The effects of roads on habitat selection and movement patterns of the American badger subspecies Taxidea taxus jacksoni in Ontario, Canada

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (11) ◽  
pp. 821-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Sunga ◽  
Josh Sayers ◽  
Karl Cottenie ◽  
Christopher J. Kyle ◽  
Danielle M. Ethier
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Road Mortality ◽  
Road Kill ◽  
Movement Trajectories ◽  
Taxidea Taxus ◽  
American Badger

Road mortality is identified as a threat to American badger (Taxidea taxus (Schreber, 1777)) populations across Canada. Understanding habitat selection and movement in relation to roads is therefore vital to their conservation. Using telemetry data and road-kill locations of badgers in southwestern Ontario, we examined the relationship between habitat selection, movement patterns, and roads at three spatial scales. At the study-area scale, we assessed the effects of habitat attributes on burrow site selection. Several individuals placed their burrows closer to primary highways than expected, suggesting that badgers are not sensitive to human disturbances at this scale. Using straight-line movement trajectories between burrows, we analyzed individual movement patterns within home ranges. All badgers showed some degree of road avoidance, either crossing fewer roads or roads that posed lower mortality risk. At the road-crossing scale, we compared landscape features surrounding road-kill locations to random locations along the same roadway. There was a positive relationship between road-kill locations and number of water-based linear features and higher density of hedgerow cover. Our results provide evidence that badger movement is influenced by roads at multiple scales, which has important implications for managers interested in developing road-mitigation strategies for this endangered population.

scholarly journals Resource distribution and internal factors interact to govern movement of a freshwater snail

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 (1911) ◽  
pp. 20191610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl S. Cloyed ◽  
Anthony I. Dell
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Internal State ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Resource Distribution ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
Freshwater Snail ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Movement Trajectories ◽  
Resource Patches

Movement enables mobile organisms to respond to local environmental conditions and is driven by a combination of external and internal factors operating at multiple scales. Here, we explored how resource distribution interacted with the internal state of organisms to drive patterns of movement. Specifically, we tracked snail movements on experimental landscapes where resource (algal biofilm) distribution varied from 0 to 100% coverage and quantified how that movement changed over a 24 h period. Resource distribution strongly affected snail movement. Trajectories were tortuous (i.e. Brownian-like) within resource patches but straighter (i.e. Lévy) in resource-free (bare) patches. The average snail speed was slower in resource patches, where snails spent most of their time. Different patterns of movement between resource and bare patches explained movement at larger spatial scales; movement was ballistic-like Lévy in resource-free landscapes, Lévy in landscapes with intermediate resource coverage and approximated Brownian in landscapes covered in resources. Our temporal analysis revealed that movement patterns changed predictably for snails that satiated their hunger and then performed other behaviours. These changes in movement patterns through time were similar across all treatments that contained resources. Thus, external and internal factors interacted to shape the inherently flexible movement of these snails.

Scale-dependent habitat selection in three didelphid marsupials using the spool-and-line technique in the Atlantic forest of Brazil

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maíra C. Moura ◽  
Alice C. Caparelli ◽  
Simone R. Freitas ◽  
Marcus V. Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Direction Change ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Habitat Scale ◽  
Didelphis Aurita ◽  
Metachirus Nudicaudatus ◽  
Habitat Variables

Habitat selection can be detected at different scales. For small mammals, habitat studies normally evaluate micro- or meso-habitat selection, but rarely are multiple scales analysed simultaneously. These studies use quantitative data of structural characteristics around the trap stations to evaluate selection. We test an alternative method to evaluate habitat selection in three didelphid marsupials (Didelphis aurita, Philander frenatus and Metachirus nudicaudatus), using a spool-and-line device, and measure habitat selection at two spatial scales. Habitat was characterized by seven habitat variables measured at ten points of direction change along the path traversed by each individual, and at 25 trap stations distributed in a 1-ha area. Micro-habitat selection was estimated at each point by comparing habitat measures between the direction selected against other directions. Meso-habitat selection was estimated by comparing habitat measurements on the whole path of an individual against habitat measures on the 25 trap stations. Patterns of selection for each species could only be detected at the meso-habitat scale, although a few individuals in each species were selective at the micro-habitat scale. Studies of habitat selection need to address the scale of study quantitatively, if possible comparing two or more scales to determine the scale of selection.

scholarly journals Cross-scale Correlations and the Design and Analysis of Avian Habitat Selection Studies

The Condor ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Battin ◽  
Joshua J. Lawler
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Hierarchical Modeling ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Classification Tree ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Selection Decisions ◽  
Habitat Variables

Abstract It has long been suggested that birds select habitat hierarchically, progressing from coarser to finer spatial scales. This hypothesis, in conjunction with the realization that many organisms likely respond to environmental patterns at multiple spatial scales, has led to a large number of avian habitat studies that have attempted to quantify habitat associations at multiple scales. Typically, multiscale habitat selection studies involve the assessment of habitat selection separately at two or more scales. Until recently, these studies have ignored the potential for cross-scale correlations: correlations among habitat variables across scales. If environmental patterns are correlated across the scales being analyzed, researchers using traditional analytical methods may reach erroneous conclusions about the presence or strength of habitat associations at a given scale. We discuss the ways in which cross-scale correlations manifest themselves in two types of habitat selection studies: (1) “constrained” designs that assume a hierarchical ordering of habitat selection decisions, and (2) “unconstrained” designs, which do not assume such a selection process. We demonstrate approaches for quantifying and modeling cross-scale correlations, including a simulation model, a variance decomposition technique, and a hierarchical modeling approach based on classification tree analysis. We conclude that cross-scale correlations have the potential to affect data interpretation in all types of habitat selection studies and that, even with careful attention to experimental design and the application of newly developed statistical techniques, it is likely their effects cannot be eliminated.

scholarly journals Using Mountain Lion Habitat Selection in Management

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Dellinger ◽  
B Cristescu ◽  
J Ewanyk ◽  
DJ Gammons ◽  
D Garcelon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Mountain Lions ◽  
Mountain Lion ◽  
Management And Conservation

© 2019 The Wildlife Society Wildlife agencies are generally tasked with managing and conserving species at state and local levels simultaneously. Thus, it is necessary for wildlife agencies to understand basic ecological processes of a given species at multiple scales to aid decision making at commensurately varied spatial and behavioral scales. Mountain lions (Puma concolor) occur throughout California, USA, and are at the center of a variety of management and conservation issues. For example, they are genetically and demographically at risk in 1 region yet apparently stable and negatively affecting endangered species in another. Currently, no formal plan exists for mountain lions in California to deal with these diverse scenarios involving issues of local mountain lion population viability and problems related to predation of endangered species. To facilitate development of a state-wide management and conservation plan, we quantified habitat selection by mountain lions at 2 spatial scales across the range of environmental conditions in which the species is found in California. Our analyses used location data from individuals (n = 263) collared across the state from 2001–2019. At the home range scale, mountain lions selected habitat to prioritize meeting energetic demands. At the within home range scale, mountain lions avoided areas of human activity. Further, our analyses revealed 165,350–170,085 km2, depending on season, of suitable mountain lion habitat in California. Fifty percent of the suitable habitat was on unprotected lands and thus vulnerable to development. These habitat selection models will help in the development of a state-wide conservation and management plan for mountain lions in California by guiding mountain lion population monitoring through time, prioritization of habitat to be conserved for maintaining demographic connectivity and gene flow, and efforts to mediate mountain lion-prey interactions. Our work and application area will help with wildlife policy and management decisions related to depredation problems at the local scale and issues of habitat connectivity at the statewide scale. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.

scholarly journals Using Mountain Lion Habitat Selection in Management

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Dellinger ◽  
B Cristescu ◽  
J Ewanyk ◽  
DJ Gammons ◽  
D Garcelon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Mountain Lions ◽  
Mountain Lion ◽  
Management And Conservation

© 2019 The Wildlife Society Wildlife agencies are generally tasked with managing and conserving species at state and local levels simultaneously. Thus, it is necessary for wildlife agencies to understand basic ecological processes of a given species at multiple scales to aid decision making at commensurately varied spatial and behavioral scales. Mountain lions (Puma concolor) occur throughout California, USA, and are at the center of a variety of management and conservation issues. For example, they are genetically and demographically at risk in 1 region yet apparently stable and negatively affecting endangered species in another. Currently, no formal plan exists for mountain lions in California to deal with these diverse scenarios involving issues of local mountain lion population viability and problems related to predation of endangered species. To facilitate development of a state-wide management and conservation plan, we quantified habitat selection by mountain lions at 2 spatial scales across the range of environmental conditions in which the species is found in California. Our analyses used location data from individuals (n = 263) collared across the state from 2001–2019. At the home range scale, mountain lions selected habitat to prioritize meeting energetic demands. At the within home range scale, mountain lions avoided areas of human activity. Further, our analyses revealed 165,350–170,085 km2, depending on season, of suitable mountain lion habitat in California. Fifty percent of the suitable habitat was on unprotected lands and thus vulnerable to development. These habitat selection models will help in the development of a state-wide conservation and management plan for mountain lions in California by guiding mountain lion population monitoring through time, prioritization of habitat to be conserved for maintaining demographic connectivity and gene flow, and efforts to mediate mountain lion-prey interactions. Our work and application area will help with wildlife policy and management decisions related to depredation problems at the local scale and issues of habitat connectivity at the statewide scale. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.

scholarly journals Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Consequences of Road Kills: A Review

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 799
Author(s):  
Ayrton Gino Humberto Emilio Oddone Aquino ◽  
S’phumelele Lucky Nkomo
Keyword(s):  
Review Paper ◽  
Life Forms ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Spatiotemporal Patterns ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Road Mortality ◽  
Road Kill ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Geospatial Tools

The development and expansion of road networks have profoundly impacted the natural landscape and various life forms. Animals are affected by these roads in a myriad of ways, none as devastating as road mortalities. This article reviews the literature on the magnitude, spatiotemporal patterns, factors, and consequences of Animal-Vehicle Collisions (AVCs) and the subsequent road kills. Furthermore, the review paper briefly outlines the relationship between roads and animals in the surrounding landscape and later examines the nature and impacts of AVCs. This article evaluates the statistics on the number of road kills and a critical analysis of the spatiotemporal patterns of these mortalities is also evaluated. Subsequently, the review paper examines current mitigation measures and the challenges impeding their success. The paper then concludes with an evaluation of geospatial tools (GIS) and other technologies used in road kill studies. The relevant findings of this paper are that, (1) factors influencing road kill patterns interact with one another; (2) AVCs have serious environmental, economic and social consequences; (3) road kill mitigation strategies suffer several challenges hindering their success; and (4) specific geospatial tools and other technologies have been utilised in assessing AVC road kill patterns. The review, therefore, recommends including overall road kill clusters of all animals in mortality surveys, increasing the spatial coverage of road kill observations, consistent surveying, sufficient research on nighttime driving distances and speed, utilising citizen science in all road mortality studies and incorporating GIS into all apps used for recording road kills. An increased sufficiency in road kill data coupled with improved technologies can enable more effective mitigation strategies to prevent AVCs.

scholarly journals Ensemble model for estimating continental-scale patterns of human movement: a case study of Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen McCulloch ◽  
Nick Golding ◽  
Jodie McVernon ◽  
Sarah Goodwin ◽  
Martin Tomko
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Movement Characteristics ◽  
Human Movements ◽  
Movement Models ◽  
Epidemiology Data

AbstractUnderstanding human movement patterns at local, national and international scales is critical in a range of fields, including transportation, logistics and epidemiology. Data on human movement is increasingly available, and when combined with statistical models, enables predictions of movement patterns across broad regions. Movement characteristics, however, strongly depend on the scale and type of movement captured for a given study. The models that have so far been proposed for human movement are best suited to specific spatial scales and types of movement. Selecting both the scale of data collection, and the appropriate model for the data remains a key challenge in predicting human movements. We used two different data sources on human movement in Australia, at different spatial scales, to train a range of statistical movement models and evaluate their ability to predict movement patterns for each data type and scale. Whilst the five commonly-used movement models we evaluated varied markedly between datasets in their predictive ability, we show that an ensemble modelling approach that combines the predictions of these models consistently outperformed all individual models against hold-out data.

Implications of temporal and spatial scale for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) research

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (S1) ◽  
pp. 9-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol L Folt ◽  
Keith H Nislow ◽  
Mary E Power
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Salmon ◽  
Salmo Salar ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Atlantic Salmon Salmo Salar ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Dependent Processes

The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a model species for studying scale issues (i.e., the extent, duration, and resolution of a study or natural process) in ecology. Major shifts in behavior and habitat use over ontogeny, along with a relatively long life span and large dispersal and migration distances, make scale issues critical for effective conservation, management, and restoration of this species. The scale over which a process occurs must be linked to the research design and we illustrate this with a discussion of resource tracking by Atlantic salmon. Identifying scale inconsistencies (e.g., when a process is evident at one scale but not another) is shown to be an effective means by which some scale-dependent processes are understood. We review the literature to assess the temporal and spatial scales used in Atlantic salmon research and find most current studies appear to sacrifice spatial and temporal extent for increased resolution. Finally, we discuss research strategies for expanding the temporal and spatial scales in salmon research, such as conducting multiple scales studies to elucidate scale inconsistencies, identifying mechanisms, and using techniques and approaches to generalize across studies and over time and space.

scholarly journals Primer registro del tlalcoyote (Taxidea taxus) en la Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Gorda, Guanajuato

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
J. Manuel Rangel-Rojas ◽  
Juan F. Charre-Medellín ◽  
Tiberio Monterrubio-Rico ◽  
Gloria Magaña-Cota
Keyword(s):  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Taxidea Taxus ◽  
San Luis ◽  
Influence Area ◽  
San Luis Potosi ◽  
American Badger ◽  
Established Population

ResumenEn el estado de Guanajuato se confirmó la presencia de tlalcoyote (Taxidea taxus) mediante fototrampeo. Estos registros se localizan en la zona de influencia de la Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Gorda de Guanajuato (RBSGG) y complementan ellistado de mamíferos reportados en la reserva. Los registros más cercanos de tlalcoyote se localizan a 90 km al noroeste en el estado de San Luis Potosíy a 105 km al suroeste del registro colectado en Silao, Guanajuato por Alfredo Dugès en 1874. Es fundamental incluir al tlalcoyote dentro del plan de manejo de la rbsgg con el fin de implementar acciones para su monitoreo y conservación a largo plazo, así como confirmar si en la región puede existir una población establecida y que no se trate de individuos errantes.Palabras clave: cámaras trampa, matorral xerófilo, mustelidae, Sierra Gorda, tejón norteamericano.AbstractIn Guanajuato state is confirmed the presence of tlalcoyote (Taxidea taxus) by camera trapping. These records are located in the influence area of the Sierra Gorda of Guanajuato Biosphere Reserve (RBSGG) and complement the list of mammals reported for the reserve. The nearest tlalcoyote records are located 90 km at northwest in San Luis Potosí state and 105 km at southwest from the recordcollected in Silao, Guanajuato by Alfredo Dugès in 1874. Is essential to include the tlalcoyote within the management plan of the rbsgg to implement actions of monitoring and conservation and confirm that in the region there may be an established population and it’s are not of errant individuals.Key words: American Badger, camera trap, mustelidae, Sierra Gorda, xerophytic scrub. 

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