A beacon of dung: using lemming (Lemmus lemmus) winter nests and DNA analysis of faeces to further understand predator–prey dynamics in Northern Sweden

Abstract The hypothesis that predation is the cause of the regular small rodent population oscillations observed in boreal and Arctic regions has long been debated. Within this hypothesis, it is proposed that the most likely predators to cause these destabilizing effects are sedentary specialists, with small mustelids being possible candidates. One such case would be the highly specialized least weasel (Mustela nivalis) driving the Norwegian lemming (Lemmus lemmus) cycle in Fennoscandia. These predators are often elusive and therefore distribution data can only be based on field signs, which is problematic when various mustelid species are sympatric, such as weasels and stoats (Mustela erminea). Here we present the results of using mustelid faeces in predated winter lemming nests to correctly identify the predator and thus discern which species exerts the strongest predation pressure on lemming winter populations. Samples were obtained during different phases in the lemming cycle, spanning 6 years, to account for different prey densities. Faecal mitochondrial DNA extraction and amplification of a 400-bp fragment was successful in 92/114 samples (81%); the sequencing of these samples proved that most predation occurrences (83%) could be attributed to the least weasel. These findings support the hypothesis that weasels in particular show high specificity in predation and could therefore be candidates to driving the lemming cycle in this area. We conclude that DNA analysis of faecal remains around predated nests can be a useful tool for further investigations concerning predator–prey interactions in the tundra.

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New distribution data of the least weasel Mustela nivalis in Castilla y León, Spain

Galemys Spanish Journal of Mammalogy ◽

10.7325/galemys.2018.n3 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 ◽

pp. 66-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Julio C. Domínguez ◽

Francisco Díaz-Ruiz ◽

Javier Viñuelas ◽

Noelia de Diego ◽

Sonia Illanas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distribution Data ◽

Least Weasel ◽

Castilla Y Leon ◽

Mustela Nivalis ◽

New Distribution

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Small rodent cycles influence interactions among predators in a boreal forest ecosystem

Mammal Research ◽

10.1007/s13364-021-00590-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 66 (4) ◽

pp. 583-593

Author(s):

Rocío Cano-Martínez ◽

David Carricondo-Sanchez ◽

Olivier Devineau ◽

Morten Odden

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Red Fox ◽

Interspecific Interactions ◽

Small Rodent ◽

Generalist Predator ◽

Pine Marten ◽

Mustela Nivalis ◽

Rodent Abundance

AbstractCyclic fluctuations of prey have profound effects on the functioning of ecosystems, for example, by changing the dynamics, behavior, and intraguild interactions of predators. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of rodent cyclic fluctuations in the interspecific interactions of a guild of small- and medium-sized predators: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), pine marten (Martes martes), and weasels (Mustela erminea and Mustela nivalis) in the boreal ecosystem. We analyzed eight years (2007–2014) of snow tracking data from southeastern Norway using structural equation models to assess hypothesized networks of causal relationships. Our results show that fluctuations in rodent abundance alter the strength of predator’s interactions, as well as the effect of determinant environmental variables. Pine marten and weasel abundances were positively associated with rodent population growth rate, but not red fox abundance. All predators were positively associated with each other; however, the association between red fox and the other predators weakened when rodents increased. Rodent fluctuations had variable effects on the habitat use of the predators. The presence of agricultural land was important for all predators, but this importance weakened for the mustelids as rodent abundance increased. We discuss the shifting role of interference and exploitative competition as possible mechanisms behind these patterns. Overall, we highlight the importance of accounting for the dynamics of prey resources when studying interspecific interactions among predators. Additionally, we demonstrate the importance of monitoring the predator populations in order to anticipate undesirable outcomes such as increased generalist predator abundances to the detriment of specialists.

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First Report of Natural Infection of Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis Linnaeus, 1776) with Leishmania major in Tunisia

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases ◽

10.1089/vbz.2011.0673 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 1507-1509 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Wissem Ghawar ◽

Mohamed Ali Snoussi ◽

Nabil Bel Haj Hamida ◽

Aïcha Boukthir ◽

Rihab Yazidi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Leishmania Major ◽

Natural Infection ◽

First Report ◽

Least Weasel ◽

Mustela Nivalis

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Prey selection of the least weasel Mustela nivalis in the laboratory

ACTA THERIOLOGICA ◽

10.4098/at.arch.97-20 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

pp. 179-188 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Pirjo Pekkarinen ◽

Jari Heikkilä

Keyword(s):

Prey Selection ◽

Least Weasel ◽

Mustela Nivalis ◽

Selection Of

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The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Carnivores of Canada

10.53061/ygxz6719 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Justin Kestler

Keyword(s):

Species Identification ◽

Polar Bear ◽

Keystone Species ◽

Wildlife Monitoring ◽

Least Weasel ◽

Mustela Nivalis ◽

Identification Guide ◽

Hair Samples ◽

Mammalian Predators ◽

Animal Hair

Mammalian predators are keystone species in any ecosystem. But many are elusive by nature and have territories that cover large areas of land, which makes them challenging to monitor. When tracks and signs prove difficult to interpret or are non-existent, hair samples recovered from the field offer a fantastic resource – one that is often overlooked. The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Mammalian Carnivores of Canada provides a fully illustrated, up-to-date hair scale reference for all 25 of the terrestrial carnivorous mammals of Canada. From the tiny least weasel (Mustela nivalis) to the giant polar bear (Ursus maritimus), unique traits – as well as tricky similarities – can clearly be observed through hair scale patterns magnified at the medial portion of the hair impression. These scale patterns aid in species identification when hair is the only possible evidence available. This guide also outlines hair impression techniques for samples found in the field, assisting ecologists and technicians with wildlife monitoring studies on predatory mammals where additional identification is required. Including range maps and key identification characteristics for all species represented, as well as superb images of hair scale impressions at two magnification levels, this book is a comprehensive tool for animal hair ID.

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