scholarly journals Jaguar interactions with pumas and prey at the northern edge of jaguars’ range

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e2886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmina E. Gutiérrez-González ◽  
Carlos A. López-González
Keyword(s):  
Dominant Species ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Arid Lands ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Occupancy Model ◽  
Livestock Depredation ◽  
Northern Mexico ◽  
Camera Location ◽  
Northern Edge

We present the first study that evaluates jaguar-puma interactions in the arid lands of northern Mexico, where jaguars have their northernmost breeding population and both predators are persecuted for livestock depredation. We tested whether jaguars are the dominant species in this unique ecosystem, where: (1) pumas outnumber jaguars, (2) pumas are better adapted to arid environments, and (3) jaguars and pumas are of similar size. We analyzed four years of data with two approaches; a two species conditional occupancy model and an activity patterns analysis. We used camera location and prey presence as covariates for jaguar and puma detection and presence probabilities. We also explored overlap in activities of predators and prey. Where both species were detected, peccary presence was positively correlated with both jaguar and puma presence, whereas in areas where jaguars were detected but pumas were not, deer presence explained the probability of jaguar presence. We found that both predators were more likely to co-occur together than to be found independently, and so we rejected the hypothesis that jaguars were the dominant species in our study area. Predators were mainly nocturnal and their activity patterns overlapped by 60%. Jaguar, as compared with puma, overlapped more with deer and calves; puma overlapped with calves more than with other prey, suggesting a preference. We believe exploring predator relationships at different scales may help elucidate mechanisms that regulate their coexistence.

scholarly journals Ecology of an ocelot population at the northern edge of the species’ distribution in northern Sonora, Mexico

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8414
Author(s):  
James C. Rorabaugh ◽  
Jan Schipper ◽  
Sergio Avila-Villegas ◽  
Jessica A. Lamberton-Moreno ◽  
Timothy Flood
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Leopardus Pardalis ◽  
Conservation Property ◽  
Northern Edge ◽  
Northwestern Mexico ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Paved Road

We used data from eight years of camera trapping at Rancho El Aribabi, a cattle ranch and conservation property in northern Sonora, Mexico, to examine the ecology of the northern-most known breeding population of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). Ocelots were found mostly in two discrete and disjunct areas: a riverine riparian canyon at just less than 1,000 masl elevation and along arroyos in an oak-mesquite savanna in the Sierra Azul at 1,266–1,406 masl. An ocelot was also detected at a site between those two areas, in an area of a Sonoran desertscrub-foothills thornscrub ecotone at 1,300 masl. At least 18 ocelots, both males and females, were detected during the 2007–2011 and 2014–2018 sampling periods. A female with a kitten was documented in 2011. No individual ocelots were photographed in both areas, which are separated by a minimum of 11.29 km, and no individuals were photographed in both time periods. In a binary logistic regression, key environmental variables predicting ocelot presence were, in order of importance, distance to a paved road, distance to human habitation, proximity to water, and an anthropogenic influences index that was dominated by cattle. Another analysis corroborated the finding regarding ocelot presence and cattle. Contrary to previous studies, ocelot presence was not tied to vegetation cover close to the ground. We present information about the types of habitats and sites ocelots used, short-term movements, daily and seasonal activity patterns, and behavior, including occurrence of different individuals at or near the same site over short periods of time. We discuss ocelot home range, density, and movements, but small sample sizes and study design problems limit the value of estimates derived from our work. Rancho El Aribabi is a private, conservation ranch for which the owners have made voluntary conservation commitments that provide habitat and protection for ocelots and other animals and plants. This northern-most known breeding population is a likely source of ocelots that are periodically detected in southeastern Arizona. Our results should help facilitate conservation of the ocelot in other semi-arid areas of northwestern Mexico and adjacent USA.

scholarly journals Monitoring canopy and air temperature of dominant vegetation in tropical semi-arid using bioclimatic model

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Josiclêda Domiciano Galvíncio ◽  
Rejane Magalhães de Mendonça Pimentel
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Canopy Temperature ◽  
Leaf Temperature ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
Dry Land ◽  
Bioclimatic Model

Typical vegetation of arid environments consists of few dominant species highly threatened by climate change. Jurema preta (Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poiret) is one of these successful species that now is dominant in extensive semiarid areas in the world. The development of a simple bioclimatic model using climate change scenarios based on optimistic and pessimistic predictions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shown as a simple tool to predict possible responses of dominant species under dry land conditions and low functional biodiversity. The simple bioclimatic model proved satisfactory in creating climate change scenarios and impacts on the canopy temperature of Jurema preta in semiarid Brazil. The bioclimatic model was efficient to obtain spatially relevant estimations of air temperature from determinations of the surface temperature using satellite images. The model determined that the average difference of 5oC between the air temperature and the leaf temperature for Jurema preta, and an increase of 3oC in air temperature, promote an increase of 2oC in leaf temperature. It leads to disturbances in vital physiological mechanisms in the leaf, mainly the photosynthesis and efficient use of water.

The decomposition of litter in grasslands of northern Mexico: a comparison between arid and non-arid environments

1988 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Montaña ◽  
Exequiel Ezcurra ◽  
Antonio Carrillo ◽  
J.P. Delhoume
Keyword(s):  
Arid Environments ◽  
Northern Mexico

A New Ant Species, Temnothorax ansei sp.n. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from the Arid Environments of South-eastern Spain

Sociobiology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chema Catarineu ◽  
Gonzalo G Barberá ◽  
Joaquín L Reyes-López
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
South Eastern

We describe here a new ant species in the genus Temnothorax, species grouplaurae, based on morphological evidence supported by other biologicalinformation. It has been discovered at two locations in southeast Spain:Pulpí (Almería) and Lorca (Murcia). This species is a member of the lauraespecies group based on the following characters: large eyes, long and erecthairs on alitrunk, petiole and postpetiole, rectangular head and metanotalgroove. Other characters unique to new species are: dark brown in color,decumbent pilosity, and smooth and shiny head and pronotum. In addition,this new species is distinctly nocturnal in its activity patterns. Based on themorphological measurements of the queens and the workers, as well as ourobservations in the laboratory, we predict that this species has a dependentcolony founding. An identification key to the Iberian Peninsula species ofthe laurae group is also provided.

Activity patterns of the Brown Vine snake Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824) (Serpentes, Colubridae) in the Brazilian semiarid

2012 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo C.M.D. Mesquita ◽  
Diva M. Borges-Nojosa ◽  
Daniel C. Passos ◽  
Castiele H. Bezerra
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
The United States ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Seasonal Activity ◽  
Brazilian Semiarid ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Scientific Collections ◽  
Semi Arid

The Brown Vine snake, Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824), is widely distributed from the United States to Argentina. 113 specimens encountered in the field and 39 individuals from scientific collections were analyzed and we determined patterns of diet, habitat use, and daily and seasonal activity. Oxybelis aeneus can be found to be active year round, especially during the dry and warmer months. Daily temperature poorly describes its activity as it seems to be more active around 31 to 35°C. During the hours of inactivity the species tends to chose higher branches than when active. The snakes choose spiny trees as retreat sites and spineless trees as foraging sites. We suggest that the high abundance of O. aeneus makes it an appropriate model organism for studies on activity patterns of snakes in semi-arid environments.

scholarly journals Some agricultural techniques to cope with the fluctuation of the groundwater level in arid environments: Case of the Souf Oasis (Algerian Sahara)

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khezzani Bachir ◽  
Bouchemal Salah ◽  
Halis Youcef
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Level ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Arid Lands ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Palm Trees ◽  
Algerian Sahara ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Traditional Irrigation ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Systems ◽  
Harsh Conditions

<p>In arid lands, the unique characteristics of the date palm are the privilege of the main axis of oases ecosystems. In the Souf oasis, the palm trees are planted as form <em>Ghout</em> where these trees directly benefit from groundwater. The <em>Ghout </em>is a model for sustainable agricultural systems, saving water, soil and adapted to harsh conditions in arid lands. However, and because it is completely dependent on the groundwater level, it is considered precarious, by raising or lowering this slick threatens the palm trees, or by flooding or by drought. In this research paper, we showed two agricultural techniques that used by farmers to cope with the fluctuation of the water table, and in spite of its simplicity, they contributed for a long time to the preservation of the traditional irrigation system from disappearing.</p>

Bats of a semi-arid environment in south-eastern Australia: biogeography, ecology and conservation

1995 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
IF Lumsden ◽  
AF Bennet
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Minor Variation ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
South Eastern Australia

A total of 2075 captures of 11 taxa of bats was recorded during an extensive survey of the vertebrate fauna of the semi-arid Mallee region of Victoria. A further two species, Pteropus scapulatus and Saccolaimus flaviventris, are known from previous records, thus bringing the total to 13 taxa known from the region. There was a marked seasonality in activity patterns and in reproduction. Activity, as revealed by trap captures, peaked over the spring to early autumn months when daytime temperatures are high and nights are mild. Births occurred from October to December, lactating females were recorded from November to February, and juveniles were trapped between December and late February, with minor variation in timing between species. Morphometric measurements revealed that females were generally larger and heavier than males. There was a high level of overlap of species between broad vegetation types. Woodland habitats, especially Riverine Woodland, tended to have a higher frequency of capture and a greater species richness of bats per trapping event than did Mallee Shrubland. The assemblage of bats in the Mallee region, Victoria, like those in other semi-arid regions of southern Australia, includes species that are widespread in Australia (e.g. Chalinolobus gouldii and Nyctophilus geoffroyi), together with species that primarily occur in semi-arid and arid environments (e.g. N. timoriensis, Scotorepens balstoni and Vespadelus baverstocki). This region, which includes mesic riverine habitats, also supports a group of species that are characteristic of temperate south-eastern Australia (e.g. C. morio, V. regulus and V. vulturnus). In comparison with assemblages from temperate and tropical environmental regions, those from the semi-arid region tend to have a lower species richness with fewer families represented, a higher level of insectivory, and a smaller modal body size. The conservation status of bats from the Mallee region, Victoria, is believed to be secure, although the status of N. timoriensis warrants further attention.

Influences of weather and moonlight on activity patterns of small mammals: a biogeographical perspective

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 966-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K Stokes ◽  
Norman A Slade ◽  
Susan M Blair
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Prairie Voles ◽  
Data Set ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cotton Rats ◽  
Northern Edge ◽  
Term Data ◽  
Probability Of Capture

We analyzed 15 years of trapping data on prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) to elucidate behavioural responses to weather by season and time of day. Use of such a long-term data set is rare and ameliorates many of the problems with short-term data sets typically used for such analysis. The trapping was conducted in the east-central part of Kansas (U.S.A.), near the southern edge of the distribution of prairie voles and the northern edge of the distribution of cotton rats. These distributions provide the framework for differing hypotheses as to responsiveness of individuals of the two species to weather phenomena as indicated by the probability of capture. Probability of capture was statistically significantly affected by weather, most frequently by precipitation and temperature. Effects varied with season and between species, and were generally consistent with hypotheses based on the northern (boreal and temperate) history of prairie voles and southern (subtropical and temperate) history of cotton rats and with predation-avoidance hypotheses. Variation in the probabilities of capture of cotton rats was more associated with weather, especially in the colder seasons, than was variation in the probabilities of capture of prairie voles. In summer, capture rates of prairie voles were more susceptible to weather than were those of cotton rats.

scholarly journals Genetic control of pod dehiscence in domesticated common bean: Associations with range expansion and local aridity conditions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis A. Parker ◽  
Jorge C. Berny Mier y Teran ◽  
Antonia Palkovic ◽  
Judy Jernstedt ◽  
Paul Gepts
Keyword(s):  
Common Bean ◽  
Genetic Control ◽  
Allelic Frequency ◽  
Plant Domestication ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Genetic Redundancy ◽  
Northern Mexico ◽  
Resistant Varieties ◽  
Growing Conditions ◽  
Pod Dehiscence

SignificancePlant domestication has radically modified crop morphology and development. Nevertheless, many crops continue to display some atavistic characteristics that were advantageous to their wild ancestors, such as pod dehiscence (PD). Domesticated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a nutritional staple for millions of people globally, shows considerable variation in PD. Here, we identified multiple genetic regions controlling PD in common bean grown throughout geographically distributed lineages. For example, on chromosome Pv03, PvPdh1 shows a single base-pair substitution that is strongly associated with decreased PD and expansion of the crop into northern Mexico, where the arid conditions promote PD. The environmental dependency and genetic redundancy explain the maintenance of atavistic traits under domestication. Knowledge of PD genetics will assist in developing aridity-adapted varieties.AbstractA reduction in pod dehiscence (PD) is an important part of the domestication syndrome in legumes, including common bean. Despite this, many modern dry bean varieties continue to suffer yield reductions due to dehiscence, an atavistic trait, which is particularly problematic in hot, dry environments. To date, the genetic control of this important trait has been only partially resolved. Using QTL mapping and GWAS, we identified major PD QTLs in dry beans on chromosomes Pv03, Pv05, Pv08, and Pv09, three of which had not been described previously. We further determined that the QTL on chromosome Pv03, which is strongly associated with PD in Middle American beans, includes a dirigent-like candidate gene orthologous to Pod dehiscence 1 (Pdh1) of soybean. In this gene, we identified a substitution in a highly conserved amino acid that is unique to PD-resistant varieties. This allele is associated with the expansion of Middle American domesticated common beans into the arid environments of northern Mexico, resulting in a high allelic frequency in the domesticated ecogeographic race Durango. The polygenic redundancy and environmental dependency of PD resistance may explain the maintenance of this atavistic characteristic after domestication. Use of these alleles in breeding will reduce yield losses in arid growing conditions, which are predicted to become more widespread in coming decades.

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