Density Estimates of Unmarked Large Mammals at Camera Traps Vary among Models, Species, and Years, Signalling Importance of Model Assumptions

Density estimation is a key goal in ecology but accurate estimates remain elusive, especially for unmarked animals. Data from camera-trap networks combined with new density estimation models can bridge this gap but recent research has shown marked variability in accuracy, precision, and concordance among estimators. We extend this work by comparing estimates from two different classes of models: unmarked spatial capture-recapture (spatial count, SC) models, and Time In Front of Camera (TIFC) models, a class of random encounter model. We estimated density for four large mammal species with different movement rates, behaviours, and sociality, as these traits directly relate to model assumptions. TIFC density estimates were typically higher than SC model estimates for all species. Black bear TIFC estimates were ~ 10-fold greater than SC estimates. Caribou TIFC estimates were 2-10 fold greater than SC estimates. White-tailed deer TIFC estimates were up to 100-fold greater than SC estimates. Differences of 2-5 fold were common for other species in other years. SC estimates were annually stable except for one social species; TIFC estimates were highly annually variable in some cases and consistent in others. Tests against densities obtained from DNA surveys and aerial surveys also showed variable concordance and divergence. For gregarious animals TIFC may outperform SC due to the latter model’s assumption of independent activity centres. For curious animals likely to investigate camera traps, SC may outperform TIFC, which assumes animal behavior is unaffected by cameras. Unmarked models offer great possibilities, but a pragmatic approach employs multiple estimators where possible, considers the ecological plausibility of assumptions, and uses an informed multi-inference approach to seek estimates from models with assumptions best fitting a species’ biology.

Behavioural Indicators of Intra- and Inter-Specific Competition: Sheep Co-Grazing with Guanaco in the Patagonian Steppe

In extensive livestock production, high densities may inhibit regulation processes, maintaining high levels of intraspecific competition over time. During competition, individuals typically modify their behaviours, particularly feeding and bite rates, which can therefore be used as indicators of competition. Over eight consecutive seasons, we investigated if variation in herd density, food availability, and the presence of a potential competitor, the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), was related with behavioural changes in domestic sheep in Chilean Patagonia. Focal sampling, instantaneous scan sampling, measures of bite and movement rates were used to quantify behavioural changes in domestic sheep. We found that food availability increased time spent feeding, while herd density was associated with an increase in vigilant behaviour and a decrease in bite rate, but only when food availability was low. Guanaco presence appeared to have no impact on sheep behaviour. Our results suggest that the observed behavioural changes in domestic sheep are more likely due to intraspecific competition rather than interspecific competition. Consideration of intraspecific competition where guanaco and sheep co-graze on pastures could allow management strategies to focus on herd density, according to rangeland carrying capacity.

An Investigation into Ground Movement on the Ventnor Landslide Complex, UK Using Persistent Scatterer Interferometry

Analysis of ground movement rates along the coastline and upper sections of the Ventnor landslide complex was carried out utilizing Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar methods using Sentinel-1 SAR data from 2015 to 2019 (four years). Results were compared with rainfall data, historical ground investigation records and monitoring surveys carried out at Ventnor to relate observations to geology, geomorphology and rainfall. Decomposition of InSAR viewing geometries to vertical and horizontal aligned well with previous ground-based studies. Subsidence of −9.8 mm a−1 at the Lowtherville Graben and heave of +8.5 mm a−1 along the coastline south of Ventnor Park were observed. Decomposition to east-west geometry results showed an eastward displacement of approximately 12.4 mm a−1 along the coastline south of Ventnor Park, and a westward displacement of −3.7 mm a−1 throughout built up sections of Ventnor town, indicating the landslide was displacing more in an eastern direction than vertically. The cause of this movement was investigated by using publicly available intrusive boreholes paired with Persistent Scatterer Interferometry, and a new ground model spanning east-west parallel to the coastline was presented. No evidence of significant ground movement was observed along heavily protected sections of the coastline, suggesting coastal defences comprised of concrete aprons and rip rap appear to be an effective coastal management/landslide stabilisation tool when compared to rip rap alone. The mechanism of this increased stability is likely due to the combination of toe weighting and reduced toe erosion. A lag of approximately 13–20 days was observed between high rainfall events and subsequent peaks in ground displacement, which was shorter than a 29 day lag observed in a previous study. Similar observations of prolonged rainfall resulting in prolonged displacements were also observed. The study demonstrates the capabilities of the PSI methodology in identifying the same ground movements that conventional methods provide. By providing detailed analysis of ground deformation of the Ventnor landslide, we demonstrate small ground movements, validated with existing ground movement surveys. Similar methodology can be applied to coastal landslides in urban environments worldwide, providing a relatively cheap and rapid resource for coastal landslide monitoring.

Estimating movement rates between Eurasian and North American birds that are vectors of avian influenza (AI)

Avian influenza (AI) is an emerging zoonotic disease that will likely be involved in future pandemics. Because waterbird movements are difficult to quantify, determining the host-specific risk of Eurasian-origin AI movements into North America is challenging. We estimated relative rates of movements, based on long-term evolutionary averages of gene flow, between Eurasian and North American waterbird populations to obtain bidirectional baseline rates of the intercontinental movements of these AI hosts. We used population genomics and coalescent-based demographic models to obtain these gene-flow-based movement estimates. Inferred rates of movement between these populations varies greatly among species. Within dabbling ducks, gene flow, relative to effective population size, varies from ~3-24 individuals/generation between Eurasian and American wigeons (Mareca penelope — M. americana) to ~100-300 individuals/generation between continental populations of northern pintails (Anas acuta). These are evolutionary long-term averages and provide a solid foundation for understanding the relative risks of each of these host species in potential intercontinental AI movements. We scale these values to census size for evaluation in that context. In addition to being AI hosts, many of these species are also important in the subsistence diets of Alaskans, increasing the risk of direct bird-to-human exposure to Eurasian-origin AI virus. We contrast species-specific rates of intercontinental movements with the importance of each species in Alaskan diets to understand the relative risk of these taxa to humans. Greater scaup (Aythya marila), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and northern pintail (Anas acuta) were the top three species presenting the highest risks for intercontinental AI movement both within the natural system and through exposure to subsistence hunters. These directly comparable, species-based intercontinental movement rates and relative risk rankings should help in modeling, monitoring, and mitigating the impacts of intercontinental host and AI movements.

Determining the influence of snow and temperature on the movement rates of wood bison (Bison bison athabascae)

Snow is understood to limit wildlife movements, often being the most important determinant of winter movement for animals in the boreal forest. However, the combined effect of snow and temperature on the movement ecology of animals at high latitudes is less understood. We used GPS-collar data from a small population of wood bison (Bison bison athabascae Rhoads, 1898) in northeastern Alberta, Canada to develop a series of generalized additive mixed models characterizing the effect of cumulative snow depth, daily change in snow depth, and temperature on movement rates. Our most supported model included cumulative snow depth, temperature, and day of winter. Bison movements decreased in the first 75 days of winter during snow accumulation, and dramatically increased in the final 14 days of winter during snow melt. Cumulative snow depth, not daily change in snow depth, reduced wood bison movement rates, and movement rates increased more rapidly in warmer temperatures than in temperatures below -6.4 °C. By quantifying both the direction and magnitude of snow and temperature’s effects on bison movement, our study fills critical knowledge gaps relating to the winter movement ecology of wood bison and contributes to a growing body of knowledge informing their conservation in the Anthropocene.

Numeric Simulation Demonstrates That the Upstream Movement of Invasive Bigheaded Carp Can Be Blocked at Sets of Mississippi River Locks-and-Dams Using a Combination of Optimized Spillway Gate Operations, Lock Deterrents and Carp Removal

Invasive bigheaded carp are advancing up the Upper Mississippi River by passing through its locks-and-dams (LDs). Although these structures already impede fish passage, this role could be greatly enhanced by modifying how their spillway gates operate, adding deterrent systems to their locks, and removing carp. This study examined this possibility using numeric modeling and empirical data, which evaluated all three options on an annual basis in both single LDs and pairs under different river flow conditions. Over 100 scenarios were modeled. While all three approaches showed promise, ranging from 8 to 73% reductions in how many carp pass a single LD, when employed together at pairs of LDs, upstream movement rates of invasive carp could be reduced 98–99% from current levels. Although modifying spillway gate operation is the least expensive option, its efficacy drops at high flows, so lock deterrents and/or removal using fishing/trapping are required to move towards complete blockage. Improved deterrent efficacy could also offset the need for more efficient removal. This model could help prioritize research and management actions for containing carp.

Monitoring of Ground Movements Due to Mine Water Rise Using Satellite-Based Radar Interferometry—A Comprehensive Case Study for Low Movement Rates in the German Mining Area Lugau/Oelsnitz

In terms of its history and complexity, the Lugau/Oelsnitz mining area is a representative example of many hard coal fields in Europe. The special characteristic, however, is the low water inflow and the associated long flooding process with corresponding low and long-ongoing ground movements. In order to ensure the long-term monitoring of ground movements in the future, an adapted and cost-effective concept based on modern methods should be implemented. The today widely used radar interferometry, is well established as a method but the results offer many possibilities for interpretation, which one should be aware of in order to derive reliable information. Presented are the results of a complex interferometric evaluation, based on Sentinel-1 data from different orbits, and an analysis of the spatiotemporal characteristic of ground movements. The focus of this paper is a detailed presentation of the workflow and an application-related interpretation of the results. The pool of methods used includes radar interferometry, but also spatiotemporal analysis and modeling. The overall objective of this comprehensive case study is to present the possibilities but also the limitations of the application of radar interferometry and to provide a perspective for future monitoring in post-mining areas.

Geological investigation and movement analysis of the deep-seated compound rockslide Laatsch, South Tyrol

<p>In Alpine areas, deep-seated rockslides are relatively common. They are mostly based on geological and tectonic conditions and triggered by permafrost degradation, snowmelt or heavy rainfall events. A striking example is situated near Laatsch, South Tyrol, at the valley entrance of the Münstertal at close range to the national road SS41 leading to the Swiss border. The activation of the movement occurred in the year 2000, showing a rapid expansion since the year 2012 causing a relocation of the road in 2014.</p><p>The U-shaped valley of the Münstertal was formed by glaciers, the valley floor is filled with alluvial sediments. The Mountain ridge runs approx. 2,100 m above the Adriatic Sea, valley floor at approx. 1,000 m above Adriatic Sea. The slope gradient varies between 30 and 50°. The rockslide situated in this slope is approx. 400 m wide, approx. 700 m in height at its longest extension, with a slide surface ca. 50 - 100 m deep summing up to an instable rock volume of approximately 5 to 10 million m³ and monthly average movement rates of 0.1 to 0.55 m.</p><p>Geological mapping and analysis were performed for the detailed identification of the cause of failure and occurring failure types such as sliding, falling, toppling and flow. The different gneiss bedrock types mainly consist of Quartz, Feldspar, Muscovite and Calcite, foliation is mainly caused by Muscovite layers. Muscovite-rich shearing planes could also be identified via thin section analysis. The foliation dips with a dip of ca. 10-20° mainly towards Northeast and therefore is orientated towards the slope. Two sets of very steep dipping joins are present deeply fragmenting the rock mass providing starting points or lines for the development of scarp surfaces. Deep weathering of the disintegrated gneiss bed rock could be observed at tectonically induced fracture surfaces. Weathering progresses along scarps and developed tension cracks further eroding and dissembling the rock mass.</p><p>Movement analysis of different slabs were performed twice a year using multi-temporal terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) between 2017 and 2020. Along this sliding surface, rock material is transported as individual slabs showing mainly a translational movement behavior with minor internal deformation. These slabs are visually recognizable on site as well as during the analysis of movement rates of laserscanning series measurements.  Main mass transport occurs from upper steep slope areas to areas of lower slope angle within and at the foot of the rockslide. General movement occurs via a basal slip surface with an average thickness of failure volume of approx. 50 to 100 Meters.</p><p>Volume of displaced material during accompanied processes of rock fall and rock topple events amounts to 2,000 - 5,000 m³ depending on the size of the event. These types of rock movement mainly take place along outbreak recesses at the rockslide flanks, scarps and at the internal slab margins. These falls and topples can also be detected through several laserscanning measurement series.</p>