scholarly journals The effect of livestock on the physiological condition of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is modulated by habitat quality

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Horcajada-Sánchez ◽  
Gema Escribano-Ávila ◽  
Carlos Lara-Romero ◽  
Emilio Virgós ◽  
Isabel Barja
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Fecal Cortisol

Abstract Free-range livestock grazing is a widespread human activity that not only modifies natural vegetation but also leads to interactions with wild ungulates. Most commonly, the interactions between cattle and wild ungulates have been studied with a focus on competition for high-quality forage. However, other mechanisms, such as the risk of parasite infection, might better describe this interaction. We aim to determine whether livestock affect roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) by reducing habitat quality and increasing the probability of infection by shared parasites. We measured noninvasive fecal cortisol metabolites as an indicator of habitat quality as well as the lung nematode larvae burden from the Dictyocaulus genus. A higher Dictyocaulus larvae load was found in the presence of livestock in pines, and feces collected in winter had a higher parasite load than feces collected in autumn. Additionally, fecal cortisol metabolite levels in the roe deer were affected by the interaction between habitat quality and livestock presence and were higher in the poorest habitat and when living in sympatry with cattle. Our results suggest that physiological stress responses in roe deer were mediated by the habitat type and the presence of competitors. The long-term implications of altered physiological responses such as those demonstrated here should be considered in management strategies for deer.

Does habitat type modify group size in roe deer and red deer under predation risk by Iberian wolves?

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Barja ◽  
S. Rosellini
Keyword(s):  
Predation Risk ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Antipredator Response ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Grouping Behavior

We examined whether group size in red deer ( Cervus elaphus L., 1758) and roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus (L., 1758)) under predation risk by Iberian wolves ( Canis lupus L., 1758) is affected by the type of habitat in which the deer reside. We hypothesized that group size (i) would be larger in open than in closed habitats, since it is an antipredator response, and (ii) would vary more with habitat type in the species that had higher wolf predation rates. In the study area, wolves were the only predator of wild ungulates, with roe deer being the main target prey. We performed monthly transects along paths to observe the group size of red and roe deer. In roe deer, the mean group size was significantly higher in open than in closed habitats, serving as an antipredator response. However, in red deer, habitat type did not affect group size. The results indicate that under predation risk by wolves the habitat type influences the grouping behavior of roe deer but not red deer. Furthermore, compared with forests, heaths offer less protection from predators and species in this habitat would benefit from larger group sizes.

scholarly journals Wild ungulates in Jordan: past, present, and forthcoming opportunities

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 19338-19351
Author(s):  
Ehab Eid ◽  
David Mallon
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Equus Hemionus ◽  
Wild Ass ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Arabian Oryx

Twelve species of ungulates are reported from the wild in Jordan. Three of these, Addax nasomaculatus (Addax), Bos primigenius (Aurochs), and Cervus elaphus (Red Deer) are known only from archaeological excavations. Dama mesopotamica (Mesopotamian Fallow Deer), Oryx leucoryx (Arabian Oryx) and Equus hemionus hemippus (Syrian Wild Ass) have been regionally extirpated in the wild. A semi-captive population of Persian Onager (E. h. hemionus) is held in Shumari Wildlife Reserve. The Arabian Oryx is also managed in semi-captive conditions in two reserves. Except the commonly occurring Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), other surviving ungulate species continue to be under serious threat. Gazella gazella (Palestinian Mountain Gazelle), Capreolus capreolus (European Roe Deer), Gazella marica (Arabian Sand Gazelle), and Gazella dorcas (Dorcas Gazelle) are Critically Endangered, and Capra nubiana (Nubian Ibex) is Endangered in the region. This paper provides a review of the historical and current status of wild ungulates in Jordan, listing the threats and conservation measures and provides recommendations for management and conservation in the future.

Habitat use by female western roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): influence of resource availability on habitat selection in two contrasting years

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (11) ◽  
pp. 1052-1062 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pellerin ◽  
C. Calenge ◽  
S. Saïd ◽  
J.- M. Gaillard ◽  
H. Fritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Resource Availability ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Distribution Of Resources ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Selection Of

In most previous studies of habitat selection, the use of a given habitat type is assumed to be directly proportional to its availability. However, the use and (or) the selection of a given habitat may be conditional on the availability of that habitat. We aim here to (i) identify the environmental variables involved in habitat selection, (ii) identify classes of individuals with similar patterns of habitat selection, and (iii) assess whether habitat use changes with changing availability of habitat types, within monthly home ranges of female western roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus (L., 1758)). We found that some females adjust their habitat use according to the distribution of resources within habitats. Females with similar home ranges in terms of resource quantity and quality showed similar patterns of habitat selection. Differences in habitat use between 2 years with contrasting resource availability showed that temporal changes of environmental conditions influenced the pattern of habitat selection by female roe deer. Habitat selection also differed between periods of the life cycle likely because of contrasted energy requirements. This study shows that the relationship between habitat use by herbivores and habitat availability is nonproportional, and that the availability of resources influences use mostly at intermediate values.

Inter-specific competition from fallow deer Dama dama reduces habitat quality for the Italian roe deer Capreolus capreolus italicus

Ecography ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Focardi ◽  
Paola Aragno ◽  
Paolo Montanaro ◽  
Francesco Riga
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Dama Dama

scholarly journals Occurrence of Cephenemyia stimulator larvae in male roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) in the Lublin Upland, Poland, and their impact on particular animal health indicators

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marian Flis ◽  
Bogusław Rataj ◽  
Eugeniusz R. Grela
Keyword(s):  
Roe Deer ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Individual Condition

Abstract Introduction The aim of the study was to carry out epizootic assessment of male roe deer to detect the presence of Cephenemyia stimulator larvae and determine the influence of the parasite on the carcass and antler weight in animals living in different habitats. Material and Methods The investigations were based on post-mortem analysis of Cephenemyia stimulator infestations of the nasal passages and throat of 177 male roe deer culled between May 11 and September 30, 2020 in hunting districts of the Lublin region in Poland. The individual quality of the animals was assessed by weighing the gutted carcasses after cooling, and the antlers were weighed after dissection and their total weight was determined. Results The parasite prevalence ranged from18 to 48% according to habitat type, with a mean value of 33%. The highest prevalence was detected in bucks living in grassland ecosystems. The presence of the parasites exerted influence on the individual condition of the animals, which was reflected in reduced carcass and antler weight. The differences were found both in young individuals and in somatically fully developed animals, but they were not statistically significant in all age groups. Conclusion Although the parasitic infestations impaired the individual condition traits, their parametric values in most cases were not lower than those reported from other regions of Poland. Despite the Cephenemyia stimulator infestation, male roe deer from the Lublin region are characterised by high carcass and antler weight.

scholarly journals Demographic crash associated with high parasite load in an experimental roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 621-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Line Maublanc ◽  
Eric Bideau ◽  
Denis Picot ◽  
Jean-Luc Rames ◽  
Michel Dubois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
High Parasite

scholarly journals Raging elephants: effects of human disturbance on physiological stress and reproductive potential in wild Asian elephants

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchun Tang ◽  
Wenwen Li ◽  
Di Zhu ◽  
Xiaotong Shang ◽  
Xianming Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Factor Analysis Model ◽  
Asian Elephants ◽  
Fecal Cortisol

Abstract Human disturbance has become a widespread threat to wildlife viability. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), an endangered and disturbance-prone species, is under severe threat from habitat loss and fragmentation, human–elephant conflict and poaching. Establishing connections between human disturbance, stress responses and reproduction is crucial for assessing the long-term survivability of a species and will provide critical information for conservation management. The current study investigated the effects of human disturbance on population-level stress responses and stress-related effects on reproductive potential of wild Asian elephants in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, China. We used a radioimmunoassay to measure the concentration of fecal cortisol and estradiol in 257 samples collected from five local populations at 15 sites over 4 years. Human disturbance in Xishuangbanna was quantified based on the Ecological-Niche Factor Analysis model. We found that fecal cortisol concentrations were strongly positively correlated with the degree of human disturbance and increased markedly with the expansion of tea plantations. Percentage of non-stressed individuals in a population was higher depending on the extend of undisturbed area in their home ranges. Fecal estradiol concentrations decreased significantly with increasing stress levels. Our results suggest that human disturbance poses environmental challenges to wild Asian elephant populations, and chronic exposure to human disturbance could lead to population decline. The study demonstrates the efficacy of non-invasive endocrine monitoring for further informing management decisions and developing conservation strategies.

scholarly journals Genetic characterisation of wild ungulates: successful isolation and analysis of DNA from widely available bones can be cheap, fast and easy

ZooKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 965 ◽  
pp. 141-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Buzan ◽  
Sandra Potušek ◽  
Felicita Urzi ◽  
Boštjan Pokorny ◽  
Nikica Šprem
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Capra Ibex ◽  
Rupicapra Rupicapra ◽  
Genetic Characterisation ◽  
Muscle Tissues ◽  
Successful Isolation

Genetic characterisation of wild ungulates can be a useful tool in wildlife management and in obtaining a greater understanding of their biological and ecological roles in a wider spatiotemporal context. Different ways of optimising methodologies and reducing the costs of genetic analyses using widely available bone tissues collected within regular hunting allocations were examined. Successful isolation and analysis of DNA from widely available bones can be cheap, fast and easy. In particular, this study explored the possibility of using bones for extracting high quality nuclear DNA for microsatellite analysis. The utility of applying a modified demineralisation process using two commercially available DNA isolation kits, which differ significantly in price, was evaluated. The sample sets included bones and, for comparison, muscle tissues from four wild ungulate species: chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). For the recent bones, these results confirmed that the DNA concentrations and microsatellite amplification were sufficiently high, even when using low-cost kits, after prior demineralisation. For old bones, prior demineralisation and use of a specially designed isolation kit led to a more successful extraction of DNA. Besides reducing kit-related costs, low-cost kits are much faster and therefore make genetic analysis more efficient.

scholarly journals Considerations of context and scale when using fecal glucocorticoids to indicate stress in large mammals: a study of wild American plains bison

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dustin H Ranglack ◽  
Lorin A Neuman-Lee ◽  
Susannah S French ◽  
Johan T du Toit
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Slope Aspect ◽  
Multiple Time Scales ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Mobile Species ◽  
Physiological Stress Response

Non-invasive measures of the stress response are used to understand the impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on wild animals. They can, however, be challenging to interpret without additional contextual information and specifics of the animals in question. Here, we used fecal samples collected from the Henry Mountains bison herd in Utah to measure the glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone (CORT), which is indicative of stress. We compared site-specific measures of fecal CORT concentration with measures of covariates related to geography (elevation, slope, aspect, distance to roads, distance to water, food quality, habitat type, season), bison physiology (body condition, parasite load, sex), and human activity (traffic volume at multiple time scales, hunting seasons). Our aim was to determine whether an unexpected habitat selection pattern could be a response to human disturbance, and thus whether ecological covariates could explain variations in fecal CORT concentration in free-ranging bison. No meaningful relationships were found for any of the covariates included in the study. At least some of those covariates should be related to the stress state of the herd, but in large and highly mobile species such as bison there is a scale mismatch between the physiological stress response of an animal and the spatiotemporal distribution of fresh feces left on the landscape. We offer our assessment of fecal CORT in bison as a case study demonstrating the utility and complications associated with using fecal indicators of stress in wildlife populations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document