1
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Marucco F, Boiani MV, Dupont P, Milleret C, Avanzinelli E, Pilgrim K, Schwartz MK, von Hardenberg A, Perrone DS, Friard OP, Menzano A, Bisi F, Fattori U, Tomasella M, Calderola S, Carolfi S, Ferrari P, Chioso C, Truc F, Bombieri G, Pedrotti L, Righetti D, Acutis PL, Guglielmo F, Hauffe HC, Rossi C, Caniglia R, Aragno P, La Morgia V, Genovesi P, Bischof R. A multidisciplinary approach to estimating wolf population size for long-term conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14132. [PMID: 37259636 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The wolf (Canis lupus) is among the most controversial of wildlife species. Abundance estimates are required to inform public debate and policy decisions, but obtaining them at biologically relevant scales is challenging. We developed a system for comprehensive population estimation across the Italian alpine region (100,000 km2 ), involving 1513 trained operators representing 160 institutions. This extensive network allowed for coordinated genetic sample collection and landscape-level spatial capture-recapture analyses that transcended administrative boundaries to produce the first estimates of key parameters for wolf population status assessment. Wolf abundance was estimated at 952 individuals (95% credible interval 816-1120) and 135 reproductive units (i.e., packs) (95% credible interval 112-165). We also estimated that mature individuals accounted for 33-45% of the entire population. The monitoring effort was spatially estimated thereby overcoming an important limitation of citizen science data. This is an important approach for promoting wolf-human coexistence based on wolf abundance monitoring and an endorsement of large-scale harmonized conservation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marucco
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria V Boiani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Conservation Biology Research Group, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | - Pierre Dupont
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Cyril Milleret
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Elisa Avanzinelli
- Centro Grandi Carnivori, Ente di Gestione Aree Protette Alpi Marittime, Valdieri, Italy
| | - Kristine Pilgrim
- USDA National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Michael K Schwartz
- USDA National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Achaz von Hardenberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Conservation Biology Research Group, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | | | - Olivier P Friard
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Arianna Menzano
- Centro Grandi Carnivori, Ente di Gestione Aree Protette Alpi Marittime, Valdieri, Italy
| | - Francesco Bisi
- Environmental Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Umberto Fattori
- Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia, Osservatorio Biodiversità, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Tomasella
- Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia, Osservatorio Biodiversità, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sonia Calderola
- Regione del Veneto, Direzione Agroambiente, Programmazione e Gestione ittica e faunistico-venatoria, Venezia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Carolfi
- Regione Liguria, Settore Politiche della Natura e delle aree Interne, Protette e Marine, Parchi e Biodiversità - Settore Fauna Selvatica, Caccia e Vigilanza Venatoria, Genoa, Italy
| | - Piero Ferrari
- Regione Liguria, Settore Politiche della Natura e delle aree Interne, Protette e Marine, Parchi e Biodiversità - Settore Fauna Selvatica, Caccia e Vigilanza Venatoria, Genoa, Italy
| | - Christian Chioso
- Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta - Flora e fauna - Ufficio per la fauna selvatica e ittica, Quart, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Truc
- Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta - Flora e fauna - Ufficio per la fauna selvatica e ittica, Quart, Italy
| | - Giulia Bombieri
- MUSE - Museo delle Scienze di Trento, Conservation Biology Section, Trento, Italy
| | - Luca Pedrotti
- ERSAF - Direzione Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, Sondrio, Italy
| | - Davide Righetti
- Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano, Ripartizione Foreste, Ufficio Caccia e Pesca, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Pierluigi L Acutis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte. Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genetics Laboratory, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Guglielmo
- Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta, Biodiversità, sostenibilità e aree naturali protette, Museo regionale di Scienze naturali Efisio Noussan, Saint-Christophe, Italy
| | - Heidi C Hauffe
- Conservation Genomics Research Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione E. Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Chiara Rossi
- Conservation Genomics Research Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione E. Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Romolo Caniglia
- ISPRA Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Wildlife Coordination Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Aragno
- ISPRA Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Wildlife Coordination Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina La Morgia
- ISPRA Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Wildlife Coordination Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Genovesi
- ISPRA Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Wildlife Coordination Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Richard Bischof
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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2
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Marucco F, Reinhardt I, Avanzinelli E, Zimmermann F, Manz R, Potočnik H, Černe R, Rauer G, Walter T, Knauer F, Chapron G, Duchamp C. Transboundary Monitoring of the Wolf Alpine Population over 21 Years and Seven Countries. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3551. [PMID: 38003168 PMCID: PMC10668717 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223551] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Wolves have large spatial requirements and their expansion in Europe is occurring over national boundaries, hence the need to develop monitoring programs at the population level. Wolves in the Alps are defined as a functional population and management unit. The range of this wolf Alpine population now covers seven countries: Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Liechtenstein and Germany, making the development of a joint and coordinated monitoring program particularly challenging. In the framework of the Wolf Alpine Group (WAG), researchers developed uniform criteria for the assessment and interpretation of field data collected in the frame of different national monitoring programs. This standardization allowed for data comparability across borders and the joint evaluation of distribution and consistency at the population level. We documented the increase in the number of wolf reproductive units (packs and pairs) over 21 years, from 1 in 1993-1994 up to 243 units in 2020-2021, and examined the pattern of expansion over the Alps. This long-term and large-scale approach is a successful example of transboundary monitoring of a large carnivore population that, despite administrative fragmentation, provides robust indexes of population size and distribution that are of relevance for wolf conservation and management at the transnational Alpine scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marucco
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Ilka Reinhardt
- LUPUS-German Institute for Wolf Monitoring and Research, Dorfaue 9, 02979 Spreewitz, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Elisa Avanzinelli
- Centro Grandi Carnivori, Ente di Gestione Aree Protette Alpi Marittime, Piazza Regina Elena 30, Valdieri, 12010 Cuneo, Italy
| | - Fridolin Zimmermann
- KORA-Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management, Talgut Zentrum 5, CH-3063 Ittigen, Switzerland
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Manz
- KORA-Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management, Talgut Zentrum 5, CH-3063 Ittigen, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Potočnik
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Černe
- Slovenia Forest Service, Večna Pot 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Georg Rauer
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstr. 1, A-1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresa Walter
- Conservation Medicine Unit, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstr. 1, A-1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Knauer
- Conservation Medicine Unit, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstr. 1, A-1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Guillaume Chapron
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 739-93 Riddarhyttan, Sweden
| | - Christophe Duchamp
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Department of Research and Expertise, Parc Micropolis, F-05000 Gap, France
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3
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Poutanen J, Fuller AK, Pusenius J, Royle JA, Wikström M, Brommer JE. Density-habitat relationships of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) in Finland. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9711. [PMID: 36644703 PMCID: PMC9831969 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9711] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In heterogeneous landscapes, resource selection constitutes a crucial link between landscape and population-level processes such as density. We conducted a non-invasive genetic study of white-tailed deer in southern Finland in 2016 and 2017 using fecal DNA samples to understand factors influencing white-tailed deer density and space use in late summer prior to the hunting season. We estimated deer density as a function of landcover types using a spatial capture-recapture (SCR) model with individual identities established using microsatellite markers. The study revealed second-order habitat selection with highest deer densities in fields and mixed forest, and third-order habitat selection (detection probability) for transitional woodlands (clear-cuts) and closeness to fields. Including landscape heterogeneity improved model fit and increased inferred total density compared with models assuming a homogenous landscape. Our findings underline the importance of including habitat covariates when estimating density and exemplifies that resource selection can be studied using non-invasive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Poutanen
- Department of BiologyUniversity Hill, University of TurkuTurkuFinland,Natural Resources Institute FinlandTurkuFinland
| | - Angela K. Fuller
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, U.S. Geological Survey, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | | | - J. Andrew Royle
- U.S. Geological SurveyEastern Ecological Science CenterLaurelMarylandUSA
| | | | - Jon E. Brommer
- Department of BiologyUniversity Hill, University of TurkuTurkuFinland,NOVIA University of Applied SciencesEkenäsFinland
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4
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Zhang W, Chipperfield JD, Illian JB, Dupont P, Milleret C, de Valpine P, Bischof R. A flexible and efficient Bayesian implementation of point process models for spatial capture-recapture data. Ecology 2023; 104:e3887. [PMID: 36217822 PMCID: PMC10078592 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Spatial capture-recapture (SCR) is now routinely used for estimating abundance and density of wildlife populations. A standard SCR model includes sub-models for the distribution of individual activity centers (ACs) and for individual detections conditional on the locations of these ACs. Both sub-models can be expressed as point processes taking place in continuous space, but there is a lack of accessible and efficient tools to fit such models in a Bayesian paradigm. Here, we describe a set of custom functions and distributions to achieve this. Our work allows for more efficient model fitting with spatial covariates on population density, offers the option to fit SCR models using the semi-complete data likelihood (SCDL) approach instead of data augmentation, and better reflects the spatially continuous detection process in SCR studies that use area searches. In addition, the SCDL approach is more efficient than data augmentation for simple SCR models while losing its advantages for more complicated models that account for spatial variation in either population density or detection. We present the model formulation, test it with simulations, quantify computational efficiency gains, and conclude with a real-life example using non-invasive genetic sampling data for an elusive large carnivore, the wolverine (Gulo gulo) in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA.,School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joseph D Chipperfield
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Trondheim, Norway.,Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Høyteknologisenteret, Bergen, Norway
| | - Janine B Illian
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pierre Dupont
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Cyril Milleret
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Perry de Valpine
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Richard Bischof
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Trondheim, Norway
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5
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McMurry S, Moeller AK, Goerz J, Robinson HS. Using space to event modeling to estimate density of multiple species in northeastern Washington. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sierra McMurry
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Anna K. Moeller
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - James Goerz
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812 USA
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6
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Paterson JT, Proffitt KM, DeCesare NJ, Gude JA, Hebblewhite M. Evaluating the summer landscapes of predation risk and forage quality for elk ( Cervus canadensis). Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9201. [PMID: 35979523 PMCID: PMC9366754 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9201] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The recovery of carnivore populations in North American has consequences for trophic interactions and population dynamics of prey. In addition to direct effects on prey populations through killing, predators can influence prey behavior by imposing the risk of predation. The mechanisms through which patterns of space use by predators are linked to behavioral response by prey and nonconsumptive effects on prey population dynamics are poorly understood. Our goal was to characterize population‐ and individual‐level patterns of resource selection by elk (Cervus canadensis) in response to risk of wolves (Canis lupus) and mountain lions (Puma concolor) and evaluate potential nonconsumptive effects of these behavioral patterns. We tested the hypothesis that individual elk risk‐avoidance behavior during summer would result in exposure to lower‐quality forage and reduced body fat and pregnancy rates. First, we evaluated individuals' second‐order and third‐order resource selection with a used‐available sampling design. At the population level, we found evidence for a positive relationship between second‐ and third‐order selection and forage, and an interaction between forage quality and mountain lion risk such that the relative probability of use at low mountain lion risk increased with forage quality but decreased at high risk at both orders of selection. We found no evidence of a population‐level trade‐off between forage quality and wolf risk. However, we found substantial among‐individual heterogeneity in resource selection patterns such that population‐level patterns were potentially misleading. We found no evidence that the diversity of individual resource selection patterns varied predictably with available resources, or that patterns of individual risk‐related resource selection translated into biologically meaningful changes in body fat or pregnancy rates. Our work highlights the importance of evaluating individual responses to predation risk and predator hunting technique when assessing responses to predators and suggests nonconsumptive effects are not operating at a population scale in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences University of Montana Missoula Montana USA
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7
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Review of puma density estimates reveals sources of bias and variation, and the need for standardization. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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8
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Peterson CJ, DeCesare NJ, Hayes TA, Bishop CJ, Mitchell MS. Consequences of migratory strategy on habitat selection by mule deer. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Collin J. Peterson
- Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula 59812 MT USA
| | - Nicholas J. DeCesare
- Montana Department of Fish Wildlife, and Parks 3201 Spurgin Road Missoula 59804 MT USA
| | - Teagan A. Hayes
- Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula 59812 MT USA
| | - Chad J. Bishop
- Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula 59812 MT USA
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9
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Dupont P, Milleret C, Tourani M, Brøseth H, Bischof R. Integrating dead recoveries in open‐population spatial capture–recapture models. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P. Dupont
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences PB 5003 ÅsNO‐1432Norway
| | - C. Milleret
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences PB 5003 ÅsNO‐1432Norway
| | - M. Tourani
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences PB 5003 ÅsNO‐1432Norway
| | - H. Brøseth
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology Norwegian Institute for Nature Research PB 5685 Torgarden TrondheimNO‐7485Norway
| | - R. Bischof
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences PB 5003 ÅsNO‐1432Norway
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10
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Howell PE, Terhune TM, Martin JA. Edge density affects demography of an exploited grassland bird. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paige E. Howell
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens Georgia30602USA
| | | | - James A. Martin
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens Georgia30602USA
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11
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Logan KA, Runge JP. Effects of Hunting on a Puma Population in Colorado. WILDLIFE MONOGRAPHS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wmon.1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A. Logan
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 2300 S. Townsend Avenue Montrose CO 81401 USA
| | - Jonathan P. Runge
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 317 W. Prospect Road Fort Collins CO 80526 USA
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12
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Russell RE, Walsh DP, Samuel MD, Grunnill MD, Rocke TE. Space matters: host spatial structure and the dynamics of plague transmission. Ecol Modell 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2021.109450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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13
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Beausoleil RA, Welfelt LS, Keren IN, Kertson BN, Maletzke BT, Koehler GM. Long‐Term Evaluation of Cougar Density and Application of Risk Analysis for Harvest Management. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Beausoleil
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 3515 State Highway 97A Wenatchee WA 98801 USA
| | - Lindsay S. Welfelt
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 3860 State Highway 97A Wenatchee WA 98801 USA
| | - Ilai N. Keren
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 600 Capitol Way N Olympia WA 98801 USA
| | - Brian N. Kertson
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 7007 Curtis Drive SE Snoqualmie WA 98065 USA
| | - Benjamin T. Maletzke
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 1130 W. University Way Ellensburg WA 98943 USA
| | - Gary M. Koehler
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 2218 Stephanie Brooke Wenatchee WA 98801 USA
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14
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Assumptions about fence permeability influence density estimates for brown hyaenas across South Africa. Sci Rep 2021; 11:620. [PMID: 33436644 PMCID: PMC7804016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77188-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Wildlife population density estimates provide information on the number of individuals in an area and influence conservation management decisions. Thus, accuracy is vital. A dominant feature in many landscapes globally is fencing, yet the implications of fence permeability on density estimation using spatial capture-recapture modelling are seldom considered. We used camera trap data from 15 fenced reserves across South Africa to examine the density of brown hyaenas (Parahyaena brunnea). We estimated density and modelled its relationship with a suite of covariates when fenced reserve boundaries were assumed to be permeable or impermeable to hyaena movements. The best performing models were those that included only the influence of study site on both hyaena density and detection probability, regardless of assumptions of fence permeability. When fences were considered impermeable, densities ranged from 2.55 to 15.06 animals per 100 km2, but when fences were considered permeable, density estimates were on average 9.52 times lower (from 0.17 to 1.59 animals per 100 km2). Fence permeability should therefore be an essential consideration when estimating density, especially since density results can considerably influence wildlife management decisions. In the absence of strong evidence to the contrary, future studies in fenced areas should assume some degree of permeability in order to avoid overestimating population density.
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15
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Woodruff SP, Eacker DR, Waits LP. Estimating Coyote Densities with Local, Discrete Bayesian Capture‐Recapture Models. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susannah P. Woodruff
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow ID 83844‐1136 USA
| | - Daniel R. Eacker
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation 802 Third Street Douglas AK 99824 USA
| | - Lisette P. Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive Moscow ID 83844 USA
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16
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Proffitt KM, Garrott R, Gude JA, Hebblewhite M, Jimenez B, Paterson JT, Rotella J. Integrated Carnivore‐Ungulate Management: A Case Study in West‐Central Montana. WILDLIFE MONOGRAPHS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wmon.1056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Proffitt
- Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks 1400 South 19th Street Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Robert Garrott
- Department of Ecology, Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management Program Montana State University 310 Lewis Hall Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Justin A. Gude
- Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks 1420 E 6th Ave Helena MT 59620 USA
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Benjamin Jimenez
- Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks 3201 Spurgin Road Missoula MT 59804 USA
| | - J. Terrill Paterson
- Department of Ecology Montana State University 310 Lewis Hall Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Jay Rotella
- Department of Ecology Montana State University 310 Lewis Hall Bozeman MT 59718 USA
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17
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Loonam KE, Ausband DE, Lukacs PM, Mitchell MS, Robinson HS. Estimating Abundance of an Unmarked, Low‐Density Species using Cameras. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth E. Loonam
- Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana 205 Natural Sciences Building Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - David E. Ausband
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game 2885 Kathleen Avenue Coeur d'Alene ID 83815 USA
| | - Paul M. Lukacs
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812
| | - Michael S. Mitchell
- U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana 205 Natural Sciences Building Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Hugh S. Robinson
- Panthera and Wildlife Biology Program, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 205 Natural Sciences Building Missoula MT 59812 USA
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18
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Dellinger JA, Gustafson KD, Gammons DJ, Ernest HB, Torres SG. Minimum habitat thresholds required for conserving mountain lion genetic diversity. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:10687-10696. [PMID: 33072289 PMCID: PMC7548186 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Jointly considering the ecology (e.g., habitat use) and genetics (e.g., population genetic structure and diversity) of a species can increase understanding of current conservation status and inform future management practices. Previous analyses indicate that mountain lion (Puma concolor) populations in California are genetically structured and exhibit extreme variation in population genetic diversity. Although human development may have fragmented gene flow, we hypothesized the quantity and quality of remaining habitat available would affect the genetic viability of each population. Our results indicate that area of suitable habitat, determined via a resource selection function derived using 843,500 location fixes from 263 radio‐collared mountain lions, is strongly and positively associated with population genetic diversity and viability metrics, particularly with effective population size. Our results suggested that contiguous habitat of ≥10,000 km2 may be sufficient to alleviate the negative effects of genetic drift and inbreeding, allowing mountain lion populations to maintain suitable effective population sizes. Areas occupied by five of the nine geographic–genetic mountain lion populations in California fell below this habitat threshold, and two (Santa Monica Area and Santa Ana) of those five populations lack connectivity to nearby populations. Enhancing ecological conditions by protection of greater areas of suitable habitat and facilitating positive evolutionary processes by increasing connectivity (e.g., road‐crossing structures) might promote persistence of small or isolated populations. The conservation status of suitable habitat also appeared to influence genetic diversity of populations. Thus, our results demonstrate that both the area and status (i.e., protected or unprotected) of suitable habitat influence the genetic viability of mountain lion populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyle D Gustafson
- Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University Jonesboro Arkansas USA.,Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Daniel J Gammons
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sacramento California USA
| | - Holly B Ernest
- Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Steven G Torres
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sacramento California USA
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19
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Milleret C, Dupont P, Chipperfield J, Turek D, Brøseth H, Gimenez O, Valpine P, Bischof R. Estimating abundance with interruptions in data collection using open population spatial capture–recapture models. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Milleret
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås NO‐1432 Norway
| | - Pierre Dupont
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås NO‐1432 Norway
| | - Joseph Chipperfield
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås NO‐1432 Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research Bergen NO‐5008 Norway
| | - Daniel Turek
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics Williams College Williamstown Massachusetts 01267 USA
| | - Henrik Brøseth
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research Trondheim NO‐7485 Norway
| | - Olivier Gimenez
- CEFE University of Montpellier CNRS University of Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 EPHE IRD Montpellier France
| | - Perry Valpine
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management University of California Berkeley Berkeley California 94720 USA
| | - Richard Bischof
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås NO‐1432 Norway
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20
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Ben‐David M. Overcoming the Monograph‐Writing Challenge. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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21
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Fabiano EC, Sutherland C, Fuller AK, Nghikembua M, Eizirik E, Marker L. Trends in cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
density in north‐central Namibia. POPUL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.12045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Sutherland
- Department of Environmental Conservation University of Massachusetts‐Amherst Amherst Massachusetts
| | - Angela K. Fuller
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources Cornell University Ithaca New York
| | | | - Eduardo Eizirik
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
- Instituto Pró‐Carnívoros Atibaia Brazil
| | - Laurie Marker
- Ecology Division Cheetah Conservation Fund Otjiwarongo Namibia
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22
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Dellinger JA, Cristescu B, Ewanyk J, Gammons DJ, Garcelon D, Johnston P, Martins Q, Thompson C, Vickers TW, Wilmers CC, Wittmer HU, Torres SG. Using Mountain Lion Habitat Selection in Management. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin A. Dellinger
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 1701 Nimbus Rd., Suite D Rancho Cordova CA 95670 USA
| | - Bogdan Cristescu
- Center for Integrated Spatial Research, Environmental Studies Department University of California 1156 High St. Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Jonathan Ewanyk
- Institute for Wildlife Studies PO Box 1104 Arcata CA 95518 USA
| | - Daniel J. Gammons
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 787 N Main St., Suite 220 Bishop CA 93514 USA
| | - David Garcelon
- Institute for Wildlife Studies PO Box 1104 Arcata CA 95518 USA
| | | | | | - Craig Thompson
- United States Forest Service, Northern Region 26 Fort Missoula Rd. Missoula MT 59804 USA
| | - T. Winston Vickers
- Wildlife Health Center University of California 1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr. Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - Christopher C. Wilmers
- Center for Integrated Spatial Research, Environmental Studies Department University of California 1156 High St. Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Heiko U. Wittmer
- School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 NZ
| | - Steven G. Torres
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 1701 Nimbus Rd., Suite D Rancho Cordova CA 95670 USA
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23
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Dellinger JA, Darby NW, Torres SG. FACTORS INFLUENCING OCCUPANCY AND DETECTION RATES OF MOUNTAIN LIONS IN THE MOJAVE DESERT OF CALIFORNIA. SOUTHWEST NAT 2019. [DOI: 10.1894/0038-4909-63-4-248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin A. Dellinger
- Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (JAD, SGT)
| | - Neal W. Darby
- Mojave National Preserve, 2701 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311 (NWD)
| | - Steven G. Torres
- Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (JAD, SGT)
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24
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Alldredge MW, Blecha T, Lewis JH. Less invasive monitoring of cougars in Colorado's front range. WILDLIFE SOC B 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mat W. Alldredge
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 317 W Prospect RoadFort Collins CO 80526 USA
| | - Tasha Blecha
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 317 W Prospect RoadFort Collins CO 80526 USA
| | - Jonathan H. Lewis
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 317 W Prospect RoadFort Collins CO 80526 USA
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25
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Paterson JT, Proffitt K, Jimenez B, Rotella J, Garrott R. Simulation-based validation of spatial capture-recapture models: A case study using mountain lions. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215458. [PMID: 31002709 PMCID: PMC6474654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models have improved the ability to estimate densities of rare and elusive animals. However, SCR models have seldom been validated even as model formulations diversify and expand to incorporate new sampling methods and/or additional sources of information on model parameters. Information on the relationship between encounter probabilities, sources of additional information, and the reliability of density estimates, is rare but crucial to assessing reliability of SCR-based estimates. We used a simulation-based approach that incorporated prior empirical work to assess the accuracy and precision of density estimates from SCR models using spatially unstructured sampling. To assess the consequences of sparse data and potential sources of bias, we simulated data under six scenarios corresponding to three different levels of search effort and two levels of correlation between search effort and animal density. We then estimated density for each scenario using four models that included increasing amounts of information from harvested individuals and telemetry to evaluate the impact of additional sources of information. Model results were sensitive to the quantity of available information: density estimates based on low search effort were biased high and imprecise, whereas estimates based on high search effort were unbiased and precise. A correlation between search effort and animal density resulted in a positive bias in density estimates, though the bias decreased with increasingly informative datasets. Adding information from harvested individuals and telemetered individuals improved density estimates based on low and moderate effort but had negligible impact for datasets resulting from high effort. We demonstrated that density estimates from SCR models using spatially unstructured sampling are reliable when sufficient information is provided. Accurate density estimates can result if empirical-based simulations such as those presented here are used to develop study designs with appropriate amounts of effort and information sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Terrill Paterson
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kelly Proffitt
- Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Ben Jimenez
- Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Jay Rotella
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Robert Garrott
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
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26
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Murphy SM, Wilckens DT, Augustine BC, Peyton MA, Harper GC. Improving estimation of puma (Puma concolor) population density: clustered camera-trapping, telemetry data, and generalized spatial mark-resight models. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4590. [PMID: 30872785 PMCID: PMC6418282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Obtaining reliable population density estimates for pumas (Puma concolor) and other cryptic, wide-ranging large carnivores is challenging. Recent advancements in spatially explicit capture-recapture models have facilitated development of novel survey approaches, such as clustered sampling designs, which can provide reliable density estimation for expansive areas with reduced effort. We applied clustered sampling to camera-traps to detect marked (collared) and unmarked pumas, and used generalized spatial mark-resight (SMR) models to estimate puma population density across 15,314 km2 in the southwestern USA. Generalized SMR models outperformed conventional SMR models. Integrating telemetry data from collars on marked pumas with detection data from camera-traps substantially improved density estimates by informing cryptic activity (home range) center transiency and improving estimation of the SMR home range parameter. Modeling sex of unmarked pumas as a partially identifying categorical covariate further improved estimates. Our density estimates (0.84–1.65 puma/100 km2) were generally more precise (CV = 0.24–0.31) than spatially explicit estimates produced from other puma sampling methods, including biopsy darting, scat detection dogs, and regular camera-trapping. This study provides an illustrative example of the effectiveness and flexibility of our combined sampling and analytical approach for reliably estimating density of pumas and other wildlife across geographically expansive areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Murphy
- Wildlife Management Division, New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, Santa Fe, 87507, USA. .,Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, 40546, USA.
| | - David T Wilckens
- Wildlife Management Division, New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, Santa Fe, 87507, USA
| | - Ben C Augustine
- Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, 14853, USA
| | - Mark A Peyton
- Valles Caldera National Preserve, U.S. National Park Service, Jemez Springs, 87025, USA
| | - Glenn C Harper
- Department of Natural Resources, Pueblo of Santa Ana, Santa Ana Pueblo, 87004, USA
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27
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Johnson BK, Jackson DH, Cook RC, Clark DA, Coe PK, Cook JG, Rearden SN, Findholt SL, Noyes JH. Roles of maternal condition and predation in survival of juvenile Elk in Oregon. WILDLIFE MONOGRAPHS 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wmon.1039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce K. Johnson
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; 1401 Gekeler Lane La Grande OR 97850 USA
| | - Dewaine H. Jackson
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; 4192 N. Umpqua Highway Roseburg OR 97470 USA
| | - Rachel C. Cook
- National Council for Air and Stream Improvement; 1401 Gekeler Lane La Grande OR 97850 USA
| | - Darren A. Clark
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; 1401 Gekeler Lane La Grande OR 97850 USA
| | - Priscilla K. Coe
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; 1401 Gekeler Lane La Grande OR 97850 USA
| | - John G. Cook
- National Council for Air and Stream Improvement; 1401 Gekeler Lane La Grande OR 97850 USA
| | - Spencer N. Rearden
- Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Oregon State University; Corvallis OR 97331 USA
| | - Scott L. Findholt
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; 1401 Gekeler Lane La Grande OR 97850 USA
| | - James H. Noyes
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; 1401 Gekeler Lane La Grande OR 97850 USA
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28
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Cayuela H, Rougemont Q, Prunier JG, Moore JS, Clobert J, Besnard A, Bernatchez L. Demographic and genetic approaches to study dispersal in wild animal populations: A methodological review. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:3976-4010. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Cayuela
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS); Université Laval; Québec City Québec Canada
| | - Quentin Rougemont
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS); Université Laval; Québec City Québec Canada
| | - Jérôme G. Prunier
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale; Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5321; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS); Université Paul Sabatier (UPS); Moulis France
| | - Jean-Sébastien Moore
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS); Université Laval; Québec City Québec Canada
| | - Jean Clobert
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale; Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5321; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS); Université Paul Sabatier (UPS); Moulis France
| | - Aurélien Besnard
- CNRS; PSL Research University; EPHE; UM, SupAgro, IRD; INRA; UMR 5175 CEFE; Montpellier France
| | - Louis Bernatchez
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS); Université Laval; Québec City Québec Canada
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29
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Miller JRB, Pitman RT, Mann GKH, Fuller AK, Balme GA. Lions and leopards coexist without spatial, temporal or demographic effects of interspecific competition. J Anim Ecol 2018; 87:1709-1726. [PMID: 30010193 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although interspecific competition plays a principal role in shaping species behaviour and demography, little is known about the population-level outcomes of competition between large carnivores, and the mechanisms that facilitate coexistence. We conducted a multilandscape analysis of two widely distributed, threatened large carnivore competitors to offer insight into coexistence strategies and assist with species-level conservation. We evaluated how interference competition affects occupancy, temporal activity and population density of a dominant competitor, the lion (Panthera leo), and its subordinate competitor, the leopard (Panthera pardus). We collected camera-trap data over 3 years in 10 study sites covering 5,070 km2 . We used multispecies occupancy modelling to assess spatial responses in varying environmental and prey conditions and competitor presence, and examined temporal overlap and the relationship between lion and leopard densities across sites and years. Results showed that both lion and leopard occupancy was independent of-rather than conditional on-their competitor's presence across all environmental covariates. Marginal occupancy probability for leopard was higher in areas with more bushy, "hideable" habitat, human (tourist) activity and topographic ruggedness, whereas lion occupancy decreased with increasing hideable habitat and increased with higher abundance of very large prey. Temporal overlap was high between carnivores, and there was no detectable relationship between species densities. Lions pose a threat to the survival of individual leopards, but they exerted no tractable influence on leopard spatial or temporal dynamics. Furthermore, lions did not appear to suppress leopard populations, suggesting that intraguild competitors can coexist in the same areas without population decline. Aligned conservation strategies that promote functioning ecosystems, rather than target individual species, are therefore advised to achieve cost- and space-effective conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R B Miller
- Panthera, New York, New York.,Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.,Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Ross T Pitman
- Panthera, New York, New York.,Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gareth K H Mann
- Panthera, New York, New York.,Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Angela K Fuller
- New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Guy A Balme
- Panthera, New York, New York.,Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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30
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Linden DW, Sirén APK, Pekins PJ. Integrating telemetry data into spatial capture–recapture modifies inferences on multi‐scale resource selection. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W. Linden
- New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Department of Natural Resources Cornell University Ithaca New York 14853 USA
| | - Alexej P. K. Sirén
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment University of New Hampshire Durham New Hampshire 03824 USA
| | - Peter J. Pekins
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment University of New Hampshire Durham New Hampshire 03824 USA
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31
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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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32
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Mitchell MS, Cooley H, Gude JA, Kolbe J, Nowak JJ, Proffitt KM, Sells SN, Thompson M. Distinguishing values from science in decision making: Setting harvest quotas for mountain lions in Montana. WILDLIFE SOC B 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Mitchell
- U.S. Geological Survey; Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit; 205 Natural Sciences Building; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Hilary Cooley
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; University Hall; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Justin A. Gude
- Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; 1420 E 6th Avenue Helena MT 59620 USA
| | - Jay Kolbe
- Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; P.O. Box 527 White Sulphur Springs MT 59645 USA
| | - J. Joshua Nowak
- Wildlife Biology Program; Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences; W. A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Kelly M. Proffitt
- Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; 1400 S 19th Avenue Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Sarah N. Sells
- Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit; 205 Natural Sciences Building; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Mike Thompson
- Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; 3201 Spurgin Road Missoula MT 59804 USA
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33
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Anile S, Devillard S. Camera-trapping provides insights into adult sex ratio variability in felids. Mamm Rev 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Anile
- Via Fratelli Bandiera 79, Gravina di Catania (CT) 95030 Sicily Italy
| | - Sebastien Devillard
- University of Lyon; Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; CNRS; Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive; Villeurbanne F-69100 France
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34
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Whittington J, Hebblewhite M, Chandler RB. Generalized spatial mark-resight models with an application to grizzly bears. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Whittington
- Parks Canada; Banff National Park Resource Conservation; Banff AB Canada
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program; Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences; College of Forestry and Conservation; University of Montana; Missoula MT USA
| | - Richard B. Chandler
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources; University of Georgia; Athens GA USA
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35
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Xiao W, Feng L, Mou P, Miquelle DG, Hebblewhite M, Goldberg JF, Robinson HS, Zhao X, Zhou B, Wang T, Ge J. Estimating abundance and density of Amur tigers along the Sino-Russian border. Integr Zool 2017; 11:322-32. [PMID: 27136188 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
As an apex predator the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) could play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems in Northeast Asia. Due to habitat loss and harvest over the past century, tigers rapidly declined in China and are now restricted to the Russian Far East and bordering habitat in nearby China. To facilitate restoration of the tiger in its historical range, reliable estimates of population size are essential to assess effectiveness of conservation interventions. Here we used camera trap data collected in Hunchun National Nature Reserve from April to June 2013 and 2014 to estimate tiger density and abundance using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) methods. A minimum of 8 individuals were detected in both sample periods and the documentation of marking behavior and reproduction suggests the presence of a resident population. Using Bayesian SECR modeling within the 11 400 km(2) state space, density estimates were 0.33 and 0.40 individuals/100 km(2) in 2013 and 2014, respectively, corresponding to an estimated abundance of 38 and 45 animals for this transboundary Sino-Russian population. In a maximum likelihood framework, we estimated densities of 0.30 and 0.24 individuals/100 km(2) corresponding to abundances of 34 and 27, in 2013 and 2014, respectively. These density estimates are comparable to other published estimates for resident Amur tiger populations in the Russian Far East. This study reveals promising signs of tiger recovery in Northeast China, and demonstrates the importance of connectivity between the Russian and Chinese populations for recovering tigers in Northeast China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Engineering, and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Limin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Engineering, and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Engineering, and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Dale G Miquelle
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Ecology, Far Eastern Federal University, Ayaks, Russki Island, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Joshua F Goldberg
- Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology Program, Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | | | - Xiaodan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Engineering, and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Engineering, and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Engineering, and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Engineering, and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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36
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Proffitt KM, Hebblewhite M, Peters W, Hupp N, Shamhart J. Linking landscape-scale differences in forage to ungulate nutritional ecology. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:2156-2174. [PMID: 27755722 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how habitat and nutritional condition affect ungulate populations is necessary for informing management, particularly in areas experiencing carnivore recovery and declining ungulate population trends. Variations in forage species availability, plant phenological stage, and the abundance of forage make it challenging to understand landscape-level effects of nutrition on ungulates. We developed an integrated spatial modeling approach to estimate landscape-level elk (Cervus elaphus) nutritional resources in two adjacent study areas that differed in coarse measures of habitat quality and related the consequences of differences in nutritional resources to elk body condition and pregnancy rates. We found no support for differences in dry matter digestibility between plant samples or in phenological stage based on ground sampling plots in the two study areas. Our index of nutritional resources, measured as digestible forage biomass, varied among land cover types and between study areas. We found that altered plant composition following fires was the biggest driver of differences in nutritional resources, suggesting that maintaining a mosaic of fire history and distribution will likely benefit ungulate populations. Study area, lactation status, and year affected fall body fat of adult female elk. Elk in the study area exposed to lower summer range nutritional resources had lower nutritional condition entering winter. These differences in nutritional condition resulted in differences in pregnancy rate, with average pregnancy rates of 89% for elk exposed to higher nutritional resources and 72% for elk exposed to lower nutritional resources. Summer range nutritional resources have the potential to limit elk pregnancy rate and calf production, and these nutritional limitations may predispose elk to be more sensitive to the effects of harvest or predation. Wildlife managers should identify ungulate populations that are nutritionally limited and recognize that these populations may be more impacted by recovering carnivores or harvest than populations inhabiting more productive summer habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Proffitt
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 1400 South 19th Street, Bozeman, Montana, 59715, USA.
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem Sciences, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, 59812, USA
| | - Wibke Peters
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem Sciences, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, 59812, USA
| | - Nicole Hupp
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem Sciences, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, 59812, USA
- Wildlife Biology Program, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, 59812, USA
| | - Julee Shamhart
- Wildlife Biology Program, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, 59812, USA
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana, 59804, USA
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37
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Beausoleil RA, Clark JD, Maletzke BT. A long-term evaluation of biopsy darts and DNA to estimate cougar density: An agency-citizen science collaboration. WILDLIFE SOC B 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Beausoleil
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 3515 State Highway 97A Wenatchee WA 98801 USA
| | - Joseph D. Clark
- United States Geological Survey, Southern Appalachian Field Branch; University of Tennessee; Knoxville TN 37902 USA
| | - Benjamin T. Maletzke
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; P.O. Box 238 South Cle Elum WA 98943 USA
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38
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Eacker DR, Hebblewhite M, Proffitt KM, Jimenez BS, Mitchell MS, Robinson HS. Annual elk calf survival in a multiple carnivore system. J Wildl Manage 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Eacker
- Wildlife Biology Program; College of Forestry and Conservation; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program; Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences; College of Forestry and Conservation; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Kelly M. Proffitt
- Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks; 1400 South 19th Street Bozeman MT 59718 USA
| | - Benjamin S. Jimenez
- Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks; 3201 Spurgin Road Missoula MT 59804 USA
| | - Michael S. Mitchell
- US Geological Survey; Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit; University of Montana; 205 Natural Science Building Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Hugh S. Robinson
- Director, Landscape Analysis Lab, Panthera; New York NY 10018 USA
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