scholarly journals Great Gray Owl home range and habitat selection during the breeding-season

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 90-96
Author(s):  
Katherine Gura ◽  
Bryan Bedrosian ◽  
Anna D. Chalfoun ◽  
Susan Patla
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Resource Requirements

Identifying resource requirements of under-studied species during key stages such as breeding is critical for effective management. We quantified breeding-season home-range attributes and habitat selection of adult Great Gray Owls across multiple spatial (home-range and within-home-range level) and temporal (nesting and post-fledging; day versus night) scales in western Wyoming, USA. In 2018 and 2019 we outfitted adult male owls (n = 18) with GPS remote-download transmitters and collected hourly location data throughout the breeding season (1 May – 15 September). Using 50% and 95% kernel density estimates (KDE), mean core area was 1.2 km2 and mean home-range size was 6.2 km2 (n = 16). Resource selection analyses incorporated both remotely-sensed and microsite data. We conducted microsite surveys at used and available points within 95% KDE home ranges using a stratified random sample design (n = 661). Determining home-range and breeding habitat requirements will improve density estimates and facilitate the effective management of Great Gray Owls and their habitat. We found differing patterns between habitat selection at the home-range and within-home-range scales.   Featured photo by YNP on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/SA17KT

scholarly journals Home Range Attributes and Habitat Selection of Barred Owls and Spotted Owls in an Area of Sympatry

The Condor ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 109 (4) ◽  
pp. 750-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Hamer ◽  
Eric D. Forsman ◽  
Elizabeth M. Glenn
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Negative Slope ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Strix Varia ◽  
Spotted Owls ◽  
Barred Owls ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract We compared home range areas and habitat selection of radio-marked Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis) and Barred Owls (Strix varia) in an area of sympatry in the northern Cascade Range of Washington in 1986–1989. On average, home ranges of Spotted Owls were 3–4 times larger than ranges of Barred Owls, and there was little overlap of home ranges during the breeding season. Ranges of both species tended to expand during winter. Home range size of both species was negatively correlated with the amount of old forest, but the negative slope of the regression was much steeper for Spotted Owls than for Barred Owls. For both species, home ranges of individual owls typically had high overlap among seasons and years, indicating high site fidelity. Barred Owls generally occupied home ranges at lower elevations than Spotted Owls (mean  =  386 ± 27 m vs. 750 ± 68 m). Both species tended to use old forests more than expected, but Spotted Owls tended to use other cover types less than expected, whereas Barred Owls used most other cover types in proportion to their availability. We suggest that Spotted Owls may use larger ranges than Barred Owls because they prey selectively on a few species of nocturnal mammals, whereas Barred Owls forage more evenly across a broad range of prey types, including diurnal and aquatic species. The low overlap of Barred Owl and Spotted Owl home ranges suggests that territorial Barred Owls exclude Spotted Owls from their territories, at least during the breeding season, thus reducing the amount of habitat available to Spotted Owls.

Home Range and Habitat Selection of Female Mountain Nyalas (Tragelaphus Buxtoni) in the Human-Dominated Landscape of the Ethiopian Highlands

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anagaw Atickem ◽  
Matthias Klapproth ◽  
Martha Fischer ◽  
Dietmar Zinner ◽  
Leif Egil Loe
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
National Park ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Human Settlement ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Background: Human settlement and agricultural activities restrict increasingly the range of large mammals in many cases contributing to declining numbers of ungulates. Here, we studied home range size and habitat selection of female mountain nyalas in the northern end of the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) (31 km2) surrounded by human settlement. We collected data on space use of seven adult female mountain nyalas equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. Home range size was estimated using fixed kernel density and habitat selection was determined by resource selection functions.Results: We found that female mountain nyalas have much smaller (5.7 km2) home ranges than the 19 km2 home range size predicted for a 170 kg, group-living species living in mixed habitats. Home ranges were 30% larger in night time than daytime. We suggest that the night time extension beyond the park boundaries were caused by both push and pull effects. The presumably high livestock and other ungulates grazing pressure within the protected area may cause forage-driven excursions out of the park, in particular during agricultural crop seasons. In addition, mountain nyalas are probably attracted by humans as shields against hyena predation. Resource selection index indicates bush land and forest habitat are the most preferred habitat types while agriculture and human settlements are least preferred habitats.Conclusions: Given that mountain nyalas are found in high density (24 individuals/km2) and the size of the northern part of the Bale Mountain National Park, which is currently under protection by the park authorities for the mountain nyala conservation, is too small for the predicted home range size of large ungulates, we suggest protecting additional area may be needed for the long-term conservation of the endangered mountain nyala.

Breeding-Season Survival, Home-Range Size, and Habitat Selection of Female Bachman's Sparrows

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Y. Choi ◽  
Alexander C. Fish ◽  
Christopher E. Moorman ◽  
Christopher S. DePerno ◽  
Jessica M. Schillaci
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Selection Of

Breeding habitat selection and home range of radio-marked black ducks (Anas rubripes) in Maine

1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Ringelman ◽  
Jerry R. Longcore ◽  
Ray B. Owen Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Anas Rubripes ◽  
South Central ◽  
Pair Bonds ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Ephemeral Pools

Telemetry techniques were used to monitor the movements and habitat use of 13 female and 7 male black ducks (Anas rubripes) in an inland breeding region of south central Maine in 1977–1980. Black ducks preferred persistent emergent, broad-leaved deciduous forested, and broad-leaved deciduous scrub–shrub wetlands over unconsolidated organic bottom, needle-leaved evergreen forested, and broad-leaved evergreen scrub–shrub ponds. Birds also made frequent use of small ephemeral pools and streams throughout the breeding period. Nests were located in several habitats ranging from wetland sites to upland areas 1.5 km from the most frequently used pond. Home range size averaged 119 ha for females and 231 ha for males and did not differ by reproductive stage. Three pairs used only a single pond during the incubation period. Home ranges were linear (linearity index = 2.8), averaging 1956 m long for females and 2755 m for males. Wetlands used most by hens during incubation recesses were not always those located closest to the nest. Radio-marked ducks that returned in subsequent breeding seasons demonstrated fidelity to the previously used home range. Pair bonds of marked birds lasted until day 19 or 20 of incubation for initial nesting attempts.

Response of eastern pygmy possums, Cercartetus nanus, to selective logging in New South Wales: home range, habitat selection and den use

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley Law ◽  
Mark Chidel ◽  
Alf Britton ◽  
Traecey Brassil
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Fire Disturbance ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Den Use ◽  
Cercartetus Nanus

Context Selective logging of native forests creates a mosaic of disturbance histories; however, little is known about how different taxa respond to such a mosaic. Aims We followed adaptive-management principles to test logging and burning impacts on eastern pygmy possums, Cercartetus nanus (Geoffroy and Desmarest, 1817), by undertaking a large-scale field experiment that coincided with harvesting. We predicted that home range would increase after logging because of a reduction in resources (food and/or dens) and because hollows suitable for denning would decrease, resulting in greater use of unlogged patches and alternate dens. Methods We radio-tracked C. nanus in a before-and-after logging experiment to investigate home range, habitat selection and den use. We tracked 50 possums, some individuals for a maximum of 8 months, within control, recently logged and regrowth (5 years since logging) sites. Key results Home ranges were variable (0.04–19.5 ha), with males having significantly larger home ranges. We were unable to detect a difference in home-range size between controls and the first year after logging and burning, or regrowth 5 years after logging. Home ranges comprised a mosaic of disturbed and undisturbed areas, and possums did not avoid logged habitat in their home ranges, indicating that logging did not significantly influence habitat selection. We suggest that possums were not sensitive to selective logging and burning because nectar-producing plants are adapted to fire disturbance and because a variety of den sites were used, most commonly in tree hollows and fallen logs, which were commonly left as logging residue. Indeed, possums frequently denned in logged patches, both recently after logging (63% of dens) and in regrowth 5 years after logging (76% of dens). Counts of fallen hollow logs at each site indicated that their density was not reduced by logging, with regrowth sites having the greatest abundance of logs (260 ha–1). Conclusions The mosaic of disturbance created by selective logging operations did not negatively affect home range or den selection of C. nanus. Implications Ecologically sustainable logging practices that include a range of mitigation measures to protect biodiversity can be compatible with the management of threatened species. Assessment of the effectiveness of these methods often will rely on scientific research.

scholarly journals Size of home range of Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus) males during breeding season assessed by radio-telemetry in the Jizera Mountains, Czechia

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Marek Kouba ◽  
Václav Tomášek
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Aegolius Funereus ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tengmalm's Owl

Abstract Animal home ranges are typically characterized by their size, shape and a given time interval and can be affected by many different biotic and abiotic factors. Understanding of animal movements and assessing the size of their home ranges are essential topics in ecology and necessary for effective species protection, especially concerning birds of prey. Using radio-telemetry (VHF; 2.1 g tail-mounted tags) we studied the movements of two Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus) males during the breeding season 2008 in a mountain area of Central Europe (the Czech Republic, the Jizera Mountains: 50˚ 50’ N, 15˚ 16’ E). We determined their average nocturnal hunting and diurnal roosting home range sizes. The mean hunting home range size calculated according to the 90% fixed kernel density estimator was 251.1 ± 43.2 ha (± SD). The mean roosting home range size calculated according to the 100% minimum convex polygon method was 57.9 ± 15.8 ha (± SD). The sizes of hunting home ranges during breeding in this study coincide with those previously reported by other studies focusing on Tengmalm’s owl males. However, we found the roosting home ranges were smaller in size compared to those previously reported. This result was most probably connected with different habitat structure in our study area, which was severally damaged by air-pollution in the past, thus probably offering fewer suitable hiding-places, for instance from predators. We found the roosting locations were concentrated in the oldest and densest Norway spruce forest patches. We emphasize that these parts of forest stands require the highest possible protection in our study area.

Home-range size and habitat selection by American marten (Martes americana) in Labrador

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (9) ◽  
pp. 1602-1609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam C Smith ◽  
James A Schaefer
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Martes Americana ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
American Marten ◽  
Tree Species Composition

Variation in home-range size can be related to different factors at different spatial scales. This study examined the patterns of home-range size and habitat selection of American marten (Martes americana) in southeastern Labrador, a region of extensive and pristine forests. Over 1.5 years, we monitored 28 radio-collared marten and compared the availability of habitat types with their use. Marten avoided areas with low productivity and low canopy cover (<20%) but showed no selection for tree species composition or cover among more productive forests. Mean home ranges for both sexes (males, 45.0 km2; females, 27.6 km2) were exceptionally large, more than double the largest values previously recorded for the species. We analyzed variation in home-range size at two scales: within our study population and, using data from the literature, among populations across the species range in relation to temperature, snow cover, and body size. Within our population, home-range area was positively related to the proportion of bog and less productive, scrub forests in the home range. Among populations, differences in home-range size were not significantly related to any of the tested factors.

Habitat selection, philopatry and spatial segregation in rural Irish hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

Mammalia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Haigh ◽  
Ruth M. O’Riordan ◽  
Fidelma Butler
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Compositional Analysis ◽  
Spatial Separation ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Radio Tracking ◽  
Dispersal Period

AbstractAs a non-territorial species with no known dispersal period, there are no obvious factors that regulate hedgehog numbers in an area. This study aimed to examine these factors and involved the radio-tracking of rural hedgehogs over a 3-year period. Males had a significantly larger mean annual home range (56 ha) than females (16.5 ha), which was at its maximum during the breeding season. Outside of the breeding season, the home range was relatively small (4–5 ha) in both sexes. The home ranges of males completely overlapped both each other and all of the females. In contrast, females occupied more exclusive areas with little overlap between one another. On a nightly basis, both sexes occupied spatially independent areas with little overlap. Compositional analysis of the data showed that habitats were not used in proportion to their availability but were selected, and this changed seasonally, with the highest preference being for garden and arable land. Hedgehogs tagged for consecutive years exhibited site philopatry and followed the same pattern of habitat selection annually. It is suggested that the spatial separation observed amongst individual hedgehogs could restrict numbers in an area and that female numbers reach a carrying capacity before that of males.

Wildfire effects on home range size and fidelity of boreal caribou in Alberta, Canada

2007 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrik Dalerum ◽  
Stan Boutin ◽  
Jesse S. Dunford
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Population Demographics ◽  
Range Use ◽  
Northern Alberta ◽  
Boreal Caribou

Wildfire can rapidly alter the forage availability for boreal ungulates such as woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus caribou Gmelin, 1788). Since fire decreases available lichens, a crucial food source for caribou, it may be an important determinant of caribou range use and demography. Here we examined whether wildfire affected range use, habitat selection, and basic demographic variables of boreal caribou in three regions in northern Alberta, Canada. Contrary to expectations, caribou showed no change in home range sizes nor did they shift their home ranges in the years following fires, despite having up to 76% of individual home ranges burned. Within home ranges, caribou preferred stands >50 years old and avoided stands <50 years old, but the extent of home range burned did not affect habitat selection in the year after fire. Although fire does not seem to directly affect the spatial distribution of Alberta caribou, the generation of younger seral stages may affect how caribou distribute within their annual ranges. However, this did not appear to affect population demographics, as fire did not affect annual mortality or fecundity. Boreal caribou in Alberta may be resilient to the effects of fire owing to large home ranges.

Spatial ecology and resource selection of a high-elevation American marten (Martes americana) population in the northeastern United States

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.P.K. Sirén ◽  
P.J. Pekins ◽  
M.J. Ducey ◽  
J.R. Kilborn
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Martes Americana ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Northeastern United States ◽  
Rugged Terrain

High-elevation forests that contain mature, closed canopy stands are considered important habitat for American martens (Martes americana (Turton, 1806)) in the northeastern United States. To investigate this hypothesis, we monitored 15 radio-collared martens over a 2-year period and measured spatial use, as well as second- and third-order resource selection, from 33 seasonal home ranges and 889 telemetry locations. The population was composed primarily of adults that had small home-range size with average seasonal fidelity. During leaf-off seasons, martens selected against regenerating forest at both scales and selected for mixedwood and softwood forests and areas with rugged terrain within home ranges. Second-order selection was less pronounced during leaf-on seasons, yet martens exhibited greater selection for hardwood forest and areas with rugged terrain within home ranges. Home-range size was correlated positively with the amount of regenerating forest and body-condition index scores were lower during winter, indicating that these spatial and temporal attributes were influential. Although martens utilized low-elevation forest with extensive timber harvesting, contiguous, mature, and rugged high-elevation forest was used preferentially during winter. Land managers should minimize disturbance of montane ecosystems to ensure population viability for martens and other boreal forest species along distributional edges.

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