Behavioural responses of lynx to declining snowshoe hare abundance

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (12) ◽  
pp. 2817-2824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. P. Ward ◽  
Charles J. Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Home Range Size ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Lynx Canadensis ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Daily Travel

The behavioural responses of lynx (Lynx canadensis) to declines in snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) abundance were examined in the southwestern Yukon. Between April 1982 and June 1984, 11 lynx were radio tagged and monitored in and near the Kluane Game Sanctuary. Lynx home range size increased from 13.2 to 39.2 km2 concurrent with a decline in snowshoe hare abundance from 14.7 to 0.2 hares/ha. Below about 0.5 hares/ha, several lynx abandoned their home ranges and became nomadic, although they remained within the general study area. Lynx concentrated their foraging efforts in areas of relatively high snowshoe hare abundance and abandoned these areas after hares declined. Straight-line daily travel distance remained constant at 2.2−2.7 km/day above 1.0 hare/ha. Below 1.0 hares/ha, straight-line daily travel distances increased rapidly, reaching 5.5 km/day at 0.2 hares/ha. Three of seven radio-tagged lynx dispersed 250 km or more from the study area during the 1982 period of rapid hare decline. No similar long-distance emigrations were recorded after hare densities stabilized at less than 1.0 hares/ha. Trapping mortality was responsible for the loss of seven of nine radio-tagged lynx that travelled outside the game sanctuary. One lynx probably starved during the winter or spring of 1984. The high rate of trapping mortality outside the game sanctuary suggests that refugia in wilderness areas are important in maintaining lynx populations during periods of low recruitment.

The ecology of the lynx (Lynx canadensis) on Cape Breton Island

1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 770-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. R. Parker ◽  
J. W. Maxwell ◽  
L. D. Morton ◽  
G. E. J. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Limited Range ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Lynx Canadensis ◽  
Cape Breton Island ◽  
Cape Breton ◽  
Hunting Success ◽  
Main Component

Recruitment of lynx (Lynx canadensis) on Cape Breton Island declined from 1977–1978 through 1979–1980 concurrent with a decrease in snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) densities. Suppressed recruitment resulted from a decline in pregnancy rates, especially in the yearling cohort, and increased mortality of kits during the first 6 months of life. Snowshoe hare was the main component in the diet of lynx during both winter and summer. Lynx rarely travelled together except for females with kits. Hunting success (percent successful chases) increased wth group size. Overall hunting success increased through the winter. Winter kill rates averaged one hare per lynx per 24 h. Home ranges of adults were larger in summer (25–32 km2) than in winter (12–18 km2). Daily cruising distances (kilometres per 24 h) were greater in summer (~9 km) than in winter (~8 km). Although lynx used all habitats within their home ranges, they selected for the advanced successional habitat (~20 years after cutting) both winter and summer. Mature conifer habitat was used more in summer than in winter. The short-term impact of extensive forest harvesting within the limited range of lynx on the highlands of Cape Breton Island is uncertain; in the long-term it should prove beneficial by increasing the availability of preferred advanced successional habitat. Harvesting of lynx should be closely controlled, especially during periods of reduced densities of snowshoe hares and suppressed recruitment of lynx.

scholarly journals Spatial ecology of slatey-grey snakes (Stegonotus cucullatus, Colubridae) on a tropical Australian floodplain

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 605-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory P. Brown ◽  
Richard Shine ◽  
Thomas Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Tree Roots ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Dry Tropics ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Extensive Information ◽  
Soil Cracks

The extent, sequence, synchrony and correlates of diel displacements by animals can provide powerful insights into the ecological and social factors that shape an organism's day-to-day activities, but detailed data on spatial ecology are available for very few tropical taxa. Radiotelemetric monitoring of 25 slatey-grey snakes (Stegonotus cucullatus) on a floodplain in the Australian wet-dry tropics for periods of 40 to 355 d (mean=195 d, 136 locations per snake) provided extensive information on habitat use, movement patterns and home range size of these large slender-bodied colubrids. All radio-tracked animals were nocturnal, sheltering by day in soil cracks and beneath tree roots and debris. Snakes did not appear to move between 61% of successive locations and timing of movements was not synchronized among snakes. Most displacements were small (<50m), with males moving further and more often than did females. However, nesting females made occasional long-distance movements, travelling 100–400m to forested areas to oviposit but then returning to their usual home ranges. Snakes of both sexes moved further and more often during the wet-season than the dry-season. Snakes typically moved on a few successive nights then remained sedentary for the next few days, apparently reflecting cessation of activity as soon as a meal was obtained. Home ranges were small (2.9–7.4 ha) and most snakes remained in the same area throughout the year, providing a strong contrast in this respect to the large and seasonally dynamic home ranges of sympatric acrochordid and pythonid snakes.

Dispersal and home-range dynamics of exotic, male sika deer in Maryland

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 328 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Kalb ◽  
Jacob L. Bowman ◽  
T. Brian Eyler
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Species Interactions ◽  
Sika Deer ◽  
Cervus Nippon ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Dispersal Distance ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Variable Movement ◽  
Movement Group

Content An unknown number (n = four or five) and sex of sika deer (Cervus nippon yakushimae) were introduced to the Delmarva Peninsula, Maryland, in 1916. Since introduction, their population has grown exponentially. Aims The purpose of our study was to investigate dispersal and home-range size to enable better management of this exotic species in the presence of native white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Methods We collected telemetry locations on 60 males (captured during their first winter) from 2008 to 2010. Animals were classified into three movement groups, including local, migratory and nomadic post-dispersal. Key results Average home-range sizes ranged from 464 to 4121 ha and were influenced by season and deer movement grouping (P = 0.0001). Of 20 deer that dispersed, 19 did so at 1 year of age. Dispersal distance and direction were random across the landscape (P = 0.899). Local deer were the most common movement group (70%; 42 of 60) and were characterised by short movements confined to a well established home range. We observed 14 deer migrations, characterised by round-trip movements associated with seasons and directionality (P = 0.003). Four deer were classified as nomadic and had long-distance movements across the landscape unassociated with seasons. Conclusions To aid managers in controlling the expansion of the population, we provide data regarding the manner, distance and direction that sika deer move. Our results show that sika deer have variable movement strategies and large home ranges. Implications Variation in movement types will influence spread of the population, confounding species interactions, management and harvest strategies. The present results may have implications to other areas that also have sika populations.

scholarly journals Long-distance movement by a great fruit-eating bat, Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818), in southeastern Brazil (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae): evidence for migration in Neotropical bats?

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ives Simões Arnone ◽  
Eleonora Trajano ◽  
Atenisi Pulchério-Leite ◽  
Fernando de Camargo Passos
Keyword(s):  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Neotropical Bats ◽  
Political Borders ◽  
Long Distance Movement ◽  
Migratory Movements ◽  
Artibeus Lituratus

In Brazil, bat migrations have been inferred based on seasonal variations in bat abundances observed for several species, probably as a result of variations in temperature and food availability. However, direct evidence of individual medium to long distance (> 10 km) movements, based on marked specimens, is restricted to large frugivorous bats, genus Artibeus (Phyllostomidae). We report the longest bat movement recorded in Brazil, along 113 km in a straight line, difference in altitude of 738 m, from a mixed Araucaria forest in Curitiba, PR, to the Atlantic Forest, Alto Ribeira, SP, by a female Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818), over a period of 14 months. This data is consistent with the occurrence of migratory movements in Neotropical bats, such as the ecologically flexible Artibeus spp., over relatively large areas, probably with short stopover foraging intervals. Implications for the conservation of these bats are clear, as their home ranges may be much larger than their foraging areas, encompassing more than one biome and overcoming political borders.

Home range of the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), a marsupial carnivore, in a rainshadow woodland

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew W. Claridge ◽  
David Paull ◽  
James Dawson ◽  
Greg Mifsud ◽  
Andy J. Murray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Spatial Separation ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Range Data ◽  
Spatial Organisation ◽  
Straight Line

The home ranges, movement patterns and spatial organisation of spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus maculatus) were studied in rainshadow woodland in southern New South Wales, Australia. Fourteen individuals were radio-collared and simultaneously tracked. Home-range size estimates ranged from 621 ha to at least 2561 ha for males, and 88 ha to at least 653 ha for females. Mean home-range size was significantly greater for males (992 ± 276 ha) than females (244 ± 72 ha). The maximum straight-line distances between successive fixes for males over 24-h and 48-h periods were 2529 and 4430 m, respectively, while for females these distances were 1865 and 3085 m. Mean maximum straight-line distances between successive fixes for males over a 24-h period were not significantly different from mean maximum straight-line distances of females (1493 ± 918 v. 1034 ± 540 m). However, over 48 h, the mean maximum distances between successive fixes for males was greater than that of females (2911 ± 934 v. 1680 ± 918 m). The home ranges of males mostly overlapped with those of other individuals, regardless of sex. In contrast, home ranges of females tended not to overlap with those of other females, suggesting some form of spatial separation. Home-range estimates derived for spotted-tailed quolls in our rainshadow woodland study site are comparable to those obtained for the species in wetter vegetation types. From a conservation perspective, it seems that habitat structure and the availability of prey is more important than rainfall or vegetation type in determining spatial requirements of the species. Until more advanced telemetry systems are developed, caution should be applied when using current home-range data on the species to infer breeding systems and patterns of spatial organisation, particularly the issue of territoriality among female quolls.

Fine-scale genetic structure and dispersal in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) within Alberta, Canada

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (8) ◽  
pp. 1112-1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Véronique Campbell ◽  
Curtis Strobeck
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Geographic Distance ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Lynx Canadensis ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Canada Lynx ◽  
The Individual

Although mammals are typically characterized by male-biased dispersal, field studies of lynx conflict as to whether dispersal is male-biased or lacks sex-bias. To resolve this issue we dissect fine-scale genetic structure and analyze dispersal in regard to gender using 19 microsatellite loci, teemed with extensive sampling (n = 272 adults) of Canada lynx ( Lynx canadensis Kerr, 1792) throughout Alberta. The level of genetic variation was high (mean He = 71.6%), as reported in previous genetic studies of lynx. No significant barriers to gene flow were detected within Alberta’s lynx population. Despite several reports of long-distance movements in lynx, we observed a slight significant negative correlation between pairwise relatedness values and geographic distance (rM = –0.025, P = 0.048), indicating a decrease in relatedness between individuals as their sampling distance increases. When the same analysis was performed separately on sexes, the slopes of the individual regressions did not differ significantly between males and females (P = 0.708). Our molecular results suggest a lack of sex-biased dispersal in Canada lynx, similar to reports on other lynx species.

scholarly journals Comparative ecology of Guinea baboons (<i>Papio papio</i>)

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-35
Author(s):  
Dietmar Zinner ◽  
Matthias Klapproth ◽  
Andrea Schell ◽  
Lisa Ohrndorf ◽  
Desalegn Chala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Systems ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Hamadryas Baboons ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Papio Papio ◽  
Daily Travel

Abstract. Thorough knowledge of the ecology of a species or population is an essential prerequisite for understanding the impact of ecology on the evolution of their respective social systems. Because of their diversity of social organizations, baboons (Papio spp.) are a useful model for comparative studies. Comparative ecological information was missing for Guinea baboons (Papio papio), however. Here we provide data on the ecology of Guinea baboons in a comparative analysis on two geographical scales. First, we compare climate variables and land cover among areas of occurrence of all six baboon species. Second, we describe home range size, habitat use, ranging behaviour, and diet from a local population of Guinea baboons ranging near the Centre de Recherche de Primatologie (CRP) Simenti in the Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal. Home ranges and daily travel distances at Simenti varied seasonally, yet the seasonal patterns in their daily travel distance did not follow a simple dry vs. rainy season pattern. Chemical food composition falls within the range of other baboon species. Compared to other baboon species, areas occupied by Guinea baboons experience the highest variation in precipitation and the highest seasonality in precipitation. Although the Guinea baboons' multi-level social organization is superficially similar to that of hamadryas baboons (P. hamadryas), the ecologies of the two species differ markedly. Most Guinea baboon populations, including the one at Simenti, live in more productive habitats than hamadryas baboons. This difference in the ecology of the two species contradicts a simple evolutionary relation between ecology and social system and suggests that other factors have played an additional role here.

An experimental study of red fox predation on arctic and snowshoe hares

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 1614-1621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Small ◽  
Lloyd B. Keith
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Lynx Canadensis ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
The Status ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Experimental Trials

We tested the relative vulnerability of arctic (Lepus arcticus) and snowshoe (Lepus americanus) hares to predation by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in experimental trials on three islands off Newfoundland's southwest coast. Arctic hares were significantly more vulnerable than snowshoe hares to fox predation: they were killed at a higher rate, and though the probability of death increased slightly for arctic hares over a trial period, it decreased for snowshoe hares. Rates of fox predation on arctic hares were inversely related to home-range size and nutritional status, whereas predation on snowshoe hares was inversely related to the percentage of home-range core areas with dense understory cover. We believe the arctic hare's greater vulnerability to fox predation, found in this study, coupled with its apparent inability to utilize food resources in forested areas that support snowshoe hares, which we found in an earlier study, largely accounts for the current restriction of arctic hares in Newfoundland to certain mountain and coastal barrens. The status of arctic hare populations before the introduction of snowshoe hares is unclear. However, distribution and abundance likely decreased as red foxes and lynx (Lynx canadensis) increased and began to cycle with snowshoe hares. Dispersal of foxes, and perhaps of lynx, from forested areas following snowshoe hare declines would have periodically intensified predation on the barrens.

scholarly journals The enigma of the 10-year wildlife population cycle solved? Evidence that the periodicity and regularity of the cycle are driven by a lunar zeitgeber

2015 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert L. Archibald
Keyword(s):  
Population Cycles ◽  
Amplitude Distribution ◽  
Ultraviolet B ◽  
Population Cycle ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Half Cycle ◽  
Ruffed Grouse ◽  
Lynx Canadensis ◽  
Wildlife Population

Despite nearly 100 years of research, the periodicity and regularity of the 10-year wildlife population cycle remain an enigma. This paper presents the hypothesis that the 9.3-year nodal half-cycle of the moon is the zeitgeber (“time-giver”) of the 10-year wildlife population cycle. The period of the population cycles of the Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) and Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is close to 9.3 years. These wildlife cycles have stayed closely in phase with the 9.3-year nodal half-cycle for 150 years. Population density of the Snowshoe Hare and Ruffed Grouse is inversely related to a 9.3-year cycle of the moon's tidal force. There is also a 9.3-year cycle of “nights without darkness” at the equinoxes, in which the full moon rises before sunset and sets after sunrise the following morning in certain years. Snowshoe Hare and Ruffed Grouse cycles are positively correlated with this phenomenon. The nodal cycle provides explanations for the key features of the 10-year wildlife cycle: regularity, periodicity, amplitude, distribution, and synchrony. Population models based solely on the nodal cycle account for 62% of the variation in the Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) cycle and 37% in the Ruffed Grouse cycle. The mechanism(s) by which herbivore cycles might be entrained by the lunar nodal cycle could involve a cyclic effect on factors including predation, stress, photoperiod, phenology, temperature, cloudiness, ultraviolet B radiation, cosmic rays, and food plant quality.

Winter habitat selection by lynx and coyotes in relation to snowshoe hare abundance

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (8) ◽  
pp. 1444-1451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis L. Murray ◽  
Stan Boutin ◽  
Mark O'Donoghue
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Load Ratio ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Lynx Canadensis ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
Predator Species ◽  
Hunting Success ◽  
Snow Conditions

We examined the relationship between winter habitat selection among lynx (Lynx canadensis) and coyotes (Canis latrans) and relative snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) abundance by tracking in snow during three winters. Hare numbers were higher in dense spruce (Picea glauca) than in other habitats in 1987–1988, and both predator species selected that habitat in that year. In 1988–1989, hare distribution was similar among habitats, and both predators used spruce habitats relative to their availability. In 1989–1990, hare numbers were also similar among habitats, and lynx used spruce habitats according to availability, whereas coyotes selected dense spruce. Hares were the main prey of both species, and the distribution of hares chased and killed by lynx was similar to that predicted by habitat use. Lynx hunting success was also similar among habitats. In comparison, coyotes chased and killed more hares than expected and had higher hunting success in dense spruce. Snow was shallower and harder in all spruce habitats used by coyotes than in those travelled by lynx. This suggests that coyotes were more selective of snow conditions than lynx, probably as a result of their high foot-load (ratio of body mass to foot area) relative to that of hares. Coyotes scavenged more often than lynx, but neither species seemed to select habitats on the basis of carcass availability. We concluded that high hare densities influenced selection of dense spruce by both species in 1987–1988, and that coyotes may also have chosen habitats on the basis of hunting success and snow conditions.

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