At home in a new range: wild red deer in south-eastern Queensland

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Amos ◽  
Greg Baxter ◽  
Neal Finch ◽  
Peter Murray
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Gps Collars ◽  
Deer Density ◽  
Review Management ◽  
Movement Parameters ◽  
Local Convex

Context Wild deer are increasing worldwide and, in Australia, prompting land managers to review management strategies. Management activities may be ineffective without a sound understanding of the ecology of the species. No peer-reviewed research has been published for wild red deer in Australia, where they have been introduced. Aims To help land managers gain an understanding of some movement parameters of introduced wild red deer out of their natural range. Methods GPS collars were used to obtain movement rates (m h–1), annual home range using three estimators and seasonal home range using the Local Convex Hull estimator. Key findings Deer at our study site displayed typical crepuscular movements. However, the lack of elevated activity for stags in summer varies greatly to reports from overseas. The annual home range of hinds was much smaller than that of stags. Large differences for seasonal home ranges from the same deer for two winters suggest that seasonal conditions may exert a large influence on the size of home ranges. The home ranges of deer at our study site were comparable with the largest reported in European studies, but the relationship between deer density and home-range area was markedly different. Conclusions It appears that Australian wild red deer behave differently from their European conspecifics for several important movement parameters. Wild stags did not display the high levels of movement activity in summer, like those in Europe, and the home-range areas of our deer were very large for the high densities we encountered compared with overseas reports. Implications Targeted management of hinds may prove beneficial as hinds had a much smaller and continuous home range than stags. If managers want to target stags, there is only a short rut period when they continually associate with hinds and that may be the most efficacious time for control. Additionally, future research may need to explore the link between home range and deer density, and the effect of variation in rainfall on home range and movement of wild red deer which may influence management activities more than do the regular seasonal patterns found in Europe.

Spatial ecology of the Mariana Crow Corvus kubaryi: Implications for management strategies

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 527-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
SARAH K. FAEGRE ◽  
LINDSEY NIETMANN ◽  
DYLAN HUBL ◽  
JAMES C. HA ◽  
RENEE R. HA
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Spatial Behaviour ◽  
Island Endemic ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Over Time

SummaryKnowledge of species-specific spatial ecology is critical for applying appropriate management strategies to maximise conservation outcomes. We used radio-telemetry to describe spatial behaviour of the critically endangered, island-endemic Mariana Crow Corvus kubaryi. To determine whether management strategies should reflect life stage, we measured the home ranges and daily movements of 22 Mariana Crows. Fledgling mobility was low during the first 31 days post-fledging and effects of age (fledgling or sub-adult) and time (months post-fledging or post-dispersal) were often driven entirely by this period. After controlling for reduced fledgling mobility, cumulative home range size increased over time for both age classes and was, on average, more than twice the area for sub-adults than fledglings. Sub-adults also tended to make longer daily movements than fledglings. Non-cumulative, monthly home range areas did not increase over time but the average overlap in home range area between consecutive months was only 63%, suggesting large shifts in space use each month. These results highlight the dynamic nature of Mariana Crow home ranges and suggest that large-scale management efforts are critical for protecting both breeding and non-breeding individuals. The application of the traditional home range concept to Mariana Crows and other wide-ranging passerine birds may result in sub-optimal management strategies. Instead, we recommend that the spatial and temporal scale of conservation efforts be informed by species-specific spatial behaviour across all relevant life stages.

scholarly journals Home Range Characteristics and Diel Patterns in Space Use of Mutton Snapper, Lutjanus Analis, in St. Thomas, Us Virgin Islands

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Heidmann ◽  
Jonathan Jossart ◽  
Richard S. Nemeth
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Site Fidelity ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Movement Ecology ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Us Virgin Islands ◽  
Diel Patterns ◽  
Management Actions

Abstract Background: The movement ecology of mutton snapper Lutjanus analis is poorly understood despite their ecological and economic importance in the Caribbean. Passive acoustic telemetry was used to determine home ranges of six adult L. analis, including diel patterns, in Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Understanding long-term space use, including site fidelity and habitat usage, is necessary to implement effective and appropriate management actions for a species with extensive space and resource needs.Results: Individual L. analis were tracked over an average period of 316 days (range 125 - 509 days) and showed high site fidelity to relatively small home ranges (mean ± SD: 0.103 ± 0.028 km2, range 0.019 - 0.190 km2) and core use areas with low overlap among individuals. Most home ranges had a habitat composition dominated by seagrass and to a lesser degree, coral reef and/or pavement. Nighttime activity spaces were distinct from but contained within daytime areas.Conclusions: Mutton snapper showed strong site fidelity to home ranges in Brewers Bay. Two individuals that were absent from the array for more than a few hours were detected at separate arrays at spawning aggregation sites. This study expands upon knowledge of mutton snapper home range characteristics, highlights the importance of maintaining adjacent high-quality habitat types in any spatial management plan, and encourages the adoption of other types of management strategies, particularly for transient-aggregating species.

scholarly journals Home range characteristics and diel patterns in space use of mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Heidmann ◽  
Jonathan Jossart ◽  
Melissa Kimble ◽  
Richard S. Nemeth
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Site Fidelity ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Movement Ecology ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Us Virgin Islands ◽  
Diel Patterns ◽  
Management Actions

Abstract Background The movement ecology of mutton snapper Lutjanus analis is poorly understood despite their ecological and economic importance in the Caribbean. Passive acoustic telemetry was used to determine home ranges of six adult L. analis, including diel patterns, in Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Understanding long-term space use, including site fidelity and habitat usage, is necessary to implement effective and appropriate management actions for a species with extensive space and resource needs. Results Individual L. analis were tracked over an average period of 316 days (range 125–509 days) and showed high site fidelity to relatively small home ranges (mean ± SD: 0.103 ± 0.028 km2, range 0.019–0.190 km2) and core use areas with low overlap among individuals. Most home ranges had a habitat composition dominated by seagrass and to a lesser degree, coral reef and/or pavement. Nighttime activity spaces were distinct from but contained within daytime areas. Conclusions Mutton snapper showed strong site fidelity to home ranges in Brewers Bay. Two individuals that were absent from the array for more than a few hours were detected at separate arrays at spawning aggregation sites. This study expands upon knowledge of mutton snapper home range characteristics, highlights the importance of maintaining adjacent high-quality habitat types in any spatial management plan, and encourages the adoption of other types of management strategies, particularly for transient-aggregating species.

Den use, home range and territoriality of the koomal (Trichosurus vulpecula hypoleucus) with implications for current forest management strategies

2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennyffer Cruz ◽  
Duncan R. Sutherland ◽  
Luke K.-P. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Spatial Dynamics ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Jarrah Forest ◽  
Den Use ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Eucalyptus Wandoo ◽  
Near Threatened

The koomal (Trichosurus vulpecula hypoleucus) is a declining subspecies (‘near-threatened’), residing largely within the Western Australian jarrah forest, a forest managed for both conservation and for forestry (roughly half is available for logging). Information on the spatial dynamics of koomal is essential to evaluating whether logging prescriptions provide adequate protection for this threatened species. Here we describe the home range and territoriality of koomal, as well as the characteristics and use of their den trees, at multiple sites within the jarrah forest. We also compare the characteristics of den trees used by koomal against logging prescriptions and previous models that estimate availability of den trees. Results suggested that koomal home ranges varied between sites and sexes, with males having the larger home ranges. Koomal also maintained exclusive core territories, probably to protect their den trees from same-sex individuals. Den trees used by koomal had similar characteristics to those outlined in logging prescriptions, but also included two additional characteristics that may improve the retention of trees suitable for koomal: den trees were preferentially of marri (Corymbia calophylla) and wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) species, and had some level of canopy connectivity. Overall, findings from this study should help future evaluations of the effectiveness of logging prescriptions in providing adequate den availability for koomal.

Effects of population reduction on home ranges of female white-tailed deer at high densities

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 949-954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Howard J Kilpatrick ◽  
Shelley M Spohr ◽  
Kelly K Lima
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Spatial Configuration ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Deer Density ◽  
Population Reduction ◽  
Reduction Program

The relationship between deer density and home range size is important in assessing the effectiveness of deer reduction programs and predicting the effects of deer on habitat. We quantified annual home range and core area size and spatial configuration of adult female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) exposed to a population reduction program and a control group exposed to no population reduction program over a 4-year period (1994–1997). Deer were removed from Bluff Point during a 9-day shotgun hunt in 1996 and a 4-day removal program in 1997. Annual home range size during high deer densities (88–91 deer/km2) were larger than during periods of moderate (20 deer/km2) and low deer densities (11 deer/km2). We found a positive relationship between deer density and home range size. Annual home range size for the control group of deer did not differ among years. There were no significant shifts in the spatial arrangement of deer home ranges as deer densities were reduced. Significant improvements in deer herd health and reductions in deer browsing were documented during the 2-year deer reduction program. Population reduction programs at our study area did not cause the resident deer population to expand home range size or shift into adjacent habitat. We believe that localized deer reduction programs can be effective tools to manage problem deer herds. Deer removal efforts initiated to reduce deer damage to vegetation, particularly in urban areas, may have an added effect of reducing foraging range of the remaining resident deer.

The spatial scale of habitat selection by red deer

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (12) ◽  
pp. 1337-1345 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Schaefer ◽  
Nicolas Morellet ◽  
Dominique Pépin ◽  
Hélène Verheyden
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Spatial Scale ◽  
Spatial Statistics ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Hierarchical Analysis ◽  
Geostatistical Model

Accounting for spatial scale is essential for understanding habitat selection, but few studies have used spatial statistics to reveal the characteristic scale at which organisms respond to their environment. We studied habitat selection by GPS-tracked red deer ( Cervus elaphus L., 1758) in the Pyrenees Mountains, France, by applying a geostatistical model that compares autocorrelation of a resource between used and available sites to uncover the scale at which animals assess habitat. Using an artificial landscape, we demonstrated that the model can handle discrete habitat classes. Based on conventional hierarchical analysis, deer selected for open habitat, especially meadow, and avoided coniferous forest, more strongly at the coarse level of the home range than GPS locations. Home ranges exhibited generally lower autocorrelation in elevation and meadow habitat than random locations within the population range, indicative of preference for high habitat heterogeneity. Mean maximum discrepancy in autocorrelation, which was more pronounced at the level of the home range than GPS locations, occurred at 830 m for meadow habitat and at 1511 m for elevation, suggesting that red deer responded to their environment at this scale. Our study demonstrates how spatial statistics can serve as an instructive complement to conventional approaches to habitat selection.

scholarly journals Differences in evaluation of three different approaches in home range sizes of red deer Cervus elaphus in Western Carpathians / Rozdiely vo vyhodnotení veľkosti domovských okrskov jeleňa lesného Cervus elaphus v Západných Karpatoch tromi rôznymi prístupmi

2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Alfadil Mohammed Abdelrahman Adam ◽  
Rudolf Kropil ◽  
Viliam Pichler
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Convex Hull ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Western Carpathians ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Minimum Convex Polygon ◽  
Local Convex

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate differences using three different approaches in home range sizes of selected male individuals of red deer (Cervus elaphus). This study was conducted in the Kremnica Mountains (the Western Carpathians) located in central Slovakia. The study included data from three individuals, collared and tracked by using the VHF (Very High Frequency) telemetry. The data were evaluated within three different seasons (winter, summer and rut). For the measuring of home range sizes three methods were used: Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP), Kernel Home Range (KHR) and Local Convex Hull (LoCoH). The seasonal effect on home range size was analyzed by using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) two and three main effects. The study showed differences in home range sizes and core areas in red deer population. The migrant individual had a lager home range size with used methods. The differences occurred between total seasonal home ranges, but statistically not significant. The home range created by Local Convex Hull was significantly smaller than the home range created by Kernel Home Range.

Shedding light on a cryptic macropodid: home ranges and habitat preferences of translocated western brush wallabies (Notamacropus irma)

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leticia F. Povh ◽  
Roberta Bencini ◽  
Brian K. Chambers ◽  
Tracey L. Kreplins ◽  
Nicole Willers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Gps Collars ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Form Part ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Short Term Survival

A salvage translocation of western brush wallabies (Notamacropus irma (Jourdan, 1837)) was a condition of approval to build a new runway at Jandakot Airport, Western Australia. Since little is known about this endemic Western Australian species, the translocation presented a valuable opportunity to gain information on the species after release into Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve, a 260-ha reserve where these animals had been recorded previously. We aimed to gain information on the biology and ecology of the species and follow the movement of individuals tracked with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars over six months to determine their short-term survival, home-range establishment, overlap in home range between individuals, and habitat utilisation in the reserve. Weekly mean home-range estimates did not differ between males (10.0±9.7 (s.d.) ha, 95% KDE, n=6) and females (12.1±6.1 (s.d.) ha, 95% KDE, n=5) (P=0.473). Some males had 67–70% overlap in home ranges with some females, but substantial distances maintained between individuals (from 123±110m to 292±303m) confirmed the solitary nature of the species. Western brush wallabies preferred Banksia spp. woodlands, possibly due to the availability of canopy cover, and some specific understorey associations, such as Hibbertia hypericoides, that form part of their diet. Our study highlighted the importance of understanding the home-range establishment and vegetation preferences of translocated animals that will inform the planning of future translocations.

Seasonal and individual variation in selection by feral cats for areas with widespread primary prey and localised alternative prey

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennyffer Cruz ◽  
Chris Woolmore ◽  
M. Cecilia Latham ◽  
A. David M. Latham ◽  
Roger P. Pech ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Alternative Prey ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Gps Collars ◽  
Mackenzie Basin

Context Seasonal and individual variation in predator selection for primary and alternative prey can affect predator–prey dynamics, which can further influence invasive-predator impacts on rare prey. Aims We evaluated individual and seasonal variation in resource selection by feral cats (Felis silvestris catus) for areas with European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) around a breeding colony of endangered black-fronted terns (Chlidonias albostriatus) in the Upper Ohau River, within the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand. Methods Within a feral cat population subject to localised control (within a 1-km area surrounding the tern colony), we mapped the movements of 17 individuals using GPS collars, and evaluated individual and seasonal variation in third-order resource selection (i.e. within home ranges) by using resource-selection functions with mixed effects. The year was divided into breeding and non-breeding seasons for terns. Key results Three of the eight feral cats monitored during the breeding season used the colony in proportion to availability and one selected it. These four individuals therefore pose a threat to the tern colony despite ongoing predator control. Selection by feral cats for areas with high relative rabbit abundance was not ubiquitous year-round, despite previous research showing that rabbits are their primary prey in the Mackenzie Basin. Conclusions Results suggest that rabbit control around the colony should reduce use by feral cats that select areas with high relative rabbit abundance (less than half the individuals monitored), but is unlikely to alleviate the impacts of those that select areas with low relative rabbit abundance. Hence, predator control is also required to target these individuals. Results thus support the current coupled-control of feral cats and rabbits within a 1-km buffer surrounding the tern colony. Future research should determine what scale of coupled-control yields the greatest benefits to localised prey, such as the tern colony, and whether rabbits aid hyperpredation of terns by feral cats via landscape supplementation. Implications The present study has highlighted the importance of considering seasonal and individual effects in resource selection by predators, and the role of primary prey, when designing management programs to protect rare prey.

scholarly journals Changes in the home range sizes of terrestrial vertebrates in response to urban disturbance: a meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate O’Donnell ◽  
Javier delBarco-Trillo
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Urban Populations ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Spatial Movement

Abstract The unprecedented growth rate in human population and the increasing movement of people to urban areas is causing a rapid increase in urbanisation globally. Urban environments may restrict or affect the behaviour of many animal species. Importantly, urban populations may change their spatial movement, particularly decreasing their home ranges in response to habitat fragmentation, the presence of landscape barriers and the availability and density of resources. Several species-specific studies suggest that urban animals decrease their home ranges compared with their non-urban counterparts; however, it remained unclear whether this pattern is widespread across taxa or is instead restricted to specific taxonomic groups. Consequently, we conducted a meta-analysis, collecting 41 sets of data comparing home ranges in both natural and urban environments in 32 species of reptiles, birds and mammals. We calculated effect sizes as the difference in animal home range sizes between natural and urban environments. We found that the home ranges were smaller in urban environments compared with natural environments (mean effect size = −0.844), and we observed a similar result when considering birds and mammals separately. We also found that home range sizes were not significantly affected when disturbance in urban areas was minimal, which suggests that many species may be able to tolerate low levels of disturbance without changing their movement patterns. Our study thus indicates that increasing levels of urbanisation restrict the spatial movement of species across taxa; this information is relevant for ecological studies of further urban species as well as for the development of management strategies for urban populations.

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