Home range size, space use and resource selection of griffon vultures in an insular environment

Abstract Background: Human settlement and agricultural activities restrict increasingly the range of large mammals in many cases contributing to declining numbers of ungulates. Here, we studied home range size and habitat selection of female mountain nyalas in the northern end of the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) (31 km2) surrounded by human settlement. We collected data on space use of seven adult female mountain nyalas equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. Home range size was estimated using fixed kernel density and habitat selection was determined by resource selection functions.Results: We found that female mountain nyalas have much smaller (5.7 km2) home ranges than the 19 km2 home range size predicted for a 170 kg, group-living species living in mixed habitats. Home ranges were 30% larger in night time than daytime. We suggest that the night time extension beyond the park boundaries were caused by both push and pull effects. The presumably high livestock and other ungulates grazing pressure within the protected area may cause forage-driven excursions out of the park, in particular during agricultural crop seasons. In addition, mountain nyalas are probably attracted by humans as shields against hyena predation. Resource selection index indicates bush land and forest habitat are the most preferred habitat types while agriculture and human settlements are least preferred habitats.Conclusions: Given that mountain nyalas are found in high density (24 individuals/km2) and the size of the northern part of the Bale Mountain National Park, which is currently under protection by the park authorities for the mountain nyala conservation, is too small for the predicted home range size of large ungulates, we suggest protecting additional area may be needed for the long-term conservation of the endangered mountain nyala.

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Selection of foraging habitat and diet of the Hoopoe Upupa epops in the mosaic-like cultural landscape of Goričko (NE Slovenia)

Acrocephalus ◽

10.1515/acro-2015-0008 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (166-167) ◽

pp. 109-132

Author(s):

Mojca Podletnik ◽

Damijan Denac

Keyword(s):

Home Range ◽

Agricultural Landscape ◽

Population Decline ◽

Home Range Size ◽

Range Size ◽

Foraging Habitat ◽

Convex Polygons ◽

Upupa Epops ◽

Mole Crickets ◽

Selection Of

In 2012 and 2013, the selection of foraging habitats and the diet of the Hoopoe Upupa epops were studied in the Goričko area, where a significant population decline of the species has been recorded in the past 15 years. Goričko is an area with a well-preserved traditional mosaic-like agricultural landscape very rich in biodiversity which, however, is disappearing. The diet was determined using automatic camera recordings of prey brought to chicks by parents. Mole crickets Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa were the most dominant prey (35.4% frequency and 81.3% biomass of prey), followed by Scarab beetles larvae Scarabaeidae, caterpillars Lepidoptera larvae and True flies Diptera. Feeding frequency was highest in the period of most intensive chick growth (between 8 and 21 days of age). Selection of foraging habitat was researched by observation of birds during foraging. Hoopoes foraged mostly in mown meadows and grassy courtyards and, to a lesser extent, on sandy cart tracks and road edges. These habitats were characterized by low vegetation and patches of bare ground that enabled Hoopoes to forage efficiently. Home range size was determined using minimum convex polygons. The maximum home range size was between 42.9 and 57.7 ha, while the percentage of foraging habitats within the home range did not exceed 18%. Based on our results, we propose the following measures for effective Hoopoe conservation in the area: maintaining the present range of existing unimproved meadows, stopping the conversion of meadows into fields, restoring fields to meadows, prohibiting the use of pesticides targeting Mole crickets.

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Breeding-Season Survival, Home-Range Size, and Habitat Selection of Female Bachman's Sparrows

Southeastern Naturalist ◽

10.1656/058.020.0112 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Y. Choi ◽

Alexander C. Fish ◽

Christopher E. Moorman ◽

Christopher S. DePerno ◽

Jessica M. Schillaci

Keyword(s):

Habitat Selection ◽

Home Range ◽

Breeding Season ◽

Home Range Size ◽

Range Size ◽

Selection Of

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Sex Differences in Space Use of Breeding Common Ravens in Western Marin County, California

The Condor ◽

10.1093/condor/106.3.529 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 106 (3) ◽

pp. 529-539 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer E. Roth ◽

John P. Kelly ◽

William J. Sydeman ◽

Mark A. Colwell

Keyword(s):

Sex Differences ◽

Home Range ◽

Space Use ◽

Home Range Size ◽

Range Size ◽

Food Sources ◽

Small Scale ◽

Corvus Corax ◽

Marin County ◽

Core Areas

Abstract We estimated core areas and home-range sizes and evaluated sex differences in home-range size, seasonal variation in movements, and space use for breeding Common Ravens (Corvus corax) in western Marin County, California. There were no significant interannual differences in average core area or average home-range size for either sex, although there were small-scale shifts in home-range use for 67% of females and 63% of males. There was no significant difference in home-range size between the sexes. Home-range size was positively correlated with distance to food source. Ravens traveled shorter distances from the nest during the incubation + nestling stage compared to other stages of the breeding season. Core areas were centered around nest sites and food sources, with significantly aggregated locations for 83% and 100% of females in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Males were more variable in their use of space, with significantly aggregated locations for 38% and 44% of males in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Individual variation in home-range size, movements, and space use was likely due to differences in the distribution of important food sources in the area. Diferencias Sexuales en la Utilización del Espacio en Corvus corax en el Oeste del Condado Marin, California Resumen. Estimamos los tamaños del área núcleo y rango de hogar y evaluamos las diferencias entre sexos en el tamaño del rango de hogar, variaciones estacionales de los movimientos y utilización del espacio en Corvus corax en el oeste del condado Marin, California. No hubo diferencias interanuales significativas en el área núcleo promedio ni en el rango de hogar promedio para ninguno de los sexos, aunque para el 67% de las hembras y el 63% de los machos hubo cambios de pequeña escala en el uso del rango de hogar. No hubo diferencias significativas en el tamaño de los rangos de hogar entre sexos. El tamaño del rango de hogar estuvo positivamente correlacionado con la distancia a la fuente de alimento. Los cuervos viajaron distancias más cortas desde el nido durante los períodos de incubación y de cría de polluelos en comparación con otros períodos durante la época reproductiva. Las áreas núcleo se centraron en los sitios de nidificación y las fuentes de alimento, con posiciones significativamente agregadas para el 83% y 100% de las hembras en 2000 y 2001, respectivamente. Los machos presentaron mayor variabilidad en la utilización del espacio, con posiciones significativamente agregadas para un 38% y 44% de los machos en el 2000 y 2001, respectivamente. Las variaciones individuales en el tamaño de los ámbitos de hogar, movimientos y uso del espacio fueron probablemente dadas por las diferencias en la distribución de los recursos alimenticios importantes en el área.

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Mating strategies of Pampean mouse males

Animal Biology ◽

10.1163/157075612x634102 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 62 (4) ◽

pp. 381-396 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Florencia Bonatto ◽

Daniela Gomez ◽

Andrea Steinmann ◽

José Priotto

Keyword(s):

Body Size ◽

Sexual Dimorphism ◽

Home Range ◽

Space Use ◽

Home Range Size ◽

Mating Strategies ◽

Range Size ◽

Home Ranges ◽

Males And Females ◽

Akodon Azarae

Patterns of space use and sexual dimorphism are frequently used to infer mating systems. We examined body size and home range size and intra- and intersexual overlap degree in order to elucidate mating strategy of Akodon azarae males. We studied spacing patterns using 113 and 129 home ranges established by males and females, respectively, in four 0.25 ha enclosures during the breeding season. Significant differences between sexes in home range size and overlap degree were found. Male home ranges were always larger than those of females. We observed exclusive space use among males and among females. Considering only those males that shared their home ranges with females, average intersexual overlap value was about 50%. Males mainly overlap their home ranges with home ranges of two or three females. Significant differences in body size were found between males and females, with males being larger. We concluded that space use and sexual dimorphism in this species is consistent with patterns characteristic of polygynous rodents, and we propose a polygynous system in A. azarae.

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Space Use and Movement of Urban Bobcats

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9050275 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 275 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Julie Young ◽

Julie Golla ◽

John Draper ◽

Derek Broman ◽

Terry Blankenship ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Home Range ◽

Behavioral Plasticity ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Space Use ◽

Home Range Size ◽

Range Size ◽

Lynx Rufus ◽

Urban Setting ◽

Home Range Overlap ◽

Range Overlap

Global urbanization is rapidly changing the landscape for wildlife species that must learn to persist in declining wild spacing, adapt, or risk extinction. Many mesopredators have successfully exploited urban niches, and research on these species in an urban setting offers insights into the traits that facilitate their success. In this study, we examined space use and activity patterns from GPS-collared bobcats (Lynx rufus) in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Texas, USA. We found that bobcats select for natural/agricultural features, creeks, and water ways and there is greater home-range overlap in these habitats. They avoid roads and are less likely to have home-range overlap in habitats with more roads. Home-range size is relatively small and overlap relatively high, with older animals showing both greater home-range size and overlap. Simultaneous locations suggest bobcats are neither avoiding nor attracted to one another, despite the high overlap across home ranges. Finally, bobcats are active at all times of day and night. These results suggest that access to natural features and behavioral plasticity may enable bobcats to live in highly developed landscapes.

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Annual vs. Multiple-Year Home Range Sizes of Individual Blanding's Turtles, Emydoidea blandingii, in Central Wisconsin

The Canadian Field-Naturalist ◽

10.22621/cfn.v122i1.545 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 122 (1) ◽

pp. 61 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Matthew Schuler ◽

Richard P. Thiel

Keyword(s):

Home Range ◽

Space Use ◽

Home Range Size ◽

Range Size ◽

Home Ranges ◽

Convex Polygons ◽

Short Term ◽

Emydoidea Blandingii ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Short Time

Most studies of home ranges occur over short time periods and may not represent the spacial requirements of long-lived organisms such as turtles. Home ranges of 18 individual Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) were measured using minimum convex polygons. Annual space use was compared to multi-year space use by individual turtles. We found a significant difference between annual home range size (25.5 hectares) and multi-year (two to six years) home range size (65.7 hectares; n = 18, P = 0.016). Caution should be employed when making management decisions based on short-term studies of long lived species.

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Space use of wintering waterbirds in India: Influence of trophic ecology on home-range size

Current Zoology ◽

10.1093/czoolo/60.5.616 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 60 (5) ◽

pp. 616-621

Author(s):

Tsewang Namgail ◽

John Y. Takekawa ◽

Sivananinthaperumal Bala-Chandran ◽

Ponnusamy Sathiyaselvam ◽

Taej Mundkur ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Home Range ◽

Body Mass ◽

Feeding Habits ◽

Satellite Telemetry ◽

Space Use ◽

Home Range Size ◽

Range Size ◽

Home Ranges ◽

Biological Traits ◽

Indian States

Abstract Relationship between species’ home range and their other biological traits remains poorly understood, especially in migratory birds due to the difficulty associated with tracking them. Advances in satellite telemetry and remote sensing techniques have proved instrumental in overcoming such challenges. We studied the space use of migratory ducks through satellite telemetry with an objective of understanding the influence of body mass and feeding habits on their home-range sizes. We marked 26 individuals, representing five species of migratory ducks, with satellite transmitters during two consecutive winters in three Indian states. We used kernel methods to estimate home ranges and core use areas of these waterfowl, and assessed the influence of body mass and feeding habits on home-range size. Feeding habits influenced the home-range size of the migratory ducks. Carnivorous ducks had the largest home ranges, herbivorous ducks the smallest, while omnivorous species had intermediate home-ranges. Body mass did not explain variation in home-range size. To our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind on migratory ducks, and it has important implications for their conservation and management.

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Space use and territoriality in swift foxes (Vulpes velox) in northeastern Colorado

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z2012-003 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 90 (3) ◽

pp. 337-344 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Amariah A. Lebsock ◽

Christopher L. Burdett ◽

Safi K. Darden ◽

Torben Dabelsteen ◽

Michael F. Antolin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Home Range ◽

Spatial Ecology ◽

Space Use ◽

Home Range Size ◽

Range Size ◽

Home Ranges ◽

Spatial Overlap ◽

Vulpes Velox ◽

Shortgrass Prairie ◽

Core Areas

Space use is a fundamental characteristic that informs our knowledge of social relationships and the degree to which individuals are territorial. Until recently, relatively little was known about the spatial ecology and social organization of swift foxes ( Vulpes velox (Say, 1823)). We investigated space use of swift foxes on shortgrass prairie in northeastern Colorado. Our first objective was to evaluate sizes of seasonal and annual home ranges and core areas of 13 radio-collared swift foxes monitored continuously for 2 years. Our second objective was to compare home-range and core-area overlap of breeding pairs to that of neighboring foxes, including male–male, female–female, and nonbreeding female–male dyads. Home-range size in our study population was among the smallest previously reported for swift foxes. Males tended to have slightly larger home ranges and core areas than females, and home-range size was significantly larger in the breeding season than in both the pup-rearing and the dispersal seasons; sizes of core areas did not differ seasonally. Spatial overlap between breeding pairs was substantial, whereas spatial overlap between neighbors, particularly males, was low, suggesting territoriality.

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