1
|
Liu Y, Huang K, Wang X, Krzton A, Xia W, Li D. Research on Space Occupancy, Activity Rhythm and Sexual Segregation of White-Lipped Deer ( Cervus albirostris) in Forest Habitats of Jiacha Gorge on Yarlung Zangbo River Basin Based on Infrared Camera Technology. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:815. [PMID: 37372100 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The white-lipped deer (Cervus albirostris) is a rare and endangered species found in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. To understand the space occupancy, activity rhythm, and sexual segregation of the white-lipped deer, 24,096 effective photos and 827 effective videos were captured using infrared cameras from February 2020 to January 2022. The ecology and behavior of the white-lipped deer in Jiacha Gorge were studied in more detail using site occupancy models, relative abundance index, and other technologies and methods. The results show that The occupancy predicted by the model exceeds or approaches 0.5. The occupancy increases with greater altitude and with larger EVI values, while the detection rate increases with altitude only during spring and decreases with EVI values only in summer. The daily activity peaks for white-lipped deer were observed from 7:00 to 11:00 and 17:00 to 22:00, with annual activity peaks occurring from April to June and from September to November. From July to the following January, white-lipped deer mostly move in mixed-sex groups, while during the remainder of the year, they predominantly associate with individuals of the same sex. Climate, vegetation coverage, food resources, and human disturbance collectively influenced the behavior and habitat utilization of white-lipped deer. The foundational research conducted on white-lipped deer over the past two years is expected to enhance the basic understanding of white-lipped deer in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and contribute to future protection and management decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology of Rhinopithecus roxellana at China West Normal University of Sichuan Province, Nanchong 637001, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology of Rhinopithecus roxellana at China West Normal University of Sichuan Province, Nanchong 637001, China
| | - Xueyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology of Rhinopithecus roxellana at China West Normal University of Sichuan Province, Nanchong 637001, China
| | - Ali Krzton
- Auburn University Libraries, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Wancai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology of Rhinopithecus roxellana at China West Normal University of Sichuan Province, Nanchong 637001, China
| | - Dayong Li
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology of Rhinopithecus roxellana at China West Normal University of Sichuan Province, Nanchong 637001, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Diggins CA, Lipford A, Farwell T, Eline DV, Larose SH, Kelly CA, Clucas B. Can camera traps be used to differentiate species of North American flying squirrels? WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Corinne A. Diggins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - Aylett Lipford
- School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University Baton Rouge LA 70808 USA
| | - Travis Farwell
- Department of Wildlife Humboldt State University Arcata CA 95521 USA
| | - Drew V. Eline
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse NY 13210 USA
| | - Summer H. Larose
- School of Natural Resources University of Missouri Columbia MO 65211 USA
| | | | - Barbara Clucas
- Department of Wildlife Humboldt State University Arcata CA 95521 USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Woodgate Z, Distiller G, O’Riain MJ. Hare today, gone tomorrow: the role of interspecific competition in shaping riverine rabbit occurrence. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective conservation, particularly of threatened species, requires an understanding of both abiotic and biotic drivers of distribution. In the case of one of Africa’s most endangered mammals, the riverine rabbit Bunolagus monticularis, only environmental covariates of presence have been used to provide coarse predictions of their distribution. Two potential competitors, namely scrub hare Lepus saxatilis and cape hare L. capensis, have significant (>90%) range overlap with the riverine rabbit, yet little is known about how these species interact. We used multi-species occupancy models, which model co-occurrence as a function of environmental variables, to assess the spatial response of riverine rabbits to both species of hare in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, South Africa. We also examined temporal overlap between riverine rabbits and hares. Camera trapping data were collected from 150 camera traps distributed in clusters of 5 cameras at 30 independent sites, covering 223.24 km2. Contrary to prior studies, we found that riverine rabbits were not restricted to riparian habitat, and that their occurrence was conditional on hare absence and was negatively affected by terrain ruggedness. Whilst hare occurrence was independent of terrain ruggedness, it was negatively affected by rabbit presence. Activity patterns revealed high temporal overlap between hares and rabbits (Δ = 0.828, CI = 0.745-0.940); however, neither species co-occurred at any given site. Our results suggest that conservation management has greatly underestimated the importance of competition with other lagomorphs in understanding riverine rabbit occurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Woodgate
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - G Distiller
- Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - MJ O’Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Crowell MM, Shoemaker KT, Matocq MD. Ideal conditions for increased trapping success of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) across the Great Basin. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Sagebrush-steppe ecosystems are one of the most imperiled ecosystems in North America and many of the species that rely on these habitats are of great conservation concern. Pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are one of these species. They rely on sagebrush year-round for food and cover, and are understudied across their range in the intermountain west due in part to their recalcitrance to standard capture techniques. Identifying an efficient and minimally biased trapping method therefore is a critical first step in learning more about this species. We assessed how trap orientation and weather characteristics influenced trap success for Tomahawk traps placed in and around pygmy rabbit burrows by carrying out trapping surveys at 16 occupied pygmy rabbit sites across the Great Basin from 2016 to 2018. We found that pygmy rabbits had a greater probability of being captured in traps with the open end facing away from burrow entrances. Pygmy rabbits also were more likely to be captured on clear days (0–5% cloud cover) and during periods of cooler temperatures during summer months (June–August). We found no evidence that sex or age ratios differed, or that individuals differed meaningfully, in their preference for certain trap orientations. To increase trap success for pygmy rabbits, we suggest maximizing trapping effort during summer months, at dawn, and maximizing the proportion of Tomahawk traps facing away from burrow entrances. We anticipate that our monitoring protocol will enable more effective research into the ecology and conservation of this cryptic and potentially imperiled species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M M Crowell
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - K T Shoemaker
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - M D Matocq
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rodrigues NT, Saranholi BH, Angeloni TA, Pasqualotto N, Chiarello AG, Galetti Jr PM. DNA mini-barcoding of leporids using noninvasive fecal DNA samples and its significance for monitoring an invasive species. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:5219-5225. [PMID: 32607145 PMCID: PMC7319127 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduced in South America at the end of the 19th century, the European hare population has expanded dramatically and now represents a risk to native Brazilian forest rabbits. Monitoring the invasive Lepus europaeus and its coexistence with native Sylvilagus brasiliensis is a challenge that can be efficiently addressed by the use of molecular tools. This work describes a set of primers useful for amplifying three mini-barcodes for the molecular identification of both invasive and native leporid species using degraded fecal DNA. In addition, tests in silico indicate that these mini-barcodes can successfully amplify the DNA sequences of a number of leporids. These mini-barcodes constitute a powerful tool for the monitoring and management of the invasive L. europaeus and the conservation of native rabbits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayra T. Rodrigues
- Departamento de Genética e EvoluçãoUniversidade Federal de São CarlosSão CarlosBrazil
| | - Bruno H. Saranholi
- Departamento de Genética e EvoluçãoUniversidade Federal de São CarlosSão CarlosBrazil
| | - Thais A. Angeloni
- Departamento de Genética e EvoluçãoUniversidade Federal de São CarlosSão CarlosBrazil
| | - Nielson Pasqualotto
- Programa Interunidades de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia Aplicada (PPGI‐EA)Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz” (ESALQ/USP) e Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA/USP)Universidade de São PauloPiracicabaBrazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão PretoUniversidade de São PauloRibeirão PretoSão PauloBrazil
| | - Adriano G. Chiarello
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão PretoUniversidade de São PauloRibeirão PretoSão PauloBrazil
| | - Pedro M. Galetti Jr
- Departamento de Genética e EvoluçãoUniversidade Federal de São CarlosSão CarlosBrazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Smith IT, Rachlow JL, Svancara LK, McMahon LA, Knetter SJ. Habitat specialists as conservation umbrellas: Do areas managed for greater sage‐grouse also protect pygmy rabbits? Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Thomas Smith
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
| | - Janet L. Rachlow
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
| | - Leona K. Svancara
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game Moscow Idaho 83843 USA
| | - Laura A. McMahon
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Rhinelander Wisconsin 54501 USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Harrison RL. TEMPORAL NICHE SEPARATION OF DESERT COTTONTAILS (SYLVILAGUS AUDUBONII) AND BLACK-TAILED JACKRABBITS (LEPUS CALIFORNICUS) IN THE CHIHUAHUAN DESERT. SOUTHWEST NAT 2019. [DOI: 10.1894/0038-4909-63-3-153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
8
|
Milling CR, Rachlow JL, Chappell MA, Camp MJ, Johnson TR, Shipley LA, Paul DR, Forbey JS. Seasonal temperature acclimatization in a semi-fossorial mammal and the role of burrows as thermal refuges. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4511. [PMID: 29576977 PMCID: PMC5858582 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Small mammals in habitats with strong seasonal variation in the thermal environment often exhibit physiological and behavioral adaptations for coping with thermal extremes and reducing thermoregulatory costs. Burrows are especially important for providing thermal refuge when above-ground temperatures require high regulatory costs (e.g., water or energy) or exceed the physiological tolerances of an organism. Our objective was to explore the role of burrows as thermal refuges for a small endotherm, the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis), during the summer and winter by quantifying energetic costs associated with resting above and below ground. We used indirect calorimetry to determine the relationship between energy expenditure and ambient temperature over a range of temperatures that pygmy rabbits experience in their natural habitat. We also measured the temperature of above- and below-ground rest sites used by pygmy rabbits in eastern Idaho, USA, during summer and winter and estimated the seasonal thermoregulatory costs of resting in the two microsites. Although pygmy rabbits demonstrated seasonal physiological acclimatization, the burrow was an important thermal refuge, especially in winter. Thermoregulatory costs were lower inside the burrow than in above-ground rest sites for more than 50% of the winter season. In contrast, thermal heterogeneity provided by above-ground rest sites during summer reduced the role of burrows as a thermal refuge during all but the hottest periods of the afternoon. Our findings contribute to an understanding of the ecology of small mammals in seasonal environments and demonstrate the importance of burrows as thermal refuge for pygmy rabbits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte R Milling
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.,School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janet L Rachlow
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Mark A Chappell
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Meghan J Camp
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Timothy R Johnson
- Department of Statistical Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Lisa A Shipley
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - David R Paul
- Department of Movement Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Crowell MM, Shipley LA, Forbey JS, Rachlow JL, Kelsey RG. Dietary partitioning of toxic leaves and fibrous stems differs between sympatric specialist and generalist mammalian herbivores. J Mammal 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M M Crowell
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - L A Shipley
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - J S Forbey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - J L Rachlow
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - R G Kelsey
- United States Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Milling CR, Rachlow JL, Johnson TR, Forbey JS, Shipley LA. Seasonal variation in behavioral thermoregulation and predator avoidance in a small mammal. Behav Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arx084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
|
11
|
Diete RL, Meek PD, Dickman CR, Lisle A, Leung LKP. Diel activity patterns of northern Australian small mammals: variation, fixity, and plasticity. J Mammal 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
12
|
Abstract
Many animals regulate their activity over a 24-h sleep-wake cycle, concentrating their peak periods of activity to coincide with the hours of daylight, darkness, or twilight, or using different periods of light and darkness in more complex ways. These behavioral differences, which are in themselves functional traits, are associated with suites of physiological and morphological adaptations with implications for the ecological roles of species. The biogeography of diel time partitioning is, however, poorly understood. Here, we document basic biogeographic patterns of time partitioning by mammals and ecologically relevant large-scale patterns of natural variation in "illuminated activity time" constrained by temperature, and we determine how well the first of these are predicted by the second. Although the majority of mammals are nocturnal, the distributions of diurnal and crepuscular species richness are strongly associated with the availability of biologically useful daylight and twilight, respectively. Cathemerality is associated with relatively long hours of daylight and twilight in the northern Holarctic region, whereas the proportion of nocturnal species is highest in arid regions and lowest at extreme high altitudes. Although thermal constraints on activity have been identified as key to the distributions of organisms, constraints due to functional adaptation to the light environment are less well studied. Global patterns in diversity are constrained by the availability of the temporal niche; disruption of these constraints by the spread of artificial lighting and anthropogenic climate change, and the potential effects on time partitioning, are likely to be critical influences on species' future distributions.
Collapse
|
13
|
Ryan MA, Whisson DA, Holland GJ, Arnould JPY. Activity patterns of free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) revealed by accelerometry. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80366. [PMID: 24224050 PMCID: PMC3817117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of koala activity patterns is important for measuring the behavioral response of this species to environmental change, but to date has been limited by the logistical challenges of traditional field methodologies. We addressed this knowledge gap by using tri-axial accelerometer data loggers attached to VHF radio collars to examine activity patterns of adult male and female koalas in a high-density population at Cape Otway, Victoria, Australia. Data were obtained from 27 adult koalas over two 7-d periods during the breeding season: 12 in the early-breeding season in November 2010, and 15 in the late-breeding season in January 2011. Multiple 15 minute observation blocks on each animal were used for validation of activity patterns determined from the accelerometer data loggers. Accelerometry was effective in distinguishing between inactive (sleeping, resting) and active (grooming, feeding and moving) behaviors. Koalas were more active during the early-breeding season with a higher index of movement (overall dynamic body acceleration [ODBA]) for both males and females. Koalas showed a distinct temporal pattern of behavior, with most activity occurring from mid-afternoon to early morning. Accelerometry has potential for examining fine-scale behavior of a wide range of arboreal and terrestrial species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Ryan
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Desley A. Whisson
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Greg J. Holland
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - John P. Y. Arnould
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pagon N, Grignolio S, Pipia A, Bongi P, Bertolucci C, Apollonio M. Seasonal variation of activity patterns in roe deer in a temperate forested area. Chronobiol Int 2013; 30:772-85. [PMID: 23738905 DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2013.765887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the activity patterns of a European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population living in a forested Apennine area in central Italy, in order to shed light on the environmental and biological factors that were expected to account for the observed activity patterns on daily and yearly bases. Daily and seasonal activity patterns of 31 radio-collared roe deer were assessed through sessions of radio tracking for a total period of 18 consecutive months. Roe deer showed bimodal activity patterns throughout the year, with the two highest peaks of activity recorded at dawn and dusk. Activity patterns of males and females differed during the territorial period (from early spring to late summer), whereas they did not during the nonterritorial period. Most likely, behavioral thermoregulation can be held responsible for variation of daily activity patterns in different seasons. In winter, for instance, activity during the dawn period was significantly higher than in other seasons and daylight activity was significantly higher than at night. Nocturnal activity was highest in summer and lowest in winter. During the hunting season, moreover, roe deer showed lower activity levels than during the rest of the year. The prediction that roe deer would show lower activity levels during full moon nights, when the predation risk was assumed to be higher, was not confirmed by our data. Activity rhythms in roe deer were thus subjected to both endogenous and environmental factors, the latter working as exogenous synchronization cues. Accordingly, in changing environmental and ecological conditions, a circadian cycle of activity could be seen as the result of complex interactions among daily behavioral rhythm, digestive physiology, and external modifying factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nives Pagon
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lawes TJ, Anthony RG, Robinson WD, Forbes JT, Lorton GA. Homing Behavior and Survival of Pygmy Rabbits After Experimental Translocation. WEST N AM NATURALIST 2012. [DOI: 10.3398/064.072.0418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
16
|
Circadian activity rhythms in relation to season, sex and interspecific interactions in two Mediterranean voles. Anim Behav 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2011.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
17
|
Adams JR, Goldberg CS, Bosworth WR, Rachlow JL, Waits LP. Rapid species identification of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) from faecal pellet DNA. Mol Ecol Resour 2011; 11:808-12. [PMID: 21518302 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2011.03020.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a small lagomorph of the western United States that specializes in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitat. Intensive habitat loss and modification have increased the vulnerability of pygmy rabbit populations, but the current geographic distribution and population status remain unclear. To aid in detection and population monitoring, we developed a species identification test that uses mitochondrial DNA species-specific primers to distinguish among six sympatric lagomorph species using DNA isolated from faecal pellets. Applying this test, we successfully identified the species of origin for all pellet samples that produced a positive PCR result (77% of 283 pellets collected). Pellets collected during the winter (December-February) had higher PCR success rate (93%) than pellets collected at other times of the year (72%). This test, using non-invasive genetic sampling of faecal pellets, provides an efficient method for assessing site occupancy and distribution of pygmy rabbits and other lagomorphs across large geographic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Adams
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Moscow, ID 83844-1136, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mccoy JC, Ditchkoff SS, Steury TD. Bias associated with baited camera sites for assessing population characteristics of deer. J Wildl Manage 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
19
|
Pierce JE, Larsen RT, Flinders JT, Whiting JC. Fragmentation of sagebrush communities: does an increase in habitat edge impact pygmy rabbits? Anim Conserv 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2010.00430.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
20
|
Lee JE, Larsen RT, Flinders JT, Eggett DL. Daily and Seasonal Patterns of Activity at Pygmy Rabbit Burrows in Utah. WEST N AM NATURALIST 2010. [DOI: 10.3398/064.070.0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|