Urban cat (Felis catus) movement and predation activity associated with a wetland reserve in New Zealand

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 574 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Morgan ◽  
C. M. Hansen ◽  
J. G. Ross ◽  
G. J. Hickling ◽  
S. C. Ogilvie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Hunting Activity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Prey Items

Context. House cats are increasingly suggested as having major ecological impacts in semiurban environments. Information on the activity of house cats is relatively scarce, especially in habitats such as wetlands. Aims. This study examines the movement and foraging behaviour of house cats living on the periphery of a wetland reserve in Christchurch city, New Zealand. Methods. Twenty-one domestic cats living in a suburban residential area were studied using radiotelemetry to determine home-range size, mean and maximum distances travelled into the adjacent wetland, and the proportion of time spent in the wetland over a 12-month period. Surveys of prey retrieval for 88 cats were also carried out by cat owners over the same 12-month period. Key results. Cat age and the distance of the cat’s home from the periphery of the wetland were highly correlated with cat movement and hunting activity. These movements were not markedly influenced by season or time of day. Younger cats (<6 years of age) living on the periphery of the wetland had larger home-range sizes, moved significantly further into the wetland and spent a significantly greater proportion of time in the wetland. Cats living close to the wetland also brought a greater diversity and a greater total number of prey items to their home-site. Rates of predation were not significantly influenced by sex or whether the cat was wearing a bell. The most common prey items were introduced rodents and birds; however, 172 of 981 prey items were identified as a native common skink. Conclusions.Consequently, cats living in households on the wetland periphery currently pose a predation risk for the wetland species, and the impact of cats on the native skink population warrants further investigation. Implications. This study suggests that domestic cats will exploit wild habitats but that their potential impact will have both positive (predation of introduced pest species) and negative (occasional direct predation) effects on native wildlife.

Weighed down by science: do collar-mounted devices affect domestic cat behaviour and movement?

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cayley E. Coughlin ◽  
Yolanda van Heezik
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Urban Habitat ◽  
Location Error ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Data Loggers ◽  
Brownian Bridges ◽  
The Impact

Context Animals carrying tracking and logging devices are subject to a range of instrument effects that negatively affect survival, reproduction and behaviour. The common recommendation is that device weight should not exceed 5% body mass (BM) for terrestrial species; however, this rule-of-thumb has little empirical basis. Modelling indicates that devices weighing less than 3% BM may still have impacts. Several studies have used telemetry and data loggers on domestic cats (Felis catus) with instruments ranging in weight from 30 g to 125 g, but there has been no quantitative evaluation of instrument effects. In addition, inexpensive GPS tags such as iGotU are increasingly being used to track domestic cats, but often with little acknowledgement of habitat-related location error. Aims We evaluated the impact of wearing devices of different weights on domestic cat movements, and quantified location error across typical suburban habitats. Methods We recorded movements of cats wearing three different GPS collar weights for a week at a time: light, 30 g (<1% BM); medium, 80 g (~2% BM); and heavy, 130 g (~3% BM). Location error (LE) and fix success rates (FSR) were compared between backyard habitats and up- or downward orientation of the GPS tags on collars. Key results Home-range size and distance travelled from home were smaller when cats wore the heaviest collar. LE was lower and FSR higher for GPS tags with direct-line-of-sight to satellites (e.g. on lawns), but there was no difference between tags placed in dense vegetation (hedges) or more open vegetation (trees), or tags oriented up or down. Conclusions Collars carrying instruments on cats should be no more than 2% BM (medium-weight collar). LE was large relative to typical urban habitat size, indicating that misclassification of locations into habitats could easily occur in habitat-selection studies. Implications Some published accounts of cat home-range sizes may be underestimates, resulting in underestimates of the extent of impacts on prey species. Habitat-use studies should acknowledge the error associated with GPS tags and incorporate it into analyses using techniques such as Brownian Bridges.

scholarly journals The Invasive New Zealand Mudsnail, Potamopyrgus Antipodarum, Reduces Growth of the Native Snail, Fossaria SP.

2005 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 42-48
Author(s):  
Amy Krist ◽  
Mark Dybdahl
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Biological Invasions ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Potamopyrgus Antipodarum ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Or Gene ◽  
New Zealand Mud Snail ◽  
The Impact

Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. Hence, understanding the role of invasive species is of grave importance to managing and minimizing the impact of biological invasions. To date, the ecological impacts of biological invasions have received significant attention, but little effort has been made to address the evolutionary impact (Sakai et al. 2001, Cox 2004). This is despite the fact that evolutionary impacts are likely to be widespread; invasive species have been shown to alter patterns of natural selection or gene flow within native populations (Parker et al. 1999), and many of the best examples of rapid evolution involve invasive species interacting with native species (Reznick and Ghalambor 2001, Strauss et al. 2006). We have begun to address some of the evolutionary consequences of the invasion of the New Zealand mud snail, (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) on a species of native snail in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA).

Social Structure and Patterns of Movement of the Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Pseudomys chapmani, at Marandoo, Western Australia

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 295 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. D. Anstee ◽  
J. D. Roberts ◽  
J. E. O'Shea
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Core Area ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Economic Significance ◽  
Iron Ore Deposits ◽  
The Individual ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Mounds of the western pebble-mound mouse, Pseudomys chapmani, are found throughout the species’ Pilbara range in areas with iron-ore deposits of economic significance. Translocation techniques are being examined as a means of minimising the impact of mining on this species. In the absence of detailed information on the biology of Pseudomys chapmani, translocation is inadvisable. To provide such basic information, animal densities, mound demographics and population sizes, and home-range and core-area sizes were obtained by a combination of trapping and radio-tracking. Mounds of Pseudomys chapmani were found to be inhabited by social groups of up to 12 animals. Estimates of home-range size gave mean ( s.e.) values of 14·4 6·7 ha and 4·6 2·7 ha for males and females, respectively; core areas were recorded at 0·93 0·29 ha for males and 0·29 0·16 ha for females. Considerable overlap of home ranges was recorded between individuals from the same and different mounds. Overlap at the core-area level occurred only between individuals from the same mound. The high level of social complexity and mound fidelity indicates that translocations should be directed at the level of the social group rather than at the level of the individual.

Home Range Size, Overlap and Exploitation in Domestic Farm Cats (Felis Catus)

Behaviour ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 99 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 22-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Mertens ◽  
Dennis C. Turner
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Hunting Activity ◽  
Focal Animal ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
Range Overlap ◽  
Adult Cats ◽  
Considerable Range

AbstractHome range size, overlap and exploitation in domestic farm cats is examined. Data were collected on the 11 adult cats (5 O'O'; 6 ♀♀) living on 3 Swiss farms throughout 1984; 8 of the cats were fitted with radio transmitters. Census-point and focal animal methods of data collection were employed. From area-observation curves we concluded that our home range maps (and sizes) were good approximations of the areas utilized by the animals in 1984. Correlations existed between range size and 1) the number of map-fields visited per day by the cat (+); 2) the percentage of observations at the primary home (-); 3) the proportion of the range visited each day (-); and 4) the percentage of map-fields used only by one cat (+, but only for males). The general pattern of social organization found elsewhere was confirmed: males were generally more tolerant of each other than females (based on range overlap), especially considering animals living on different farms. Animals from the same primary home showed considerable range overlap. Male ranges were much smaller than expected (not even twice as large as the female ranges, whereas they should have been about 10 times the size, based on all other studies). These results are discussed in connection with male reproductive strategies, cat density and patterns of range utilization. And lastly, we could demonstrate coordination of hunting activity in time and space by two adult individuals on one farm (sibs), adding to the list of behavior patterns illustrating facultative sociality of house cats.

scholarly journals Home range size, habitat use and nesting success of Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis on agricultural land in northern India

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perwez Iqubal ◽  
Philip J.K. Mcgowan ◽  
John P. Carroll ◽  
Asad R. Rahmani
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Sugar Cane ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
The Impact

Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis is considered Vulnerable to extinction as its native grassland habitat is converted to agricultural land. However, there are virtually no life history data available to allow the impact of these changes on the species to be assessed. Thirteen birds were radio-tracked during the breeding season on agricultural land near Dudwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The study area was dominated by sugar-cane fields, but also contained other crops and natural wet grassland. Home range size varied from 273 m2 to 2,687 m2 and was significantly correlated with tracking duration. We did not detect significant patterns in overall use of habitats at either the home-range level (P = 0.14) or at the radio-location level (P = 0.13). However, some individual habitats appeared to be used in proportions that differed from random expectations. At the home range level, birds appeared to favour tall sugar-cane and grassland whilst at the individual location level, grassland and wet areas were most used. Radio-tagged birds made six nests, of which only two hatched young. One was in an old sugar-cane field and the other on grassland. Although we did not detect statistical significance, we believe that developing an appropriate management regime for this species is so urgent that the results are sufficient to manage adaptively the species' habitat at least on an experimental scale. These data suggest that a matrix of habitats, including agricultural land, can supply the necessary components to satisfy the various requirements of Swamp Francolin. However, some natural grassland habitat associated with wet areas appears to be critical. The crucial challenge is to make sure that agricultural landscapes have these habitats present in the right proportions and spatial arrangements to support viable populations of Swamp Francolin.

scholarly journals Seasonal Variation in the Home Ranges of Black Curassow, Crax alector, in French Guiana

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 194008292110261
Author(s):  
Hervé Lormée ◽  
Rachel Berzins ◽  
Vincent Rocheteau ◽  
Fran De Coster ◽  
Thomas Denis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
French Guiana ◽  
Spatial Relationship ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Range Overlap ◽  
The Impact

Cracidae is the most threatened avian family in the Neotropics, mainly because of habitat destruction, heavy hunting pressure and poaching. In French Guiana, Black Curassows are heavily hunted, although basic knowledge of the ecological and demographical traits of the species remains limited. Such a gap prevents any attempt to assess the impact of hunting and to help stakeholders to develop proposals ensuring hunting sustainability. The spatial relationship between animals and their habitat is important for conservation management, being related to population densities through complex patterns. Here, we report on a radio-tracking study of Black Curassows in tropical primary rainforest, in Nouragues National Reserve, French Guiana. The aims of the study were to estimate home range size and its variation across seasons, and to quantify movement patterns of the birds. We captured and fitted VHF tags to four adults, and tracked them for 10 to 21.5 months. Daily movements were recorded, and home ranges estimated using the Kernel Density method, for two consecutive wet seasons and one dry season. Using 95% and 50% Kernel densities, the average annual home range and core area were 96.3± 32.6 ha (SE) and 22.8 ± 2.8 ha respectively. Home ranges appeared spatially stable over the two years, and overlapped between neighbouring groups. During the dry season, Black Curassows did not migrate but tended to enlarge their home range, with greater daily movements and higher home range overlap. Although additional data are still needed, our results can help to improve the knowledge and management of this poorly studied species.

Investigating brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) home-range size determinants in a New Zealand native forest

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 316 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. Richardson ◽  
C. Rouco ◽  
C. Jewell ◽  
N. P. French ◽  
B. M. Buddle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Age And Sex

Context The Australian brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) introduction to New Zealand has exacted a heavy toll on native biodiversity and presented the country with its greatest wildlife reservoir host for bovine tuberculosis (TB). Management efforts to control both possums and TB have been ongoing for decades, and the biology of possums has been studied extensively in Australia and New Zealand over the past 50 years; however, we still do not have a clear understanding of its home-range dynamics. Aims To investigate determinants of home range size by using a uniquely large dataset in the Orongorongo Valley, a highly monitored research area in New Zealand and compare our findings with those of other studies. Methods Possum density was estimated, for subpopulations on four 13-ha cage-trap grids, by the spatially explicit capture–mark–recapture analysis of trapping data from 10 consecutive months. Home ranges were estimated from trap locations using a 100% minimum convex polygon (MCP) method for 348 individuals and analysed with respect to grid, age and sex. Key results Mean (standard error) possum density, estimated as 4.87 (0.19), 6.92 (0.29), 4.08 (0.21) and 4.20 (0.19) ha–1 for the four grids, was significantly negatively correlated with mean MCP home-range size. Grid, age, and the interaction of age and sex were significantly related to home-range size. Older possums had larger home ranges than did younger possums. When ‘juvenile cohort’ and ‘adult cohort’ data were analysed separately, to investigate the significant interaction, males in the ‘adult cohort’ had significantly larger home ranges than did females, with the grid effect still being apparent, whereas neither sex nor grid effects were significant for the ‘juvenile cohort’. Conclusions Our findings indicate that, in addition to density, age and sex are likely to be consistent determinants of possum home-range size, but their influences may be masked in some studies by the complexity of wild-population dynamics. Implications Our findings have strong implications regarding both disease transmission among possums and possum management. The fact that adult males occupy larger home ranges and the understanding that possum home range increases as population density decreases are an indication that males may be the primary drivers of disease transmission in possum populations. The understanding that possum home range increases as population density decreases could be a direct reflection of the ability of TB to persist in the wild that counteracts current management procedures. If individuals, and particularly males, infected with TB can withstand control measures, their ensuing home-range expansion will result in possible bacteria spread in both the expanded area of habitation and new individuals becoming subjected to infection (both immigrant possums and other control survivors). Therefore, managers should consider potential approaches for luring possum males in control operations.

scholarly journals Badger territoriality maintained despite disturbance of major road construction

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0242586
Author(s):  
Aoibheann Gaughran ◽  
Enda Mullen ◽  
Teresa MacWhite ◽  
Peter Maher ◽  
David J. Kelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Road Ecology ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Meles Meles ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Gps Tracking ◽  
Major Road ◽  
Ranging Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

Road ecology has traditionally focused on the impact of in-situ and functional roads on wildlife. However, road construction also poses a major, yet understudied, threat and the implications for key aspects of animal behaviour are unknown. Badgers (Meles meles) have been implicated in the transmission of tuberculosis to cattle. There are concerns that environmental disturbances, including major road construction, can disrupt badger territoriality, promoting the spread of the disease to cattle. To address these knowledge gaps the ranging behaviour of a medium-density Irish badger population was monitored using GPS-tracking collars before, during, and after a major road realignment project that bisected the study area. We estimated badgers’ home range sizes, nightly distances travelled, and the distance and frequency of extra-territorial excursions during each phase of the study and quantified any changes to these parameters. We show that road construction had a very limited effect on ranging behaviour. A small increase in nightly distance during road construction did not translate into an increase in home range size, nor an increase in the distance or frequency of extra-territorial excursions during road construction. In addition, suitable mitigation measures to prevent badger deaths appeared to ensure that normal patterns of ranging behaviour continued once the new road was in place. We recommend that continuous badger-proof fencing be placed along the entire length of new major roads, in combination with appropriately sited underpasses. Our analysis supports the view that road construction did not cause badgers to change their ranging behaviour in ways likely to increase the spread of tuberculosis.

scholarly journals Badger territoriality maintained despite disturbance of major road construction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aoibheann Gaughran ◽  
Enda Mullen ◽  
Teresa MacWhite ◽  
Peter Maher ◽  
David J. Kelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Road Ecology ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Gps Tracking ◽  
Major Road ◽  
Ranging Behaviour ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTRoad ecology has traditionally focused on the impact of in-situ and functional roads on wildlife. However, road construction also poses a major, yet understudied, threat and any implications for key aspects of animal behaviour are unknown. There are also concerns that environmental disturbances, including major roadworks, can disrupt badger territoriality, promoting the spread of tuberculosis to cattle. To address these knowledge gaps, the ranging behaviour of a medium-density Irish badger population was monitored, using GPS-tracking collars, before, during and after a major road realignment project that bisected the study area. We estimated badgers’ home range sizes, nightly distances travelled and the distance and frequency of extra-territorial excursions during each phase of the study and quantified any changes to these parameters. We show that roadworks had a very limited effect on ranging behaviour. A small increase in nightly distance during the roadworks did not translate into an increase in home range size, nor an increase in the distance or frequency of extra-territorial excursions during the roadworks. In addition, suitable mitigation measures to prevent badger deaths appeared to ensure that normal patterns of ranging behaviour continued once the new road was in place. Our analysis supports the view that road construction did not cause badgers to change their ranging behaviour in ways likely to increase the spread of tuberculosis.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document