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Quarles LF, Dechanupong J, Gibson N, Nekaris KAI. Knowledge, Beliefs, and Experience Regarding Slow Lorises in Southern Thailand: Coexistence in a Developed Landscape. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3285. [PMID: 37894010 PMCID: PMC10603664 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural landscapes are being converted for agriculture and other human uses across Asia and this development presents potential threats for specialist species of primates, like the Endangered slow lorises of Thailand (Nycticebus bengalensis and N. coucang). It is crucial to understand the interface between humans and slow lorises in order to conserve these primates. Local ecological knowledge provides valuable information about these cryptic nocturnal species. We conducted 36 semi-structured interviews in Khao Lak, in southern Thailand, asking (1) where slow lorises were seen, (2) what they were doing, (3) how often people see slow lorises, and (4) what people knew about them. We converted the interviews to free lists and determined the importance of key words. Our results show that the informants saw lorises frequently in six general locations: forests/trees (58%), electric wires (47%), towns/villages (36%), plantations (33%), homesteads (28%), and roads (17%). The most prominent places were forests/trees, wires, and plantations. Eleven key concepts defined local beliefs, with the most prominent being that lorises are awake at night (69%), eat fruit (42%), are not aggressive (25%), are bad omens (25%), and there used to be more of them (25%). Due to a minimal presence of persecution or exploitation of slow lorises by humans in the study area and general tolerance in the face of competition for the same resources and spaces, we suggest that, despite extensive persecution for the illegal photo prop trade in nearby Phuket, the people of Khao Lak seem to live in a state of passive coexistence with slow lorises. However, we did find some evidence that the pet and photo prop trade are still present in the area. It is crucial that coexistence be struck within the context of deforestation and urbanization so that conservation initiatives can take place within the community to further improve the lives of humans and the status of lorises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke F. Quarles
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Gibbs Building, Gipsy Ln, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | | | - Nancy Gibson
- Love Wildlife Foundation, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
| | - K. A. I. Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Gibbs Building, Gipsy Ln, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
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Wright AL, Anson JR, Leo V, Wright BR, Newsome TM, Grueber CE. Urban restoration of common species: population genetics of reintroduced native bush rats
Rattus fuscipes
in Sydney, Australia. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Wright
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - J. R. Anson
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy Perth WA Australia
| | - V. Leo
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy Perth WA Australia
| | - B. R. Wright
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences The University of Sydney Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - T. M. Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - C. E. Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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Abeli T, Rossi G, Orsenigo S, Dalrymple SE, Godefroid S. On farm plant reintroduction: A decision framework for plant conservation translocation in EU agro-ecosystems. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Erastova DA, Galbraith JA, Cain KE, van Heezik Y, Filion A, Stanley MC. Sugar water feeding practices are associated with bird species composition in urban backyards. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Feeding backyard birds with sugar water is increasingly popular in urban areas, but it has poorly understood effects on bird assemblages. In New Zealand, ca. 20% of households engaged in feeding wild birds use sugar water, often in an attempt to attract native, nectarivorous birds. Developing best practices for sugar water feeding could be a powerful tool for attracting these species in urban areas. However, it is currently unclear whether these feeders actually support native species, and, if so, which feeding practices are most effective in increasing visitation. We surveyed New Zealanders who provide sugar water to birds about their feeding practices via an online questionnaire. The aim of our research was to understand existing practices and their effect on attracting native species, as well as the motivations and social factors behind urban sugar water bird feeding. Our results show that this practice is popular throughout the country with the majority of households successful in attracting native nectarivorous species to their gardens. Sugar water feeder type had the largest effect on reported species richness at feeders in comparison to other factors (e.g. sugar concentration). Feeders specifically designed for nectarivorous birds, namely the Tui Nectar Feeder™, are more successful at attracting natives in comparison to other commonly used feeder types. Thus, individual householder decisions around feeder use can have important consequences for bird species composition in urban gardens. Future research is needed to understand the consequences of sugar water feeding for bird communities and individual bird health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria A Erastova
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Josie A Galbraith
- Auckland War Memorial Museum, The Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Kristal E Cain
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Yolanda van Heezik
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Antoine Filion
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Margaret C Stanley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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Hill SD, Pawley MDM, Bishop CD. Annual variation in bird numbers across Kaipatiki, Auckland. NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2020.1833948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Hill
- Research, Investigations and Monitoring Unit, Auckland Council, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matthew D. M. Pawley
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Craig D. Bishop
- School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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van Heezik Y, Freeman C, Davidson K, Lewis B. Uptake and Engagement of Activities to Promote Native Species in Private Gardens. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 66:42-55. [PMID: 32338302 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Activities undertaken by householders in their gardens have huge potential to enhance city-wide biodiversity, but programs aimed at activating householders require an understanding of the factors encouraging or acting as barriers to the uptake of different kinds of activities. We provided 42 householders with two species-enhancing activities, selected from six possibilities, free-of-charge (to remove the barrier of initial cost). We collected socio-demographic data as well as information on knowledge of common urban species, pro-environmental behaviors and nature connectedness. We monitored ongoing engagement at two time points: 1 and 6 months. Characteristics of householders opting for different activities varied in terms of their degree of environmental engagement, their knowledge about common species, and the size of their gardens; e.g., bird feeders and bee planters were popular with people who did not know the names of common species and were not particularly engaged in pro-environmental activities respectively, whereas lizard habitat creation was attractive to people who were already engaged in wildlife gardening activities. Cost to continue with activities was a significant barrier for some people, but most householders were willing to practice relatively inexpensive activities in small spaces. Esthetics was an important factor to be considered when enhancing invertebrate habitat (e.g., bug hotels are more attractive than log piles, and planters for bees contain colorful flowers). A commonly cited barrier was lack of information about wildlife-friendly activities, despite much being available online. Most participants (85%) talked about their activities with others, potentially acting as influencers and shifting social norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda van Heezik
- Zoology Department, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Claire Freeman
- Geography Department, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Katherine Davidson
- Geography Department, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Blake Lewis
- Zoology Department, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
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Gil-Fernández M, Harcourt R, Newsome T, Towerton A, Carthey A. Adaptations of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) to urban environments in Sydney, Australia. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWith urban encroachment on wild landscapes accelerating globally, there is an urgent need to understand how wildlife is adapting to anthropogenic change. We compared the behaviour of the invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) at eight urban and eight peri-urban areas of Sydney, Australia. We observed fox behaviour around a lure and compared fox activity patterns to those of potential prey and to two domestic predators (dogs—Canis lupus familiaris and cats—Felis catus). We assessed the influence of site type, vegetation cover, and distance from habitation on fox behaviour, and compared the temporal activity patterns of urban and peri-urban red foxes. Urban red foxes were marginally more nocturnal than those in peri-urban areas (88% activity overlap). There was greater overlap of red fox activity patterns with introduced mammalian prey in urban areas compared with peri-urban areas (90% urban vs 84% peri-urban). Red fox temporal activity overlapped 78% with cats, but only 20% with dogs, across both site types. The high degree of overlap with cats and introduced mammalian prey is most likely explained by the nocturnal behaviour of these species, while pet dogs are generally kept in yards or indoors at night. The behavioural differences we documented by urban red foxes suggest they may adapt to human modifications and presence, by being more nocturnal and/or more confident in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Thomas Newsome
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Rm 312, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alison Towerton
- Senior Strategic Land Services Officer (MER), Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Sydney, NSW 2750, Australia
| | - Alexandra Carthey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Mata L, Ramalho CE, Kennedy J, Parris KM, Valentine L, Miller M, Bekessy S, Hurley S, Cumpston Z. Bringing nature back into cities. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Mata
- Centre for Urban Research School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Cristina E. Ramalho
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Jade Kennedy
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences The University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW Australia
| | - Kirsten M. Parris
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Leonie Valentine
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Maddison Miller
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heritage Victoria East Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Sarah Bekessy
- Centre for Urban Research School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Sarrah Hurley
- Centre for Urban Research School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Zena Cumpston
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
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Ryan CM, Hobbs RJ, Valentine LE. Bioturbation by a reintroduced digging mammal reduces fuel loads in an urban reserve. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 30:e02018. [PMID: 31596973 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Digging animals may alter many characteristics of their environment as they disrupt and modify the ground's surface by creating foraging pits or burrows. Extensive disturbance to the soil and litter layer changes litter distribution and availability, potentially altering fuel loads. In many landscapes, including peri-urban areas, fire management to reduce fuel loads is complex and challenging. The reintroduction of previously common digging animals, many of which are now threatened, may have the added benefit of reducing fuel loads. We experimentally examined how the reintroduction of a marsupial bandicoot, quenda (Isoodon fusciventer), altered surface fuel loads in an urban bush reserve in Perth, Western Australia. Foraging activities of quenda (where they dig for subterranean food) were substantial throughout the reserve, creating a visibly patchy distribution in surface litter. Further, in open plots where quenda had access, compared to fenced plots where quenda were excluded, quenda foraging significantly reduced litter cover and litter depth. Similarly, estimated surface fuel loads were nearly halved in open plots where quenda foraged compared to fenced plots where quenda were absent (3.6 cf. 6.4 Mg/ha). Fire behavior modeling, using the estimated surface fuel loads, indicated the predicted rate of spread of fire were significantly lower for open plots where quenda foraged compared to fenced plots under both low (29.2 cf. 51.4 m/h; total fuels) and high (74.3 cf. 130.4 m/h; total fuels) fire conditions. Although many environments require fire, including the bushland where this study occurred, fire management can be a considerable challenge in many landscapes, including urban bushland reserves, which are usually small and close to human infrastructure. The reintroduction of previously common digging species may have potential value as a complimentary tool for reducing fuel loads, and potentially, fire risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Ryan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - R J Hobbs
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - L E Valentine
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
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Activity of free-roaming domestic cats in an urban reserve and public perception of pet-related threats to wildlife in New Zealand. Urban Ecosyst 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-019-00886-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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