scholarly journals Habitat Selection and Mating Success in a Mustelid

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Lodé
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Mating Success ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Mustela Putorius ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Good Reproduction ◽  
Lactating Females ◽  
Habitat Avoidance

Habitat selection remains a poorly understood ecological process, but relating mating behaviour to pattern of habitat selection constitutes a fundamental issue both in evolutionary ecology and in biological conservation. From radiotelemetry protocol, habitat-induced variations in mating success were investigated in a solitary mustelid carnivore, the European polecatMustela putorius. Selection for marshy habitat was regarded as adaptive in that mating success was found greater using marches than other habitats. Males consorted with 1.3 females, revealing a low polygyny rate. Pregnant or lactating females selectively shifted to deciduous woods. That some habitat types may favour a good reproduction forms a key factor for species conservation and environmental management. Nevertheless, such as in various vertebrates, habitat requirements seem to be based on simple broad features of habitat, suggesting that habitat avoidance rather than habitat preference can explain polecat habitat predilection.

scholarly journals Mating behaviour of the orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea: The effect of sex ratio and stocking density on mating success

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 50-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khor Waiho ◽  
Muhamad Mustaqim ◽  
Hanafiah Fazhan ◽  
Wan Ibrahim Wan Norfaizza ◽  
Fadhlul Hazmi Megat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Mating Success ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Mud Crab

Behavioural reactions of wintering humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) to biopsy sampling in the western South Atlantic

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (8) ◽  
pp. 1701-1711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Cantor ◽  
Taiana Cachuba ◽  
Luena Fernandes ◽  
Márcia H. Engel
Keyword(s):  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
South Atlantic ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Conservation Policies ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Lactating Females ◽  
Access Information ◽  
Large Groups

Molecular analysis has become a powerful tool in cetacean ecology since it supports efficient conservation policies. Remote biopsy sampling is the most efficient method to obtain epithelial material for analysis purposes; however, as an intrusive technique it presents inherent costs, evidenced by behavioural reactions. Clarifying which factors influence these responses is essential to assess its impact and prevent possible long-term effects. For eleven winters, samples from humpback whales were collected in the Abrolhos Bank, the main breeding ground of this species in the western South Atlantic. We analysed the influence of several characteristics of the shot, vessels, groups and behaviour on the frequency and intensity of the whales' response. The majority of biopsied whales did not show any detectable response. Among those that responded, a low-level category of reaction was most frequent. The use of larger boats resulted in less intense responses. Responses were influenced by group size and behavioural state: large groups, which were involved in aggressive mating behaviour, reacted less frequently than smaller groups. Females with calves showed less intense reactions than non-lactating females. The behaviour of the animals prior to and during the boat approach also affected their response: resting whales responded more intensely than whales involved in social or travel activities. Comparison with previous studies confirmed that reactions vary in intensity according to location: whales biopsied in feeding grounds responded with more intensity than those in breeding grounds, which in turn responded more intensely than whales in migration. This study reinforces existing evidence that biopsy sampling is unlikely to have long-term effects and can thus continue to be used as one of the main tools to access information which is vital for conservation.

Habitat Selection by Sex, Age and Reproductive Class in the Red Kangaroo, Macropus rufus, in Western New South Wales

1981 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 465 ◽  
Author(s):  
CN Johnson ◽  
PG Bayliss
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
National Park ◽  
Mating Systems ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Red Kangaroo ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Macropus Rufus ◽  
Lactating Females

The kangaroo populations of Kinchega National Park respond differently to shifts in pasture productivity, red kangaroos Macropus rufus being mobile and unevenly distributed with respect to soil and vegetation types, by comparison with the more evenly dispersed western grey kangaroos M. fuliginosus and the sedentary and localized euros M, robustus erubescens. Red kangaroo population classes tend to be differentially distributed, so that large males and heavily lactating females predominate on the seasonally preferred pastures, while other classes tend to predominate elsewhere. This finding has several implications for the management of red kangaroos and for our understanding of their resource ecology and mating systems.

scholarly journals Spawning behaviour and mating success in hybrids of silver bream (Blicca bjoerkna L.) and rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus L.) in an experimental environment

2013 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billy Nzau Matondo ◽  
Michaël Ovidio ◽  
Jean Claude Philippart ◽  
Pascal Poncin
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Mating Success ◽  
Parental Species ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Spawning Ground ◽  
Scardinius Erythrophthalmus ◽  
Experimental Fish ◽  
Spawning Behaviour ◽  
Dry Food

The egg-release, mating, courting and aggressive acts for the spawning behaviour as well as the survival rates after spawning at stages of eyed embryos, viable hatchlings, and larvae to dry food consumption for the mating success were studied in cultured silver bream Blicca bjoerkna × rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus hybrids at their first sexual maturity. Experiments were conducted in experimental environments simulating natural reproductive conditions of the parental species. Spawning behaviour was analysed over 1 day from 8.00 to 18.00 hours using a remote-controlled video. Mating success was assessed from eggs and hatched embryos collected on the spawning ground. The results showed that these hybrids exhibited all the reproductive behaviours of the parental species with significantly more courtship than mating. Each egg-release act was accompanied by mating behaviour, involving all the experimental males. A surprising aggressive behaviour was observed in one male which attacked all other experimental fish. Successful mating resulted in the presence of fertilized eggs, the production of hatched embryos in experiments, and the survival of larvae at the dry food consumption stage. However, the low viable hatchling rate observed could indicate a very low chance of survival for these hybrids in rivers in which the occurrence of post-F1 individuals may be more possible by backcrossing.

Population productivity and late breeding habitat selection by the threatened Little Bustard: the importance of grassland management

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
NUNO FARIA ◽  
MANUEL B. MORALES
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Grassland Management ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Tetrax Tetrax ◽  
Species Population ◽  
Suitable Habitats ◽  
Stocking Rates ◽  
The Relationship

SummaryWe investigated population productivity and habitat selection of the Little BustardTetrax tetraxin the late breeding period, in grassland-dominated landscapes of south-west Iberia. Specifically, our goals were to investigate how these parameters are influenced by the management of (1) grazing and (2) hay production. We conducted bird counts from 22 June to 4 July (2012 to 2016) using low speed 4x4 car surveys. The relationship between the density of the species, population productivity and farm management (grazing and haying) was evaluated using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Male and female densities were significantly higher in short vegetation compared to all other types of vegetation considered, but population productivity was similar in short and medium vegetation. Hay stubbles were found to be unattractive for the species. The availability of suitable habitats depends on the timing of grazing, notably of seasonal (spring) grazing. Species density was higher in fields ungrazed during winter and with moderate to high stocking rates in spring (around 0.8 LU/ha or higher), depending, at least for males and females, on each year’s weather characteristics. We conclude that low to moderate stocking rates during winter and spring are essential to ensure successful breeding and thus population persistence. Current levels of haying in our study area are detrimental for the species’ conservation.

Effects of Land Use and Wildfires on the Habitat Selection of Great Bustard (Otis tarda l.)-Implications for Species Conservation

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 910-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zsolt Végvári ◽  
Orsolya Valkó ◽  
Balázs Deák ◽  
Péter Török ◽  
Sándor Konyhás ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Great Bustard ◽  
Otis Tarda ◽  
Effects Of Land Use ◽  
Selection Of

scholarly journals Defining priority areas for blue whale conservation and investigating overlap with vessel traffic in Chilean Patagonia, using a fast-fitting movement model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Bedriñana-Romano ◽  
Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete ◽  
Francisco A. Viddi ◽  
Devin Johnson ◽  
Alexandre N. Zerbini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Decisive Role ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Blue Whale ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Movement Model ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Chilean Patagonia ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

AbstractDefining priority areas and risk evaluation is of utmost relevance for endangered species` conservation. For the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), we aim to assess environmental habitat selection drivers, priority areas for conservation and overlap with vessel traffic off northern Chilean Patagonia (NCP). For this, we implemented a single-step continuous-time correlated-random-walk model which accommodates observational error and movement parameters variation in relation to oceanographic variables. Spatially explicit predictions of whales’ behavioral responses were combined with density predictions from previous species distribution models (SDM) and vessel tracking data to estimate the relative probability of vessels encountering whales and identifying areas where interaction is likely to occur. These estimations were conducted independently for the aquaculture, transport, artisanal fishery, and industrial fishery fleets operating in NCP. Blue whale movement patterns strongly agreed with SDM results, reinforcing our knowledge regarding oceanographic habitat selection drivers. By combining movement and density modeling approaches we provide a stronger support for purported priority areas for blue whale conservation and how they overlap with the main vessel traffic corridor in the NCP. The aquaculture fleet was one order of magnitude larger than any other fleet, indicating it could play a decisive role in modulating potential negative vessel-whale interactions within NCP.

scholarly journals Conflict, coexistence, or both? Cougar habitat selection, prey composition, and mortality in a multiple-use landscape

2021 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-172
Author(s):  
David C. Stoner ◽  
Mark A. Ditmer ◽  
Dustin L. Mitchell ◽  
Julie K. Young ◽  
Michael L. Wolfe
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Salt Lake ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Multiple Use ◽  
Prey Composition

Western North America is experiencing remarkable human population growth and land-use change. Irrigation and associated cultivation have led to colonization of urban-wildland interface (UWI) environments by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and consequently, cougars (Puma concolor). In the wake of these changes, human-wildlife conflicts have increased in tandem with questions about long-term species conservation. To address these concerns, we fit 79 cougars with radio-telemetry collars in the Oquirrh Mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah (2002–2010). Our goal was to evaluate variation in cougar habitat selection, diet, and cause-specific mortality in a landscape dominated by urban, military, and industrial activities. We used radio-telemetry data in concert with Resource Selection Functions to address three hypotheses: (1) that cougars would select wildland over UWI land-uses; (2) prey composition would reflect differences in land-use; and (3) mortality would be predominantly human-caused. Cougars largely selected wildland habitats associated with seasonal mule deer presence, but contrary to expectation, they also selected habitats closer to urban and mined areas. Prey composition in the UWI did not differ from wildland habitats. Domestic ungulates represented only 2% of 540 recovered prey items and were found primarily in wildlands. Native ungulates comprised > 90% of the total kill, irrespective of season or land-use, suggesting that use of UWI habitats was linked to mule deer presence. Cougar mortality was disproportionately due to natural causes in wildlands, but individuals that died of human causes in UWI habitats were more likely to be inexperienced hunters, supporting young kittens, or compromised by physical handicaps. In general, presence of mule deer was the key predictor of cougar habitat use, even in this highly disturbed, anthropogenically altered landscape. As such, management designed to reduce conflict and ensure conservation will need to focus on urban deer, land-use planning, and targeted education campaigns to reduce food subsidies.

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