Ecology of the rare but irruptive Pilliga mouse, Pseudomys pilligaensis. IV. Habitat ecology

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideyuki Tokushima ◽  
Peter J. Jarman
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Sandy Substrate ◽  
Phase Water ◽  
Peak Phase ◽  
Stable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Variables

We determined preferences of the Pilliga mouse, Pseudomys pilligaensis, for habitat attributes (ground and vegetation cover) through phases of a population irruption, and characterised refuge sites used when environmental conditions were unfavourable. In general, P. pilligaensis preferred areas with substrate dominated by sand and shrubs rather than rock or litter. However, its habitat selection changed with phases of the irruption. In the Increase phase, it showed no strong habitat preferences, perhaps because the abundance of food (seeds) overrode preferences for more stable habitat values. Its sensitivity to habitat variables increased in the Peak phase. In the Low phase, mice preferred ground cover with higher proportions of sand and shrubs, and lower proportions of rock and litter. Regression analyses suggested that sandy substrate is the most important factor for the refuge habitat of P. pilligaensis, perhaps because a sandy surface can support more understorey shrubs which provide seeds and protection from predators, and provides sites for burrows. Judging from areas where P. pilligaensis was caught during the Low phase, water run-on areas could also characterise refuge habitats. However, further studies are needed to define the species’ refuge habitats fully.

scholarly journals Spatial and Temporal Changes in Habitat Heterogeneity Promote Partition of Resources of Small Mammals in a Midlatitude Temperate Forest

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan M. De la Cruz-Arguello ◽  
Alondra Castro-Campillo ◽  
Alejandro Zavala-Hurtado ◽  
Arturo Salame-Méndez ◽  
José Ramírez-Pulido
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Dispersion Patterns ◽  
Microhabitat Heterogeneity ◽  
Close Relatives ◽  
Habitat Variables

AbstractOne of the basics and fundamentals problems in ecology is understand the factors that shape the spatial patterns in the distribution of the species and the coexistence of close relatives species. Among the most important factors governing the distributions and the coexistence of species are the spatiotemporal changes occurring in the microhabitat heterogeneity. Here, we assessed the heterogeneity of microhabitats and how they have an effect in the spatial segregation of two species of small mammals (i. e., Peromyscus difficilis and P. melanotis), which coexist in a temperate, mixed forest. We evaluated the microhabitat heterogeneity through multivariate statistics, using onto 23 habitat variables for vertical-horizontal habitat structure along pluvial seasons. To detect specific microdistribution changes and habitat preferences by two species of small mammals, we used second order spatial statistics and general linear models. According to their respective morphology and locomotive adaptations, the middle sized, midscansorial P. difficilis was resident all year long and preferred microhabitats with a high log ground cover, while the opportunistic, small sized, cursorial P. melanotis changed its occupancy area, depending on density of herbaceous and woody plants cover. Under the more benign microhabitat conditions of rainy season (denser plant coverage, milder temperature), both species showed closer microdistribution patterns; while these became repulsive at the less benign conditions of dry season (scarcer plant cover, colder temperature). Thus, we could confirm that seasonal changes of microhabitat heterogeneity promoted Peromyscus coexistence, through dispersion patterns reflecting partition of microhabitat resources.

Macrotylus (Alloeonycha) xantii Günther, 2018, (Hemiptera: Miridae, Phylinae) new to Portugal, with a description of the female

2019 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-69
Author(s):  
Stuart Foster
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Single Male ◽  
Male Specimen ◽  
Sandy Substrate

The plant bug Macrotylus (Alloeonycha) xantii Günther, 2018, is reported as new to Portugal from the Algarve. This species was described from a single male specimen captured on dry grass in a calcareous area of Andalusia, Spain. The female was previously unknown, so the presence of both sexes in reasonable numbers on sparsely vegetated sandy substrate in Portugal extends its known range and habitat preferences, and has enabled the female to be described.

Riparian habitat disturbed by reservoir management does not function as an ecological trap for the Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.P. Quinlan ◽  
D.J. Green
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ecological Trap ◽  
Riparian Habitat ◽  
Yellow Warbler ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Selection Decisions ◽  
Yellow Warblers ◽  
Setophaga Petechia

Ecological traps arise when anthropogenic change creates habitat that appears suitable but when selected reduces the fitness of an individual. We evaluated whether riparian habitat within the drawdown zone of the Arrow Lakes Reservoir, British Columbia, creates an ecological trap for Yellow Warblers ( Setophaga petechia (L., 1766)) by investigating habitat preferences and the fitness consequences of habitat selection decisions. Preferences were inferred by examining how habitat variables influenced settlement order, and comparing habitat at nest sites and random locations. Males preferred to settle in territories with more riparian shrub and tree cover, higher shrub diversity, and less high canopy cover. Females built nests in taller shrubs surrounded by a greater density of shrub stems. Habitat preferences were positively associated with fitness: nest sites in taller shrubs surrounded by higher shrub-stem densities were more likely to avoid predation and fledge young, whereas territories with more riparian cover, higher shrub diversity, and less high canopy cover had higher annual productivity. We therefore found no evidence that riparian habitat affected by reservoir operations functions as an ecological trap. Current habitat selection decisions may be associated with fitness because Yellow Warblers are adapted to breeding in a heterogeneous environment subject to periodic flooding.

Anadromous Sturgeons: Habitats, Threats, and Management

2007 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Atlantic Sturgeon ◽  
Lawrence Estuary ◽  
Early Juvenile ◽  
Salt Wedge ◽  
Sandy Substrate ◽  
Core Areas ◽  
St Lawrence Estuary ◽  
Selection Of

<em>Abstract</em>.—Space use and habitat selection of early juvenile Atlantic sturgeon <em>Acipenser oxyrinchus</em> have been little studied and remain largely unknown throughout the species’ range. In 2000–2002, survey trawling, ultrasonic telemetry, benthos sampling, and hydrodynamic modeling were used to determine the summer movement patterns, home range size, and habitat use and selection of early juvenile Atlantic sturgeon in the St. Lawrence estuary. Sonic-tagged Atlantic sturgeon, assumed to be age 2 based on their size, used a global area estimated at 76 km2 that included two main core areas. Individual summer home range sizes varied from 1 to 8 km2, but core areas were generally smaller than 1 km2. The mean daily distance traveled ranged from 0.4 to 13.5 km/d and was significantly related to sturgeon size. Fish were located mostly in freshwater relatively close to the salt wedge boundary and far from the shore, intertidal zones, and islands. They mostly used the 6–10-m depth range relatively close to a channel, in areas with low bottom current velocities, and over silt–clay substrates. Salinity and distance from the salt wedge were the two most important variables explaining their habitat selection. Age-0 Atlantic sturgeon used similar depth ranges, bottom salinities, and current velocities, but occupied mainly sandy substrate. Management implications of these results are discussed in relation to the impact of dredging and sediment disposal operations in the St. Lawrence estuary.

scholarly journals The Influence of Prey Availability and Vegetation Characteristics on Scent Station Visitation Rates of Coyotes, Canis latrans, in a Heterogeneous Environment

2004 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda A. Randa ◽  
John A. Yunger
Keyword(s):  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Heterogeneous Environment ◽  
Visitation Rates ◽  
Foliage Density ◽  
Grassland Habitats ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Habitat Variables

We investigated the effects of local prey fluctuations and habitat variables on the scent station visitation rates of the Coyote (Canis latrans) in northern Illinois within a heterogeneous environment. Availability of small mammalian prey was assessed by monthly mark-recapture sampling and visual counts conducted along three, 192-m transects in each of seven habitats that ranged from grassland to wooded sites. Habitat metrics, which included foliage density, ground cover, and canopy cover, were also collected for the same seven habitats. Visitation rates of Coyotes were determined from scent station lines parallel to the small mammal trapping transects. A multiple regression analysis indicated that Coyote visitation rates across the study site were influenced positively by vole (Microtus spp.) abundance and negatively by canopy cover. When Coyote visitation rates were regressed on vole abundance for only the habitats in which voles occurred, the relationship was not significant. This may be attributed to the general avoidance of wooded areas by Coyotes. Coyotes did, however, respond to experimentallyinduced abundant patches of Peromyscus. These findings suggest Coyotes selectively use grassland habitats within a heterogeneous environment and may modify their use according to prey availability.

Demographic features and habitat preferences of southern pygmy mice (Baiomys musculus) in Colima, Mexico

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 507-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary D. Schnell ◽  
Cassie J. Poindexter ◽  
Cornelio Sánchez-Hernández ◽  
María de Lourdes Romero-Almaraz ◽  
Michael L. Kennedy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Dead Wood ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Demographic Features

In Colima, Mexico, we conducted 8-night mark–recapture grid studies of southern pygmy mice ( Baiomys musculus (Merriam, 1892)) in January 2003–2007 in dry deciduous and tropical moist forests. For 40 000 trap-nights, 436 individuals were captured 764 times (comprising 18.6% of small mammals). The male:female ratio was 1:1.37, 82.9% were adults, 51.4% of females were pregnant or lactating, and coastal animals, on average, were heavier than those inland. Females moved farther than males. Baiomys was on 17 of 25 grids (densities 1.82–106.24 individuals/ha). Moon illumination did not affect capture or recapture probabilities, but trap-night did (overall, probability increased 1.66%/night). Grids with Baiomys had less bare ground and a more open canopy. Capture sites had more grass, less dead wood and bare ground, a more open and lower canopy, and greater distance to trees. Logistic regression indicated coastal capture sites had more forbs, grasses, and woody plants, and thicker vegetation at 1 m height with trees being relatively distant. Variables differed somewhat for northern sites, and the equation for all grids included 10 of 14 environmental variables. Baiomys frequented edge of an unimproved road traversing one grid. Baiomys musculus, widespread in Colima, exhibited preference for habitats with relatively dense ground cover and at least a partially open canopy.

Habitat Selection by 2 Closely Related Skinks, Egernia-Modesta Storr and Egernia-Whitii Lacepede (Lacertilia, Scincidae)

1986 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 295 ◽  
Author(s):  
DA Milton ◽  
JM Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Niche Separation ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Allopatric Populations ◽  
Narrow Zone ◽  
Current Distributions ◽  
Microhabitat Preferences

'The habitat and microhabitat preferences, and times of activity, of the skinks Egernia modesta and E. whitii were examined in southern Queensland where they coexist in a narrow zone. The above parameters were compared between locally sympatric and allopatric populations, in an attempt to determine whether there was evidence of niche separation in sympatry. E. modesta preferred open habitats with little canopy cover and high grass cover, adjacent to rocky retreats. E. whitii preferred rocky areas with well developed canopy and shrub layers. Both species were active throughout the day, although E. modesta was active later than E. whitii. No evidence was found of competition restricting habitat preferences where the two species coexisted. It is suggested that human disturbance has had some influence on current distributions of these species.

Scale-dependent habitat selection in three didelphid marsupials using the spool-and-line technique in the Atlantic forest of Brazil

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maíra C. Moura ◽  
Alice C. Caparelli ◽  
Simone R. Freitas ◽  
Marcus V. Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Direction Change ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Habitat Scale ◽  
Didelphis Aurita ◽  
Metachirus Nudicaudatus ◽  
Habitat Variables

Habitat selection can be detected at different scales. For small mammals, habitat studies normally evaluate micro- or meso-habitat selection, but rarely are multiple scales analysed simultaneously. These studies use quantitative data of structural characteristics around the trap stations to evaluate selection. We test an alternative method to evaluate habitat selection in three didelphid marsupials (Didelphis aurita, Philander frenatus and Metachirus nudicaudatus), using a spool-and-line device, and measure habitat selection at two spatial scales. Habitat was characterized by seven habitat variables measured at ten points of direction change along the path traversed by each individual, and at 25 trap stations distributed in a 1-ha area. Micro-habitat selection was estimated at each point by comparing habitat measures between the direction selected against other directions. Meso-habitat selection was estimated by comparing habitat measurements on the whole path of an individual against habitat measures on the 25 trap stations. Patterns of selection for each species could only be detected at the meso-habitat scale, although a few individuals in each species were selective at the micro-habitat scale. Studies of habitat selection need to address the scale of study quantitatively, if possible comparing two or more scales to determine the scale of selection.

Conservation of a rare arboreal mammal: habitat preferences of the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo, Dendrolagus lumholtzi

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid R. Heise-Pavlov ◽  
Sara L. Jackrel ◽  
Spenser Meeks
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Main Trunk ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Dendrolagus Lumholtzi ◽  
Selection Of

Success of conservation efforts of large and cryptic mammals is often limited due to a lack of knowledge of their habitat preferences. This study investigates factors that affect the habitat selection of the rare Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo, Dendrolagus lumholtzi, using signs of its activity. The presence and absence of scratch marks on tree trunks and faecal pellets within a 100-cm radius around them were surveyed on 23 ha within a 65-ha large fragment of rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands, north-eastern Australia in order to classify trees as ‘actively used’ or ‘inactive’. Structural features of the 315 surveyed tree trunks were also recorded. Using discriminant function analysis, ‘actively used’ trees were found to have no epiphytes on the main trunk, less obstruction by neighbouring trees, shrubs or lianas within a 0.5-m radius of the trunk (particularly in the eastern direction), and a smaller diameter at breast height than ‘inactive’ trees. Smaller tree trunks and less obstruction may facilitate a more rapid movement into the canopy as well as provide potential escape routes from predators. More specific knowledge on factors that affect habitat selection of the Lumholtz’ tree-kangaroo will help in a reclassification of the threatened status of this species and assist in more effective conservation efforts.

scholarly journals Habitat selection determines abundance, richness and species composition of beetles in aquatic communities

2005 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 370-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher A Binckley ◽  
William J Resetarits
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Differential Mortality ◽  
Aquatic Communities ◽  
Species Sorting ◽  
Random Dispersal ◽  
Random Site

Distribution and abundance patterns at the community and metacommunity scale can result from two distinct mechanisms. Random dispersal followed by non-random, site-specific mortality (species sorting) is the dominant paradigm in community ecology, while habitat selection provides an alternative, largely unexplored, mechanism with different demographic consequences. Rather than differential mortality, habitat selection involves redistribution of individuals among habitat patches based on perceived rather than realized fitness, with perceptions driven by past selection. In particular, habitat preferences based on species composition can create distinct patterns of positive and negative covariance among species, generating more complex linkages among communities than with random dispersal models. In our experiments, the mere presence of predatory fishes, in the absence of any mortality, reduced abundance and species richness of aquatic beetles by up to 80% in comparison with the results from fishless controls. Beetle species' shared habitat preferences generated distinct patterns of species richness, species composition and total abundance, matching large-scale field patterns previously ascribed to random dispersal and differential mortality. Our results indicate that landscape-level patterns of distribution and species diversity can be driven to a large extent by habitat selection behaviour, a critical, but largely overlooked, mechanism of community and metacommunity assembly.

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