Patterns of Dental Macrowear in Subfossil Lemur catta from Ankilitelo Cave, Madagascar: Indications of Ecology and Habitat Use over Time

2015 ◽  
Vol 86 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 140-149
Author(s):  
Frank P. Cuozzo ◽  
Michelle L. Sauther
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Lemur Catta ◽  
Over Time

scholarly journals Does vegetation change over 28 years affect habitat use and reproductive success?

The Auk ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 137 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Fierro-Calderón ◽  
Thomas E Martin
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Patch Use ◽  
Fitness Consequences ◽  
Long Term Changes ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Individuals should prefer and use habitats that confer high fitness, but habitat use is not always adaptive. Vegetation in natural landscapes changes gradually and the ability of species to adaptively adjust their habitat use to long-term changes is largely unstudied. We studied nest patch and territory use over 28 yr in Orange-crowned Warblers (Oreothlypis celata) in a system that has undergone natural long-term changes in vegetation. Abundance of maple (Acer grandidentatum), its preferred nesting habitat, gradually declined from 1987 to 2015. We examined whether habitat use and its fitness consequences changed as the availability of preferred habitat decreased. We used resource selection function models to determine changes over time in the probability of using a nest patch given available patches, and the probability of using a territory given available territories. We estimated nest survival to evaluate changes over time in the fitness consequences of nest patch use. We also compared habitat use (nest patch and territory) and fitness (nest survival) between areas with naturally reduced abundance of maple and experimentally increased abundance of maple (fenced areas). Nest patch use depended on maple abundance and did not change drastically across 28 yr, even though the availability of preferred maple patches decreased over time. In contrast, nest survival tended to decrease over time. We did not see differences in nest patch use and nest survival between unfenced and fenced areas, unlike territory use, which increased with the abundance of maple in fenced areas and decreased in unfenced areas. Our study depicts one example of relatively unchanged habitat use in the face of decreased availability of preferred vegetation across years, with a resulting decrease in reproductive success. Investigating changes in habitat use and fitness consequences for animals exposed to long-term habitat change is necessary to understand adaptive behavioral responses.

Feeding Habitats of Nesting Wading Birds: Spatial Use and Social Influences

The Auk ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 960-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Michael Erwin
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Habitat Patch ◽  
Wading Birds ◽  
Feeding Habitat ◽  
Snowy Egret ◽  
Colony Site ◽  
The One ◽  
Over Time

Abstract In an effort to relate social interactions to feeding-habitat use, I observed six species of wading birds near a major colony site in coastal North Carolina. Three spatial scales of habitat use were considered: the general orientation to and from the colony (coarsest level), the habitat "patch," and (at the finest level) the microhabitat. Departure-arrival directions of Great Egrets (Casmerodius albus), Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula), Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis), Little Blue Herons (Egretta caerulea), Tricolored Herons (Egretta tricolor), and Glossy Ibises (Plegadis falcinellus) were monitored at the colony site to document coarse patterns of feeding-habitat use. Added to these data were observations made at five different wetland sites to monitor between-habitat and within-habitat patterns for the five aquatic-feeding species. The results indicated a broad and variable use of feeding habitat over time. At the coarsest scale (i.e. orientation at the colony), diffuse patterns, influenced little by either inter- or intraspecific social interaction, were found for all species. At the next level (habitat "patch"), only one of five wetland sites was relatively consistent in attracting feeding birds, and its use increased from May to June. Few groups were seen at four of the five sites. At the one "attractive" site, the within-habitat patterns again were spatially variable over time, except for those of the abundant Snowy Egret, whose microhabitat preference was fairly consistent. Glossy Ibises and Snowy Egrets frequently formed mixed-species groups, Little Blue Herons were the least social, and Great Egrets and Tricolored Herons generally occurred in groups of less than 10 birds but rarely in groups larger than 30. The close association between Snowy Egrets and Glossy Ibises appeared to be based on a "beater-follower" relationship, wherein the probing, nonvisually feeding ibises make prey more available to the followers. In the study area, local enhancement appeared to play a more important role than did any "information-sharing" at the colony.

scholarly journals Mix it and fix it: functions of composite olfactory signals in ring-tailed lemurs

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 160076 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia K. Greene ◽  
Kathleen E. Grogan ◽  
Kendra N. Smyth ◽  
Christine A. Adams ◽  
Skylar A. Klager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Content ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Lemur Catta ◽  
Chemical Signals ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Multiple Messages ◽  
Over Time

Animals communicating via scent often deposit composite signals that incorporate odorants from multiple sources; however, the function of mixing chemical signals remains understudied. We tested both a ‘multiple-messages’ and a ‘fixative’ hypothesis of composite olfactory signalling, which, respectively, posit that mixing scents functions to increase information content or prolong signal longevity. Our subjects—adult, male ring-tailed lemurs ( Lemur catta )—have a complex scent-marking repertoire, involving volatile antebrachial (A) secretions, deposited pure or after being mixed with a squalene-rich paste exuded from brachial (B) glands. Using behavioural bioassays, we examined recipient responses to odorants collected from conspecific strangers. We concurrently presented pure A, pure B and mixed A + B secretions, in fresh or decayed conditions. Lemurs preferentially responded to mixed over pure secretions, their interest increasing and shifting over time, from sniffing and countermarking fresh mixtures, to licking and countermarking decayed mixtures. Substituting synthetic squalene (S)—a well-known fixative—for B secretions did not replicate prior results: B secretions, which contain additional chemicals that probably encode salient information, were preferred over pure S. Whereas support for the ‘multiple-messages’ hypothesis underscores the unique contribution from each of an animal's various secretions, support for the ‘fixative’ hypothesis highlights the synergistic benefits of composite signals.

Use of Rock-wallaby Faecal Pellets for Detecting and Monitoring Populations and Examining Habitat Use.

1996 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 257
Author(s):  
P.J. Jarman ◽  
S.M. Capararo
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Colony Size ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Herbivorous Mammals ◽  
Measured Distribution ◽  
Absolute Population ◽  
Over Time

Counts of faecal pellets are commonly used to measure dispersion of medium to large, herbivorous mammals, including macropods. Rock-wallabies, Genus Petrogale, are relatively difficult to observe in the daytime, so indirect techniques for survey and measurement of dispersion and population size are attractive. Faecal pellets of rock-wallabies are easy to identify and to detect, often being rapidly dried and well preserved on rock substrates. Pellets have been used in surveys to detect past and recent presence of rock-wallabies in refuge habitat. Their measured distribution can also indicate limits to foraging range away from refuge habitat, information that is important for their management. By making careful correction for the expected form of distribution of rock-wallaby foraging away from refuge habitat, pellet sampling can be used to measure their habitat preferences. Pellet sampling can be used, with careful survey design, to monitor change in colony size over time; but it could be used only with difficulty to indicate absolute population size accurately. In some circumstances it will be more efficient to attempt to observe and count the wallabies directly.

scholarly journals Utilizing Camera Traps, Closed Circuit Cameras and Behavior Observation Software to Monitor Activity Budgets, Habitat Use, and Social Interactions of Zoo-Housed Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2026
Author(s):  
Jilian M. Fazio ◽  
Tony Barthel ◽  
Elizabeth W. Freeman ◽  
Kay Garlick-Ott ◽  
Anne Scholle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Closed Circuit ◽  
Activity Budgets ◽  
Asian Elephants ◽  
Behavioral Observations ◽  
Over Time

Accredited zoos and aquariums value superior animal husbandry and strive to ensure that the physical, psychological, and social needs of animals are met. In North America, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) relies on species-specific standards to ensure facilities provide the best care for collection animals. The AZA also makes explicit recommendations for long-term monitoring of welfare. Data collected through behavioral observations can be used to modify management as animals respond over time to social, environmental, or physical changes. In long-lived, social species like elephants, it is particularly important to document herd dynamics, calf development, geriatric health, and social bonds throughout their lifetimes. The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park housed one male and six female Asian elephants in dynamic social groupings. Behavioral observations were conducted on all elephants for two years using two methods involving ZooMonitor, closed circuit cameras, and camera traps. The goal was to compare how these two methods function to provide individual activity budgets, habitat use, and social interactions. Methodologies such as these, alone or in combination, have the potential to produce valuable data about potential changes in welfare over time in a zoological setting and can be performed either by staff or volunteers with high reliability.

scholarly journals Behavior and Habitat Use Remain Diverse and Variable in Modern Zoological Exhibits over the Long-Term: Case Studies in 5 Species of Ursidae

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 677-703
Author(s):  
David M. Powell ◽  
Eli Baskir
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Daily Variation ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Zoo Animals ◽  
Patterns Of Behavior ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Zoological Exhibits

Long-term evaluations of whether modern zoological exhibits help to maintain variation in the behavior of zoo animals are lacking despite the hope that animals avoid falling into monotonous patterns of behavior or boredom. This study evaluated changes in behavior and habitat use over multi-year periods in nine individuals of five bear species at two zoological facilities. Behavioral data gathered over months to years were analyzed graphically for trends in the direction of change. The habitat use dynamics were assessed graphically by looking for trends in the entropy values over time. We found that the activity budgets remained diverse and were dynamic over time, more so in younger compared to older bears. Changes in behavior suggesting positive welfare were observed, while changes that may reflect declining welfare seemed more likely to be due to age or seasonality. The observed behavioral changes suggest that the bears did not become bored with their habitats; there was likely one to several hours of daily variation in behavior, and stereotypy was rare. The diversity in the habitat use decreased over time as the animals settled into patterns of use reflecting preferences for certain areas of their habitats.

Changes in habitat use and distribution of mouflon in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bronson Palupe ◽  
Christina R. Leopold ◽  
Steven C. Hess ◽  
Jonathan K. Faford ◽  
Dexter Pacheco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
National Park ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Gps Telemetry ◽  
Hunting Pressure ◽  
Trophy Hunting ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Closed Forest ◽  
Time Away ◽  
Over Time

European mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini musimon) were introduced to Kahuku Ranch on Hawai‘i Island in 1968 and 1974 for trophy hunting and have been detrimental to the native ecosystem by trampling, bark stripping, and browsing vegetation. In 2003, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park acquired Kahuku Ranch and managers began removing mouflon. The objective of this project was to determine whether hunting has changed the distribution of mouflon in Kahuku, to better understand mouflon behaviour and to expedite eradication efforts. Locations from hunting and GPS telemetry data during 2007–14 were used to determine the effect of hunting on mouflon distribution by examining distance to roads and habitat use. Mouflon seemed to avoid roads after hunting pressure increased and their distribution within vegetation types changed over time. Mouflon without hunting pressure were detected in native shrub habitat in 68% of all observations. Hunted mouflon were encountered less in native shrub habitat and more in other habitats including open forest, closed forest, and areas with no vegetation. These changes suggest that hunting has influenced the distribution of mouflon over time away from native shrub and into other vegetation types where they may be more difficult to control.

Echolocation Calls and Patterns of Hunting and Habitiat Use of Bats (Microchiroptera) from Chillagoe, North Queensland

1982 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 417 ◽  
Author(s):  
MB Fenton
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Echolocation Calls ◽  
Flying Insects ◽  
Over Time

The search phase echolocation calls of 12 species of microchiropteran bats were studied in the vicinity of Chillagoe. Different species were recognizable by their calls, and differences in patterns of change in frequency over time. frequencies, and call durations were useful in identifying bats in the field. Some species (Nyctophilus bifax, Hipposideros diadema, and Rhinolophus megaphyllus) made short flights from perches to intercept flying insects. while others flew continuously while hunting, reacting to targets at short (c. 1m; Eptesicus pumilus, Nycticeius balstoni) or long (over 2 m; Chalinolobus nigrogriseus, Taphozous georgiunus, the two molossids) range. By sampling echolocation calls it was possible to obtain some measure of habitat use by different species. The results are compared to data from sites in North America and Africa.

scholarly journals Ontogenetic Patterns of Elemental Tracers in the Vertebrae Cartilage of Coastal and Oceanic Sharks

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariah C. Livernois ◽  
John A. Mohan ◽  
Thomas C. TinHan ◽  
Travis M. Richards ◽  
Brett J. Falterman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Elemental Composition ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Ecosystem Structure ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Over Time

As predators, coastal and oceanic sharks play critical roles in shaping ecosystem structure and function, but most shark species are highly susceptible to population declines. Effective management of vulnerable shark populations requires knowledge of species-specific movement and habitat use patterns. Since sharks are often highly mobile and long-lived, tracking their habitat use patterns over large spatiotemporal scales is challenging. However, the analysis of elemental tracers in vertebral cartilage can describe a continuous record of the life history of an individual from birth to death. This study examined trace elements (Li, Mg, Mn, Zn, Sr, and Ba) along vertebral transects of five shark species with unique life histories. From most freshwater-associated to most oceanic, these species include Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), Bonnethead Sharks (Sphyrna tiburo), Blacktip Sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus), Spinner Sharks (Carcharhinus brevipinna), and Shortfin Mako Sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus). Element concentrations were compared across life stages (young-of-the-year, early juvenile, late juvenile, and adult) to infer species-specific ontogenetic patterns of habitat use and movement. Many of the observed elemental patterns could be explained by known life history traits: C. leucas exhibited clear ontogenetic changes in elemental composition matching expected changes in their use of freshwater habitats over time. S. tiburo elemental composition did not differ across ontogeny, suggesting residence in estuarine/coastal regions. The patterns of elemental composition were strikingly similar between C. brevipinna and C. limbatus, suggesting they co-occur in similar habitats across ontogeny. I. oxyrinchus elemental composition was stable over time, but some ontogenetic shifts occurred that may be due to changes in migration patterns with maturation. The results presented in this study enhance our understanding of the habitat use and movement patterns of coastal and oceanic sharks, and highlights the applicability of vertebral chemistry as a tool for characterizing shark life history traits.

Social transmission bias and the cultural evolution of folk-economic beliefs

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hirshleifer ◽  
Siew Hong Teoh
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Evolution ◽  
Social Transmission ◽  
Cognitive Approach ◽  
Economic Problems ◽  
Economic Attitudes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Economic Beliefs ◽  
Over Time

AbstractEvolved dispositions influence, but do not determine, how people think about economic problems. The evolutionary cognitive approach offers important insights but underweights the social transmission of ideas as a level of explanation. The need for asocialexplanation for the evolution of economic attitudes is evidenced, for example, by immense variations in folk-economic beliefs over time and across individuals.

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