Managing confined populations: the influence of density on the home range and habitat use of reintroduced burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur)

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graeme R. Finlayson ◽  
Katherine E. Moseby
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
High Density ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Reproductive Condition ◽  
Behavioural Changes

The home range, reproductive condition and warren and habitat use of reintroduced female burrowing bettongs was compared within two enclosures in the Arid Recovery Reserve at estimated densities of 2.75 and 7.5 bettongs km–2. Bettongs at both densities exhibited similar behaviour, with females using an average of 2.7 warrens over six months and home ranges averaging 29 and 35 ha in the low- and high-density enclosure respectively. All five female bettongs studied in the low-density enclosure were carrying pouch young at the beginning and end of the six-month study but only one of the five females in the high-density enclosure was carrying pouch young after six months. Higher food availability may have accounted for the higher reproductive effort and slightly smaller home ranges observed in the low-density enclosure. Female bettongs at both densities favoured dune habitat over chenopod swales and all burrows were in dune habitat. Although some differences in reproductive output were observed, it is likely that densities are not yet high enough to cause significant behavioural changes.

Snowmobile Effects on Movements of White-tailed Deer: A Case-study

1979 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald G. Eckstein ◽  
Thomas F. O'Brien ◽  
Orrin J. Rongstad ◽  
John G. Bollinger
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Odocoileus Virginianus ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges

The effects of snowmobile traffic on the winter home-ranges, movements, and activity patterns, of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), were studied during two winters in northern Wisconsin. There were no significant differences in home-range size and habitat use of the Deer in areas with and without snowmobiling. However, snowmobiling caused some Deer to leave the immediate vicinity of the snowmobile trail. Deer were most affected when they were within 61 m of the snowmobile trail.

The ecology of sympatric scincid lizards (Ctenotus) in arid South Australia

1998 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 617 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Read
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Local Species ◽  
Olympic Dam

Ctenotus skinks are the most diverse and abundant diurnal reptile genus at Olympic Dam, in the South Australian arid zone. The home range, demography, reproduction and diet of five syntopic Ctenotus species was studied over a 6-year period in chenopod shrubland. Longevity frequently exceeded three years in C. regius, four years in C. schomburgkii and five years in C. leonhardii, with a 7-year-old specimen of C. leonhardii being recorded. Females of most species tended to be larger and lived longer than males. Two eggs were typically laid by each species in early summer. Annual reproductive effort, particularly in C. leonhardii, varied considerably depending upon the prevailing environmental conditions. All local species apparently occupied home ranges, with maximum recapture radii in different species of 40–60 m. Ctenotus appear to be unspecialised insectivores, although plant material and lizards are sometimes eaten by the larger species.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal variations in resources affect activity and movement patterns of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at high density

2013 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 252-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariane Massé ◽  
Steeve D. Côté
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Odocoileus Virginianus ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
High Density ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variations ◽  
Temporal Scales ◽  
Trade Offs

Although activity budget, movements, and habitat use of herbivores have been extensively studied, few studies have simultaneously examined these behaviors at several temporal scales. We investigated the influence of spatiotemporal variations in forage and climate on the activity and movement patterns of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)) at high density, in a predator-free ecosystem impacted by long-term browsing. We used GPS telemetry and activity sensors to monitor seasonal activity budgets, movements, and patterns of habitat use within the home ranges of 24 female deer at three temporal scales: (1) season, (2) within season, and (3) daily. At large temporal scale, deer were less active and moved less during winter than during summer. Within each season, deer reduced their activity and movements in areas where forage resources were abundant and when climatic conditions were more difficult. On a daily scale, summer and winter movements peaked at dusk, but habitat selection neither changed with period of the day nor activity (foraging vs. resting). These results provide empirical evidence on how environmental constraints can modulate the trade-offs between forage acquisition and exposure to limiting factors.

Seasonal home range and habitat use of a critically endangered marsupial (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) inside and outside a predator-proof sanctuary

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina J. Yeatman ◽  
Adrian F. Wayne
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Bettongia Penicillata ◽  
External Reference ◽  
Substantial Decline

An understanding of the factors that influence the distribution of the woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) at local and regional scales has been identified as a key knowledge gap, because such knowledge may assist in the recovery of this endangered species. We aimed to investigate the seasonal home-range size and habitat use of woylies to update current knowledge of the species in the context of a substantial decline. Specifically, we examined the home range and habitat use of woylies reintroduced into a sanctuary free from invasive predators and compared these data to those from an external reference site. Eight woylies inside the sanctuary and seven outside were radio-tracked in autumn 2011. The average home-range size was 65.4 (±8.2, s.e.) ha. There was little evidence to suggest any difference in home-range size between woylies inside and outside the sanctuary. Woylies were more likely to be found in the slope and low-lying valley habitats, which have greater water-holding capacity and sandier soils. These relatively large seasonal home ranges, compared with previously published estimates for the species, may be accounted for by low population density, lower seasonal food availability and clustered food distribution. Monitoring the home-range size of woylies within the sanctuary may assist in identifying the carrying capacity of the sanctuary, which has implications for how this population is managed.

Home ranges of feral cats (Felis catus) in central-western New South Wales, Australia

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Molsher ◽  
Chris Dickman ◽  
Alan Newsome ◽  
Warren Müller
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Adult Cats

Twenty-one feral cats were radio-tracked using direct sighting and triangulation techniques (amassing 730 location fixes) during winter in an agricultural landscape in central-western New South Wales. Factors affecting home-range size, home-range overlap and habitat use were assessed. Mean home-range size was 248 ha (s.e. = 34.9, n = 15 cats, 598 location fixes). Home-range size and habitat use were not influenced by sex or age of adult cats, prey abundance or time of day. However, cat weight significantly influenced range size, with heavier cats having larger ranges than smaller cats. Although the cats are apparently solitary, their home ranges overlapped considerably, particularly between young adults and old adult cats. Cats were active both by day and night and did not occupy permanent dens. Home ranges encompassed mixed habitat types that provided both shelter and prey. Open woodland and open forest were the main habitat types covered by home ranges, but within these areas cats showed a preference for grassland, where rabbits were more abundant. The results recorded in this study indicate that cat-control programs should concentrate in mixed habitat areas, where both shelter and food are available, and over widely dispersed areas. The absence of group living suggests that the effectiveness of virally vectored fertility or biological control agents would be limited.

Winter survival and habitat use of orphaned and non-orphaned moose calves in southern Quebec

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 919-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Jolicoeur ◽  
Michel Crête
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Winter Survival ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Severe Winter ◽  
Browse Species ◽  
Forage Utilization

Survival, movements, home ranges, habitat selection, and diets of 13 orphaned and 13 non-orphaned moose calves were compared during their first winter. Survival of four other calves that became separated from their mothers was also monitored. The study took place during three winters between December 1978 and April 1983. Overall, winter survival rates between the two groups did not differ. When mortality did occur, it involved solitary (orphaned and separated) calves during a severe winter. Movements and home-range sizes of the two groups were also similar. Biomass of forage on winter sites, forage utilization, and importance of tree cover were similar on sites chosen by orphaned and non-orphaned calves. Minor differences were observed in the order of preference of browse species. Five solitary calves were involved in either temporary or permanent associations with other moose.

scholarly journals Bimodal habitat use in brood parasitic Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) revealed by GPS telemetry

The Auk ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Csaba Moskát ◽  
Miklós Bán ◽  
Attila Fülöp ◽  
Judit Bereczki ◽  
Márk E Hauber
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Cuculus Canorus ◽  
Utilization Distribution ◽  
Minimum Convex Polygon ◽  
Reed Beds ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Distribution Maps

Abstract Obligate brood parasitic birds have evolved a rare avian strategy for reproduction by laying eggs in the nests of other species. In doing so, their breeding ranges, but not necessarily their foraging habitats, have become intimately related to the nesting territories of their hosts. We studied home range sizes and distribution patterns in Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) on their breeding grounds in central Hungary, where cuckoos parasitize only Great Reed Warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) in channel-side reed-beds at a high frequency (>50%). The geographic coordinates of tagged cuckoos were monitored by high-precision, remotely downloadable non-Platform Terminal Transmitter global positioning system (GPS) loggers, attached to 9 females and 6 males. Our results revealed bimodal use of habitat patches: (1) the home ranges of male and female cuckoos were packed densely along the channels where the hosts breed, and their distribution maps had high overlaps between sexes; (2) ~71% of cuckoos also visited nearby woodland patches, presumably for foraging, where the host species was not present. The size of cuckoo home ranges varied to an unusually great extent: 0.3–185 km2 as calculated by the minimum convex polygon method (85%), or 1–17 km2 when calculated by the more suitable kernel density estimation (KDE) method (Utilization Distribution 85%) for patchy habitats. Male and female cuckoos had similar home range sizes as estimated by the KDE method, consisting of 1–4 areas within the 2 habitat types of channel reed-beds and woodlands. No preference was revealed for night roosting locations between the 2 habitats or sexes. Female cuckoos were more likely to use reed-beds in the afternoons, when females parasitize host nests. Remote downloadable GPS methods offer an effective way of tracking cuckoos across large areas, but the estimation of home range sizes requires caution due to this species’ patchy and disconnected habitat use.

Density and home range of feral cats in north-western Australia

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh W. McGregor ◽  
Sarah Legge ◽  
Joanne Potts ◽  
Menna E. Jones ◽  
Christopher N. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
North Western

Context Feral cats (Felis catus) pose a significant threat to biodiversity in Australia, and are implicated in current declines of small mammals in the savannas of northern Australia. Basic information on population density and ranging behaviour is essential to understand and manage threats from feral cats. Aims In this study, we provide robust estimates of density and home range of feral cats in the central Kimberley region of north-western Australia, and we test whether population density is affected by livestock grazing, small mammal abundance and other environmental factors. Methods Densities were measured at six transects sampled between 2011 and 2013 using arrays of infrared cameras. Cats were individually identified, and densities estimated using spatially explicit capture–recapture analysis. Home range was measured from GPS tracking of 32 cats. Key results Densities were similar across all transects and deployments, with a mean of 0.18 cats km–2 (range = 0.09–0.34 km–2). We found no evidence that population density was related to livestock grazing or abundance of small mammals. Home ranges of males were, on average, 855 ha (±156 ha (95% CI), n = 25), and those of females were half the size at 397 ha (±275 ha (95% CI), n = 7). There was little overlap in ranges of cats of the same sex. Conclusions Compared with elsewhere in Australia outside of semiarid regions, feral cats occur at low density and have large home ranges in the central Kimberley. However, other evidence shows that despite this low density, cats are contributing to declines of small mammal populations across northern Australia. Implications It will be very difficult to reduce these already-sparse populations by direct control. Instead, land-management practices that reduce the impacts of cats on prey should be investigated.

Winter home range and foraging of common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) in patchily burnt subalpine areas of the Snowy Mountains, Australia

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Green
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Feral Dogs ◽  
Winter Cover ◽  
Burnt Areas

In 2003, wombats survived bushfires at subalpine altitudes in the Snowy Mountains of Australia to be faced only weeks later by a further reduction in food availability owing to the winter cover of snow. Where burrows occurred in burnt areas, winter home ranges (95% kernel) were significantly larger (52.6 ± 33.4 ha) than in unburnt areas (16.3 ± 14.5 ha). Wombats were able to survive the winter by foraging further from burrows; the lack of burrows for protection from predators was not an issue owing to a lack of feral dogs at subalpine altitudes. However, distant foraging was restricted by the low availability of burrows in deep snow, particularly at alpine altitudes. Wombats apparently fed mainly on monocots. All studied wombats survived the winter and there was no evidence of significant loss of condition in wombats sighted during the study.

scholarly journals The Effects of Suburban Development and Wolf (Canis lupis) Recolonization on Coyotes (Canis latrans) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

1998 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 15-19
Author(s):  
Stanley Anderson ◽  
Doug Wachob ◽  
Rachel Wigglesworth ◽  
Nathan McClennen
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Jackson Hole ◽  
Agricultural Areas

A comparative study of coyote (Canis latrans) home range, activity, habitat use, and diet in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and residential/agricultural areas surrounding Jackson, Wyoming was begun in May 1998 and will continue until August 1999. Twenty-seven coyotes were captured and fitted with radio collars equipped with activity and mortality sensors. Eleven of the coyotes reside in and around the residential/agricultural areas while 15 of the coyotes range from Moran Junction south to the National Elk Refuge. One coyote has remained in Bridger-Teton National Forest near Upper Slide Lake. Marked coyotes were monitored three times a week in the summer and two times a week during the winter via radio telemetry. Preliminary data suggests that the home range size of coyotes in GTNP is larger than that of coyotes in developed areas. Activity levels appear to be lower in residential/agricultural areas during daylight hours. Coyote diet is currently being assessed via scat dissection, and prey availability was determined using Sherman live traps during the summer and early fall. Habitat use will be determined by overlaying coyote home ranges onto habitat maps. Vegetation plots were conducted in five habitat types (aspen, conifer, grass, riparian, sage) to determine vegetation structure. All of the above methods will be repeated in summer 1999. During winter 1999, telemetry surveys and scat collection will continue. Additionally, snow tracking surveys and coyote observations will be conducted to determine coyote group size and behavior. If time allows, relative density estimates and social organization will be determined. The intention of this study is also to collect baseline data on coyotes before and during wolf (Canis lupus) recolonization of Jackson Hole.

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