A rangewide distribution model for the Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul): identifying potential new survey regions for an understudied small cat

Mammalia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan Greenspan ◽  
Anthony J. Giordano
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Kunlun Mountains ◽  
Presence Data ◽  
Pamir Mountains ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Regional Conservation ◽  
Occurrence Records

Abstract Knowledge about the current distribution of threatened and/or understudied species is a fundamental component of conservation biology. Mapping species distributions based on recent known occurrences is particularly important for those that are rare or declining. Too often, cryptic species go undetected throughout parts of their range, whereas others just receive less research attention. We used contemporary presence data for the Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul), a small cryptic felid, to characterize potential rangewide and regional habitat for the species and identify those abiotic and biotic variables most influencing its distribution. Several regions lacking contemporary occurrence records contain potential habitat for Pallas’s cats, including the Koh-i-Baba Mountains of Afghanistan, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, steppes of Inner Mongolia, Kunlun Mountains of China, and Tian Shan and Pamir Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and China. Some of these areas have not been included in prior rangewide distribution assessments. The distribution of pikas (Ochotona spp.), small mammals that likely represent a critical prey species everywhere they are sympatric, was the most important factor affecting the Pallas’s cat’s distribution. This suggests Pallas’s cats may be prey specialists, and that pika presence and habitat are critical considerations for future Pallas’s cat surveys and in the development of regional conservation actions.

scholarly journals POTENTIAL HABITAT MODELING OF WATER HYACINTH IN LAKES OF NEPAL USING MAXENT ALGORITHM

2019 ◽  
Vol IV-5/W2 ◽  
pp. 103-110
Author(s):  
S. S. Thakuri ◽  
P. Shrestha ◽  
M. Deuba ◽  
P. Shah ◽  
O. P. Bhandari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Hyacinth ◽  
Species Distribution Model ◽  
Habitat Modeling ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables ◽  
Maxent Algorithm

Abstract. Invasive Alien Plant Species are spreading outside of their natural geographic range. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is one of the most widely and rapidly spreading invasive species throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of Nepal. In the last decade, water hyacinth has become a chronic problem in many major lakes of Nepal which have affected the habitat aquatic plants and animals. Our study focuses on potential habitat modeling of Water hyacinth over the major lakes of Nepal using Maxent algorithm. Primary data used for modeling were 19 bioclimatic variables and Shuttle Radar Topography Model (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM). After preparation of the species distribution model, major lakes of Nepal were overlaid over the model to prepare potential invasive map. The performance and accuracy of potential habitat distribution model was evaluated using parameter Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) which was within the range of 0.9–1. Validation of the model was done for the year 2015 with precision and recall, overall accuracy and F-measure and its values are 93% and 85%, 87% and 89% respectively. The model prepared for 2030 and 2050 shows the most suitable habitat for water hyacinth is in province 2 of Nepal and the moderately suitable habitat for this species is plain area of Province 4, 7 and 5. Similarly, the area of potential habitat has been increasing from current scenario to 2030 and 2050. From the potential invasion map, it can be observed that lakes in the Terai and Churey regions have the high risk of invasion of water hyacinth.

scholarly journals Potential habitat suitability of Iraqi amphibians under climate change

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad Kaky
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Conservation Planning ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Rcp 8.5 ◽  
Threaten Species

Abstract. Kaky E. 2020. Potential habitat suitability of Iraqi amphibians under climate change. Biodiversitas 21: 731-742. Biodiversity management and conservation planning are two techniques for reducing the rate of biodiversity loss, especially under the effect of climate change. Here 289 records of five species of amphibians from Iraq and seven environmental variables were used with MaxEnt to predict potential habitat suitability for each species under current and future conditions, using the 5th IPCC assessment  (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 for the year 2050). The models suggest that annual precipitation and the mean temperature of the wettest quarter are the main factors that shape the distributions of these species. The estimated current habitat suitability was closely similar to that for 2050 under both scenarios, with a high niche overlap between them for all species. Among species, there were low niche overlaps between the frogs Bufo viridis, Hyla savignyi and Rana ridibunda, and also between the salamanders Neurergus crocatus and Neurergus microspilotus. Future sampling should focus on areas not currently covered by records to reduce bias. The results are a vital first step in long-term conservation planning for these species. Via sharing these results with decision-makers and stakeholders a crucial conservation actions need to increase Iraqi Protected Areas to avoid losing biodiversity in Iraq especially the unique populations and threaten species.

Living with the enemy: a threatened prey species coexisting with feral cats on a fox-free island

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 633
Author(s):  
Vivianna Miritis ◽  
Anthony R. Rendall ◽  
Tim S. Doherty ◽  
Amy L. Coetsee ◽  
Euan G. Ritchie
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Occupancy Models ◽  
Feral Cat ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Invasive Predators ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Temporal Interactions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract ContextFeral domestic cats (Felis catus) have contributed to substantial loss of Australian wildlife, particularly small- and medium-sized terrestrial mammals. However, mitigating cat impacts remains challenging. Understanding the factors that facilitate coexistence between native prey and their alien predators could aid better pest management and conservation actions. AimsWe estimated feral cat density, examined the impact of habitat cover on long-nosed potoroos (Potorous tridactylus tridactylus), and assessed the spatial and temporal interactions between cats and potoroos in the ‘Bluegums’ area of French Island, south-eastern Australia. Materials and methodsWe operated 31 camera stations across Bluegums for 99 consecutive nights in each of winter 2018 and summer 2018/19. We used a spatially explicit capture–recapture model to estimate cat density, and two-species single-season occupancy models to assess spatial co-occurrence of cats and potoroos. We assessed the influence of vegetation cover and cat activity on potoroo activity by using a dynamic occupancy model. We also used image timestamps to describe and compare the temporal activities of the two species. Key resultsBluegums had a density of 0.77 cats per km2 across both seasons, although this is a conservative estimate because of the presence of unidentified cats. Cats and long-nosed potoroos were detected at 94% and 77% of camera stations, respectively. Long-nosed potoroo detectability was higher in denser vegetation and this pattern was stronger at sites with high cat activity. Cats and potoroos overlapped in their temporal activity, but their peak activity times differed. Conclusions Feral cat density at Bluegums, French Island, is higher than has been reported for mainland Australian sites, but generally lower than in other islands. Long-nosed potoroos were positively associated with cats, potentially indicating cats tracking potoroos as prey or other prey species that co-occur with potoroos. Temporal activity of each species differed, and potoroos sought more complex habitat, highlighting possible mechanisms potoroos may use to reduce their predation risk when co-occurring with cats. ImplicationsOur study highlighted how predator and prey spatial and temporal interactions, and habitat cover and complexity (ecological refuges), may influence the ability for native prey to coexist with invasive predators. We encourage more consideration and investigation of these factors, with the aim of facilitating more native species to persist with invasive predators or be reintroduced outside of predator-free sanctuaries, exclosures and island safe havens.

scholarly journals Modeling Potential Habitat for Amblyomma Tick Species in California

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily L. Pascoe ◽  
Matteo Marcantonio ◽  
Cyril Caminade ◽  
Janet E. Foley
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Amblyomma Americanum ◽  
Ecological Diversity ◽  
Amblyomma Cajennense ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Presence Data ◽  
Amblyomma Ticks ◽  
Maxent Algorithm

The Amblyomma genus of ticks comprises species that are aggressive human biters and vectors of pathogens. Numerous species in the genus are undergoing rapid range expansion. Amblyomma ticks have occasionally been introduced into California, but as yet, no established populations have been reported in the state. Because California has high ecological diversity and is a transport hub for potentially parasitized humans and animals, the risk of future Amblyomma establishment may be high. We used ecological niche modeling to predict areas in California suitable for four tick species that pose high risk to humans: Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Amblyomma cajennense and Amblyomma mixtum. We collected presence data in the Americas for each species from the published literature and online databases. Twenty-three climatic and ecological variables were used in a MaxEnt algorithm to predict the distribution of each species. The minimum temperature of the coldest month was an important predictor for all four species due to high mortality of Amblyomma at low temperatures. Areas in California appear to be ecologically suitable for A. americanum, A. maculatum, and A. cajennense, but not A. mixtum. These findings could inform targeted surveillance prior to an invasion event, to allow mitigation actions to be quickly implemented.

scholarly journals Aggregated occurrence records of the federally endangered Poweshiek skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek)

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Belitz ◽  
Lillian Hendrick ◽  
Michael Monfils ◽  
David Cuthrell ◽  
Christopher Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Uncertain Data ◽  
Population Monitoring ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Controlled Vocabulary ◽  
Occurrence Data ◽  
Presence Data ◽  
Conservation Projects ◽  
Occurrence Records

Primary biodiversity data records that are open access and available in a standardised format are essential for conservation planning and research on policy-relevant time-scales. We created a dataset to document all known occurrence data for the Federally Endangered Poweshiek skipperling butterfly [Oarismapoweshiek (Parker, 1870; Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)]. The Poweshiek skipperling was a historically common species in prairie systems across the upper Midwest, United States and Manitoba, Canada. Rapid declines have reduced the number of verified extant sites to six. Aggregating and curating Poweshiek skipperling occurrence records documents and preserves all known distributional data, which can be used to address questions related to Poweshiek skipperling conservation, ecology and biogeography. Over 3500 occurrence records were aggregated over a temporal coverage from 1872 to present. Occurrence records were obtained from 37 data providers in the conservation and natural history collection community using both “HumanObservation” and “PreservedSpecimen” as an acceptable basisOfRecord. Data were obtained in different formats and with differing degrees of quality control. During the data aggregation and cleaning process, we transcribed specimen label data, georeferenced occurrences, adopted a controlled vocabulary, removed duplicates and standardised formatting. We examined the dataset for inconsistencies with known Poweshiek skipperling biogeography and phenology and we verified or removed inconsistencies by working with the original data providers. In total, 12 occurrence records were removed because we identified them to be the western congener Oarismagarita (Reakirt, 1866). This resulting dataset enhances the permanency of Poweshiek skipperling occurrence data in a standardised format. This is a validated and comprehensive dataset of occurrence records for the Poweshiek skipperling (Oarismapoweshiek) utilising both observation and specimen-based records. Occurrence data are preserved and available for continued research and conservation projects using standardised Darwin Core formatting where possible. Prior to this project, much of these occurrence records were not mobilised and were being stored in individual institutional databases, researcher datasets and personal records. This dataset aggregates presence data from state conservation agencies, natural heritage programmes, natural history collections, citizen scientists, researchers and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The data include opportunistic observations and collections, research vouchers, observations collected for population monitoring and observations collected using standardised research methodologies. The aggregated occurrence records underwent cleaning efforts that improved data interoperablitity, removed transcription errors and verified or removed uncertain data. This dataset enhances available information on the spatiotemporal distribution of this Federally Endangered species. As part of this aggregation process, we discovered and verified Poweshiek skipperling occurrence records from two previously unknown states, Nebraska and Ohio.

scholarly journals Modeling Rare Species Distribution at the Edge: The Case for the Vulnerable Endemic Pyrenean Desman in France

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Williams-Tripp ◽  
F. J. N. D'Amico ◽  
C. Pagé ◽  
A. Bertrand ◽  
M. Némoz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Species Distribution Model ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Predictive Distribution ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Present Distribution ◽  
Northern Edge ◽  
Spatial Transferability

The endemic Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) is an elusive, rare, and vulnerable species declining over its entire and narrow range (Spain, Portugal, France, and Andorra). The principal set of conservation measures in France is a 5-years National Action Plan based on 25 conservation actions. Priority is given to update its present distribution and develop tools for predictive distribution models. We aim at building the first species distribution model and map for the northern edge of the range of the Desman and confronting the outputs of the model to target conservation efforts in the context of environmental change. Contrasting to former comparable studies, we derive a simpler model emphasizing the importance of factors linked to precipitation and not to the temperature. If temperature is one of the climate change key factors, depicted shrinkage in Desman distribution could be lower or null at the northern (French) edge suggesting thus a major role for this northern population in terms of conservation of the species. Finally, we question the applied issue of temporal and spatial transferability for such environmental favourability models when it is made at the edge of the distribution range.

Spatiotemporal occurrence of Mishmi takin Budorcas taxicolor in Dulongjiang Region, southwestern China

Mammalia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 513-519
Author(s):  
Xueyou Li ◽  
Cheng Huang ◽  
Xuelong Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Management ◽  
Species Distribution Model ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Circular Distribution ◽  
Presence Data ◽  
Budorcas Taxicolor

AbstractHere, we assessed the spatiotemporal distribution of the poorly studied Mishmi takin Budorcas taxicolor to gain a preliminary understanding of the spatiotemporal ecology of the species. We used presence data from line transects and camera-trap surveys combined with a presence-only species distribution model to identify the key factors relevant to takin distribution. Distance to residential site was the main contributing factor to the model predicting habitat suitability for takin. Mishmi takin appeared to prefer habitats far away from residential locations. Our predicted suitable habitats for takin were highly fragmented and were constrained in narrow ranges of remote mountain areas. A circular distribution curve fitted to camera events indicated that grouped takin were more active during the day and less active at night compared to solitary takin. Differences in activity patterns between takin in groups and solitaries might relate to sexual segregation and calve attendance. Our information on the distribution and habitat characteristics of the species will assist habitat management and our prediction map could guide future field surveys for locating a long-term monitoring program.

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