Differences in foraging behaviour of sympatric coots with different conservation status

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nico Varo ◽  
Juan A. Amat
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Food Quality ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
South West ◽  
Fulica Atra ◽  
Key Factor

Red-knobbed coot, Fulica cristata, was formerly distributed across several countries in the south-west Palaearctic. Remnant populations are now located in Morocco and Spain. In the latter, the red-knobbed coot is considered critically endangered, and its decline is attributed to changes in agricultural practices in the basins of wetlands, which have affected the quality and quantity of food. However, red-knobbed coot is currently more abundant in Morocco. Foraging behaviour reveals information about an animal’s perception of the place that it currently occupies. Thus, we hypothesised that if habitat quality is lower in Spain than in Morocco, this should be expressed in the foraging activity of coots, which should be greater in Spain to compensate for the lower food availability. Our results supported this prediction: red-knobbed coots spent more time foraging in Spain than in Morocco. Furthermore, we compared the foraging behaviour of red-knobbed and common coots, Fulica atra, in southern Spain, where common coot does not face conservation problems, and found that red-knobbed coots spent more time foraging than common coots to meet daily energetic needs. Overall, our results suggested that constraints of food quality and quantity on habitat use were more severe for red-knobbed coots than for common coots, and that this may be a key factor for the conservation of red-knobbed coot in Spain. Managers should try to facilitate longer hydroperiods in wetlands, which would ensure higher quality food during longer periods for coots.

Habitat use, temporal activity patterns and foraging behaviour of raptors in the south-west of the Northern Territory, Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Aumann
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
The South ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
South West ◽  
Diel Activity Patterns ◽  
Vegetation Structures

On the basis of opportunistic observations, the preferred habitats of diurnal raptors in the south-west of the Northern Territory are quantified in terms of their vegetation structures and composition, and linked with foraging methods and information on local diets. Broad interspecific differences in diel activity patterns are also described. The evidence suggests that raptor species in this part of arid Australia differ with respect to their foraging times, habitats and methods, and that these differences relate to their partitioning of food resources.

scholarly journals Geographic distribution and habitat use of Lepidoblepharis miyatai (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae), with comments on the taxonomic status of the genus in northern Colombia

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Andrés Camilo Montes-Correa ◽  
Juan David Jiménez-Bolaño ◽  
Guido Fabián Medina-Rangel ◽  
Gilson A. Rivas ◽  
Hernán D. Granda-Rodríguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Tropical Deciduous Forest ◽  
Altitudinal Distribution ◽  
South West ◽  
New Localities

Geographic distribution and habitat use of Lepidoblepharis miyatai (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae), with comments on the taxonomic status of the genus in northern Colombia. We present some ecological and biogeographic data on Lepidoblepharis miyatai, a small and endangered gecko endemic to the northwestern foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), 31 years after its description. Based on museum specimens and feld observations, we recorded four new localities with confrmed presence of L. miyatai. We calculated the extent of occurrence and altitudinal distribution of this species reaching 21.3 km2 and from sea level to 360 m respectively. Lepidoblepharis miyatai inhabits plant formations of scrub thorn and tropical deciduous forest. Based on microhabitat data obtained from 88 individuals observed in “Las Tinajas Village” we can state a differential use of three substrates with predominant use of leaf-litter. We consider L. miyatai an endemic species of the northwestern sector of the SNSM with a distribution range limited to the south-west by the occurrence of L. sanctaemartae, and towards the east by a thus far undetermined Lepidoblepharis species (here called Lepidoblepharis cf. sanctaemartae). We do not register sympatry of L. miyatai with any other congener. Accordingly, we consider that the recent records of this species in the southeast sector of SNSM are erroneous, given that the specimens cited as L. miyatai of this zone correspond to Lepidoblepharis cf. sanctaemartae. Finally, a reevaluation of the conservation status of L. miyatai is needed, including precise information of its distribution.

scholarly journals Social Structure, Habitat Use and Injuries of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) Reveal Isolated, Coastal, and Threatened Communities in the South Pacific

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Daisy Bonneville ◽  
Solène Derville ◽  
Jolanda A. Luksenburg ◽  
Marc Oremus ◽  
Claire Garrigue
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Social Structure ◽  
New Caledonia ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
South Pacific ◽  
The South ◽  
Cetacean Species ◽  
Tursiops Aduncus ◽  
South West

Understanding population structure and habitat use of poorly known cetacean species is a first step toward scientifically informed management decisions. In the southern range of New Caledonia (South Pacific), a long-term dataset of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) encounters primarily during winter seasons 1997 to 2019 (473 group observations) was used to assess social structure, habitat use and potential threats. A total of 338 individuals were photographically identified, forming three distinct communities in the south-west lagoon, the south lagoon and the Isle of Pines. Mark-recapture histories revealed that the three communities were weakly connected and might be considered as independent management units. Suitable habitats were estimated with presence-only distribution models relative to topographic and seabed substrate predictors. Habitat suitability increased with proximity to coasts or reefs, at shallow depth, and over muddy bottom. These habitats had various levels of protection and were used by humans, mostly in the south-west lagoon. External injuries were interpreted to determine natural interactions and potential anthropogenic threats. The prevalence in injuries did not vary among the three areas. A substantial proportion of injuries related to propeller hits was reported, representing a total of 16.7% (34 of 204) of all injuries observed on dolphins. The three communities of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins revealed in the southern part of New Caledonia are particularly vulnerable due to their insularity, their coastal habitat use and the low levels of connectivity found among them. In a context of increasing maritime traffic, fishing and recreational activities, this study provides a useful baseline to the urgent assessment of the conservation status of dolphins in New Caledonia.

scholarly journals Habitat use of golden jackals (Canis aureus) in riverine areas of northern Bosnia and Herzegovina

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldin Selimovic ◽  
Eva Maria Schöll ◽  
Larissa Bosseler ◽  
Jennifer Hatlauf
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Golden Jackal ◽  
Canis Aureus ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Habitat Analysis ◽  
Group Density

AbstractRecently confirmed expansion of golden jackals (Canis aureus) into countries without any previous records poses questions, one of them focusing on the species potential and possibly varying habitat use. In this study, we investigated the presence and distribution of golden jackals in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, where knowledge about golden jackal distribution and habitat use is still scarce. We used bioacoustic stimulation as a non-invasive tool to gather data on golden jackal presence. Habitat structures potentially selected by the species were assessed at 92 calling stations and used as input for binary logistic regression models. Our study area covered approximately 1150 km2, and bioacoustic stimulation within this area resulted in an estimated minimum relative group density of 3.5 territorial groups per 100 km2. We found territorial groups at distances between 15 and 38 km southwards from the river Sava but always within a maximum range of 3 km to perennial watercourses. Habitat analysis identified shrub vegetation and pastures as structures with a significant effect on the presence of resident golden jackals. Probability that golden jackals answered at calling stations increased with increasing surface area covered with pastures and shrubs. Distances between golden jackal territories and the nearest human settlement were relatively small. Our results indicate that structures like transitional woodland-shrubs and pastures, together with other potential influencing factors like local agricultural practices, low hunting pressure, diverse natural and anthropogenic food sources, could have benefited the settlement of golden jackals in the northern lowlands of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

An extensive study of the foraging ecology of beavers (Castor canadensis) in relation to habitat quality

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 922-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Gallant ◽  
C H Bérubé ◽  
E Tremblay ◽  
L Vasseur
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Castor Canadensis ◽  
Central Place ◽  
Foraging Theory ◽  
Extensive Study ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Partial View ◽  
Selection Of

The objective of this study was to examine the foraging behaviour of the beaver (Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820) and to explain its selection of terrestrial woody plant species according to central place foraging theory. Limitations in variety of food items in most studies with regard to size and (or) distance from the central place and information on availability of forage choices give a partial view of the subject. In this study, the theory is tested in a natural environment with high variability in food items with regard to these factors. Foraging choices by beavers were inspected by measuring variables on cut and uncut trees of every species encountered within 1 m of trail systems made by 25 beaver colonies in Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick, Canada, thereby quantifying the availability of the different food items. The effect of habitat quality (food availability) on the foraging behaviour of beavers was also tested. The results of this study suggest that with increasing distance from the pond, beavers in high-quality habitats selected fewer, but larger, trees and are more species selective. This selectivity was diminished in habitats of lower quality. The results of this study are consistent with the predictions of the central foraging theory.

scholarly journals Radiotelemetry of a female jaú, Zungaro jahu (Ihering, 1898) (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae), passed upstream of Funil Dam, rio Grande, Brazil

2007 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Bernardo Mascarenhas Alves ◽  
Luiz Gustavo Martins da Silva ◽  
Alexandre Lima Godinho
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Transition Zone ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Daytime Activity ◽  
The Times ◽  
Migratory Movements

Jaú, Zungaro jahu (Ihering, 1898), a large migratory catfish endemic to the rio da Prata basin, has a fragile conservation status and its ecology is poorly known. We radio-tracked a female jaú with a total length of 1.5 m that was passed upstream of Funil Dam, rio Grande, to describe its migratory movements, habitat use, linear home range, and diel activity. To track the fish, we made five tracking trips in the period from April, 2003 to January, 2004. In addition to the main body of Funil Reservoir, the fish also used a reservoir-river transition zone located in a branch of Funil Reservoir that flooded part of rio das Mortes. Most of the times, we found the fish in the former beds of streams flooded by the reservoir, at depths that ranged from 8-9 m in the reservoir-river transition zone to 18-21 m in Funil Reservoir. Linear home range of the fish was 31.4 km. The onset of activity occurred early in the evening, but we also detected daytime activity. The conclusion from our study was that the passed adult female jaú used reservoir habitats, migrated between the main body and the reservoir-river transition zone, preferred deep habitats, showed a relatively short home range, and had diurnal and nocturnal activities.

scholarly journals Fishes of Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, South West Atlantic

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina dos Passos ◽  
Riguel Feltrin Contente ◽  
Ciro Colodetti Vilar de Araujo ◽  
Felippe Alexandre Lisboa de Miranda Daros ◽  
Henry Louis Spach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Brazilian Coast ◽  
Large Dataset ◽  
Ecological Information ◽  
South West ◽  
Minor Part ◽  
Global Biodiversity ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Incomplete Sampling

The objective of this work was to present an updated checklist of the currently known fishes in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC) and provides comments on conservation status for the treated species. We used a large dataset derived from a pool of studies which have been conducted within there along the last 30 years. Each study was based on monthly samplings and conducted in several estuarine habitat; thus, the pool covers practically all estuarine habitats and takes into account the seasonal cycle in the system. The PEC ichthyofauna represents a mixture between that fauna typical from the tropical Brazilian coast and that with affinities of temperate Argentinean and Uruguayan zones. The PEC harbors a rich fish fauna of 213 species, inserted in the families that are common along the Brazilian coast. Only a minor part (8%) of the PEC fish fauna was evaluated as regards the conservation status, mostly because of the lack of basic biological and ecological information for most species. Despite part of the among-estuaries differences are due to different and incomplete sampling efforts, the richness in the PEC is surprisingly higher than other systems in Brazil and around world, which emphasize the importance of the region for global biodiversity conservation.

scholarly journals Influence of grazing on populations of the specialist grasshopper Mioscirtus wagneri inhabiting hypersaline habitats in La Mancha Region, Central Spain

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-81
Author(s):  
María Pilar Aguirre ◽  
Joaquin Ortego ◽  
Pedro J. Cordero
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Grazing Impact ◽  
Central Spain ◽  
Hypersaline Ecosystems ◽  
La Mancha ◽  
Ecological Importance ◽  
Educational Campaigns

Grazing is an influential land use that has introduced profound changes in worldwide landscapes, ecosystems and their species. In this paper, we analysed the influence of grazing on the presence and abundance of the endangered Mioscirtuswagneri, a monophagous grasshopper inhabiting inland hypersaline ecosystems in Spain and showing a marked spatial and genetic fragmentation. Using count transects, we analyzed the presence and abundance of this grasshopper in relation to specific vegetation cover and the abundance of goat and sheep droppings, considering this variable as a surrogate of livestock activity and grazing impact. We found that both the presence and abundance of M.wagneri were positively related to the cover of its host plant Suaedavera and negatively associated with the abundance of droppings. We conclude that dropping abundance is a useful parameter to assess livestock impact and evaluate habitat quality and the conservation status of M.wagneri and many other singular species of macroinvertebrates inhabiting inland hypersaline ecosystems. We highly recommend the use of electric shepherd fencing around all sensitive and protected areas where inland hypersaline ecosystems are present in order to deter livestock. We also suggest intensive educational campaigns for farmers and shepherds, revealing the ecological importance of these singular and unique habitats for rare and exclusive species like M.wagneri and many other coexisting plants and invertebrates.

scholarly journals The Effect of Fertilizer Regime on Soil Fauna

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 353
Author(s):  
Mignon Sandor ◽  
Traian Brad ◽  
Aurel Maxim ◽  
Valentina Sandor ◽  
Bogdan Onica
Keyword(s):  
Green Manure ◽  
Soil Fauna ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Mineral Fertilizer ◽  
Lumbricus Terrestris ◽  
Animal Manure ◽  
Folsomia Candida ◽  
Aporrectodea Caliginosa ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Key Factor

Soil fauna activity in agricultural soil is a key factor to maintain soil fertility and to assure soil ecosystem services. It is now accepted that agricultural practices like tillage and pesticide use can harm soil organisms including earthworms and springtails. Other practices like the use of green manure or animal manure have been considered as being beneficial to these soil invertebrates. To deepen our knowledge on the effect of fertilizers (mineral and organic) on earthworms (Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus terrestris) and springtails  (Folsomia candida) 56 microcosm experiments were made with two soil types and two hydric regimes. The microcosms were amended with four fertilizers: ammonium nitrate, mustard as green manure, cow manure and slurry. The results emphasize that mustard use had beneficial effect on Folsomia candida abundance and Aporrectodea caliginosa biomass, while mineral fertilizer had negative effects for all species used in the experiment.

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