scholarly journals Two Cleptoparasitic Ant Crickets (Orthoptera: Myrmecophilidae) That Share Similar Host Ant Species Differentiate Their Habitat Use in Areas of Sympatry in Japan

Sociobiology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 364
Author(s):  
Takashi Komatsu ◽  
Munetoshi Maruyama ◽  
Takao Itino
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Limited Sampling ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Habitat Differentiation ◽  
Potential Competitor ◽  
Ant Guests ◽  
Open Versus

Myrmecophilus crickets (Myrmecophilidae, Orthoptera) are typical ant guests. In Japan, about 10 species are recognized on the basis of morphological and molecular phylogenetic frameworks. We focused on two of these species, M. kinomurai and M. kubotai, and compared their host and habitat use. Previous work based on a limited sampling effort suggested that these two species share some ant species as hosts, but that their habitat (open versus shaded) preferences differ. Here, on the basis of exhaustive sampling across Japan, we confirmed that M. kinomurai and M. kubotai do not differ in their host ant preferences: both prefer formicine ants as hosts. As for habitat preferences, M. kubotai occurred significantly more often in open habitats than in shaded ones (P < 0.05). In contrast, M. kinomurai showed no habitat preference in areas where M. kubotai did not occur. However, M. kinomurai showed an obvious preference for shaded environments in areas of sympatry with its potential competitor M. kubotai. This pattern suggests that interspecific competition between M. kinomurai and M. Kubotai is a factor causing habitat differentiation in areas of sympatry.

Summer stream habitat preferences of Nunavik anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) fry and parr

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Véronique Dubos ◽  
André St-Hilaire ◽  
Normand E Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Salvelinus Alpinus ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
Arctic Char ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Stream Habitat ◽  
Physical Habitat ◽  
High Plasticity ◽  
Slow Velocity

Arctic char is a fish species known to occupy diverse habitats within the Arctic region. However, summer habitat use during the juvenile stage of the anadromous form is largely unknown. The present study aims to characterize fry and parr summer habitat preferences. Surveys were conducted by electrofishing, associated with physical habitat characterization on several rivers of the Ungava Bay, Nunavik, Canada. At the microhabitat and station scales, fry showed significant habitat preferences for shallow water and slow velocity. At the mesohabitat scale, fry showed a significant habitat selectivity for riffles. This habitat selectivity implies that habitat models can be built to evaluate the potential of habitat suitability for Arctic char fry. However, no significant habitat selectivity was found for parr. Parr size was nonetheless positively correlated with velocity, which was found to be a limitative factor for juvenile habitat use. This first attempt at modeling juvenile anadromous Arctic char habitat in rivers emphasizes the importance of selecting an appropriate spatial scale and reiterates the fact that parr showed relatively high plasticity in stream habitat selection.

scholarly journals NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY OF THE COLOMBIAN LEAFTOED GECKO (PHYLLODACTYLUS TRANSVERSALIS), ENDEMIC TO MALPELO ISLAND

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateo López Victoria ◽  
Matthias Jurczyk ◽  
Volkmar Wolters
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Original Description ◽  
Tropical Pacific ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Eastern Tropical Pacific ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Malpelo Island

The Colombian leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus transversalis) is the least known reptile species of Malpelo Island (Eastern Tropical Pacific). In the 37 years since its original description, no single study strictly dedicated to this species has been conducted. With the goal of providing information on the ecology and population size of this gecko, data collected during two visits to the island are presented. Behavior and reproduction were studied by following individuals during the night and by searching for hidden individuals and eggs during the day. Population’s density and habitat preferences were estimated by classifying the island’s surfaces into four types and counting geckos inside those habitats within band transects. General morphological measurements of geckos were performed as reference points for future comparisons. Phyllodactylus transversalis lays its eggs in narrow crevices of rocks, apparently communally. Reproduction seems to take place during most of the year, probably associated with the peak breeding season of seabirds. Although conspecifics shared shelters during the day, densities during the night suggest no apparent habitat preference for foraging. Population size of this species was estimated at approximately 114000 individuals.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS AND HABITAT USE OF Podocnemis vogli (MÜLLER 1935) DURING A REPRODUCTIVE SEASON AT THE BOJONAWI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE (VICHADA DEPARTMENT, COLOMBIA)

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Ana María Sepúlveda-Seguro ◽  
Vivian Patricia Páez ◽  
Marley Tatiana Gómez-Rincón ◽  
Mónica A. Morales-Betancourt ◽  
Carlos A. Lasso
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Reproductive Season ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Reproductive Phenology ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Specific Class ◽  
Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Habitat Generalist

We conducted a short study in the Bojonawi Private Nature Reserve (Vichada department, Colombia) in three types of aquatic macrohabitats to characterize habitat use, population structure and reproductive phenology of Podocnemis vogli during one reproductive season. We also reevaluated the degree of sexual dimorphism in this species. To maximize capture rates, we used three methods: funnel traps, trammel nets, and manual capture. Only the funnel traps could be used in a standardized manner in all three macrohabitats. We captured 149 individuals in all age/size classes and obtained 11 recaptures. Since we were able to standardize sampling effort with the funnel traps in all macrohabitats, we compared habitat use and class structure among habitats during this reproductive season. There were no significant differences among the three macrohabitats in terms of relative abundances or size class distributions, but sex ratios differed, with an excess of males in the river and females in the lagoon. As with other congeners, P. vogli is a sexually dimorphic species where females attain larger sizes. In this study we documented that pre-cloacal tail length and nail length on the anterior third toe are the most useful secondary sexual characteristics for sexing subadult and adult individuals. Some females larger than 22 cm straight-line carapace length had calcified eggs in their oviducts. This species is abundant within the reserve and appears to be a habitat generalist, including the use of large rivers. More extensive and intensive monitoring is needed to document specific class survivorship rates, detectabilities and population dynamics.

Scats can reveal the presence and habitat use of cryptic rock-dwelling macropods

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy R. Telfer ◽  
Anthony D. Griffiths ◽  
David M. J. S. Bowman
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Classification Tree ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Tropical Environments ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Larger Sample

The rock-dwelling macropod species of the tropics of the Northern Territory, Australia, are behaviourally elusive and difficult to observe in their rugged habitats. Hence, little is understood about their ecology. We evaluated the potential of using scats (faecal pellets) as a survey tool for this faunal assemblage by: (1) developing a key to the scats of the species; (2) examining the rates of loss and decomposition of short-eared rock-wallaby (Petrogale brachyotis) scats in these tropical environments; and (3) comparing the distribution of scats of P. brachyotis with the species’ use of space and habitats as determined with radio-telemetry. Classification tree modelling discriminated the scats of the seven macropod species, primarily on the basis of width. The reliability of identification was greatly improved with larger sample sizes and inclusion of a habitat parameter. Rates of scat loss and decay were variable and the greatest losses occurred in the wet season, particularly on sandy soils. Scat censuses underestimated the total area used by P. brachyotis but the distribution of scats showed the same broad pattern of habitat use found by radio-telemetry. We conclude that scats can accurately indicate the presence and habitat preferences of rock-dwelling macropod species.

scholarly journals Distribution and Habitat Preference of Sloth Bear in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Dinesh Ghimire ◽  
Tej Bahadur Thapa
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Habitat Preference ◽  
National Park ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Sal Forest ◽  
Chitwan National Park ◽  
Sloth Bear ◽  
Effective Conservation

Effective conservation of Sloth bear requires detailed information regarding their distribution and habitat use. This study attempted to generate baseline data on distribution and habitat preference of Sloth Bear in Chitwan National Park, Nepal during March–May 2012. The study area was divided into 74 grids each measuring 16 Km2. Of the total grids, 35 were randomly selected for occupancy sampling. A total of 288 spatial replicates were sampled in 35 different grids recording 87 direct or indirect evidences of Sloth bear. Among them, 50 diggings, 25 scats, four scrapes with live animals in eight points were detected in four different habitat types of the Park. The variance to mean ratio showed clumped distribution of Sloth bear. The RPI values revealed that the mixed forest was found to be most preferred (RPI = 0.42) by Sloth Bear followed by grassland (RPI = 0.21). Riverine forest and Sal forest were less preferred (RPI = -0.25 and -0.11 respectively) but not avoided. Distribution of Sloth bear was influenced by distance to nearest water sources, distance to road and altitude. Similarly, disturbances like human activities, presence of cattle and fi re were found to affect the distribution of Sloth bear.J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 28, 2014: 9-17

Differential habitat use by a local population of subadult common dunnarts, Sminthopsis murina, following wildfire in coastal wet heath, New South Wales, Australia

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaughan Monamy ◽  
Barry J. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
New South ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Local Population ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
High Soil Moisture ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Unusual Occurrence ◽  
Habitat Fidelity

Little has been published about Sminthopsis murina, a small insectivorous marsupial encountered infrequently during trapping studies. Individuals favour vegetation associations found in recently burnt heathlands and forests; however, individuals rarely remain in such areas long enough for repeated capture. We report an unusual occurrence of habitat fidelity by a dense population of subadult S. murina in coastal wet heath, New South Wales, Australia. Individuals were captured repeatedly in the first 16 months following wildfire (30 subadults trapped 154 times: recapture rate = 80%). Densities peaked 10 months after fire at 3.75 individuals ha–1. More males than females were captured (23 males, 7 females). Habitat analyses revealed differential use of regenerating coastal wet heathland by S. murina. Significantly more captures were made in areas of high soil moisture in the first six months following fire. Captures then decreased in these areas but increased where soil moisture had been lower and where vegetation had been growing more slowly. Beyond the 1995/96 breeding season, regenerating vegetation became increasingly dense and less patchy and captures of S. murina ultimately declined to zero. This paper records a rare opportunity to examine habitat preferences of a single cohort of subadult S. murina. Habitat use may have been determined by the presence of a narrow range of vegetation structure.

Habitat preferences in freshwater diatom communities from sub-Antarctic Îles Kerguelen

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart Van De Vijver ◽  
Pieter Ledeganck ◽  
Louis Beyens
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Running Waters ◽  
Diatom Flora ◽  
Limited Sampling ◽  
Sampling Campaign ◽  
Diatom Communities ◽  
Geographical Position ◽  
Freshwater Diatom

A limited sampling campaign on the main island of Îles Kerguelen revealed 170 freshwater diatom taxa, belonging to 29 genera. Four different communities were distinguished in two major groups, being determined principally by habitat type. The Fragilaria vaucheriae–Fragilaria germainii assemblage occurs exclusively in running waters. The three other communities, observed in standing waterbodies, are separated by their geographical position on the island with the Fragilaria exigua–Aulacoseira alpigena and the Fragilaria exigua–Fragilaria vaucheriae assemblages, mainly found in the Lac Studer area and the Fragilaria pinnata var. pinnata assemblage, recorded near the coastal line and the research station. Analysis of different waterbody types revealed the habitat preference of the various diatom taxa and identified a diatom flora for running waters and one preferring stagnant waterbodies.

scholarly journals Convergent evolution of karst habitat preference and its ecomorphological correlation in three species of Bent-toed Geckos (Cyrtodactylus) from Peninsular Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 367-386
Author(s):  
Amanda Kaatz ◽  
Jesse L. Grismer ◽  
L. Lee Grismer
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Head Width ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
Group A ◽  
Associated Species ◽  
Univariate Analyses

Abstract By studying ecomorophology in the context of phylogeny, researchers can parse out similarity due to common ancestry versus that due to convergence. This is especially true among relatively closely related species where both phylogenetic and environmental constraints may be operating simultaneously. We explored these issues among three karst-associated species from two lineages of Cyrtodactylus—the sworderi group from Peninsular Malaysia and the swamp clade from Peninsular Malaysia and western Indonesia of the agamensis group. A stochastic character mapping analysis using five different habitat preferences corroborated a larger previous analysis in recovering a general habitat preference as an ancestral condition for all habitat preferences and a karst habitat preference in C. guakanthanensis and C. gunungsenyumensis of the sworderi group and C. metropolis of the swamp clade as convergently evolved. Multivariate and univariate analyses of 10 morphometric characters revealed that the ecomorphological similarity between C. guakanthanensis and C. gunungsenyumensis of the sworderi group was also convergent. The ecomorphology of C. metropolis of the swamp clade was intermediate between a karst-adapted ecomorphology and a swamp-generalists ecomorphology. Of the 10 morphometric characters employed in this analysis, only three—head length, head width, and forelimb width—showed any signs of phylogenetic signal. Cyrtodactylus metropolis is hypothesized to be a recently refuged swamp-dwelling species that frequented the Batu Caves environments prior to urbanization of the surrounding swamp habitat to which it is now confined.

scholarly journals Modelling the habitat preference of two key <i>Sphagnum</i> species in a poor fen as controlled by capitulum water retention

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinnan Gong ◽  
Nigel Roulet ◽  
Steve Frolking ◽  
Heli Peltola ◽  
Anna M. Laine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Dynamics ◽  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Stochastic Simulations ◽  
Dynamic Feedback ◽  
Poor Fen ◽  
Key Species

Abstract. Current peatland models generally lack dynamic feedback between the plant community structure and the environment, although the vegetation dynamics and ecosystem functioning are tightly linked. Realistic projections of peatland response to climate change requires including vegetation dynamics in ecosystem models. In peatlands, Sphagnum mosses are key engineers. The species composition in a moss community varies primarily following habitat moisture conditions. Hence, modelling the mechanisms in controlling the habitat preference of Sphagna is a good first step for modelling the community dynamics in peatlands. In this study, we developed the Peatland Moss Simulator (PMS), a process-based model, for simulating community dynamics of the peatland moss layer that results in habitat preferences of Sphagnum species along moisture gradients. PMS employed an individual-based approach to describe the variation of functional traits among shoots and the stochastic base of competition. At the shoot-level, growth and competition were driven by net photosynthesis, which was regulated by hydrological processes via capitulum water retention. The model was tested by predicting the habitat preferences of S. magellanicum and S. fallax, two key species representing dry (hummock) and wet (lawn) habitats in a poor fen peatland (Lakkasuo, Finland). PMS successfully captured the habitat preferences of the two Sphagnum species, based on observed variations in trait properties. Our model simulation further showed that the validity of PMS depended on the interspecific differences in capitulum water retention being correctly specified. Neglecting the water-retention differences led to the failure of PMS to predict the habitat preferences of the species in stochastic simulations. Our work highlights the importance of capitulum water retention to the dynamics and carbon functioning of Sphagnum communities in peatland ecosystems. Studies of peatland responses to changing environmental conditions thus need to include capitulum water processes as a control on the vegetation dynamics. For that our PMS model could be used as an elemental design for the future development of dynamic vegetation models for peatland ecosystems.

scholarly journals Distribusi dan Preferensi Habitat Udang Air Tawar Caridina ensifera Schenkel, 1902 pada Dua Inlet Danau Poso, Sulawesi Tengah

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ni Luh Setiawati ◽  
Annawaty Annawaty
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Stream Flow ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Plant Roots ◽  
Sampling Station ◽  
Purposive Sampling ◽  
Freshwater Shrimps ◽  
Central Sulawesi

The distribution and habitat preference of freshwater shrimps Caridina ensifera Schenkel, 1902 on two inlets of Lake Poso, Central Sulawesi have been studied. Freshwater shrimps samples was collected in two streams, namely the Pomua Palandu Stream and Toinasa Stream. The sampling station on each streams is divided into three locations based on the distance of the stream flow from its mouth at Lake Poso. Sampling is done by purposive sampling method using the tray net tool. The obtained samples were preserved using 96% alcohol and than identification was carried out at the Laboratory of Animal Biosystematic and evolution, Department of Biology, Tadulako University. The results showed that Caridina ensifera was only distributed in the lower reaches of the Pomua Palandu Stream and Toinasa Stream, having habitat preferences between plant roots that dangled into the water with rocky sand and sand substrates and very slow current speeds. According to von Rintelen and Cai (2009) Caridina ensifera is distributed in Lake Poso.

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