scholarly journals Mortality mitigation of a translocated rare New Zealand frog Leiopelma pakeka

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tanya M. Karst
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Foraging Behavior ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Strong Response ◽  
Mouse Activity ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Free Ranging

<p>A small population (n=58) of Maud Island frogs, Leiopelma pakeka, was translocated to the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary in Wellington, New Zealand in 2006/2007. The 29 frogs that were released into a predator-proof enclosure, along with some of their progeny, are currently spread over three separate predator-proof enclosures. However, their status has not been assessed since 2011. With the aim of establishing a viable, freeranging population, the remaining 29 frogs were released into forested habitat around the original enclosure. In 2010, the translocation of the free-ranging population was assessed as a failure, citing too few founding individuals, inadequate habitat, predation by little spotted kiwi (LSK), Apteryx owenii, and predation by house mice, Mus musculus, as potential factors. This thesis re-addresses the status of L. pakeka in the three enclosures, as well as the potential predation of these threatened endemic frogs by LSK and mice. Survival of L. pakeka in the three enclosures was estimated by nocturnal emergence over 11 ve-night capture periods from October 2012 - August 2013. Identi cation of individuals was via photography utilizing distinguishable skin patterns and iris vessel (eye venation) patterns. The relocation of six adults after a 2011 census, including one inadvertently missed frog found during this study, left 19 adult frogs in the original enclosure, which continued to survive well, with 18 adults recaptured. In addition, juveniles of varying ages were seen throughout this study. In total, 34 recently metamorphosed froglets were released into a second enclosure over the years of 2008, 2009 and 2011. Night monitoring indicated only 8 individuals had survived, but a full enclosure census on 8 May 2013 revealed 12 of the 34 individuals (35%) had survived. Three of these frogs were then relocated to the Te Mahanga, publicly viewed enclosure. Emergence during the 11-month period indicated that the six frogs relocated to this enclosure from the original enclosure in October 2011 had survived; however, only two out of the three frogs that were relocated there after the May census had emerged. Additionally, two juveniles of unknown age were also seen in this enclosure. Potential predation by LSK was assessed by a ve-night video analysis (23-28 June 2013) of foraging behavior in the presence of mesh-protected L. pakeka. Out of the 668 videos reviewed, only three videos provided foraging behavior that helped ascertain whether LSK exhibited a potential interest in L. pakeka as a prey item. These videos showed that LSK failed to indicate a strong response to the presence of the frog, suggesting that the LSK in Zealandia do not have a strong predatory interest in L. pakeka. To investigate the potential causes of the free-range translocation failure, the habitat was enhanced with more rocks, a kiwi-exclusion fence was erected, and a further 101 L. pakeka were translocated from Maud Island to Zealandia on 2 December 2012. The frogs' survival as well as mouse activity levels (indicated by the presence of mouse prints in tracking tunnels) were monitored over nine ve-night capture periods from 17 December 2012 - 2 August 2013. Eighty-six out of the 101 translocated frogs were recaptured. Identi cation of individuals was via photography utilizing distinguishable skin patterns and iris vessel (eye venation) patterns, or by unique toe-clip combinations. Despite previous assessments, four surviving adults from the 2006/2007 translocation were recaptured as well as 12 of their progeny, resulting in a total of 117 Maud Island frogs for this study. Jolly-Seber analysis indicated high overall survival (0.914, 0.87/0.94, 95%CI), but temporally the population estimates indicated a negative regression starting at the second capture period (slope= -4.69, -6.70/- 2.68, 95%CI). With overall frog emergence, a negative binomial generalized linear model did not show signi cance in mouse activity levels, precipitation during sampling nor precipitation in the previous 24 hours (p>0.05). However, temperature did show a positive correlation to overall frog emergence (p<0.001) while relative humidity approached signi cance (p=0.0517) and indicated a potential positive trend. This study could not conclusively indicate whether A. owenii or M. musculus prey upon L. pakeka. However, it does suggest that the protected predator-proof enclosures may provide appropriate conditions for the ongoing survival and successful breeding of the endemic anuran. The study also suggests that LSK do not have a strong predatory response to the presence of Maud Island frogs, nor did increased levels of mouse activity have a signi cant e ect on the emergence of the 117 Maud Island frogs. Additionally, the discovery of the four survivors and 12 of their o spring indicates that the original translocation did not entirely fail. This newly acquired knowledge suggests that with the current mammal eradication program, Zealandia may continue with the establishment of a viable, free-ranging population of L. pakeka. Continued monitoring of all Maud Island frogs in the Zealandia sanctuary is recommended as a conservation measure, especially as mice have now established on its original island habitat.</p>

scholarly journals Mortality mitigation of a translocated rare New Zealand frog Leiopelma pakeka

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tanya M. Karst
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Foraging Behavior ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Strong Response ◽  
Mouse Activity ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Free Ranging

<p>A small population (n=58) of Maud Island frogs, Leiopelma pakeka, was translocated to the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary in Wellington, New Zealand in 2006/2007. The 29 frogs that were released into a predator-proof enclosure, along with some of their progeny, are currently spread over three separate predator-proof enclosures. However, their status has not been assessed since 2011. With the aim of establishing a viable, freeranging population, the remaining 29 frogs were released into forested habitat around the original enclosure. In 2010, the translocation of the free-ranging population was assessed as a failure, citing too few founding individuals, inadequate habitat, predation by little spotted kiwi (LSK), Apteryx owenii, and predation by house mice, Mus musculus, as potential factors. This thesis re-addresses the status of L. pakeka in the three enclosures, as well as the potential predation of these threatened endemic frogs by LSK and mice. Survival of L. pakeka in the three enclosures was estimated by nocturnal emergence over 11 ve-night capture periods from October 2012 - August 2013. Identi cation of individuals was via photography utilizing distinguishable skin patterns and iris vessel (eye venation) patterns. The relocation of six adults after a 2011 census, including one inadvertently missed frog found during this study, left 19 adult frogs in the original enclosure, which continued to survive well, with 18 adults recaptured. In addition, juveniles of varying ages were seen throughout this study. In total, 34 recently metamorphosed froglets were released into a second enclosure over the years of 2008, 2009 and 2011. Night monitoring indicated only 8 individuals had survived, but a full enclosure census on 8 May 2013 revealed 12 of the 34 individuals (35%) had survived. Three of these frogs were then relocated to the Te Mahanga, publicly viewed enclosure. Emergence during the 11-month period indicated that the six frogs relocated to this enclosure from the original enclosure in October 2011 had survived; however, only two out of the three frogs that were relocated there after the May census had emerged. Additionally, two juveniles of unknown age were also seen in this enclosure. Potential predation by LSK was assessed by a ve-night video analysis (23-28 June 2013) of foraging behavior in the presence of mesh-protected L. pakeka. Out of the 668 videos reviewed, only three videos provided foraging behavior that helped ascertain whether LSK exhibited a potential interest in L. pakeka as a prey item. These videos showed that LSK failed to indicate a strong response to the presence of the frog, suggesting that the LSK in Zealandia do not have a strong predatory interest in L. pakeka. To investigate the potential causes of the free-range translocation failure, the habitat was enhanced with more rocks, a kiwi-exclusion fence was erected, and a further 101 L. pakeka were translocated from Maud Island to Zealandia on 2 December 2012. The frogs' survival as well as mouse activity levels (indicated by the presence of mouse prints in tracking tunnels) were monitored over nine ve-night capture periods from 17 December 2012 - 2 August 2013. Eighty-six out of the 101 translocated frogs were recaptured. Identi cation of individuals was via photography utilizing distinguishable skin patterns and iris vessel (eye venation) patterns, or by unique toe-clip combinations. Despite previous assessments, four surviving adults from the 2006/2007 translocation were recaptured as well as 12 of their progeny, resulting in a total of 117 Maud Island frogs for this study. Jolly-Seber analysis indicated high overall survival (0.914, 0.87/0.94, 95%CI), but temporally the population estimates indicated a negative regression starting at the second capture period (slope= -4.69, -6.70/- 2.68, 95%CI). With overall frog emergence, a negative binomial generalized linear model did not show signi cance in mouse activity levels, precipitation during sampling nor precipitation in the previous 24 hours (p>0.05). However, temperature did show a positive correlation to overall frog emergence (p<0.001) while relative humidity approached signi cance (p=0.0517) and indicated a potential positive trend. This study could not conclusively indicate whether A. owenii or M. musculus prey upon L. pakeka. However, it does suggest that the protected predator-proof enclosures may provide appropriate conditions for the ongoing survival and successful breeding of the endemic anuran. The study also suggests that LSK do not have a strong predatory response to the presence of Maud Island frogs, nor did increased levels of mouse activity have a signi cant e ect on the emergence of the 117 Maud Island frogs. Additionally, the discovery of the four survivors and 12 of their o spring indicates that the original translocation did not entirely fail. This newly acquired knowledge suggests that with the current mammal eradication program, Zealandia may continue with the establishment of a viable, free-ranging population of L. pakeka. Continued monitoring of all Maud Island frogs in the Zealandia sanctuary is recommended as a conservation measure, especially as mice have now established on its original island habitat.</p>

Ingesta particle size, food handling and ingestion in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii Desmarest)

1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Lentle ◽  
K. J. Stafford ◽  
M. A. Potter ◽  
B. P. Springett ◽  
S. Haslett
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Tammar Wallaby ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Macropus Eugenii ◽  
Food Particles ◽  
Chewing Rates ◽  
Free Ranging

The particle size distribution of stomach contents from 25 tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii Desmarest) shot in the Okataina State Forest and adjoining farmland near Rotorua, New Zealand, were determined. There was a greater percentage of finer, and a smaller percentage of larger, particles than reported in the stomach contents of larger macropods. The chewing and biting activities of four free-ranging tammars fitted with radio-microphone collars were monitored. Chewing rates (chews per minute) were similar to those of other small herbivorous vertebrates. There were significantly lower rates of chewing and higher chew-to- bite ratios when browsing than when grazing. Observations of browsing by three captive tammars showed inefficient handling by mutually opposed palms and digitopalmar grip, resulting in low rates of ingestion. We suggest that tammars lower the time necessary for fermentation of food by reducing the size of food particles, and that their choice between graze and browse is influenced by food handling and chewing investment.

scholarly journals An Ethology of Adaptation: Dolphins Stop Feeding but Continue Socializing in Construction-Degraded Habitat

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Weaver
Keyword(s):  
Linear Models ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Mixed States ◽  
The West ◽  
Behavioral Adaptations ◽  
Construction Zone ◽  
Free Ranging

Adaptation is a biological mechanism by which organisms adjust physically or behaviorally to changes in their environment to become more suited to it. This is a report of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins’ behavioral adaptations to environmental changes from coastal construction in prime habitat. Construction was a 5-year bridge removal and replacement project in a tidal inlet along west central Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline. It occurred in two consecutive 2.5-year phases to replace the west and east lanes, respectively. Lane phases involved demolition/removal of above-water cement structures, below-water cement structures, and reinstallation of below + above water cement structures (N = 2,098 photos). Data were longitudinal (11 years: 2005–2016, N = 1,219 surveys 2–4 times/week/11 years, N = 4,753 dolphins, 591.95 h of observation in the construction zone, 126 before-construction surveys, 568 during-construction surveys, 525 after-construction surveys). The dependent variable was numbers of dolphins (count) in the immediate construction zone. Three analyses examined presence/absence, total numbers of dolphins, and numbers of dolphins engaged in five behavior states (forage-feeding, socializing, direct travel, meandering travel, and mixed states) across construction. Analyses were GLIMMIX generalized linear models for logistic and negative binomial regressions to account for observation time differences as an exposure (offset) variable. Results showed a higher probability of dolphin presence than absence before construction began, more total dolphins before construction, and significant decreases in the numbers of feeding but not socializing dolphins. Significant changes in temporal rhythms also revealed finer-grained adaptations. Conclusions were that the dolphins adapted to construction in two ways, by establishing feeding locations beyond the disturbed construction zone and shifting temporal rhythms of behaviors that they continued to exhibit in the construction zone to later in the day when construction activities were minimized. This is the first study to suggest that the dolphins learned to cope with coastal construction with variable adjustments.

scholarly journals Low physical activity levels of modern Homo sapiens among free-ranging mammals

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Hayes ◽  
M Chustek ◽  
S Heshka ◽  
Z Wang ◽  
A Pietrobelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Free Ranging

Oceanography of the New Zealand subantarctic region

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Aitana Forcén-Vázquez
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Interannual Variability ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Intermediate Water ◽  
Subantarctic Region

<p>Subantarctic New Zealand is an oceanographycally dynamic region with the Subtropical Front (STF) to the north and the Subantarctic Front (SAF) to the south. This thesis investigates the ocean structure of the Campbell Plateau and the surrounding New Zealand subantarctic, including the spatial, seasonal, interannual and longer term variability over the ocean properties, and their connection to atmospheric variability using a combination of in-situ oceanographic measurements and remote sensing data.  The spatial and seasonal oceanographic structure in the New Zealand subantarctic region was investigated by analysing ten high resolution Conductivity Temperature and Depth (CTD) datasets, sampled during oceanographic cruises from May 1998 to February 2013. Position of fronts, water mass structure and changes over the seasons show a complex structure around the Campbell Plateau combining the influence of subtropical and subantarctic waters.  The spatial and interannual variability on the Campbell Plateau was described by analysing approximately 70 low resolution CTD profiles collected each year in December between 2002 and 2009. Conservative temperature and absolute salinity profiles reveal high variability in the upper 200m of the water column and a homogeneous water column from 200 to 600m depth. Temperature variability of about 0.7 °C, on occasions between consecutive years, is observed down to 900m depth. The presence of Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) on the Campbell Plateau is confirmed and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) reported for the first time in the deeper regions around the edges of the plateau.  Long-term trends and variability over the Campbell Plateau were investigated by analysing satellite derived Sea Level Anomalies (SLA) and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) time series. Links to large scale atmospheric processes are also explored through correlation with the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and Southern Annular Mode (SAM). SST shows a strong seasonality and interannual variability which is linked to local winds, but no significant trend is found. The SLA over the Campbell Plateau has increased at a rate of 5.2 cm decade⁻¹ in the last two decades. The strong positive trend in SLA appears to be a combination of the response of the ocean to wind stress curl (Ekman pumping), thermal expansion and ocean mass redistribution via advection amongst others.  These results suggest that the variability on the Campbell Plateau is influenced by the interaction of the STF and the SAF. The STF influence reaches the limit of the SAF over the western Campbell Plateau and the SAF influence extends all around the plateau. Results also suggest different connections between the plateau with the surrounding oceans, e.g., along the northern edge with the Bounty Trough and via the southwest edge with the SAF. A significant correlation with SOI and little correlation with SAM suggest a stronger response to tropically driven processes in the long-term variability on the Campbell Plateau.  The results of this thesis provide a new definitive assessment of the circulation, water masses and variability of the Campbell Plateau on mean, annual, and interannual time scales which will support research in other disciplines such as palaeoceanography, fisheries management and climate.</p>

scholarly journals Unmet Social Needs and No-Show Visits in Primary Care in a US Northeastern Urban Health System, 2018–2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (S2) ◽  
pp. S242-S250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin P. Fiori ◽  
Caroline G. Heller ◽  
Colin D. Rehm ◽  
Amanda Parsons ◽  
Anna Flattau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
New York ◽  
Health System ◽  
Urban Health ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Missed Appointments ◽  
Primary Care Practices

Objectives. To characterize the association between social needs prevalence and no-show proportion and variation in these associations among specific social needs. Methods. In this study, we used results from a 10-item social needs screener conducted across 19 primary care practices in a large urban health system in Bronx County, New York, between April 2018 and July 2019. We estimated the association between unmet needs and 2-year history of missed appointments from 41 637 patients by using negative binomial regression models. Results. The overall no-show appointment proportion was 26.6%. Adjusted models suggest that patients with 1 or more social needs had a significantly higher no-show proportion (31.5%) than those without any social needs (26.3%), representing an 19.8% increase (P < .001). We observed a positive trend (P < .001) between the number of reported social needs and the no-show proportion—26.3% for those with no needs, 30.0% for 1 need, 32.1% for 2 needs, and 33.8% for 3 or more needs. The strongest association was for those with health care transportation need as compared with those without (36.0% vs 26.9%). Conclusions. We found unmet social needs to have a significant association with missed primary care appointments with potential implications on cost, quality, and access for health systems.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic Status and Physical Activity among Mothers of Young Children in an Asian City: The Mediating Role of Household Activities and Domestic Help

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 2498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Carver ◽  
Muhammad Akram ◽  
Anthony Barnett ◽  
Robin Mellecker ◽  
Ester Cerin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Significance Test ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Socioeconomic Indicators ◽  
Socioeconomic Indicator ◽  
Mediation Analyses

Mothers of preschoolers (3 to 5 years old) risk being physically inactive. This study aimed to examine associations between socioeconomic status (education, employment, income) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among mothers of preschoolers in Hong Kong. Family functioning (e.g., having a domestic helper, division of household chores and child-related activities) was explored as a potential mediator of associations between socioeconomic indicators and the mother’s self-reported MVPA. Using zero-inflated negative binomial modelling confounder-adjusted associations between socioeconomic indicators and MVPA (total effects) were estimated. Mediation analyses (joint-significance test) were also performed. Using generalized linear mixed models, intermediate pathways were identified. No significant total effects of any socioeconomic indicator on the mother’s MVPA were found. However, mediation analyses identified a complex network of inconsistent mediators partly explaining their associations via eight pathways. Also, whilst non-residents/extended family playing with the child(ren) was not associated with any socioeconomic indicator, this was negatively associated with the mother’s MVPA. A further pathway was mediated by the mother playing with her child(ren). Extended family playing with the child(ren) was inversely associated with the mother doing so. Associations between socioeconomic indicators and MVPA among preschoolers’ mothers are complex and inconsistent, requiring further investigation in diverse contexts. Encouraging active play with their preschoolers may increase mothers’ physical activity levels.

scholarly journals Hydrodynamic handicaps and organizational complexity in the foraging behavior of two free-ranging penguin species

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Meyer ◽  
Andrew J J MacIntosh ◽  
Akiko Kato ◽  
André Chiaradia ◽  
Yan Ropert-Coudert
Keyword(s):  
Foraging Behavior ◽  
Organizational Complexity ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Penguin Species

The Relationship between Convenience of Destinations and Walking Levels in Older Women

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy C. King ◽  
Jennifer S. Brach ◽  
Steven Belle ◽  
Richard Killingsworth ◽  
Mark Fenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose. To examine the relationship between physical activity and (1) convenience of destinations, measured by whether destinations (such as a park, trail, businesses, and services) are within walking distance of the home, and (2) participants' perception of the quality of their neighborhood surroundings for walking, captured with a global neighborhood “walkability” rating. Design. Cross-sectional analysis of data obtained in 1999. Setting. Community in southwest Pennsylvania. Subjects. Older Caucasian women (n = 149, mean age = 74.2 years). Response rate = 79%. Measures. Walking levels, leisure-time physical activity, and features of the neighborhood environment were measured with interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical activity was also measured objectively with a pedometer. Results. Living within walking distance (defined as within a 20-minute walk of home) of a park; biking or walking trail; or department, discount, or hardware store was related to higher pedometer readings ( p < .01). In addition, there was a positive trend between the sum of destinations within walking distance of home and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire ( p < .01). There was also a positive trend between participants' neighborhood “walkability” rating and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire ( p < .01). Conclusion. These findings suggest that the ability to make utilitarian walking trips from home and the perception of having favorable neighborhood surroundings for walking are associated with increased physical activity levels in older women.

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