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Otgontamir C, Fehér Á, Schally G, Lkhagvasuren D, Biró Z. Assessing Changes in the Distribution Patterns of the European Wildcat in Hungary. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:785. [PMID: 38473170 PMCID: PMC10931392 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The European wildcat (Felis silvestris Schreber, 1777) is an endangered and elusive carnivore that is slowly recovering in Central Europe after persecution and a decline in its distribution over the past two centuries, and specific conservation plans are needed in most of its range. Knowledge of the continent-wide distribution and status of this species is still poor. Using an online questionnaire, we evaluated the nationwide distribution of wildcats across three time periods (2004, 2014, and 2022) in Hungary. The species' reported occurrence was analyzed according to binominal logistic regression using the percent cover of land cover categories as explanatory variables. We found that the spatial cover of broad-leaved forest was positively associated with the occurrence of wildcats, and the analysis revealed a positive trend in the larger 2004-2022 time frame. We also recorded that although wildcats have disappeared from areas of the central, southern, and western parts of Hungary, regions in the eastern, northern, and south-western areas appear to retain stable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chimed Otgontamir
- Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly u. 1, H-2100 Godollo, Hungary; (C.O.); (G.S.)
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia, WWF9+6H6, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
| | - Ádám Fehér
- Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly u. 1, H-2100 Godollo, Hungary; (C.O.); (G.S.)
| | - Gergely Schally
- Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly u. 1, H-2100 Godollo, Hungary; (C.O.); (G.S.)
| | - Davaa Lkhagvasuren
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia, WWF9+6H6, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
| | - Zsolt Biró
- Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly u. 1, H-2100 Godollo, Hungary; (C.O.); (G.S.)
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Kuntze CC, Pauli JN, Zulla CJ, Keane JJ, Roberts KN, Dotters BP, Sawyer SC, Peery MZ. Landscape heterogeneity provides co-benefits to predator and prey. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2908. [PMID: 37602901 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Predator populations are imperiled globally, due in part to changing habitat and trophic interactions. Theoretical and laboratory studies suggest that heterogeneous landscapes containing prey refuges acting as source habitats can benefit both predator and prey populations, although the importance of heterogeneity in natural systems is uncertain. Here, we tested the hypothesis that landscape heterogeneity mediates predator-prey interactions between the California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis)-a mature forest species-and one of its principal prey, the dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes)-a younger forest species-to the benefit of both. We did so by combining estimates of woodrat density and survival from live trapping and very high frequency tracking with direct observations of prey deliveries to dependent young by owls in both heterogeneous and homogeneous home ranges. Woodrat abundance was ~2.5 times higher in owl home ranges (14.12 km2 ) featuring greater heterogeneity in vegetation types (1805.0 ± 50.2 SE) compared to those dominated by mature forest (727.3 ± 51.9 SE), in large part because of high densities in young forests appearing to act as sources promoting woodrat densities in nearby mature forests. Woodrat mortality rates were low across vegetation types and did not differ between heterogeneous and homogeneous home ranges, yet all observed predation by owls occurred within mature forests, suggesting young forests may act as woodrat refuges. Owls exhibited a type 1 functional response, consuming ~2.5 times more woodrats in heterogeneous (31.1/month ± 5.2 SE) versus homogeneous (12.7/month ± 3.7 SE) home ranges. While consumption of smaller-bodied alternative prey partially compensated for lower woodrat consumption in homogeneous home ranges, owls nevertheless consumed 30% more biomass in heterogeneous home ranges-approximately equivalent to the energetic needs of producing one additional offspring. Thus, a mosaic of vegetation types including young forest patches increased woodrat abundance and availability that, in turn, provided energetic and potentially reproductive benefits to mature forest-associated spotted owls. More broadly, our findings provide strong empirical evidence that heterogeneous landscapes containing prey refuges can benefit both predator and prey populations. As anthropogenic activities continue to homogenize landscapes globally, promoting heterogeneous systems with prey refuges may benefit imperiled predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin C Kuntze
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jonathan N Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ceeanna J Zulla
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John J Keane
- U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Davis, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - M Zachariah Peery
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Banjade M, Jeong YH, Jin SD, Son SH, Kunwar A, Park SM, Lee JW, Choi SH, Oh HS. Spatiotemporal overlap between Siberian roe deer ( Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) and sympatric mammalian species on Jeju Island, South Korea. MAMMALIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2022-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research efforts have involved large-sized carnivores and their prey species, whereas little attention has been given to ungulate in the predator-free ecosystems. We assessed seasonal activity patterns and spatiotemporal overlap among the Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) and its sympatric species through camera-trapping from October 2017 and September 2020 in Jeju Island, South Korea. Trap events when compared seasonally, roe deer show higher activity in summer (34.9%), a pronounced low in winter (14.1%), and a moderate in autumn (23.8%) and in spring (26.9%). Roe deer exhibited bimodal activity patterns and had the highest spatiotemporal overlap and composite score with sika deer (Cervus nippon). Our results are among the few available data on the interaction of sympatric species and suggest strong overlapping with sika deer. This study provides important insight into species coexistence in predator-free habitats, which would be important for management initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maniram Banjade
- Practical Translational Research Center , Jeju National Univeristy , Jeju-si , South Korea
| | - Young-Hun Jeong
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science , Jeju National University , Jeju 63243 , South Korea
| | - Seon-Deok Jin
- National Institute of Ecology , Seocheon-gun Chungnam 33657 , South Korea
| | - Se Hwan Son
- National Institute of Ecology , Seocheon-gun Chungnam 33657 , South Korea
| | - Amar Kunwar
- Community Ecology and Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden , Chinese Academy of Science , Beijing , P. R. China
| | - Seon-Mi Park
- Practical Translational Research Center , Jeju National Univeristy , Jeju-si , South Korea
| | - Jun-Won Lee
- Faculty of Science Education , Jeju National University , Jeju 63243 , South Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan Choi
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science , Jeju National University , Jeju 63243 , South Korea
| | - Hong-Shik Oh
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science , Jeju National University , Jeju 63243 , South Korea
- Faculty of Science Education , Jeju National University , Jeju 63243 , South Korea
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Gaudiano L, Corriero G, Villani M, Anile S. Gone before it’s known? Camera-trapping shows alarming levels of putative hybrids in the wildcat ( Felis silvestris) population of the Gargano National Park (Southern Italy). MAMMALIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2021-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The European wildcat is a small carnivore widespread across Europe and hybridization with the domestic cat is one of the major threats to wildcats. We estimate the population density of wild-living cats (both wildcats and putative hybrids based on pelage) in the Gargano National Park (Southern Italy). We sampled 20 stations for 540 camera days. We obtained 23 images from 17 detections at 10 cameras, and we identified 10 individuals (6 wildcats and 4 putative hybrids). Population density was estimated at 0.34 ± 0.15 SE wild-living cats/km2. The proportion of putative hybrids indicates an alarming hybridization for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Gaudiano
- Dipartimento di Biologia , Universita’ di Bari , 70126 Bari , Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Anile
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, University of Southern Illinois , Carbondale 62901 , USA
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Landscape genetic connectivity in European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris): a matter of food, shelters and demographic status of populations. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01443-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Lioy FG, Franculli D, Calandri S, Francescangeli D, Pecorella S, Gaudiano L, Filacorda S, Valvo ML, Nielsen CK, Anile S. Show me your tail, if you have one! Is inbreeding depression occurring in wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Italy? MAMMAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-022-00627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Fonda F, Bacaro G, Battistella S, Chiatante G, Pecorella S, Pavanello M. Population density of European wildcats in a pre-alpine area (northeast Italy) and an assessment of estimate robustness. MAMMAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-021-00609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Spatial Ecology and Diel Activity of European Wildcat ( Felis silvestris) in a Protected Lowland Area in Northern Greece. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113030. [PMID: 34827762 PMCID: PMC8614438 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The European wildcat is a species of conservation concern protected across its range in Europe, where it occurs in five discontinuous populations. The Balkan population has received little attention, making it difficult to assess whether the ecological traits reported for other populations apply also to this population. This hampers the development of targeted conservation measures. The present study reports the first findings on the spatial ecology and daily activity pattern of wildcats in a human modified landscape in Greece, using cutting edge data loggers attached to wildcat collars. In Greece, wildcat home range sizes are within the range of those reported for other populations. Male wildcats are active primarily at night and near dawn and dusk, as is typical for the species. However, the activity of some females varied from this pattern in late spring, in ways expected for wildcats, caring for offspring at a den. Overall, our findings help fill the ecological knowledge gap of the species in Greece and suggest that lowland agricultural areas with patches of natural habitats may have a significant role in the future conservation of the species. Abstract The Balkan populations of the European wildcat are among the least studied. This study reports the first findings on the spatial ecology and activity pattern of the wildcat in Greece and compares them to those of better studied northern populations. We fitted five wildcats (two males, three females) with collars containing GPS and accelerometer loggers (E-obs 1A) and collected data from fall to early summer. All animals moved within a mosaic of lowland agricultural fields, woodland patches, riparian forests and wetlands near the banks of a lake. The trapping rate was the highest reported for the species. The home range sizes, estimated using Brownian bridge movement models, ranged from 0.94 to 3.08 km2 for females and from 1.22 to 4.43 km2 for males. Based on overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) values estimated from the accelerometer data, the diel activity of male wildcats followed the species’ typical nocturnal pattern with crepuscular peaks. Female activity varied seasonally, at times being cathemeral. We found only weak effects of environmental variables on wildcat activity, and no significant difference in the activity in open versus forested areas. Our findings suggest that human modified landscapes can play a significant role in the conservation of this typically forest-associated species.
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Abundance and use pattern of wildcats of ancient human-modified cattle pastures in northern Iberian Peninsula. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-021-01533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe wildcat is typically found in low densities. Here, we estimated wildcat abundance in cattle pastures interspersed between forests in northern Iberian Peninsula, and their patterns of intra-annual and daily use. We censused wildcats three times daily (morning, afternoon, and night) from a car during 4 years in summer season. We also carried out four monthly tracks (two in the morning and two in the afternoon) for a complete year. Overall, we recorded 191 wildcats in pastures and 5 on the road in forest zones. Thirteen different individual wildcats were identified during the summer censuses, but only 29.9% of the wildcats observed (n = 196) could be assigned to an individual wildcat. The number of wildcats sighted decreased especially during the last year, when sightings were 52–67% lower than in previous years. Wildcats were seen significantly more during the morning and night censuses than during the afternoon ones. Estimated annual summer densities in pasture areas ranged between 0.11 and 0.46 sightings/km2. Throughout the year, wildcats were observed 5.9 times more during summer-autumn than during winter-spring, and they could be observed in any time of the day, but more often close to dusk. It is noteworthy that the ancient human-transformed landscapes for cattle pastures could be an important habitat for wildcats in northern Iberian Peninsula, and conserving these areas should be important to maintaining wildcat populations.
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Grillini M, Simonato G, Tessarin C, Dotto G, Traversa D, Cassini R, Marchiori E, Frangipane di Regalbono A. Cytauxzoon sp. and Hepatozoon spp. in Domestic Cats: A Preliminary Study in North-Eastern Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091214. [PMID: 34578245 PMCID: PMC8468074 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge on the presence of Cytauxzoon sp. and Hepatozoon spp. in Italy is scant and mostly limited to a few areas of Northern and Southern regions, respectively. The present study updated the current epidemiological scenario by investigating the occurrence of these protozoa in domestic cats from three broad regions of North-Eastern Italy. Blood samples from cats at risk of vector-borne diseases were processed by PCR to detect Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon DNA. Blood smears were observed for haemoparasite inclusions. The influence of cat individual data (e.g., provenance, management, indoor/outdoor lifestyle) on the prevalence of haemoprotozoan infections was statistically evaluated. Among 158 cats, Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon DNA were detected in 6 (3.8%) and 26 (16.5%) animals, respectively. No Hepatozoon gamonts were detected in blood smears, whereas all Cytauxzoon PCR-positive samples were microscopically positive, though with low levels of parasitaemia. Two species of Hepatozoon were identified, Hepatozoon felis (n = 10) and Hepatozoon silvestris (n = 16). Hepatozoon silvestris prevalence values were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the region Friuli Venezia Giulia and in stray cats. Cytauxzoon sp. was detected in 6/39 (15.4%) stray cats from Friuli Venezia Giulia (Trieste province). These data add new information on the occurrence of these neglected protozoa in domestic cats' populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Grillini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (G.S.); (C.T.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (E.M.); (A.F.d.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Simonato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (G.S.); (C.T.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (E.M.); (A.F.d.R.)
| | - Cinzia Tessarin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (G.S.); (C.T.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (E.M.); (A.F.d.R.)
| | - Giorgia Dotto
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (G.S.); (C.T.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (E.M.); (A.F.d.R.)
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Rudi Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (G.S.); (C.T.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (E.M.); (A.F.d.R.)
| | - Erica Marchiori
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (G.S.); (C.T.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (E.M.); (A.F.d.R.)
| | - Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (G.S.); (C.T.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (E.M.); (A.F.d.R.)
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Descalzo E, Jiménez J, Delibes‐Mateos M, Díaz‐Ruiz F, Ferreras P. Assessment of methods for detecting an opportunistic and expanding mesocarnivore in southwestern Europe. J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Descalzo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC‐UCLM‐JCCM Ciudad Real Spain
| | - J. Jiménez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC‐UCLM‐JCCM Ciudad Real Spain
| | | | - F. Díaz‐Ruiz
- Grupo de Biogeografía Diversidad y Conservación Departamento de Biología Animal Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de Málaga Málaga Spain
- Instituto IBYDA. Centro de Experimentación Grice‐Hutchinson Málaga Spain
| | - P. Ferreras
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC‐UCLM‐JCCM Ciudad Real Spain
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Westekemper K, Tiesmeyer A, Steyer K, Nowak C, Signer J, Balkenhol N. Do all roads lead to resistance? State road density is the main impediment to gene flow in a flagship species inhabiting a severely fragmented anthropogenic landscape. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:8528-8541. [PMID: 34257914 PMCID: PMC8258205 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Connectivity conservation is ideally based on empirical information on how landscape heterogeneity influences species-specific movement and gene flow. Here, we present the first large-scale evaluation of landscape impacts on genetic connectivity in the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), a flagship and umbrella species for connectivity conservation across Europe. LOCATION The study was carried out in the core area of the distributional range of wildcats in Germany, covering about 186,000 km2 of a densely populated and highly fragmented landscape. METHODS We used data of 975 wildcats genotyped at 14 microsatellites and an individual-based landscape genetic framework to assess the importance of twelve landscape variables for explaining observed genetic connectivity. For this, we optimized landscape resistance surfaces for all variables and compared their relative impacts using multiple regression on distance matrices and commonality analysis. RESULTS Genetic connectivity was best explained by a synergistic combination of six landscape variables and isolation by distance. Of these variables, road density had by far the strongest individual impact followed by synergistic effects of agricultural lands and settlements. Subsequent analyses involving different road types revealed that the strong effect of road density was largely due to state roads, while highways and federal roads had a much smaller, and county roads only a negligible impact. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that landscape-wide genetic connectivity in wildcats across Germany is strongly shaped by the density of roads and in particular state roads, with higher densities providing larger resistance to successful dispersal. These findings have important implications for conservation planning, as measures to mitigate fragmentation effects of roads (e.g., over- or underpasses) often focus on large, federally managed transportation infrastructures. While these major roads exert local barrier effects, other road types can be more influential on overall connectivity, as they are more abundant and more widespread across the landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annika Tiesmeyer
- Conservation Genetics SectionSenckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum FrankfurtGelnhausenGermany
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionJohann Wolfgang Goethe‐University, BiologicumFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Katharina Steyer
- Conservation Genetics SectionSenckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum FrankfurtGelnhausenGermany
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionJohann Wolfgang Goethe‐University, BiologicumFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Conservation Genetics SectionSenckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum FrankfurtGelnhausenGermany
| | | | - Niko Balkenhol
- Wildlife SciencesUniversity of GoettingenGoettingenGermany
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Filacorda S, Comin A, Franchini M, Frangini L, Pesaro S, Pezzin EN, Prandi A. Cortisol in Hair: Do Habitat Fragmentation and Competition with Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) Measurably Affect the Long-Term Physiological Response in European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)? ANN ZOOL FENN 2021. [DOI: 10.5735/086.059.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Filacorda
- Department of Agri-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, IT-33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Antonella Comin
- Department of Agri-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, IT-33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marcello Franchini
- Department of Agri-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, IT-33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Frangini
- Department of Agri-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, IT-33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Stefano Pesaro
- Department of Agri-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, IT-33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Eva Nilanthi Pezzin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, IT-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Prandi
- Department of Agri-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, IT-33100 Udine, Italy
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Viviano A, Mori E, Fattorini N, Mazza G, Lazzeri L, Panichi A, Strianese L, Mohamed WF. Spatiotemporal Overlap between the European Brown Hare and Its Potential Predators and Competitors. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:562. [PMID: 33669965 PMCID: PMC7924828 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research effort has involved large-sized carnivores and their prey, whereas little attention has been devoted to lagomorphs. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap among the European brown hare Lepus europaeus and its potential competitors and predators through camera-trapping in an area in Central Italy. We estimated the interspecific patterns of the spatiotemporal activity rhythms of brown hares, its potential predators (the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the domestic cat Felis catus, and the domestic dog Canis familiaris), and a competitor, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus. Brown hare activity was studied in natural conditions as well as in a fenced area that excluded terrestrial predators and competitors. Free-ranging hares developed a more nocturnal behavior to avoid diurnal predators (i.e., domestic carnivores and martens). Although high temporal overlap was observed between free-ranging brown hares and both red foxes (82%) and roe deer (81%), hares avoided fox by being more active on darkest nights, as well as avoided roe deer through spatial partitioning. We suggest that hares may adapt their spatiotemporal behavior to avoid potential predators and competitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Viviano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Emiliano Mori
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Niccolò Fattorini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali e Politiche–ESP, Università di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Mazza
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Lazzeri
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Panichi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, dell’Università di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Luigi Strianese
- Associazione Nazionale Libera Caccia, 58100 Grosseto, Italy;
| | - Walid Fathy Mohamed
- Department of Biological and Geological Sciences, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Roxy, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
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Lombardi JV, Tewes ME, Perotto-Baldivieso HL, Mata JM, Campbell TA. Spatial structure of woody cover affects habitat use patterns of ocelots in Texas. MAMMAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-020-00501-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAbout 80% of the known breeding population of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in the USA occurs exclusively on private ranches in northern Willacy and Kenedy counties in South Texas. These private ranches support several large contiguous undisturbed patches of thornscrub, which is preferred by ocelots. Past studies have indicated ocelots in South Texas select for woody patches that contain extremely dense thornscrub (i.e., 95% canopy cover and 85% vertical cover) and require large patches of woody cover to survive. Landscape metrics have been used to explain ocelot habitat use in fragmented areas, but their application in less-fragmented rangelands is lacking. From 2011 to 2018, we used camera traps on the East Foundation’s El Sauz Ranch to assess seasonal habitat use of ocelots relative to landscape structure, configuration, and complexity and other site-level factors in South Texas. Seasonal habitat use and detection were positively influenced by larger mean patch area and lower landscape shape index values. We also observed ocelots were less likely to be detected during periods of drought and exhibited a seasonal trend in detection. Ocelots used woody patches that were larger and more regularly shaped, indicating a preference for areas with a lower degree of fragmentation across the study area. As patches become larger, they will coalesce over time and form larger woody aggregates, which will promote ocelot habitat use. Brush management needs to be strategic as patch area and shape index are a limiting factor to promote ocelot habitat use on working rangelands in South Texas. These results demonstrate the ability to use landscape metrics to discern the effects of spatial structure of vegetation communities relative to ocelot occupancy parameters.
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Anile S, Devillard S, Nielsen CK, Lo Valvo M. Record of a 10-year old European Wildcat Felis silvestris silvestris Schreber, 1777 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) from Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2020. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.5484.12.2.15272-15275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Longevity data for wild felids are lacking in the literature. Here we report a camera trap recapture of a European Wildcat Felis silvestris at Mt. Etna in Sicily, Italy after nine years. This individual was clearly identifiable as its tail ended with a white ring rather than the typical black ring and had a unique shape of the dorsal stripe. At first capture on 26 May 2009, this cat was assessed as an adult, so that the likely minimum age of this individual at the time of recapture on 10 June 2018 must have been be at least 10 years. This finding represents the oldest known European Wildcat in the wild and provides insight into age structure in wildcat populations.
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The value of by-catch data: how species-specific surveys can serve non-target species. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1310-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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