scholarly journals Differences in the diet and trophic niche of three sympatric carnivores in a marshland

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zsófia Lanszki ◽  
Győző F. Horváth ◽  
Zsolt Bende ◽  
József Lanszki
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Water Vole ◽  
Arvicola Amphibius ◽  
Root Vole ◽  
Faecal Analysis ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Dietary Study ◽  
Reliable Knowledge

Abstract In order to conserve wetlands, it is crucial to have reliable knowledge of population and community processes. Our aims were to explore the dietary differences that allow coexistence of carnivores belonging to different trophic guilds, and to detect the presence of the relict Pannonian root vole subspecies (Microtus oeconomus méhelyi) within the Kis-Balaton marshland (Hungary). The 1-year dietary study was based on faecal analysis of the main mammalian predators of the area, i.e. red fox (Vulpes vulpes), martens (Martes spp.) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). Small mammals, mainly Microtus species and water vole (Arvicola amphibius), were the primary foods for each carnivore. The dietary pattern of the otter was unique among European studies. Analysis of frequency data and estimated consumed biomass data revealed significant interspecific and intraspecific (seasonal) foraging differences among the three predators. Based on diets and live trapping of small mammals, foxes and martens selected voles, they selected against mice and shrews. The selection of the root vole was confirmed from faecal samples of foxes and martens. Consequently, faecal analysis of common carnivores can be an effective monitoring tool in providing data about prey species under special habitat conditions. Thus, it may contribute to wetland conservation indirectly.

scholarly journals Water vole (Arvicola amphibious) as an object of long-term biomonitoring in a floodplain area (Western Siberia, Russia)

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-398
Author(s):  
V. B. Ilyashenko ◽  
E. M. Luchnikova ◽  
A. V. Kovalevsky
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Western Siberia ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Water Vole ◽  
Relative Population ◽  
Arvicola Amphibius ◽  
Young Females ◽  
Taiga Forest ◽  
Species Population

The paper is devoted to the dynamics of the water vole population in the conditions of total deforestation of valley forests and their subsequent restoration. We analyzed the relative population of small mammals in the typical biotopes in the Tom River basin (Western Siberia) on the border of the forest-steppe and taiga zones. From 1978 to 2019, 1,139 water voles Arvicola amphibius (Linnaeus, 1758) (synonym of A. terrestris) were caught with 50-meter trapping grooves; for 788 individuals we assessed the condition of non-metric features (phenes) of the skull. It was found that changes in the population level are non-cyclical, while against the background of a generally low occurrence of the species in the region, the population level increased tenfold in some years. It was shown that such episodic population surges can significantly impact the structure of the community of small mammals. In the valley of the Tom River, the water vole prefers inhabit wet meadows and ecotone areas between the meadow and the dark coniferous taiga forest. During the years of population surges, the water vole intensely occupies new nesting sites due to the dispersal activity of young animals but at the same time retains the original biotopic preferences. Dispersal of the species takes place in waterlogged wetlands. Most of the animals caught during the peak of their numbers were young animals of late broods born from overwintered individuals. The conducted phenetic analysis revealed the heterogeneity of young animals during the population surge, which allowed us to assume the participation of several populations in the formation of the peak. In the final surge year, the surge was characterized by an extremely low percentage of participation in the breeding of young females and the appearance of a large number of weakened animals, which led to crisis in the species population and the disappearance of the water vole from the captures. The research shows that one cannot predict the success of this process at the current stage; therefore, after flooding, it is necessary to continue monitoring.

Small Mammals as Predators of Sawflies

1955 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 121-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Buckner
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Neodiprion Abietis ◽  
Ample Opportunity ◽  
Pristiphora Erichsonii ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
One Year

The greatest predatory effect of small mammals is exerted upon insects that spend a portion of their life cycle on the ground or in the soil. Sawflies afford ample opportunity for mammalian predation, since they drop to the ground as mature larvae and spin cocoons in the soil. Such sawflies as Neodiprion abietis Harr., which remain within the cocoon for about three weeks, undergo only moderate risk of being preyed upon by small mammal. However, Pristiphora erichsonii (Htg.) remains within the cocoon from about mid-August until the following June, or even over more than one year, thus greatly extending the vulnerable period. Earlier investigations suggest that small mammals may comprise the largest single biological control agent acting against this insect (Graham 1928, Lejeune 1951), but the exact role of mammalian predators of forest insects has yet to be established.

Seasonal variation of Mastophorus muris (Nematoda: Spirurida) in the water vole Arvicola amphibius from southern Sweden

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Neupane ◽  
A.L. Miller ◽  
A.L. Evans ◽  
G.E. Olsson ◽  
J. Höglund
Keyword(s):  
Generalized Linear Model ◽  
Functional Group ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Water Vole ◽  
Model Output ◽  
Southern Sweden ◽  
Intensity Of Infection ◽  
Mean Intensity ◽  
Arvicola Amphibius ◽  
Formed Part

AbstractThis study focused on the spirurid nematode Mastophorus muris in water voles (Arvicola amphibius) trapped in three regions in southern Sweden during spring and fall 2013. The collection of water voles formed part of a larger project (EMIRO) on the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis in rodents. The voles’ stomach contents were examined for the presence of M. muris. Prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity of infection were calculated. A generalized linear model model was used to examine the effects of sex, functional group, season and region on the number of M. muris individuals in each vole. Forty-seven of 181 (26%) voles were infected with M. muris, with up to 74 worms each. The overall mean intensity (worms per infected vole) was 15 (95% CI 10–21), and abundance (mean number of worms in all voles) was 4 (95% CI 2–6). Model output indicated a significant effect of season and region with respect to abundance of nematode infection, which was independent of sex and functional group of the investigated host.

scholarly journals Fauna of gamasina mites (Gamasoidea) of small mammals of a natural region «Samarskaya Luka»

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-63
Author(s):  
Irina Anatol’evna Sorokopud
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Water Vole ◽  
Separate Species ◽  
Natural Region ◽  
Mole Vole ◽  
Ecological Complex ◽  
Tundra Vole ◽  
First Time ◽  
Samarskaya Luka

Data on fauna of gamasina mites parasitizing on small mammals are provided in article. Data are obtained during long-term monitoring of an ecological complex of small mammals of a natural and territorial complex Samarskaya Luka, which is realized since 1999. Also data on fauna of gamasina mites in 14 years of researches (2000-2003, 2005, 2007-2015 years), including literary data about the gamasina mites of this territory, are generalized and analysed. Specific accessory of 7439 individuals of mites, seven childbirth of three families relating to fifteen types is defined. Parasitizing the gamasina mites on 16 species of small mammals, including groups rodents, soricomorpha, carnivora (least weasel) is established. Domination of separate species of mites is revealed, so to eudominant Laelaps hilaris and Hirstionyssus isabellinus are belong, dominants are - Hirstionyssus ellobii , Haemolaelaps glasgowi , Hyperlaelaps arvalis , L. agilis . Myonyssus rossicus , L. algericus , Haemogamasus ambulans and Hirstionyssus macedonicus were extremely rare species met in single copies. For the first time for this territory types of H. ellobii , L. micromydis , H. ambulans , H. macedonicus are noted. Conclusions on degree of a confinedness of parasites to certain types of hosts are drawn. Monohostal types: L. agilis (the host - a yellow-necked mouse), L. muris (the host - a tundra vole and a water vole), L. micromydis (the host - a small mouse), L. algericus (the host - a house mouse), H. arvalis (the host - a tundra vole and a water vole), H. ellobii (the host - a northern mole vole). Polihostal: H. musculi , L. hilaris , H. isabellinus , H. glasgowi , E. stabularis , H. nidi .

scholarly journals Long-Term Trends in Small Mammals on a Right-of-Way in Pennsylvania, U.S.

2007 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-152
Author(s):  
Richard Yahner ◽  
Richard Yahner ◽  
Russell Hutnik
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Common Species ◽  
The State ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Right Of Way ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Long Term Trends

The State Game Lands 33 Research and Demonstration Area, Centre County, Pennsylvania, U.S., has been studied since 1953 with the objective of comparing the effectiveness of commonly used mechanical and herbicidal maintenance treatments on vegetation and wildlife on a right-of-way (ROW). Small mammals are important wildlife species on a ROW by consuming tree seeds, thereby reducing invasion of undesirable tree species, and these mammals are important components of a healthy ecosystem. As a follow up to a 2-year study of small mammals conducted 15 years earlier (1989 to 1990) on the State Game Lands 33 ROW, we initiated a 2-year live-trapping study in 2004 on small mammal populations on this ROW. The objectives of our study were to determine relative abundance and species richness (number of species) in six major cover types and in the adjacent forest. One hundred twenty-one individuals of eight species were observed in 2004 and 2005 combined; the most common species was the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). One of the most important cover types to small mammals on the ROW was forb-grass, whereas the forest cover type tended to be less diverse in terms of number of mammal species than in cover types on the ROW.

Habitat selection by two species of small mammals in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil: Comparing results from live trapping and spool-and-line tracking

2010 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayme Augusto Prevedello ◽  
Renato Garcia Rodrigues ◽  
Emygdio Leite de Araujo Monteiro-Filho
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Line Tracking

Diet and breeding of the rufous spiny bandicoot Echymipera rufescens australis, Iron Range, Cape York Peninsula

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.I. Shevill ◽  
C.N. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
High Fecundity ◽  
Iron Range ◽  
Seed Disperser ◽  
Faecal Analysis ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Cape York ◽  
Trapping Grid

A population of the rufous spiny bandicoot Echymipera rufescens australis was studied for 14 months by live-trapping, and diets were determined by faecal analysis. The population had a high density (approximately 48 individuals on a trapping grid of 2.25 ha). A wide variety of foods were eaten, but fruits and seeds contributed the largest proportion of material to faeces, followed by invertebrates, fungi and dicot plants. Echymipera rufescens may potentially be a significant seed disperser for some plants, such as Pandanus zea. There was a short breeding season, with births occurring between December and March. Females produced one or two litters per year. Mean litter size was just under three, and litter size increased with the mother?s mass. Females produced a mean of 4.9 young per year. We conclude that although E. rufescens is a ?typical? bandicoot in that it is omnivorous and has high fecundity, it is more frugivorous and has a somewhat lower reproductive rate than other Australian bandicoots.

scholarly journals Interactive Effects of Vegetation and Predators on the Success of Natural and Simulated Nests of Grassland Songbirds

The Condor ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 629-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Dion ◽  
Keith A. Hobson ◽  
Serge Larivière
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Predator Removal ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Vertical Density ◽  
Vegetation Characteristics ◽  
Grassland Songbirds

Abstract We examined the influence of vegetation and predator community on nesting success of songbirds in the grasslands of eastern North Dakota, USA. Each year, eight sites were chosen: four were subject to predator removal, and four were non-removal sites. On each site, nests of grassland songbirds were monitored, and simulated nests were used to examine how vegetation characteristics at nests affect nest success. Vegetative characteristics at simulated nests did not differ from those at natural nests, but successful natural nests had greater forb and lesser grass cover than unsuccessful nests, whereas no differences in vegetation were detected between successful and depredated simulated nests. On non-removal sites, small mammals and ground squirrels (Spermophilus sp.) depredated nests in taller and denser cover when compared to nests destroyed by medium-sized mammals and birds. On removal sites, we found no difference in vegetation characteristics of nests depredated by different predator types. However, each group of mammalian predators depredated simulated nests with different vegetation characteristics on removal versus non-removal sites. On sites where predators were removed, small mammals and ground squirrels preyed on simulated nests in shorter vegetation containing fewer forbs, ground squirrels preyed on nests with higher grass cover and lower vertical density, and medium-sized carnivores preyed on nests in taller vegetation. These results support the hypothesis that high predator diversity may reduce the chance of “safe” nest sites, and suggest that the behavior of low-level predators may change when top-level predators are removed.

The Parasites of the Muskrat (Ondatra zibethica L.) in the British Isles

Parasitology ◽  
1936 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Warwick
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Rattus Norvegicus ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Helminth Fauna ◽  
Water Vole ◽  
British Isles ◽  
Local Fauna ◽  
Capillaria Hepatica ◽  
Arvicola Amphibius ◽  
Taenia Taeniaeformis

Of the five species of helminths of the British muskrat (Ondatra zibethica L.), two (Notocotylus quinqueserialis and Hymenolepis evaginata) have been introduced with the animal. The three other species of helminths (Capillaria hepatica, Taenia taeniaeformis larva and T. tenuicollis larva) have probably been largely re-acquired from the local fauna. All of the three common species of ectoparasites [Laelaps multispinosus (Tetragonyssus spiniger), Listrophorus validus and Dermacarus n.sp.] occur in North America. Three other species (Tyroglyphus sp., Myobia n.sp., Polyplax sp.) have occurred as single individuals, the last species having probably been acquired from the water vole. Introduction into Britain has greatly depleted the original helminth fauna as regards number of species and individuals; but not so with the ectoparasites. Lists of the parasites hitherto recorded from the muskrat are given and those found in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus Erx.) and water voles (Arvicola amphibius amphibius L.).

Individual and seasonal differences in antipredatory behaviour of root voles—a field experiment

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (9) ◽  
pp. 1520-1525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zbigniew Borowski
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Antipredator Behaviour ◽  
Environmental Cues ◽  
Root Vole ◽  
Nonbreeding Season ◽  
Mustela Nivalis ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Predator Risk ◽  
Nonlethal Effects

The response of root vole (Microtus oeconomus) to least weasel (Mustela nivalis) odours during breeding (August) and nonbreeding seasons (November) was studied in the root voles' natural habitat. The aim of this study was to determine if antipredator behaviour of the root vole changed between breeding and nonbreeding seasons and if this change was closely related to individual environmental cues, e.g., weasel odours. It was found that when bait and weasel odour was used, trappability was greater in breeding season than in nonbreeding season. Moreover, in the breeding season, heavier (i.e., older) voles were more frequently captured than lighter (i.e., younger) ones. Results show that voles' antipredator behaviour of weasel avoidance changes seasonally and that during the breeding season voles display a trade-off conflict between predator risk and foraging, if predator risk is high. It is possible that older voles are driven to reproduce in the current breeding season and thus display less weasel avoidance than do younger voles, which have higher probability of surviving to the next breeding season. Results indicate that indirect (nonlethal) effects of mammalian predators on voles' behaviour strongly depend on age, sexual activity, and season.

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