Habitat use by sympatric female mallards and American black ducks breeding in a forested environment

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (9) ◽  
pp. 1538-1542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris P. Dwyer ◽  
Guy A. Baldassarre
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Black Duck ◽  
Disturbed Areas ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
American Black ◽  
The Difference

There has been much speculation regarding whether breeding mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and American black ducks (A. rubripes) use similar habitat types in forested areas, which could lead to increased interspecific contact. To study this issue, we used radiotelemetry during 1990–1991 on sympatric female mallards and black ducks breeding in the western Adirondack Mountains of New York. Mallard and black duck pairs occupied the general area at a density of 0.7 and 0.6/km2, respectively. Black duck home ranges tended to be larger than those of mallards, although the difference was not significant. Habitat composition within the home ranges of mallards and black ducks was similar, upland forest being the dominant habitat type, followed by wetlands, disturbed areas, and active residential sites. Within home ranges, mallards and black ducks were similar in their use of four major wetland habitat types. Our data suggest that undisturbed forest and habitat use within such areas may not serve as an isolating mechanism between breeding mallards and black ducks.

Habitat selection and home-range dynamics of the Gaspé caribou: a hierarchical analysis

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (7) ◽  
pp. 1174-1184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnaud Mosnier ◽  
Jean-Pierre Ouellet ◽  
Luc Sirois ◽  
Nelson Fournier
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Range Dynamics ◽  
Snow Conditions

We used several spatial and temporal scales to determine space and habitat use of the caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) of the Gaspé Peninsula. Thirty-five radio-collared caribou were followed from November 1998 to April 2001. Habitat use was studied by superimposing radiolocations on ecoforestry maps using five predefined habitat types (deciduous, immature, mature spruce, mature fir, and barren). At a finer scale, we tracked caribou in forested areas during winter 2000 and 2001 in order to describe physical and biological characteristics of foraging tracks and used stands. Our results indicated that the distribution of caribou extended beyond the limits of Gaspé Conservation Park. Patterns of space use showed the existence of three groups, which formed a metapopulation. These groups consisted of spatially distinct units that used space and habitat differently. At the home-range level, caribou preferred barren areas found in alpine and subalpine zones at all times of the year. The most frequently used forested habitat type was the mature fir. At the finer scale of foraging tracks, caribou selected fir stands characterized by dense snow conditions and large diameter trees bearing greater quantities of lichen. Our results demonstrated the importance of protecting areas outside the park that are likely to become used or reused by caribou, and of managing these areas to increase settlement by caribou. Lastly, management plans must be adapted to each of the three groups forming this metapopulation.

scholarly journals Foraging Success and Foraging Habitat Use by Cattle Egrets and Little Egrets in the Camargue, France

The Condor ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katia Lombardini ◽  
Robert E. Bennetts ◽  
Christophe Tourenq
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Foraging Success ◽  
Foraging Habitat ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Southern France ◽  
Bubulcus Ibis ◽  
Egretta Garzetta ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract We examined habitat use by Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta) and Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) that nest together in mixed-species colonies in the Camargue of southern France. We explored the relative use of seven habitat types in relation to their availability and tested the hypothesis that selection of habitat types was related to foraging success, with the prediction that increased foraging success in a given habitat corresponded with increased use of that habitat type. Ricefields and other agricultural habitats were used more than expected by Cattle Egrets, an invasive species in southern Europe; whereas Little Egrets, which are native to the Camargue, tended to select natural freshwater marshes and lagoons. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that increasing use of habitats corresponded with higher foraging success for both species. However, when this analysis was restricted to habitats with sufficient numbers of birds to enable estimates of biomass intake, the association was no longer apparent for Little Egrets.

Home ranges of feral cats (Felis catus) in central-western New South Wales, Australia

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Molsher ◽  
Chris Dickman ◽  
Alan Newsome ◽  
Warren Müller
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Adult Cats

Twenty-one feral cats were radio-tracked using direct sighting and triangulation techniques (amassing 730 location fixes) during winter in an agricultural landscape in central-western New South Wales. Factors affecting home-range size, home-range overlap and habitat use were assessed. Mean home-range size was 248 ha (s.e. = 34.9, n = 15 cats, 598 location fixes). Home-range size and habitat use were not influenced by sex or age of adult cats, prey abundance or time of day. However, cat weight significantly influenced range size, with heavier cats having larger ranges than smaller cats. Although the cats are apparently solitary, their home ranges overlapped considerably, particularly between young adults and old adult cats. Cats were active both by day and night and did not occupy permanent dens. Home ranges encompassed mixed habitat types that provided both shelter and prey. Open woodland and open forest were the main habitat types covered by home ranges, but within these areas cats showed a preference for grassland, where rabbits were more abundant. The results recorded in this study indicate that cat-control programs should concentrate in mixed habitat areas, where both shelter and food are available, and over widely dispersed areas. The absence of group living suggests that the effectiveness of virally vectored fertility or biological control agents would be limited.

A meta-analysis of American black duck winter habitat use along the Atlantic Coast

2015 ◽  
Vol 79 (8) ◽  
pp. 1298-1307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M. Ringelman ◽  
Christopher K. Williams ◽  
Patrick K. Devers ◽  
John M. Coluccy ◽  
Paul M. Castelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
Black Duck ◽  
American Black ◽  
American Black Duck

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.

Spacing and habitat use of capercaillie during summer

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 670-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jørund Rolstad ◽  
Per Wegge ◽  
Bjørn Bjerke Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Spacing Pattern ◽  
Successional Stages ◽  
June July

We radio-tracked 52 capercaillie males and 21 broodless females during June, July, and August, 1979–1986, in a 100-km2 coniferous forest in central Scandinavia. After display activity ceased in early June, 77% of adult males made distinct movements, averaging 1.5 km, from lek territories to summer ranges. A similar movement was made by 48% of the females after loss of nest or brood. Males were now nonterritorial, and lived solitarily in overlapping home ranges averaging 170 ha. In June and July, they used successional stages in proportion to availability, but in August they preferred old, natural forest. Females, having home ranges averaging 103 ha, commonly formed small social groups of two to four individuals. They preferred young plantations throughout summer, and also preferred denser habitats than males. Both sexes returned to the same summer ranges in consecutive years. Home ranges of both sexes were distributed in a clumped spacing pattern. This can be explained by preference for patchily distributed habitat types in males, and habitat preference and sociality in broodless females.

Towards a habitat model for the New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae in Tasmania ? population vegetation associations and an investigation into individual habitat use.

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 137 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.T, Lazenby ◽  
T. Pye ◽  
A. Richardson ◽  
S.A. Bryant
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Habitat Model ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Historic Sites ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Study Sites

Sixteen study sites across the known north-south range of Pseudomys novaehollandiae in Tasmania were live trapped, and measures of floristic presence and abundance were recorded at each site. Multivariate analysis was used to quantify similarities and differences in plant assemblages at each of the study sites; these included historic sites (sites where P. novaehollandiae had been confirmed to be present 12 years previously) and sites supporting vegetation known to have supported the mouse elsewhere in its range, but from which it had not been recorded. A strong association between P. novaehollandiae capture sites and the occurrence and abundance of the plants Aotus ericoides, Hypolaena fastigiata, Lepidosperma concavum and Xanthorrhoea spp. was found. Nine individual P. novaehollandiae were radio-tracked on one study area to investigate whether the apparent habitat preferences of P. novaehollandiae observed at the population/site level were reflected by individual habitat use. Two individuals were on occasion radio-located in a She-oak stand, a habitat type not typically associated with populations of P. novaehollandiae. Burrow sharing and overlap of home ranges were recorded. Results are interpreted with a view to developing an effective predictive habitat model for P. novaehollandiae in Tasmania.

Advances in Fisheries Bioengineering

2008 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Strain Rates ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Drift Feeding ◽  
Velocity Gradients ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Lateral Scale

Abstract<em>.</em>—Focal positions of drift-feeding salmonids are often proximate to higher velocities and may be characterized by velocity gradients. Velocity gradients result in distortion of the flow field through linear deformation and angular deformation, which are summarized as the normal and shear strain rates, respectively. The objective of our study was to use a metric termed the exposure strain rate to quantify velocity gradients used by juvenile spring Chinook salmon <em>Oncorhynchus tshawytscha </em>across habitat type, seasons, and spatial scales. Within a habitat type, focal and mean water column velocities were measured at the position of each fish. In addition, mean column velocities were measured 0.6 and 1.2 m laterally toward the center of the channel. Three exposure strain rates were calculated as the difference between focal and mean column velocity in the vertical scale and at 0.6 and 1.2 m lateral scale divided by the length of the smallest fish (0.4 cm) length scale for all seasons and habitat types. This allowed direct comparison of exposure strain rates for all sizes of fish. The data revealed that for Chinook salmon larger than 4 cm, the distribution of vertical exposure strain rates was similar across all habitat types by season. Exposure strain rates began to vary between habitat types for the lateral scale, reflecting hydraulic differences between reach-scale habitat features. We concluded that juvenile Chinook occupied a specific shear environment independent of reach-scale habitat. Exposure strain rates described microhabitat use in a manner reflecting the habitat occupancy model for drift-feeding salmonids. For this reason, exposure strain rates provide more specific information on habitat use than focal velocities alone.

scholarly journals Vegetation biomass and habitat selection by a newly introduced population of muskoxen in northern Quebec

Rangifer ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
René Nault ◽  
Carole Mathieu ◽  
Michel Crête
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Wet Meadow ◽  
Similar Range ◽  
The Difference

Ground coverage by woody and herbaceous plant species and standing biomass of vegetation susceptible to being grazed upon were estimated in a 156 km2 area where 190 muskoxen were censused during the preceding autumn. Habitat use was estimated with droppings census. Six terrestrial habitat types were delineated on 1:32 000 aerial photographs and randomly sampled: low shrub on xeric sites (LSX; 64 km2), low shrub on mesic sites (LSM; 45 km2), bare ground (BG; 27 km2), forest-tundra (FT; 12 km2), wet meadow (WM; 2 km2) and riparian willows (RW; 1 km2). Dominant plant species varied greatly between habitat types, and only a few such as Betula glandulosa, Salix arctophila, and Polygonum viviparum were common. Tall shrubs were present only in RW where they covered most of the ground, and in FT. Low shrubs were uniformly distributed and covered 18-32% of the ground, with the exception of RW (5%). Ground cover by herbs had a similar range (i.e. 20-37%), except in RW where the mean exceeded 50%. Mosses and lichens occupied about half of the ground everywhere. Phytomass exhibited great variation within and between habitat types; extreme values averaged 892 kg*ha-1 in LSX, and 1965 kg*ha-1 in LSM. However the difference was not significant due to limited sample size and within habitat variance. Nevertheless the mass of herbaceous dicots was greater in RW than in any other habitat type. Total phytomass was 2-20 times greater in northern Qu&eacute;bec than in Greenland. Based on droppings density, muskoxen preferred RW over BG and FT, and LSX over BG. Although the density of muskoxen in the study area was high relative to other muskox ranges, habitat quality and quantity should allow continued population growth.

scholarly journals Habitat use and age structure of the Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper, Viperidae) in Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica

2021 ◽  
pp. 46-54
Author(s):  
Daniel Ramirez-Arce
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Age Structure ◽  
National Park ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Bothrops Asper ◽  
Early Succession

The Fer-de-lance or terciopelo (Bothrops asper) inhabits a wide range of environmental conditions and habitats across Central America. While much information on the species is based on anecdotal observations and useum specimens, data collected under natural conditions are more limited. To better document its natural history, this study sought to determine the habitat use and age structure of B. asper in the Quebrada Gonzalez sector of Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica. Snake surveys were conducted from January 2015 to August 2017 and used to evaluate the population age-class distribution and sex ratio. To evaluate macrohabitat use, surveys were conducted in four habitat types (mature forest, late succession, early succession, and human infrastructure). Microhabitat use was determined by recording several structural variables at each snake location and at random sites. Amphibians were sampled in each habitat type to evaluate the available prey base. Fifty-five individuals were captured, mostly females and juveniles, with five recaptures. Snakes were encountered in all habitat types but most often in early succession forests, which have dense vegetation cover and high prey availability. Snakes selected areas with heavy understory cover when resting, and more exposed sites, often closer to bodies of water, when ambushing prey or moving. Human-disturbed sites were used least. Although snake encounters did tend to correlate with higher amphibian abundance, other factors such as mammalian prey abundance could also influence snake distribution.

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