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Homstol L, Raymond S, Edwards C, Hamilton AN, St. Clair CC. Aversive conditioning increases short-term wariness but does not change habitat use in black bears associated with conflict. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295989. [PMID: 38166059 PMCID: PMC10760891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Conflict between humans and black bears (Ursus americanus) occurs throughout North America with increasing public demand to replace lethal management with non-lethal methods, such as aversive conditioning (AC). AC aims to teach animals to associate negative stimuli with humans or their infrastructure. We sought to test the efficacy of AC using radio-collared black bears in Whistler, British Columbia, by monitoring individuals and assigning those in conflict with people to control or treatment groups. We measured wariness using overt reaction distance, displacement distance, and reaction to researchers before, during and after executing 3-5-day AC programs that consisted of launching projectiles at bears in the treatment group. We also assessed predictors of successful AC events (i.e., leaving at a run), changes in bear use of human-dominated habitat during the day and at night, and the effects of including a sound stimulus to signal the beginning and end of AC events. Among treated bears, overt reaction distance increased by 46.5% and displacement distance increased by 69.0% following AC programs, whereas both overt reaction distance and displacement distance decreased over time among control group bears. Each additional AC event during the previous 30 days increased likelihood of bear departure in response to researcher presence by 4.5%. The success of AC events varied among individuals, declined with distance to cover, and increased with exposure to previous AC events. Projectiles launched from guns were slightly more effective at causing bears to displace compared to those launched from slingshots, and sound stimuli decreased the likelihood of a successful AC event. AC did not alter diurnal use by bears of human-dominated habitat. Our results suggest that AC effectively increases short-term wariness in black bears but does not alter bear use of human-dominated spaces, highlighting the importance of proactive attractant management and prevention of food conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Homstol
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Provincial Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sage Raymond
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Claire Edwards
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anthony N. Hamilton
- Provincial Government of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Parchizadeh J, Kellner KF, Hurst JE, Kramer DW, Belant JL. Factors influencing frequency and severity of human-American black bear conflicts in New York, USA. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282322. [PMID: 36827441 PMCID: PMC9956656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging large carnivores are involved in human-wildlife conflicts which can result in economic costs. Understanding factors that lead to human-wildlife conflicts is important to mitigate these negative effects and facilitate human-carnivore coexistence. We used a human-American black bear (Ursus americanus) conflict database maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to determine whether drought, conflicts within the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as compared to outside of these parks, mild severity (Class 3) conflicts early in the year (April-June), and bear harvest in the previous year (as an index of bear abundance), were associated with greater frequency of high or moderate severity (Class 1-2) conflicts later in the year (July-September) across New York, USA. During 2006-2019, we obtained 3,782 mild severity conflict records early in the year, and 1,042 high or moderate severity records later in the year. We found that a one standard deviation increase in the cumulative precipitation difference from mean early in the year (about 7.59 cm) coincided with a 20% decrease in conflicts, and that Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) within the parks were predicted to have 5.61 times as many high or moderate severity conflicts as WMUs outside the parks. We also found that a one standard deviation increase in the frequency of mild severity conflicts (equivalent to 5.68 conflicts) early in the year coincided with an increase in the frequency of high or moderate severity conflicts in a WMU later in the year by 49%, while a one standard deviation increase in the bear abundance index in the previous year (0.14 bears/10 km2) coincided with a 23% increase in high or moderate severity conflicts. To reduce the frequency and severity of conflicts to facilitate human-black bear coexistence, we recommend the following measures to be taken in place consistently and build over time in local communities: (i) further reducing black bear access to anthropogenic foods and other attractants, (ii) non-lethal measures including bear-resistant waste management, (iii) electric fencing, and (iv) modifying placement or configuration of field crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Parchizadeh
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kenneth F. Kellner
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Jeremy E. Hurst
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - David W. Kramer
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
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3
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Pop MI, Dyck MA, Chiriac S, Lajos B, Szabó S, Iojă CI, Popescu VD. Predictors of brown bear predation events on livestock in the Romanian Carpathians. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mihai I. Pop
- Centre for Environmental Research (CCMESI) University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
- Association for the Conservation of Biological Diversity (ACDB) Focșani Romania
| | - Marissa A. Dyck
- Department of Biological Sciences Ohio University Athens Ohio USA
| | | | - Berde Lajos
- Covasna Environmental Protection Agency Sf. Gheorghe Romania
| | - Szilárd Szabó
- Harghita Environmental Protection Agency Miercurea Ciuc Romania
| | - Cristian I. Iojă
- Centre for Environmental Research (CCMESI) University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
| | - Viorel D. Popescu
- Centre for Environmental Research (CCMESI) University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
- Department of Biological Sciences Ohio University Athens Ohio USA
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Hatch KA, Kester KA, Loveless A, Roeder BL, van Manen FT. Tooth wear and the apparent consumption of human foods among American black bears (Ursus americanus) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00310-x] [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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Morozov NS. The Role of Predators in Shaping Urban Bird Populations. 4. The Urban Predation Paradox and Its Probable Causes. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359022090242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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6
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Ji Y, Wei X, Liu F, Li D, Li J, Huang X, Jiang J, Tang J. Assessing the spatial-temporal patterns of conflicts between humans and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) around the Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve, China. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1020703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflicts between humans and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) are widespread in Asia and pose challenges to human-bear coexistence. Identifying effective mitigation measures requires a thorough understanding of human-bear conflicts (HBC). We assessed spatial-temporal patterns of HBC and their impact factors around the Baoshan Section of the Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve (GNNR) between 2012 and 2020. The results suggested that crop raiding by bears occurred most commonly, followed by beehive loss, livestock depredation, and human casualties. HBC hotspots occurred near the protected area where local people frequently encountered bears. The landscapes with lower elevation and human density were at higher risk of HBC. Furthermore, villages with more fragmented forests or less fragmented croplands were more vulnerable to HBC. The differences in agricultural structures contributed to the diverse composition of HBC between the two regions. In addition, crop raiding by bears decreased significantly, probably due to the changing landscape composition and configuration derived from human behaviors, yet livestock depredation and beehive loss increased. Our findings indicated the complex interrelationship between the environment, bears, and humans, which could guide the implementation of mitigation measures. We recommend multiple approaches based on a social-ecological system to mitigate HBC.
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Spatial-temporal patterns of human-wildlife conflicts under coupled impact of natural and anthropogenic factors in Mt. Gaoligong, western Yunnan, China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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8
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Wightman NE, Howe E, Satura A, Northrup JM. Factors affecting age at primiparity in black bears. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22297] [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)
- Noah E. Wightman
- Biology Department Trent University 2140 East Bank Drive Peterborough Ontario K9L 1Z8 Canada
| | - Eric Howe
- Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines Natural Resources and Forestry 2140 East Bank Drive Peterborough Ontario K9L 1Z8 Canada
| | - Abbygail Satura
- Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines Natural Resources and Forestry 2140 East Bank Drive Peterborough Ontario K9L 1Z8 Canada
| | - Joseph M. Northrup
- Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines Natural Resources and Forestry 2140 East Bank Drive Peterborough Ontario K9L 1Z8 Canada
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program Trent University 2140 East Bank Drive Peterborough Ontario K9L 1Z8 Canada
- IUCN Bear Specialist Group‐member North American Bears Expert Team
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9
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Anthropogenic food: an emerging threat to polar bears. ORYX 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605322000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Supplemental food from anthropogenic sources is a source of conflict with humans for many wildlife species. Food-seeking behaviours by black bears Ursus americanus and brown bears Ursus arctos can lead to property damage, human injury and mortality of the offending bears. Such conflicts are a well-known conservation management issue wherever people live in bear habitats. In contrast, the use of anthropogenic foods by the polar bear Ursus maritimus is less common historically but is a growing conservation and management issue across the Arctic. Here we present six case studies that illustrate how negative food-related interactions between humans and polar bears can become either chronic or ephemeral and unpredictable. Our examination suggests that attractants are an increasing problem, exacerbated by climate change-driven sea-ice losses that cause increased use of terrestrial habitats by bears. Growing human populations and increased human visitation increase the likelihood of human–polar bear conflict. Efforts to reduce food conditioning in polar bears include attractant management, proactive planning and adequate resources for northern communities to reduce conflicts and improve human safety. Permanent removal of unsecured sources of nutrition, to reduce food conditioning, should begin immediately at the local level as this will help to reduce polar bear mortality.
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Patterns of Human–Brown Bear Conflict in the Urban Area of Brașov, Romania. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14137833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human–bear conflicts are increasing in number due to deforestation, urban expansion, tourism, and habitat invasion by humans. Our study was conducted in Brașov, a picturesque city in central Romania. Brașov is surrounded by forests and has significant tourist traffic, but also much uncollected garbage and many garbage containers, which attract brown bears. We recorded human–bear conflicts in four districts (Răcădău, the Historic Centre, Noua, and Gară) between 2004 and 2018, finding 55 cases in total, of which in 19 cases involving people, 4 people were killed and 32 were injured. In 36 cases, there were no human victims. We mapped the locations of human–bear conflicts and garbage containers, then analysed their space–time location and human victims in terms of behavioural factors. The altitudes at which brown bears were identified ranged from 580 to 790 m, whereas bears were found in the city at distances of between 100 and 2600 m from the forest. The highest frequency of human–bear conflicts occurred during summer and autumn, and the most common behavioural factor was human outdoor activities. This study provides an important background for understanding human–bear conflicts and will help local authorities develop effective strategies to reduce human–bear conflicts and mitigate risk.
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Surve NS, Sathyakumar S, Sankar K, Jathanna D, Gupta V, Athreya V. Leopards in the City: The Tale of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Two Protected Areas in and Adjacent to Mumbai, India. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.787031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies in the last decade have recorded obligate carnivores adapting to human dominated landscapes. Leopards, amongst other large carnivores, are highly adaptable and survive in a range of environments from the arid regions of Africa and the Middle East to the cold regions of the Russian Far East. They are also highly adaptable in their diet and consequently are present close to and even within high-density human landscapes. These also include the edges of urban areas such as Nairobi and Mumbai. Our study, to better understand the coexistence of leopards and humans, was conducted in 104 km2 of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), which is surrounded on three sides by the urban landscape of Mumbai and Thane cities. The study area also included 85 km2 of an adjoining protected area, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS), which is surrounded by a combination of forests, rural areas and agricultural lands. Based on spatial capture—recapture framework we observed that leopard densities in SGNP (26.34 ± 4.96 leopards/100 km2) and TWLS (5.40 ± 2.99 leopards/100 km2) were vastly different. We found that density estimates of wild prey and domestic dogs were higher in SGNP in comparison to TWLS. In both the protected areas (PAs), domestic dogs formed a major proportion of leopard diet and were the single highest species contributors. Our study shows that despite extremely high human density around SGNP (~20,000 people/km2), leopard density is also much higher than the adjoining TWLS which has a comparatively lower surrounding density of people (~1,700 people/km2). Leopard density reported from SGNP is amongst the highest ever reported. This interesting result is probably due to much higher biomass of potential food resources in and around SGNP. Studying this relationship between leopards and their prey (both wild and domestic) in a human dominated landscape will give us valuable insights on human—leopard interactions. The two adjacent and connected PAs are similar ecologically, but differ widely in almost all other aspects, including human densities along the periphery, leopard densities, prey densities as well as management regimes.
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12
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Powell J, Axmacher JC, Linnell JDC, Durant SM. Diverse Locations and a Long History: Historical Context for Urban Leopards (Panthera pardus) in the Early Anthropocene From Seoul, Korea. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.765911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While the urban landscapes of the early Anthropocene may appear hostile to large carnivores, humans and leopards (Panthera pardus) are known to co-inhabit major urban centres like Mumbai (India), Nairobi (Kenya) and Johannesburg (South Africa). We provide evidence that the presence of leopards in urban landscapes is not, however, a new phenomenon and has occurred repeatedly over the early history of the Anthropocene. Using records of Amur leopards (P. p. orientalis) in Seoul, Korea, at the end of the 19th century, a capital city and major urban centre with a high human population density, we explore socio-cultural, political and ecological factors that may have facilitated human-leopard co-occurrence in an urban landscape and the factors that eventually led to the leopards' extirpation. We suggest that, in the absence of unsustainable levels of persecution by humans, leopards are able to persist in urban landscapes which contain small patches of dense vegetation and have sufficient alternative food supplies. In light of the continued expansion of urban landscapes in the 21st century and increasing conservation focus on the presence of large carnivore populations there, this paper provides historical context to human co-existence with leopards in urban landscapes during the Anthropocene–and what we can learn from it for the future.
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Mori T, Sugiura R, Kato M, Miura K, Ogawa H, Umano S, Kato H, Izumiyama S, Niizuma Y. Relationship between diet and occurrence around human settlements in Asiatic black bears. URSUS 2021. [DOI: 10.2192/ursus-d-19-00024.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Mori
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya 468-5802, Japan
| | - Rina Sugiura
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya 468-5802, Japan
| | - Makoto Kato
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya 468-5802, Japan
| | - Kensuke Miura
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya 468-5802, Japan
| | - Haruna Ogawa
- Laboratory of Environmental Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan
| | - Shota Umano
- Laboratory of Environmental Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan
| | - Haruki Kato
- Forum for Environmental Symbiosis in Shirakawa-Go, 223, Magari, Shirakawa Village, Ono-gun, Gifu Prefecture 501-5620, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Izumiyama
- Institute of Mountain Science, Shinshu University, 8304 Minamiminowa Village, Kamiina County, Nagano Prefecture 399-4598, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Niizuma
- Laboratory of Environmental Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan
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Careddu G, Ciucci P, Mondovì S, Calizza E, Rossi L, Costantini ML. Gaining insight into the assimilated diet of small bear populations by stable isotope analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14118. [PMID: 34238974 PMCID: PMC8266819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Apennine brown bears (Ursus arctos marsicanus) survive in an isolated and critically endangered population, and their food habits have been studied using traditional scat analysis. To complement current dietary knowledge, we applied Stable Isotope Analysis (SIA) to non-invasively collected bear hairs that had been individually recognized through multilocus genotyping. We analysed carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes of hair sections and bear key foods in a Bayesian mixing models framework to reconstruct the assimilated diet on a seasonal basis and to assess gender and management status effects. In total, we analysed 34 different seasonal bear key foods and 35 hair samples belonging to 27 different bears (16 females and 11 males) collected during a population survey in 2014. Most bears showed wide δ15N and δ13C ranges and individual differences in seasonal isotopic patterns. Vegetable matter (herbs, fleshy fruits and hard mast) represented the major component of the assimilated diet across the dietary seasons, whereas vegetable crops were rarely and C4 plants (i.e., corn) never consumed. We confirmed an overall low consumption of large mammals by Apennine bears consistently between sexes, with highest values in spring followed by early summer but null in the other seasons. We also confirmed that consumption of fleshy fruits peaked in late summer, when wild predominated over cultivated fleshy fruits, even though the latter tended to be consumed in higher proportion in autumn. Male bears had higher δ 15N values than females in spring and autumn. Our findings also hint at additional differences in the assimilated diet between sexes, with females likely consuming more herbs during spring, ants during early summer, and hard mast during fall compared to males. In addition, although effect sizes were small and credibility intervals overlapped considerably, management bears on average were 0.9‰ lower in δ 13C and 2.9‰ higher in δ 15N compared to non-management bears, with differences in isotopic values between the two bear categories peaking in autumn. While non-management bears consumed more herbs, wild fleshy fruits, and hard mast, management bears tended to consume higher proportions of cultivated fruits, ants, and large mammals, possibly including livestock. Although multi-year sampling and larger sample sizes are needed to support our findings, our application confirms that SIA can effectively integrate previous knowledge and be efficiently conducted using samples non-invasively collected during population surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Careddu
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Stella Mondovì
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Calizza
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Loreto Rossi
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Sengupta A, McConkey KR, Kwit C. The influence of provisioning on animal‐mediated seed dispersal. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Asmita Sengupta
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment Bangalore Karnataka India
- National Inst. of Advanced Studies Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - Kim R. McConkey
- School of Geography, Univ. of Nottingham Malaysia Campus Semenyih Selangor Malaysia
| | - Charles Kwit
- Dept of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Univ. of Tennessee Knoxville TN USA
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16
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Crevier LP, Salkeld JH, Marley J, Parrott L. Making the best possible choice: Using agent-based modelling to inform wildlife management in small communities. Ecol Modell 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2021.109505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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17
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Cleary M, Joshi O, Fairbanks WS. Factors that Determine Human Acceptance of Black Bears. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cleary
- Oklahoma State University 008C Ag Hall Stillwater OK 74078 USA
| | - Omkar Joshi
- Oklahoma State University 008C Ag Hall Stillwater OK 74078 USA
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18
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Fehlmann G, O'riain MJ, FÜrtbauer I, King AJ. Behavioral Causes, Ecological Consequences, and Management Challenges Associated with Wildlife Foraging in Human-Modified Landscapes. Bioscience 2021; 71:40-54. [PMID: 33442328 PMCID: PMC7791362 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have altered up to half of the world's land surface. Wildlife living within or close to these human-modified landscapes are presented with opportunities and risks associated with feeding on human-derived foods (e.g., agricultural crops and food waste). Understanding whether and how wildlife adapts to these landscapes is a major challenge, with thousands of studies published on the topic over the past 10 years. In the present article, we build on established theoretical frameworks to understand the behavioral causes of crop and urban foraging by wildlife. We then develop and extend this framework to describe the multifaceted ecological consequences of crop and urban foraging for the individuals and populations in which they arise, with emphasis on social species for which interactions with people are, on balance, negative (commonly referred to as raiding species). Finally, we discuss the management challenges faced by urban and rural land managers, businesses, and government organizations in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and propose ways to improve the lives of both wildlife and humans living in human-modified landscapes and to promote coexistence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Justin O'riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife, Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ines FÜrtbauer
- Behavioural Ecology and Endocrinology Laboratory and Andrew King is an associate professor and head of the SHOAL group in the Department of Biosciences at Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J King
- Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, Bodensee, Germany
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19
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Schell CJ, Stanton LA, Young JK, Angeloni LM, Lambert JE, Breck SW, Murray MH. The evolutionary consequences of human-wildlife conflict in cities. Evol Appl 2021; 14:178-197. [PMID: 33519964 PMCID: PMC7819564 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-wildlife interactions, including human-wildlife conflict, are increasingly common as expanding urbanization worldwide creates more opportunities for people to encounter wildlife. Wildlife-vehicle collisions, zoonotic disease transmission, property damage, and physical attacks to people or their pets have negative consequences for both people and wildlife, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies that mitigate and prevent conflict altogether. Management techniques often aim to deter, relocate, or remove individual organisms, all of which may present a significant selective force in both urban and nonurban systems. Management-induced selection may significantly affect the adaptive or nonadaptive evolutionary processes of urban populations, yet few studies explicate the links among conflict, wildlife management, and urban evolution. Moreover, the intensity of conflict management can vary considerably by taxon, public perception, policy, religious and cultural beliefs, and geographic region, which underscores the complexity of developing flexible tools to reduce conflict. Here, we present a cross-disciplinary perspective that integrates human-wildlife conflict, wildlife management, and urban evolution to address how social-ecological processes drive wildlife adaptation in cities. We emphasize that variance in implemented management actions shapes the strength and rate of phenotypic and evolutionary change. We also consider how specific management strategies either promote genetic or plastic changes, and how leveraging those biological inferences could help optimize management actions while minimizing conflict. Investigating human-wildlife conflict as an evolutionary phenomenon may provide insights into how conflict arises and how management plays a critical role in shaping urban wildlife phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Schell
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and SciencesUniversity of Washington TacomaTacomaWAUSA
| | - Lauren A. Stanton
- Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWYUSA
- Program in EcologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWYUSA
| | - Julie K. Young
- USDA‐WS‐National Wildlife Research Center‐Predator Research FacilityMillvilleUTUSA
| | | | - Joanna E. Lambert
- Program in Environmental Studies and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of Colorado‐BoulderBoulderCOUSA
| | - Stewart W. Breck
- USDA‐WS‐National Wildlife Research CenterFort CollinsCOUSA
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Maureen H. Murray
- Urban Wildlife Institute and Davee Center for Epidemiology and EndocrinologyChicagoILUSA
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20
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Lischka SA, Teel TL, Johnson HE, Larson C, Breck S, Crooks K. Psychological drivers of risk-reducing behaviors to limit human-wildlife conflict. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1383-1392. [PMID: 33245812 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Conflicts between people and wild animals are increasing globally, often with serious consequences for both. Local regulations or ordinances are frequently used to promote human behaviors that minimize these conflicts (risk-reducing behaviors), but compliance with ordinances can be highly variable. While efforts to increase compliance could be improved through applications of conservation psychology, little is known about the relative influence of different factors motivating compliance. Using concepts from psychology and risk theory, we conducted a longitudinal study pairing data from mail surveys with direct observations of compliance with a wildlife ordinance requiring residents to secure residential garbage from black bears (Ursus americanus). We assessed the relative influence of beliefs and attitudes toward bears and bear proofing, perceived behavioral control, perceived risks and benefits assigned to bears, norms, trust in management, previous experience with conflicts, and demographics on compliance behavior (i.e., bear proofing). Data on previous experience were obtained through direct observation and survey reports. We found that higher compliance rates were associated with more observed conflicts on a respondent's block. Counter to expectations, however, residents were less compliant when they were more trusting of the management agency and perceived more benefits from bears. We suggest that messages have the potential to increase compliance when they empower residents by linking successful management of conflicts to individual actions and emphasize how reducing conflicts could maintain benefits provided by wildlife. Modifying existing educational materials to account for these psychological considerations and evaluating their impact on compliance behavior over time are important next steps in changing human behaviors relevant to the globally important problem of human-wildlife conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy A Lischka
- Research, Policy, and Planning Branch, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 317 W. Prospect Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526, U.S.A
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, U.S.A
| | - Tara L Teel
- Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, U.S.A
| | - Heather E Johnson
- Research, Policy, and Planning Branch, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 415 Turner Dr., Durango, CO, 81301, U.S.A
| | - Courtney Larson
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, U.S.A
| | - Stewart Breck
- National Wildlife Research Center, USDA Wildlife Services, 4101 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80521, U.S.A
| | - Kevin Crooks
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, U.S.A
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21
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Fürtbauer I, Christensen C, Bracken A, O'Riain MJ, Heistermann M, King AJ. Energetics at the urban edge: Environmental and individual predictors of urinary C-peptide levels in wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). Horm Behav 2020; 126:104846. [PMID: 32860833 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
As human-modified landscapes encroach into natural habitats, wildlife face a reduction in natural food sources but also gain access to calorie-rich, human-derived foods. However, research into the energetics of wildlife living within and adjacent to urban and rural landscapes is lacking. C-peptide - a proxy for insulin production and a diagnostic tool for assessing pancreatic function in humans and domestic animals - can be quantified non-invasively from urine (uCP) and may provide a way to investigate the energetic correlates of living in human-altered landscapes. UCP is increasingly used in studies of primate energetics, and here we examine predictors of variation in uCP levels in n = 17 wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) living at the urban edge on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. We find that uCP was positively associated with food provisioning and negatively with night fasting. UCP levels were comparable between winter and summer but significantly lower during spring, possibly driven by consumption of energy-rich seeds during summer and more human-derived foods during winter. UCP was elevated in pregnant females and similar for lactating and cycling females. We find no effect of dominance rank on uCP. Samples collected with synthetic Salivettes had significantly lower uCP levels than directly pipetted samples. Overall, our results indicate that uCP is a reliable, non-invasive measure of energy balance and intake in baboons, and suggest potential energetic benefits of living at the urban edge. More broadly, studies of uCP may offer unique insight into the environmental control of hormone-behaviour relationships in species crossing natural and urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Fürtbauer
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK; Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Charlotte Christensen
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK; Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Anna Bracken
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK; Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - M Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | | | - Andrew J King
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK; Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
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22
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Zarzo‐Arias A, Delgado MM, Palazón S, Afonso Jordana I, Bombieri G, González‐Bernardo E, Ordiz A, Bettega C, García‐González R, Penteriani V. Seasonality, local resources and environmental factors influence patterns of brown bear damages: implications for management. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Zarzo‐Arias
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
| | - M. M. Delgado
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
| | - S. Palazón
- Fauna and Flora Service, Territory and Sustainability Department Generalitat de Catalunya Barcelona Spain
| | | | - G. Bombieri
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
- Sezione Zoologia dei Vertebrati Museo delle Scienze Trento Italy
| | | | - A. Ordiz
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
| | - C. Bettega
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
| | | | - V. Penteriani
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
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23
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Honda T, Kozakai C. Mechanisms of human-black bear conflicts in Japan: In preparation for climate change. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:140028. [PMID: 32758947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have reported effects of global climate change on wildlife, including changes in species distributions and population sizes but perspectives on interactions between the biosphere and the anthroposphere are limited. Bears have a worldwide range and often come into conflict with humans. We assessed the effects of weather variables including temperature, precipitation, and sunshine on human-bear conflicts. Given that the relationship between climate and bear physiology is poorly understood, we first conducted an exploratory analysis using regression techniques. We then built a final predictive model using generalized linear mixed modelling and Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC)-based model selection. Our model highlighted the influence of cold temperatures during denning on the frequency of human-bear conflicts. Cold temperatures during denning are related to increased energy requirements for thermoregulation. It is likely that the resulting increase in demand for food following denning leads to an increase in human-bear conflicts. Our results also indicate that cool springs, lingering winter snowpacks, and hot summers may increase human-bear conflicts due to associated reductions in key food sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Honda
- Yamanashi Prefecture Agricultural Research Center, 1100, Shimoimai, Kai, Japan.
| | - Chinatsu Kozakai
- Central Region Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 2-1-18 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Japan
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24
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Malcolm K, Cheveau M, St-Laurent MH. Wolf habitat selection in relation to recreational structures in a national park. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Although most predators usually avoid human activity, some individuals instead will habituate to it. Habituation to human presence and infrastructure by predator species such as wolves may lead to conflicts implicating serious risks for public safety and for the survival of the animals involved. Accordingly, this research project aims to shed light on the relationship between wolves and recreational structures using telemetry data from 10 wolves located in the Parc National du Mont-Tremblant (Québec, Canada) and its surrounding area. Using resource selection functions (RSFs), we observed wolf habitat selection in relation to these structures during three biological periods (denning: May–June; rendezvous: June–October; and nomadic: October–April). Our results revealed that wolves selected proximity to linear structures (roads and trails) during the denning and rendezvous periods, but this selection depended on the density of such structures in the surroundings (i.e., functional response in habitat selection): wolves selected proximity to linear structures when these structures were present at greater densities. Wolves avoided housing structures (campsites, cabins, park facilities), especially when these structures were present at greater densities, suggesting that wolves perceived them as a risk. These results suggest that conflicts between visitors and wolves were unlikely to occur in campgrounds during the time of our study. This could indicate that the management measures implemented by the park following the past episodes of conflict were effective. However, wolves’ use of linear structures could lead to increased tolerance to human proximity if left unmanaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Malcolm
- Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Center for Forest Research, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
| | - Marianne Cheveau
- Direction de l’expertise sur la faune terrestre, l’herpétofaune et l’avifaune, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, chemin Sainte-Foy, 2e étage, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Martin-Hugues St-Laurent
- Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Centre for Northern Studies and Center for Forest Research, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
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25
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Wilson MW, Ridlon AD, Gaynor KM, Gaines SD, Stier AC, Halpern BS. Ecological impacts of human-induced animal behaviour change. Ecol Lett 2020; 23:1522-1536. [PMID: 32705769 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of literature has documented myriad effects of human activities on animal behaviour, yet the ultimate ecological consequences of these behavioural shifts remain largely uninvestigated. While it is understood that, in the absence of humans, variation in animal behaviour can have cascading effects on species interactions, community structure and ecosystem function, we know little about whether the type or magnitude of human-induced behavioural shifts translate into detectable ecological change. Here we synthesise empirical literature and theory to create a novel framework for examining the range of behaviourally mediated pathways through which human activities may affect different ecosystem functions. We highlight the few empirical studies that show the potential realisation of some of these pathways, but also identify numerous factors that can dampen or prevent ultimate ecosystem consequences. Without a deeper understanding of these pathways, we risk wasting valuable resources on mitigating behavioural effects with little ecological relevance, or conversely mismanaging situations in which behavioural effects do drive ecosystem change. The framework presented here can be used to anticipate the nature and likelihood of ecological outcomes and prioritise management among widespread human-induced behavioural shifts, while also suggesting key priorities for future research linking humans, animal behaviour and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret W Wilson
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - April D Ridlon
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M Gaynor
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, USA
| | - Steven D Gaines
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Adrian C Stier
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Benjamin S Halpern
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.,National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, USA
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26
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Johnson HE, Lewis DL, Breck SW. Individual and population fitness consequences associated with large carnivore use of residential development. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heather E. Johnson
- Alaska Science Center U.S. Geological Survey 4210 University Drive Anchorage Alaska 99508 USA
| | - David L. Lewis
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife 415 Turner Drive Durango Colorado 81303 USA
| | - Stewart W. Breck
- USDA National Wildlife Research Center 4101 La Porte Ave Fort Collins Colorado 80521 USA
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27
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Teunissen van Manen J, Lackey CW, Beckmann JP, Muller LI, Li ZH. Assimilated diet patterns of American black bears in the Sierra Nevada and western Great Basin, Nevada, USA. URSUS 2020. [DOI: 10.2192/ursus-d-17-00031.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carl W. Lackey
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, 1100 Valley Road, Reno, NV 89512, USA
| | - Jon P. Beckmann
- Wildlife Conservation Society, North America Program, 1050 E Main, Suite 2, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
| | - Lisa I. Muller
- University of Tennessee, Department of Forestry Wildlife, and Fisheries, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Zheng-Hua Li
- University of Tennessee, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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28
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Environmental Predictability as a Cause and Consequence of Animal Movement. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 35:163-174. [PMID: 31699411 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The impacts of environmental predictability on the ecology and evolution of animal movement have been the subject of vigorous speculation for several decades. Recently, the swell of new biologging technologies has further stimulated their investigation. This advancing research frontier, however, still lacks conceptual unification and has so far focused little on converse effects. Populations of moving animals have ubiquitous effects on processes such as nutrient cycling and seed dispersal and may therefore shape patterns of environmental predictability. Here, we synthesise the main strands of the literature on the feedbacks between environmental predictability and animal movement and discuss how they may react to anthropogenic disruption, leading to unexpected threats for wildlife and the environment.
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29
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Alldredge MW, Buderman FE, Blecha KA. Human-Cougar interactions in the wildland-urban interface of Colorado's front range. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:10415-10431. [PMID: 31632646 PMCID: PMC6787938 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
As human populations continue to expand across the world, the need to understand and manage wildlife populations within the wildland-urban interface is becoming commonplace. This is especially true for large carnivores as these species are not always tolerated by the public and can pose a risk to human safety. Unfortunately, information on wildlife species within the wildland-urban interface is sparse, and knowledge from wildland ecosystems does not always translate well to human-dominated systems. Across western North America, cougars (Puma concolor) are routinely utilizing wildland-urban habitats while human use of these areas for homes and recreation is increasing. From 2007 to 2015, we studied cougar resource selection, human-cougar interaction, and cougar conflict management within the wildland-urban landscape of the northern Front Range in Colorado, USA. Resource selection of cougars within this landscape was typical of cougars in more remote settings but cougar interactions with humans tended to occur in locations cougars typically selected against, especially those in proximity to human structures. Within higher housing density areas, 83% of cougar use occurred at night, suggesting cougars generally avoided human activity by partitioning time. Only 24% of monitored cougars were reported for some type of conflict behavior but 39% of cougars sampled during feeding site investigations of GPS collar data were found to consume domestic prey items. Aversive conditioning was difficult to implement and generally ineffective for altering cougar behaviors but was thought to potentially have long-term benefits of reinforcing fear of humans in cougars within human-dominated areas experiencing little cougar hunting pressure. Cougars are able to exploit wildland-urban landscapes effectively, and conflict is relatively uncommon compared with the proportion of cougar use. Individual characteristics and behaviors of cougars within these areas are highly varied; therefore, conflict management is unique to each situation and should target individual behaviors. The ability of individual cougars to learn to exploit these environments with minimal human-cougar interactions suggests that maintaining older age structures, especially females, and providing a matrix of habitats, including large connected open-space areas, would be beneficial to cougars and effectively reduce the potential for conflict.
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30
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Gantchoff MG, Beyer D, Belant JL. Reproductive class influences risk tolerance during denning and spring for American black bears (
Ursus americanus
). Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. G. Gantchoff
- Camp Fire Program in Wildlife Conservation College of Environmental Science and Forestry State University of New York New York New York 13210 USA
| | - D. Beyer
- Wildlife Division Michigan DNR Marquette Michigan 49855 USA
| | - J. L. Belant
- Camp Fire Program in Wildlife Conservation College of Environmental Science and Forestry State University of New York New York New York 13210 USA
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31
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Kumar N, Jhala YV, Qureshi Q, Gosler AG, Sergio F. Human-attacks by an urban raptor are tied to human subsidies and religious practices. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2545. [PMID: 30796235 PMCID: PMC6385285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing urbanization is increasing human-wildlife interactions, including attacks towards humans by vertebrate predators, an aspect that has received extremely scarce investigation. Here, we examined the ecological, landscape and human factors that may promote human-aggression by raptorial Black kites Milvus migrans in the 16-millions inhabitants megacity of Delhi (India). Physical attacks depended on human activities such as unhygienic waste management, ritual-feeding of kites (mainly operated by Muslims), human density, and presence of a balcony near the nest, suggesting an association between aggression and frequent-close exposure to humans and derived food-rewards. Surprisingly, while more than 100,000 people could be at risk of attack in any given moment, attitudes by local inhabitants were strikingly sympathetic towards the birds, even by injured persons, likely as a result of religious empathy. These results highlight the importance of socio-cultural factors for urban biota and how these may radically differentiate the under-studied cities of developing countries from those of western nations, thus broadening our picture of human-wildlife interactions in urban environments. The rapid sprawling of urban and suburban areas with their associated food-subsidies is likely to increase proximity and exposure of large predators to humans, and vice versa, leading to heightened worldwide conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Kumar
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology; South Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1, 3PS, United Kingdom. .,Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box # 18, PIN- 248001, Chandrabani, Dehradun, (Uttarakhand), India.
| | - Yadvendradev V Jhala
- Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box # 18, PIN- 248001, Chandrabani, Dehradun, (Uttarakhand), India
| | - Qamar Qureshi
- Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box # 18, PIN- 248001, Chandrabani, Dehradun, (Uttarakhand), India
| | - Andrew G Gosler
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology; South Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1, 3PS, United Kingdom.,Institute of Human Sciences, School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, 58a Banbury Rd., Oxford, OX2 6QS, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Sergio
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estacion Biologica de Doñana-CSIC, C/ Americo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
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32
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Nation PN, St Clair CC. A Forensic Pathology Investigation of Dismembered Domestic Cats: Coyotes or Cults? Vet Pathol 2019; 56:444-451. [PMID: 30722758 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819827968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dismembered cats ( Felis catus) have been found in North American schoolyards, parks, walkways, or lawns and sometimes result in local media attention. When a member of the public encounters these cats, they commonly report finding either the cranial or caudal half of a cat in a prominent location. Such findings cause public consternation and pose difficulties to investigators in identifying whether animal abuse has occurred and whether to concentrate resources on the investigation. This report describes necropsy results from 53 cats involved in such instances in the cities of Edmonton and St. Albert, Canada, from 2007 to 2016. We evaluated these results in relation to 2 hypotheses: that the dismembered cats were the result of human activity, or predation and scavenging by coyotes ( Canis latrans). The main postmortem features were canine tooth wounds in the neck accompanied by tearing of the subcutaneous structures, skin avulsion, broken claws, and removal of internal organs with the colon and intestine attached to and trailing from the carcass. Based on the nature of the lesions, along with other circumstances of the deaths of the cats in this study, we concluded that these dismembered cat remains resulted from coyote predation on living cats and scavenging of the bodies of cats that died of other causes. We offer additional information to assist veterinarians, veterinary pathologists, and civic officials in identifying the probable cause of death for cat carcasses provided by members of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nick Nation
- 1 Animal Pathology Services (APS) Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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33
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Patterns of wild carnivore attacks on humans in urban areas. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17728. [PMID: 30531972 PMCID: PMC6286335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36034-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Attacks by wild carnivores on humans represent an increasing problem in urban areas across North America and their frequency is expected to rise following urban expansion towards carnivore habitats. Here, we analyzed records of carnivore attacks on humans in urban areas of the U.S. and Canada between 1980 and 2016 to analyze the general patterns of the attacks, as well as describe the landscape structure and, for those attacks occurring at night, the light conditions at the site of the attacks. We found that several behavioral and landscape-related factors were recurrent elements in the attacks recorded. The species for which the attack locations were available (coyote and black bear) attacked in areas with different conditions of landscape structure and artificial light. Specifically, black bears attacked more frequently in areas with abundant and aggregated vegetation cover and scarce buildings and roads, while coyotes attacked in a broader range of landscape conditions. At night, black bears attacked in generally darker areas than coyotes. By providing a comprehensive perspective of the phenomenon, this study will improve our understanding of how effective strategies aimed at reducing the frequency of risky encounters in urban areas should be developed.
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34
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Schafer TL, Breck SW, Baruch-Mordo S, Lewis DL, Wilson K, Mao JS, Day TL. American black bear den-site selection and characteristics in an urban environment. URSUS 2018. [DOI: 10.2192/ursus-d-17-00004.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Toryn L.J. Schafer
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Present address: Department of Statistics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Stewart W. Breck
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services-National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Sharon Baruch-Mordo
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- The Nature Conservancy, Global Lands Team, 117 E Mountain Avenue, Suite 201, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA
| | - David L. Lewis
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Kenneth R. Wilson
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Julie S. Mao
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 0088 Wildlife Way, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
| | - Thomas L. Day
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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35
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McCabe JD, Yin H, Cruz J, Radeloff V, Pidgeon A, Bonter DN, Zuckerberg B. Prey abundance and urbanization influence the establishment of avian predators in a metropolitan landscape. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.2120. [PMID: 30404886 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Urbanization causes the simplification of natural habitats, resulting in animal communities dominated by exotic species with few top predators. In recent years, however, many predators such as hawks, and in the US coyotes and cougars, have become increasingly common in urban environments. Hawks in the Accipiter genus, especially, are recovering from widespread population declines and are increasingly common in urbanizing landscapes. Our goal was to identify factors that determine the occupancy, colonization and persistence of Accipiter hawks in a major metropolitan area. Through a novel combination of citizen science and advanced remote sensing, we quantified how urban features facilitate the dynamics and long-term establishment of Accipiter hawks. Based on data from Project FeederWatch, we quantified 21 years (1996-2016) of changes in the spatio-temporal dynamics of Accipiter hawks in Chicago, IL, USA. Using a multi-season occupancy model, we estimated Cooper's (Accipiter cooperii) and sharp-shinned (A. striatus) hawk occupancy dynamics as a function of tree canopy cover, impervious surface cover and prey availability. In the late 1990s, hawks occupied 26% of sites around Chicago, but after two decades, their occupancy fluctuated close to 67% of sites and they colonized increasingly urbanized areas. Once established, hawks persisted in areas with high levels of impervious surfaces as long as those areas supported high abundances of prey birds. Urban areas represent increasingly habitable environments for recovering predators, and understanding the precise urban features that drive colonization and persistence is important for wildlife conservation in an urbanizing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D McCabe
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 266 Russell Laboratory, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - He Yin
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 266 Russell Laboratory, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennyffer Cruz
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 266 Russell Laboratory, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Volker Radeloff
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 266 Russell Laboratory, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Anna Pidgeon
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 266 Russell Laboratory, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David N Bonter
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Benjamin Zuckerberg
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 266 Russell Laboratory, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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36
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Johnson HE, Lewis DL, Lischka SA, Breck SW. Assessing ecological and social outcomes of a bear-proofing experiment. J Wildl Manage 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David L. Lewis
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife; 415 Turner Drive Durango CO 81303 USA
| | - Stacy A. Lischka
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife; 317 West Prospect Ave. Fort Collins CO 80526 USA
| | - Stewart W. Breck
- U.S. Department of Agriculture National Wildlife Research Center; 4101 LaPorte Avenue Fort Collins CO 80521 USA
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37
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Wilbur RC, Lischka SA, Young JR, Johnson HE. Experience, attitudes, and demographic factors influence the probability of reporting human-black bear interactions. WILDLIFE SOC B 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C. Wilbur
- Western State Colorado University; 600 N Adams Street Gunnison CO 81231 USA
| | - Stacy A. Lischka
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 317 W Prospect Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA; Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; Colorado State University; Fort Collins CO 80523 USA
| | - Jessica R. Young
- Western State Colorado University; 600 N Adams Street Gunnison CO 81231 USA
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38
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Karelus DL, McCown JW, Scheick BK, Oli MK. Microhabitat features influencing habitat use by Florida black bears. Glob Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2017.e00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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39
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Brunton EA, Srivastava SK, Burnett S. Spatial ecology of an urban eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) population: local decline driven by kangaroo–vehicle collisions. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr18077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
As urban landscapes proliferate globally, the need for research into urban wildlife interactions is magnified. The eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) is a widespread species commonly involved in wildlife–vehicle collisions in urban areas in Australia. Despite the many urban kangaroo populations and associated conflicts with human activities, few studies have examined how eastern grey kangaroos interact with, and are affected by, the urban matrix.
Aims
The present study aimed to quantify kangaroo demography, movements, habitat utilisation and exposure to risks during a period of intensive urban development in a rapidly changing suburb located in a region undergoing high urban growth rates.
Methods
We utilised foot-based census surveys, global positioning system (GPS) collars, direct observations and reports of wildlife mortality between 2014 and 2016. Geographical information systems (GIS) were used to integrate GPS-tracking data with spatial layers, to quantify kangaroo movements and habitat utilisation.
Key results
The kangaroo population underwent a steep decline and kangaroo–vehicle collisions were the main source of mortality (73%) during the study period. Kangaroos were regularly exposed to the risk of injury, with roads intersecting many parts of their home range. Kangaroos showed positive habitat selection both for lawn and forest habitats and kangaroo movement and presence at the study site were influenced by high-quality forage and cover.
Conclusions
The present research has highlighted that despite areas of suitable habitat remaining, road-kill was a major contributor to localised kangaroo-population decline. We showed that habitat preferences of eastern grey kangaroos in this urban area were consistent with those in natural landscapes.
Implications
The present study is the first to implicate kangaroo–vehicle collisions as the major factor in population decline in kangaroos. These findings can be utilised to guide design and placement of kangaroo–vehicle collision mitigation and assist in planning of urban areas, particularly where kangaroo populations are in decline. Local extirpation of urban kangaroo populations would be greatly reduced by incorporating site-specific kangaroo habitat preferences and existing patterns of kangaroo habitat use in infrastructure planning. The study has contributed to our understanding of the effects of roads on urban wildlife in general and highlighted the importance of landscape permeability.
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40
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Fehlmann G, O'Riain MJ, Kerr-Smith C, Hailes S, Luckman A, Shepard ELC, King AJ. Extreme behavioural shifts by baboons exploiting risky, resource-rich, human-modified environments. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15057. [PMID: 29118405 PMCID: PMC5678166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14871-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A range of species exploit anthropogenic food resources in behaviour known as 'raiding'. Such behavioural flexibility is considered a central component of a species' ability to cope with human-induced environmental changes. Here, we study the behavioural processes by which raiding male chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) exploit the opportunities and mitigate the risks presented by raiding in the suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa. Ecological sampling and interviews conducted with 'rangers' (employed to manage the baboons' space use) revealed that baboons are at risk of being herded out of urban spaces that contain high-energy anthropogenic food sources. Baboon-attached motion/GPS tracking collars showed that raiding male baboons spent almost all of their time at the urban edge, engaging in short, high-activity forays into the urban space. Moreover, activity levels were increased where the likelihood of deterrence by rangers was greater. Overall, these raiding baboons display a time-activity balance that is drastically altered in comparison to individuals living in more remote regions. We suggest our methods can be used to obtain precise estimates of management impact for this and other species in conflict with people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle Fehlmann
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - M Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Catherine Kerr-Smith
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
- Department of Security and Crime, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Stephen Hailes
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Adrian Luckman
- Department of Geography, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Emily L C Shepard
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Andrew J King
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
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41
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Tri AN, Edwards JW, Ryan CW, Carpenter CP, Carr PC, Ternent MA, Strager MP, Petty JT. Harvest rates and cause-specific mortality of American black bears in the wildland–urban interface of the Mid-Atlantic region, USA. URSUS 2017. [DOI: 10.2192/ursu-d-16-00033.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N. Tri
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 322 Percival Hall, P.O. Box 6125, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - John W. Edwards
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 322 Percival Hall, P.O. Box 6125, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Christopher W. Ryan
- Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, 322 Percival Hall, P.O. Box 6125, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Colin P. Carpenter
- Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, 2006 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801, USA
| | - Patrick C. Carr
- New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Mail Code 501-03, P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420, USA
| | - Mark A. Ternent
- Bureau of Wildlife Management, Pennsylvania Game Commission 2001, Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA
| | - Michael P. Strager
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 322 Percival Hall, P.O. Box 6125, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - J. Todd Petty
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 322 Percival Hall, P.O. Box 6125, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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42
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Johnson HE, Lewis DL, Verzuh TL, Wallace CF, Much RM, Willmarth LK, Breck SW. Human development and climate affect hibernation in a large carnivore with implications for human-carnivore conflicts. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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43
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44
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Garshelis DL, Baruch-Mordo S, Bryant A, Gunther KA, Jerina K. Is diversionary feeding an effective tool for reducing human–bear conflicts? Case studies from North America and Europe. URSUS 2017. [DOI: 10.2192/ursu-d-16-00019.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kerry A. Gunther
- Bear Management Office, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
| | - Klemen Jerina
- Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 83, 1000 Slovenia
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45
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Azad S, Wactor T, Jachowski D. Relationship of Acorn Mast Production to Black Bear Population Growth Rates and Human—Bear Interactions in Northwestern South Carolina. SOUTHEAST NAT 2017. [DOI: 10.1656/058.016.0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shefali Azad
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0317
| | - Tammy Wactor
- Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Clemson, SC 29631
| | - David Jachowski
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0317
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46
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Karelus DL, McCown JW, Scheick BK, van de Kerk M, Bolker BM, Oli MK. Effects of environmental factors and landscape features on movement patterns of Florida black bears. J Mammal 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
A greater understanding of how environmental factors and anthropogenic landscape features influence animal movements can inform management and potentially aid in mitigating human–wildlife conflicts. We investigated the movement patterns of 16 Florida black bears (Ursus americanus floridanus; 6 females, 10 males) in north-central Florida at multiple temporal scales using GPS data collected from 2011 to 2014. We calculated bi-hourly step-lengths and directional persistence, as well as daily and weekly observed displacements and expected displacements. We used those movement metrics as response variables in linear mixed models and tested for effects of sex, season, and landscape features. We found that step-lengths of males were generally longer than step-lengths of females, and both sexes had the shortest step-lengths during the daytime. Bears moved more slowly (shorter step-lengths) and exhibited less directed movement when near creeks, in forested wetlands, and in marsh habitats, possibly indicating foraging behavior. In urban areas, bears moved more quickly (longer step-lengths) and along more directed paths. The results were similar across all temporal scales. Major roads tended to act as a semipermeable barrier to bear movement. Males crossed major roads more frequently than females but both sexes crossed major roads much less frequently than minor roads. Our findings regarding the influence of landscape and habitat features on movement patterns of Florida black bears could be useful for planning effective wildlife corridors and understanding how future residential or commercial development and road expansions may affect animal movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana L Karelus
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, and School of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA (DLK, MK, MKO)
| | - J Walter McCown
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 4005 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601, USA (JWM, BKS)
| | - Brian K Scheick
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 4005 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601, USA (JWM, BKS)
| | - Madelon van de Kerk
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, and School of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA (DLK, MK, MKO)
| | - Benjamin M Bolker
- Departments of Mathematics & Statistics and Biology, McMaster University, 314 Hamilton Hall, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada (BMB)
| | - Madan K Oli
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, and School of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA (DLK, MK, MKO)
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47
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Stillfried M, Gras P, Busch M, Börner K, Kramer-Schadt S, Ortmann S. Wild inside: Urban wild boar select natural, not anthropogenic food resources. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175127. [PMID: 28403244 PMCID: PMC5389637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Most wildlife species are urban avoiders, but some became urban utilizers and dwellers successfully living in cities. Often, they are assumed to be attracted into urban areas by easily accessible and highly energetic anthropogenic food sources. We macroscopically analysed stomachs of 247 wild boar (Sus scrofa, hereafter WB) from urban areas of Berlin and from the surrounding rural areas. From the stomach contents we determined as predictors of food quality modulus of fineness (MOF,), percentage of acid insoluble ash (AIA) and macronutrients such as amount of energy and percentage of protein, fat, fibre and starch. We run linear mixed models to test: (1) differences in the proportion of landscape variables, (2) differences of nutrients consumed in urban vs. rural WB and (3) the impact of landscape variables on gathered nutrients. We found only few cases of anthropogenic food in the qualitative macroscopic analysis. We categorized the WB into five stomach content categories but found no significant difference in the frequency of those categories between urban and rural WB. The amount of energy was higher in stomachs of urban WB than in rural WB. The analysis of landscape variables revealed that the energy of urban WB increased with increasing percentage of sealing, while an increased human density resulted in poor food quality for urban and rural WB. Although the percentage of protein decreased in areas with a high percentage of coniferous forests, the food quality increased. High percentage of grassland decreased the percentage of consumed fat and starch and increased the percentage of fibre, while a high percentage of agricultural areas increased the percentage of consumed starch. Anthropogenic food such as garbage might serve as fallback food when access to natural resources is limited. We infer that urban WB forage abundant, natural resources in urban areas. Urban WB might use anthropogenic resources (e.g. garbage) if those are easier to exploit and more abundant than natural resources. This study shows that access to natural resources still is mandatory and drives the amount of protein, starch, fat or fibre in wild boar stomachs in urban as well as rural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Stillfried
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research IZW, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre Gras
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research IZW, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Busch
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research IZW, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Julius Maximilians Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Konstantin Börner
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research IZW, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kramer-Schadt
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research IZW, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Ortmann
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research IZW, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, Berlin, Germany
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48
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Murray MH, St. Clair CC. Predictable features attract urban coyotes to residential yards. J Wildl Manage 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen H. Murray
- University of Alberta; Department of Biological Sciences; 11455 Saskatchewan Drive Edmonton AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Colleen Cassady St. Clair
- University of Alberta; Department of Biological Sciences; 11455 Saskatchewan Drive Edmonton AB T6G 2E9 Canada
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49
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Prima MC, Duchesne T, Fortin D. Robust Inference from Conditional Logistic Regression Applied to Movement and Habitat Selection Analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169779. [PMID: 28081571 PMCID: PMC5233429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Conditional logistic regression (CLR) is widely used to analyze habitat selection and movement of animals when resource availability changes over space and time. Observations used for these analyses are typically autocorrelated, which biases model-based variance estimation of CLR parameters. This bias can be corrected using generalized estimating equations (GEE), an approach that requires partitioning the data into independent clusters. Here we establish the link between clustering rules in GEE and their effectiveness to remove statistical biases in variance estimation of CLR parameters. The current lack of guidelines is such that broad variation in clustering rules can be found among studies (e.g., 14-450 clusters) with unknown consequences on the robustness of statistical inference. We simulated datasets reflecting conditions typical of field studies. Longitudinal data were generated based on several parameters of habitat selection with varying strength of autocorrelation and some individuals having more observations than others. We then evaluated how changing the number of clusters impacted the effectiveness of variance estimators. Simulations revealed that 30 clusters were sufficient to get unbiased and relatively precise estimates of variance of parameter estimates. The use of destructive sampling to increase the number of independent clusters was successful at removing statistical bias, but only when observations were temporally autocorrelated and the strength of inter-individual heterogeneity was weak. GEE also provided robust estimates of variance for different magnitudes of unbalanced datasets. Our simulations demonstrate that GEE should be estimated by assigning each individual to a cluster when at least 30 animals are followed, or by using destructive sampling for studies with fewer individuals having intermediate level of behavioural plasticity in selection and temporally autocorrelated observations. The simulations provide valuable information to build reliable habitat selection and movement models that allow for robustness of statistical inference without removing excessive amounts of ecological information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thierry Duchesne
- Département de mathématiques et de statistique, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Fortin
- Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
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50
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Blackwell BF, DeVault TL, Fernández-Juricic E, Gese EM, Gilbert-Norton L, Breck SW. No single solution: application of behavioural principles in mitigating human–wildlife conflict. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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