Investigating uneven recovery of repatriated bobcats (Lynx rufus) in a mined landscape: space use, habitat use and condition in coal country

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
I. Suzanne Prange ◽  
Christa Rose
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Core Area ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Relative Population ◽  
Eastern Area ◽  
Southern Area ◽  
Condition Indices

Abstract ContextBobcats (Lynx rufus) were extirpated from Ohio, USA, during the mid-1800s. Genetic evidence indicates that they recolonised from neighbouring states. Initial re-establishment occurred almost simultaneously in two spatially distinct areas of a coal-mined landscape in the 1980s. Relative population growth was apparently higher in the eastern than in the southern area. AimsUnderstanding the reasons for the disparity in population dynamics and sustainability is essential for proper bobcat management. It also addresses substantial knowledge gaps in vertebrate carnivore ecology on mined land. We hypothesised that the characteristics of mined land in the eastern Ohio area provided bobcats with greater resources, enabling a more rapid recovery. MethodsWe trapped bobcats and took body measurements and weights to determine condition indices. We attached GPS radio-collars and used locations to determine annual home-range and core-area sizes, home-range and core-area overlap, and habitat selection using remotely sensed land cover data and mine permit records. We compared factors between the two bobcat population areas. Key resultsBody condition indices were higher, and home ranges and core areas of males and females were smaller, for eastern Ohio bobcats. Home-range overlap did not differ for any dyad type. Selection of mined land by habitat type differed at the home-range level, with eastern bobcats selecting more mined habitats and southern bobcats showing an opposite tendency. ConclusionsAn interaction may exist between landscape features of former surface mines and bobcat recovery. Results suggest more favourable habitat conditions in the eastern area, which featured more mined land and more older, less regulated mines, than in the southern area. These conditions may support a higher bobcat reproductive success. ImplicationsThe first bobcat harvest season in Ohio is under development by authorities. We recommend the regulation of eastern and southern Ohio as separate bobcat management units; the southern population should remain protected, and the eastern population should be managed conservatively as a source population to further colonise southern Ohio. Our data suggest that surface-mined land can be conducive to the restoration and conservation of species.

Influence of habitat on home-range size in the short-beaked echidna

2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Sprent ◽  
Stewart C. Nicol
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Location Data ◽  
Significant Negative Relationship ◽  
Solitary Species

The size of an animal’s home range is strongly influenced by the resources available within it. In productive, resource-rich habitats sufficient resources are obtainable within a smaller area, and for many species, home ranges are smaller in resource-rich habitats than in habitats with lower resource abundance. Location data on 14 male and 27 female echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) fitted with tracking transmitters, in the southern midlands of Tasmania, were used to test the influence of habitat type on home-range size. We hypothesised that as woodland should offer more shelter, food resources and refuges than pasture, echidnas living in woodland would have smaller home ranges than those living in pasture areas. We found significant differences between the sexes. Male echidnas had a significantly larger mean home range than females and a quite different relationship between home-range size and habitat type from females. There was no relationship between the proportion of woodland within male home ranges and home-range size whereas female echidnas had a highly significant negative relationship. This suggests that home-range size of female echidnas is highly influenced by the amount of woodland within it, but the home-range size of male echidnas is controlled by factors other than habitat. This pattern is consistent with the spatial ecology of many other solitary species with a promiscuous mating system. The home ranges of females are scaled to encompass all necessary resources for successfully raising their young within a minimal area, whilst the large home ranges of males are scaled to maximise access to females.

Isometric scaling in home-range size of male and female bobcats (Lynx rufus)

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (11) ◽  
pp. 1052-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam W. Ferguson ◽  
Nathan A. Currit ◽  
Floyd W. Weckerly
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Spatial Dynamics ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

For solitary carnivores a polygynous mating system should lead to predictable patterns in space-use dynamics. Females should be most influenced by resource distribution and abundance, whereas polygynous males should be strongly influenced by female spatial dynamics. We gathered mean annual home-range-size estimates for male and female bobcats ( Lynx rufus (Schreber, 1777)) from previous studies to address variation in home-range size for this solitary, polygynous carnivore that ranges over much of North America. Mean annual home ranges for bobcats (171 males, 214 females) from 29 populations covering the entire north to south and east to west range demonstrated female home-range sizes varied more than an order of magnitude and that, on average, males maintained home ranges 1.65 times the size of females. Male home-range sizes scaled isometrically with female home-range sizes indicating that male bobcats increase their home-range size proportional to female home-range size. Using partial correlation analysis we also detected an inverse relationship between environmental productivity, estimated using the normalized difference vegetation index, and home-range size for females but not males. This study provides one of the few empirical assessments of how polygyny influences home-range dynamics for a wide-ranging carnivore.

scholarly journals Long-term spatial stability of coyote (Canis latrans) home ranges in southeastern Colorado

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 458-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M Kitchen ◽  
Eric M Gese ◽  
Edward R Schauster
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Core Area ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Spatial Stability ◽  
Long Term Stability ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Territorial Boundaries

Long-term stability of territorial boundaries has not been well documented in canids. To evaluate the prevalence of long-term spatial stability of coyote (Canis latrans) home ranges, we compared the overlap of territorial boundaries and the spatial distribution of telemetry locations of packs in southeastern Colorado. From August 1983 to July 1988 (period 1), 16 coyotes from six packs were radio-tracked. From April 1996 to August 1997 (period 2), 12 coyotes from six packs were captured and tracked in the same area. Mean percentage of overlap of pack ranges was 89.8 ± 8.3% (±SD) for period 1 ranges over period 2 ranges and 55.8 ± 14.4% for period 2 ranges over period 1 ranges. Mean percentage of overlap of the 30% core area of the home ranges was 65.2 ± 13.9% for those of period 1 over those of period 2 and 66.3 ± 28.7% for those of period 2 over those of period 1. Despite substantial overlap of home-range and core-use areas, there were significant differences in the distribution of locations between periods in five of six home ranges. This suggests that, although packs are faithful to one site (i.e., boundaries remain similar over a period of years), their use of the site (i.e., distribution of locations within the range) may change temporally.

Spatial-use patterns, movements, and interactions among adult coyotes in central Mississippi

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (12) ◽  
pp. 2087-2095 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Chamberlain ◽  
Charles D Lovell ◽  
Bruce D Leopold
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Core Area ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Movement Rates ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Pair Bonds ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Range Overlap

Recently, coyotes (Canis latrans) have expanded their range to include most areas of the southeastern United States. However, most research on coyotes has been conducted in western and northern regions of North America. We radio-monitored 38 adult coyotes from 1993 to 1997 in central Mississippi. Home-range sizes (P = 0.681) and core-area (area of concentrated use) sizes (P = 0.736) were similar across seasons, but females maintained larger home ranges (P = 0.006) and core areas (P < 0.001) than males. Male-male, female-female, and male-female home-range overlap was greatest during whelping and pup rearing. Except for mated pairs, core-area overlap was negligible across all seasons for adults maintaining neighboring home ranges. Coyote habitat selection varied across spatial scales, though selection was similar between males and females at all scales. Coyote movement rates differed (P < 0.001) temporally, being highest during nocturnal periods. Overall, the highest movement rates for the monitored population were observed for females during summer. Two males and 2 females were suspected of forming pair bonds and frequently traveled together within shared home ranges, as did 2 adult males. Our data indicate that interactions among individual adults are influenced by sex, as most confirmed instances of direct contact occurred between pairs or suspected social groups. In our study area, neighboring adult coyotes exhibited territoriality at the core-area level.

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.

scholarly journals Wolverine, Gulo gulo, Home Range Size and Denning Habitat in Lowland Boreal Forest in Ontario

2010 ◽  
Vol 124 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Neil Dawson ◽  
Audrey J. Magoun ◽  
Jeff Bowman ◽  
Justina C. Ray
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Boreal Forest ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Minimum Convex Polygon ◽  
Northwestern Ontario ◽  
Selection Of

We conducted the first radio-telemetry study of Wolverines in northwestern Ontario during the winter of 2003-2004 to determine whether home ranges and movements of Wolverines in lowland boreal forest were typical of this species in other ecosystems and to describe reproductive den sites in this habitat type. Seven Wolverines (3 M, 4 F) were radio-tagged and monitored for 31 to 269 (Mean ± SE = 153 ± 35) days using a combination of remotely monitored Argos satellite and conventional aerial telemetry. Male and female 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges (±SE) during December to October were 2,563 (796) km2 and 428 (118) km2, respectively, for combined VHF and Argos locations. A lactating female had a 95% MCP home range of 262 km2. The den site for this female included large boulders and downed trees, similar to dens described for this species in montane ecosystems. Boulder complexes and downed trees may be critical features of wolverine dens in lowland boreal forests. Mean road densities (± SE) within 95% MCP and 50% MCP home ranges were 0.43 (0.13) and 0.33 (0.23) km/km2, respectively, and our results suggest that road densities may affect selection of home ranges by Wolverines. The Wolverine population was a resident, reproductive population. Erratum for table included.

Home-range size of northern flickers (Colaptes auratus) in relation to habitat and parental attributes

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (6) ◽  
pp. 954-961 ◽  
Author(s):  
C L Elchuk ◽  
K L Wiebe
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Core Area ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Colaptes Auratus

Energetic requirements during the breeding season and environmental factors such as food abundance and habitat quality may influence spatial use of the landscape by adult birds. We determined home-range and core-area sizes for 52 adult northern flickers (Colaptes auratus) during the brood-rearing period in 1999 and 2000 in British Columbia. We examined the relationship between home-range size and correlates of energetic demands (age, sex, body size, brood size, nest density, laying attempt). We also examined the association between vegetation type at the landscape scale and ground-cover characteristics at the foraging scale with home-range size, core-area size, and maximum distance flown from the nest to forage. Mean home-range size was 25 ha, with a mean core area of 7 ha. Home-range size was positively related to laying attempt and nearest neighbour distance. No significant relationships were found at the landscape level between vegetation type and home-range size or between ground-cover characteristics and core-area size. However, flickers flew farther to forage in home ranges with tall vegetation and bare ground. Home-range size of flickers may be related to both energetic demands on the adults and on the spatial arrangement of quality foraging patches around the nest site.

scholarly journals Temporal and spatial resource use by female three-toed sloths and their young in an agricultural landscape in Costa Rica

2018 ◽  
pp. 1743-1755
Author(s):  
Oscar Ramirez ◽  
Christopher Vaughan ◽  
Geovanny Herrera ◽  
Raymond Guries
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Riparian Forests ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Secondary Forests ◽  
Use Of Resources

The information on ecological behavior of wild sloths is very scarce. In this study we determined the home ranges and resources used by three adult female three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus) and their four young in an agricultural matrix of cacao (Theobroma cacao), pasture, riparian forests and living fencerows in Costa Rica. Births occurred during November-December and the young became independent at five to seven months of age. Initially, mothers remained fixed in one or a few trees, but expanded their use of resources as young sloths became independent from them. Mothers initially guided the young to preferred food and cover resources, but they gradually left their young in small nucleus areas and colonized new areas for themselves. Home range sizes for young sloths (up to seven months of age) varied between 0.04-0.6 hectares, while home range sizes for mothers varied from 0.04-25.0 hectares. During the maternal care period, 22 tree species were used, with the most common being Cecropia obtusifolia (30.9%), Coussapoa villosa (25.6%), Nectandra salicifolia (12.1%), Pterocarpus officinalis (5.8%) and Samanea saman (5.4%). However, young sloths used only 20 tree species, with the most common being C. villosa (18.4%), S. saman (18.5 %) and N. salicifolia (16.7%). The cacao agroforest was used only by mother sloths and never by their young following separation. However, in the riparian forest, both mother sloths and young used the tree species. A total of 28 tree species were used by the mother sloth; including the food species: C. obtusifolia, C. villosa, N. salicifolia and P. officinalis. However, the young used 18 trees species in this habitat with N. salicifolia and S. saman most commonly used, although they rested and fed during the day in C. obtusifolia, C. villosa and O. sinnuata. The cacao agroforest with adjacent riparian forests and fencerows provides an important habitat type that links the smaller secondary forests and other patches.

Home-range interactions of three sympatric mesopredators in east Texas

2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 547-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.I.A.S. Melville ◽  
W.C. Conway ◽  
M.L. Morrison ◽  
C.E. Comer ◽  
J.B. Hardin
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Behavioral Ecology ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Spatial Interactions ◽  
Utilization Distribution ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Range Overlap

Spatial interactions among predators are central to their behavioral ecology. Although coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823), bobcats (Lynx rufus (Schreber, 1777)), and raccoons (Procyon lotor (L., 1758)) occur sympatrically throughout much of the USA, little is known about the nature of inter- and intra-specific spatial interactions. We used kernel analysis to estimate home ranges and core areas for these species. We estimated home-range overlap within and among species using the utilization distribution overlap index (UDOI) and percent overlap. Bobcat and coyote home ranges were similar in extent, whereas raccoons had substantially smaller home ranges. Only bobcats displayed seasonal differences in home-range size. Male bobcats had larger home ranges than female bobcats; there was no sex-based differentiation in home range or core area for coyotes or raccoons. Home-range overlaps calculated using percent overlap were consistently larger than UDOI estimates. Percent overlap seemed to exaggerate the extent to which individuals of the same species share space. Bobcats and coyotes shared space more than raccoons did with either bobcats or coyotes, which indicates that raccoons may have avoided areas used by trophically higher ranking mesopredators or that species with similar feeding strategies had lower levels of overlap to avoid competition.

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