Assessment of river otter abundance following reintroduction

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 490
Author(s):  
E. Hance Ellington ◽  
Paul D. Flournoy ◽  
Chris P. Dwyer ◽  
Mark D. Witt ◽  
Stanley D. Gehrt
Keyword(s):  
Population Growth ◽  
Leslie Matrix ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
Initial Population ◽  
Population Abundance ◽  
Exponential Rate ◽  
River Otter ◽  
River Otters ◽  
Leslie Matrix Model ◽  
Harvesting Regime

Context By the early 1900s, river otters (Lontra canadensis) were extirpated across large parts of their range in North America. Over the last several decades they have made a remarkable recovery through widespread reintroduction programs. River otters were reintroduced in Ohio, USA, between 1988 and 1993, and restricted and limited harvesting of this population began in 2005. While circumstantial evidence points to rapid population growth following the reintroduction, changes in population size over time is unknown. Aims We sought to model river otter population growth following reintroduction, and to assess the impact of harvesting. Methods We used empirical and literature-based data on river otter demographics in Ohio to estimate abundance from 1988–2008 using an age- and sex-specific stochastic Leslie matrix model. Additionally, we used statistical population reconstruction (SPR) methods to estimate population abundance of river otters in Ohio from 2006 to 2008. Results Our Leslie matrix model predicted a population size of 4115 (s.d. = 1169) in 2005, with a population growth rate (λ) of 1.28 in 2005. Using SPR methods we found that both trapper effort and initial population abundance influenced our population estimates from 2006 to 2008. If we assumed that river otter pelt price was an accurate index of trapper effort, and if the initial population was between 2000 and 4000, then we estimated the λ to be 1.27–1.31 in 2008 and the exponential rate to be 0.17–0.21 from 2006 to 2008. Conversely, if the river otter population in 2005 was 1000, then we estimated λ to be 1.20 in 2008 and the exponential rate to be 0.08 from 2006 to 2008. Conclusions The river otter population in Ohio appears to have had the potential to grow rapidly following reintroduction. The ultimate effect of the harvesting regime on population abundance, however, remains clouded by limited data availability and high variability. Implications The considerable uncertainty surrounding population estimates of river otters in Ohio under the harvesting regime was largely driven by lack of additional data. This uncertainty clouds our understanding of the status of river otters in Ohio, but a more robust, long-term monitoring effort would provide the data necessary to more precisely monitor the population.

scholarly journals The Female Population Growth Projection Year 2021 in Trenggalek Regency by Leslie Matrix Model on the Birth Rate and Life Expectancy

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Dewi Anggreini
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Matrix Model ◽  
Discrete Model ◽  
Birth Rate ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Leslie Matrix ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Leslie Matrix Model

<p>This research aims to determine the number of female residents in Trenggalek Regency in 2021 based on data on birth rate and life expectancy. The use of eigenvalues and eigenvectors aims to determine the dividing age distribution by Leslie matrix model. The eigenvectors are used to determine the number of female populations of each age interval, while the eigenvalues are used to determine population growth rates. The research method used is to determine the subject of research. The next stage is to collect research data, then analyze the data and last draw conclusions. The research data is obtained from BPS Kabupaten Trenggalek and BPS East Java Province that is data of woman population from year 2010-2015. The result of this research using Leslie matrix model for female population in Trenggalek Regency that is discrete model. The discrete model is divided into fourteen age intervals constructed using the birthrate and life expectancy. The conclusions of the study showed that the number of female population in Trenggalek Regency tended to increase with positive eigen value greater than one. In other words, the growth rate of female population in Trenggalek Regency tends to be positive. The success of Leslie's matrix model is the application of case studies in predicting the number of female populations in Trenggalek District by 2021 using the MAPLE 16 Program.</p>

scholarly journals A River Otter's, Lontra canadensis, Capture of a Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus, in British Columbia's Gulf Island Waters

2007 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 325
Author(s):  
Michael H. H. Price ◽  
Clare E. Aries
Keyword(s):  
Lontra Canadensis ◽  
Phalacrocorax Auritus ◽  
River Otter ◽  
Freshwater Lakes ◽  
Marine Bird ◽  
River Otters

Direct and apparent predation events by River Otters (Lontra canadensis) on birds have been recorded on marine islands and freshwater lakes. We add to this the first known observation of a River Otter capturing a marine bird on the ocean.

scholarly journals River Otter Distribution and Food Habits in Grand Teton National Park as Part of an Ongoing Project in the GYE

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 75-78
Author(s):  
Kelly Pearce ◽  
Tom Serfass
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Lontra Canadensis ◽  
Flagship Species ◽  
River Otter ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
River Otters

Grand Teton National Park is part of the known range of the North American river otter, however not much is known about this semi-aquatic mammal within the park. The results presented here are part of a larger project to investigate the potential of the river otter (Lontra canadensis) to serve as an aquatic flagship (species that engender public support and action) for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. River otters, known for their charismatic behavior have the potential to serve as an aquatic flagship species to promote conservation of aquatic ecosystems. The primary objective of this portion of the study was to identify river otter latrines on portions of the Snake River, between Flagg Ranch and Jackson Lake, and between Jackson Lake Dam and Pacific Creek, collect river otter scats to determine diet of the river otter, and employ remote cameras to determine activity patterns of the river otters. Between 20 June and 1 July 2015, 26 river otter latrines were identified during shoreline surveys, 186 river otter scats were collected, and cameras were deployed at 6 latrines between 7 July and 24 August 2015. River otter scats have been cleaned and prepared for analysis, but have not all been processed to date. Camera traps recorded 222 images, of which 7% (n = 14) were of carnivores, 70% (n = 155) were of non-carnivore mammals, and 9% (n = 22) were of birds. River otters were detected at 1 of the 6 latrines, a total of 5 independent times during the study.

Diagnosing declining grassland wader populations using simple matrix models

2009 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lia Hemerik ◽  
Chris Klok ◽  
Maja Roodbergen
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Matrix Models ◽  
Population Growth Rate ◽  
Adult Stage ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Leslie Matrix ◽  
Adult Survival ◽  
Demographic Parameters ◽  
Survival And Reproduction

AbstractMany populations of wader species have shown a strong decline in number in Western-Europe in recent years. The use of simple population models such as matrix models can contribute to conserve these populations by identifying the most profitable management measures. Parameterization of such models is often hampered by the availability of demographic data (survival and reproduction). In particular, data on survival in the pre-adult (immature) stage of wader species that remain in wintering areas outside Europe are notoriously difficult to obtain, and are therefore virtually absent in the literature. To diagnose population decline in the wader species; Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, and Redshank, we extended an existing modelling framework in which incomplete demographic data can be analysed, developed for species with a pre-adult stage of one year. The framework is based on a Leslie matrix model with three parameters: yearly reproduction (number of fledglings per pair), yearly pre-adult (immature) and yearly adult (mature) survival. The yearly population growth rate of these populations and the relative sensitivity of this rate to changes in survival and reproduction parameters (the elasticity) were calculated numerically and, if possible, analytically. The results showed a decrease in dependence on reproduction and an increase in pre-adult survival of the population growth rate with an increase in the duration of the pre-adult stage. In general, adult survival had the highest elasticity, but elasticity of pre-adult survival increased with time to first reproduction, a result not reported earlier. Model results showed that adult survival and reproduction estimates reported for populations of Redshank and Curlew were too low to maintain viable populations. Based on the elasticity patterns and the scope for increase in actual demographic parameters we inferred that conservation of the Redshank and both Curlew populations should focus on reproduction. For one Oystercatcher and the Black-tailed Godwit populations we suggested a focus on both reproduction and pre-adult survival. For the second Oystercatcher population pre-adult survival seemed the most promising target for conservation. And for the Lapwing populations all demographic parameters should be considered.

Evaluation of a Bayesian Method for Predicting Vancomycin Dosing

DICP ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Burton ◽  
Donald L. Gentle ◽  
Michael R. Vasko
Keyword(s):  
Pharmacokinetic Parameter ◽  
Peak Serum ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Initial Population ◽  
Program Performance ◽  
Concentration Data ◽  
Bayesian Algorithm ◽  
Large Patient ◽  
Serum Vancomycin

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a vancomycin dosing program in predicting dosages necessary to achieve desired serum vancomycin concentrations in a relatively large patient population. With the completion of initial performance evaluation, revised pharmacokinetic parameter estimates derived in the initial evaluation are used to reevaluate program performance. The program uses population estimates of vancomycin's volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance (Cl) to initially predict dosing, then individualizes those estimates by a Bayesian algorithm (iterations) which uses dosing and the resulting serum vancomycin concentration data. Use of the Bayesian forecaster with one iteration significantly increases the calculated Cl value as compared with population estimates; two and three iterations significantly increase both Vd and Cl when compared with population estimates. Absolute values of the predicted minus observed peak serum vancomycin concentrations (accuracy) are 17.7 ± 14.0, 6.1 ± 3.6, and 3.4 ± 2.1 mg/L for dosing using population estimates, Bayesian with one iteration, and Bayesian with two iterations, respectively. Similarly, accuracy of predictions for trough concentrations is 13.8 ± 12.4, 3.5 ± 3.2, and 3.2 ± 2.6 mg/L for each method, respectively. Bias of dosing predictions in achieving desired peak and trough serum vancomycin concentrations is also significantly reduced by using the Bayesian algorithm. Use of the mean Vd and Cl values from three iterations as the starting parameters in a new group of 12 patients significantly improves program performance when compared with use of initial population parameters. Time of sampling for peak serum concentrations has no effect on program performance. In patients with impaired renal function, use of population estimates resulted in less accurate dosing prediction, but this less accurate performance was not observed with use of the Bayesian forecaster. These data demonstrate the accuracy and lack of bias in individualized dosing predictions using the Bayesian dosing method and the ability of revised pharmacokinetic parameter estimates to improve performance.

Theoretical basis for the use of pathogens as biological control agents of pest species

Parasitology ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Population Growth ◽  
Mathematical Models ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Host Density ◽  
Host Population ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Population Abundance ◽  
Pest Population ◽  
Insect Pathogen ◽  
Cyclic Changes

SUMMARYThe population dynamics of insect–pathogen interactions are examined with the aid of simple mathematical models. Three concepts of central importance to the interpretation of population behaviour are discussed, namely the ability of the pathogen to persist within its host population, the ability to regulate and depress host population abundance, and the ability to induce non-seasonal cyclic changes in host density. The selection of pathogen species or strains to depress pest population growth is discussed and the optimal characteristics are shown to be intermediate pathogencity combined with an ability to reduce infected host reproduction, high transmission efficiency, including elements of vertical as well as horizontal transmission stages. When the pathogen plays a significant role in the regulation of host population growth, it is argued that many insect–pathogen interactions will exhibit non-seasonal oscilations in host and pathogen abundance. Mathematical models are used to explore the patterns of population behaviour that result from the continual introduction of a pathogen into a target pest population. It is shown that there exists a critical introdution rate, above which the eradication of the pest is theoretically possible. Significant reductions in pest population abundance will not occur until the introduction rate approaches this critical value, whereupon the oscillatory behaviour of the interaction between host and pathogen population will be suppressed.A general dicussion is given of the problems arising from the combined use of chemical agents and pathogens for the control of pest species, and the evolutionary pressures acting on host and pathogen populations.

Consequences of potential density-dependent mechanisms on recovery of ocean-type chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

2004 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 590-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Correigh M Greene ◽  
Timothy J Beechie
Keyword(s):  
Density Dependence ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Habitat Restoration ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Leslie Matrix ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Density Dependent ◽  
Habitat Area ◽  
Leslie Matrix Model

Restoring salmon populations depends on our ability to predict the consequences of improving aquatic habitats used by salmon. Using a Leslie matrix model for chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) that specifies transitions among spawning nests (redds), streams, tidal deltas, nearshore habitats, and the ocean, we compared the relative importance of different habitats under three density-dependent scenarios: juvenile density independence, density-dependent mortality within streams, delta, and nearshore, and density-dependent migration among streams, delta, and nearshore. Each scenario assumed density dependence during spawning. We examined how these scenarios influenced priorities for habitat restoration using a set of hypothetical watersheds whose habitat areas could be systematically varied, as well as the Duwamish and Skagit rivers. In all watersheds, the three scenarios shared high sensitivity to changes in in nearshore and ocean mortality and produced similar responses to changes in other parameters controlling mortality (i.e., habitat quality). However, the three scenarios exhibited striking variation in population response to changes in habitat area (i.e., capacity). These findings indicate that nearshore habitat relationships may play significant roles for salmon populations and that the relative importance of restoring habitat area will depend on the mechanism of density dependence influencing salmon stocks.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document