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Zarco-González Z, Monroy-Vilchis O. Roadkill risk model of black bear (Ursus americanus) in Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:89. [PMID: 38147172 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12260-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
One of the most obvious impacts of roads is roadkill, a problem that is recently being addressed in Mexico. However, there are economic and human resource limitations to monitor the entire road network, assess its impacts, and propose mitigation measures. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a top predator and the largest terrestrial mammal distributed in Mexico, currently the only of the Ursidae family. In recent years, its presence near human settlements and incidents on roads has increased. We generated a single MaxEnt model to identify characteristics of sites with high black bear roadkill risk and to identify these areas within protected natural areas. We obtained 83 bear roadkill records between 2008 and 2022, and we used a set of 16 variables that included landscape, road variables, and human variables. The model had an area under curve value of 0.96 indicating good performance and the Jacknife analysis identified influence on the roadkill risk of the distance to water bodies, protected areas, scrubland, drainages, and speed limit. We identified 3883.25 km of roads at high roadkill risk for black bears of which, 373.10 (9.6%) km were inside protected areas. We suggest placing speed bumps and effective signage on high-risk sections as a short-term, low-cost strategy. The results help to focus conservation efforts to specific sections of the road network, as roadkill is an increasing source of mortality that has not been evaluated for black bear in Mexico. This information is applicable for mitigating the impacts of existing roads and for planning new projects that have less impact on wild black bear populations and, at the same time, increase the safety of vehicle drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuleyma Zarco-González
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Toluca, C.P. 52149, Metepec, México
| | - Octavio Monroy-Vilchis
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto Literario 100, Centro, C.P. 50000, Toluca, México.
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Russo LF, Fernández-González Á, Penteriani V, Delgado MDM, Palazón S, Loy A, Di Febbraro M. The Different Fate of the Pyrenean Desman ( Galemys pyrenaicus) and the Eurasian Otter ( Lutra lutra) under Climate and Land Use Changes. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020274. [PMID: 36670813 PMCID: PMC9854453 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020274] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate and land use change can affect biodiversity in different ways, e.g., determining habitat loss, altering reproduction periods or disrupting biotic interactions. Here, we investigate the effects of climate and land use change on the spatial distribution of two semi-aquatic mammals, the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) and the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). We first modeled the current potential distribution of the desman and the otter in the Iberian Peninsula, considering topographic, climatic and land use variables. Second, we predicted their potential distribution in 2050 under climate and land use change scenarios. We calculated the percentage of range gain/loss and shift predicted for the two species under such scenarios and quantified the present and future spatial overlap between the two species distribution. Irrespective of the scenario, desman models show loss of suitable habitat, whereas the otter will undergo an opposite trend. Aside from a preponderant habitat loss, the desman is predicted to increase its spatial overlap with otter range under the optimistic scenarios, potentially meaning it will face an exacerbated predation by otters. The potential increase of both habitat loss and otters' predation might represent a major threat for the desman, which may affect the long-term persistence of this endemic species in the Iberian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Francesco Russo
- EnvixLab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, Università degli Studi del Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Penteriani
- National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN), Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - María del Mar Delgado
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IMIB), CSIC/UO/PA, Campus de Mieres, Edificio de Investigación, 33600 Mieres, Spain
| | - Santiago Palazón
- Direcció General de Polítiques Ambientals i Medi Natural, Generalitat of Catalonia, Carrer del Foc, 57, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
- Grupo Nutria, Sociedad Española Para la Conservación y Estudio de los Mamíferos (SECEM), 29080 Málaga, Spain
| | - Anna Loy
- EnvixLab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, Università degli Studi del Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Mirko Di Febbraro
- EnvixLab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, Università degli Studi del Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-087-4404-4147
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Fusillo R, Romanucci M, Marcelli M, Massimini M, Della Salda L. Health and Mortality Monitoring in Threatened Mammals: A First Post Mortem Study of Otters ( Lutra lutra L.) in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050609. [PMID: 35268178 PMCID: PMC8909196 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dead specimens provide valuable data for the conservation of threatened species, allowing investigations of mortality, health conditions, and demographic parameters. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a semiaquatic carnivore listed as endangered in Italy. In 2009, we started the first post mortem (PM) study of otters in Italy, through collaborative research between mammal ecologists and veterinary pathologists, using standardized protocols. Twenty-eight otters, mostly collected between 2009 and 2017, were examined. Most otters were males (67%), between 1 and 3 years old (64%), and predominantly in good nutritional condition. Adult males were significantly larger than adult females (p < 0.02), as expected for the species, although both sexes appeared to be smaller than otters examined in Central−northern Europe. The youngest sexually mature female was 3 years old. Road traffic collisions were the major cause of death, especially in young individuals, and mainly occurred in autumn−winter, particularly for females. Investigations of the scene of death contributed to revealing factors forcing otters to travel out of the water and move over the road, suggesting appropriate measures to reduce vehicle collision risk. Other causes of death included blunt chest trauma of uncertain origin, dog and conspecific attacks, or diseases of infectious or non-infectious origin, such as ulcerative gastritis, pleuropneumonia and peritonitis. Other diagnosed diseases included lymphoma. Ecto- and endoparasites were rarely detected, although we report the first documentation of heartworm and Ixodes hexagonus infestation in Italian otters. It is important to continue comprehensive, standardized PM investigations of otters in Italy to define baseline health, biometric and demographic parameters, collect biological samples for comparative analyses, and to reduce road-kill mortality. The present study suggests that the timely collection of carcasses and collaborative and coordinated research efforts are essential for obtaining useful data for the conservation of otters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Fusillo
- LUTRIA sas Wildlife Research and Consulting, 00173 Roma, Italy;
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (L.D.S.)
| | - Mariarita Romanucci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Manlio Marcelli
- LUTRIA sas Wildlife Research and Consulting, 00173 Roma, Italy;
| | - Marcella Massimini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Leonardo Della Salda
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.R.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (L.D.S.)
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Wang QY, Zheng KD, Han XS, He F, Zhao X, Fan PF, Zhang L. Site-specific and seasonal variation in habitat use of Eurasian otters ( Lutralutra) in western China: implications for conservation. Zool Res 2021; 42:825-833. [PMID: 34755501 PMCID: PMC8645887 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
As a top predator, the Eurasian otter ( Lutralutra) is an indicator of healthy freshwater ecosystems and a flagship species for conservation. Once widespread in China, the species is now distributed mainly in the upper reaches of the great rivers of western China. However, a lack of knowledge on local otter populations continues to hinder their conservation in China. Here, we conducted a detailed study on habitat use of Eurasian otters in Yushu City and Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve in western China using transect surveys. At both study sites, otters preferred to defecate on large rocks close to or protruding from the river and about 50 cm above the waterline. In Yushu, no spraints were found along the 5 km river bank section in the downtown area, with otters preferring sprainting sites with natural banks, riparian zones, and lower human population density. However, this pattern was not obvious at Tangjiahe, where river transformation and human disturbance are minor. Otter river use intensity was negatively correlated with elevation and human population density in Yushu in both seasons. In Tangjiahe, otter river use intensity was positively correlated with prey mass and flow rate and negatively correlated with human population in spring, but positively correlated with human population and negatively correlated with flow rate in autumn. These results reflect the flexible habitat use strategies of otters at different sites, underlining the necessity to study otters living in different regions and habitat types. We provide suggestions for river modification and call for more site-specific studies to promote otter conservation in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Yun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Kai-Dan Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Xue-Song Han
- Shan Shui Conservation Center, Beijing 100871, China
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fang He
- Tangjiahe National Natural Reserve, Guangyuan, Sichuan 628109, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Shan Shui Conservation Center, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peng-Fei Fan
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China. E-mail:
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China. E-mail:
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An artificial intelligent framework for prediction of wildlife vehicle collision hotspots based on geographic information systems and multispectral imagery. ECOL INFORM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2021.101291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Dettori EE, Balestrieri A, Zapata-Perez VM, Bruno D, Rubio-Saura N, Robledano-Aymerich F. Distribution and diet of recovering Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) along the natural-to-urban habitat gradient (river Segura, SE Spain). Urban Ecosyst 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-021-01109-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Modelling Beach Litter Accumulation on Mediterranean Coastal Landscapes: An Integrative Framework Using Species Distribution Models. LAND 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/land10010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Beach litter accumulation patterns are influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, as well as by the distribution of anthropogenic sources. Although the importance of comprehensive approaches to deal with anthropogenic litter pollution is acknowledged, integrated studies including geomorphologic, biotic, and anthropic factors in relation to beach debris accumulation are still needed. In this perspective, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) might represent an appropriate tool to predict litter accumulation probability in relation to environmental conditions. In this context, we explored the applicability of a SDM–type modelling approach (a Litter Distribution Model; LDM) to map litter accumulation in coastal sand dunes. Starting from 180 litter sampling plots combined with fine–resolution variables, we calibrated LDMs from litter items classified either by their material type or origin. We also mapped litter accumulation hotspots. LDMs achieved fair-to-good predictive performance, with LDMs for litter classified by material type performing significantly better than models for litter classified by origin. Accumulation hotspots were mostly localized along the beach, by beach accesses, and at river mouths. In light of the promising results achieved by LDMs in this study, we conclude that this tool can be successfully applied within a coastal litter management context.
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Spanowicz AG, Teixeira FZ, Jaeger JAG. An adaptive plan for prioritizing road sections for fencing to reduce animal mortality. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1210-1220. [PMID: 32227646 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Mortality of animals on roads is a critical threat to many wildlife populations and is poised to increase strongly because of ongoing and planned road construction. If these new roads cannot be avoided, effective mitigation measures will be necessary to stop biodiversity decline. Fencing along roads effectively reduces roadkill and is often used in combination with wildlife passages. Because fencing the entire road is not always possible due to financial constraints, high-frequency roadkill areas are often identified to inform the placement of fencing. We devised an adaptive fence-implementation plan to prioritize road sections for fencing. In this framework, areas along roads of high, moderate, and low levels of animal mortality (respectively, roadkill hotspots, warmspots, and coldspots) are identified at multiple scales (i.e., in circles of different diameters [200-2000 m] in which mortality frequency is measured). Fence deployment is based on the relationship between the amount of fencing being added to the road, starting with the strongest roadkill hotspots, and potential reduction in road mortality (displayed in mortality-reduction graphs). We applied our approach to empirical and simulated spatial patterns of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The scale used for analysis affected the number and spatial extent of roadkill hot-, warm-, and coldspots. At fine scales (e.g., 200 m), more hotspots were identified than at coarse scales (e.g., 2000 m), but combined the fine-scale hotspots covered less road and less fencing was needed to reduce road mortality. However, many short fences may be less effective in practice due to a fence-end effect (i.e., animals moving around the fence more easily), resulting in a trade-off between few long and many short fences, which we call the FLOMS (few-long-or-many-short) fences trade-off. Thresholds in the mortality-reduction graphs occurred for some roadkill patterns, but not for others. Thresholds may be useful to consider when determining road-mitigation targets. The existence of thresholds at multiple scales and the FLOMS trade-off have important implications for biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel G Spanowicz
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University Montreal, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Suite H1255, Montréal, Québec, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Fernanda Zimmermann Teixeira
- Road and Railroad Ecology Research Group (NERF-UFRGS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 91501-970, Brazil
- Ecology Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Jochen A G Jaeger
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University Montreal, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Suite H1255, Montréal, Québec, H3G 1M8, Canada
- Loyola Sustainability Research Centre, Concordia University Montreal, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada
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Russo LF, Barrientos R, Fabrizio M, Di Febbraro M, Loy A. Prioritizing road‐kill mitigation areas: A spatially explicit national‐scale model for an elusive carnivore. DIVERS DISTRIB 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luca F. Russo
- Department of Biosciences and The Territory Università degli Studi del Molise Pesche Italy
- Kayla Nature s.r.l.s Napoli Italy
| | - Rafael Barrientos
- Road Ecology Lab Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
- Departament of Life Sciences University of Alcala Alcalá de Henares Spain
| | - Mauro Fabrizio
- Department of Biosciences and The Territory Università degli Studi del Molise Pesche Italy
| | - Mirko Di Febbraro
- Department of Biosciences and The Territory Università degli Studi del Molise Pesche Italy
| | - Anna Loy
- Department of Biosciences and The Territory Università degli Studi del Molise Pesche Italy
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