1
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Nams VO, Parker DM, Weise FJ, Patterson BD, Buij R, Radloff FGT, Vanak AT, Tumenta PN, Hayward MW, Swanepoel LH, Funston PJ, Bauer H, Power RJ, O'Brien J, O'Brien TG, Tambling CJ, de Iongh HH, Ferreira SM, Owen‐Smith N, Cain JW, Fattebert J, Croes BM, Spong G, Loveridge AJ, Houser AM, Golabek KA, Begg CM, Grant T, Trethowan P, Musyoki C, Menges V, Creel S, Balme GA, Pitman RT, Bissett C, Jenny D, Schuette P, Wilmers CC, Hunter LTB, Kinnaird MF, Begg KS, Owen CR, Steyn V, Bockmuehl D, Munro SJ, Mann GKH, du Preez BD, Marker LL, Huqa TJ, Cozzi G, Frank LG, Nyoni P, Stein AB, Kasiki SM, Macdonald DW, Martins QE, van Vuuren RJ, Stratford KJ, Bidner LR, Oriol‐Cotteril A, Maputla NW, Maruping‐Mzileni N, Parker T, van't Zelfde M, Isbell LA, Beukes OB, Beukes M. Spatial patterns of large African cats: a large‐scale study on density, home range size, and home range overlap of lions
Panthera leo
and leopards
Panthera pardus. Mamm Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vilis O. Nams
- Department of Plant, Food and Environmental Scienes, Faculty of Agriculture Dalhousie University Truro NS B2N 5E3 Canada
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University P.O. Box 94 Grahamstown 6140 South Africa
| | - Dan M. Parker
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University P.O. Box 94 Grahamstown 6140 South Africa
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences University of Mpumalanga Nelspruit 1200 South Africa
| | - Florian J. Weise
- Centre for Wildlife Management University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 South Africa
- CLAWS Conservancy, Pride in Our Prides Worcester MA 01608 USA
- N/a'an ku sê Research Programme P.O. Box 99292 Windhoek Namibia
| | - Bruce D. Patterson
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center Field Museum of Natural History Chicago IL 60605 USA
| | - Ralph Buij
- Animal Ecology Group Wageningen University & Research Droevendaalsesteeg 3A 6708 PB Wageningen The Netherlands
- The Peregrine Fund 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane Boise ID 83709 USA
| | - Frans G. T. Radloff
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences Cape Peninsula University of Technology P.O. Box 652 Cape Town 8000 South Africa
| | - Abi Tamim Vanak
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment Bangalore 560064 India
- School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban 3629 South Africa
| | - Pricelia N. Tumenta
- Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences University of Dschang P.O. Box 138 Yaounde Cameroon
- Regional Training Centre Specialized in Agriculture, Forestry‐wood and Environment (CRESA Foret Bois) University of Dschang P.O. Box 138 Yaounde Cameroon
| | - Matt W. Hayward
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and the Environment University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 South Africa
| | | | - Paul J. Funston
- Department of Nature Conservation Tshwane University of Technology Private Bag X680 Pretoria 0001 South Africa
- Panthera New York NY 10018 USA
| | - Hans Bauer
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Zoology Department University of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon OX13 5QL UK
| | - R. John Power
- Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism North West Provincial Government Mahikeng 2735 South Africa
| | - John O'Brien
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University P.O. Box 94 Grahamstown 6140 South Africa
| | - Timothy G. O'Brien
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Programs 2300 Southern Blvd. Bronx NY 10460 USA
| | - Craig J. Tambling
- Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Fort Hare Alice Eastern Cape 5700 South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria Pretoria 0028 South Africa
| | - Hans H. de Iongh
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department Biology University of Antwerp Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Building D 132 Antwerpen Belgium
- Institute of Environmental Sciences Leiden University Einsteinweg 2, P.O. Box 9518 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Sam M. Ferreira
- Scientific Services, SANParks Private Bag x 402 Skukuza 1350 South Africa
| | - Norman Owen‐Smith
- Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa
| | - James W. Cain
- Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Panthera New York NY 10018 USA
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban 4000 South Africa
| | - Barbara M. Croes
- Institute of Environmental Sciences Leiden University Einsteinweg 2, P.O. Box 9518 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Goran Spong
- Forestry and Environmental Resources College of Natural Resources, NCSU Raleigh 27695 USA
- Molecular Ecology Group Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies, SLU 90183 Umeå Sweden
| | - Andrew J. Loveridge
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Zoology Department University of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon OX13 5QL UK
| | - Ann Marie Houser
- Cheetah Conservation Botswana Private Bag 0457 Gaborone Botswana
| | | | - Colleen M. Begg
- Niassa Carnivore Project Private Bag X18 Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Tanith Grant
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University P.O. Box 94 Grahamstown 6140 South Africa
| | - Paul Trethowan
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Zoology Department University of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon OX13 5QL UK
| | | | - Vera Menges
- Department Evolutionary Ecology Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Alfred‐Kowalke‐Str. 17 D‐10315 Berlin Germany
| | - Scott Creel
- Department of Ecology Montana State University Bozeman MT 59717 USA
| | - Guy A. Balme
- Panthera New York NY 10018 USA
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa University of Cape Town Private Bag X3 Rondebosch 7701 South Africa
| | - Ross T. Pitman
- Panthera New York NY 10018 USA
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa University of Cape Town Private Bag X3 Rondebosch 7701 South Africa
| | - Charlene Bissett
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University P.O. Box 94 Grahamstown 6140 South Africa
- Scientific Services, SANParks Private Bag x 402 Skukuza 1350 South Africa
| | - David Jenny
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques 17 Rte de Dabou, Abidjan Ivory Coast
- Zoologisches Institut Universität Bern Baltzerstrasse 6 Bern 3012 Switzerland
| | - Paul Schuette
- Department of Ecology Montana State University Bozeman MT 59717 USA
| | | | - Luke T. B. Hunter
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Programs 2300 Southern Blvd. Bronx NY 10460 USA
- School of Biological and Conservation Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal, Westville Campus Private Bag X54001 Durban 4000 South Africa
| | | | - Keith S. Begg
- Niassa Carnivore Project Private Bag X18 Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Cailey R. Owen
- School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban 3629 South Africa
| | - Villiers Steyn
- Department of Nature Conservation Tshwane University of Technology Private Bag X680 Pretoria 0001 South Africa
| | - Dirk Bockmuehl
- Department Evolutionary Ecology Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Alfred‐Kowalke‐Str. 17 D‐10315 Berlin Germany
| | - Stuart J. Munro
- N/a'an ku sê Research Programme P.O. Box 99292 Windhoek Namibia
| | - Gareth K. H. Mann
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University P.O. Box 94 Grahamstown 6140 South Africa
- Panthera New York NY 10018 USA
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town Cape Town 7701 South Africa
- The Cape Leopard Trust Cape Town 7806 South Africa
| | - Byron D. du Preez
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Zoology Department University of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon OX13 5QL UK
| | | | - Tuqa J. Huqa
- Kenya Wildlife Service P.O. Box 40241 00100 Nairobi Kenya
| | - Gabriele Cozzi
- Botswana Predator Conservation Trust Private Bag 13 Maun Botswana
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies Zurich University Winterthurerstr. 190 Zürich 8057 Switzerland
| | - Laurence G. Frank
- Living with Lions, Mpala Research Centre P.O. Box 555 Nanyuki 10400 Kenya
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Phumuzile Nyoni
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University P.O. Box 94 Grahamstown 6140 South Africa
- Debshan Ranch PO Box 24 Shagani Zimbabwe
| | - Andrew B. Stein
- CLAWS Conservancy, Pride in Our Prides Worcester MA 01608 USA
- Department of Environmental Conservation University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
- Landmark College Putney VT 05346 USA
| | | | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Zoology Department University of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon OX13 5QL UK
| | - Quinton E. Martins
- The Cape Leopard Trust Cape Town 7806 South Africa
- True Wild LLC Glen Ellen CA USA
| | | | - Ken J. Stratford
- Ongava Research Centre 102A Nelson Mandela Avenue Windhoek Namibia
| | | | - Alayne Oriol‐Cotteril
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Zoology Department University of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon OX13 5QL UK
- Living With Lions, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Nakedi W. Maputla
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 South Africa
| | - Nkabeng Maruping‐Mzileni
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 South Africa
| | - Tim Parker
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University P.O. Box 94 Grahamstown 6140 South Africa
| | - Maarten van't Zelfde
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department Biology University of Antwerp Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Building D 132 Antwerpen Belgium
| | - Lynne A. Isbell
- Mpala Research Centre P.O. Box 555 Nanyuki 10400 Kenya
- Department of Anthropology University of California Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - Otto B. Beukes
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences Cape Peninsula University of Technology P.O. Box 652 Cape Town 8000 South Africa
| | - Maya Beukes
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences Cape Peninsula University of Technology P.O. Box 652 Cape Town 8000 South Africa
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2
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Braczkowski A, Gopalaswamy AM, Fattebert J, Isoke S, Bezzina A, Maron M. Spatially explicit population estimates of African leopards and spotted hyenas in the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area of southwestern Uganda. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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3
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Vissia S, Fattebert J, van Langevelde F. Leopard density and interspecific spatiotemporal interactions in a hyena-dominated landscape. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9365. [PMID: 36225822 PMCID: PMC9534747 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Scavenging is widespread in the carnivore guild and can greatly impact food web structures and population dynamics by either facilitation or suppression of sympatric carnivores. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, carnivores are increasingly forced into close sympatry, possibly resulting in more interactions such as kleptoparasitism and competition. In this paper, we investigate the potential for these interactions when carnivore densities are high. A camera trap survey was conducted in central Tuli, Botswana, to examine leopard Panthera pardus densities and spatiotemporal activity patterns of leopard and its most important competitors' brown hyena Parahyaena brunnea and spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta. Spatial capture-recapture models estimated leopard population density to be 12.7 ± 3.2 leopard/100 km2, which is one of the highest leopard densities in Africa. Time-to-event analyses showed both brown hyena and spotted hyena were observed more frequently before and after a leopard observation than expected by chance. The high spatiotemporal overlap of both hyena species with leopard is possibly explained by leopard providing scavenging opportunities for brown hyena and spotted hyena. Our results suggest that central Tuli is a high-density leopard area, despite possible intense kleptoparasitism and competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Vissia
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Julien Fattebert
- School of Life Sciences, Westville CampusUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Frank van Langevelde
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands,School of Life Sciences, Westville CampusUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
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4
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Nuñez TA, Hurley MA, Graves TA, Ortega AC, Sawyer H, Fattebert J, Merkle JA, Kauffman MJ. A statistical framework for modelling migration corridors. Methods Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tristan A. Nuñez
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Biology Department University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | | | - Tabitha A. Graves
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center West Glacier Montana USA
| | - Anna C. Ortega
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Program in Ecology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Hall Sawyer
- Western EcoSystems Technology (WEST), Inc. Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban South Africa
| | - Jerod A. Merkle
- Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Matthew J. Kauffman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Zoology and Physiology Department University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
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5
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Braczkowski A, Schenk R, Samarasinghe D, Biggs D, Richardson A, Swanson N, Swanson M, Dheer A, Fattebert J. Leopard and spotted hyena densities in the Lake Mburo National Park, southwestern Uganda. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12307. [PMID: 35127275 PMCID: PMC8801179 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Robust measures of animal densities are necessary for effective wildlife management. Leopards (Panthera pardus) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta Crocuta) are higher order predators that are data deficient across much of their East African range and in Uganda, excepting for one peer-reviewed study on hyenas, there are presently no credible population estimates for these species. A lack of information on the population status and even baseline densities of these species has ramifications as leopards are drawcards for the photo-tourism industry, and along with hyenas are often responsible for livestock depredations from pastoralist communities. Leopards are also sometimes hunted for sport. Establishing baseline density estimates for these species is urgently needed not only for population monitoring purposes, but in the design of sustainable management offtakes, and in assessing certain conservation interventions like financial compensation for livestock depredation. Accordingly, we ran a single-season survey of these carnivores in the Lake Mburo National Park of south-western Uganda using 60 remote camera traps distributed in a paired format at 30 locations. We analysed hyena and leopard detections under a Bayesian spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) modelling framework to estimate their densities. This small national park (370 km2) is surrounded by Bahima pastoralist communities with high densities of cattle on the park edge (with regular park incursions). Leopard densities were estimated at 6.31 individuals/100 km2 (posterior SD = 1.47, 95% CI [3.75-9.20]), and spotted hyena densities were 10.99 individuals/100 km2, but with wide confidence intervals (posterior SD = 3.35, 95% CI [5.63-17.37]). Leopard and spotted hyena abundance within the boundaries of the national park were 24.87 (posterior SD 7.78) and 39.07 individuals (posterior = SD 13.51) respectively. Leopard densities were on the middle end of SECR studies published in the peer-reviewed literature over the last 5 years while spotted hyena densities were some of the first reported in the literature using SECR, and similar to a study in Botswana which reported 11.80 spotted hyenas/100 km2. Densities were not noticeably lower at the park edge, and in the southwest of our study site, despite repeated cattle incursions into these areas. We postulate that the relatively high densities of both species in the region could be owed to impala Aepyceros melampus densities ranging from 16.6-25.6 impala/km2. Another, potential explanatory variable (albeit a speculative one) is the absence of interspecific competition from African lions (Panthera leo), which became functionally extinct (there is only one male lion present) in the park nearly two decades ago. This study provides the first robust population estimate of these species anywhere in Uganda and suggests leopards and spotted hyenas continue to persist in the highly modified landscape of Lake Mburo National Park.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Braczkowski
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China,Resilient Conservation Group, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia,School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela University, George Campus, George, Western Cape, South Africa
| | | | - Dinal Samarasinghe
- Wildlife Research and Nature Conservation Foundation (WRNCF), Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Duan Biggs
- Resilient Conservation Group, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia,School of Earth and Sustainability. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Az, USA,Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Allie Richardson
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland
| | | | | | - Arjun Dheer
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States,Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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6
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Snider MH, Athreya VR, Balme GA, Bidner LR, Farhadinia MS, Fattebert J, Gompper ME, Gubbi S, Hunter LTB, Isbell LA, Macdonald DW, Odden M, Owen CR, Slotow R, Spalton JA, Stein AB, Steyn V, Vanak AT, Weise FJ, Wilmers CC, Kays R. Home range variation in leopards living across the human density gradient. J Mammal 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Home range size is a fundamental measure of animal space use, providing insight into habitat quality, animal density, and social organization. Human impacts increasingly are affecting wildlife, especially among wide-ranging species that encounter anthropogenic disturbance. Leopards (Panthera pardus) provide a useful model for studying this relationship because leopards coexist with people at high and low human densities and are sensitive to human disturbance. To compare leopard home range size across a range of human densities and other environmental conditions, we combined animal tracking data from 74 leopards in multiple studies with new analytical techniques that accommodate different sampling regimes. We predicted that home ranges would be smaller in more productive habitats and areas of higher human population density due to possible linkage with leopard prey subsidies from domestic species. We also predicted that male leopards would have larger home ranges than those of females. Home ranges varied in size from 14.5 km2 in India to 885.6 km2 in Namibia, representing a 60-fold magnitude of variation. Home range stability was evident for 95.2% of nontranslocated individuals and 38.5% of translocated individuals. Leopard home range sizes were negatively correlated with landscape productivity, and males used larger areas than females. Leopards in open habitats had a predicted negative correlation in home range size with human population density, but leopards in closed habitats used larger home ranges in areas with more people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Snider
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Laura R Bidner
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Mohammed S Farhadinia
- Oxford Martin School and Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Future4Leopards Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Center for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Matthew E Gompper
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Sanjay Gubbi
- Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, Karnataka, India
- Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, Karnataka, India
| | - Luke T B Hunter
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Lynne A Isbell
- Mpala Research Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya
- Department of Anthropology and Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Oxfordshire, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Morten Odden
- Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Elverum, Norway
| | - Cailey R Owen
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Rob Slotow
- School of Life Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Scottsville, South Africa
| | | | - Andrew B Stein
- CLAWS Conservancy, 32 Pine Tree Drive, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
- Landmark College, Putney, VT, USA
| | | | - Abi T Vanak
- DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, Hyderabad, Telengana, India
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Christopher C Wilmers
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Roland Kays
- Biodiversity Research Lab, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC, USA
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7
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Giżejewska A, Fattebert J, Nawrocka A, Szkoda J, Żmudzki J, Jaroszewski J, Giżejewski Z. Temporal trends (1953-2012) of toxic and essential elements in red deer antlers from northeastern Poland. Chemosphere 2020; 261:128055. [PMID: 33113660 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Red deer antlers have a number of advantages that make them a unique material for monitoring trace elements. As antlers are shed and regrown every year, results of toxicological investigations can be applied to a particular region and time. We analyzed the content of four toxic (Pb, Cd, Hg, As) and three essential (Cu, Zn, Fe) trace elements in 254 red deer antler samples spanning between 1953 and 2012. Age of stags did not influence concentrations of analyzed elements in antlers, except for Zn whose level increased with age. The highest concentrations of toxic elements occurred at the beginning of the analyzed period. Levels of Pb, Hg and Zn in antlers decreased over the course of the study. Levels of Cd and As were low and presented a steady trend. Variations in the levels of the analyzed elements in red deer antlers are considered to reflect levels of exposure of animals in their habitat over the sixty-year study period. The range of essential element levels did not indicate any contamination. Environmental conditions in the Mazury Region during the last decades appeared to have improved significantly, as established by declining trends of toxic elements levels in deer antlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Giżejewska
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 2 Oczapowskiego Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland; Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, 1174 Snowy Range Road, 82072, Laramie, WY, USA.
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, 4000, Durban, South Africa; Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 East University Ave., Dept. 3166, 82071, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Agnieszka Nawrocka
- The National Veterinary Research Institute, 57 Partyzantów Avenue, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Józef Szkoda
- The National Veterinary Research Institute, 57 Partyzantów Avenue, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Jan Żmudzki
- The National Veterinary Research Institute, 57 Partyzantów Avenue, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 2 Oczapowskiego Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Zygmunt Giżejewski
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, 10 Tuwima Str., 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
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Braczkowski A, Fattebert J, Schenk R, O'Bryan C, Biggs D, Maron M. Evidence for increasing human‐wildlife conflict despite a financial compensation scheme on the edge of a Ugandan National Park. Conservat Sci and Prac 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Braczkowski
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela University George South Africa
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban South Africa
| | | | - Christopher O'Bryan
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Duan Biggs
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology Stellenbosch University Matieland South Africa
- Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Martine Maron
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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9
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Wevers J, Fattebert J, Casaer J, Artois T, Beenaerts N. Trading fear for food in the Anthropocene: How ungulates cope with human disturbance in a multi-use, suburban ecosystem. Sci Total Environ 2020; 741:140369. [PMID: 32610236 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Resource distribution, predation risk and disturbance in space and time can affect how animals use their environment. To date few studies have assessed the spatiotemporal trade-off between resource acquisition and avoidance of risks and human disturbance in small protected areas embedded in an urban matrix. A better understanding of the forage-safety trade-off in urban protected areas (UPA) is key to the design of evidence-based approaches to deal with the ever-increasing human-wildlife impacts typical of UPA. Herein, we analyzed camera trap data to evaluate how two ungulate species trade fear for food in a 60 km2 human-dominated UPA without natural predators. We found that wild boar (Sus scrofa) were predominantly active at night, while roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) showed a typical bimodal crepuscular activity pattern. Occupancy analysis indicated that deciduous forest and the presence of high seats for hunting played an important role in determining the space use of wild boar. For roe deer, we found indications that the presence of forest influenced space use, although the null model was retained among the top ranked models. Our results confirm that wild boar and roe deer are able to thrive in heavily human dominated landscapes characterized by intensive recreational use and hunting, such as protected areas embedded in an urban matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Wevers
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium; Research Institute Nature and Forest, Brussels 1000, Belgium.
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| | - Jim Casaer
- Research Institute Nature and Forest, Brussels 1000, Belgium.
| | - Tom Artois
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium.
| | - Natalie Beenaerts
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium.
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10
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Tschumi M, Scherler P, Fattebert J, Naef-Daenzer B, Grüebler MU. Political borders impact associations between habitat suitability predictions and resource availability. Landsc Ecol 2020; 35:2287-2300. [PMID: 33071456 PMCID: PMC7524687 DOI: 10.1007/s10980-020-01103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT By linking species of conservation concern to their abiotic and biotic requirements, habitat suitability models (HSM) can assist targeted conservation measures. Yet, conservation measures may fail if HSM are unable to predict crucial resources. HSM are typically developed using remotely sensed land-cover classification data but not information on resources per se. OBJECTIVES While a certain land-cover class may correlate with crucial resources in the area of calibration, political boundaries can abruptly alter these associations. We investigate this potential discrepancy in a well-known study system highly relevant for farmland bird conservation. METHODS We compared land cover, land-use intensity and resource availability between plots of highest habitat suitability for little owls (Athene noctua) among two neighbouring, but politically separated areas (i.e. south-western Germany vs. northern Switzerland). RESULTS Land cover and land-use richness did not differ between German and Swiss plots. Yet there were marked differences in terms of land-use intensity and the availability of resources. Land-use intensity was significantly higher and resource availability lower in Swiss compared to German plots. CONCLUSIONS While accounting well for remotely sensed data such as land cover, HSM may fail to predict land-use intensity and resources across borders. The relationship between geodata used as proxies and ecologically relevant resources may differ according to history, policies and socio-cultural context, constraining the viability of HSM across political borders. This study emphasises the need for fine-scale resource assessments complementing landscape-scale suitability models. Conservation measures need to consider the availability of crucial resources and their socio-economic moderators to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Tschumi
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Scherler
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000 South Africa
| | - Beat Naef-Daenzer
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland
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11
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Naude VN, Balme GA, O'Riain J, Hunter LT, Fattebert J, Dickerson T, Bishop JM. Unsustainable anthropogenic mortality disrupts natal dispersal and promotes inbreeding in leopards. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:3605-3619. [PMID: 32313621 PMCID: PMC7160178 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic mortality of wildlife is typically inferred from measures of the absolute decline in population numbers. However, increasing evidence suggests that indirect demographic effects including changes to the age, sex, and social structure of populations, as well as the behavior of survivors, can profoundly impact population health and viability. Specifically, anthropogenic mortality of wildlife (especially when unsustainable) and fragmentation of the spatial distribution of individuals (home-ranges) could disrupt natal dispersal mechanisms, with long-term consequences to genetic structure, by compromising outbreeding behavior and gene flow. We investigate this threat in African leopards (Panthera pardus pardus), a polygynous felid with male-biased natal dispersal. Using a combination of spatial (home-range) and genetic (21 polymorphic microsatellites) data from 142 adult leopards, we contrast the structure of two South African populations with markedly different histories of anthropogenically linked mortality. Home-range overlap, parentage assignment, and spatio-genetic autocorrelation together show that historical exploitation of leopards in a recovering protected area has disrupted and reduced subadult male dispersal, thereby facilitating opportunistic male natal philopatry, with sons establishing territories closer to their mothers and sisters. The resultant kin-clustering in males of this historically exploited population is comparable to that of females in a well-protected reserve and has ultimately led to localized inbreeding. Our findings demonstrate novel evidence directly linking unsustainable anthropogenic mortality to inbreeding through disrupted dispersal in a large, solitary felid and expose the genetic consequences underlying this behavioral change. We therefore emphasize the importance of managing and mitigating the effects of unsustainable exploitation on local populations and increasing habitat fragmentation between contiguous protected areas by promoting in situ recovery and providing corridors of suitable habitat that maintain genetic connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent N. Naude
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in AfricaUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- PantheraNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | - Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in AfricaUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Luke T.B. Hunter
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyBronxNYUSA
- Centre for Functional BiodiversitySchool of Life SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Julien Fattebert
- PantheraNew YorkNYUSA
- Centre for Functional BiodiversitySchool of Life SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitDepartment of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWYUSA
| | | | - Jacqueline M. Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in AfricaUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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12
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Vajas P, Calenge C, Richard E, Fattebert J, Rousset C, Saïd S, Baubet E. Many, large and early: Hunting pressure on wild boar relates to simple metrics of hunting effort. Sci Total Environ 2020; 698:134251. [PMID: 31783467 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wild boar populations have increased dramatically over the last decades throughout Europe and in France in particular. While hunting is considered the most efficient way to control game populations, many local conflicts persist after the hunting period due to remaining high densities of wild boar despite the large number of animals culled every year. Therefore, increasing the efficiency of hunting is a timely issue. Herein, we assessed how hunting effort can be measured, and we determined whether the hunting effort carried out by hunters explains the observed hunting pressure. We measured the characteristics and results of all hunts that occurred in the experimental forest of Châteauvillain-Arc-en-Barrois (Northeastern France), and we modelled the number of animals culled as a function of the hunting effort, measured by the number of beaters, hunters, and dogs, as well as the size of the hunting area. We also accounted for variables suspected to affect the hunting efficiency achieved with a given effort, such as time of day (AM/PM), the month during which hunting occurred. We found that more posted hunters, larger hunted areas, and hunts carried out early in the season, i.e. before February, increased the number of culled animals. Our model can be used by wildlife managers to adjust hunting effort in order to reach the hunting pressure expected to meet management objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Vajas
- Fondation François Sommer, Pôle Nature, 60 rue des archives, 75003 Paris, France; Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune sauvage, DRE-Unité Ongulés Sauvages, Monfort 01330, Birieux, France.
| | - Clément Calenge
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune sauvage, DRE-Cellule d'Appui Méthodologique, 5 rue Saint Thibault, Saint Benoist, BP 20, 78612 Le Perray en Yvelines Cedex, France.
| | - Emmanuelle Richard
- Fondation François Sommer, Pôle Nature, 60 rue des archives, 75003 Paris, France.
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| | - Cyril Rousset
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune sauvage, DRE-Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 2 bis rue des religieuses, 52120 Châteauvillain, France.
| | - Sonia Saïd
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune sauvage, DRE-Unité Ongulés Sauvages, Monfort 01330, Birieux, France.
| | - Eric Baubet
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune sauvage, DRE-Unité Ongulés Sauvages, Monfort 01330, Birieux, France.
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13
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Fattebert J, Perrig M, Naef-Daenzer B, Grüebler MU. Experimentally disentangling intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of natal dispersal in a nocturnal raptor. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191537. [PMID: 31480971 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Equivocal knowledge of the phase-specific drivers of natal dispersal remains a major deficit in understanding causes and consequences of dispersal and thus, spatial dynamics within and between populations. We performed a field experiment combining partial cross-fostering of nestlings and nestling food supplementation in little owls (Athene noctua). This approach disentangled the effect of nestling origin from the effect of the rearing environment on dispersal behaviour, while simultaneously investigating the effect of food availability in the rearing environment. We radio-tracked fledglings to quantify the timing of pre-emigration forays and emigration, foray and transfer duration, and the dispersal distances. Dispersal characteristics of the pre-emigration phase were affected by the rearing environment rather than by the origin of nestlings. In food-poor habitats, supplemented individuals emigrated later than unsupplemented individuals. By contrast, transfer duration and distance were influenced by the birds' origin rather than by their rearing environment. We found no correlation between timing of emigration and transfer duration or distance. We conclude that food supply to the nestlings and other characteristics of the rearing environment modulate the timing of emigration, while innate traits associated with the nestling origin affect the transfer phases after emigration. The dispersal behaviours of juveniles prior and after emigration, therefore, were related to different determinants, and are suggested to form different life-history traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fattebert
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, CH-6204 Sempach, Switzerland.,Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Marco Perrig
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, CH-6204 Sempach, Switzerland
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14
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Gigliotti LC, Slotow R, Hunter LTB, Fattebert J, Sholto-Douglas C, Jachowski DS. Context dependency of top-down, bottom-up and density-dependent influences on cheetah demography. J Anim Ecol 2019; 89:449-459. [PMID: 31469173 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Research on drivers of demographic rates has mostly focused on top predators and their prey, and comparatively less research has considered the drivers of mesopredator demography. Of those limited studies, most focused on top-down effects of apex predators on mesopredator population dynamics, whereas studies investigating alternative mechanisms are less common. In this study, we tested hypotheses related to top-down, bottom-up and density-dependent regulation of demographic rates in an imperilled mesopredator, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). We used a 25-year dataset of lion density, cheetah density and prey density from the Mun-Ya-Wana Conservancy in South Africa and assessed the effects of top-down, bottom-up and density-dependent drivers on cheetah survival and reproduction. In contrast to the top-down and bottom-up predictions, both adult and juvenile cheetahs experienced the lowest survival during months with high prey densities and low lion densities. We observed support only for a density-dependent response in juvenile cheetahs, where they had a higher probability of reaching independence during times with low cheetah density and low prey density. We did not identify any strong drivers of litter size. Collectively, our results indicate that high apex predator abundance might not always have negative effects on mesopredator populations, and suggest that context dependency in top-down, bottom-up and density-dependent factors may regulate demographic rates of cheetahs and other mesopredators. Our results highlight the complexities of population-level drivers of cheetah demographic rates and the importance of considering multiple hypotheses of mesopredator population regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Gigliotti
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Rob Slotow
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Luke T B Hunter
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.,Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julien Fattebert
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.,Panthera, New York, NY, USA.,Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | | | - David S Jachowski
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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15
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Tschumi M, Humbel J, Erbes J, Fattebert J, Fischer J, Fritz G, Geiger B, van Harxen R, Hoos B, Hurst J, Jacobsen LB, Keil H, Kneule W, Michel VT, Michels H, Möbius L, Perrig M, Rößler P, Schneider D, Schuch S, Stroeken P, Naef-Daenzer B, Grüebler MU. Parental sex allocation and sex-specific survival drive offspring sex ratio bias in little owls. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2694-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Hauenstein S, Fattebert J, Grüebler MU, Naef-Daenzer B, Pe'er G, Hartig F. Calibrating an individual-based movement model to predict functional connectivity for little owls. Ecol Appl 2019; 29:e01873. [PMID: 30756457 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Dispersal is crucial for population viability and thus a popular target for conservation measures. However, the ability of individuals to move between habitat patches is notoriously difficult to estimate. One solution is to quantify functional connectivity via realistic individual-based movement models. Such simulation models, however, are difficult to build and even more difficult to parameterize. Here, we use the example of natal little owl (Athene noctua) dispersal to develop a new analysis chain for the calibration of individual-based dispersal models using a hybrid of statistical parameter estimation and Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC). Specifically, we use locations of 126 radio-tracked juveniles to first estimate habitat utilization by generalized additive models (GAMs) and the biased random bridges (BRB) method. We then include the estimated parameters in a spatially explicit individual-based model (IBM) of little owl dispersal and calibrate further movement parameters using ABC. To derive efficient summary statistics, we use a new dimension reduction method based on random forest (RF) regression. Finally, we use the calibrated IBM to predict the dispersal potential of little owls from local populations in southwestern Germany to suitable habitat patches in northern Switzerland. We show that pre-calibrating habitat preference parameters while inferring movement behavioral parameters via ABC is a computationally efficient solution to obtain a plausible IBM parameterization. We also find that dimension reduction via RF regression outperforms the widely used least squares regression, which we applied as a benchmark approach. Estimated movement parameters for the individuals reveal plausible inter-individual and inter-sexual differences in movement behavior during natal dispersal. In agreement with a sex-biased dispersal distance in little owls, females show longer individual flights and higher directional persistence. Simulations from the fitted model indicate that a (re)colonization of northern Switzerland is generally possible, albeit restricted. We conclude that the presented analysis chain is a sensible work-flow to assess dispersal connectivity across species and ecosystems. It embraces species- and individual-specific behavioral responses to the landscape and allows likelihood-based calibration, despite an irregular sampling design. Our study highlights existing, yet narrow dispersal corridors, which may require enhancements to facilitate a recolonization of little owl habitat patches in northern Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Hauenstein
- Department of Biometry and Environmental System Analysis, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, CH-6204 Sempach, Switzerland
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 4000 Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Guy Pe'er
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Conservation Biology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Economics and Department Ecosystem Services, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- University of Leipzig, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Florian Hartig
- Department of Biometry and Environmental System Analysis, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Theoretical Ecology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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17
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Mills D, Fattebert J, Hunter L, Slotow R. Maximising camera trap data: Using attractants to improve detection of elusive species in multi-species surveys. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216447. [PMID: 31141506 PMCID: PMC6541258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Camera traps are a key tool in ecological studies, and are increasingly being used to understand entire communities. However, robust inferences continue to be hampered by low detection of rare and elusive species. Attractants can be used to increase detection rates, but may also alter behaviour, and little research has evaluated short-term, localized response to the presence of attractants. We conducted three camera trap surveys in Kibale National Park, Uganda, using food baits and scent lures (“attractants”) at each camera station to entice small carnivores to pass in front of camera stations. To examine the interrelationship between scavenging and response to attractants, we also placed camera traps at five food refuse pits. We modelled the effect of attractant and duration of trap placement on the detection probability of small carnivores and selected African golden cat Caracal aurata prey items. We examine transient site response of each species, by comparing our observed likelihood of detection in each 24 h period from 1–7 d following refreshing of attractants to randomly generated capture histories. African civet Civettictis civetta, rusty-spotted genet Genetta maculata, African palm civet Nandinia binotata, and marsh mongoose Atilax paludinosus detection probabilities were highest and Weyns’s red duiker Cephalophus wenysi detection probability was lowest immediately after attractants were placed. Within 24 h after attractant was placed, rusty-spotted genet and African palm civet were more likely to be detected and African golden cat, red duiker, and blue duiker Philantomba monticola were less likely to be detected. Our results suggest that attractants can increase detection of small-bodied species and include some arboreal species in terrestrial camera trap sampling. However, attractants may also alter short-term visitation rates of some species, with potentially cascading effects on others. Community level and intraguild interaction studies should control for the potentially confounding effects of attractants on spatial activity patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mills
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Panthera, New York, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Julien Fattebert
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Luke Hunter
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Panthera, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Rob Slotow
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Fattebert J, Morelle K, Jurkiewicz J, Ukalska J, Borkowski J. Safety first: seasonal and diel habitat selection patterns by red deer in a contrasted landscape. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Fattebert
- School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban South Africa
| | - K. Morelle
- Mammal Research Institute Polish Academy of Science Bialowieza Poland
| | - J. Jurkiewicz
- Wildlife Monitoring Project Jolanta Jurkiewicz Mogilany Poland
| | - J. Ukalska
- Department of Econometrics and Statistics Warsaw Agricultural University Warsaw Poland
| | - J. Borkowski
- Department of Forestry and Forest Ecology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Olsztyn Poland
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael McMillan
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology; Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch South Africa
| | | | - Julien Fattebert
- School of Life Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban South Africa
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20
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Pitman RT, Fattebert J, Williams ST, Williams KS, Hill RA, Hunter LTB, Robinson H, Power J, Swanepoel L, Slotow R, Balme GA. Cats, connectivity and conservation: incorporating data sets and integrating scales for wildlife management. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ross T. Pitman
- School of Life Sciences; Westville Campus; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban 4000 South Africa
- Panthera; 8 W 40th Street 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
| | - Julien Fattebert
- School of Life Sciences; Westville Campus; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban 4000 South Africa
- Panthera; 8 W 40th Street 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
| | - Samual T. Williams
- Department of Anthropology; Durham University; Dawson Building South Road Durham DH1 3LE UK
- Primate and Predator Project; Lajuma Research Centre; PO Box 522 Louis Trichardt 0920 South Africa
| | - Kathryn S. Williams
- Department of Anthropology; Durham University; Dawson Building South Road Durham DH1 3LE UK
- Primate and Predator Project; Lajuma Research Centre; PO Box 522 Louis Trichardt 0920 South Africa
| | - Russell A. Hill
- Department of Anthropology; Durham University; Dawson Building South Road Durham DH1 3LE UK
- Primate and Predator Project; Lajuma Research Centre; PO Box 522 Louis Trichardt 0920 South Africa
| | - Luke T. B. Hunter
- School of Life Sciences; Westville Campus; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban 4000 South Africa
- Panthera; 8 W 40th Street 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
| | - Hugh Robinson
- Panthera; 8 W 40th Street 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
- College of Forestry and Conservation; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - John Power
- Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development; North West Provincial Government; Mmabatho 2735 South Africa
| | - Lourens Swanepoel
- Department of Zoology; University of Venda; Thohoyandou 0950 South Africa
| | - Rob Slotow
- School of Life Sciences; Westville Campus; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban 4000 South Africa
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment; University College London; London WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Guy A. Balme
- Panthera; 8 W 40th Street 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Cape Town; Cape Town 7701 South Africa
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21
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Pitman RT, Fattebert J, Williams ST, Williams KS, Hill RA, Hunter LTB, Slotow R, Balme GA. The Conservation Costs of Game Ranching. Conserv Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ross T Pitman
- School of Life Sciences, Westville CampusUniversity of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban 4000 South Africa
- Panthera 8 W 40th Street 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
| | - Julien Fattebert
- School of Life Sciences, Westville CampusUniversity of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban 4000 South Africa
- Panthera 8 W 40th Street 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
| | - Samual T Williams
- Department of AnthropologyDurham University Dawson Building, South Road Durham DH1 3LE UK
- Primate and Predator ProjectLajuma Research Centre PO Box 522 Louis Trichardt 0920 South Africa
| | - Kathryn S Williams
- Department of AnthropologyDurham University Dawson Building, South Road Durham DH1 3LE UK
- Primate and Predator ProjectLajuma Research Centre PO Box 522 Louis Trichardt 0920 South Africa
| | - Russell A Hill
- Department of AnthropologyDurham University Dawson Building, South Road Durham DH1 3LE UK
- Primate and Predator ProjectLajuma Research Centre PO Box 522 Louis Trichardt 0920 South Africa
| | - Luke T B Hunter
- School of Life Sciences, Westville CampusUniversity of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban 4000 South Africa
- Panthera 8 W 40th Street 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
| | - Rob Slotow
- School of Life Sciences, Westville CampusUniversity of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban 4000 South Africa
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, and EnvironmentUniversity College London Gower St London WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Guy A Balme
- Panthera 8 W 40th Street 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Cape Town Cape Town 7701 South Africa
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Fattebert J, Balme GA, Robinson HS, Dickerson T, Slotow R, Hunter LTB. Population recovery highlights spatial organization dynamics in adult leopards. J Zool (1987) 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Fattebert
- Panthera; New York NY USA
- School of Life Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban South Africa
| | - G. A. Balme
- Panthera; New York NY USA
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Cape Town; Cape Town South Africa
| | - H. S. Robinson
- Panthera; New York NY USA
- College of Forestry and Conservation; University of Montana; Missoula MT USA
| | | | - R. Slotow
- School of Life Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban South Africa
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment; University College; London UK
| | - L. T. B. Hunter
- Panthera; New York NY USA
- School of Life Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban South Africa
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Braczkowski AR, Balme GA, Dickman A, Fattebert J, Johnson P, Dickerson T, Macdonald DW, Hunter L. Scent Lure Effect on Camera-Trap Based Leopard Density Estimates. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151033. [PMID: 27050816 PMCID: PMC4822812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Density estimates for large carnivores derived from camera surveys often have wide confidence intervals due to low detection rates. Such estimates are of limited value to authorities, which require precise population estimates to inform conservation strategies. Using lures can potentially increase detection, improving the precision of estimates. However, by altering the spatio-temporal patterning of individuals across the camera array, lures may violate closure, a fundamental assumption of capture-recapture. Here, we test the effect of scent lures on the precision and veracity of density estimates derived from camera-trap surveys of a protected African leopard population. We undertook two surveys (a ‘control’ and ‘treatment’ survey) on Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa. Survey design remained consistent except a scent lure was applied at camera-trap stations during the treatment survey. Lures did not affect the maximum movement distances (p = 0.96) or temporal activity of female (p = 0.12) or male leopards (p = 0.79), and the assumption of geographic closure was met for both surveys (p >0.05). The numbers of photographic captures were also similar for control and treatment surveys (p = 0.90). Accordingly, density estimates were comparable between surveys (although estimates derived using non-spatial methods (7.28–9.28 leopards/100km2) were considerably higher than estimates from spatially-explicit methods (3.40–3.65 leopards/100km2). The precision of estimates from the control and treatment surveys, were also comparable and this applied to both non-spatial and spatial methods of estimation. Our findings suggest that at least in the context of leopard research in productive habitats, the use of lures is not warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Richard Braczkowski
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Guy Andrew Balme
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street,18th Floor, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Amy Dickman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
- Ruaha Carnivore Project, Iringa, Tanzania
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street,18th Floor, New York, New York, United States of America
- School of Life Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Paul Johnson
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Tristan Dickerson
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street,18th Floor, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David Whyte Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Hunter
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street,18th Floor, New York, New York, United States of America
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Fattebert J, Robinson HS, Balme G, Slotow R, Hunter L. Structural habitat predicts functional dispersal habitat of a large carnivore: how leopards change spots. Ecol Appl 2015; 25:1911-1921. [PMID: 26591456 DOI: 10.1890/14-1631.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Natal dispersal promotes inter-population linkage, and is key to spatial distribution of populations. Degradation of suitable landscape structures beyond the specific threshold of an individual's ability to disperse can therefore lead to disruption of functional landscape connectivity and impact metapopulation function. Because it ignores behavioral responses of individuals, structural connectivity is easier to assess than functional connectivity and is often used as a surrogate for landscape connectivity modeling. However using structural resource selection models as surrogate for modeling functional connectivity through dispersal could be erroneous. We tested how well a second-order resource selection function (RSF) models (structural connectivity), based on GPS telemetry data from resident adult leopard (Panthera pardus L.), could predict subadult habitat use during dispersal (functional connectivity). We created eight non-exclusive subsets of the subadult data based on differing definitions of dispersal to assess the predictive ability of our adult-based RSF model extrapolated over a broader landscape. Dispersing leopards used habitats in accordance with adult selection patterns, regardless of the definition of dispersal considered. We demonstrate that, for a wide-ranging apex carnivore, functional connectivity through natal dispersal corresponds to structural connectivity as modeled by a second-order RSF. Mapping of the adult-based habitat classes provides direct visualization of the potential linkages between populations, without the need to model paths between a priori starting and destination points. The use of such landscape scale RSFs may provide insight into predicting suitable dispersal habitat peninsulas in human-dominated landscapes where mitigation of human-wildlife conflict should be focused. We recommend the use of second-order RSFs for landscape conservation planning and propose a similar approach to the conservation of other wide-ranging large carnivore species where landscape-scale resource selection data already exist.
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Molnar B, Fattebert J, Palme R, Ciucci P, Betschart B, Smith DW, Diehl PA. Environmental and Intrinsic Correlates of Stress in Free-Ranging Wolves. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137378. [PMID: 26398784 PMCID: PMC4580640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When confronted with a stressor, animals react with several physiological and behavioral responses. Although sustained or repeated stress can result in severe deleterious physiological effects, the causes of stress in free-ranging animals are yet poorly documented. In our study, we aimed at identifying the main factors affecting stress levels in free-ranging wolves (Canis lupus). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We used fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) as an index of stress, after validating the method for its application in wolves. We analyzed a total of 450 fecal samples from eleven wolf packs belonging to three protected populations, in Italy (Abruzzo), France (Mercantour), and the United States (Yellowstone). We collected samples during two consecutive winters in each study area. We found no relationship between FCM concentrations and age, sex or social status of individuals. At the group level, our results suggest that breeding pair permanency and the loss of pack members through processes different from dispersal may importantly impact stress levels in wolves. We measured higher FCM levels in comparatively small packs living in sympatry with a population of free-ranging dogs. Lastly, our results indicate that FCM concentrations are associated with endoparasitic infections of individuals. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In social mammals sharing strong bonds among group members, the death of one or several members of the group most likely induces important stress in the remainder of the social unit. The potential impact of social and territorial stability on stress levels should be further investigated in free-ranging populations, especially in highly social and in territorial species. As persistent or repeated stressors may facilitate or induce pathologies and physiological alterations that can affect survival and fitness, we advocate considering the potential impact of anthropogenic causes of stress in management and conservation programs regarding wolves and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Molnar
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Julien Fattebert
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences/Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paolo Ciucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University “La Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
| | - Bruno Betschart
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Douglas W. Smith
- Yellowstone Center of Resources, National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Peter-Allan Diehl
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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Fattebert J, Balme G, Dickerson T, Slotow R, Hunter L. Density-dependent natal dispersal patterns in a leopard population recovering from over-harvest. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122355. [PMID: 25875293 PMCID: PMC4395424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natal dispersal enables population connectivity, gene flow and metapopulation dynamics. In polygynous mammals, dispersal is typically male-biased. Classically, the 'mate competition', 'resource competition' and 'resident fitness' hypotheses predict density-dependent dispersal patterns, while the 'inbreeding avoidance' hypothesis posits density-independent dispersal. In a leopard (Panthera pardus) population recovering from over-harvest, we investigated the effect of sex, population density and prey biomass, on age of natal dispersal, distance dispersed, probability of emigration and dispersal success. Over an 11-year period, we tracked 35 subadult leopards using VHF and GPS telemetry. Subadult leopards initiated dispersal at 13.6 ± 0.4 months. Age at commencement of dispersal was positively density-dependent. Although males (11.0 ± 2.5 km) generally dispersed further than females (2.7 ± 0.4 km), some males exhibited opportunistic philopatry when the population was below capacity. All 13 females were philopatric, while 12 of 22 males emigrated. Male dispersal distance and emigration probability followed a quadratic relationship with population density, whereas female dispersal distance was inversely density-dependent. Eight of 12 known-fate females and 5 of 12 known-fate male leopards were successful in settling. Dispersal success did not vary with population density, prey biomass, and for males, neither between dispersal strategies (philopatry vs. emigration). Females formed matrilineal kin clusters, supporting the resident fitness hypothesis. Conversely, mate competition appeared the main driver for male leopard dispersal. We demonstrate that dispersal patterns changed over time, i.e. as the leopard population density increased. We conclude that conservation interventions that facilitated local demographic recovery in the study area also restored dispersal patterns disrupted by unsustainable harvesting, and that this indirectly improved connectivity among leopard populations over a larger landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fattebert
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Guy Balme
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Rob Slotow
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Hunter
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Braczkowski AR, Balme GA, Dickman A, Macdonald DW, Fattebert J, Dickerson T, Johnson P, Hunter L. Who bites the bullet first? The susceptibility of leopards Panthera pardus to trophy hunting. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123100. [PMID: 25860139 PMCID: PMC4393264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reliable data is fundamentally important for managing large carnivore populations, and vital for informing hunting quota levels if those populations are subject to trophy hunting. Camera-trapping and spoor counts can provide reliable population estimates for many carnivores, but governments typically lack the resources to implement such surveys over the spatial scales required to inform robust quota setting. It may therefore be prudent to shift focus away from estimating population size and instead focus on monitoring population trend. In this paper we assess the susceptibility of African leopards Panthera pardus to trophy hunting. This has management ramifications, particularly if the use of harvest composition is to be explored as a metric of population trend. We explore the susceptibility of different leopard age and sex cohorts to trophy hunting; first by examining their intrinsic susceptibility to encountering trophy hunters using camera-traps as surrogates, and second by assessing their extrinsic susceptibility using photographic questionnaire surveys to determine their attractiveness to hunters. We show that adult male and female leopards share similar incident rates to encountering hunters but adult males are the most susceptible to hunting due to hunter preference for large trophies. In contrast, sub-adult leopards rarely encounter hunters and are the least attractive trophies. We suggest that our findings be used as a foundation for the exploration of a harvest composition scheme in the Kwazulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces where post mortem information is collected from hunted leopards and submitted to the local provincial authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Richard Braczkowski
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Guy Andrew Balme
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Amy Dickman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Ruaha Carnivore Project, Iringa, Tanzania
| | - David Whyte Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
- School of Life Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Paul Johnson
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Hunter
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
- School of Life Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Giżejewska A, Spodniewska A, Barski D, Fattebert J. Beavers indicate metal pollution away from industrial centers in northeastern Poland. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2015; 22:3969-75. [PMID: 25369919 PMCID: PMC4334077 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3769-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals are persistent environmental contaminants, and wild animals are increasingly exposed to the harmful effects of compounds of anthropogenic origin, even in areas distant from industrial centers. We used atomic absorption spectrometry to determine levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in liver and kidney of wild Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) in Poland. Cd concentrations in liver (0.21 ± 0.44 μg/g) and in kidney (2.81 ± 4.52 μg/g) were lower in juvenile than in adult beavers. Pb concentrations in liver (0.08 ± 0.03 μg/g) and kidney (0.08 ± 0.03 μg/g) were similar among all individuals, while both Cu and Zn levels were higher in liver (Cu 9.2 ± 4.5 μg/g; Zn 35.7 ± 3.5 μg/g) than in kidney (Cu 3.7 ± 1.1 μg/g; Zn 21.5 ± 2.7 μg/g). Cu levels also differed between juveniles and adults. We reviewed the literature reporting metal concentrations in beavers. Our results indicate metal contamination in beavers away from important industrial emission sources and suggest the natural environment should be regularly monitored to ensure their levels are below recommended, legal values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Giżejewska
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-957, Olsztyn, Poland,
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Fattebert J, Dickerson T, Balme G, Slotow R, Hunter L. Long-Distance Natal Dispersal in Leopard Reveals Potential for a Three-Country Metapopulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.3957/056.043.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Hebeisen C, Fattebert J, Baubet E, Fischer C. Estimating wild boar (Sus scrofa) abundance and density using capture–resights in Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-007-0156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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