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Barg A, MacPherson J, Caravaggi A. Spatial and temporal trends in western polecat road mortality in Wales. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14291. [PMID: 36518279 PMCID: PMC9744138 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Roads have considerable ecological effects that threaten the survival of some species, including many terrestrial carnivores. The western polecat is a small-medium sized mustelid native to Asia and Europe, including Britain where its historical stronghold is in Wales. Polecats are frequently killed on roads and road casualties represent the most common source of data on the species in the UK. However, little is known about the factors that increase the risk of collision. We used Generalized Additive Models to explore seasonal patterns in collisions as well as using Principal Component Analysis and regression modelling to identify landscape characteristics associated with polecat road casualties in Wales. Polecat road casualties had a bimodal distribution, occurring most frequently in March and October. Casualties were more frequently associated with road density, traffic volume, presence of rabbits, habitat patchiness and the abundance of proximal improved grassland habitat. Casualties were negatively associated with elevation and the abundance of semi-natural grassland habitat. The results of this study provide a framework for understanding and mitigating the impacts of roads on polecats in their historic stronghold, hence has considerable value to polecat conservation as well as broader applicability to ecologically similar species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Barg
- Biological and Forensic Sciences, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom,School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States of America
| | | | - Anthony Caravaggi
- Biological and Forensic Sciences, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom
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Mayer AE, McGreevy TJ, Brown C, Ganoe LS, Gerber BD. Transient persistence of bobcat (
Lynx rufus
) occurrence throughout a human‐dominated landscape. POPUL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.12123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Mayer
- Department of Natural Resources Science University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island USA
| | - Thomas J. McGreevy
- Department of Natural Resources Science University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island USA
| | - Charles Brown
- Division of Fish and Wildlife Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management West Kingston Rhode Island USA
| | - Laken S. Ganoe
- Department of Natural Resources Science University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island USA
| | - Brian D. Gerber
- Department of Natural Resources Science University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island USA
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Nowakowski K, Ważna A, Kurek P, Cichocki J, Bojarski J, Gabryś G. Long Arm of Motorway-The Impact of Fenced Road on the Mortality of European Badgers. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 69:429-437. [PMID: 34845534 PMCID: PMC8789629 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01570-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
We studied the impact of the new fenced and accident-safe motorway on the mortality of European badgers Meles meles on local roads in western Poland in 2010-2015. We monitored the badgers mortality on local roads of three categories: main roads, secondary roads and county roads. The study was conducted before and after the opening of the motorway in 2012. We hypothesized that the mortality of badgers is lower due to traffic concentration on motorway. Ninety two badgers were killed in collisions with vehicles on all monitored roads. Mean number of killed badgers was lowest in 2010 before the motorway opening and the highest in 2012. The mortality of badgers on regional roads was highest after the opening of the motorway due to the changes in traffic on the access roads. Within the road network, the mortality of badgers was 5.8 individuals/10 km of road per whole study period with the highest rate on main roads 8.5 individuals/10 km. The badgers mortality was highest on county roads but it was lower than expected in relation to the road network density. The highest vehicle collision risk for badgers of both sexes occurred in June. Distance to human settlements was the only environmental factor that was positively related to badger mortality on roads. We conclude that the new motorway did not reduce the mortality rate of badgers on the adjacent roads because the status of local roads has changed and now they mainly function as access roads to the motorway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Nowakowski
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Z. Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Ważna
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Z. Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Kurek
- Department of Plant Ecology and Environmental Protection, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan Cichocki
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Z. Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Jacek Bojarski
- Department of Mathematical Statistics and Econometrics, Institute of Mathematics, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Z. Szafrana 4a, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Gabryś
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Z. Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland
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Yamashita TJ, Livingston TD, Ryer KW, Young JH, Kline RJ. Assessing changes in clusters of wildlife road mortalities after the construction of wildlife mitigation structures. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:13305-13320. [PMID: 34646471 PMCID: PMC8495833 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Collisions with vehicles can be a major threat to wildlife populations, so wildlife mitigation structures, including exclusionary fencing and wildlife crossings, are often constructed. To assess mitigation structure effectiveness, it is useful to compare wildlife road mortalities (WRMs) before, during, and after mitigation structure construction; however, differences in survey methodologies may make comparisons of counts impractical. Location-based cluster analyses provide a means to assess how WRM spatial patterns have changed over time. We collected WRM data between 2015 and 2019 on State Highway 100 in Texas, USA. Five wildlife crossings and exclusionary fencing were installed in this area between September 2016 and May 2018 for the endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and other similarly sized mammals. Roads intersecting State Highway 100 were mitigated by gates, wildlife guards, and wing walls. However, these structures may have provided wildlife access to the highway. We combined local hot spot analysis and time series analysis to assess how WRM cluster intensity changed after mitigation structure construction at fine spatial and temporal scales and generalized linear regression to assess how gaps in fencing and land cover were related to WRM cluster intensity in the before, during, and after construction periods. Overall, WRMs/survey day decreased after mitigation structure construction and most hot spots occurred where there were more fence gaps, and, while cluster intensity increased in a few locations, these were not at fence gaps. Cluster intensity of WRMs increased when nearer to fence gaps in naturally vegetated areas, especially forested areas, and decreased nearer to fence gaps in areas with less natural vegetation. We recommend that if fence gaps are necessary in forested areas, less permeable mitigation structures, such as gates, should be used. Local hot spot analysis, coupled with time series and regression techniques, can effectively assess how WRM clustering changes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Yamashita
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine SciencesUniversity of Texas Rio Grande ValleyPort IsabelTXUSA
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research InstituteTexas A&M University –KingsvilleKingsvilleTXUSA
| | - Trinity D. Livingston
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine SciencesUniversity of Texas Rio Grande ValleyPort IsabelTXUSA
| | - Kevin W. Ryer
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine SciencesUniversity of Texas Rio Grande ValleyPort IsabelTXUSA
| | - John H. Young
- Environmental Affairs DivisionTexas Department of TransportationAustinTXUSA
| | - Richard J. Kline
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine SciencesUniversity of Texas Rio Grande ValleyPort IsabelTXUSA
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Morrell N, Appleton R, Arcese P. Roads, forest cover, and topography as factors affecting the occurrence of large carnivores: The case of the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus). Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Lunar Phases and Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions: Application of the Lunar Disk Percentage Method. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030908. [PMID: 33810052 PMCID: PMC8005019 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The moon is ubiquitous in the night sky and considered an important abiotic factor that influences animal activity. However, little is known about the relationship between moonlight and the daily, monthly, or seasonal frequency of wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs). Traditionally, the influence of moonlight on WVCs has been analyzed using the lunar phase (quarters) approach, which evaluates moonlight on a rough scale (only four 25% steps of the visible moon disc and a strict arrangement of phases over time). We used a different approach; we compared WVCs to the actual lunar disc illumination that is based on the specific daily percentage of the visible lunar disk (LDP). Our findings indicated a significant trend of increasing WVC frequencies with increasing LDP at night. We also examined the correlation between the daily numbers of WVCs and LDP for different months and seasons. Positive correlations between LDP and WVCs were stronger at night and during the late autumn–winter months, particularly in December, suggesting the importance of lunar illumination on WVCs. Our study suggests that the LDP approach may provide more possibilities for the evaluation and quantification of WVCs and lunar light relationships than the traditional lunar phase approach. The results can be useful for predicting and reducing WVCs at different times of the lunar illumination cycle and in different seasons. Abstract We investigated the relationship between lunar illumination based on the percentage of the visible lunar disk (LDP) and the frequency of wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) in Lithuania. We analyzed WVC frequency during ten 10% LDP intervals to more precisely reflect the relationship between LDP and WVC. The 10% LDP interval approach showed a significant trend of increasing WVC frequencies with an increasing LDP at night. We also examined the correlation between the daily numbers of WVCs and LDP for different months and seasons. The relationship seemed to be stronger at night and during the late autumn–winter months, particularly in December, suggesting the importance of lunar illumination on WVCs. There was a weak positive correlation between LDP and overall daily number of WVCs (rs = 0.091; p < 0.001) and between LDP and night WVCs (rs = 0.104; p < 0.001). We found significant positive correlations for winter (December–February) (rs = 0.118; p = 0.012) and autumn (August–November) (rs = 0.127; p = 0.007). Our study suggests that the LDP interval approach may provide more possibilities for the evaluation and quantification of WVCs and lunar light relationships than the traditional lunar phase approach.
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How far from the road should land cover be assessed? A case study on mesopredator mortality on roads. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-021-01461-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe methods used to assess the significance of land cover in the vicinity of a road for the mortality of mesopredators are diverse. In assessing the effect of land cover along the road on road causalities, scientists use various buffer sizes, or even no buffer along the road. The aim of this study was to verify how results of land cover effects on the mortality of mesopredators on roads may differ when analyzing various buffer sizes from the road. We assessed road causalities in the Warmian-Masurian voivodeship (Poland) from 3 consecutive years: 2015, 2016, and 2017. The roads were divided into equal sections of 2000 m each with buffer size of radius: 10, 250, 500, and 1000 m. We analyzed the number of road kills of red fox and European badger separately in a generalized linear model, whereas explanatory variables we used land cover types (based on the Corine Land Cover inventory) and traffic volume. Mean annual mortality from road collisions amounts to 2.36% of the red fox population and 3.82% of the European badger population. We found that the buffer size determines the results of the impact of land cover on mesocarnivore mortality on roads. The red fox differed from the European badger in response to land cover depending on the buffer size. The differences we have shown relate in particular to built-up areas. Our results indicate a 500-m buffer as best reflecting the land cover effects in road kills of both species. This was confirmed by model evaluation and a tendency to use or avoid the vicinity of human settlements of the analyzed species. We concluded that buffer size will probably affect mostly the significance of cover types that are spatially correlated with roads, positively or negatively. We suggest that the home range size of given species in local conditions should be assessed before determining the size of the buffer for analysis.
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Roloff GJ, Silet BR, Gray SM, Humphreys JM, Clark EM. Resource use by marten at fine spatial extents. MAMMAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-020-00525-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Comparison of environmental, biological and anthropogenic causes of wildlife–vehicle collisions among three large herbivore species. POPUL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Rutten A, Casaer J, Swinnen KR, Herremans M, Leirs H. Future distribution of wild boar in a highly anthropogenic landscape: Models combining hunting bag and citizen science data. Ecol Modell 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Valerio F, Carvalho F, Barbosa AM, Mira A, Santos SM. Accounting for Connectivity Uncertainties in Predicting Roadkills: a Comparative Approach between Path Selection Functions and Habitat Suitability Models. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 64:329-343. [PMID: 31372805 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-019-01191-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Functional connectivity modeling is increasingly used to predict the best spatial location for over- or underpasses, to mitigate road barrier effects and wildlife roadkills. This tool requires estimation of resistance surfaces, ideally modeled with movement data, which are costly to obtain. An alternative is to use occurrence data within species distribution models to infer movement resistance, although this remains a controversial issue. This study aimed both to compare the performance of resistance surfaces derived from path versus occurrence data in identifying road-crossing locations of a forest carnivore and assess the influence of movement type (daily vs. dispersal) on this performance. Resistance surfaces were built for genet (Genetta genetta) in southern Portugal using path selection functions with telemetry data, and species distribution models with occurrence data. An independent roadkill dataset was used to evaluate the performance of each connectivity model in predicting roadkill locations. The results show that resistance surfaces derived from occurrence data are as suitable in predicting roadkills as path data for daily movements. When dispersal was simulated, the performance of both resistance surfaces was equally good at predicting roadkills. Moreover, contrary to our expectations, we found no significant differences in locations of roadkill predictions between models based on daily movements and models based on dispersal. Our results suggest that species distribution models are a cost-effective tool to build functional connectivity models for road mitigation plans when movement data are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Valerio
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), University of Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Edifício Principal, Apartado 94, 7002-554, Évora, Portugal.
- Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Évora (CIBIO/InBIO-UE), Évora, Portugal.
| | - Filipe Carvalho
- Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO/InBIO), University of Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa
| | - A Márcia Barbosa
- Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Évora (CIBIO/InBIO-UE), Évora, Portugal
| | - António Mira
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), University of Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Edifício Principal, Apartado 94, 7002-554, Évora, Portugal
- Conservation Biology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Sara M Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), University of Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Edifício Principal, Apartado 94, 7002-554, Évora, Portugal
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Bíl M, Andrášik R, Duľa M, Sedoník J. On reliable identification of factors influencing wildlife-vehicle collisions along roads. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 237:297-304. [PMID: 30807975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.02.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) pose a serious global issue. Factors influencing the occurrence of WVC along roads can be divided in general into two groups: spatially random and non-random. The latter group consists of local factors which act at specific places, whereas the former group consists of globally acting factors. We analyzed 27,142 WVC records (roe deer and wild boar), which took place between 2012 and 2016 on Czech roads. Statistically significant clusters of WVCs occurrence were identified using the clustering (KDE+) approach. Local factors were consequently measured for the 75 most important clusters as cases and the same number of single WVCs outside clusters as controls, and identified by the use of odds ratio, Bayesian inference and logistic regression. Subsequently, a simulation study randomly distributing WVC in clusters into case and control groups was performed to highlight the importance of the clustering approach. All statistically significant clusters with roe deer (wild boar) contained 34% (27%) of all records related to this species. The overall length of the respective clusters covered 0.982% (0.177%) of the analyzed road network. The results suggest that the most pronounced signal identifying the statistically significant local factors is achieved when WVCs were divided according to their occurrence in clusters and outside clusters. We conclude that application of a clustering approach should precede regression modeling in order to reliably identify the local factors influencing spatially non-random occurrence of WVCs along the transportation infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Bíl
- CDV - Transport Research Centre, Líšeňská 33a, 636 00, Brno, Czechia.
| | - Richard Andrášik
- CDV - Transport Research Centre, Líšeňská 33a, 636 00, Brno, Czechia
| | - Martin Duľa
- Department of Forest Ecology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 3, Brno, 613 00, Czechia
| | - Jiří Sedoník
- CDV - Transport Research Centre, Líšeňská 33a, 636 00, Brno, Czechia
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The influence of time factors on the dynamics of roe deer collisions with vehicles. LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11355-017-0343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Use of anthropogenic linear features by two medium-sized carnivores in reserved and agricultural landscapes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11624. [PMID: 28912508 PMCID: PMC5599595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11454-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many carnivores are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. These changes create linear features and habitat edges that can facilitate foraging and/or travel. To understand the significance of anthropogenic linear features in the ecology of carnivores, fine-scaled studies are needed. We studied two medium-sized carnivores: the endangered Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and the near threatened spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), in a mixed landscape of conservation and agricultural land. Using GPS tracking, we investigated their use of intact habitat versus linear features such as roads, fences and the pasture/cover interface. Both species showed a positive selection for anthropogenic linear features, using the pasture/cover interface for foraging and roads for movement and foraging. Devils travelled along fence lines, while quolls showed little preference for them. Otherwise, both species foraged in forest and travelled through pasture. While devils and quolls can utilise anthropogenic linear features, we suggest that their continued survival in these habitats may depend on the intensity of other threats, e.g. persecution, and providing that sufficient intact habitat remains to sustain their ecological needs. We suggest that the management of both species and probably many other species of carnivores should focus on controlling mortality factors associated with human use of landscapes.
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Bennett VJ. Effects of Road Density and Pattern on the Conservation of Species and Biodiversity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40823-017-0020-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Kalisinska E, Lanocha-Arendarczyk N, Kosik-Bogacka D, Budis H, Podlasinska J, Popiolek M, Pirog A, Jedrzejewska E. Brains of Native and Alien Mesocarnivores in Biomonitoring of Toxic Metals in Europe. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159935. [PMID: 27513467 PMCID: PMC4981403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are involved in mammalian brain damage. However, little is known about Pb and Cd brain levels in wildlife that reflect the geochemical background. The aims of the study include the estimation of Hg, Pb and Cd concentrations, and the determination of relationships between these elements in the brains of 94 mesocarnivores. Road-killed or hunted animals were obtained from north-western Poland near the Polish-German border. The investigation covered the native Eurasian otter Lutra lutra, badger Meles meles, pine marten Martes martes, beech marten M. foina, European polecat Mustela putorius, red fox Vulpes vulpes, and alien species: feral and ranch American mink Neovison vison, raccoon Procyon lotor and raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides. Depending on the diet and environmental pollution, the carnivore brains accumulated toxic metals in varying amounts. The highest median Hg levels (in mg/kg dry weight, dw) were found in the piscivorous Eurasian otter and feral mink (2.44 and 3.96), Pb in the omnivorous raccoon (0.47), while Cd in minks (~0.06). We indicated that Pb-based ammunition is a significant source of the element in scavengers from hunting area, and we also found a significant correlation between Pb and Cd levels in the fox brain. Finally, this study is the first to suggest background levels for brain Pb and Cd in mesocarnivores (<0.50 and <0.04 mg/kg dw, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Kalisinska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Danuta Kosik-Bogacka
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Halina Budis
- Department of Health Education, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Podlasinska
- Department of Environmental Management and Protection, Western Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marcin Popiolek
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Pirog
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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