Habitat selection by the Puerto Rican yellow-chinned anole, Anolis gundlachi

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (7) ◽  
pp. 983-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier A Rodríguez-Robles ◽  
Manuel Leal ◽  
Jonathan B Losos
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Woody Substrates ◽  
Selection Of

Habitat selection can directly affect the fitness of an individual and the evolutionary dynamics of the population to which that organism belongs. We studied habitat use of the Puerto Rican yellow-chinned anole (Anolis gundlachi Peters, 1876) to examine whether this arboreal lizard uses its environment in a nonrandom manner. Males and females preferred woody vegetation substrates over nonwoody plants and sierra palms (Prestoea acuminata var. montana (Graham) A. Henderson and G. Galeano) as perching sites, and they also selected wider vegetation than what was randomly available. Selection for minimizing conspicuousness to potential predators and for increased locomotion capacity may help explain the preference for woody substrates and broader surfaces, respectively. Anolis gundlachi relies almost exclusively on visual cues for foraging and social interactions, and using wider perches also increases an individual's ability to scan a larger proportion of its territory. Our findings thus indicate that the nonrandom habitat use of free-ranging A. gundlachi leads to the selection of perching substrates that may increase performance of ecologically relevant capabilities.

scholarly journals What wild dogs want: habitat selection differs across life stages and orders of selection in a wide-ranging carnivore

BMC Zoology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen M. K. O’Neill ◽  
Sarah M. Durant ◽  
Rosie Woodroffe
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Order Selection ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Background Habitat loss is a key threat to the survival of many species. Habitat selection studies provide key information for conservation initiatives by identifying important habitat and anthropogenic characteristics influencing the distribution of threatened species in changing landscapes. However, assumptions about the homogeneity of individual choices on habitat, regardless of life stage, are likely to result in inaccurate assessment of conservation priorities. This study addresses a knowledge gap in how animals at different life stages diverge in how they select habitat and anthropogenic features, using a free-ranging population of African wild dogs living in a human-dominated landscape in Kenya as a case study. Using GPS collar data to develop resource selection function and step selection function models, this study investigated differences between second order (selection of home range across a landscape) and third order (selection of habitat within the home range) habitat selection across four life history stages when resource requirements may vary: resident-non-denning, resident-heavily-pregnant, resident-denning and dispersing. Results Wild dogs showed strong second order selection for areas with low human population densities and areas close to rivers and roads. More rugged areas were also generally selected, as were areas with lower percentage tree cover. The strength of selection for habitat variables varied significantly between life stages; for example, dispersal groups were more tolerant of higher human population densities, whereas denning and pregnant packs were least tolerant of such areas. Conclusions Habitat selection patterns varied between individuals at different life stages and at different orders of selection. These analyses showed that denning packs and dispersal groups, the two pivotal life stages which drive wild dog population dynamics, exhibited different habitat selection to resident-non-breeding packs. Dispersal groups were relatively tolerant of higher human population densities whereas denning packs preferred rugged, remote areas. Evaluating different orders of selection was important as the above trends may not be detectable at all levels of selection for all habitat characteristics. Our analyses demonstrate that when life stage information is included in analyses across different orders of selection, it improves our understanding of how animals use their landscapes, thus providing important insights to aid conservation planning.

Spawning-habitat selection of an Indo-Pacific amphidromous gobiid fish, Sicyopterus lagocephalus (Pallas)

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (11) ◽  
pp. 1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils Teichert ◽  
Pierre Valade ◽  
Pierre Bosc ◽  
Marine Richarson ◽  
Philippe Gaudin
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Spawning Habitat ◽  
Gobiid Fish ◽  
Spawning Areas ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Geomorphic Units ◽  
Selection Of

Freshwater-fish populations of the Indo-pacific region are characterised by a large proportion of amphidromous species. We analysed the spawning-habitat selection of Sicyopterus lagocephalus (Gobiidae: Sicydiinae) within two rivers of the Reunion Island. Reproduction traces are rare events, so a presence-only sampling procedure was performed to collect egg clutches and a random description of available habitat was conducted to generate pseudo-absence data. Logistic models showed a strong selection for microhabitat variables and mesohabitat units. S. lagocephalus selected areas where availability of potential nests was high (small cobble to small boulder) and where interstitial substratum allowed intragravel flow. Our results suggest that the availability of favourable substratum may be a limiting factor, which could result in occupancy of suboptimal areas. Water depth and velocity had less of an effect on the selection of a spawning area. Higher selection for shallow (<60 cm) and lotic (>30 cm s–1) geomorphic units, with an optimum for riffle and cascade, suggested that mesohabitat could be a satisfactory approach to quickly assess the availability of spawning areas within a watercourse for expertise studies.

Habitat use by female western roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): influence of resource availability on habitat selection in two contrasting years

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (11) ◽  
pp. 1052-1062 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pellerin ◽  
C. Calenge ◽  
S. Saïd ◽  
J.- M. Gaillard ◽  
H. Fritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Resource Availability ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Distribution Of Resources ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Selection Of

In most previous studies of habitat selection, the use of a given habitat type is assumed to be directly proportional to its availability. However, the use and (or) the selection of a given habitat may be conditional on the availability of that habitat. We aim here to (i) identify the environmental variables involved in habitat selection, (ii) identify classes of individuals with similar patterns of habitat selection, and (iii) assess whether habitat use changes with changing availability of habitat types, within monthly home ranges of female western roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus (L., 1758)). We found that some females adjust their habitat use according to the distribution of resources within habitats. Females with similar home ranges in terms of resource quantity and quality showed similar patterns of habitat selection. Differences in habitat use between 2 years with contrasting resource availability showed that temporal changes of environmental conditions influenced the pattern of habitat selection by female roe deer. Habitat selection also differed between periods of the life cycle likely because of contrasted energy requirements. This study shows that the relationship between habitat use by herbivores and habitat availability is nonproportional, and that the availability of resources influences use mostly at intermediate values.

scholarly journals Distribution and Habitat Selection of Free-Ranging European Bison (Bison bonasus L.) in a Mosaic Landscape—A Lithuanian Case

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitas Marozas ◽  
Artūras Kibiša ◽  
Gediminas Brazaitis ◽  
Kalev Jõgiste ◽  
Kastytis Šimkevičius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
European Bison ◽  
Fragmented Landscape ◽  
Mosaic Landscape ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Selection Of

In Lithuania, free-ranging European bison live sedentarily in the fragmented landscape of the central part of the country. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution and habitat selection of European bison in a semi-isolated territory. Free-ranging European bison living sedentarily have formed six groups in the mosaic landscape of central Lithuania. A herd of 34 individuals of European bison entered into a new semi-isolated territory in 2016. During the snow-free season, we tracked the movements of the herd by fitting a global positioning system (GPS) collar to the leading cow. To evaluate the home range and habitat selection, we used ArcGIS software, Jacobs’ index, and chi-square testing to verify significant differences between proportions. The home range of European bison was largest in spring, decreased in summer, and increased again in autumn; this was associated with feeding and the food supply in agricultural lands. European bison spent more time in the forest, especially during the daytime, due to disturbance, but in summer time and at night, the bison did not avoid agricultural land. In the forests, European bison preferred clear-cut, small-leaved deciduous (aspen, grey alder) forests of middle and mature age, but they avoided broad-leaved deciduous (ash), coniferous, and young forests. The increased number of European bison caused damage to agricultural crops and increased conflict with farmers.

scholarly journals Gender is not a relevant matter in habitat selection of the longsnout seahorse Hippocampus reidi Ginsburg, 1933 (Teleostei: Syngnathidae)

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 194-198
Author(s):  
Natalie V Freret-Meurer
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Food Resource ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Sargassum Vulgare ◽  
Selection Of

Habitat selection in certain species may vary according to context and environmental conditions. Sexual differences regarding habitat use have been reported for several species, such as mammals, birds and fish, and have been explained by protection and food resource contexts. This issue is not well studied in seahorses, but it may provide useful data for the management of threatened species. The Longsnout Seahorse has recently been considered near threatened, but many gaps regarding its habitat use are still noted. Seahorses display a particular breeding characteristic, in which males carry the embryos inside a breeding pouch, therefore leading to supposed careful selection of breeding habitats, avoiding predation risks and choosing habitats with high prey availability. In this context, this study aimed to verify differences in habitat selection between male and female Longsnout Seahorse Hippocampus reidi specimens along the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro. This study took place at 11 sites along the Rio de Janeiro coastline, in southeastern Brazil. Random belt transects (20x5m) were assessed, searching for seahorses and their holdfasts. Random quadrats (50x50cm) divided into 100 cells/each were placed along the transects and benthic cover was counted, in order to establish substrate availability. Results suggested that males select fewer substrate types than females, but no statistical difference was detected. Both male and female H. reidi specimens select mostly Sargassum vulgare as a frequent habitat. The strong association of H. reidi to these seaweed beds suggests vulnerability concerning the degradation of this habitat.

scholarly journals Fine-scale habitat selection of Chilean dolphins (Cephalorhynchus eutropia): interactions with aquaculture activities in southern Chiloé Island, Chile

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Ribeiro ◽  
Francisco A. Viddi ◽  
José Luís Cordeiro ◽  
Thales R.O. Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Behavioural Determinants ◽  
Entire Study Area ◽  
Selection Of

Fine-scale habitat selection of Chilean dolphins was studied between January and April 2002 through shore-based theodolite tracking in order to investigate the environmental and behavioural determinants of habitat use, and to evaluate the interactions between this species and aquaculture activities in Yaldad Bay, southern Chile. During 293.5 h of effort, movement and habitat selection patterns of dolphins exhibited a significantly concentrated use of only 21% of the entire study area. Correspondence analysis showed that shallow waters (5–10 m), proximity to coast and rivers were the most significant environmental parameters determining fine-scale dolphin distribution patterns, with foraging the most frequently observed activity. Aquaculture activities in the area were observed to affect dolphin habitat use patterns by restricting space available for biologically important dolphin behaviours.

Habitat use and selection by takin in the Qinling Mountains, China

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Bo Yan ◽  
Zhi-Gao Zeng ◽  
Hui-Sheng Gong ◽  
Xiang-Bo He ◽  
Xin-Yu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Large Species ◽  
Qinling Mountains ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Forest Habitats ◽  
Selection Of

Context Understanding habitat use and selection by threatened ungulates is a crucial prerequisite to prioritise management areas and for developing effective conservation strategies. Aims The aim of our research was to determine the habitat use and selection of takins (Budorcas taxicolor) in the middle range of the Qinling Mountains, China. Methods The study was conducted from August 2013 to August 2015. Global positioning system (GPS) radio-tracking was used to monitor 10 collared takins to gain their location information. The Manly–Chesson selectivity index and Bonferroni-adjusted 95% confidence intervals were applied to determine which habitats were selected. Key results Habitat use and selection by takins showed obvious individual differences. At the landscape scale, all of the four most common habitat types were preferred by takins. However, all takins avoided artificially planted larch forest, and farmland and village. Available habitats within the home ranges also mostly included the four common habitat types. At the home-range scale, all individuals had significant habitat selectivity during the entire tracking period and each season. The habitat use and selection within the home range varied obviously with season and showed sexual differences to a certain extent. Conclusions The habitat selection by takins is scale-dependent. At the landscape scale, takins are most likely to occur at sites covered by forest. At both landscape and home-range scales, our results indicated that takins need more diverse forest habitats, but none of the four most common forest habitats is essential for survival of this species. Implications The present work has provided more insight into the habitat use and habitat selection of takins in mountainous forest landscapes. Many measures such as maintaining a diversity of forest habitats, avoiding habitat alteration by invasion of exotic plants, and increasing the area of available habitats by relocating the villages from within to outside of the reserve are recommended to conserve this large species.

Importance of visual cues of conspecifics and predators during the habitat selection of coral reef fish larvae

2014 ◽  
Vol 337 (5) ◽  
pp. 345-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Lecchini ◽  
Kevin Peyrusse ◽  
Rynae Greta Lanyon ◽  
Gaël Lecellier
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Coral Reef Fish ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Selection Of

scholarly journals Habitat complexity and lifetime predation risk influence mesopredator survival in a multi-predator system

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C. Gigliotti ◽  
Rob Slotow ◽  
Luke T. B. Hunter ◽  
Julien Fattebert ◽  
Craig Sholto-Douglas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Predation Risk ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Variability in habitat selection can lead to differences in fitness; however limited research exists on how habitat selection of mid-ranking predators can influence population-level processes in multi-predator systems. For mid-ranking, or mesopredators, differences in habitat use might have strong demographic effects because mesopredators need to simultaneously avoid apex predators and acquire prey. We studied spatially-explicit survival of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in the Mun-Ya-Wana Conservancy, South Africa, to test hypotheses related to spatial influences of predation risk, prey availability, and vegetation complexity, on mesopredator survival. For each monitored cheetah, we estimated lion encounter risk, prey density, and vegetation complexity within their home range, on short-term (seasonal) and long-term (lifetime) scales and estimated survival based on these covariates. Survival was lowest for adult cheetahs and cubs in areas with high vegetation complexity on both seasonal and lifetime scales. Additionally, cub survival was negatively related to the long-term risk of encountering a lion. We suggest that complex habitats are only beneficial to mesopredators when they are able to effectively find and hunt prey, and show that spatial drivers of survival for mesopredators can vary temporally. Collectively, our research illustrates that individual variation in mesopredator habitat use can scale-up and have population-level effects.

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