The effects of red fox scent on winter activity patterns of suburban wildlife: evaluating predator-prey interactions and the importance of groundhog burrows in promoting biodiversity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy D. Pustilnik ◽  
Jeremy B. Searle ◽  
Paul D. Curtis
Keyword(s):  
Red Fox ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Winter Activity ◽  
Suburban Wildlife

scholarly journals Adaptations of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) to urban environments in Sydney, Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarita Gil-Fernández ◽  
Robert Harcourt ◽  
Thomas Newsome ◽  
Alison Towerton ◽  
Alexandra Carthey
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Canis Lupus Familiaris ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Sydney Australia ◽  
Site Types

Abstract With urban encroachment on wild landscapes accelerating globally, there is an urgent need to understand how wildlife is adapting to anthropogenic change. We compared the behaviour of the invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) at eight urban and eight peri-urban areas of Sydney, Australia. We observed fox behaviour around a lure and compared fox activity patterns to those of potential prey and to two domestic predators (dogs—Canis lupus familiaris and cats—Felis catus). We assessed the influence of site type, vegetation cover, and distance from habitation on fox behaviour, and compared the temporal activity patterns of urban and peri-urban red foxes. Urban red foxes were marginally more nocturnal than those in peri-urban areas (88% activity overlap). There was greater overlap of red fox activity patterns with introduced mammalian prey in urban areas compared with peri-urban areas (90% urban vs 84% peri-urban). Red fox temporal activity overlapped 78% with cats, but only 20% with dogs, across both site types. The high degree of overlap with cats and introduced mammalian prey is most likely explained by the nocturnal behaviour of these species, while pet dogs are generally kept in yards or indoors at night. The behavioural differences we documented by urban red foxes suggest they may adapt to human modifications and presence, by being more nocturnal and/or more confident in urban areas.

Winter activity patterns of females in two moose populations

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 1516-1522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Göran Cederlund ◽  
Roger Bergström ◽  
Finn Sandegren
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Body Motion ◽  
Active Time ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Winter Activity ◽  
Radio Signals ◽  
High Level

Data on activity patterns of nine radio-tagged female moose (Alces alces) in an area with a high level of nutrition (Grimsö) and seven radio-tagged female moose in an area with a low level of nutrition (Furudal) are presented. The study was done during January–May in 1982–1986 at Grimsö and in 1986 in Furudal, comprising 6063 and 4136 h of recording, respectively. The character of the radio signals allowed separation of active (any kind of body motion, mainly movements) and inactive (a motionless state, mainly in lying position) bouts. The 24-h activity pattern was similar between the two areas during all winter months. Active bouts showed a polyphasic pattern with prominent peaks around sunrise and sunset. The average active time per 24-h interval varied (30–50%) through the winter months, and increased rapidly in April and May. The average length of active bouts was similar in both areas during midwinter (60–70 min) but developed more rapidly in April and May among moose at Grimsö. The moose at Furudal rested for longer periods than those at Grimsö, and in both areas bouts became shorter towards spring (around 120 min). The moose at Grimsö kept the number of bouts per 24-h interval almost unchanged throughout winter (11.0–11.9), while the number consistently increased at Furudal (9.9–12.7 bouts per 24-h interval). Differences in activity pattern are discussed in relation to food availability and overbrowsing.

scholarly journals Movement ecology of jaguars and predator-prey interactions.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Cruz González ◽  
Daniela Medellin ◽  
Vicente Urios ◽  
Heliot Zarza ◽  
Gerardo Ceballos
Keyword(s):  
Average Distance ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Movement Ecology ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Gps Collars ◽  
Co Detection ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Jaguars (Panthera onca) are the largest felids in America, mainly threatened by habitat and prey density loss and hunting. Jaguars are mainly nocturnal predators that need large portions of suitable habitat with abundant prey populations. The aim of this work was to assess both jaguar and prey activity patterns, their relations and to understand if the presence/absence of prey and their activity patterns might determine the movements of jaguars in a spatio-temporal frame. We used data from camera trapping records of 125 jaguar events of presence from 9,360 camera trap days effort and data from five jaguars with GPS collars, to analyze: 1) Activity patterns; 2) Speed movement; 3) Traveled distances and 4) Co-occurrence for jaguars and preys. Differences between sexes and between seasons were also evaluated. A total of 12,566 segments of movement were recorded. Two activity peaks were identified between 07:00-08:00 and 22:00-23:00 hours. Average traveled distance was 265.66 m/h (± 390.98 m/h). The maximum hourly distance was 2,760.25 m/h; with significant differences considering the hour of day (χ2 = 324.51, df 11, p < 0.001), with higher mean values between 00:00 and 08:00 h. The average distance covered by males was higher than females (Z –24.827, p < 0.001): 341.64 ± 440.03 m/h and 146.31 ± 259.04 m/h respectively. Significant differences considering seasons were found (Z = –16.442, p < 0.001): average distance during the dry season was 230.35 ± 365.87 m/h and was higher during the rainy season: 337.082 ± 430.45 m/h. Differences according to season were also consistent considering males and females separately (males: Z = –6.212, p < 0.001; females: Z = –15.801, p < 0.001). Occupation model analysis revealed that two of the five pairs of species (P. onca and P. tajacu and P. onca and C. paca) occur with more frequency than if they were independent, while in terms of co-detection, P. onca and P. tajacu and P. onca and C. paca showed independence

scholarly journals Home range and activity patterns of red fox Vulpes vulpes breeding females

1993 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 427-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Travaini ◽  
Juán J. Aldama ◽  
Rafael Laffitte ◽  
Miguel Delibes
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Activity Patterns

scholarly journals Circadian activity patterns of mammalian predators and prey in Costa Rica

2020 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1313-1331
Author(s):  
Ryan T Botts ◽  
Amy A Eppert ◽  
Timothy J Wiegman ◽  
Abner Rodriguez ◽  
Steven R Blankenship ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Circadian Activity ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Temporal Niche ◽  
Community Based Conservation ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Temporal Overlap

Abstract Temporal niche shifts can shape predator–prey interactions by enabling predator avoidance, enhancing feeding success, and reducing competition among predators. Using a community-based conservation approach, we investigated temporal niche partitioning of mammalian predators and prey across 12 long-term camera trap surveys in the Pacific slope and Talamanca Cordillera of Costa Rica. Temporal overlap and segregation were investigated between predator–prey and predator–predator pairs using overlap analysis, circular statistics, and relative abundance after accounting for differences in habitat, season, and human impact among sites. We made the assumption that predators select abundant prey and adjust their activity to maximize their temporal overlap, thus we predicted that abundant prey with high overlap would be preferred prey species for that predator. We also predicted that similar-sized pairs of predator species with the greatest potential for competitive interactions would have the highest temporal segregation. Our results supported the existence of temporal niche separation among the eight species of predators—the smaller Leopardus felids (ocelot, margay, oncilla) were primarily nocturnal, the largest felids (jaguar and puma) and coyote were cathemeral, and the smaller jaguarundi and tayra were mostly diurnal. Most prey species (67%) were primarily nocturnal versus diurnal or cathemeral (33%). Hierarchical clustering identified relationships among species with the most similar activity patterns. We discuss the primary prey and competitor species predicted for each of the eight predators. Contrary to our prediction, the activity pattern of similar-sized intraguild competitors overlapped more than dissimilar-sized competitors, suggesting that similar-sized predators are hunting the same prey at the same time. From this we conclude that prey availability is more important than competition in determining circadian activity patterns of Neotropical predators. Our results indicate the presence of a delicate balance of tropical food webs that may be disrupted by overhunting, leading to a depauperate community consisting of ubiquitous generalists and endangered specialists. With Central America a hotspot for hunting-induced “empty forests,” community-based conservation approaches may offer the best road to reduce illegal hunting and maintain the biodiversity and community structure of tropical forest systems.

Winter activity patterns of the North American badger (Taxidea taxus) at its northwestern periphery

2019 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-210
Author(s):  
Stephen A Symes ◽  
Richard Klafki ◽  
Roger Packham ◽  
Karl W Larsen
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Winter Climate ◽  
Taxidea Taxus ◽  
The North ◽  
Remote Cameras ◽  
Fat Reserves ◽  
Winter Activity ◽  
Winter Foraging ◽  
American Badger

Abstract The North American badger (Taxidea taxus) is a nonhibernating carnivore that occurs in areas with highly seasonal climates, such as in Canada where the animal reaches its northern limits. There, winter climate is harsh and conventional habitat is limited and patchy, possibly leading to additional energetic constraints. Using radiotelemetry and remote cameras, we documented winter activities of 16 badgers (12 females, 4 males) between 2007 and 2011 in British Columbia, at the northwestern periphery of the species’ range. In comparison to their summer ecology, the animals reduced home range sizes by up to 98% and showed fidelity to particular burrows. Burrow fidelity was variable (mean 27 days; range 0–108) and coincided with reduction in body temperatures, suggesting the onset of torpor. Despite lengthy use of the same burrow, badgers emerged frequently and conducted excursions that appeared to represent foraging behavior. Burrow emergence was not related to ambient temperature or snow depth; rather, it was best explained by the amount of days elapsed since the start of winter. Despite these trends, winter activity also was variable among individual badgers. It may be that limited fat reserves and higher energetic costs in northwestern ranges require winter foraging activities.

scholarly journals Colonization of Warsaw by the red fox Vulpes vulpes in the years 1976–2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateusz Jackowiak ◽  
Jakub Gryz ◽  
Karolina Jasińska ◽  
Michał Brach ◽  
Leszek Bolibok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Population Abundance ◽  
Temporal And Spatial Patterns ◽  
Green Areas ◽  
Abundance Trends ◽  
Riparian Habitats ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

AbstractThe red fox is one of the most adaptable carnivores inhabiting cities. The aim of our study was to describe the process of Warsaw colonization by the red fox. We focused on: (1) the fox distribution in Warsaw on the basis of presence-absence data (2005–2012) over a grid of 1 × 1 km2, (2) the process of settlement in 29 green areas (study periods 1976–1978, 2004–2012, and 2016–2019) in relation to habitat type, and (3) temporal and spatial patterns of the red fox incidents (1998–2015) reported by Warsaw citizens. We found out that: (1) the red fox penetrated the whole city (i.e. its presence was confirmed in all squares of the grid), (2) 21% of the green areas were colonized in 1976–1978 but 93% in 2016–2019. Forests and riparian habitats were occupied more frequently than parks and cemeteries in 1976–1978 with no difference in the further years; (3) the probability of the fox incidents increased over years, was higher in June-October, on working days, and around noon, and with the share of discontinuous urban fabric in the buffers around incident locations. Nevertheless, the incidents only partially reflect population abundance trends and activity patterns of the species, so should be treated cautiously.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal patterns of wolf, mesocarnivores and prey in a Mediterranean area

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Rossa ◽  
Sandro Lovari ◽  
Francesco Ferretti
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Behavioural Interactions ◽  
Temporal Overlap

Abstract Spatial and temporal occurrence can mediate behavioural interactions between apex predators, mesocarnivores and herbivores. Predators should adapt their activity to that of prey, whereas predator avoidance would be expected to influence activity patterns and space use of prey and smaller competitors. We evaluated interspecific spatiotemporal relationships in a prey-rich community including an apex predator (the wolf), three wild ungulates and several smaller herbivores/mesocarnivores, through camera trapping. All considered species (i.e. wolves and potential prey/smaller competitors: wild boar, fallow deer, roe deer, crested porcupine, red fox and European badger) were active especially at night and/or twilight. Among wild ungulates, the wolf showed the greatest temporal overlap with the wild boar and the lowest one with the least abundant and used of them, i.e. the roe deer. The main prey (i.e. the fallow deer) showed more diurnal activity and a lower temporal overlap with the predator in sites with high wolf activity than in low-activity ones. Among mesocarnivores, the red fox showed extensive temporal overlap with the wolf: the overlap between the two canids was greater in sites intensively used by this apex predator than in sites with low wolf activity, supporting a concurrent study which suggested a potential for facilitative—rather than competitive—interactions. Spatiotemporal relationships suggest complex interactions between the apex predator, prey and smaller carnivores, for which a substantial temporal or spatial association was often supported. Significance statement There is a growing interest in the influence of apex predators on ecosystems through their effects on the behaviour of prey and smaller carnivores, especially in the light of the ongoing recovery of large carnivores in temperate areas. Predators should synchronise their activity to that of prey; conversely, prey and smaller carnivores would be expected to avoid predators. In a rich community including the wolf, three wild ungulates and several mesomammals, we detected (i) a substantial temporal overlap between wolves and wild boar, porcupines and mesocarnivores; (ii) a negative temporal association between the predator and its main prey (i.e. the fallow deer) and (iii) a great temporal overlap between the wolf and the red fox. We provide a baseline to evaluate temporal changes of predator-prey-mesocarnivore behavioural interactions along with variations of carnivore-prey densities.

Winter activity patterns of northern flying squirrels in sub-boreal forests

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 1896-1901 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Laine Cotton ◽  
Katherine L Parker
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Temperature Sensitive ◽  
Data Logging ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Winter Activity ◽  
Northern Flying Squirrels ◽  
Field Season ◽  
Using Data

We described autumn-winter activity patterns of northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) in northwestern British Columbia during 1996-1997 and 1997-1998. Nineteen flying squirrels (12 males and 7 females) were fitted with temperature-sensitive radio collars. We located animals in 82 daytime nests using radiotelemetry techniques and monitored 268 nights of activity using data-logging receivers placed at the base of nest trees. The average temperature of the animals, as determined by the collar sensors while the animals were in nests, was 39.2 ± 0.1°C, with no significant differences among animals, tree species, or tree sizes. Activity periods in a mild field season followed a dusk- and dawn-activity pattern, but activities in harsh winter conditions shifted towards a shorter single activity bout or two very short activity bouts in the middle of the night. No long activity bouts (>1.9 h) were observed at temperatures below -20°C. This reduction in time spent active and adjustment of the timing of activity during extremely low temperatures likely serve as an energy-conservation strategy.

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