1
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Dwyer GK, Stoffels RJ, Silvester E, Rees GN. Two wild carnivores selectively forage for prey but not amino acids. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3254. [PMID: 36828827 PMCID: PMC9958011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28231-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In nutritional ecology the intake target is the diet that maximises consumer fitness. A key hypothesis of nutritional ecology is that natural selection has acted upon the behavioural and physiological traits of consumers to result in them Selectively Consuming prey to match the Intake Target (SCIT). SCIT has been documented in some herbivores and omnivores, which experience strong heterogeneity in the nutritional quality of available foods. Although carnivores experience a prey community with a much more homogeneous nutrient composition, SCIT by carnivores has nevertheless been deemed highly likely by some researchers. Here we test for SCIT for micronutrients (amino acids) in two freshwater carnivores: the river blackfish and the two-spined blackfish. Although both blackfishes exhibited non-random consumption of prey from the environment, this resulted in non-random consumption of amino acids in only one species, the river blackfish. Non-random consumption of amino acids by river blackfish was not SCIT, but instead an artefact of habitat-specific foraging. We present hypotheses to explain why wild populations of freshwater carnivores may not exhibit SCIT for amino acids. Our work highlights the need for careful, critical tests of the hypotheses and assumptions of nutritional ecology and its application to wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia K Dwyer
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Rick J Stoffels
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Riccarton, PO Box 8602, Christchurch, 8440, New Zealand
| | - Ewen Silvester
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, Centre for Freshwater Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Wodonga, VIC, 3690, Australia
| | - Gavin N Rees
- CSIRO Land and Water, and Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, PO Box 789, Albury, NSW, 2640, Australia
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2
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McKay TL, Finnegan LA. Predator–prey co‐occurrence in harvest blocks: Implications for caribou and forestry. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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3
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Wilson AE, Michaud SA, Jackson AM, Stenhouse G, McClelland CJR, Coops NC, Janz DM. Protein biomarkers in serum as a conservation tool to assess reproduction: a case study on brown bears ( Ursus arctos). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab091. [PMID: 34888057 PMCID: PMC8651255 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the reproductive characteristics of a species can complement existing conservation strategies by understanding the mechanisms underlying demography. However, methodology to determine important aspects of female reproductive biology is often absent in monitoring programs for large mammals. Protein biomarkers may be a useful tool to detect physiological changes that are indicative of reproductive state. This study aimed to identify protein biomarkers of reproductive status in serum collected from free-ranging female brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Alberta, Canada, from 2001 to 2018. We hypothesized that the expression of proteins related to reproduction in addition to energetics and stress can be used to answer specific management-focused questions: (i) identify when a female is pregnant, (ii) detect if a female is lactating, (iii) determine age of sexual maturity (i.e. primiparity) and (iv) assess female fertility (i.e. reproduction rate). Furthermore, we investigated if silver spoon effects (favourable early life conditions provide fitness benefits through adulthood) could be determined using protein expression. A target panel of 19 proteins with established relationships to physiological function was measured by peptide-based analysis using liquid chromatography and multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry and their differential expression was evaluated using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. We found biomarkers of pregnancy (apolipoprotein B-100 and afamin), lactation (apolipoprotein B-100 and alpha-2-macroglobulin) and sexual maturity (corticosteroid-binding globulin), but there were no statistically significant relationships with protein expression and fertility. The expression of proteins related to reproduction (afamin) and energetics (vitamin-D binding protein) was associated with the nutritional quality of the individual's present habitat rather than their early life habitat. This study highlights potential biomarkers of reproductive status and provides additional methods for monitoring physiological function in wildlife to inform conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey E Wilson
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Sarah A Michaud
- The University of Victoria Genome BC Proteomics Centre, 4464 Markham St #3101, Victoria, British Columbia V8Z 7X8, Canada
| | - Angela M Jackson
- The University of Victoria Genome BC Proteomics Centre, 4464 Markham St #3101, Victoria, British Columbia V8Z 7X8, Canada
| | - Gordon Stenhouse
- Grizzly Bear Program, fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, Alberta T7V 1V3, Canada
| | | | - Nicholas C Coops
- Department of Forest Resource Management, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - David M Janz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
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4
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Robbins CT, Tollefson TN, Rode KD, Erlenbach JA, Ardente AJ. New insights into dietary management of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and brown bears (U. arctos). Zoo Biol 2021; 41:166-175. [PMID: 34793606 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and brown bears (U. arctos) have been exhibited in zoological gardens for centuries, little is known about their nutritional needs. Multiple recent studies on both wild and captive polar bears and brown bears have found that they voluntarily select dietary macronutrient proportions resulting in much lower dietary protein and higher fat or digestible carbohydrate concentrations than are currently fed in most zoos. These lower protein concentrations selected by both species maximized growth rates and efficiencies of energy utilization in brown bears and may play a role in reducing kidney, liver, and cardiovascular diseases in both species. Therefore, we propose the need for the development of new dietary regimens for both species in managed care that better reflect their macronutrient needs. We developed a new kibble that is higher in fat and lower in protein than typical diets that have been fed in managed care, has a fatty acid profile more consistent with wild bear diets, and has been readily consumed by both brown bears and polar bears. The kibble can be fed as the sole diet or as part of more complex diets with additional fruits, meats, or vegetables. Because many nutritional deficiencies and related diseases can take months or years to appear, we urge caution and continued long-term monitoring of bears and their diets to ensure their optimal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T Robbins
- School of the Environment and School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Troy N Tollefson
- Mazuri® Exotic Animal Nutrition, Land O'Lakes Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Karyn D Rode
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Joy A Erlenbach
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Kodiak, Alaska, USA
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5
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The ecology of zoonotic parasites in the Carnivora. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:1096-1110. [PMID: 34544647 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The order Carnivora includes over 300 species that vary many orders of magnitude in size and inhabit all major biomes, from tropical rainforests to polar seas. The high diversity of carnivore parasites represents a source of potential emerging diseases of humans. Zoonotic risk from this group may be driven in part by exceptionally high functional diversity of host species in behavioral, physiological, and ecological traits. We review global macroecological patterns of zoonotic parasites within carnivores, and explore the traits of species that serve as hosts of zoonotic parasites. We synthesize theoretical and empirical research and suggest future work on the roles of carnivores as biotic multipliers, regulators, and sentinels of zoonotic disease as timely research frontiers.
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6
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McClelland CJ, Denny CK, Larsen TA, Stenhouse GB, Nielsen SE. Landscape estimates of carrying capacity for grizzly bears using nutritional energy supply for management and conservation planning. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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7
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González‐Varo JP, Onrubia A, Pérez‐Méndez N, Tarifa R, Illera JC. Fruit abundance and trait matching determine diet type and body condition across frugivorous bird populations. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. González‐Varo
- Depto de Biología, IVAGRO, Univ. de Cádiz, Campus Río San Pedro Puerto Real Cádiz Spain
| | - Alejandro Onrubia
- Migres Foundation, International Bird Migration Center (CIMA) Tarifa Cádiz Spain
| | - Néstor Pérez‐Méndez
- Inst. de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentaries (IRTA), Estació Experimental de l'Ebre Amposta Tarragona Spain
| | - Rubén Tarifa
- Depto de Biología Animal, Vegetal y Ecología, Univ. de Jaén Jaén Spain
| | - Juan C. Illera
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UO‐CSIC‐PA), Depto de Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Univ. de Oviedo, Campus of Mieres Mieres Asturias Spain
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8
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Parsons B, Coops N, Kearney S, Burton A, Nelson T, Stenhouse G. Road visibility influences habitat selection by grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos horribilis). CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2020-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbances, including roads, are known to influence animal habitat selection and mortality. In this study, we consider the role of sensory perception in understanding why and how animals respond to disturbances. Our goal was to investigate the effect of visual perception (visibility) around roads on grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis Ord, 1815) habitat selection and mortality in Alberta, Canada. We used detailed topographic and vegetation data from airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) to estimate visibility around roads. We modelled habitat selection as a function of road visibility and environmental variables using GPS telemetry data from 39 grizzly bears and integrated step selection analysis (iSSA). Finally, we assessed mortality risk in visible areas by comparing habitat selection between grizzly bears that died and those that survived. We found that grizzly bears were less likely to select visible areas when moving slowly or resting, but were more likely to select visible areas when travelling. We found that grizzly bears that survived selected for areas farther from roads than grizzly bears that died. However, no difference in selection for visible areas was observed. An exploratory analysis showed that grizzly bear mortalities commonly occurred in visible areas. Our findings highlight the importance of sensory perception in understanding animal behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- B.M. Parsons
- Department of Forest Resources Management, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - N.C. Coops
- Department of Forest Resources Management, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - S.P. Kearney
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - A.C. Burton
- Department of Forest Resources Management, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - T.A. Nelson
- Department of Geography, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-4060, USA
| | - G.B. Stenhouse
- fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, AB T7V 1V3, Canada
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9
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Wilson AE, Kearney S, Wismer D, Macbeth B, Stenhouse G, Coops NC, Janz DM. Population‐level monitoring of stress in grizzly bears between 2004 and 2014. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abbey E. Wilson
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences University of Saskatchewan 44 Campus Drive Saskatoon SaskatchewanS7N 5B3Canada
| | - Sean Kearney
- Department of Forest Resource Management University of British Columbia 2424 Main Mall Vancouver British ColumbiaV6T 1Z4Canada
| | - Dan Wismer
- Grizzly Bear Program Foothills Research Institute 1176 Switzer Drive Hinton AlbertaT7V 1V3Canada
| | - Bryan Macbeth
- British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development 2080 Labieux Road Nanaimo British ColumbiaV9T 6J9Canada
| | - Gordon Stenhouse
- Grizzly Bear Program Foothills Research Institute 1176 Switzer Drive Hinton AlbertaT7V 1V3Canada
| | - Nicholas C. Coops
- Department of Forest Resource Management University of British Columbia 2424 Main Mall Vancouver British ColumbiaV6T 1Z4Canada
| | - David M. Janz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences University of Saskatchewan 44 Campus Drive Saskatoon SaskatchewanS7N 5B3Canada
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10
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Shrestha TK, Hecker LJ, Aryal A, Coogan SCP. Feeding preferences and nutritional niche of wild water buffalo ( Bubalus arnee) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:6897-6905. [PMID: 32760500 PMCID: PMC7391305 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The nutritional characteristics of food resources play an important role in the foraging behavior of animals and can provide information valuable to their conservation and management. We examined the nutritional ecology of wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee; hereafter "buffalo") in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve of Nepal during autumn using a multidimensional nutritional niche framework. We identified 54 plant species as being foraged by buffalo. We found that buffalo consumed graminoids and forbs 2-3 times more frequently than browse items. Proximate analyses of the 16 most frequently foraged plants indicated that buffalo diets were highest in carbohydrate (40.41% ± 1.82%) followed by crude protein (10.52% ± 0.93%) and crude fat (1.68% ± 0.23%). The estimated macronutrient balance (i.e., realized nutrient niche) of the buffalo diet (20.5% protein: 72.8% carbohydrate: 6.7% lipid) was not significantly different than the average balance of all analyzed food items based on 95% confidence regions. Our study suggests that buffalo are likely macronutrient specialists, yet may be generalists in the sense that they feed on a wide range of food items to achieve a nutrient balance similar to that available in forage items. However, the four most frequently consumed items tended to be higher in protein energy than less frequently consumed foods, suggesting some preference for higher protein forage relative to relatively abundant carbohydrates. Although limited in scope, our study provides important information on the nutritional ecology of buffalo, which may be useful for the conservation and management of this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee J. Hecker
- Department of Renewable ResourcesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Achyut Aryal
- CC Group Limited/CC Training AcademyAucklandNew Zealand
- Save Dot International LimitedAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Sean C. P. Coogan
- Department of Renewable ResourcesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
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11
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Wilson AE, Michaud SA, Jackson AM, Stenhouse G, Coops NC, Janz DM. Development and validation of protein biomarkers of health in grizzly bears. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa056. [PMID: 32607241 PMCID: PMC7311831 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Large carnivores play critical roles in the maintenance and function of natural ecosystems; however, the populations of many of these species are in decline across the globe. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel techniques that can be used as sensitive conservation tools to detect new threats to the health of individual animals well in advance of population-level effects. Our study aimed to determine the expression of proteins related to energetics, reproduction and stress in the skin of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) using a liquid chromatography and multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry assay. We hypothesized that a suite of target proteins could be measured using this technique and that the expression of these proteins would be associated with biological (sex, age, sample location on body) and environmental (geographic area, season, sample year) variables. Small skin biopsies were collected from free-ranging grizzly bears in Alberta, Canada, from 2013 to 2019 (n = 136 samples from 111 individuals). Over 700 proteins were detected in the skin of grizzly bears, 19 of which were chosen as targets because of their established roles in physiological function. Generalized linear mixed model analysis was used for each target protein. Results indicate that sample year influenced the majority of proteins, suggesting that physiological changes may be driven in part by responses to changes in the environment. Season influenced the expression of proteins related to energetics, reproduction and stress, all of which were lower during fall compared to early spring. The expression of proteins related to energetics and stress varied by geographic area, while the majority of proteins that were affected by biological attributes (age class, sex and age class by sex interaction) were related to reproduction and stress. This study provides a novel method by which scientists and managers can further assess and monitor physiological function in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey E Wilson
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Sarah A Michaud
- The University of Victoria Genome BC Proteomics Centre, 4464 Markham St #3101, Victoria, British Columbia V8Z 7X8, Canada
| | - Angela M Jackson
- The University of Victoria Genome BC Proteomics Centre, 4464 Markham St #3101, Victoria, British Columbia V8Z 7X8, Canada
| | - Gordon Stenhouse
- Foothills Research Institute, Grizzly Bear Program, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, Alberta T7V 1V3, Canada
| | - Nicholas C Coops
- Department of Forest Resource Management, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - David M Janz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
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12
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Modelling Lichen Abundance for Woodland Caribou in a Fire-Driven Boreal Landscape. FORESTS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/f10110962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are reliant on Cladonia spp. ground lichens as a major component of their diet and lichen abundance could be an important indicator of habitat quality, particularly in winter. The boreal forest is typified by large, stand-replacing forest fires that consume ground lichens, which take decades to recover. The large spatial extent of caribou ranges and the mosaic of lichen availability created by fires make it challenging to track the abundance of ground lichens. Researchers have developed various techniques to map lichens across northern boreal and tundra landscapes, but it remains unclear which techniques are best suited for use in the continuous boreal forest, where many of the conflicts amongst caribou and human activities are most acute. In this study, we propose a two-stage regression modelling approach to map the abundance (biomass, kg/ha) of Cladonia spp. ground lichens in the boreal forest. Our study was conducted in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, a wilderness-class protected area in northwestern Ontario, Canada. We used field sampling to characterize lichen abundance in 109 upland forest stands across the local time-since-fire continuum (2–119 years-since-fire). We then used generalized linear models to relate lichen presence and lichen abundance to forest structure, topographic and remote sensing attributes. Model selection indicated ground lichens were best predicted by ecosite, time-since-fire, and canopy closure. Lichen abundance was very low (<1000 kg/ha) across the time-since-fire continuum in upland forest stands with dense tree cover. Conversely, lichen abundance increased steadily across the time-since-fire continuum in upland forest stands with sparse tree cover, exceeding 3000 kg/ha in mature stands. We interpolated the best lichen presence and lichen abundance models to create spatial layers and combined them to generate a map that provides a reasonable estimation of lichen biomass (R2 = 0.39) for our study area. We encourage researchers and managers to use our method as a basic framework to map the abundance of ground lichens across fire-prone, boreal caribou ranges. Mapping lichens will aid in the identification of suitable habitat and can be used in planning to ensure habitat is maintained in adequate supply in areas with multiple land-use objectives. We also encourage the use of lichen abundance maps to investigate questions that improve our understanding of caribou ecology.
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13
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Pollock SZ, Whittington J, Nielsen SE, Clair CC. Spatiotemporal railway use by grizzly bears in Canada's Rocky Mountains. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Z. Pollock
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences Edmonton AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | | | - Scott E. Nielsen
- University of AlbertaDepartment of Renewable Resources Edmonton AB T6G 2H1 Canada
| | - Colleen C. Clair
- University of AlbertaDepartment of Biological Sciences Edmonton AB T6G 2E9 Canada
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14
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Welfelt LS, Beausoleil RA, Wielgus RB. Factors associated with black bear density and implications for management. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay S. Welfelt
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 3860 State Highway 97A Wenatchee WA 98801 USA
| | - Richard A. Beausoleil
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 3515 State Highway 97A Wenatchee WA 98801 USA
| | - Robert B. Wielgus
- Large Carnivore Conservation LabWashington State University Pullman WA 99163 USA
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15
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Berman EE, Coops NC, Kearney SP, Stenhouse GB. Grizzly bear response to fine spatial and temporal scale spring snow cover in Western Alberta. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215243. [PMID: 30970010 PMCID: PMC6457671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Snow dynamics influence seasonal behaviors of wildlife, such as denning patterns and habitat selection related to the availability of food resources. Under a changing climate, characteristics of the temporal and spatial patterns of snow are predicted to change, and as a result, there is a need to better understand how species interact with snow dynamics. This study examines grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) spring habitat selection and use across western Alberta, Canada. Made possible by newly available fine-scale snow cover data, this research tests a hypothesis that grizzly bears select for locations with less snow cover and areas where snow melts sooner during spring (den emergence to May 31st). Using Integrated Step Selection Analysis, a series of models were built to examine whether snow cover information such as fractional snow covered area and date of snow melt improved models constructed based on previous knowledge of grizzly bear selection during the spring. Comparing four different models fit to 62 individual bear-years, we found that the inclusion of fractional snow covered area improved model fit 60% of the time based on Akaike Information Criterion tallies. Probability of use was then used to evaluate grizzly bear habitat use in response to snow and environmental attributes, including fractional snow covered area, date since snow melt, elevation, and distance to road. Results indicate grizzly bears select for lower elevation, snow-free locations during spring, which has important implications for management of threatened grizzly bear populations in consideration of changing climatic conditions. This study is an example of how fine spatial and temporal scale remote sensing data can be used to improve our understanding of wildlife habitat selection and use in relation to key environmental attributes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan E. Berman
- Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicholas C. Coops
- Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sean P. Kearney
- Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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16
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Hornseth ML, Pigeon KE, MacNearney D, Larsen TA, Stenhouse G, Cranston J, Finnegan L. Motorized Activity on Legacy Seismic Lines: A Predictive Modeling Approach to Prioritize Restoration Efforts. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 62:595-607. [PMID: 29752497 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-1063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural regeneration of seismic lines, cleared for hydrocarbon exploration, is slow and often hindered by vegetation damage, soil compaction, and motorized human activity. There is an extensive network of seismic lines in western Canada which is known to impact forest ecosystems, and seismic lines have been linked to declines in woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Seismic line restoration is costly, but necessary for caribou conservation to reduce cumulative disturbance. Understanding where motorized activity may be impeding regeneration of seismic lines will aid in prioritizing restoration. Our study area in west-central Alberta, encompassed five caribou ranges where restoration is required under federal species at risk recovery strategies, hence prioritizing seismic lines for restoration is of immediate conservation value. To understand patterns of motorized activity on seismic lines, we evaluated five a priori hypotheses using a predictive modeling framework and Geographic Information System variables across three landscapes in the foothills and northern boreal regions of Alberta. In the northern boreal landscape, motorized activity was most common in dry areas with a large industrial footprint. In highly disturbed areas of the foothills, motorized activity on seismic lines increased with low vegetation heights, relatively dry soils, and further from forest cutblocks, while in less disturbed areas of the foothills, motorized activity on seismic lines decreased proportional to seismic line density, slope steepness, and white-tailed deer abundance, and increased proportional with distance to roads. We generated predictive maps of high motorized activity, identifying 21,777 km of seismic lines where active restoration could expedite forest regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Hornseth
- Borealis Ecology, 12 First Ave, Orangeville, ON, L9W 1H8, Canada.
- Caribou Program, fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, AB, T7V 1V3, Canada.
| | - K E Pigeon
- Caribou Program, fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, AB, T7V 1V3, Canada
| | - D MacNearney
- Caribou Program, fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, AB, T7V 1V3, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - T A Larsen
- Grizzly Bear Program fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, AB, T7V 1V3, Canada
| | - G Stenhouse
- Grizzly Bear Program fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, AB, T7V 1V3, Canada
| | - J Cranston
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
- Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, Biological Sciences Building University of Alberta, CW 405, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - L Finnegan
- Caribou Program, fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, AB, T7V 1V3, Canada
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17
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Coogan SCP, Coops NC, Janz DM, Cattet MRL, Kearney SP, Stenhouse GB, Nielsen SE. Towards grizzly bear population recovery in a modern landscape. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean C. P. Coogan
- Department of Renewable ResourcesUniversity of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Nicholas C. Coops
- Department of Forest Resources ManagementUniversity of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - David M. Janz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Saskatchewan Saskatoon SK Canada
| | - Marc R. L. Cattet
- RGL Recovery Wildlife Health & Veterinary Services Saskatoon SK Canada
| | - Sean P. Kearney
- Department of Forest Resources ManagementUniversity of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | | | - Scott E. Nielsen
- Department of Renewable ResourcesUniversity of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
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18
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Denny CK, Stenhouse GB, Nielsen SE. Scales of selection and perception: landscape heterogeneity of an important food resource influences habitat use by a large omnivore. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine K. Denny
- C. K. Denny and S. E. Nielsen, Dept of Renewable Resources, Univ. of Alberta, 7
| | | | - Scott E. Nielsen
- C. K. Denny and S. E. Nielsen, Dept of Renewable Resources, Univ. of Alberta, 7
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19
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Boulanger J, Nielsen SE, Stenhouse GB. Using spatial mark-recapture for conservation monitoring of grizzly bear populations in Alberta. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5204. [PMID: 29581471 PMCID: PMC5980105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23502-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges in conservation is determining patterns and responses in population density and distribution as it relates to habitat and changes in anthropogenic activities. We applied spatially explicit capture recapture (SECR) methods, combined with density surface modelling from five grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) management areas (BMAs) in Alberta, Canada, to assess SECR methods and to explore factors influencing bear distribution. Here we used models of grizzly bear habitat and mortality risk to test local density associations using density surface modelling. Results demonstrated BMA-specific factors influenced density, as well as the effects of habitat and topography on detections and movements of bears. Estimates from SECR were similar to those from closed population models and telemetry data, but with similar or higher levels of precision. Habitat was most associated with areas of higher bear density in the north, whereas mortality risk was most associated (negatively) with density of bears in the south. Comparisons of the distribution of mortality risk and habitat revealed differences by BMA that in turn influenced local abundance of bears. Combining SECR methods with density surface modelling increases the resolution of mark-recapture methods by directly inferring the effect of spatial factors on regulating local densities of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Boulanger
- Integrated Ecological Research, 924 Innes St., Nelson, BC V1L 5T2, Canada.
| | - Scott E Nielsen
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 751 General Services Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada
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20
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Coogan SCP, Raubenheimer D, Stenhouse GB, Coops NC, Nielsen SE. Functional macronutritional generalism in a large omnivore, the brown bear. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:2365-2376. [PMID: 29468050 PMCID: PMC5817158 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We combine a recently developed framework for describing dietary generalism with compositional data analysis to examine patterns of omnivory in a large widely distributed mammal. Using the brown bear (Ursus arctos) as a model species, we collected and analyzed data from the literature to estimate the proportions of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, and lipid) in the diets of bear populations. Across their range, bears consumed a diversity of foods that resulted in annual population diets that varied in macronutrient proportions, suggesting a wide fundamental macronutrient niche. The variance matrix of pairwise macronutrient log-ratios indicated that the most variable macronutrient among diets was carbohydrate, while protein and lipid were more proportional or codependent (i.e., relatively more constant log-ratios). Populations that consumed anthropogenic foods, such agricultural crops and supplementary feed (e.g., corn), had a higher geometric mean proportion of carbohydrate, and lower proportion of protein, in annual diets. Seasonally, mean diets were lower in protein and higher in carbohydrate, during autumn compared to spring. Populations with anthropogenic subsidies, however, had higher mean proportions of carbohydrate and lower protein, across seasons compared to populations with natural diets. Proportions of macronutrients similar to those selected in experiments by captive brown bears, and which optimized primarily fat mass gain, were observed among hyperphagic prehibernation autumn diets. However, the majority of these were from populations consuming anthropogenic foods, while diets of natural populations were more variable and typically higher in protein. Some anthropogenic diets were close to the proportions selected by captive bears during summer. Our results suggest that omnivory in brown bears is a functional adaptation enabling them to occupy a diverse range of habitats and tolerate variation in the nutritional composition and availability of food resources. Furthermore, we show that populations consuming human-sourced foods have different dietary macronutrient proportions relative to populations with natural diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C. P. Coogan
- Department of Renewable ResourcesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, and the Charles Perkins CentreUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | | | - Nicholas C. Coops
- Department of Forest Resource ManagementUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Scott E. Nielsen
- Department of Renewable ResourcesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
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21
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Lamb CT, Mowat G, Reid A, Smit L, Proctor M, McLellan BN, Nielsen SE, Boutin S. Effects of habitat quality and access management on the density of a recovering grizzly bear population. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clayton T. Lamb
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Garth Mowat
- Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; Nelson British Columbia Canada
| | - Aaron Reid
- Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; Nelson British Columbia Canada
| | - Laura Smit
- Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; Nelson British Columbia Canada
| | | | - Bruce N. McLellan
- Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; Nelson British Columbia Canada
| | - Scott E. Nielsen
- Department of Renewable Resources; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Stan Boutin
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
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22
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Pollock SZ, Nielsen SE, St. Clair CC. A railway increases the abundance and accelerates the phenology of bear-attracting plants in a forested, mountain park. Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Z. Pollock
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Scott E. Nielsen
- Department of Renewable Resources; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta T6G 2H1 Canada
| | - Colleen C. St. Clair
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E9 Canada
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23
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Spatial Heterogeneity of the Forest Canopy Scales with the Heterogeneity of an Understory Shrub Based on Fractal Analysis. FORESTS 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/f8050146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Spatial heterogeneity of vegetation is an important landscape characteristic, but is difficult to assess due to scale-dependence. Here we examine how spatial patterns in the forest canopy affect those of understory plants, using the shrub Canada buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt.) as a focal species. Evergreen and deciduous forest canopy and buffaloberry shrub presence were measured with line-intercept sampling along ten 2-km transects in the Rocky Mountain foothills of west-central Alberta, Canada. Relationships between overstory canopy and understory buffaloberry presence were assessed for scales ranging from 2 m to 502 m. Fractal dimensions of both canopy and buffaloberry were estimated and then related using box-counting methods to evaluate spatial heterogeneity based on patch distribution and abundance. Effects of canopy presence on buffaloberry were scale-dependent, with shrub presence negatively related to evergreen canopy cover and positively related to deciduous cover. The effect of evergreen canopy was significant at a local scale between 2 m and 42 m, while that of deciduous canopy was significant at a meso-scale between 150 m and 358 m. Fractal analysis indicated that buffaloberry heterogeneity positively scaled with evergreen canopy heterogeneity, but was unrelated to that of deciduous canopy. This study demonstrates that evergreen canopy cover is a determinant of buffaloberry heterogeneity, highlighting the importance of spatial scale and canopy composition in understanding canopy-understory relationships.
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