Ecology of the rufous hare-wallaby, Lagorchestes hirsutus Gould (Marsupialia : Macropodidae) in the Tanami Desert, Northern Territory.I Patterns of habitat use.

1993 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 457 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Lundie-Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Food Diversity ◽  
Local Contraction ◽  
Feeding Area ◽  
Controlled Burns ◽  
Insight Into

A 2-year study was conducted to investigate two aspects of the local distribution of the rufous harewallaby, Lagorchestes hirsutus, in a region of the Tanami Desert. These were: (a) patterns of habitat use in response to changing environmental conditions and (b) environmental parameters influencing 'local' choice of habitat. Counts of faecal pellets and tracks were used to obtain indices of hare-wallaby activity within occupied sites and to gain an insight into the movements by individuals. Local choice of habitat was analysed by assessment of numerous habitat features at occupied and unoccupied sites in the region. Previous surveys over the greater part of the study area provide evidence of a significant local decline and local contraction of range by L. hirsutus during recent times. Hare-wallabies showed seasonal trends in the relative use of different vegetation systems in response to the relative availability of food items within each habitat. The home ranges of hare-wallabies consisted of two distinct areas of activity: a large sparsely used area within the dense Triodia pungens vegetation and a small concentrated feeding area within the neighbouring caliche system. Hare-wallabies were dependent upon a specialised form of spinifex habitat. Patchiness, hummock size, food diversity and the degree of floral senescence affected suitability for hare-wallabies. Within the Tanami Desert site, suitable combinations of these characters were associated with tight mosaics of different regenerative stages after fire. Fire is therefore clearly implicated as an important force in creating a greater diversity of feeding and sheltering habitats for the hare-wallabies in the otherwise uniform spinifex sandplains. There is an obvious role for the application of controlled burns as a means of managing habitats to favour L. hirsutus in the Tanami Desert.

Habitat selection by the wood turtle (Clemmys insculpta) at the northern limit of its range

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Arvisais ◽  
Esther Lévesque ◽  
Jean-Claude Bourgeois ◽  
Claude Daigle ◽  
Denis Masse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Activity Period ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Aquatic Habitats ◽  
Active Season ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Wood Turtles ◽  
Wood Turtle

We characterized the chronology of habitat use by the wood turtle, Clemmys insculpta (LeC., 1829), in the Mauricie region of Quebec, Canada. We also determined if this species used habitats according to availability within a home range and identified habitat features influencing habitat selection. Habitats were characterized for 20 wood turtles followed weekly by telemetry during the active season of 1997. Turtles used a great diversity of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Alder (Alnus rugosa (Du Roi) Spreng.) stands were the most used terrestrial habitats throughout the active season. Habitat use varied according to activity period. Indeed, wood turtles used aquatic habitats and alder stands during prenesting and prehibernation activity periods, whereas all habitat types were used during nesting and postnesting activity periods. Wood turtles did not use habitats randomly within their home ranges, suggesting that they selected them. Wood turtles seemed to select mixed forest stands that were relatively young (16 years), short (1–4 m), had low arborescent cover (25%), moderate cover of the upper shrub layer (35%), and low total canopy closure (0%–50%). This knowledge will be helpful in the establishment of future conservation measures.

Observations on the behaviour and ecology of the Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus in northeast Tasmania.

1993 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
R.J. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Common Wombat ◽  
The Common

Aspects of the behaviour and ecology of Vombatus ursinus were studied in largely cleared agricultural land in a coastal area in northeast Tasmania. The average density of V. ursinus was 20 individuals.km-2 over the whole study area but around 60.km-2 in an intensively studied section. Burrows were concentrated in areas of sandy soil where a dense cover of native vegetation had been maintained. Only short, shallow burrows were present in areas of dolerite, probably because of the difficulty of digging. Home-ranges of different individuals overlapped. Wombats were not active continually through the night and varied in time of emergence from their burrow and the time spent above ground. Often more than one burrow was used on the same night, with more than one individual making use of a burrow, but usually not at the same time. Disputes over the use of burrows occurred. Individuals frequently sniffed around burrows and investigated for the presence of occupants. Males may use this as a strategy for finding females in oestrus. Mating behaviour was observed once. Wombats are solitary and actively avoid the presence of others. Odour in faecal pellets and from scent marking probably plays an important social role by providing information on the individuals sharing a home-range and the occurrence of strangers. Dominant animals may be intolerant of the presence of certain individuals within their home-range.

Snowmobile Effects on Movements of White-tailed Deer: A Case-study

1979 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald G. Eckstein ◽  
Thomas F. O'Brien ◽  
Orrin J. Rongstad ◽  
John G. Bollinger
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Odocoileus Virginianus ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges

The effects of snowmobile traffic on the winter home-ranges, movements, and activity patterns, of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), were studied during two winters in northern Wisconsin. There were no significant differences in home-range size and habitat use of the Deer in areas with and without snowmobiling. However, snowmobiling caused some Deer to leave the immediate vicinity of the snowmobile trail. Deer were most affected when they were within 61 m of the snowmobile trail.

scholarly journals Edge-habitat Use by Northwestern Gartersnakes (Thamnophis ordinoides) in Saanich, British Columbia

2017 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45
Author(s):  
Graham P. Dixon-MacCallum ◽  
Katie A.H. Bell ◽  
Patrick T. Gregory
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Habitat Requirements ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Edge Habitat ◽  
Initial Assumption ◽  
Important Habitat ◽  
Habitat Variables

Understanding habitat requirements of species is fundamental for their conservation and urban parks can provide key habitat for species in otherwise disturbed settings. Northwestern Gartersnakes (Thamnophis ordinoides) are common in parks in Saanich, British Columbia, but their specific habitat requirements are poorly understood. Based on previous studies and thermoregulatory needs of snakes, we predicted that edges, particularly field margins, would be heavily used by active snakes. We therefore used surveys that focused on edges to find snakes and measured edge-habitat use by comparing habitat variables at locations where snakes were found to the same variables at nearby random locations. Habitat variables included composition and structure of vegetation, substrate temperature, aspect, and slope. Overall, litter depth, canopy cover, a lack of bare ground and woody vegetation were the most important habitat variables for determining where snakes were found. our results provide a preliminary assessment to improve our understanding of habitat use for this species. The abundance of snakes found while surveying edges supports our initial assumption that edges are important habitat features but more work is required using multiple survey methods to further test this hypothesis.

Scats can reveal the presence and habitat use of cryptic rock-dwelling macropods

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy R. Telfer ◽  
Anthony D. Griffiths ◽  
David M. J. S. Bowman
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Classification Tree ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Tropical Environments ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Larger Sample

The rock-dwelling macropod species of the tropics of the Northern Territory, Australia, are behaviourally elusive and difficult to observe in their rugged habitats. Hence, little is understood about their ecology. We evaluated the potential of using scats (faecal pellets) as a survey tool for this faunal assemblage by: (1) developing a key to the scats of the species; (2) examining the rates of loss and decomposition of short-eared rock-wallaby (Petrogale brachyotis) scats in these tropical environments; and (3) comparing the distribution of scats of P. brachyotis with the species’ use of space and habitats as determined with radio-telemetry. Classification tree modelling discriminated the scats of the seven macropod species, primarily on the basis of width. The reliability of identification was greatly improved with larger sample sizes and inclusion of a habitat parameter. Rates of scat loss and decay were variable and the greatest losses occurred in the wet season, particularly on sandy soils. Scat censuses underestimated the total area used by P. brachyotis but the distribution of scats showed the same broad pattern of habitat use found by radio-telemetry. We conclude that scats can accurately indicate the presence and habitat preferences of rock-dwelling macropod species.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in Group Composition and Habitat Use of Iberian Free-Range Pigs

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoni Dalmau ◽  
Míriam Martínez-Macipe ◽  
Xavier Manteca ◽  
Eva Mainau
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Group Composition ◽  
Boar Taint ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Mixed Mean ◽  
Feeding Area ◽  
Solitary Males ◽  
Mixed Groups

The aim of the present work was to study group size, group composition and habitat use of Iberian pigs along the year when reared outdoor. This consists of a regimen in which animals are reared free range from 2 months of age until at least 14 months of age. In a first stage, animals are supplemented with concentrates, and in a second, called montanera, pigs eat just natural resources in areas with no more than two pigs per hectare. In these systems, males are castrated to avoid boar taint and females spayed to avoid the attraction and mounting by wild boars. The study was carried out in five different farms allocated in the south-west of Spain during 2 consecutive years, from March 2012 to February 2014, under the montanera regimen, and with a total of 995 animals observed (498 males and 497 females). The data were analyzed with SAS by means of general models and proc mixed. Mean group size along the year was of 17 ± 12.9 individuals, but this was significantly lower (P < 0.05) during the montanera (12 ± 0.8) and at midday (13 ± 0.8). Groups were bigger (P < 0.05) when they were more than 50 m from a tree (23 ± 1.8), or <10 m from the shelter (25 ± 1.5), the feeding area (31 ± 3.1) and the water-bath area (25 ± 1.5). Nine percent of the groups were solitary animals, being higher (P = 0.0286) during the montanera (11%) than the rest of the year (8%) and being formed in 68% by males. Males were less involved in mixed groups than were females (75% vs. 91%), especially in spring, where the largest (P < 0.0001) male groups were found. Female groups were less frequent and smaller (P < 0.0001) than were male and mixed groups. In conclusion, although males were castrated at a very young age, they showed a different behavior than females, forming in bachelor groups during the spring and being less involved in mixed groups and with more solitary animals. During the montanera, when animals were feeding on acorns and other natural resources, groups were smaller and closer to the trees, solitary males reaching a maximum percent.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal variations in resources affect activity and movement patterns of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at high density

2013 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 252-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariane Massé ◽  
Steeve D. Côté
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Odocoileus Virginianus ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
High Density ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variations ◽  
Temporal Scales ◽  
Trade Offs

Although activity budget, movements, and habitat use of herbivores have been extensively studied, few studies have simultaneously examined these behaviors at several temporal scales. We investigated the influence of spatiotemporal variations in forage and climate on the activity and movement patterns of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)) at high density, in a predator-free ecosystem impacted by long-term browsing. We used GPS telemetry and activity sensors to monitor seasonal activity budgets, movements, and patterns of habitat use within the home ranges of 24 female deer at three temporal scales: (1) season, (2) within season, and (3) daily. At large temporal scale, deer were less active and moved less during winter than during summer. Within each season, deer reduced their activity and movements in areas where forage resources were abundant and when climatic conditions were more difficult. On a daily scale, summer and winter movements peaked at dusk, but habitat selection neither changed with period of the day nor activity (foraging vs. resting). These results provide empirical evidence on how environmental constraints can modulate the trade-offs between forage acquisition and exposure to limiting factors.

scholarly journals Effects of livestock on occurrence of the Vulnerable red panda Ailurus fulgens in Rara National Park, Nepal

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hari P. Sharma ◽  
Jerrold L. Belant ◽  
Jon E. Swenson
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
National Park ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens ◽  
Awareness Raising

AbstractThe Vulnerable red panda Ailurus fulgens is endemic to the Himalayas. Anthropogenic activities, including deforestation, have degraded the species’ habitat but the effects of livestock have not been examined. We assessed the effects of illegal livestock activity on the presence of the red panda in Rara National Park, Nepal. The probability of detecting red panda faecal pellets decreased with livestock occurrence but not with elevation or aspect. The presence of bamboo and proximity to water are important to red pandas but did not influence their habitat use at the spatial resolution evaluated. Livestock grazing in Rara National Park appears to adversely affect the presence of the red panda within its habitat. To reduce illegal livestock grazing we recommend enforcement of existing regulations, that training workshops be held for herders, and awareness-raising and dialogue with residents.

Seasonal home range and habitat use of a critically endangered marsupial (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) inside and outside a predator-proof sanctuary

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina J. Yeatman ◽  
Adrian F. Wayne
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Bettongia Penicillata ◽  
External Reference ◽  
Substantial Decline

An understanding of the factors that influence the distribution of the woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) at local and regional scales has been identified as a key knowledge gap, because such knowledge may assist in the recovery of this endangered species. We aimed to investigate the seasonal home-range size and habitat use of woylies to update current knowledge of the species in the context of a substantial decline. Specifically, we examined the home range and habitat use of woylies reintroduced into a sanctuary free from invasive predators and compared these data to those from an external reference site. Eight woylies inside the sanctuary and seven outside were radio-tracked in autumn 2011. The average home-range size was 65.4 (±8.2, s.e.) ha. There was little evidence to suggest any difference in home-range size between woylies inside and outside the sanctuary. Woylies were more likely to be found in the slope and low-lying valley habitats, which have greater water-holding capacity and sandier soils. These relatively large seasonal home ranges, compared with previously published estimates for the species, may be accounted for by low population density, lower seasonal food availability and clustered food distribution. Monitoring the home-range size of woylies within the sanctuary may assist in identifying the carrying capacity of the sanctuary, which has implications for how this population is managed.

Home ranges of feral cats (Felis catus) in central-western New South Wales, Australia

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Molsher ◽  
Chris Dickman ◽  
Alan Newsome ◽  
Warren Müller
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Adult Cats

Twenty-one feral cats were radio-tracked using direct sighting and triangulation techniques (amassing 730 location fixes) during winter in an agricultural landscape in central-western New South Wales. Factors affecting home-range size, home-range overlap and habitat use were assessed. Mean home-range size was 248 ha (s.e. = 34.9, n = 15 cats, 598 location fixes). Home-range size and habitat use were not influenced by sex or age of adult cats, prey abundance or time of day. However, cat weight significantly influenced range size, with heavier cats having larger ranges than smaller cats. Although the cats are apparently solitary, their home ranges overlapped considerably, particularly between young adults and old adult cats. Cats were active both by day and night and did not occupy permanent dens. Home ranges encompassed mixed habitat types that provided both shelter and prey. Open woodland and open forest were the main habitat types covered by home ranges, but within these areas cats showed a preference for grassland, where rabbits were more abundant. The results recorded in this study indicate that cat-control programs should concentrate in mixed habitat areas, where both shelter and food are available, and over widely dispersed areas. The absence of group living suggests that the effectiveness of virally vectored fertility or biological control agents would be limited.

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