scholarly journals Space Use and Movement of Urban Bobcats

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Young ◽  
Julie Golla ◽  
John Draper ◽  
Derek Broman ◽  
Terry Blankenship ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Behavioral Plasticity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Home Range Overlap ◽  
Range Overlap

Global urbanization is rapidly changing the landscape for wildlife species that must learn to persist in declining wild spacing, adapt, or risk extinction. Many mesopredators have successfully exploited urban niches, and research on these species in an urban setting offers insights into the traits that facilitate their success. In this study, we examined space use and activity patterns from GPS-collared bobcats (Lynx rufus) in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Texas, USA. We found that bobcats select for natural/agricultural features, creeks, and water ways and there is greater home-range overlap in these habitats. They avoid roads and are less likely to have home-range overlap in habitats with more roads. Home-range size is relatively small and overlap relatively high, with older animals showing both greater home-range size and overlap. Simultaneous locations suggest bobcats are neither avoiding nor attracted to one another, despite the high overlap across home ranges. Finally, bobcats are active at all times of day and night. These results suggest that access to natural features and behavioral plasticity may enable bobcats to live in highly developed landscapes.

scholarly journals Ecological variation among island foxes relative to reproductive events

2021 ◽  
pp. 400-415
Author(s):  
Robyn M. Powers ◽  
Brian L. Cypher ◽  
Katherine Ralls ◽  
Jan A. Randall ◽  
Erica C. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Home Range Overlap ◽  
Ecological Attributes ◽  
Range Overlap ◽  
Reproductive Events

Ecological attributes of a species can vary as resource requirements and social interactions change in response to the annual reproductive cycle. We examined variation in home range size, home range overlap, activity (2005–2006), and food item selection (2006–2007) of island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) on San Nicolas Island relative to reproduction-related events. Home ranges, particularly for males, were larger during the mating period compared with the post-mating, pup-rearing, and non-reproduction periods. Home range overlap with non-mate neighbors also increased during the mating period. The greater home range size and overlap during the mating season is consistent with foxes, particularly males, traveling into the ranges of neighboring pairs in an attempt to secure extra-pair copulations. Daily activity patterns did not vary among the reproductive periods. Use of vertebrate prey items increased during the period when adults would have been provisioning weaning young. These items (e.g., mice, birds, lizards) are protein-rich and easier to transport compared with smaller items (e.g., fruits, snails, insects) that also are commonly consumed by island foxes. Variation in ecological attributes among island foxes across the different seasons defined by reproductive events likely represents efforts to maximize mating opportunities, particularly among adult males, and to secure optimal resources for provisioning growing young. These patterns are consistent with those observed among other small canid species.

Patch use by the greater glider (Petauroides volans) in a fragmented forest ecosystem. I. Home range size and movements

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 559 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. Pope ◽  
D. B. Lindenmayer ◽  
R. B. Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Patch Size ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Home Range Overlap ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Core Areas ◽  
Range Overlap

This paper examines home-range attributes of 40 greater gliders (Petauroides volans) in five patches of remnant eucalypt forest surrounded by stands of radiata pine (Pinus radiata) near Tumut in south-eastern Australia. Fixed-kernel smoothing methods were used to estimate home-range size for P. volans. For males, home-range size varied from 1.38–4.10 ha (mean = 2.6 ± 0.8 ha, n = 12) and was significantly larger (P < 0.05) than for females (1.26–2.97 ha, mean = 2.0 ± 0.6 ha, n = 11). Home-range size increased significantly with increasing patch size and reduced patch population density. Thus, small patches had more animals per unit area with smaller home ranges and greater home-range overlap. Our findings illustrate flexibility in the use of space by P. volans. Such results have not previously been reported for P. volans or any other species of arboreal marsupial. Considerable home-range overlap (at 95th percentile isopleth level) was observed between male and female P. volans. Pairs of females also exhibited home-range overlap. Males tended to maintain home ranges exclusive of other males, although some shared common areas. Contrary to the large variations observed in home-range area, core areas (50th isopleth) remained relatively constant, regardless of patch size, population density or sex. This may indicate that core areas are an essential requirement for individuals and resources they contain cannot be shared with congeners.

Daily, seasonal, and annual variations in individual home-range overlap of two sympatric species of deer

2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (10) ◽  
pp. 853-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuelle Richard ◽  
Sonia Saïd ◽  
Jean-Luc Hamann ◽  
Jean-Michel Gaillard
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Species Differences ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Home Range Overlap ◽  
Range Overlap

Behavioural tactics of animals are determined by both environmental and social factors. Among nonmigratory ungulates, most home-range studies focused either on the effect of environmental variables on home-range size or on the overlap between home ranges of different individuals. Here, as rarely in previous studies, we aim to identify the dynamics of the home range of a given individual, involving variation in home-range size and home-range overlap between periods, for two resident populations of contrasting species: red deer (Cervus elaphus L., 1758) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus (L., 1758)). In both species, yearly and seasonal home-range fidelity was high and constant (mean of 64% in red deer and mean of 66% in roe deer), possibly because of benefits accruing from knowledge of spatial distribution of food resources and refugia. Home range in winter, when food availability was low, was larger than other seasonal home ranges for both species. Differences in body size between red deer and roe deer accounted for observed between-species differences in space use, especially when the species were active at night. Our study clearly demonstrates that patterns of variation in home-range size are similar; however, between-species differences in body size lead to differential patterns of home-range size and fidelity.

scholarly journals Space-use scaling and home range overlap in primates

2013 ◽  
Vol 280 (1751) ◽  
pp. 20122122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Pearce ◽  
Chris Carbone ◽  
Guy Cowlishaw ◽  
Nick J. B. Isaac
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Allometric Scaling ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Home Range Overlap ◽  
Range Overlap

Space use is an important aspect of animal ecology, yet our understanding is limited by a lack of synthesis between interspecific and intraspecific studies. We present analyses of a dataset of 286 estimates of home range overlap from 100 primate species, with comparable samples for other space-use traits. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first multispecies study using overlap data estimated directly from field observations. We find that space-use traits in primates are only weakly related to body mass, reflecting their largely arboreal habits. Our results confirm a theory that home range overlap explains the differences in allometric scaling between population density and home range size. We then test a suite of hypotheses to explain home range overlap, both among and within species. We find that overlap is highest for larger-bodied species living in large home ranges at high population densities, where annual rainfall is low, and is higher for arboreal than terrestrial species. Most of these results are consistent with the economics of resource defence, although the predictions of one specific theory of home range overlap are not supported. We conclude that home range overlap is somewhat predictable, but the theoretical basis of animal space use remains patchy.

Home Range Size and Activity Patterns of Bobcats (Lynx rufus) in the Southern Part of their Range in the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico

2012 ◽  
Vol 168 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Elizalde-Arellano ◽  
Juan Carlos López-Vidal ◽  
Lucina Hernández ◽  
John W. Laundré ◽  
Fernando A. Cervantes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Chihuahuan Desert ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Lynx Rufus

scholarly journals Space use in free-ranging canids: are gonadal hormones required for territory maintenance?

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (10) ◽  
pp. 939-947
Author(s):  
Eric M. Gese ◽  
Patricia A. Terletzky
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Gonadal Hormones ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Annual Survival ◽  
Range Overlap ◽  
Free Ranging

Fertility control among carnivores has been used to reduce depredations on livestock and wild neonates, population control, modify behavior, inhibit genetic introgression, and reduce human–wildlife conflicts. Although there is considerable knowledge on techniques to sterilize carnivores, there is little information concerning how the absence of gonadal hormones influences behavior, space use, and survival of wild canids. We examined territorial fidelity, home-range size and overlap, and survival of 179 surgically sterilized free-ranging canids (124 coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823), 55 coyote – red wolf (Canis rufus Audubon and Bachman, 1851) hybrids) with gonadal hormones present (tubal-ligated females (n = 70), vasectomized males (n = 73)) versus absent (spayed females (n = 22), neutered males (n = 14)). The absence of gonadal hormones did not influence annual home-range size and home-range overlap, territory fidelity, and annual survival rates. Additionally, no differences were detected across sexes and hormonal treatments in annual home-range size, percent home-range overlap, annual home-range residency rates, and annual survival rates. Methods of fertility control that do not keep gonadal organs intact may prove useful for management without concern for changes in behavior, mainly territoriality, space use, and survival.

Movement patterns of feral predators in an arid environment – implications for control through poison baiting

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 422 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. E. Moseby ◽  
J. Stott ◽  
H. Crisp
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Sand Dunes ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Poison Baiting ◽  
Specific Variation

Control of introduced predators is critical to both protection and successful reintroduction of threatened prey species. Efficiency of control is improved if it takes into account habitat use, home range and the activity patterns of the predator. These characteristics were studied in feral cats (Felis catus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in arid South Australia, and results are used to suggest improvements in control methods. In addition, mortality and movement patterns of cats before and after a poison-baiting event were compared. Thirteen cats and four foxes were successfully fitted with GPS data-logger radio-collars and tracked 4-hourly for several months. High intra-specific variation in cat home-range size was recorded, with 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges varying from 0.5 km2 to 132 km2. Cat home-range size was not significantly different from that of foxes, nor was there a significant difference related to sex or age. Cats preferred habitat types that support thicker vegetation cover, including creeklines and sand dunes, whereas foxes preferred sand dunes. Cats used temporary focal points (areas used intensively over short time periods and then vacated) for periods of up to 2 weeks and continually moved throughout their home range. Aerial baiting at a density of 10 baits per km2 was ineffective for cats because similar high mortality rates were recorded for cats in both baited and unbaited areas. Mortality was highest in young male cats. Long-range movements of up to 45 km in 2 days were recorded in male feral cats and movement into the baited zone occurred within 2 days of baiting. Movement patterns of radio-collared animals and inferred bait detection distances were used to suggest optimum baiting densities of ~30 baits per km2 for feral cats and 5 per km2 for foxes. Feral cats exhibited much higher intra-specific variation in activity patterns and home-range size than did foxes, rendering them a potentially difficult species to control by a single method. Control of cats and foxes in arid Australia should target habitats with thick vegetation cover and aerial baiting should ideally occur over areas of several thousand square kilometres because of large home ranges and long-range movements increasing the chance of fast reinvasion. The use of temporary focal points suggested that it may take several days or even weeks for a cat to encounter a fixed trap site within their home range, whereas foxes should encounter them more quickly as they move further each day although they have a similar home-range size. Because of high intra-specific variability in activity patterns and home-range size, control of feral cats in inland Australia may be best achieved through a combination of control techniques.

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 Sex Differences in Space Use of Breeding Common Ravens in Western Marin County, California

The Condor ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 529-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Roth ◽  
John P. Kelly ◽  
William J. Sydeman ◽  
Mark A. Colwell
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Corvus Corax ◽  
Marin County ◽  
Core Areas

Abstract We estimated core areas and home-range sizes and evaluated sex differences in home-range size, seasonal variation in movements, and space use for breeding Common Ravens (Corvus corax) in western Marin County, California. There were no significant interannual differences in average core area or average home-range size for either sex, although there were small-scale shifts in home-range use for 67% of females and 63% of males. There was no significant difference in home-range size between the sexes. Home-range size was positively correlated with distance to food source. Ravens traveled shorter distances from the nest during the incubation + nestling stage compared to other stages of the breeding season. Core areas were centered around nest sites and food sources, with significantly aggregated locations for 83% and 100% of females in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Males were more variable in their use of space, with significantly aggregated locations for 38% and 44% of males in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Individual variation in home-range size, movements, and space use was likely due to differences in the distribution of important food sources in the area. Diferencias Sexuales en la Utilización del Espacio en Corvus corax en el Oeste del Condado Marin, California Resumen. Estimamos los tamaños del área núcleo y rango de hogar y evaluamos las diferencias entre sexos en el tamaño del rango de hogar, variaciones estacionales de los movimientos y utilización del espacio en Corvus corax en el oeste del condado Marin, California. No hubo diferencias interanuales significativas en el área núcleo promedio ni en el rango de hogar promedio para ninguno de los sexos, aunque para el 67% de las hembras y el 63% de los machos hubo cambios de pequeña escala en el uso del rango de hogar. No hubo diferencias significativas en el tamaño de los rangos de hogar entre sexos. El tamaño del rango de hogar estuvo positivamente correlacionado con la distancia a la fuente de alimento. Los cuervos viajaron distancias más cortas desde el nido durante los períodos de incubación y de cría de polluelos en comparación con otros períodos durante la época reproductiva. Las áreas núcleo se centraron en los sitios de nidificación y las fuentes de alimento, con posiciones significativamente agregadas para el 83% y 100% de las hembras en 2000 y 2001, respectivamente. Los machos presentaron mayor variabilidad en la utilización del espacio, con posiciones significativamente agregadas para un 38% y 44% de los machos en el 2000 y 2001, respectivamente. Las variaciones individuales en el tamaño de los ámbitos de hogar, movimientos y uso del espacio fueron probablemente dadas por las diferencias en la distribución de los recursos alimenticios importantes en el área.

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