scholarly journals Fawn Counts and Adult Female Site Use Are Mismatched Indicators of Habitat Quality in an Endangered Deer

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Julia G. Jacobs ◽  
Marcus A. Lashley ◽  
Michael V. Cove
Keyword(s):  
Adult Female ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Florida Keys ◽  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Remote Cameras ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Site Use ◽  
Thermal Cover ◽  
Key Deer

Many ungulates are spotted as neonates. This trait is unique to individuals, making their identification feasible from remote cameras. Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) are an endangered subspecies of white-tailed deer endemic to the lower Florida Keys, U.S.A. Habitat loss and hunting were historical drivers of population decline but recent studies report positive associations of key deer with urbanization. Using opposing camera traps at 56 sites throughout the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, we used spot patterns to uniquely identify and estimate fawn abundance with N-mixture models. We further compared those inferences to models informed by adult doe counts to see how well tracking adult females alone corresponded with fawn habitat associations. Our results indicated that fawn abundance was negatively associated with increasing elevation and human trails, contrary to models based on adult female observations alone. The lowest elevations where fawns were most abundant were associated with dense wetland plant communities, which were likely selected for thermal cover and warrant further investigation given that those areas are most vulnerable to sea-level rise. Our methods showcase the utility of identifying neonates from camera trap photos and draw attention to possible misaligned inferences when tracking adult females in isolation.

Testing the potential for supplementary water to support the recovery and reintroduction of the black-footed rock-wallaby

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca West ◽  
Matthew J. Ward ◽  
Wendy K. Foster ◽  
David A. Taggart
Keyword(s):  
Population Growth ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Population Growth Rates ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
Predation Effects

Context Supplementary resource provision is increasingly used by conservation managers to manipulate habitat conditions that limit population growth of threatened species. These methods are popular in reintroduction programs because they can assist released individuals to adapt to novel environments. In situ management and reintroductions are being used to recover warru (black-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race) on the arid Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia. Direct predation by introduced predators is thought to be the main cause of population decline, but indirect predation effects reducing access to water resources has also been proposed as a limiting factor. Aims To determine whether warru would use supplementary water and so provide a tool to alleviate resource pressure for in situ (wild) and reintroduced warru populations. Methods We provided supplementary water to a wild and reintroduced warru population across 12 months. Drinking rates were calculated by monitoring water points with camera traps and modelled against plant moisture content and total rainfall. We also examined whether number of visits to water points by warru predators and competitors was significantly different to control points (no water present). Key results Wild and reintroduced warru used water points within 0–10 days of installation. No significant increase in visits by predators or competitors was observed at water points. Drinking rates were significantly higher during dry winter months (March–October) for both wild and re-introduced populations. Conclusions Supplementary water is readily utilised by warru. Water could be provided in this manner to warru populations where predators are present, particularly during drier months (generally March–October on the APY Lands), periods of drought or after fire, when food resources will have a lower water content and/or be less abundant. This may increase breeding rates and recruitment of young, and improve the probability of persistence for populations of this threatened species, and should be further investigated. Implications Supplementary water provision may be a useful tool to increase population growth rates for threatened mammalian herbivores in arid habitats. Experimental trials of the uptake of supplementary water and effects on population dynamics will provide important data for implementing adaptive management frameworks for conservation.

Spatial variability in the social organisation of the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) near Ravenshoe, north Queensland

2001 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross L. Goldingay ◽  
Darren G. Quin ◽  
Sue Churchill
Keyword(s):  
Adult Female ◽  
Social System ◽  
Dominant Male ◽  
Female Group ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
The Social ◽  
Natal Home ◽  
Petaurus Australis

A detailed study was conducted over a 12-month period of 10 yellow-bellied glider groups at Nitchaga Creek in north Queensland. Adult gliders were sexually dimorphic in body size and were characterised by yellow ventral fur, which is consistent with southern populations. Gliders lived in groups of 3–6 individuals that occupied exclusive areas of about 50 ha. The structure of glider groups varied enormously: five contained one adult pair, three contained one adult male and 2–3 adult females, and two initially contained 2–3 adult males and one adult female but then persisted as bachelor groups after the death or disappearance of the adult female. Group size changed during the year as offspring matured and as individuals died. One male glider dispersed about 1 km from its natal home-range and became the dominant male in a nearby group. Young were born throughout the year, with a peak in the number of pouch-young in June. This study has confirmed the highly variable social system of the yellow-bellied glider, which appears to be mediated by local resource abundance.

scholarly journals Distribution, occupancy, and habitat associations of the gray-faced sengi (Rhynchocyon udzungwensis) as revealed by camera traps

2013 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 792-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Rovero ◽  
Leah Collett ◽  
Silvia Ricci ◽  
Emanuel Martin ◽  
Daniel Spitale
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Camera Traps

New Margarodid species (Homoptera: Coccoidea : Margarodidae : Monophlebinae) from New Guinea

1989 ◽  
Vol 3 (7) ◽  
pp. 877 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Bhatti ◽  
PJ Gullan
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
New Genera ◽  
Genital Opening ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
First Time ◽  
One New Species

Three new genera and 11 new species from New Guinea are described in the tribe Monophlebulini. Erropera, gen, nov., contains four new species: E. ablusa, E. papuensis, E, pilosa and E. sedlaceki; Modicicoccus, gen. nov., contains four new species: M. gagnei, M. kaindiensis, M. monticolus and M. rtewsteadi; and Peengea, gen. nov., contains one new species: P. affinis. Two new species of Mottophlehirlus Cockerell, M. enarotalicus and M. gressitti, are described. The adult females of all 11 new species and the first instar nymphs of E. sedlaceki and P. affinis are described. A marsupium associated with the genital opening of the adult female is reported for the first time in the tribe Monophlebulini.

Growth of the Eastern Quoll, Dasyurus viverrinus (Shaw), (Marsupialia) in Captivity

1984 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Merchant ◽  
K Newgrain ◽  
B Green
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Mammary Glands ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Molar Teeth ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
At Will

The growth and development, from 10 to 270 days old, of eastern quolls in a captive colony was recorded. Young were able to detach from the teat by 65 days of age and their eyes were open by 80 days. Statistically significant differences in some measurements from males and females were found as early as 85 days of age. The weaning period commenced at 102 days ofage, and coincided with eruption ofthe first molar teeth. Total independence, determined by the cessation of lactation in the mother, was as early as 142 days in litters of one or as late as 200 days in larger litters. There was a high correlation between litter size and age at independence. Lactation was maintained in all previously suckled mammary glands of adult females after the death of young aged 65 days or over if some siblings remained. This was due to the ability of young of this age to detach and reattach to the teats at will. The implication of this observation is that the commonly held view that the numbers of surviving young in marsupial litters corresponds to the number of lactating teats in the adult female may not always be correct.

Parasitism of the commercial sand crab Portunus pelagicus (L.) by the rhizocephalan Sacculina granifera Boschma, 1973 in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia

1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
WD Sumpton ◽  
MA Potter ◽  
GS Smith
Keyword(s):  
Adult Female ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Portunus Pelagicus ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Moreton Bay ◽  
Adult Females

In Moreton Bay, Queensland, externae of Sacculina granifera Boschma were found in 7.0% of adult males and 123% of adult females of Portunus pelagicus. Infection rates were seasonal for both sexes and higher in the adult female population, with more than 20% of adult females carrying externae during some summer months. Infection rates were less than 3% in areas outside the bay and generally highest in the southern and central bay. Nineteen males and 15 females had abdominal scars where externae had become dislodged. The gonads of most parasitized crabs were underdeveloped, but 5.6% of externa-bearing females and 10% of externa-bearing males also had well developed gonads. Two female sand crabs were found with both a small egg mass and a mature externa (a condition not previously reported). Size distributions of infected and uninfected adult crabs were similar, suggesting that large crabs as well as juvenile crabs were likely to be infected.

scholarly journals Spatial variation in giraffe demography: a test of 2 paradigms

2016 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 1015-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek E. Lee ◽  
Monica L. Bond ◽  
Bernard M. Kissui ◽  
Yustina A. Kiwango ◽  
Douglas T. Bolger
Keyword(s):  
Population Growth ◽  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Vital Rate ◽  
Adult Survival ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Demographic Rates ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Calf Survival ◽  
Female Survival

Abstract Examination of spatial variation in demography among or within populations of the same species is a topic of growing interest in ecology. We examined whether spatial variation in demography of a tropical megaherbivore followed the “temporal paradigm” or the “adult survival paradigm” of ungulate population dynamics formulated from temperate-zone studies. We quantified spatial variation in demographic rates for giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) at regional and continental scales. Regionally, we used photographic capture-mark-recapture data from 860 adult females and 449 calves to estimate adult female survival, calf survival, and reproduction at 5 sites in the Tarangire ecosystem of Tanzania. We examined potential mechanisms for spatial variation in regional demographic rates. At the continental scale, we synthesized demographic estimates from published studies across the range of the species. We created matrix population models for all sites at both scales and used prospective and retrospective analyses to determine which vital rate was most important to variation in population growth rate. Spatial variability of demographic parameters at the continental scale was in agreement with the temporal paradigm of low variability in adult survival and more highly variable reproduction and calf survival. In contrast, at the regional scale, adult female survival had higher spatial variation, in agreement with the adult survival paradigm. At both scales, variation in adult female survival made the greatest contribution to variation in local population growth rates. Our work documented contrasting patterns of spatial variation in demographic rates of giraffes at 2 spatial scales, but at both scales, we found the same vital rate was most important. We also found anthropogenic impacts on adult females are the most likely mechanism of regional population trajectories.

Observations on the Luminescence of the Larval Glowworm, Lampyris noctiluca L. (Col. Lampyridae)

1974 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Dreisig
Keyword(s):  
Adult Female ◽  
Full Moon ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Active Period ◽  
Ambient Illumination ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
The Difference

AbstractThe larval luminescence in L. noctiluca consists in a glow lasting for several seconds (average 7.3 sec.) emitted at irregular intervals while the animal is crawling about during the active period at night. In the adult female the glow is continuous often for several hours. Also some larvae in the last instar were able to glow continuously for hours. Onset of activity in the larvae occurred at a lower critical ambient illumination (6.85 log lux +10) than in adult females (10.10 log lux+10). The dispersion of onsets was greater in larvae than in females. The duration of luminescent activity in the field was ca. 5 hours and at experimental conditions ca. 8 hours. In thc field larvae were mostly seen during late summer, probably because of the low critical illumination, which was also the reason why activity was suspended on moonlit nights. The intensity of moonlight around full moon was ca. 8.00—9.00 log lux+10. In the discussion the following subjects are treated: The function of larval luminescence; the reaction of larvae to ambient illumination; and the difference between glowing and flashing.

SEARCHING BEHAVIOUR OF ADULT FEMALE COCCINELLIDAE (COLEOPTERA) ON STEM AND LEAF MODELS

1994 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.D. Frazer ◽  
R.R. McGregor
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Side Branch ◽  
Searching Behaviour ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Branching Patterns ◽  
Wooden Dowel ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific

AbstractBehaviour of locally occurring adult females of seven species of coccinellids was assessed on wooden dowel and paper models that mimicked branching patterns and arrangements of leaf attachments to stems. Ambient temperature and hunger of the beetles were controlled. The movements up or down the main branch of the branch models when contacted from a side branch, duration of searching, and method of leaving leaf models were recorded for 20 beetles of each species.Each species responded to the seven models with different frequencies of behaviours that reflected species-specific modifications of the taxes that lead coccinellids to the tops and terminal parts of plants. Some beetles consistently modified the pattern of responses on die models that was displayed by die species as a whole. The individual modifications could be selected for. The differences in frequencies of behaviours were judged to be sufficient to result in differences in the efficiency with which plants with different architectures were searched.

Space and habitat use by the threatened Gaspé caribou in southeastern Quebec

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 1922-1933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Ouellet ◽  
Jean Ferron ◽  
Luc Sirois
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Altitudinal Distribution ◽  
Alpine Habitat ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
High Elevations

The space and habitat use patterns of the threatened Gaspé caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) were documented using telemetry. Between 1987 and 1992, 701 radiolocations were recorded, primarily for adult females (n = 28). Five habitats available to caribou (hardwood, immature, mature fir, mature spruce, alpine) are described and biomass of arboreal lichen, an important winter food source, is estimated. Regardless of sex and age, almost all locations (91%) were recorded within the limits of Gaspé Provincial Park. Home-range size of adult females averaged 148 km2 (convex polygon); 95% of adult female locations were within 107 km2 and 50% within 15 km2 (harmonic mean). Home-range sizes were small and did not vary seasonally or annually. Throughout the year caribou were located more frequently than expected at high elevations (> 915 m) and less frequently than expected at low elevations (0–685 m). Consequently, alpine habitat was used more frequently than expected. Caribou concentrated their activity in two distinct areas: the alpine plateaus of Mont Albert and Mont Jacques-Cartier. No caribou used both areas (with the exception of a lone female). These two caribou groups should be viewed as two subpopulations. The biomass of arboreal lichens was greatest in mature fir and spruce stands, with 50–60 kg/ha available at a height of 4 m. The altitudinal distribution of this resource may partly explain the strong selection of high-elevation sites made by caribou in winter. Our results also support the hypothesis that cow–calf groups remain at high elevations to reduce the risk of predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) and black bears (Ursus americanus). The proximity of mature forests and alpine habitat, at high elevations, in two areas of the park may explain the small extent of adult female home ranges and the segregation of Gaspé caribou into two groups.

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