Dietary strategy of the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) (Marsupialia:Dasyuridae) in coastal and inland heathland habitats

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise M. Allison ◽  
Lesley A. Gibson ◽  
John G. Aberton
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Insect Larvae ◽  
Coastal Habitat ◽  
Dietary Preferences ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Dietary Strategy ◽  
Dietary Strategies ◽  
Selection Of

In the coastal heathlands of southern Victoria, populations of a rare dasyurid, the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus), are restricted to small and disjunct patches of suitable habitat. Although characteristics of their preferred habitat in terms of vegetation structure and composition have been described, little is known of their diet preferences. Diet and food availability of the species was examined at two coastal and two inland sites, during winter and spring by way of faecal analyses and pitfall trapping. Only minor differences in diet were observed between the coastal and inland habitats and this was consistent across season. There was, however, variation in food availability between the two habitat types, with generally higher frequencies of invertebrates occurring within the inland than in the coastal habitat during spring. Even so, when diet was directly compared with food availability, the differences observed within individual categories within each season were similar in magnitude and direction for both habitats, suggesting that inland and coastal populations of the swamp antechinus have similar dietary strategies. Insect larvae, Diplopoda and Coleoptera appeared to be favoured dietary items being almost consistently over-represented in the diet compared to their availability, whereas Collembola, Amphipoda, Dermaptera and Formicidae were avoided as they were never consumed in proportion to their availability. Although dietary preferences were evident, there was no clear selection of any one particular prey item, and so the swamp antechinus was considered a dietary generalist. Also, as the species sampled from most of the range of prey items available to them, it fits the qualitative criterion of opportunism. The generalist strategy of the swamp antechinus is likely to be advantageous in an environment subject to disturbance.

scholarly journals The mismatch between location of protected areas and suitable habitat for the Vulnerable taruka Hippocamelus antisensis

Oryx ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 752-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Mata ◽  
Nicolás Fuentes-Allende ◽  
Juan E. Malo ◽  
André Vielma ◽  
Benito A. González
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Species Distribution Model ◽  
Human Impacts ◽  
Atacama Desert ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Core Habitat ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Educational Programmes

AbstractProtected areas help to decrease human impacts on threatened mammals but do not always include species’ core habitats. Here we focus on the Vulnerable taruka Hippocamelus antisensis near the Atacama Desert, Chile, a population that is mainly threatened by interactions with local human communities. We develop a species distribution model for taruka and assess the contribution of protected areas to safeguarding its preferred habitat. From sightings (collected during 2004–2015), absence records (collected in 2014), and environmental variables, we determined that taruka habitat is scarce, highly fragmented and limited to humid areas. Only 7.7–11.2% of the taruka's core habitat is under protection. We recommend the establishment of a protected area in the south of Arica-Parinacota district, an area without settlements that lies within the taruka's core habitat, along with educational programmes, fencing of crops, and inclusion of communities in decision-making in areas where farmer–taruka interactions are negative.

scholarly journals Scales of Food Availability for an Endangered Insectivore, The Hawaii Akepa

The Auk ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Scott Fretz
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Prey Population ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Loxops Coccineus ◽  
A Site

Abstract The Hawaii Akepa (Loxops coccineus coccineus) is an endangered bird that has declined dramatically in the last 100 years, and is now rare or absent from many areas that appear to support suitable habitat. Food availability may play a role in these distribution patterns, but differences in food between sites may arise from different sources. I compared prey availability between a site supporting a large, stable Hawaii Akepa population, and a site from which Hawaii Akepa have declined in the last 100 years for unknown reasons. I used three spatial scales to compare food between sites to explore the basis of differences in food between sites. At a scale appropriate for comparing prey population dynamics (scale 1), I found that prey population densities are similar between sites, suggesting that introduced (or native) predators or parasitoids have not affected prey populations differently between sites. At two larger scales incorporating habitat structure, I found that food availability is much lower at the site of Hawaii Akepa declines. Differences in canopy density per square meter (scale 2), and in canopy cover per square kilometer (scale 3), result in lower food availability that may have effects on individual foraging birds as well as on potential Hawaii Akepa population density. These findings illustrate the importance of explicitly incorporating spatial scale into inquiries about food for Hawaii Akepa, and suggest that the site of population declines may not be suitable habitat with respect to food for this species.

Daytime increase in caloric intake without change in total 24-h caloric intake can increase adiposity but not total bodyweight in rats with inverted feeding pattern

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (9) ◽  
pp. 931-940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanni Sarmento da Rocha ◽  
Rhowena Jane Barbosa de Matos ◽  
Julliet Araújo de Souza ◽  
Ana Carolina Oliveira Costa ◽  
Sandra Lopes de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Tolerance ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Fasting Glucose ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Feeding Pattern ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Dark Phase ◽  
Self Selection ◽  
Selection Of

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the food availability period on body weight, self-selection of macronutrients, adiposity, lipoprotein, and serum glucose profiles without changing energy intake. Young male rats were divided into 2 groups according to the availability of food during the light and dark phases of the cycle, forming 2 groups: control group (CG) and group with inverted feeding pattern (IFPG). Before inversion of food availability on the 80th day, circadian food intake was measured every 4 h over 24 h during 3 days. The glycemic curve, an oral test for glucose tolerance, and self-selection of macronutrients were evaluated. Blood samples were collected for analysis of fasting glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol fractions. The IFPG showed an increase in fasting glucose in the dark phase of the cycle, changes in the glycemic curve, and oral glucose tolerance test. It also showed increased abdominal and liver fat and distinct choice of macronutrients compared with the CG. A change in the availability of food according to the phase of the circadian cycle produces changes in glucose and feeding circadian rhythm culminating in increased abdominal and hepatic fat. These effects can increase the risk of metabolic disorders and installation of chronic diseases.

Surveys of Arboreal and Terrestrial Mammals in The Montane Forests of Queanbeyan, New South Wales.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
R. Goldingay ◽  
G. Daly
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Moist Forest ◽  
Logged Forest

Surveys of arboreal and terrestrial mammals were conducted across four State Forests in south-east New South Wales encompassing 80 000 ha. Methods used included spotlighting, Elliott trapping, pitfall trapping, hair-tubing and predator scat analysis. The survey included a plot-based approach and the targeting of areas containing the potential habitat of endangered species. Seven species of arboreal marsupial were detected during spotlighting. The greater glider (Petauroides volans) was significantly more abundant in moist forest compared to dry forest. Its density in moist forest was twice as high in unlogged compared to logged forest and is equivalent to the highest recorded in any forest in NSW. Other arboreal species were less abundant. The yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis), which is Threatened in NSW, was detected at only two sites despite the occurrence of suitable habitat throughout the study area. Eight species of native terrestrial mammals were detected. The tiger quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), which is Threatened in NSW, appears to be more common in the southern part of the study area adjoining large areas of National Park, than in other State Forests of south-east NSW. Continued analysis of predator scats is required to determine whether several other species of Threatened terrestrial mammal occur in these forests.

scholarly journals Habitat selection of Marbled Teal and White-headed Duck during the breeding and wintering seasons in south-eastern Spain

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
ESTHER SEBASTIÁN-GONZÁLEZ ◽  
CRISTINA FUENTES ◽  
MARCOS FERRÁNDEZ ◽  
JOSÉ L. ECHEVARRÍAS ◽  
ANDY J. GREEN
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Spatial Diversity ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Brood Rearing ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Natural Park ◽  
Selection Of

SummaryUnderstanding habitat requirements is vital for developing successful management strategies for threatened species. In this study we analyse the habitat selection of two globally threatened waterbirds (Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris and White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala) coexisting in an internationally important wetland (El Hondo Natural Park, south-eastern Spain) at three spatial scales. We surveyed adults and broods of these species fortnightly during two consecutive years and we related density and presence of birds to several habitat variables. At a pond-selection scale, the density of both species was related to the surface area of the ponds, with Marbled Teal showing avoidance of medium-sized ponds, and White-headed Ducks strong selection for the largest ponds. Within ponds, Marbled Teal avoided open waters, and was mainly associated with Phragmites reedbeds, but also selected areas with saltmarsh and Scirpus vegetation, especially for brood-rearing. White-headed Duck made more use of deeper areas with open water, especially in winter, and Phragmites was the only emergent vegetation with which it associated. When breeding success was very high in 2000, strong creching of broods was observed in White-headed Duck, but not in Marbled Teal. In order to provide suitable habitat for both species, there is a need to maintain spatial diversity with a combination of large wetlands suitable for both species and small, vegetated ones suitable for the Marbled Teal.

scholarly journals Winter diet and food selection of the Black-necked CraneGrus nigricollisin Dashanbao, Yunnan, China

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Yan Dong ◽  
Guang Yi Lu ◽  
Xing Yao Zhong ◽  
Xiao Jun Yang
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Vulnerable Species ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Winter Diet ◽  
Conservation Plans ◽  
Selection Of

The Black-necked CraneGrus nigricollisis a globally vulnerable species whose food is the factor determining its long-term survival. Understanding dietary habits, food preferences, and related factors will facilitate the development of effective conservation plans for the protection of this vulnerable species. For this purpose, we used video recordings and sampling of food availability to examine the dietary composition and temporal variation in food selection of Black-necked Cranes wintering in the Dashanbao National Nature Reserve, China. The Black-necked Crane’s diet consists primarily of domestic food crops such as grains (74%) and potatoes (8%), in addition to invertebrates (14%). A much smaller proportion of the diet was comprised of turnips and wild herbaceous plants and tubers. There was monthly variation in food selection, partially related to food availability. Grains were most available in November and decreased through the winter, whereas invertebrates were more available in November and February than in December and January. Grain consumption was lowest in November but higher from December through February. Invertebrate consumption was highest in November and February. The cranes preferred to eat grains throughout winter months, while they mainly selected invertebrates in November and February. We suggested invertebrate populations sharply declined in December and January due to the low temperature. In addition, grain consumption was negatively associated with invertebrate availability. In November, when invertebrates were most abundant, and despite a concomitant peak in grain abundance, we suggested cranes exhibited a preference for invertebrates over grains. We recommend that the protection administration provide appropriate supplemental foods for cranes during freezing weather.

scholarly journals Microhabitat selection of the Western green lizard Lacerta bilineata

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Luppi ◽  
Augusto Gentilli ◽  
Giuseppe Bogliani
Keyword(s):  
Bare Soil ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Theoretic Approach ◽  
Shrub Cover ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Information Theoretic ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Linear Elements ◽  
Information Theoretic Approach ◽  
Selection Of

We examined the characteristics of microhabitats selected by Western green lizards, Lacerta bilineata. Model selection was carried out with the Information-theoretic approach that focuses on the estimation of effect size and measures of its precision. Our results show that the Western green lizard selects positively sites with good shrub cover, necessary as shelter, while it avoids areas with bare soil where there are no refuges. Additionally, lizards showed a positive selection of rocks (located exclusively in artificial riverbanks) that represent a suitable habitat for thermoregulation and sheltering. The results of our work, and particularly the negative effects of bare soil and the positive effects of shrub cover, confirm the need to restore the network of hedgerows and other linear elements in cultivated landscapes in order to create suitable areas for L. bilineata.

scholarly journals Advantages of Clustered Nesting for Least Flycatchers in North-Central Minnesota

The Condor ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 756-770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ethan F. Perry ◽  
David E. Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Antipredator Behavior ◽  
Large Degree ◽  
North Central ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Empidonax Minimus ◽  
Para Determinar ◽  
Buteo Platypterus

AbstractLeast Flycatchers (Empidonax minimus) often aggregate their territories, even though advantages of clustering are not apparent. In north-central Minnesota we investigated four potential reasons for clustered nesting in Least Flycatchers: (1) predator deterrence, (2) preferred habitat features, (3) greater food availability, and (4) competitive exclusion. In 1995 and 1996 we compared arthropod abundance, forest structure, and plant species composition inside and outside nine Least Flycatcher clusters. We also compared the response of forest birds to the presentation of a predator (Broad-winged Hawk [Buteo platypterus]), and used point counts to detect any exclusion of potential predators or competitors from the clusters. The predator deterrence hypothesis received the strongest support. In response to hawk presentations inside the clusters, 2.8 times more birds (all species combined) gave 5.8 times more alarm calls than outside, with differences due entirely to the presence of Least Flycatchers. In addition, birds responded to the hawk more quickly inside clusters. Minor differences in habitat seemed insufficient to produce such tight clustering. Neither all arthropods combined nor any of the five orders most frequently caught in sticky traps indicated greater food availability inside the clusters. Black-throated Green Warblers (Dendroica virens) were detected 2.2 to 5.4 times less frequently inside the clusters than outside, but they probably do not compete to a large degree with Least Flycatchers. The dramatic response of Least Flycatchers to the hawk presentations provides the first evidence that antipredator behavior may contribute to the clustering of their territories.Ventajas de la Nidificación en Grupo en Empidonax minimus en el Centro Norte de MinnesotaResumen. Los individuos de la especie Empidonax minimus a menudo agrupan sus territorios, a pesar de que no son aparentes las ventajas del agrupamiento. Investigamos cuatro posibles razones que podrían explicar el agrupamiento de nidos en E. minimus en el centro norte de Minnesota: (1) disuasión de depredadores, (2) uso de parches con características de hábitat preferidas, (3) mayor disponibilidad de alimento o (4) exclusión competitiva. En 1995 y 1996 comparamos la abundancia de artrópodos, estructura de hábitat y composición de especies de plantas dentro y fuera de nueve grupos de nidos de E. minimus. También comparamos la respuesta de aves de bosque ante la presentación de un depredador (Buteo platypterus) y realizamos conteos de punto para determinar exclusiones de potenciales depredadores o competidores de los agrupamientos. La hipótesis mejor apoyada fue la de disuasión de depredadores. Como respuesta a la presentación de un depredador dentro de un agrupamiento, 2.8 veces más aves (todas las especies combinadas) emitieron 5.8 veces más llamadas de alarma que fuera del agrupamiento. Las diferencias estuvieron dadas enteramente por la presencia de individuos de la especie E. minimus. Además, las aves respondieron con mayor rapidez a la presencia de un halcón dentro que fuera de los agrupamientos. La escasa diferencia entre hábitats pareció insuficiente para producir el fuerte agrupamiento observado. Ni todos los artrópodos combinados ni ninguno de los cinco órdenes que usualmente son atrapados con trampas pegajosas indicaron una mayor disponibilidad de alimento dentro del área de agrupamiento. Individuos de la especie Dendroica virens fueron 2.2 a 5.4 veces menos frecuentes dentro de los agrupamientos que fuera de ellos, aunque éstos probablemente no compiten en gran medida con E. minimus. La dramática respuesta por parte de E. minimus ante la presentación de un halcón provee la primera evidencia experimental de que el comportamiento antidepredatorio puede contribuir a la agrupación de territorios.

Dietary Preferences in Relation to Food Availability during Spring Season for the Cape Hare Lepus capensis in Arid Areas

Mammal Study ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Chammem ◽  
Yamna Karssene ◽  
Mohsen Jarray ◽  
Fengqing Li ◽  
Touhami Khorchani
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Arid Areas ◽  
Spring Season ◽  
Dietary Preferences ◽  
Lepus Capensis

scholarly journals Periwinkle (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) habitat selection and its impact upon microalgal populations

1999 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. APOLINÁRIO ◽  
R. COUTINHO ◽  
M. H. BAETA-NEVES
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Rocky Shore ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Sessile Invertebrate ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Intertidal Level ◽  
Chthamalus Bisinuatus

The present study examines habitat selection and grazing pressure of the periwinkle Nodilittorina lineolata (Gmelin, 1791) on the rocky shore of Arraial do Cabo, RJ, Brazil (lat. 23°S, long. 43°W). Transfer experiments suggest that periwinkles actively select the mid intertidal, where the cirripede Chthamalus bisinuatus Pilsbry is the dominant sessile invertebrate. We also conducted a caging experiment in the middle intertidal, manipulating grazers and light, to assess the impact of grazing upon microalgal density. Grazing pressure significantly reduced microalgal abundance at the mid-intertidal level, suggesting that food availability plays an important role in the habitat selection of periwinkles on the studied shore.

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