scholarly journals Post-fledging habitat use in a declining songbird

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clayton D. Delancey ◽  
Kamal Islam
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Vegetation Density ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Mature Forest ◽  
Cerulean Warbler ◽  
Migratory Songbird ◽  
Cerulean Warblers

Background Fledglings of many mature forest-dependent Neotropical songbirds move from mature forest habitats into areas of thick vegetation such as regenerating clearcuts. The Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea), a Neotropical migratory songbird, is a species of conservation concern across its range and it is listed as endangered in Indiana. This species has declined faster than any other species of wood-warbler in North America. Most prior research on Cerulean Warblers has examined the breeding biology, but there are no data on habitat use by fledgling Cerulean Warblers. Our research aimed to determine where fledgling Cerulean Warblers dispersed after they left their nest, but before they migrated to their wintering grounds. Methods Since 2007, Cerulean Warbler breeding populations have been monitored in Yellowwood and Morgan–Monroe state forests in southern Indiana as part of a 100-year study called the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment. To identify habitats used by fledgling Cerulean Warblers, we captured by hand or mist-nets, adult and juvenile Cerulean Warblers once young had fledged from a nest. We attached radio-transmitters to individuals and tracked each bird daily using radio-telemetry. Radio-telemetry data were collected from May to July 2015–2017, and microhabitat data on fledgling locations and random locations were collected during the same years in the month of July. Results Fledgling presence, when compared to random non-use sites, was positively correlated to presence of grapevines, greater vertical vegetation density, and greater ground and canopy cover. Fledgling presence was negatively correlated with white oak abundance, aspect, basal area, and the abundance of mature trees that Cerulean Warbler adults use for nesting. Conclusions Our study is the first to demonstrate that Cerulean Warbler fledglings occupy habitats that are characterized by specific habitat components. Fledgling sites were located in areas with high vegetation density, such as clusters of grapevine, which provided cover from predators. Identifying Cerulean Warbler habitats throughout the breeding season can better inform natural resource personnel on how to manage forests to meet the habitat needs of this rapidly declining migratory songbird.

Monitoring natural stand change in the forest reserve of Liedekerke, Flanders (Belgium)

1999 ◽  
Vol 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Van den Meersschaut ◽  
B. De Cuyper ◽  
K. Vandekerkhove ◽  
N. Lust
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Castanea Sativa ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Alnus Glutinosa ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Stem Number ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Natural Stand ◽  
Sweet Chestnut

Natural  stand changes in the forest reserve of Liedekerke were analysed during the  period    1986-1996, using a permanent grid of circular plots. The monitoring  concentrated on natural    changes in species composition, using stem number and basal area as  indicators, and changes    in spatial distribution and colonization capacities of trees and shrubs,  with special interest in the    competition between exotic and indigenous species. After only a decade of  monitoring important    natural changes in the woody layer were detected. The pioneer forest is  gradually maturing    through self-thinning processes and shifts in species composition. The  overall stem number    decreased with 33.6%, while the basal area increased with 20.9%. Birch (Betula pendula/    pubescens) and indigenous oak (Quercus robur/petraea) remained  dominant. More tolerant    exotic species, like red oak (Quercus rubra) and sweet chestnut (Castanea  sativa), are slowly    increasing their share in the species composition and expanding their  range. Pioneer species on    the other hand, like aspen (Populus tremula), willow (Salix  capreaicinerealaurita), alder buckthorn    (Frangula alnus) and  common (Alnus glutinosa)  and grey alder (A. incana),  strongly declined.    Black cherry (Prunus serotina) seems to be slowly invading the forest due to its  massive    natural regeneration. Strong competition may be expected especially from  rowan ash (Sorbus    aucuparia), which showed similar regeneration  and colonization capacities. Elder (Sambucus    nigra) dramatically extented its range, though  its share remains marginal. Beech remained absent    most probably due to the lack of mature trees in the vacinity of the  forest. Finally this    change detection allowed that general predictions could be made on the  future natural development    and composition of this forest reserve, which could serve forest management  decisions.

Space fit for a king: spatial ecology of king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) in Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Northeastern Thailand

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Michael Marshall ◽  
Colin Thomas Strine ◽  
Max Dolton Jones ◽  
Taksin Artchawakom ◽  
Ines Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Anthropogenic Landscapes ◽  
Ophiophagus Hannah

Abstract A species’ spatial ecology has direct implications for that species’ conservation. Far-ranging species may be more difficult to conserve because their movements increase their chances of encountering humans. The movements can take them out of protected areas, which is especially risky for species that are routinely persecuted. The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), a large venomous elapid, is subject to anthropogenic pressures, such as persecution and habitat loss. Here we present results from a study using radio telemetry to quantify movements and habitat use of nine king cobras in and around a protected area in Northeast Thailand. This study is the first investigation into the movements and habitat use of king cobras outside of the Western Ghats, India. On average, the tracked king cobra’s use areas of 493.42 ± 335.60 ha (95% fixed kernel), moving 183.24 ± 82.63 m per day. King cobras did not remain in intact forested area. Five of the individuals frequently used the human-dominated agricultural areas surrounding the protected area, appearing to make regular use of irrigation canals. Two adult males showed increases in movements during the breeding season. One male’s increased breeding season range caused him to venture beyond the protected area, shifting his habitat use from intact forests to scrub in human-dominated areas. King cobras’ large home range and willingness to use anthropogenic landscapes merits special consideration from conservation planners.

scholarly journals Barking up the right tree: comparative use of arboreal and terrestrial artificial refuges to survey reptiles in temperate eucalypt woodlands

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian R. Michael ◽  
Daniel Florance ◽  
Mason Crane ◽  
Wade Blanchard ◽  
David B. Lindenmayer
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Closed Cell ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Cell Foam

Context Artificial refuges (cover boards) are a popular method to survey and monitor herpetofauna worldwide. However, one limitation of using artificial refuges in terrestrial environments is the low detection rates of arboreal species. Furthermore, destructive search techniques can damage critical microhabitat such as exfoliating rock or flaking bark of mature trees. Aim We tested a non-destructive, passive method of sampling arboreal reptiles in fragmented agricultural landscapes in south-eastern Australia. Methods We installed 84 artificial bark refuges consisting of strips of non-toxic, closed-cell foam attached to eucalypt trees in 13 patches of remnant vegetation. We used Bayesian statistics to compare differences in detection rates among artificial bark refuges, terrestrial artificial refuges and active searches of natural habitat over a 4-year period. Key results Active searches combined with terrestrial artificial refuges detected the highest number of reptile species, including several cryptic fossorial species. Artificial bark refuges detected, on average, 132 times more individuals of the arboreal southern marbled gecko, Christinus marmoratus, than did terrestrial refuges. Gecko abundance patterns were related to tree characteristics such as tree size, bark thickness and stand basal area, as well as survey year. Conclusions Traditional survey methods such as terrestrial cover boards, in combination with active searches of natural habitat, may significantly underestimate counts for arboreal gecko species. Implications Artificial bark refuges provide a cost-effective, non-destructive and durable method for surveying and monitoring arboreal reptiles in woodland environments over short to medium time frames. Foil-backed, closed-cell foam has broad application for use in spatial capture–recapture studies and long-term monitoring of arboreal reptiles. This method also may be effective for procuring records of threatened arboreal geckos or as a solution for providing temporary habitat in ecological restoration projects.

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.

Habitat use of an Arizona Ponderosa Pine—Mixed Conifer Forest by Female Black Bears

1989 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Mollohan ◽  
Ward W. Brady ◽  
Albert L. LeCount
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Habitat Management ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Black Bears ◽  
Conifer Forest ◽  
Vegetative Cover ◽  
Mixed Conifer ◽  
Feeding Sites ◽  
Management Recommendations

Abstract Fourteen adult female black bears were captured and radio-collared on the Mogollon Rim in north-central Arizona. Habitat use was sampled on 182 sites from May 1982-August 1984 using ground radio telemetry to identify habitat use sites. Eighty-eight sites were classified as feeding sites, and 94 sites contained beds. Analysis of use versus availability of vegetation types, topographic site characteristics, and percent slope classes showed significant differences. Females, with and without cubs, selected mixed conifer more frequently than ponderosa pine areas. Canyon walls were selected more frequently than ridgetops, especially for bedding sites. There were significant differences in amount of vegetative cover between feeding and bedding sites. Horizontal cover averaged 45 ft for bedding sites and 65 ft for feeding sites. Seventy four percent of the beds were on the uphill side of trees. Bed trees averaged 28.6 in. dbh. Habitat management recommendations are included. West. J. Appl. For. 4(1): 6-10, January 1989.

scholarly journals Similarity between seed rain and neighbouring mature tree communities in an old-growth temperate forest

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 2435-2444
Author(s):  
Yunyun Wang ◽  
Jalene M. LaMontagne ◽  
Fei Lin ◽  
Zuoqiang Yuan ◽  
Ji Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Temperate Forest ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Seed Rain ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Deposition Patterns ◽  
Tree Communities ◽  
Tree Traits

Abstract Seed distribution and deposition patterns around parent trees are strongly affected by functional traits and therefore influence the development of plant communities. To assess the limitations of seed dispersal and the extent to which diaspore and neighbouring parental traits explain seed rain, we used a 9-year seed data set based on 150 seed traps in a 25-ha area of a temperate forest in the Changbai Mountain. Among 480,598 seeds belonging to 12 families, 17 genera, and 26 species were identified, only 54% of the species with mature trees in the community were represented in seeds collected over the 9 years, indicating a limitation in seed dispersal. Understory species were most limited; overstory species were least limited. Species with wind-dispersed seed had the least limitation, while the lowest similarity in species richness was for animal-dispersed species followed by gravity-dispersed species; fleshy-fruited species had stronger dispersal limitations than dry-fruited species. Generalized linear mixed models showed that relative basal area had a significant positive effect on seed abundance in traps, while the contribution of diaspore traits was low for nearly all groups. These results suggest that tree traits had the strongest contribution to seed dispersal and deposition for all functional groups examined here. These findings strengthen the knowledge that tree traits are key in explaining seed deposition patterns, at least at the primary dispersal stage. This improved knowledge of sources of seeds that are dispersed could facilitate greater understanding of seedling and community dynamics in temperate forests.

scholarly journals Effects of Oak Decline on Species Composition in a Northern Arkansas Forest

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 264-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Heitzman
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Oak Decline ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
White Oak

Abstract Since 1999, widespread and locally severe oak decline and mortality have occurred throughout the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. A contributing factor in the decline and mortality is an outbreak of the red oak borer [Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)]. In northern Arkansas, a 2,150 ac mature oak forest severely affected by decline was selected as a case study to describe changes in species composition and stand structure and to assess regeneration potential of oaks and non-oak species. Mortality reduced total overstory basal area from 105 to 57 ft2/ac, and overstory density decreased from 156 to 89 trees/ac. Most dead and dying trees were northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and black oak (Q. velutina Lam.). Basal area and density of overstory red oaks were reduced from 51 to 11 ft2/ac and from 60 to 11 trees/ac, respectively. These trees died regardless of dbh class. Mortality was less common in white oak (Q. alba L.) and was generally limited to smaller trees. Understory trees and taller seedlings were predominantly red maple (Acer rubrum L.), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.), blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.), and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.). Oaks less than 3 ft tall were abundant, but taller oak seedlings and saplings were uncommon. Tree mortality increased the proportion of white oak and hickories (Carya spp.) in the overstory, and stimulated a regeneration response of mostly non-oak species. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):264–268.

Techniques for tracking amphibians: The effects of tag attachment, and harmonic direction finding versus radio telemetry

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 367-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross Alford ◽  
Jodi Rowley
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Direction Finding ◽  
Reliable Data ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Movement Parameters

AbstractTo gain information on the microhabitat use, home range and movement of a species, it is often necessary to remotely track individuals in the field. Radio telemetry is commonly used to track amphibians, but can only be used on relatively large individuals. Harmonic direction finding can be used to track smaller animals, but its effectiveness has not been fully evaluated. Tag attachment can alter the behaviour of amphibians, suggesting that data obtained using either technique may be unreliable. We investigated the effects of external tag attachment on behaviour in the laboratory by observing 12 frogs for five nights before and five nights after tag attachment, allowing one night to recover from handling. Tag attachment did not affect distance moved or number of times moved, indicating that the effects of tag attachment are unlikely to persist after the first night following attachment. We then compared harmonic direction finding and radio-telemetry using data collected in the field. We fitted rainforest stream frogs of three species with tags of either type, located them diurnally and nocturnally for approximately two weeks, and compared movement parameters between techniques. In the field, we obtained fewer fixes on frogs using harmonic direction finding, but measures of movement and habitat use did not differ significantly between techniques. Because radio telemetry makes it possible to locate animals more consistently, it should be preferred for animals large enough to carry radio tags. If harmonic direction finding is necessary, it can produce reliable data, particularly for relatively sedentary species.

WITHIN-TERRITORY HABITAT USE AND MICROHABITAT SELECTION BY MALE CERULEAN WARBLERS (DENDROICA CERULEA)

The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Barg ◽  
Deviah M. Aiama ◽  
Jason Jones ◽  
Raleigh J. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Microhabitat Selection ◽  
Dendroica Cerulea ◽  
Cerulean Warblers

scholarly journals Survival and habitat use of sympatric lagomorphs in bottomland hardwood forests

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (7) ◽  
pp. 713-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.C. Crawford ◽  
C.K. Nielsen ◽  
E.M. Schauber
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Bottomland Hardwood ◽  
Sylvilagus Floridanus ◽  
Specialist Species ◽  
Habitat Generalist

Lagomorphs are important consumers and prey in ecosystems worldwide, but have declined due to land use changes and habitat loss, and such losses may be exacerbated for specialist species. We compared survival and habitat use of two closely related lagomorphs, the swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus (Bachman, 1837)), a bottomland hardwood (BLH) forest specialist, and the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus (J. A. Allen, 1890)), a habitat generalist. We tested whether survival and habitat use differed between radio-collared swamp rabbits (n = 129) and eastern cottontails (n = 72) monitored during December 2009 – December 2013 in southern Illinois. We found interactive effects of species and season on survival rates: swamp rabbits had higher annual survival (0.37 ± 0.05 (estimate ± SE)) than did cottontails (0.20 ± 0.05), but this difference occurred primarily during the growing season. Swamp rabbits were located closer to watercourses in areas characterized by higher basal area and more mature BLH forest cover compared with eastern cottontails. Our results suggest that BLH forests may be marginal habitat for cottontails and indicate predation as the primary cause of mortality for both species. Swamp rabbits use of early-successional BLH forest suggests that restoration efforts have been successful. However, as specialists, swamp rabbits remain restricted to a narrow band of bottomlands near watercourses and may benefit from improved upland cover that serves as refugia from flooding.

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