Variation in age of primiparity in mountain goats estimated from horn growth increments

Variation in age of primiparity is important for population dynamics and wildlife management because it can affect population growth. Using a novel technique based on the trade-off between annual horn growth and reproduction, we estimated the age of primiparity for 2274 female mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus, de Blainville 1816) harvested across British Columbia, Canada, from 1976 to 2019. We then investigated spatio-temporal variation in the probability that harvested females were primiparous when aged three, four or five years and older using Bayesian ordinal regressions. We found that the probability of primiparity at three years decreased over time in nearly all mountain ranges. In the Coastal Mountain range, however, the probability of primiparity at age three significantly increased. These results suggest that the large coastal populations of mountain goats could be more resilient to harvest than other populations in British Columbia, which may be experiencing environmental effects promoting later primiparity. Models predicting age of primiparity from annual growth measures are a valuable tool for wildlife management and could help conservation of many species.

Gut microbiome composition predicts summer core range size in two divergent ungulates

ABSTRACT The gut microbiome of animals vary by age, diet, and habitat, and directly influences an individual's health. Similarly, variation in home ranges is linked to feeding strategies and fitness. Ungulates (hooved mammals) exhibit species-specific microbiomes and habitat use patterns. We combined gut microbiome and movement data to assess relationships between space use and the gut microbiome in a specialist and a generalist ungulate. We GPS radiocollared 24 mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) and 34 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), collected fecal samples, and conducted high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. We generated gut diversity metrics and key bacterial ratios. Our research question centred around the idea that larger Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratios confer body size or fat advantages that allow for larger home ranges, and relationships of disproportionate habitat use are stronger in the habitat specialist mountain goat. Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratios were positively correlated with core range area in both species. Mountain goats exhibited a negative relationship between gut diversity and proportional use of treed areas and escape terrain, and no relationships were detected in the habitat generalist white-tailed deer. This is the first study to relate range size to the gut microbiome in wild ungulates and is an important proof of concept that advances the information that can be gleaned from non-invasive sampling.

Space Use and Seasonal Movement of Isolated Mountain Goat Populations in the North Cascades, WA

The spatial distribution and seasonal movement patterns of isolated populations of mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in the North Cascade range of Washington State is not fully understood. Determining harvest potential in these populations is challenging without a clear understanding of spatiotemporal movement, space use, and spatial overlap. Mountain goat populations in the North Cascades are fragmented and many have declined considerably from historic estimates. Identification of harvestable populations requires a clear understanding of population size, distribution, and movement. We investigated the population trends and spatial distribution of mountain goats in the Boulder River North Harvest Area in the Boulder River Wilderness of Washington State. We reviewed recent mountain goat population estimates and used Global Positioning System collar data to determine year-round and seasonal home range distributions, spatial overlap within these ranges, and proximity of mountain goats to roads and trails. We found 2 populations of mountain goats inhabiting the Whitehorse and Three Fingers Mountains in the Boulder River North Harvest Area. These 2 populations were spatially distinct and did not intermix during our study period. We also found mountain goats using exclusive areas seasonally on Whitehorse Peak. The Whitehorse population appeared to be more vulnerable to harvest than Three Fingers based on its proximity to roads and trails. This study provides space use and movement information on mountain goats in the North Cascades Range that can be used to improve harvest management of fragmented and isolated populations. Our results indicate that a re-evaluation of harvest level, harvest unit boundary, and monitoring strategy may be warranted for the Boulder River North mountain goat harvest area.

Space Use and Seasonal Movement of Isolated Mountain Goat Populations in the North Cascades, WA

Background: The spatial distribution and seasonal movement patterns of isolated populations of mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in the North Cascade range of Washington State is not fully understood. Determining harvest potential in these populations is challenging without a clear understanding of spatiotemporal movement, space use, and spatial overlap. Mountain goat populations in the North Cascades are fragmented and many have declined considerably from historic estimates. Identification of harvestable populations requires a clear understanding of population size, distribution, and movement. We investigated the population trends and spatial distribution of mountain goats in the Boulder River North Harvest Area in Boulder River Wilderness of Washington State. Methods: We reviewed recent mountain goat population estimates and used Global Positioning System collar data to determine year-round and seasonal home range distributions, spatial overlap within these ranges, and proximity of mountain goats to roads and trails.Results: We found 2 populations of mountain goats inhabiting the Whitehorse and Three Fingers Mountains in the Boulder River North Harvest Area. These 2 populations were spatially distinct and did not intermix during our study period. We also found mountain goats using exclusive areas seasonally on Whitehorse Peak that may represent separate or isolated groups. The Whitehorse population appeared to be more vulnerable to harvest than Three Fingers based on its proximity to roads and trails. Conclusions and Management Recommendations: This study provides space use and movement information on mountain goats in the North Cascades Range that can be used to improve harvest management of fragmented and isolated populations. Our results indicate that a re-evaluation of harvest level, harvest unit boundary, and monitoring strategy may be warranted for the Boulder River North mountain goat harvest area.

Petroglyphs of Mount Dyalbak, Eastern Altai

This study focuses on a petroglyph site of Mount Dyalbak in the northeastern part of Balyktuyul village, in the Ulagansky District, Altai Republic. Images are engraved mostly on horizontal planes of the Devonian limestone of which the mountain slope is composed. We give a detailed description of the documentation methods. Photography was carried out under the oblique natural light, though certain areas of the planes were photographed using fl ash. Engravings were copied mostly on a tablet computer. On the basis of visual observations, the condition of planes with petroglyphs is described, conclusions regarding the principal threats are given, and measures aimed at the preservation of the site are proposed. Rocks and planes with engravings are described in detail. Most images date to the Early Middle Ages. Their motifs and characters have numerous parallels in Central Asian art. There are scenes of hunting, armed fi ghting, and separate pictures of bows and quivers, relating to the cult of weapons and militarism. Two depicted warriors are holding spears with banners. Images of animals include those of mountain goats, reindeer, and boars. Some motifs are unusual: yurts and a pair of Siberian stags, male and female, related to the fertility cult. Some images, such as that of a chariot, date to the Late Bronze Age, while others, like those engraved on a separate small stone, are recent.