with accelerometers. The obtained data were used to analyse the behavioural and physiological responses of moose to hunting with dogs. Successful experimental approaches (moose and dog were within 240 m for >10 min) resulted in higher maximum body temperature (Tb, 0.88°C higher) and a mean increase in HR of 24 bpm in moose at the day of the approach compared to the day after. The moose rested on average >90 min longer the day after the approach compared to the day of the approach. The moose travelled on average 4.2 km longer and had a 1.3 m/s higher maximum speed the day of the approach compared to the day after. Our results demonstrate that hunting with dogs increase moose energy expenditure and resting time (and consequently decrease time available for foraging) on an individual level. This could possibly affect body condition and reproduction rates if the hunting disturbances occur frequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Randi Græsli
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- Corresponding author: Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway.
| | - Luc Le Grand
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | - Alexandra Thiel
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | - Boris Fuchs
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | - Olivier Devineau
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | - Fredrik Stenbacka
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Wiebke Neumann
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Göran Ericsson
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Navinder J Singh
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Timothy G Laske
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Jon M Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Alina L Evans
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
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26
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Williamsen L, Pigeon G, Mysterud A, Stien A, Forchhammer M, Loe LE. Keeping cool in the warming Arctic: thermoregulatory behaviour by Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). CAN J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In animals with long generation times, evolution of physiological and morphological traits may not be fast enough to keep up with rapid climate warming, but thermoregulatory behaviour can possibly serve as an important buffer mitigating warming effects. In this study, we investigated if the cold-adapted Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus (Vrolik, 1829)) used cool bed sites as a thermoregulatory behaviour in the summer. We recorded habitat variables and ground temperature at 371 bed sites with random “control” sites 10 and 100 m distant. Using case-control logistic regression, we found that reindeer selected bed sites on cool substrates (snow and mire), as well as cold, dry ground on days with warm ambient temperatures, while they avoided such sites on cold days. Selection of both cool substrates and cool ground did not depend on age or sex. The study was conducted in an environment where neither predatory threat nor insect harassment influenced bed site selection. Our findings suggest that the thermal landscape is important for habitat selection of cold-adapted Arctic ungulates in summer. Thus, behavioural strategies may be important to mitigate effects of climate change, at least in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Williamsen
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
- The University Centre in Svalbard, P.O. Box 156 N-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - Gabriel Pigeon
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Audun Stien
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Arctic Ecology Department, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mads Forchhammer
- The University Centre in Svalbard, P.O. Box 156 N-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
- Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate (CMEC) and Greenland Perspective, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, DK1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
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27
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Thompson DP, Barboza PS, Crouse JA, McDonough TJ, Badajos OH, Herberg AM. Body temperature patterns vary with day, season, and body condition of moose (Alces alces). J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Variation in core body temperature of mammals is a result of endogenous regulation of heat from metabolism and the environment, which is affected by body size and life history. We studied moose (Alces alces) in Alaska to examine the effects of endogenous and exogenous factors on core body temperature at seasonal and daily time scales. We used a modified vaginal implant transmitter to record core body temperature in adult female moose at 5-min intervals for up to 1 year. Core body temperature in moose showed a seasonal fluctuation, with a greater daily mean core body temperature during the summer (38.2°C, 95% CI = 38.1–38.3°C) than during the winter (37.7°C, 95% CI = 37.6–37.8°C). Daily change in core body temperature was greater in summer (0.92°C, 95% CI = 0.87–0.97°C) than in winter (0.58°C, 95% CI = 0.53–0.63°C). During winter, core body temperature was lower and more variable as body fat decreased among female moose. Ambient temperature and vapor pressure accounted for a large amount of the residual variation (0.06–0.09°C) in core body temperature after accounting for variation attributed to season and individual. Ambient temperature and solar radiation had the greatest effect on the residual variation (0.17–0.20°C) of daily change in core body temperature. Our study suggests that body temperature of adult female moose is influenced by body reserves within seasons and by environmental conditions within days. When studying northern cervids, the influence of season and body condition on daily patterns of body temperature should be considered when evaluating thermal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Thompson
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Kenai Moose Research Center, Soldotna, AK, USA
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, Wildlife, Fisheries and Ecological Sciences Building, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Perry S Barboza
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, Wildlife, Fisheries and Ecological Sciences Building, College Station, TX, USA
| | - John A Crouse
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Kenai Moose Research Center, Soldotna, AK, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew M Herberg
- Department of Natural Resources Science and Management, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, USA
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28
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Weiskopf SR, Ledee OE, Thompson LM. Climate change effects on deer and moose in the Midwest. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Weiskopf
- U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Adaptation Science CenterRestonVA 20192USA
| | - Olivia E. Ledee
- Department of the Interior Northeast Climate Adaptation Science CenterSt. PaulMN 55108USA
| | - Laura M. Thompson
- U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Adaptation Science CenterRestonVA 20192USA
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29
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Forecasting the response to global warming in a heat-sensitive species. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3048. [PMID: 30816191 PMCID: PMC6395821 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39450-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Avoiding hyperthermia entails considerable metabolic costs for endotherms. Such costs increase in warm conditions, when endotherms may trade food intake for cooler areas to avoid heat stress and maximize their energy balance. The need to reduce heat stress may involve the adoption of tactics affecting space use and foraging behaviour, which are important to understand and predict the effects of climate change and inform conservation. We used resource selection models to examine the behavioural response to heat stress in the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex), a cold-adapted endotherm particularly prone to overheating. Ibex avoided heat stress by selecting the space based on the maximum daily temperature rather than moving hourly to ‘surf the heat wave’, which minimised movement costs but prevented optimal foraging. By integrating these findings with new climate forecasts, we predict that rising temperatures will force mountain ungulates to move upward and overcrowd thermal refugia with reduced carrying capacity. Our approach helps in identifying priority areas for the conservation of mountain species.
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30
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Montgomery RA, Redilla KM, Moll RJ, Van Moorter B, Rolandsen CM, Millspaugh JJ, Solberg EJ. Movement modeling reveals the complex nature of the response of moose to ambient temperatures during summer. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Montgomery
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and their Prey Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - Kyle M Redilla
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and their Prey Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - Remington J Moll
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and their Prey Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - Bram Van Moorter
- Terrestrial Department, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christer M Rolandsen
- Terrestrial Department, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Erling J Solberg
- Terrestrial Department, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
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31
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Foley AM, Hewitt DG, DeYoung RW, Schnupp MJ, Hellickson MW, Lockwood MA. Reproductive effort and success of males in scramble-competition polygyny: Evidence for trade-offs between foraging and mate search. J Anim Ecol 2018; 87:1600-1614. [PMID: 30079548 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Patterns of male reproductive allocation provide insight into life-history characteristics. The trade-offs associated with resource and female group defence are well-defined. However, less is understood about trade-offs in species that practise scramble-competition polygyny, where successful strategies may favour competitive mate-searching rather than contest competition and fighting. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) practise scramble-competition polygyny where solitary males search for and assess receptivity of females scattered across the landscape. Physically mature males are expected to do most of the breeding because of the high energetic costs of reproduction and high social status. However, young males may collectively sire one-third of offspring. To gain a better understanding of trade-offs associated with scramble-competition polygyny, we quantified metrics associated with reproductive effort and success. We quantified changes in body mass of harvested males, energetic costs of locomotion based on movements of GPS radiocollared males and timing of reproduction via temporal genetic parentage assignments. Young males (1.5 and 2.5 years old) sired offspring, but their mating success was mainly limited to peak rut, when most females were in oestrus. Furthermore, multiple paternity was common, indicating opportunistic reproduction. Reproductive effort, indexed by body mass loss, was highest in prime-age males (5.5-6.5 years old). Surprisingly, young and postprime males also exhibited significant body mass loss, indicative of investment in reproductive effort. Movement rates increased twofold to fourfold during rut as a function of mate search activities, but cost of locomotion would cause only about one-third of observed body mass loss. Because males are capital breeders, we infer most of body mass loss is due to reduced foraging. In scramble-competition polygyny, the repeated location of potential mates and assessment of their oestrous status appear to be important constituents of male mating strategies. Therefore, mating success may be influenced by time management and spatial memory, and not based solely on social dominance. Thus, reproductive effort should be greater for individuals capable of reducing time foraging. For those that cannot, opportunistic mating opportunities may arise when operative adult sex ratios are low. Our analyses reveal valuable insight into the trade-offs associated with scramble-competition polygyny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Foley
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas.,East Foundation, San Antonio, Texas
| | - David G Hewitt
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas
| | - Randy W DeYoung
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas
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32
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Oyster JH, Keren IN, Hansen SJ, Harris RB. Hierarchical mark-recapture distance sampling to estimate moose abundance. J Wildl Manage 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jared H. Oyster
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 2315 North Discovery Place Spokane WA 99216 USA
| | - Ilai N. Keren
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 600 Capital Way North Olympia WA 98501 USA
| | - Sara J.K. Hansen
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 2315 North Discovery Place Spokane WA 99216 USA
| | - Richard B. Harris
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 600 Capital Way North Olympia WA 98501 USA
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33
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Seidel DP, Dougherty E, Carlson C, Getz WM. Ecological metrics and methods for GPS movement data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SCIENCE : IJGIS 2018; 32:2272-2293. [PMID: 30631244 PMCID: PMC6322554 DOI: 10.1080/13658816.2018.1498097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The growing field of movement ecology uses high resolution movement data to analyze animal behavior across multiple scales: from individual foraging decisions to population-level space-use patterns. These analyses contribute to various subfields of ecology-inter alia behavioral, disease, landscape, resource, and wildlife-and facilitate facilitate novel exploration in fields ranging from conservation planning to public health. Despite the growing availability and general accessibility of animal movement data, much potential remains for the analytical methods of movement ecology to be incorporated in all types of geographic analyses. This review provides for the Geographical Information Sciences (GIS) community an overview of the most common movement metrics and methods of analysis employed by animal ecologists. Through illustrative applications, we emphasize the potential for movement analyses to promote transdisciplinary GIS/wildlife-ecology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Paige Seidel
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Eric Dougherty
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Colin Carlson
- National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center, University of Maryland, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, USA
| | - Wayne M. Getz
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management, University of California, Berkeley
- Schools of Mathematical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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34
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Ferretti F, Lovari S, Stephens PA. Joint effects of weather and interspecific competition on foraging behavior and survival of a mountain herbivore. Curr Zool 2018; 65:165-175. [PMID: 30936905 PMCID: PMC6430973 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Weather variations have the potential to influence species interactions, although effects on competitive interactions between species are poorly known. Both weather and competition can influence foraging behavior and survival of herbivores during nursing/weaning, a critical period in the herbivore life cycle. We evaluated the joint effects of weather and competition with red deer Cervus elaphus on the foraging behavior of adult female Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata in summer, and on winter survival of chamois kids. High temperature and low rainfall during the growing season of vegetation had negative effects on bite rate. Effects of weather were greater in forb patches, including cold-adapted, nutritious plants of key importance to chamois, than in graminoid ones. Our results confirm previous indications of a negative effect of competition on bite rate of female chamois and on kid survival. Furthermore, harsh weather conditions and competition with deer had additive, negative roles on foraging behavior and survival of chamois. Growing temperatures are expected to influence distribution, growth, and/or nutritional quality of plants; competition would reduce pasture quality and food availability through resource depletion. Both factors would limit food/energy intake rates during summer, reducing survival of the youngest cohorts in winter. We suggest that interspecific competition can be an important additive factor to the effects of weather changes on behavior and demography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferretti
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandro Lovari
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy.,Maremma Natural History Museum, Strada Corsini 5, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Philip A Stephens
- Conservation Ecology Group, Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, UK
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35
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Salas EAL, Valdez R, Michel S, Boykin KG. Habitat assessment of Marco Polo sheep ( Ovis ammon polii) in Eastern Tajikistan: Modeling the effects of climate change. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:5124-5138. [PMID: 29876087 PMCID: PMC5980363 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the factors predicting the high-elevation suitable habitats of Central Asian argali wild sheep and how these suitable habitats are affected by the changing climate regimes could help address conservation and management efforts and identify future critical habitat for the species in eastern Tajikistan. This study used environmental niche models (ENMs) to map and compare potential present and future distributions of suitable environmental conditions for Marco Polo argali. Argali occurrence points were collected during field surveys conducted from 2009 to 2016. Our models showed that terrain ruggedness and annual mean temperature had strong correlations on argali distribution. We then used two greenhouse gas concentration trajectories (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for two future time periods (2050 and 2070) to model the impacts of climate change on Marco Polo argali habitat. Results indicated a decline of suitable habitat with majority of losses observed at lower elevations (3,300-4,300 m). Models that considered all variables (climatic and nonclimatic) predicted losses of present suitable areas of 60.6% (6,928 km2) and 63.2% (7,219 km2) by 2050 and 2070, respectively. Results also showed averaged habitat gains of 46.2% (6,106 km2) at much higher elevations (4,500-6,900 m) and that elevational shifts of habitat use could occur in the future. Our results could provide information for conservation planning for this near threatened species in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ariel L. Salas
- Agricultural Research and Development ProgramCollege of Science and EngineeringCentral State UniversityWilberforceOhio
| | - Raul Valdez
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation EcologyNew Mexico State UniversityLas CrucesNew Mexico
| | - Stefan Michel
- IUCN Species Survival CommissionCaprinae Specialist GroupKannawurfGermany
| | - Kenneth G. Boykin
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation EcologyNew Mexico State UniversityLas CrucesNew Mexico
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36
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Douhard M, Guillemette S, Festa-Bianchet M, Pelletier F. Drivers and demographic consequences of seasonal mass changes in an alpine ungulate. Ecology 2018; 99:724-734. [PMID: 29336476 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We know little about the determinants and demographic consequences of the marked seasonal mass changes exhibited by many northern and alpine mammals. We analysed 43 years of data on individual winter mass loss (the difference between mass in early June and mass in mid-September the previous year) and summer mass gain (the difference between mass in mid-September and in early June of the same year) in adult bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). We calculated relative seasonal mass change as a proportion of individual body mass at the start of each season. We first examined the effects of weather and population density on relative changes in body mass. We then assessed the consequences of relative seasonal mass changes on reproduction. Mean April-May temperature was the main driver of relative seasonal mass changes: warm springs reduced both relative winter mass loss and summer mass gain of both sexes, likely partially due to a trade-off between growth rate of plants and duration of access to high-quality forage. Because these effects cancelled each other, spring temperature did not influence mass in mid-September. Mothers that lost relatively more mass during the winter had lambs that gained less mass during summer, likely because these females allocated fewer resources to lactation. Winter survival of lambs increased with their summer mass gain. In males, relative mass loss during winter, which includes the rut, did not influence the probability of siring at least one lamb, possibly indicating that greater mating effort did not necessarily translate into greater reproductive success. Our findings improve our understanding of how weather influences recruitment and underline the importance of cryptic mechanisms behind the effects of climate change on demographic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Douhard
- Département de Biologie et Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Simon Guillemette
- Département de Biologie et Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Marco Festa-Bianchet
- Département de Biologie et Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Fanie Pelletier
- Département de Biologie et Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
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37
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Anderson M, McLellan BN, Serrouya R. Moose response to high-elevation forestry: Implications for apparent competition with endangered caribou. J Wildl Manage 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW 305, Biological Sciences Building; University of Alberta, Edmonton; Alberta Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - Bruce N. McLellan
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations; P.O. Box 1732 D'arcy, British Columbia Canada, V0N 1L0
| | - Robert Serrouya
- Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, 1-107 Centennial Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CCIS); University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta, T6G 2E9
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38
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Bennison A, Bearhop S, Bodey TW, Votier SC, Grecian WJ, Wakefield ED, Hamer KC, Jessopp M. Search and foraging behaviors from movement data: A comparison of methods. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:13-24. [PMID: 29321847 PMCID: PMC5756868 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Search behavior is often used as a proxy for foraging effort within studies of animal movement, despite it being only one part of the foraging process, which also includes prey capture. While methods for validating prey capture exist, many studies rely solely on behavioral annotation of animal movement data to identify search and infer prey capture attempts. However, the degree to which search correlates with prey capture is largely untested. This study applied seven behavioral annotation methods to identify search behavior from GPS tracks of northern gannets (Morus bassanus), and compared outputs to the occurrence of dives recorded by simultaneously deployed time-depth recorders. We tested how behavioral annotation methods vary in their ability to identify search behavior leading to dive events. There was considerable variation in the number of dives occurring within search areas across methods. Hidden Markov models proved to be the most successful, with 81% of all dives occurring within areas identified as search. k-Means clustering and first passage time had the highest rates of dives occurring outside identified search behavior. First passage time and hidden Markov models had the lowest rates of false positives, identifying fewer search areas with no dives. All behavioral annotation methods had advantages and drawbacks in terms of the complexity of analysis and ability to reflect prey capture events while minimizing the number of false positives and false negatives. We used these results, with consideration of analytical difficulty, to provide advice on the most appropriate methods for use where prey capture behavior is not available. This study highlights a need to critically assess and carefully choose a behavioral annotation method suitable for the research question being addressed, or resulting species management frameworks established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Bennison
- MaREI Centre for Marine and Renewable EnergyEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- School of BiologicalEarth, and Environmental Sciences (BEES)University College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Stuart Bearhop
- Centre for Ecology & ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | - Thomas W. Bodey
- Centre for Ecology & ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | | | - W. James Grecian
- Sea Mammal Research UnitScottish Oceans InstituteUniversity of St AndrewsSt Andrews, FifeScotland
| | - Ewan D. Wakefield
- Sea Mammal Research UnitScottish Oceans InstituteUniversity of St AndrewsSt Andrews, FifeScotland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical, Veterinary, and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowScotland
| | - Keith C. Hamer
- Faculty of Biological SciencesSchool of BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Mark Jessopp
- MaREI Centre for Marine and Renewable EnergyEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
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39
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Di Francesco J, Navarro-Gonzalez N, Wynne-Edwards K, Peacock S, Leclerc LM, Tomaselli M, Davison T, Carlsson A, Kutz S. Qiviut cortisol in muskoxen as a potential tool for informing conservation strategies. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 5:cox052. [PMID: 28948023 PMCID: PMC5601961 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are increasingly subject to multiple new stressors associated with unprecedented climate change and increased anthropogenic activities across much of their range. Hair may provide a measurement of stress hormones (glucocorticoids) over periods of weeks to months. We developed a reliable method to quantify cortisol in the qiviut (wooly undercoat) of muskoxen using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. We then applied this technique to determine the natural variability in qiviut cortisol levels among 150 wild muskoxen, and to assess differences between sexes, seasons and years of collection. Qiviut samples were collected from the rump of adult muskoxen by subsistence and sport hunters in seven different locations in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories between 2013 and 2016. Results showed a high inter-individual variability in qiviut cortisol concentrations, with levels ranging from 3.5 to 48.9 pg/mg (median 11.7 pg/mg). Qiviut cortisol levels were significantly higher in males than females, and varied seasonally (summer levels were significantly lower than in fall and winter), and by year (levels significantly increased from 2013 to 2015). These differences may reflect distinct environmental conditions and the diverse stressors experienced, as well as physiological and/or behavioural characteristics. Quantification of qiviut cortisol may serve as a valuable tool for monitoring health and informing conservation and management efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Di Francesco
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4Z6
| | - Nora Navarro-Gonzalez
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4Z6
| | - Katherine Wynne-Edwards
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4Z6
| | - Stephanie Peacock
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, 507 Campus Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4V8
| | - Lisa-Marie Leclerc
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, P.O. Box 377, Kugluktuk, Nunavut, CanadaX0B 0E0
| | - Matilde Tomaselli
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4Z6
| | - Tracy Davison
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, P.O. Box 2749, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, CanadaX0E 0T0
| | - Anja Carlsson
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4Z6
| | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4Z6
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40
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Ditmer MA, Moen RA, Windels SK, Forester JD, Ness TE, Harris TR. Moose at their bioclimatic edge alter their behavior based on weather, landscape, and predators. Curr Zool 2017; 64:419-432. [PMID: 30109872 PMCID: PMC6084617 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zox047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations inhabiting the bioclimatic edges of a species’ geographic range face an increasing amount of stress from alterations to their environment associated with climate change. Moose Alces alces are large-bodied ungulates that are sensitive to heat stress and have exhibited population declines and range contractions along their southern geographic extent. Using a hidden Markov model to analyze movement and accelerometer data, we assigned behaviors (rest, forage, or travel) to all locations of global positioning system-collared moose (n = 13, moose-years = 19) living near the southern edge of the species’ range in and around Voyageurs National Park, MN, USA. We assessed how moose behavior changed relative to weather, landscape, and the presence of predators. Moose significantly reduced travel and increased resting behaviors at ambient temperatures as low as 15 °C and 24 °C during the spring and summer, respectively. In general, moose behavior changed seasonally in association with distance to lakes and ponds. Moose used wetlands for travel throughout the year, rested in conifer forests, and foraged in shrublands. The influence of wolves Canis lupus varied among individual moose and season, but the largest influence was a reduction in travel during spring when near a wolf home range core, primarily by pregnant females. Our analysis goes beyond habitat selection to capture how moose alter their activities based on their environment. Our findings, along with climate change forecasts, suggest that moose in this area will be required to further alter their activity patterns and space use in order to find sufficient forage and avoid heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Ditmer
- Conservation Department, Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN, USA.,Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, Ste 135, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Ron A Moen
- Natural Resources Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth, 5013 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Steve K Windels
- Voyageurs National Park, 360 Hwy 11 E, International Falls, MN, USA
| | - James D Forester
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, Ste 135, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Thomas E Ness
- Conservation Department, Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN, USA
| | - Tara R Harris
- Conservation Department, Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN, USA.,Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, Ste 135, St Paul, MN, USA
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41
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Elmore RD, Carroll JM, Tanner EP, Hovick TJ, Grisham BA, Fuhlendorf SD, Windels SK. Implications of the thermal environment for terrestrial wildlife management. WILDLIFE SOC B 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Dwayne Elmore
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and ManagementOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOK74078USA
| | - J. Matthew Carroll
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and ManagementOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOK74078USA
| | - Evan P. Tanner
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and ManagementOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOK74078USA
| | - Torre J. Hovick
- School of Natural Resource Sciences—Range ProgramNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoND58108USA
| | - Blake A. Grisham
- Department of Natural Resources ManagementTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTX79409USA
| | - Samuel D. Fuhlendorf
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and ManagementOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOK74078USA
| | - Steve K. Windels
- National Park ServiceVoyageurs National ParkInternational FallsMN56649USA
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42
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Challenges and science-based implications for modern management and conservation of European ungulate populations. MAMMAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-017-0321-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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43
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Courbin N, Dussault C, Veillette A, Giroux MA, Côté SD. Coping with strong variations in winter severity: plastic habitat selection of deer at high density. Behav Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arx062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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44
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Mole MA, Rodrigues DÁraujo S, van Aarde RJ, Mitchell D, Fuller A. Coping with heat: behavioural and physiological responses of savanna elephants in their natural habitat. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cow044. [PMID: 27757237 PMCID: PMC5066386 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Most of southern Africa's elephants inhabit environments where environmental temperatures exceed body temperature, but we do not know how elephants respond to such environments. We evaluated the relationships between apparent thermoregulatory behaviour and environmental, skin and core temperatures for tame savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) that were free-ranging in the hot parts of the day, in their natural environment. Environmental temperature dictated elephant behaviour within a day, with potential consequences for fine-scale habitat selection, space use and foraging. At black globe temperatures of ~30°C, elephants adjusted their behaviour to reduce environmental heat load and increase heat dissipation (e.g. shade use, wetting behaviour). Resting, walking and feeding were also influenced by environmental temperature. By relying on behavioural and autonomic adjustments, the elephants maintained homeothermy, even at environmental temperatures exceeding 40°C. Elephants clearly have the capacity to deal with extreme heat, at least in environments with adequate resources of forage, water and shade. Future conservation actions should provide for the thermoregulatory, resource and spatial needs of elephants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Mole
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Shaun Rodrigues DÁraujo
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rudi J van Aarde
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Duncan Mitchell
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrea Fuller
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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45
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McCann NP, Moen RA, Windels SK, Harris TR. Bed sites as thermal refuges for a cold-adapted ungulate in summer. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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46
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Long RA, Bowyer RT, Porter WP, Mathewson P, Monteith KL, Findholt SL, Dick BL, Kie JG. Linking habitat selection to fitness-related traits in herbivores: the role of the energy landscape. Oecologia 2016; 181:709-20. [PMID: 27003702 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3604-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Animals may partially overcome environmental constraints on fitness by behaviorally adjusting their exposure to costs and supplies of energy. Few studies, however, have linked spatiotemporal variation in the energy landscape to behaviorally mediated measures of performance that ostensibly influence individual fitness. We hypothesized that strength of selection by North American elk (Cervus elaphus) for areas that reduced costs of thermoregulation and activity, and increased access to high-quality forage, would influence four energetically mediated traits related to fitness: birth mass of young, nutritional condition of adult females at the onset of winter, change in nutritional condition of females between spring and winter, and neonatal survival. We used a biophysical model to map spatiotemporally explicit costs of thermoregulation and activity experienced by elk in a heterogeneous landscape. We then combined model predictions with data on forage characteristics, animal locations, nutritional condition, and mass and survival of young to evaluate behaviorally mediated effects of the energy landscape on fitness-related traits. During spring, when high-quality forage was abundant, female elk that consistently selected low-cost areas before parturition gave birth to larger young than less-selective individuals, and birth mass had a strong, positive influence on probability of survival. As forage quality declined during autumn, however, lactating females that consistently selected the highest quality forage available accrued more fat and entered winter in better condition than less-selective individuals. Results of our study highlight the importance of understanding the dynamic nature of energy landscapes experienced by free-ranging animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Long
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, 83209, USA. .,Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA.
| | - R T Bowyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, 83209, USA
| | - Warren P Porter
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, 53796, USA
| | - Paul Mathewson
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, 53796, USA
| | - Kevin L Monteith
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - Scott L Findholt
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, La Grande, OR, 97850, USA
| | - Brian L Dick
- US Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, La Grande, OR, 97850, USA
| | - John G Kie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, 83209, USA
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47
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Edelhoff H, Signer J, Balkenhol N. Path segmentation for beginners: an overview of current methods for detecting changes in animal movement patterns. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2016; 4:21. [PMID: 27595001 PMCID: PMC5010771 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-016-0086-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Increased availability of high-resolution movement data has led to the development of numerous methods for studying changes in animal movement behavior. Path segmentation methods provide basics for detecting movement changes and the behavioral mechanisms driving them. However, available path segmentation methods differ vastly with respect to underlying statistical assumptions and output produced. Consequently, it is currently difficult for researchers new to path segmentation to gain an overview of the different methods, and choose one that is appropriate for their data and research questions. Here, we provide an overview of different methods for segmenting movement paths according to potential changes in underlying behavior. To structure our overview, we outline three broad types of research questions that are commonly addressed through path segmentation: 1) the quantitative description of movement patterns, 2) the detection of significant change-points, and 3) the identification of underlying processes or 'hidden states'. We discuss advantages and limitations of different approaches for addressing these research questions using path-level movement data, and present general guidelines for choosing methods based on data characteristics and questions. Our overview illustrates the large diversity of available path segmentation approaches, highlights the need for studies that compare the utility of different methods, and identifies opportunities for future developments in path-level data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Edelhoff
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Signer
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Niko Balkenhol
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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48
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Severud WJ, Giudice GD, Obermoller TR, Enright TA, Wright RG, Forester JD. Using GPS collars to determine parturition and cause-specific mortality of moose calves. WILDLIFE SOC B 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William J. Severud
- Department of Fisheries; Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota; 2003 Upper Buford Circle; Suite 135; Saint Paul Minnesota 55108 USA
| | - Glenn Del Giudice
- Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; 5463-C West Broadway Avenue; Forest Lake Minnesota 55025 USA
| | - Tyler R. Obermoller
- Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; 5463-C West Broadway Avenue; Forest Lake Minnesota 55025 USA
| | - Thomas A. Enright
- Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; 5463-C West Broadway Avenue; Forest Lake Minnesota 55025 USA
| | - Robert G. Wright
- Minnesota Information Technology Services; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; 5463-C West Broadway Avenue; Forest Lake Minnesota 55025 USA
| | - James D. Forester
- Department of Fisheries; Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota; 2003 Upper Buford Circle; Suite 135; Saint Paul Minnesota 55108 USA
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49
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Glushkov VM, Kuznetsov GV. Morphophysiological and behavioral adaptations of elk to wintering. BIOL BULL+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359015040068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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50
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Maldonado-Chaparro AA, Martin JGA, Armitage KB, Oli MK, Blumstein DT. Environmentally induced phenotypic variation in wild yellow-bellied marmots. J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyu006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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