scholarly journals Microhabitat selection of the poorly known lizard Tropidurus lagunablanca (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in the Pantanal, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. e20216118
Author(s):  
Ronildo Alves Benício ◽  
Daniel Cunha Passos ◽  
Abraham Mencía ◽  
Zaida Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Resource Selection ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Microhabitat Selection ◽  
Probability Of Presence ◽  
Substrate Temperatures ◽  
Selection Of

Understanding how different environmental factors influence species occurrence is a key issue to address the study of natural populations. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how local traits influence the microhabitat use of tropical arboreal lizards. Here, we investigated the microhabitat selection of the poorly known lizard Tropidurus lagunablanca (Squamata: Tropiduridae) and evaluated how environmental microhabitat features influence animal’s presence. We used a Resource Selection Function approach, in a case/control design where we analyzed the effect of substrate temperature and tree’s diameter at breast height (DBH) in the probability of presence of lizards using mixed Conditional Logistic Regression. We found that T. lagunablanca uses trees with DBH from 0.40 m to 4 m and substrate temperatures ranging from 25.9℃ to 42℃. Moreover, we showed that thickness of the trees and substrate temperatures significantly increased the probability of presence of T. lagunablanca individuals, being the probability of presence higher than 50% for trees up to 1.5 m DBH and temperature of substrate up to 37.5℃. Our study probed that T. lagunablanca individuals choose trees non-randomly, selecting thicker and warmer tree trunks. This information advances the knowledge of the spatial ecology of Neotropical arboreal lizards and is relevant for conservation, putting an emphasis on preserving native vegetation in the Pantanal.

Calling site selection by male Boana punctata (Anura: Hylidae)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Kleber S. Martins ◽  
Zaida Ortega ◽  
Vanda L. Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Resource Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Life History Strategies ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Microhabitat Selection ◽  
Vegetation Density ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Amphibian species require specific conditions for reproduction, such as cover structures and shelters, in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, which directly influence reproductive success. A careful selection of calling sites is an important process, driving life-history strategies and tactics in amphibians. Despite this, a significant knowledge gap on how different variables modulate amphibian microhabitat selection processes is noted. Thus, we aimed to: (1) describing the microhabitat use of adult neotropical Boana punctata males during the breeding season; and (2) quantitatively analyzing the selection process of five resource variables (i.e., vegetation cover, vegetation density, vegetation height, water depth, and distance to the water shore). We then compared the microhabitat selection of males that achieved spawning and that of males that did not achieve spawning. To quantify selection, we used a resource selection function approach, applying a case/control design where the calling site used by each male was paired to eight surrounding, unused locations. We found that males selected microhabitats with higher vegetation than surrounding areas for reproduction, which suggests territorialism, and selected microhabitats slightly (∼ 30 cm) inside the assessed ponds. Males also acted randomly with regard to the other variables, not influencing the males’ microhabitat selection. Microhabitat use of males successful in obtaining females to spawn was similar to that of males exhibiting mating failure. In addition to being of ecological interest, our study highlights that preserving tall vegetation and the ponds’ shores is important for the conservation of existing B. punctata urban populations.

Disentangling the role of heat sources on microhabitat selection of two Neotropical lizard species

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 149-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaida Ortega ◽  
Abraham Mencía ◽  
Kleber Martins ◽  
Priscilla Soares ◽  
Vanda Lúcia Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Properties ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Substrate Temperature ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Microhabitat Selection ◽  
Heat Sources ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractOur aim was to disentangle the effects of different heat sources and the non-thermal properties of the substrate in the microhabitat choices of two lizard species living in savanna habitats of central-western Brazil: the teiidAmeivulaaff.ocellifera(N = 43) and the tropiduridTropidurus oreadicus(N = 23). To this end, a mixed structural resource selection function (mixed-SRSF) approach was used, modelling the probability of finding a lizard on a certain microhabitat based on environmental variables of used and simultaneously available places. First, we controlled for the effects of solar radiation, convection and the physical thermal properties of the substrate on substrate temperature. Then we assessed the effects of solar radiation, convection, conduction and the non-thermal properties of the substrate in the probability of use of a certain microhabitat. Results confirmed that substrate temperature was mediated by: air convection > solar radiation > physical thermal properties of the substrates. Moreover, the mixed-SRSF revealed that direct solar radiation and the non-thermal properties of the substrates were the only drivers of microhabitat selection for both species, with approximately the same strength. Our novel approach allowed splitting of the effect of different mechanisms in the microhabitat selection of lizards, which makes it a powerful tool for assessing the conformation of the interactions between different environmental variables mediating animal behaviour.

scholarly journals Energy selection functions: modelling the energetic drivers of animal movement and habitat use

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha J. Klappstein ◽  
Jonathan Potts ◽  
Théo Michelot ◽  
Luca Börger ◽  
Nicholas Pilfold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Animal Movement ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Landscape Resistance ◽  
Modelling Framework

1. Energetics are a key driver of animal decision-making, as survival depends on the balance between foraging benefits and movement costs. This fundamental perspective is often missing from habitat selection studies, which mainly describe correlations between space use and environmental features, rather than the mechanisms behind these correlations. To address this gap, we present a new modelling framework, the energy selection function (ESF), to assess how moving animals choose habitat based on energetic considerations. 2. The ESF considers that the likelihood of an animal selecting a movement step depends directly on the corresponding energetic gains and costs. The parameters of the ESF measure selection for energetic gains and against energetic costs; when estimated jointly, these provide inferences about foraging and movement strategies. The ESF can be implemented easily with standard conditional logistic regression software, allowing for fast inference. We outline a workflow, from data-gathering to statistical analysis, and use a case study of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) as an illustrative example. 3. We show how defining gains and costs at the scale of the movement step allows us to include detailed information about resource distribution, landscape resistance, and movement patterns. We demonstrate this in the polar bear case study, in which the results show how cost-minimization may arise in species that inhabit environments with an unpredictable distribution of energetic gains. 4. The ESF combines the energetic consequences of both movement and resource selection, thus incorporating a key aspect of evolutionary behaviour into habitat selection analysis. Because of its close links to existing habitat selection models, the ESF is widely applicable to any study system where energetic gains and costs can be derived, and has immense potential for methodological extensions.

scholarly journals Spatial Utilization and Microhabitat Selection of the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) under Different Livestock Grazing Intensities

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-159
Author(s):  
Yang Hong ◽  
Thomas Connor ◽  
Huan Luo ◽  
Xiaoxing Bian ◽  
Zhaogang Duan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Microhabitat Selection ◽  
Basal Diameter ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Spatial Utilization ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractThere is increasing conflict between snow leopards and humans in many protected areas, the main driver of which is the overlap in spatial utilization between snow leopards and livestock. Understanding the spatial utilization and microhabitat selection of snow leopards in areas featuring different levels of livestock grazing is important to better understand and resolve this conflict, but such studies are rare. Here, we conducted line transect and plot surveys in low- and high-grazing-disturbance areas (LGDAs and HGDAs) in Wolong National Reserve, southwestern China. We compared snow leopard spatial utilization and microhabitat characteristics between LGDAs and HGDAs. Results showed that snow leopards had aggregated distribution in both LGDAs and HGDAs, but the distribution of snow leopards in HGDAs was more centralized than in LGDAs. Herb cover and height in LGDAs were greater than in HGDAs. We fit a resource selection function (RSF) that showed that snow leopards preferentially selected higher elevation, smaller basal diameter of shrubs, and lower height of herbs in LGDAs. In contrast, there were no significant microhabitat factors in our snow leopard RSF in HGDAs. Our results indicate that high-intensity grazing tends to reduce the habitat types available to and preferential selectivity of habitat by snow leopards. We recommend that livestock grazing should be controlled to restore the diversity of the alpine ecosystems in Wolong Nature Reserve. Our findings also highlight the need for evaluating the impact of livestock grazing on rare animals in alpine environments (e.g., snow leopard) in other areas facing similar issues.

Spatial Ecology and Resource Selection of Eastern Box Turtles

2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (8) ◽  
pp. 1590-1600
Author(s):  
Katie A. Harris ◽  
Joseph D. Clark ◽  
R. Dwayne Elmore ◽  
Craig A. Harper
Keyword(s):  
Resource Selection ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Box Turtles ◽  
Eastern Box Turtles ◽  
Selection Of

scholarly journals Comparation of logistic regression methods and discrete choice model in the selection of habitats

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-333
Author(s):  
Sandra Vergara Cardozo ◽  
Bryan Frederick John Manly ◽  
Carlos Tadeu dos Santos Dias
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Choice Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Discrete Choice Models ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Data Set ◽  
North West ◽  
Selection Of

Based on a review of most recent data analyses on resource selection by animals as well as on recent suggestions that indicate the lack of an unified statistical theory that shows how resource selection can be detected and measured, the authors suggest that the concept of resource selection function (RSF) can be the base for the development of a theory. The revision of discrete choice models (DCM) is suggested as an approximation to estimate the RSF when the choice of animal or groups of animals involves different sets of available resource units. The definition of RSF requires that the resource which is being studied consists of discrete units. The statistical method often used to estimate the RSF is the logistic regression but DCM can also be used. The theory of DCM has been well developed for the analysis of data sets involving choices of products by humans, but it can also be applicable to the choice of habitat by animals, with some modifications. The comparison of the logistic regression with the DCM for one choice is made because the coefficient estimates of the logistic regression model include an intercept, which are not presented by the DCM. The objective of this work was to compare the estimates of the RSF obtained by applying the logistic regression and the DCM to the data set on habitat selection of the spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) in the north west of the United States.

Relative Value of Managed Wetlands and Tidal Marshlands for Wintering Northern Pintails

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter S. Coates ◽  
Michael L. Casazza ◽  
Brian J. Halstead ◽  
Joseph P. Fleskes
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
San Francisco Bay ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Tidal Marshes ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Ecological Communities ◽  
Managed Wetlands ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Northern pintail Anas acuta (hereafter pintail) populations have declined substantially throughout the western United States since the 1970s, largely as a result of converting wetlands to cropland. Managed wetlands have been developed throughout the San Francisco Bay estuaries to provide wildlife habitat, particularly for waterfowl. Many of these areas were historically tidal baylands, and plans are underway to remove dikes and restore tidal action. The relationship between tidal baylands and waterfowl populations is poorly understood. Our objective was to provide information on selection and avoidance of managed and tidal marshland by pintails. During 1991–1993 and 1998–2000, we radiomarked and relocated 330 female pintails (relocations, n  = 11,574) at Suisun Marsh, California, the largest brackish water estuary within San Francisco Bay, to estimate resource selection functions during the nonbreeding months (winter). Using a distance-based modeling approach, we calculated selection functions for different ecological communities (e.g., tidal baylands) and investigated variation explained by time of day (day or night hours) to account for differences in pintail behavior (i.e., foraging vs. roosting). We found strong evidence for selection of managed wetlands. Pintails also avoided tidal marshes and bays and channels. We did not detect differences in selection function between day and night hours for managed wetlands, but the degree of avoidance of other habitats varied by time of day. We also found that areas subjected to tidal action did not influence the selection of immediately adjacent managed wetlands. In areas where tidal marsh is restored, improving habitat conditions in adjacent wetlands would likely increase local carrying capacities and offset the loss of wetland area.

scholarly journals Perch selection of three species of kingfishers at the Pantanal wetland, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C. Peinado ◽  
Zaida Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Ecology ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Animal Movement ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Temporary Ponds ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Habitat Alterations ◽  
Human Habitat ◽  
Selection Of

ABSTRACTAnimal movement and behavior depend on the distribution of resources on the habitat. Therefore, individual animals are constantly making decisions on resource selection based on different attributes of the resource or its associated environmental variables. For fish-eating birds as kingfishers, selecting a suitable perch can report many benefits, as improving fishing success or reducing predation risk. Nowadays, not only natural structures, as branches, are available for birds to perch but also artificial ones, as electric lines. Thus, we aimed to understand which variables drive kingfishers’ perch selection, including the potential effect of its anthropic origin. We studied perch selection of three species of kingfishers inhabiting the Pantanal of Miranda of Brazil: Megaceryle torquata, Chloroceryle amazona and Chloroceryle americana. They feed in temporary ponds that are rich in trophic resources, where they have both natural and artificial potential perches. We hypothesized that artificial perches could be strongly selected, as they are more stable than natural ones and go through the ponds, providing a long surface to select optimal conditions. We assessed how kingfishers are selecting perches based on four ecologically relevant traits: (1) being artificial or natural, perch height, (3) distance to the water, and (4) plant cover. We used a resource selection function (RSF) approach to quantify the effect of these variables in the probability of presence of kingfishers. The artificial origin of a perch was independent of the probability of selection for the three species. Furthermore, birds acted randomly to the other studied variables, except for individuals of C. amazona, which select higher perches, above 3.20 m. We discuss the implications of these results for understanding the behavioral ecology and use of space of neotropical kingfishers, and how this affects their vulnerability to human habitat alterations.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal variation in resource selection of servals: insights from a landscape under heavy land-use transformation

2015 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 554-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tharmalingam Ramesh ◽  
Riddhika Kalle ◽  
Colleen T. Downs
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Home Range Overlap ◽  
Habitat Gradient ◽  
Range Overlap ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Changes in habitat composition and structure along natural agricultural habitat gradient affect spatial ecology of carnivores at both intraspecific and interspecific levels. An important prerequisite for the conservation and management of habitat specialists is a sound understanding of how they use indigenous habitats within fragmented landscapes. We present the 1st comprehensive study on home range, overlap, and resource selection of 16 radiocollared servals ( Leptailurus serval ) in the Drakensberg Midlands, South Africa. Servals (11 males and 5 females) were livetrapped and radiotracked between May 2013 and August 2014 covering 4 seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn). Mean annual home range estimates (95% and 50% fixed kernel [FK], respectively) for males (38.07 km 2 ; 8.27 km 2 ) were generally larger than for females (6.22 km 2 ; 1.04 km 2 ). Although male core ranges varied slightly in spring, overall serval home ranges were stable across seasons. There was considerable intersexual home range overlap (> 85%), whereas intrasexual overlap was rare (< 10%). Home range size decreased with increase in age and less availability of wetland, while it increased in males at both levels (95% FK and 50% FK). For both sexes, Manley’s selection index indicated that natural habitats including wetlands and forest with bushland ranked higher than all other habitat classes. However, forested habitat was used approximately 2 times more frequently by males than females whereas cropland was avoided by both sexes. Overall, wetlands were ranked highest, followed by forest with bushland, grassland, plantations, and cropland in terms of serval resources selection. Our results emphasize that natural habitats, mainly wetlands and forests with bushland, are important predictors of spatiotemporal habitat use of servals in the agricultural mosaics of South Africa.

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