scholarly journals The Influence of Prey Availability and Vegetation Characteristics on Scent Station Visitation Rates of Coyotes, Canis latrans, in a Heterogeneous Environment

2004 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda A. Randa ◽  
John A. Yunger
Keyword(s):  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Heterogeneous Environment ◽  
Visitation Rates ◽  
Foliage Density ◽  
Grassland Habitats ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Habitat Variables

We investigated the effects of local prey fluctuations and habitat variables on the scent station visitation rates of the Coyote (Canis latrans) in northern Illinois within a heterogeneous environment. Availability of small mammalian prey was assessed by monthly mark-recapture sampling and visual counts conducted along three, 192-m transects in each of seven habitats that ranged from grassland to wooded sites. Habitat metrics, which included foliage density, ground cover, and canopy cover, were also collected for the same seven habitats. Visitation rates of Coyotes were determined from scent station lines parallel to the small mammal trapping transects. A multiple regression analysis indicated that Coyote visitation rates across the study site were influenced positively by vole (Microtus spp.) abundance and negatively by canopy cover. When Coyote visitation rates were regressed on vole abundance for only the habitats in which voles occurred, the relationship was not significant. This may be attributed to the general avoidance of wooded areas by Coyotes. Coyotes did, however, respond to experimentallyinduced abundant patches of Peromyscus. These findings suggest Coyotes selectively use grassland habitats within a heterogeneous environment and may modify their use according to prey availability.

scholarly journals Habitat association in the critically endangered Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis), a species endemic to China

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9439
Author(s):  
Bing Zhang ◽  
Bingxian Wu ◽  
Daode Yang ◽  
Xiaqiu Tao ◽  
Mu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Habitat Association ◽  
Snake Species ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Litter Cover ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Habitat Variables ◽  
Natural Reserves

Habitat directly affects the population size and geographical distribution of wildlife species, including the Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis), a critically endangered snake species endemic to China. We searched for Mangshan pit viper using randomly arranged transects in their area of distribution and assessed their habitat association using plots, with the goals of gaining a better understanding of the habitat features associated with P. mangshanensis detection and determining if the association with these features varies across season. We conducted transect surveys, found 48 individual snakes, and measured 11 habitat variables seasonally in used and random plots in Hunan Mangshan National Nature Reserve over a period of 5 years (2012–2016). The important habitat variables for predicting Mangshan pit viper detection were fallen log density, shrub density, leaf litter cover, herb cover and distance to water. In spring, summer and autumn, Mangshan pit viper detection was always positively associated with fallen log density. In summer, Mangshan pit viper detection was related to such habitats with high canopy cover, high shrub density and high herb cover. In autumn, snakes generally occurred in habitats near water in areas with high fallen log density and tall shrubs height. Our study is the first to demonstrate the relationship between Mangshan pit viper detection and specific habitat components. Mangshan pit viper detection was associated with habitat features such as with a relatively high fallen log density and shrub density, moderately high leaf litter cover, sites near stream, and with lower herb cover. The pattern of the relationship between snakes and habitats was not consistent across the seasons. Identifying the habitat features associated with Mangshan pit viper detection can better inform the forestry department on managing natural reserves to meet the habitat requirements for this critically endangered snake species.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Winter Wolf Kill Sites in the Southern Yellowstone Ecosystem

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susannah P. Woodruff ◽  
Michael D. Jimenez ◽  
Timothy R. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
National Park ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Winter Range ◽  
Lower Elevation ◽  
Spatial Use ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Habitat Variables

Abstract Understanding the spatial use of wolves and how that might relate to prey species may help predict areas with increased likelihood of wolf–prey interactions, areas where wolves may have a higher impact on prey populations, or areas of wolf–livestock conflict. After reintroduction into Yellowstone National Park in 1995, wolves Canis lupus expanded south and recolonized areas in and around Grand Teton National Park in the southern Yellowstone ecosystem in Wyoming, USA. Elk Cervus elaphus in this area are supplementally fed at three feedgrounds artificially increasing elk density. We tracked radio-collared and uncollared wolves annually in winter (December–March) from 2000 to 2008 to investigate kill sites. Our objective was to investigate potential differences in habitat variables (e.g., canopy cover, elevation) between kill sites (n = 295) and available (random; n = 2,360) locations and investigate whether factors influencing winter wolf kill sites differed in a natural setting (i.e., native winter range) vs. an artificial setting (i.e., near or on feedgrounds). Wolf kills occurred at sites with lower elevation, canopy cover, and terrain roughness compared with random locations. Wolf kills were also slightly farther from packed surfaces (i.e., roads or groomed snowmobile trails) and elk feedgrounds, although still in areas of higher intensity of use by elk compared with random locations. Kill sites on native winter range were considerably more rough (odds ratio = 4.47) than those on feedgrounds. Our results suggest wolves hunt where the likelihood of encountering prey is high, although in areas where prey distribution is more sparse (i.e., native winter range), wolves may need to rely on rougher terrain for successful hunts. The relationship between areas of high prey use and increased wolf activity has important implications for both wildlife managers and livestock producers. In the future, managers will continue to face the issue of having high concentrations of ungulates, either wild or domestic, and the obvious attraction this has for wolves.

Effects of logging and fire on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest, near Bega, New South Wales

1987 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Lunney ◽  
B. Cullis ◽  
P. Eby
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
First Year ◽  
Severe Effect ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Antechinus Stuartii ◽  
Rattus Fuscipes

This study of the effects of logging on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest on the south coast of New South Wales included the effects of a fire in November 1980 and a drought throughout the study period from June 1980 to June 1983. Rattus fuscipes was sensitive to change: logging had a significant impact on its numbers, response to ground cover, and recapture rate; fire had a more severe effect, and drought retarded the post-fire recovery of the population. The three species of dasyurid marsupials differed markedly in their response to ground cover, canopy cover, logging and fire. Antechinus stuartii was distributed evenly through all habitats and was not affected by logging, but fire had an immediate and adverse effect which was sustained by the intense drought. A. swainsonii markedly preferred the regenerating forest, and was not seen again after the fire, the failure of the population being attributed to its dependence on dense ground cover. Sminthopsis leucopus was found in low numbers, appeared to prefer forest with sparse ground cover, and showed no immediate response to logging or fire; its disappearance by the third year post-fire suggests that regenerating forest is inimical to the survival of this species. Mus musculus showed no response to logging. In the first year following the fire its numbers were still very low, but in the next year there was a short-lived plague which coincided with the only respite in the 3-year drought and, importantly, occurred in the intensely burnt parts of the forest. The options for managing this forest for the conservation of small mammals include minimising fire, retaining unlogged forest, extending the time over which alternate coupes are logged and minimising disturbance from heavy machinery.

Quantitative observations on populations of the lungworm Oslerus osleri (Cobbold, 1889) in coyotes (Canis latrans Say)

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (10) ◽  
pp. 2384-2386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydden Polley
Keyword(s):  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Regression Equation ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
Nodule Formation ◽  
The Relationship

Total adult Oslerus osleri populations were recovered from all the tracheal and bronchial nodules present in 27 coyote carcasses from Saskatchewan, Canada. The parasites were sexed and counted. Twenty-one of 27 coyotes contained fewer than 10 nodules and 18 of the animals were infected with fewer than 50 parasites. One hundred of the total of 186 nodules contained fewer than five parasites. The relationship between the number of parasites (x) and the number of nodules (y) in individual coyotes was well described by the regression equation [Formula: see text]. This equation reflects a curvilinear relationship in which the rate of nodule formation decreases as parasite numbers increase above approximately 100.

scholarly journals Resource selection by Javan Slow Loris Nycticebus javanicus E. Geoffroy, 1812 (Mammalia: Primates: Lorisidae) in a lowland fragmented forest in Central Java, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 13667-13679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahfut Sodik ◽  
Satyawan Pudyatmoko ◽  
Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono ◽  
Muhammad Ali Imron
Keyword(s):  
Resource Selection ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Ratio Test ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Slow Loris ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Habitat Variables

Habitat loss and forest fragmentation have negative impacts on Javan Slow Loris Nycticebus javanicus, a Critically Endangered nocturnal primate endemic to Java.  Reports confirmed that less than 9% of forest area remains on Java Island.  One of the remaining natural habitats of the Javan Slow Loris is the fragment of Kemuning Forest in Temanggung Regency, Central Java.  The purpose of this study was to determine resource selection and habitat variables that determine the presence of Javan Slow Loris.  Habitat variables measured were basal area, tree connectivity, crown coverage on tree stage, slope, elevation, and distance to river.  Data analysis performed was logistic regression, likelihood ratio test, and Akaike’s Information Criterion with a backward elimination procedure.  We also used direct observation and interviews with locals to collect data on environment and anthropogenic features of this forest.  The results showed that the Javan Slow Loris uses resources selectively on a microhabitat scale.  The habitat factors that influence the probability of resource selection by the species are canopy cover and slope.  Habitat characteristics preferred by the Javan Slow Loris in Kemuning Forest are secondary lowland tropical rainforest with dense canopy cover located on a steep slope with low level of habitat disturbances.  Although this study uses a small sample size, the expectation is that the results can be used as preliminary information for the habitat and population management of Javan Slow Loris in Kemuning Forest to guide conservation efforts and design management strategies.

Characterization of damage and biotic factors associated with the decline of Eucalyptus wandoo in southwest Western Australia

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 2589-2602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan J Hooper ◽  
K Sivasithamparam
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Partial Harvest ◽  
Foliage Density ◽  
Density Ratios ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Mixed Age ◽  
Eucalyptus Wandoo

Crown decline of wandoo, Eucalyptus wandoo, in southwest Western Australia has escalated over the last 10 years, so very few unaffected stands remain. To assess the canopy-damage characteristics of trees in decline a destructive, partial-harvest method was used to sample branches in natural mixed-age stands. Necrosis of common cankers was closely associated with type-1 borer damage, characterized by "longitudinal" gallery structure on declining trees only. Cankers were found to be consistently more severe on declining trees, with decay regions affecting a greater proportion of sapwood tissue. Several infestations causing type-1 borer damage that varied in age were found on declining branches, providing evidence of cyclical damage events. Type-2 borer damage characterized by "ring-barking" gallery structure caused extensive damage in canopies, but was not always associated with decline. Interactions between foliage density and canker score showed that 17.8% and 63.1% of the variability in foliage-density ratios was accounted for in declining intermediate-health and unhealthy classes, respectively. The relationship was negligible for the healthy class (9.9%), providing strong evidence that cankers are causing foliage loss in declining canopies. Evidence suggests that an interaction between type-1 borer infestations and decay-causing fungi is responsible for the decline in E. wandoo wandoo canopies.

scholarly journals Habitat Selection in a Changing Environment: The Relationship Between Habitat Alteration and Spotted Owl Territory Occupancy and Breeding Dispersal

The Condor ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 109 (3) ◽  
pp. 566-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark E. Seamans ◽  
R.J. Gutiérrez
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Habitat Alteration ◽  
Breeding Dispersal ◽  
Conifer Forest ◽  
Avian Behavior ◽  
Spotted Owl ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Abstract. Understanding the effect of habitat alteration on avian behavior is important for understanding a species' ecology and ensuring its conservation. Therefore, we examined the relationship between Spotted Owl habitat selection and variation in habitat in the Sierra Nevada. We estimated habitat selection by modeling the probability of territory colonization (γ), territory extinction (ε), and breeding dispersal in relation to the amount of mature conifer forest within and among territories. Alteration of ≥20 ha of mature conifer forest (coniferous forest with >70% canopy cover dominated by medium [30.4–60.9 cm dbh] and large [>60.9 cm dbh] trees) within individual territories (n  =  66) was negatively related to territory colonization and positively related to breeding dispersal probability. Although territory extinction was negatively related to the amount of mature conifer forest, it was not clear whether this relationship was due to variation of mature conifer forest within or among territories. Although modeling results for territory colonization and extinction generally supported the hypothesis that individuals are “ideal” when selecting a habitat in the sense that they settle in the highest-quality site available, we did not find a clear benefit in terms of habitat quality for Spotted Owls that exhibited breeding dispersal.

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