Generally specialized or especially general? Habitat selection by Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) in central Ontario

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.E. Paterson ◽  
B.D. Steinberg ◽  
J.D. Litzgus
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Chelydra Serpentina ◽  
Northern Population ◽  
Individual Specialization ◽  
Active Season ◽  
Metabolic Costs ◽  
Euclidean Distances

Habitat selection is the disproportionate use of habitat compared with availability. Many studies have focused on specialists, but few have considered habitat selection in populations that are generalists, which can be composed of generalist individuals or individuals that specialize on different habitats. We tested habitat selection and individual specialization in a northern population of a supposed generalist, the Snapping Turtle ( Chelydra serpentina (L., 1758)), during the active season and winter using telemetry. Habitat selection was tested at two spatial scales by comparing random points to home ranges and turtle locations using Euclidean distances. Turtles selected home ranges from the habitats available in the population range. However, at the population level, all aquatic habitats were equally preferred, and the population behaved as a generalist owing to individuals specialized on different habitats. Over half of the individuals showed evidence of individual specialization on different habitat types. Turtles did not select habitat within home ranges during the active season, but overwintering turtles chose locations that were colder than haphazard stations in the same habitats, likely to reduce metabolic costs and the risk of acidosis. These findings have implications for the management of this species at risk and for understanding the evolution of resource generalization.

Habitat selection at multiple spatial scales in Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica)

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (9) ◽  
pp. 846-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.-A. Carrière ◽  
G. Blouin-Demers
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Shoreline Development ◽  
Multiple Spatial Scales ◽  
Successful Recovery ◽  
Map Turtles ◽  
Graptemys Geographica ◽  
Declining Species

Understanding habitat use of declining species is essential for their management and successful recovery. We examined habitat selection at multiple spatial scales by Northern Map Turtles ( Graptemys geographica (Le Sueur, 1817)), a species at risk, in the St. Lawrence Islands National Park, Ontario, Canada. At the scale of the home range, Map Turtles generally avoided deep water (>2 m) and selected home ranges in waters <1 m deep. Importantly, turtles used home ranges with significantly more natural than developed shoreline. At the scale of the location, adult females used deep water more often and males preferred areas with surface cover. Management efforts should implement regulations concerning further shoreline development.

Home-range size and habitat selection by American marten (Martes americana) in Labrador

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (9) ◽  
pp. 1602-1609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam C Smith ◽  
James A Schaefer
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Martes Americana ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
American Marten ◽  
Tree Species Composition

Variation in home-range size can be related to different factors at different spatial scales. This study examined the patterns of home-range size and habitat selection of American marten (Martes americana) in southeastern Labrador, a region of extensive and pristine forests. Over 1.5 years, we monitored 28 radio-collared marten and compared the availability of habitat types with their use. Marten avoided areas with low productivity and low canopy cover (<20%) but showed no selection for tree species composition or cover among more productive forests. Mean home ranges for both sexes (males, 45.0 km2; females, 27.6 km2) were exceptionally large, more than double the largest values previously recorded for the species. We analyzed variation in home-range size at two scales: within our study population and, using data from the literature, among populations across the species range in relation to temperature, snow cover, and body size. Within our population, home-range area was positively related to the proportion of bog and less productive, scrub forests in the home range. Among populations, differences in home-range size were not significantly related to any of the tested factors.

scholarly journals Spatial ecology and multi-scale habitat selection by Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) in an urban area

2019 ◽  
Vol 132 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-119
Author(s):  
Kelsey A. Marchand ◽  
Christopher M. Somers ◽  
Ray G. Poulin
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Chrysemys Picta ◽  
Urban Park ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Active Season ◽  
Painted Turtles ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Chrysemys Picta Bellii

As urban centres expand, knowledge on the habitat and space use of native wildlife, particularly long-lived species, is required for proper management. Our objective was to understand space requirements and key habitat features necessary for long-term persistence of Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) living in a Canadian urban park. Using radio telemetry, we examined seasonal habitat selection and space use over two years, 2015–2016 (n = 23), and 2016–2017 (n = 29) in Regina, Saskatchewan. Daily movements and home ranges of males and females were smaller during emergence than during nesting or post-nesting phases of the active season. Turtles inhabiting marsh sites had 2- and 4-times larger daily movements and home ranges compared to turtles inhabiting the creek. Turtles selected the shoreline habitat over urban/parkland and open water. Turtles used marsh-shoreline habitats non-randomly, selecting accessible shoreline with large trees in the active season. In contrast, turtles used creek-shoreline habitat according to availability. Overwintering sites selected by turtles were warmer and deeper than random available sites, with no difference in dissolved oxygen level. However, water was hypoxic for most overwintering sites. Our results show that turtles range widely, requiring 20–60 ha throughout the year. Urban park areas should be managed to provide accessible shorelines with a combination of cover and open basking areas. Critically, careful attention needs to be paid to managing water depth so that over-wintering sites remain viable.

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.

Coping with human disturbance: spatial and temporal tactics of the brown bear (Ursus arctos)

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (9) ◽  
pp. 875-883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodie Martin ◽  
Mathieu Basille ◽  
Bram Van Moorter ◽  
Jonas Kindberg ◽  
Dominique Allainé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Brown Bears ◽  
Selection Of

In human-dominated landscapes, species with large spatial requirements, such as large carnivores, have to deal with human infrastructure and activities within their home ranges. This is the case for the brown bear ( Ursus arctos L., 1758) in Scandinavia, which is colonizing more human-dominated landscapes, leading inevitably to an overlap between their home ranges and anthropogenic structures. In this study, we investigated fine-scale habitat selection by brown bears to examine how they deal with this potential disturbance. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) data, we studied (i) habitat selection of female brown bears within their home range and (ii) the influence of diurnal variation in human disturbance on fine-scale habitat use. As expected, females selected habitats within their home range that provided abundant food resources and minimized human-caused disturbance. In addition, our temporal analysis of habitat selection revealed an avoidance of disturbed areas and a selection of slopes by bears during periods of highest human activities, i.e., during daylight hours. We clearly demonstrate the importance of considering the fluctuations in human activity when studying habitat selection, especially at fine spatial scales. Failing to do so may considerably reduce the power to detect important fine-scale habitat-selection behaviors.

Nonideal habitat selection by a North American cavity excavator: pecking up the wrong tree?

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 527-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Sadoti ◽  
K. T. Vierling
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Nonparametric Tests ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Cavity Nesters ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Nestling Survival ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Sphyrapicus Nuchalis

Nonideal habitat selection occurs when preferred habitat attributes differ from those associated with increased fitness. These mismatches have been widely studied in open cup-nesting birds, but the relationship between habitat-associated preferences and fitness in cavity-nesting birds has received relatively little attention. We studied patterns of preference and fitness during 2006–2007 in an Idaho, USA, population of Red-naped Sapsuckers ( Sphyrapicus nuchalis S.F. Baird, 1858). Using a suite of nonparametric tests, we examined the associations between habitat attributes and both nesting-area preferences and nest productivity (number of fledglings per pair) across four spatial scales. Nest productivity was associated with tree- and cavity-scale attributes, whereas preference was associated with attributes of home ranges. Live trees and southeasterly oriented cavities had higher nest productivity but were not preferred. Microclimates in nests with these attributes may enhance nestling survival, whereas nonpreference for these attributes may be due to energetic constraints in some individuals. Additional studies comparing patterns of nonideal habitat selection between open-cup nesters and cavity nesters should advance our understanding of how life-history characteristics influence selection patterns.

scholarly journals Habitat connectivity and resource selection in an expanding bobcat (Lynx rufus) population

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12460
Author(s):  
Viorel D. Popescu ◽  
Madeline Kenyon ◽  
Ryan K. Brown ◽  
Marissa A. Dyck ◽  
Suzanne Prange ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Habitat Connectivity ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Core Areas ◽  
Selection For

Terrestrial carnivores are among the most imperiled species worldwide, yet some species are resilient and are recovering in human-dominated landscapes after decades or centuries of absence. Bobcat (Lynx rufus) populations were extirpated from much of Midwestern US in the mid-1800’s, and are currently expanding and recolonizing their former range. In this study, we investigated multi-scale habitat selection for Ohio’s expanding bobcat population, and examined habitat connectivity in order to evaluate the conduits for dispersal statewide. We used citizen observations collected between 1978 and 2019 and logistic regression to evaluate population-level habitat selection, and GPS telemetry data for 20 individuals collected between 2012 and 2014 and a distribution-weighted exponential Resource Selection Function to evaluate individual-level habitat selection within home ranges. At the population level, bobcats selected for higher amounts of forest and pasture (at a 50 km2 scale) and herbaceous vegetation (at 15–50 50 km2 scales), thus overall heterogeneous forested habitat. At individual (home range) level, bobcats selected for forested habitats with low road density and farther away from high traffic roads; they also showed weak selection for open habitat at the home range level. Male home ranges were significantly greater than female home ranges. Lastly, we used the population-level spatial outputs (i.e. habitat suitability map) to parameterize habitat connectivity models using circuit theory in the program Circuitscape. We tested three relationships between habitat suitability and resistance to movement and used a subset of data on potential dispersing individuals to evaluate which relationship performed best. All three relationships performed almost equally well, and we calculated a weighted averaged connectivity map as our final map. Habitat was highly permeable to movements between core areas of two genetically distinct subpopulations located in southeastern Ohio. We also identified potential dispersal corridors from the core areas to other regions of Ohio dominated by agriculture and suburban development via forested riparian corridors. Overall, our analysis offers new information on habitat selection and connectivity in a rebounding felid population and offers important ecological information for wildlife management strategies. We recommend that the suitability and connectivity models should be periodically updated until the population reaches an equilibrium, and be integrated with data from neighboring states for a comprehensive assessment of a conservation success story.

scholarly journals Responses of Vertebrate Wildlife to Oil and Natural Gas Development: Patterns and Frontiers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Chalfoun
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Natural Gas Development ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Oil And Natural Gas

Abstract Purpose of Review Anthropogenic activities can lead to the loss, fragmentation, and alteration of wildlife habitats. I reviewed the recent literature (2014–2019) focused on the responses of avian, mammalian, and herpetofaunal species to oil and natural gas development, a widespread and still-expanding land use worldwide. My primary goals were to identify any generalities in species’ responses to development and summarize remaining gaps in knowledge. To do so, I evaluated the directionality of a wide variety of responses in relation to taxon, location, development type, development metric, habitat type, and spatiotemporal aspects. Recent Findings Studies (n = 70) were restricted to the USA and Canada, and taxonomically biased towards birds and mammals. Longer studies, but not those incorporating multiple spatial scales, were more likely to detect significant responses. Negative responses of all types were present in relatively low frequencies across all taxa, locations, development types, and development metrics but were context-dependent. The directionality of responses by the same species often varied across studies or development metrics. Summary The state of knowledge about wildlife responses to oil and natural gas development has developed considerably, though many biases and gaps remain. Studies outside of North America and that focus on herpetofauna are lacking. Tests of mechanistic hypotheses for effects, long-term studies, assessment of response thresholds, and experimental designs that isolate the effects of different stimuli associated with development, remain critical. Moreover, tests of the efficacy of habitat mitigation efforts have been rare. Finally, investigations of the demographic effects of development across the full annual cycle were absent for non-game species and are critical for the estimation of population-level effects.

scholarly journals Population-level inference for home-range areas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christen Herbert Fleming ◽  
Iman Deznabi ◽  
Shauhin Alavi ◽  
Margaret C. Crofoot ◽  
Ben T. Hirsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Density Estimation ◽  
Kernel Density Estimation ◽  
Kernel Density ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Tracking Data ◽  
Temporal Autocorrelation ◽  
Time Space ◽  
Minimal Convex

· Home-range estimates are a common product of animal tracking data, as each range informs on the area needed by a given individual. Population-level inference on home-range areas—where multiple individual home-ranges are considered to be sampled from a population—is also important to evaluate changes over time, space, or covariates, such as habitat quality or fragmentation, and for comparative analyses of species averages. Population-level home-range parameters have traditionally been estimated by first assuming that the input tracking data were sampled independently when calculating home ranges via conventional kernel density estimation (KDE) or minimal convex polygon (MCP) methods, and then assuming that those individual home ranges were measured exactly when calculating the population-level estimates. This conventional approach does not account for the temporal autocorrelation that is inherent in modern tracking data, nor for the uncertainties of each individual home-range estimate, which are often large and heterogeneous. · Here, we introduce a statistically and computationally efficient framework for the population-level analysis of home-range areas, based on autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE), that can account for variable temporal autocorrelation and estimation uncertainty. · We apply our method to empirical examples on lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), kinkajou (Potos flavus), white‐nosed coati (Nasua narica), white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus), and spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), and quantify differences between species, environments, and sexes. · Our approach allows researchers to more accurately compare different populations with different movement behaviors or sampling schedules, while retaining statistical precision and power when individual home-range uncertainties vary. Finally, we emphasize the estimation of effect sizes when comparing populations, rather than mere significance tests.

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