Space fit for a king: spatial ecology of king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) in Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Northeastern Thailand

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Michael Marshall ◽  
Colin Thomas Strine ◽  
Max Dolton Jones ◽  
Taksin Artchawakom ◽  
Ines Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Anthropogenic Landscapes ◽  
Ophiophagus Hannah

Abstract A species’ spatial ecology has direct implications for that species’ conservation. Far-ranging species may be more difficult to conserve because their movements increase their chances of encountering humans. The movements can take them out of protected areas, which is especially risky for species that are routinely persecuted. The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), a large venomous elapid, is subject to anthropogenic pressures, such as persecution and habitat loss. Here we present results from a study using radio telemetry to quantify movements and habitat use of nine king cobras in and around a protected area in Northeast Thailand. This study is the first investigation into the movements and habitat use of king cobras outside of the Western Ghats, India. On average, the tracked king cobra’s use areas of 493.42 ± 335.60 ha (95% fixed kernel), moving 183.24 ± 82.63 m per day. King cobras did not remain in intact forested area. Five of the individuals frequently used the human-dominated agricultural areas surrounding the protected area, appearing to make regular use of irrigation canals. Two adult males showed increases in movements during the breeding season. One male’s increased breeding season range caused him to venture beyond the protected area, shifting his habitat use from intact forests to scrub in human-dominated areas. King cobras’ large home range and willingness to use anthropogenic landscapes merits special consideration from conservation planners.

scholarly journals Altitudinal movements and conservation of Bare-necked Umbrellabird Cephalopterus glabricollis of the Tilarán Mountains, Costa Rica

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johel Chaves-Campos ◽  
J. Edgardo Arévalo ◽  
Mariamalia Araya
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Fruit Breeding ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Fruit Abundance ◽  
Transect Counts ◽  
Using Data ◽  
High Elevations

Bare-necked Umbrellabird Cephalopterus glabricollis is endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama. It eats fruit, breeding at high elevations (≥ 800 m) and migrating to lower elevations during the non-breeding season. Using data from transect counts and radio-telemetry, we monitored bird movements in a protected area (Monteverde–Arenal–San Ramón reserves) in the Tilarán Mountains, Costa Rica. We also monitored fruit abundance along an altitudinal gradient to explore the potential relationship between bird movements and the abundance of the fruits this species consumed. The presence and abundance of umbrellabirds at high elevations (1,400 m) during the breeding season (March–June) coincided with the highest peak of fruit abundance. The presence of umbrellabirds in the lowlands (400 m) during the non-breeding season overlapped with the period of highest fruit abundance at these elevations. At middle elevations, bird presence and abundance did not correlate with fruit abundance. Radio-tagged birds left the protected area during the non-breeding season and there were no umbrellabirds inside the protected area during this period. Habitats where this species bred were well represented in the protected area but the habitat where they spent the non-breeding season was poorly represented, and was not adequately protected. This represents a potential threat to this species in the Tilarán Mountains.

scholarly journals Spatial ecology and habitat use of adult Booted Eagles (Aquila pennata) during the breeding season: implications for conservation

2016 ◽  
Vol 157 (4) ◽  
pp. 981-993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascual López-López ◽  
Javier de La Puente ◽  
Ugo Mellone ◽  
Ana Bermejo ◽  
Vicente Urios
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Spatial Ecology

scholarly journals Spatial ecology of hatchling water pythons (Liasis fuscus) in tropical Australia

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lígia Pizzatto ◽  
Thomas Madsen ◽  
Gregory P. Brown ◽  
Richard Shine
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Primary Method ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Tropical Australia ◽  
Soil Cracks

Abstract:Young snakes are rarely seen in the field and little is known about their habits, mostly because they are too small for radio-telemetry (the primary method for studying snake spatial ecology). However, the offspring of some larger species can be fitted with transmitters and we investigated the spatial ecology and habitat use of ten hatchling water pythons (Liasis fuscus: Pythonidae) in the floodplain of the Adelaide River, tropical Australia. Patterns of habitat use in the late wet season and during the dry season were similar to those of adults tracked in the same vicinity in an earlier study. Soon after release the young snakes moved to the floodplain, avoiding pasture areas. Diurnal refuge sites were typically in the base of grass clumps or below the soil surface, especially in sites with thick vegetation and deep, wide soil cracks. Adult snakes are more sedentary but move longer absolute distances (mean ± SE = 252 ± 50 m wk−1) than hatchlings (66.3 ± 41 m wk−1). However, hatchling snakes moved longer distances relative to body size (84.4 ± 1.1 body lengths wk−1) than did the previously studied adults (66.0 ± 1.1 body lengths wk−1). Mean and minimum body temperatures of the hatchlings were correlated with mean and minimum air temperatures, respectively.

Seasonal-Variation in the Ranging Behavior of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus-Anatinus) on the Goulburn River, Victoria

1995 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Gust ◽  
K Handasyde
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
The Body ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Ranging Behavior ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Temporal Separation

Radio-telemetry was used to study the effects of changing reproductive condition and water levels on the ranging behaviour and activity patterns of adult male platypuses in the Goulburn River, Victoria. Home-range size varied greatly between individuals, from 2 . 45 to 15 . 45 ha, but differences in the body weight of individuals did not account for this variability. There was no correlation between the number of burrows used by males and their body size or home-range length. Changing river levels or the animal's breeding condition did not appear to affect the duration of activity periods, which remained constant throughout the study. All radio-tracked animals foraged in a submerged backwater area during high-water conditions, suggesting that platypuses are opportunistic in their habitat usage and may avoid fast-flowing water if calmer areas are available. Although the home ranges of adult males overlapped extensively during the non-breeding period, there was evidence of spatial separation during the breeding season, when animals occupied separate core areas. In addition there appeared to be some temporal separation between adult males during the breeding season. During this period there was greater variation in the times at which animals emerged from their burrows, and some animals became diurnal.

scholarly journals An assessment of census techniques, habitat use and threats to Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
BHAGAWAN RAJ DAHAL ◽  
PHILIP J. K. McGOWAN ◽  
STEPHEN J. BROWNE
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Dry Grassland ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Abundance Estimate ◽  
Census Techniques ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
Wildlife Reserve

SummarySwamp Francolin Francolinus gularis is endemic to the Indian sub-continent, being found in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. It is threatened with extinction and is listed as ‘Vulnerable’, mainly as a result of habitat degradation and loss. This study investigated the distribution, habitat use, threats and most appropriate method for surveying the species at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in southeastern Nepal from February to July 2004. The most appropriate method, which recorded the highest number of birds (without double-counting), was identified as point counts undertaken early in the morning during the breeding season. The abundance estimate for the species was 15.5 ± 2.50 birds km−2. Habitat use, as compared with availability, differed significantly between seasons, with Woodland-Grassland and Wet Grassland preferred in the breeding season and summer. Dry Grassland and Woodland were preferred during the monsoon months. On average, 40.4 (± 15.6) people were recorded in the study area each day and there was a general trend for the number of birds to decrease with increasing numbers of people. Each day an average of 31.6 (± 16.7) livestock was recorded in the study area and more than 120 were regularly present throughout the eastern section, although there was no significant relationship between number of cattle and Swamp Francolin. We conclude that as long as the degree and distribution of anthropogenic pressures does not increase, the Swamp Francolin should survive at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. However, as the species is reliant on different habitats in different seasons, deterioration in the quality or extent of either of these could have a serious impact on the species.

scholarly journals Nonchalant neighbours: Space use and overlap of the critically endangered elongated tortoise

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Ward ◽  
Benjamin Michael Marshall ◽  
Cameron Hodges ◽  
Ysabella Montano ◽  
Taksin Artchawakom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Animal Movement ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Conspecific Attraction ◽  
Interaction Patterns ◽  
Female Attraction

To prevent population extirpations we need to understand species’ requirements, especially for critically endangered species inhabiting biodiversity hotspots. Studying animal movement provides insights into such requirements and gauges protected area effectiveness. Southeast Asian protected areas are becoming isolated; thus, we must ensure existing areas can sustain populations. We used multi-year radio-telemetry with the critically endangered Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) to assess: movements, space-use, and conspecific overlap in a small protected area –Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thailand. Movements were weakly seasonal, increasing in hot and wet seasons compared to the dry season. Individuals annual space-use varied (4.24–55.57 ha), while frequently overlapping with conspecifics. Conspecific comparisons revealed males (n = 5) moved similarly to females (n = 12) but used larger areas. Explorations of temporal avoidance versus attraction reveal more instances of conspecific attraction than avoidance (20:8). Avoidance/attraction behaviour appeared disconnected from carapace length or mass; therefore, that conspecific interaction patterns may potentially be a result of resources (mates or food) rather than competition (i.e., no apparent evidence of smaller individuals avoiding larger individuals). Female-female attraction suggests an absence of resource exclusion tactics at the temporal resolution of our data. Male-female attraction may indicate reproductive movements coinciding with hot season, but we failed to detect significant interactive effects linking conspecific attraction or step length to proximity to breeding activity. Our observations of annual space-use and space overlap present critical components when designing robust population assessments; assessments that will underline any successful I. elongata conservation effort. When considered in the context of previous work connecting space overlap with population viability, our results suggest the biosphere population of I. elongata to be reproductive, with enough resources to be potentially viable; the findings help emphasise the importance of even relatively small protected natural areas.

Spatial ecology of a small arboreal ambush predator, Trimeresurus macrops Kramer, 1977, in Northeast Thailand

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Strine ◽  
Inês Silva ◽  
Curt H. Barnes ◽  
Benjamin M. Marshall ◽  
Taksin Artchawakom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Northeast Thailand ◽  
Venomous Snake ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Core Areas ◽  
Activity Areas

Abstract The Big-Eyed Green Pit Viper (Trimeresurus macrops; Kramer, 1977) is a venomous snake species endemic to Southeast Asia. Although we have some knowledge of the systematics and toxicology of T. macrops, little is known about the spatial ecology of this species. From May 2013 to February 2014, we used radio-telemetry to determine home-range sizes of 13 adult female T. macrops inhabiting the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve in Northeast Thailand. We found that individual home ranges for T. macrops averaged 0.175 ha, with activity areas ranging from 0.112-0.303 ha and core areas ranging from 0.023-0.052 ha. There was little overlap between conspecific tracked females, especially for the most used areas of their home ranges. We find that T. macrops ambushes more in higher humidity and expresses very little diurnal activity. They use the groundstory for ambushing, then retreat over small distances to higher refuge during the day. Future studies should focus on prey abundance, habitat selection, and survival rates.

scholarly journals Resource Selection by Juvenile Swainson's Thrushes During the Postfledging Period

The Condor ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 388-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer D. White ◽  
Thomas Gardali ◽  
Frank R. Thompson ◽  
John Faaborg
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Catharus Ustulatus ◽  
Habitat Mosaic ◽  
Swainson’S Thrush

Abstract Resource-selection studies of passerine birds during the breeding season have mainly been limited to understanding those factors important to nesting. However, little is known about what resources are selected by juveniles that are no longer dependent on their parents. The postfledging period may be a critical part of the breeding season for independent juveniles because they must avoid predators and learn to forage on a changing resource base. We used radio-telemetry to study postfledging habitat use and resource selection of juvenile Swainson's Thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) in coastal California from 2000 to 2002. We generated population-level contours (50% and 95% fixed-kernel) to describe habitat use by independent juveniles, and we determined juvenile resource selection by comparing vegetation characteristics at sites used by juveniles versus random sites. Juvenile Swainson's Thrushes used mixed-hardwood forest and coastal scrub during the postfledging period as well as riparian vegetation used by nesting adults. The most parsimonious predictors of resource selection were fruit abundance variables, suggesting that postfledging habitat selection by the Swainson's Thrush is best explained by the optimal-foraging hypothesis. We suggest that juvenile thrushes can track food resources in a habitat mosaic and use vegetation types distinct from what is traditionally considered Swainson's Thrush breeding habitat. Selección de Recursos por Juveniles de Cathatus ustulatus Durante el Periodo de Emancipación Resumen. Los estudios de selección de recursos en aves paserinas durante la estación reproductiva, se han centrado principalmente en entender los factores importantes para la anidación. Sin embargo, se sabe poco acerca de los recursos seleccionados por los juveniles que ya no dependen de sus padres. Para los juveniles independientes, el periodo de emancipación podría ser una parte crítica de la estación reproductiva en la que deben evitar depredadores y aprender a forrajear sobre una base de recursos fluctuante. Por medio de telemetría, estudiamos el uso de hábitat y selección de recursos en juveniles del zorzal Catharus ustulatus en la costa de California entre los años 2000 y 2002. A nivel de población, generamos polígonos (de 50% y 95% de “kernel” fijo) para describir la utilización de hábitat por juveniles independientes, y para determinar la selección de recursos comparamos las características de la vegetación de los sitios utilizados con la de sitios aleatorios pareados. Los juveniles utilizaron bosques mixtos y matorral costero durante el periodo de emancipación, así como la vegetación riparia utilizada por adultos nidificantes. Las variables con las predicciones más parsimoniosas del uso de recursos fueron las relacionadas con la abundancia de frutos, lo que sugiere que la selección de hábitat de emancipación por C. ustulatus es explicada en mejores términos por la hipótesis de forrajeo óptimo. Sugerimos que los zorzales juveniles pueden encontrar recursos alimenticios en mosaicos de hábitat y usar tipos de vegetación distintos a los que tradicionalmente se consideran como hábitat de anidación.

Habitat use of toothed whales in a marine protected area based on point process models

2019 ◽  
Vol 609 ◽  
pp. 239-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
TL Silva ◽  
G Fay ◽  
TA Mooney ◽  
J Robbins ◽  
MT Weinrich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Point Process ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Point Process Models

Protected areas and unpaved roads mediate habitat use of the giant anteater in anthropogenic landscapes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia F Versiani ◽  
Larissa L Bailey ◽  
Nielson Pasqualotto ◽  
Thiago F Rodrigues ◽  
Roberta M Paolino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Brazilian Cerrado ◽  
Anthropogenic Landscapes ◽  
Unpaved Roads ◽  
Relative Paucity ◽  
Model Average

Abstract The drastic reduction of the Brazilian Cerrado has transformed this savanna hotspot into vast swaths of commodity-based agriculture fields, mainly soybean, sugarcane, and beef-production pasturelands. The resulting habitat loss and fragmentation are the principal factors underlying population decline of native species inhabiting the Cerrado, particularly those with a high demand for space, low population density, and specialized diet, such as the endangered giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Although the species has been studied in protected areas, we know much less about its ability to endure in disturbed landscapes. Here, we analyzed camera-trapping data to estimate a proxy of habitat use (ψ^; occupancy) and detection probabilities of the giant anteater, identifying environmental covariates influencing these parameters in landscapes with intensive agriculture and commercial forestry. We found this species using about half of the study area (model average ψ^ = 0.51, CI = 0.40–0.62), with two predictors strongly influencing habitat use: protected areas and unpaved roads. In turn, detection probability correlates positively with area of open Cerrado and negatively with area of settlements. The species is more likely to use unpaved roads inside protected areas (ψ^ = 0.90, CI = 0.47–0.75), compared to off road sites in the surrounding areas (ψ^ = 0.19, CI = 0.10–0.34). Our findings indicate that giant anteaters are dependent on nature reserves and native vegetation areas existing on private properties, whose protection is regulated by the Brazilian Native Vegetation Protection Law. Given the relative paucity of state-owned protected areas in the Brazilian Cerrado, increasing the adherence of rural owners to this law is, therefore, key for the conservation of the giant anteater. The intense use of unpaved roads might reflect travelling and/or foraging optimization, a behavioral response that, nevertheless, may compound this species’ susceptibility to suffer mortality from roadkill.

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