scholarly journals Annual and spatial variation in composition and activity of terrestrial mammals on two replicate plots in lowland forest of eastern Ecuador

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4241 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Blake ◽  
Bette A. Loiselle
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Camera Location ◽  
Lowland Forests ◽  
A Site ◽  
Capture Rates

Terrestrial mammals are important components of lowland forests in Amazonia (as seed dispersal agents, herbivores, predators) but there are relatively few detailed studies from areas that have not been affected by human activities (e.g., hunting, logging). Yet, such information is needed to evaluate effects of humans elsewhere. We used camera traps to sample medium to large-sized terrestrial mammals at a site in lowland forests of eastern Ecuador, one of the most biologically rich areas in the world. We deployed cameras on two study plots in terra firme forest at Tiputini Biodiversity Station. Sixteen cameras were arranged 200 m apart in a 4 × 4 grid on each plot. Cameras were operated for  60 days in January–March, 2014–2017, for a total of 3,707 and 3,482 trap-days on the two plots (Harpia, Puma). A total of 28 species were recorded; 26 on Harpia and 25 on Puma. Number of species recorded each year was slightly greater on Harpia whereas overall capture rates (images/100 trap-days) were higher on Puma. Although most species were recorded on each plot, differences in capture rates meant that yearly samples on a given plot were more similar to each other than to samples on the other plot. Images of most species showed a clumped distribution pattern on each plot; Panthera onca was the only species that did not show a clumped distribution on either plot. Images at a given camera location showed no evidence of autocorrelation with numbers of images at nearby camera locations, suggesting that species were responding to small-scale differences in habitat conditions. A redundancy analysis showed that environmental features within 50 or 100 m of camera locations (e.g., elevation, variation in elevation, slope, distance to streams) accounted for significant amounts of variation in distribution patterns of species. Composition and relative importance based on capture rates were very similar to results from cameras located along trails at the same site; similarities decreased at increasing spatial scales based on comparisons with results from other sites in Ecuador and Peru.

scholarly journals Spatial and temporal activity patterns of ocelots Leopardus pardalis in lowland forest of eastern Ecuador

2015 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 455-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Blake ◽  
Diego Mosquera ◽  
Bette A. Loiselle ◽  
Kelly Swing ◽  
Jaime Guerra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Leopardus Pardalis ◽  
Lowland Forests ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
A Site

Abstract Ocelots ( Leopardus pardalis ) are common in lowland forests of Amazonia. We used camera traps to document the occurrence and activity of ocelots at a site in eastern Ecuador during 2005–2012 (15,058 trap-days). We accumulated 384 independent images of 16 males (147 images), 19 females (234 images), and 3 not assigned to individual or sex. Individuals varied in number of images (1 to > 50), number of camera locations (1–8), and number of months from first to last image (1–85). Photographic rate varied across years, from 15.3 to 29.9/1,000 trap-days in 2006 and 2010, respectively. Males and females were primarily active at night and showed similar hourly patterns of activity. Up to 3 individual males and 4 individual females were recorded at different camera locations each year. Resident males typically were photographed at more locations (mean of 4.1) than females (mean of 3.2). Results indicate that multiple ocelots, of both sexes, may be found within a relatively small (~650 ha) area of lowland forest in eastern Ecuador and emphasize the importance of the region for conservation of ocelots and other species. Los ocelotes ( Leopardus pardalis ) son felinos comunes en los bosques de tierras bajas de la Amazonía. Utilizamos cámaras trampa para documentar la ocurrencia y actividad de ocelotes en un sitio en el Este de Ecuador durante 2005–2012 (15.058 días-trampa). Acumulamos 384 imágenes independientes de 16 machos (147 fotografías), 19 hembras (234 fotografías), y tres a los que no se les asignó individuo o sexo. Los individuos variaron en número de imágenes (1 a > 50), número de locaciones de las cámaras (1 a 8) y en el número de meses desde la primera hasta la última imagen (1 a 85). La tasa de captura fotográfica varió a través de los años, de 15,3 a 29,9 / 1.000 días-trampa en 2006 y 2010, respectivamente. Machos y hembras fueron activos principalmente durante la noche y mostraron patrones similares de actividad por hora. Hasta tres individuos machos y cuatro individuos hembras fueron registrados en diferentes locaciones cada año. Machos residentes fueron fotografiados en más lugares (media de 4,1) que hembras (media de 3,2). Los resultados indican que varios ocelotes, de ambos sexos, pueden encontrarse dentro de un área relativamente pequeña (~ 650 ha) de bosques de tierras bajas en el Este de Ecuador y enfatizan en la importancia de la región para la conservación de ocelotes y otras especies.

scholarly journals Scales of Food Availability for an Endangered Insectivore, The Hawaii Akepa

The Auk ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Scott Fretz
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Prey Population ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Loxops Coccineus ◽  
A Site

Abstract The Hawaii Akepa (Loxops coccineus coccineus) is an endangered bird that has declined dramatically in the last 100 years, and is now rare or absent from many areas that appear to support suitable habitat. Food availability may play a role in these distribution patterns, but differences in food between sites may arise from different sources. I compared prey availability between a site supporting a large, stable Hawaii Akepa population, and a site from which Hawaii Akepa have declined in the last 100 years for unknown reasons. I used three spatial scales to compare food between sites to explore the basis of differences in food between sites. At a scale appropriate for comparing prey population dynamics (scale 1), I found that prey population densities are similar between sites, suggesting that introduced (or native) predators or parasitoids have not affected prey populations differently between sites. At two larger scales incorporating habitat structure, I found that food availability is much lower at the site of Hawaii Akepa declines. Differences in canopy density per square meter (scale 2), and in canopy cover per square kilometer (scale 3), result in lower food availability that may have effects on individual foraging birds as well as on potential Hawaii Akepa population density. These findings illustrate the importance of explicitly incorporating spatial scale into inquiries about food for Hawaii Akepa, and suggest that the site of population declines may not be suitable habitat with respect to food for this species.

Patterns of abundance and size of Dictyoceratid sponges among neighbouring islands in central Torres Strait, Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan R. Duckworth ◽  
Carsten W. Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Size Frequency Distribution ◽  
Abundance Patterns ◽  
Size Frequency ◽  
Dysidea Herbacea ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Species Specific

Distribution and size frequency patterns of sessile organisms such as sponges may vary among and within neighbouring reefs. In the present study, we examined small-scale variation of dictyoceratid sponges (class Demospongiae), commonly found on coral reefs, by surveying six neighbouring islands in central Torres Strait. Each island had four study sites, at least 1 km apart, with each site consisting of three shallow (4 to 6 m) and three deep (10 to 15 m) 20 m2 transects. For each transect, we recorded the number of each species and measured the size of the more common dictyoceratid sponges. Seven species of dictyoceratid were recorded in central Torres Strait, with only three species, Coscinoderma sp., Dysidea herbacea and Hyrtios erecta, common to all six islands. Abundance patterns generally varied greatly among islands or sites within islands, perhaps resulting from a combination of physical, biological and stochastic factors. More dictyoceratids were found in deeper water; however, abundance across depth for some species varied among islands or sites. Size-frequency distribution patterns also varied greatly among islands and dictyoceratid species, indicating that factors that may promote growth for one species may not necessarily promote growth for a related species. This study shows that patterns of abundance and size of dictyoceratids can vary greatly over small spatial scales, and that patterns are species-specific.

scholarly journals Abundance of Common Shrew (Sorex Araneus) in Selected Forest Habitats of Moravia (Czech Republic)

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Dokulilová ◽  
Josef Suchomel
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Common Shrew ◽  
Sorex Araneus ◽  
Mountain Forest ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Lowland Forests

Abundance of common shrew (Sorex araneus) was evaluated on selected forest sites in Moravia, Czech Republic. Six types of habitats were assessed: forest clearings and mature forests in lowlands (173 – 233 m), uplands (360 – 600 m), and mountains (600 – 1200 m). Data were collected over five‑year‑long periods; 2006 – 2010 (uplands) and 2007 – 2011 (lowlands and mountains). Small terrestrial mammals were captured using snap traps laid in lines. In total, 200 individuals of common shrew were trapped. Relative abundance among different habitats was statistically evaluated. The highest relative abundance was found in mountain forest clearings (n = 132, rA = 0.719). Lower abundance was in upland forest clearings (n = 15, rA = 0.384), in mature mountain forests (n = 32, rA = 0.355), and in the lowland forest clearings (n = 9, rA = 0.109). The lowest abundance was in mature upland forests (n = 9, rA = 0.031) and in mature lowland forests (n = 3, rA = 0.011). Differences between sites were statistically significant. Among all altitudes, shrew populations in plantations were significantly more numerous than those in mature forests. Mountain forest clearings with dense herb layer proved to be the most suitable habitat while mature lowland forests with less developed herbaceous layer were the least suitable. Forest clearings proved to be an important refuge for the populations of common shrew.

scholarly journals Colonization of macroalgal deposits by estuarine nematodes through air and potential for rafting inside algal structures

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0246723
Author(s):  
Bartelijntje Buys ◽  
Sofie Derycke ◽  
Nele De Meester ◽  
Tom Moens
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Bedload Transport ◽  
Life History Trait ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Marine Nematodes ◽  
Dispersal Capacity ◽  
Habitat Patches ◽  
Set Up

Dispersal is an important life-history trait. In marine meiofauna, and particularly in nematodes, dispersal is generally considered to be mainly passive, i.e. through transport with water currents and bedload transport. Because nematodes have no larval dispersal stage and have a poor swimming ability, their per capita dispersal capacity is expected to be limited. Nevertheless, many marine nematode genera and even species have near-cosmopolitan distributions, and at much smaller spatial scales, can rapidly colonise new habitat patches. Here we demonstrate that certain marine nematodes, like the morphospecies Litoditis marina, can live inside macroalgal structures such as receptacula and–to a lesser extent–floating bladders, which may allow them to raft over large distances with drifting macroalgae. We also demonstrate for the first time that these nematodes can colonize new habitat patches, such as newly deposited macroalgal wrack in the intertidal, not only through seawater but also through air. Our experimental set-up demonstrates that this aerial transport is probably the result of hitchhiking on vectors such as insects, which visit, and move between, the patches of deposited algae. Transport by wind, which has been observed for terrestrial nematodes and freshwater zooplankton, could not be demonstrated. These results can be important for our understanding of both large-scale geographic distribution patterns and of the small-scale colonization dynamics of habitat patches by marine nematodes.

scholarly journals Human impacts on two endemic cassowary species in Indonesian New Guinea

Oryx ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 354-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jedediah F. Brodie ◽  
Margaretha Pangau-Adam
Keyword(s):  
Human Impacts ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Stage Structure ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Tropical Rainforests ◽  
Multiple Spatial Scales ◽  
Local Abundance ◽  
Lowland Forests

AbstractCassowaries are important seed dispersers in tropical rainforests of New Guinea, but little is known about their population ecology or their responses to human disturbance. We used camera traps to measure the occurrence, local abundance, and activity patterns of northern cassowaries Casuarius unappendiculatus in lowland forests near Nimbokrang, Papua, and dwarf cassowaries Casuarius bennetti in the Arfak Mountains, West Papua. Our goals were to assess human impacts on cassowaries at multiple spatial scales and to measure their activity patterns over an elevational divide. At fine spatial scales local abundance of cassowaries was strongly reduced in areas frequented by humans. At larger spatial scales the distance to the nearest village or drivable road did not affect local abundance but altered the stage structure of the individuals detected, with a higher proportion of juveniles relative to adults. Local abundance of cassowaries was unrelated to site usage by introduced pigs. Both populations studied were strongly diurnal and their activity patterns were not significantly different. Efforts to control hunting remain critical to sustaining cassowaries and the seed dispersal services they provide.

scholarly journals eDNA sampled from stream networks correlates with camera trap detection rates of terrestrial mammals

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnaud Lyet ◽  
Loïc Pellissier ◽  
Alice Valentini ◽  
Tony Dejean ◽  
Abigail Hehmeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals

AbstractBiodiversity monitoring delivers vital information to those making conservation decisions. Comprehensively measuring terrestrial biodiversity usually requires costly methods that can rarely be deployed at large spatial scales over multiple time periods, limiting conservation efficiency. Here we investigated the capacity of environmental DNA (eDNA) from stream water samples to survey terrestrial mammal diversity at multiple spatial scales within a large catchment. We compared biodiversity information recovered using an eDNA metabarcoding approach with data from a dense camera trap survey, as well as the sampling costs of both methods. Via the sampling of large volumes of water from the two largest streams that drained the study area, eDNA metabarcoding provided information on the presence and detection probabilities of 35 mammal taxa, 25% more than camera traps and for half the cost. While eDNA metabarcoding had limited capacity to detect felid species and provide individual-level demographic information, it is a cost-efficient method for large-scale monitoring of terrestrial mammals that can offer sufficient information to solve many conservation problems.

scholarly journals Estimates of Species Richness and Composition Depend on Detection Method in Assemblages of Terrestrial Mammals

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 186
Author(s):  
Bruno D. Suárez-Tangil ◽  
Alejandro Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Method Performance ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Mediterranean Landscapes ◽  
The Impact

Detecting rapid changes in mammal composition at large spatial scales requires efficient detection methods. Many studies estimate species composition with a single survey method without asking whether that particular method optimises detection for all occurring species and yields reliable community-level indices. We explore the implications of between-method differences in efficiency, consistency, and sampling effort for the basic characterisation of assemblages of medium to large mammals in a region with three contrasted Mediterranean landscapes. We assessed differences between camera traps, scent stations, scat surveys, and track surveys. Using track surveys, we detected all species present in the regional pool (13) and obtained the most accurate description of local species richness and composition with the lowest sampling effort (16 sampling units and 2 survey sessions at most). Had we chosen camera traps, scent stations, or scat surveys as the only survey method, we would have underestimated species richness (9, 11, and 12 species, respectively) and misrepresented species composition in varying degrees. Preliminary studies of method performance inform whether single or multiple survey methods are needed and eventually which single method might be most appropriate. Without such a formal assessment current practices may produce unreliable and incomplete species inventories, ultimately leading to incorrect conclusions about the impact of human activity on mammal communities.

Präzisions-Forstwirtschaft – was ist das? | Precision forestry – what's that?

2007 ◽  
Vol 158 (8) ◽  
pp. 235-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Rudolf Heinimann
Keyword(s):  
Business Processes ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Supply Chain Coordination ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Soil Physics ◽  
Coordination Problem ◽  
Precision Engineering ◽  
Precision Forestry ◽  
And Control

The term «precision forestry» was first introduced and discussed at a conference in 2001. The aims of this paper are to explore the scientific roots of the precision concept, define «precision forestry», and sketch the challenges that the implementation of this new concept may present to practitioners, educators, and researchers. The term «precision» does not mean accuracy on a small scale, but instead refers to the concurrent coordination and control of processes at spatial scales between 1 m and 100 km. Precision strives for an automatic control of processes. Precision land use differs from precision engineering by the requirements of gathering,storing and managing spatio-temporal variability of site and vegetation parameters. Practitioners will be facing the challenge of designing holistic, standardized business processes that are valid for whole networks of firms,and that follow available standards (e.g., SCOR, WoodX). There is a need to educate and train forestry professionals in the areas of business process re-engineering, computer supported management of business transactions,methods of remote sensing, sensor technology and control theory. Researchers will face the challenge of integrating plant physiology, soil physics and production sciences and solving the supply chain coordination problem (SCCP).

scholarly journals Dispersal and Land Cover Contribute to Pseudorabies Virus Exposure in Invasive Wild Pigs

EcoHealth ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe A. Hernández ◽  
Amanda N. Carr ◽  
Michael P. Milleson ◽  
Hunter R. Merrill ◽  
Michael L. Avery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Pseudorabies Virus ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Information Criterion ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Wild Pigs ◽  
Bacterial Agent ◽  
Open Canopy

AbstractWe investigated the landscape epidemiology of a globally distributed mammal, the wild pig (Sus scrofa), in Florida (U.S.), where it is considered an invasive species and reservoir to pathogens that impact the health of people, domestic animals, and wildlife. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that two commonly cited factors in disease transmission, connectivity among populations and abundant resources, would increase the likelihood of exposure to both pseudorabies virus (PrV) and Brucella spp. (bacterial agent of brucellosis) in wild pigs across the Kissimmee Valley of Florida. Using DNA from 348 wild pigs and sera from 320 individuals at 24 sites, we employed population genetic techniques to infer individual dispersal, and an Akaike information criterion framework to compare candidate logistic regression models that incorporated both dispersal and land cover composition. Our findings suggested that recent dispersal conferred higher odds of exposure to PrV, but not Brucella spp., among wild pigs throughout the Kissimmee Valley region. Odds of exposure also increased in association with agriculture and open canopy pine, prairie, and scrub habitats, likely because of highly localized resources within those land cover types. Because the effect of open canopy on PrV exposure reversed when agricultural cover was available, we suggest that small-scale resource distribution may be more important than overall resource abundance. Our results underscore the importance of studying and managing disease dynamics through multiple processes and spatial scales, particularly for non-native pathogens that threaten wildlife conservation, economy, and public health.

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