scholarly journals Rethinking habitat occupancy modeling and the role of diel activity in an anthropogenic world

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Rivera ◽  
Mason Fidino ◽  
Zach Farris ◽  
Seth Magle ◽  
Asia Murphy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Occupancy Modeling ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Habitat Occupancy ◽  
Continuous Response ◽  
Spatial Use

Current methods to model species habitat use through space and diel time are limited. Development of such models is critical when considering rapidly changing habitats where species are forced to adapt to anthropogenic change, often by shifting their diel activity across space. We use an occupancy modeling framework to develop a new model, the multi-state diel occupancy model (MSDOM), which can evaluate species diel activity against continuous response variables which may impact diel activity within and across seasons or years. We used two case studies, fosa in Madagascar and coyote in Chicago, USA, to conceptualize the application of this model and to quantify the impacts of human activity on species spatial use in diel time. We found support that both species varied their habitat use by diel states—in and across years, and by human disturbance. Our results exemplify the importance of understanding animal diel activity patterns and how human disturbance can lead to temporal habitat loss. The MSDOM will allow more focused attention in ecology and evolution studies on the importance of the short temporal scale of diel time in animal-habitat relationships and lead to improved habitat conservation and management.

Habitat use, temporal activity patterns and foraging behaviour of raptors in the south-west of the Northern Territory, Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Aumann
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
The South ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
South West ◽  
Diel Activity Patterns ◽  
Vegetation Structures

On the basis of opportunistic observations, the preferred habitats of diurnal raptors in the south-west of the Northern Territory are quantified in terms of their vegetation structures and composition, and linked with foraging methods and information on local diets. Broad interspecific differences in diel activity patterns are also described. The evidence suggests that raptor species in this part of arid Australia differ with respect to their foraging times, habitats and methods, and that these differences relate to their partitioning of food resources.

scholarly journals A closer look at pupil diversity and evolution in frogs and toads

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1957) ◽  
pp. 20211402
Author(s):  
Nadia G. Cervino ◽  
Agustín J. Elias-Costa ◽  
Martín O. Pereyra ◽  
Julián Faivovich
Keyword(s):  
Life Histories ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Evolutionary Patterns ◽  
Most Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Diel Activity Patterns ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ecological Versatility

The eyes of frogs and toads (Anura) are among their most fascinating features. Although several pupil shapes have been described, the diversity, evolution, and functional role of the pupil in anurans have received little attention. Studying photographs of more than 3200 species, we surveyed pupil diversity, described their morphological variation, tested correlation with adult habits and diel activity, and discuss major evolutionary patterns considering iris anatomy and visual ecology. Our results indicate that the pupil in anurans is a highly plastic structure, with seven main pupil shapes that evolved at least 116 times during the history of the group. We found no significant correlation between pupil shape, adult habits, and diel activity, with the exception of the circular pupil and aquatic habits. The vertical pupil arose at least in the most-recent common ancestor of Anura + Caudata, and this morphology is present in most early-diverging anuran clades. Subsequently, a horizontal pupil, a very uncommon shape in vertebrates, evolved in most neobatrachian frogs. This shape evolved into most other known pupil shapes, but it persisted in a large number of species with diverse life histories, habits, and diel activity patterns, demonstrating a remarkable functional and ecological versatility.

scholarly journals Population Estimate, Habitat-Use and Activity Patterns of the Honey Badger in a Dry-Deciduous Forest of Central India

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilanjan Chatterjee ◽  
Parag Nigam ◽  
Bilal Habib
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Cuon Alpinus

Studies on carnivores are skewed toward larger species in India, limiting ecological information of the smaller ones. Basic ecological understanding like population density, distribution, habitat-use patterns of small carnivores is lacking. This inadequate knowledge has led to disagreement between conservation approaches in different landscapes. Honey badgers (Mellivora capensis) are cryptic carnivores distributed across large areas of Africa and Asia; however, fundamental ecological knowledge is scarce. The species is thought to exist at low population densities throughout its range. We used a large camera trap dataset from a tiger reserve in Maharashtra State, India to understand the population density, habitat preference, and diel activity pattern of the species. We applied an extension of the spatial count model for the estimation of population. Habitat preference analyses were carried out using generalized linear models and activity patterns were analyzed using kernel-density functions. The population density was estimated as 14.09 (95% CI 10–22.25) individuals per 100 km2. Habitat use revealed a positive association with forest cover and negative association with elevation. This may expose the species to other large carnivores in the habitat but honey badger activity pattern peaked at midnight retaining minimum temporal overlap with other large carnivores (e.g., tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus, and dhole Cuon alpinus) and moderate overlap with small carnivores (e.g., jungle cat Felis chaus, rusty-spotted cat Prionailurus rubiginosus). These behaviors, in turn, may facilitate the coexistence of species at such high density even with high carnivore density. We hope the findings of this study will fill the existing knowledge gap of this species and aid in guiding the conservation of the species in other landscapes and reserves.

Habitat use of the central mudminnow (Umbra limi) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Umbra-Perca assemblages: the roles of competition, predation, and the abiotic environment

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 862-870 ◽  
Author(s):  
William M. Tonn ◽  
Cynthia A. Paszkowski
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
Niche Shift ◽  
Low Oxygen ◽  
Ontogenetic Niche Shift ◽  
Diel Activity Patterns

We compared spatial distributions and diel activity patterns of three fish populations (co-occurring central mudminnows and yellow perch, and a mudminnow population in a single-species assemblage) throughout the year in two small, northern Wisconsin dystrophic lakes. In winter, all three populations were more active offshore and during the day. During spring and summer–fall all were concentrated inshore, near the bottom, and were more active around dawn and dusk. Winter distributions appeared to be responses to abiotic conditions (ice cover and low oxygen availability); overall patterns during open-water periods appeared to be linked to prey availability (e.g., chironomid emergences). Although the three populations were generally similar, some aspects of habitat use differed between species, between lakes, or between dominant and subdominant populations, with the direction of differences varying seasonally. The yellow perch population was recovering from a size-selective winterkill and between spring and summer underwent an ontogenetic niche shift, first being competitors with mudminnows, then becoming predators on mudminnows. Mudminnows did not alter their vertical or diel activity patterns in the presence of these predatory perch. They did become more concentrated inshore in summer–fall, near structural refuge provided by the bog mat, and, unlike the other two populations, failed to shift their activities offshore at twilight. Our study suggested that a simple habitat in the study lakes contributed both to overall similarities in habitat use and strong interactions between co-occurring populations. However, the ecological flexibility demonstrated by mudminnows may prevent their total exclusion from lakes inhabited by perch and allow them to respond to changing biotic environments.

Impacts of large-scale restoration efforts on black bear habitat use in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, United States

2016 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 1065-1073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Tredick ◽  
Marcella J. Kelly ◽  
Michael R. Vaughan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Black Bear ◽  
Occupancy Modeling ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Russian Olive ◽  
American Black Bear ◽  
National Monument

Abstract Impacts of large-scale changes in habitat due to human development, invasive species, and climate change are important considerations for wildlife management. Likewise, as efforts increase to recover and restore human-altered landscapes, indirect consequences on nontarget components of the restored ecosystem also must be considered. Currently, efforts are underway to eradicate nonnative Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) in Canyon de Chelly National Monument (CACH), United States, yet impacts to native wildlife, including the American black bear (Ursus americanus), which relies on these species for escape cover and foraging habitat, are not fully understood. Further, these efforts have the potential to impact sociopolitical aspects of the ecosystem, namely human–bear interactions (e.g., raiding of crops and livestock). We used occupancy modeling to evaluate black bear foraging ecology and habitat use in CACH to better understand how bears are using native and nonnative habitat resources and how restoration efforts may impact bears and human–bear interactions. We found that black bears rely heavily on Russian olive for food and that habitat use is driven by both native and nonnative (i.e., Russian olive) food resources; thus, restoration of native habitat in CACH may have negative impacts on bears through loss of a primary nonnative food source and escape cover. Furthermore, bear–human interactions may temporarily increase in the short term as bears adjust to this loss. Evaluating habitat use in an occupancy modeling framework provides an effective means for gauging nontarget impacts of restoration efforts on wildlife species, an essential step in effective wildlife management.

scholarly journals The influence of human disturbance on wildlife nocturnality

Science ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 360 (6394) ◽  
pp. 1232-1235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn M. Gaynor ◽  
Cheryl E. Hojnowski ◽  
Neil H. Carter ◽  
Justin S. Brashares
Keyword(s):  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Cumulative Effect ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Community Interactions ◽  
Human Footprint ◽  
Average Factor

Rapid expansion of human activity has driven well-documented shifts in the spatial distribution of wildlife, but the cumulative effect of human disturbance on the temporal dynamics of animals has not been quantified. We examined anthropogenic effects on mammal diel activity patterns, conducting a meta-analysis of 76 studies of 62 species from six continents. Our global study revealed a strong effect of humans on daily patterns of wildlife activity. Animals increased their nocturnality by an average factor of 1.36 in response to human disturbance. This finding was consistent across continents, habitats, taxa, and human activities. As the global human footprint expands, temporal avoidance of humans may facilitate human-wildlife coexistence. However, such responses can result in marked shifts away from natural patterns of activity, with consequences for fitness, population persistence, community interactions, and evolution.

scholarly journals Sympatric competitors have driven the evolution of temporal activity patterns in Cnemaspis geckos in Southeast Asia

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung Ngoc Nguyen ◽  
Chih-Ming Hung ◽  
Ming-Yuan Yang ◽  
Si-Min Lin
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Habitat Niche ◽  
Rocky Habitat ◽  
Habitat Specialists

AbstractIt is often assumed that animals’ temporal activity patterns are highly conserved throughout evolution. While most geckos are nocturnal, the species in the Cnemaspis genus are mostly diurnal (only a few are nocturnal). This raises a question about the evolution of a diel niche in the Cnemaspis genus. Cnemaspis geckos are distributed across Southeast Asia and are often sympatric with Cyrtodactylus, another widespread gecko genus in the same area. Since both genera are mainly rocky habitat specialists, we hypothesize that Cyrtodactylus may influence the temporal activity pattern of Cnemaspis when they are sympatric through competition. By analyzing habitat data, diel activity, and the existence of sympatric Cyrtodactylus species across the phylogeny of the Cnemaspis genus, we found (1) strong phylogenetic signals in the habitat use trait but not in temporal activity, suggesting that the diel niche of this genus is more labile compared with habitat niche, and (2) a significant association with the temporal activity pattern of Cnemaspis and the sympatry between the two genera, with the former tending to be diurnal when they are sympatric. Originated from a diurnal common ancestor, the release from competition with Cyrtodactylus species might open an opportunity for some Cnemaspis species to shift to nocturnal niches.

scholarly journals Individual variability of wild juvenile Atlantic salmon activity patterns: effect of flow stage, temperature, and habitat use

2013 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 1082-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu L. Roy ◽  
André G. Roy ◽  
James W.A. Grant ◽  
Normand E. Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Salmon ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Large Network ◽  
Lower Velocity ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Flow Stage

The magnitude of variation of diel activity patterns and habitat use of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr was examined during the summer and autumn through a gradient of declining temperature. Fish were marked with passive integrated transponders and tracked using a large network of flatbed antennas. High interindividual variability was observed, as some individuals were predominantly nocturnal whereas others frequently changed their daily activity pattern. Overall fish activity decreased with decreasing temperature and increasing flow stage, but most of these changes in daily activity were observed in crepuscular periods. Parr used habitats with lower velocity at night than in the day during the summer, but not in the autumn. Furthermore, there was no difference between day and night habitats for fish that were cathemeral (active both day and night during a given day), so differences between day and night habitats were the result of individuals adopting different activity patterns. These results suggest that habitat interacts with activity pattern, as individuals using suboptimal habitats seem to increase daytime foraging to secure sufficient energy. Temporal and among-fish variability of activity patterns illustrate the dynamic nature of foraging decisions that may partly result from trade-offs experienced at the microhabitat scale.

scholarly journals Natural Zeitgebers Under Temperate Conditions Cannot Compensate for the Loss of a Functional Circadian Clock in Timing of a Vital Behavior in Drosophila

2021 ◽  
pp. 074873042199811
Author(s):  
Franziska Ruf ◽  
Oliver Mitesser ◽  
Simon Tii Mungwa ◽  
Melanie Horn ◽  
Dirk Rieger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Clock ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Statistical Measures ◽  
Clock Mutant ◽  
Full Complement ◽  
The Right

The adaptive significance of adjusting behavioral activities to the right time of the day seems obvious. Laboratory studies implicated an important role of circadian clocks in behavioral timing and rhythmicity. Yet, recent studies on clock-mutant animals questioned this importance under more naturalistic settings, as various clock mutants showed nearly normal diel activity rhythms under seminatural zeitgeber conditions. We here report evidence that proper timing of eclosion, a vital behavior of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, requires a functional molecular clock under quasi-natural conditions. In contrast to wild-type flies, period01 mutants with a defective molecular clock showed impaired rhythmicity and gating in a temperate environment even in the presence of a full complement of abiotic zeitgebers. Although period01 mutants still eclosed during a certain time window during the day, this time window was much broader and loosely defined, and rhythmicity was lower or lost as classified by various statistical measures. Moreover, peak eclosion time became more susceptible to variable day-to-day changes of light. In contrast, flies with impaired peptidergic interclock signaling ( Pdf01 and han5304 PDF receptor mutants) eclosed mostly rhythmically with normal gate sizes, similar to wild-type controls. Our results suggest that the presence of natural zeitgebers is not sufficient, and a functional molecular clock is required to induce stable temporal eclosion patterns in flies under temperate conditions with considerable day-to-day variation in light intensity and temperature. Temperate zeitgebers are, however, sufficient to functionally rescue a loss of PDF-mediated clock-internal and -output signaling

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