Spatial-use patterns, movements, and interactions among adult coyotes in central Mississippi

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (12) ◽  
pp. 2087-2095 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Chamberlain ◽  
Charles D Lovell ◽  
Bruce D Leopold
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Core Area ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Movement Rates ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Pair Bonds ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Range Overlap

Recently, coyotes (Canis latrans) have expanded their range to include most areas of the southeastern United States. However, most research on coyotes has been conducted in western and northern regions of North America. We radio-monitored 38 adult coyotes from 1993 to 1997 in central Mississippi. Home-range sizes (P = 0.681) and core-area (area of concentrated use) sizes (P = 0.736) were similar across seasons, but females maintained larger home ranges (P = 0.006) and core areas (P < 0.001) than males. Male-male, female-female, and male-female home-range overlap was greatest during whelping and pup rearing. Except for mated pairs, core-area overlap was negligible across all seasons for adults maintaining neighboring home ranges. Coyote habitat selection varied across spatial scales, though selection was similar between males and females at all scales. Coyote movement rates differed (P < 0.001) temporally, being highest during nocturnal periods. Overall, the highest movement rates for the monitored population were observed for females during summer. Two males and 2 females were suspected of forming pair bonds and frequently traveled together within shared home ranges, as did 2 adult males. Our data indicate that interactions among individual adults are influenced by sex, as most confirmed instances of direct contact occurred between pairs or suspected social groups. In our study area, neighboring adult coyotes exhibited territoriality at the core-area level.

Space use and the social system of muskrats

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 869-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lui Marinelli ◽  
François Messier
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Social System ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Social Unit ◽  
Canadian Prairies ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Adult Sex Ratio ◽  
Range Overlap

We investigated the space-use patterns of adult muskrats in a small (77 ha) marsh on the Canadian Prairies during two breeding seasons. During the study, population size was relatively low and the adult sex ratio was biased towards females. Adult muskrats were territorial with little intrasexual home-range overlap. The exclusivity of home ranges was maintained throughout the breeding season, and appeared to decrease at the end of the season. Male movements often extended over the territory of more than one female, but the overlap was more extensive with primary than with secondary females. Lactation appeared to reduce the space use and mobility of female muskrats. Male muskrats tended to range over smaller areas when weaned young were present within their home range. The results suggest that the sexual pair is the basic social unit of muskrats but that polygyny was common. A female-biased sex ratio appeared to be responsible for the tendency of males to mate polygynously during this study, thus illustrating the plasticity of this social system.

Monogamy in an Australian arboreal marsupial, the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis)

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredeth Brown ◽  
Susan M. Carthew ◽  
Steven J. B. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Mating System ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Genetic Analyses ◽  
Home Range Overlap ◽  
Arboreal Marsupials ◽  
Range Overlap ◽  
Petaurus Australis

Several Australian arboreal marsupials have been reported to show variation in mating system across populations, but most previous studies have not included genetic analyses to confirm the observations. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that monogamy was the predominant mating system in a population of yellow-bellied gliders (Petaurus australis) in south-western Victoria, using a combination of behavioural observations and molecular genetic analyses. Home-range overlap, cohesiveness of pairs, rates of den site co-occupancy and location of den trees within the home ranges of 13 adult gliders were determined via radio-tracking. A monogamous social system predominated, demonstrated by extensive home-range overlap between cohabiting adult males and females (40–100%) and little home-range overlap between adjacent territories (<14%). Males spent ~55% of their active time within 25 m of their female partners and 55–85% of their sleeping time in dens with their female partner. The parentage of all juveniles spotlighted within the 400-ha study area was analysed using five microsatellite DNA markers. Of 37 individuals genotyped, eight of 13 juveniles were assigned both social parents as true parents with ≥80% confidence. These results suggest that social and genetic monogamy predominated in this population of yellow-bellied gliders.

Home range and movements of radio-tracked estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) within a non-tidal waterhole

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Brien ◽  
Mark A. Read ◽  
Hamish I. McCallum ◽  
Gordon C. Grigg
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
National Park ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
River Channel ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Crocodylus Porosus ◽  
Range Overlap ◽  
Large Adult

We radio-tracked five male and eight female estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in a non-tidal waterhole in Lakefield National Park in northern Queensland during the late dry/mid-wet season (2003–04) and the following dry season (2004). Individual crocodiles occupied larger home ranges (River Channel Areas (RCA) during the late dry/mid-wet season (10.64 ± 2.86 ha) than in the dry season (3.20 ± 1.02 ha), and males occupied larger home ranges (23.89 ± 2.36 ha) than females (5.94 ± 1.34 ha) during the late dry/mid-wet season. There were no obvious differences in home range between sexes during the dry season. During the late dry/mid-wet season, adult males often travelled long distances along the waterhole while females moved less. During the dry season, movement patterns were quite variable, with no clear difference between sexes. All crocodiles were most active from late afternoon (1500–1800 hours) until midnight. Individual home ranges (RCA) overlapped considerably during the late dry/mid-wet season. The extent of home-range overlap between three adult males and the number of times they either passed each other or were located near each other was particularly striking. Previous research has come to conflicting conclusions about the extent of territoriality in wild estuarine crocodiles, although it has been widely believed that males are highly territorial. The findings imply that large adult male estuarine crocodiles are not highly territorial in non-tidal freshwater systems that are geographically confined.

Spatio-temporal interactions among male and female long-nosed potoroos, Potorous tridactylus (Marsupialia : Macropodoidea): mating system implications

2001 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirstin I. Long
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Mating System ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Range Overlap ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Temporal Interactions ◽  
Potorous Tridactylus

This study investigated the mating system of the long-nosed potoroo, Potorous tridactylus, by examining temporal associations between individuals, and patterns of home-range overlap. Six adult females and five adult males were radio-tracked at intervals throughout the 24-h day from December 1996 to March 1997 in south-western Victoria. Home ranges of individuals overlapped with multiple members of each sex; however, intrasexual overlap was significantly lower than intersexual overlap. When data from consecutive radio-tracking sessions were examined, the locations of resting or ‘squat’ areas were identified. These were almost entirely intrasexually exclusive. Male home ranges overlapped the squat areas of one or more females; however, males did not regularly associate with every female whose squat area they overlapped. In three of four cases, pairs of a male and a female associated regularly and spent a greater proportion of time in close proximity to each other than would be expected if they were moving at random. In the past it has been assumed that males monitor the sexual status of females while they rest in squats. If this is the case, the mating system of long-nosed potoroos will be largely dictated by the number of female squat areas that a male is able to regularly monitor within his home range.

Home-range characteristics of an alpine lizard, Niveoscincus microlepidotus (Scincidae), on Mt Wellington, southern Tasmania

1999 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Melville ◽  
Roy Swain
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Transition Zone ◽  
Aggressive Behaviour ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Range Overlap

We studied the home ranges of the alpine skink, Niveoscincus microlepidotus, in an alpine transition zone on Mt Wellington, Tasmania, over a 5-month period to examine seasonal patterns in the home-range characteristics of four male, four female and two sub-adult juvenile lizards. Home-range sizes and activity patterns within these were quantified. Adult males had significantly larger home ranges with more activity centres than adult females; most activity centres were clearly synonymous with basking sites and were defended by overt aggressive behaviour. Home ranges of males showed little overlap and no seasonal variation while those of femals were unusual amongst reptiles in showing extensive overlap and seasonal change in size. Ranges were smallest in spring when all females were pregnant and were smallest in summer when only one female was pregnant. Range overlap ensured that all females studied had potential access to at least two males. Juveniles had no defined home ranges and appeared to be transients.

Spacing, movements, and habitat selection of the river otter in boreal Alberta

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (7) ◽  
pp. 1314-1324 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Reid ◽  
T. E. Code ◽  
A. C. H. Reid ◽  
S. M. Herrero
Keyword(s):  
Lontra Canadensis ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Movement Rates ◽  
River Otters ◽  
Aquatic Mammal ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Bog Lakes ◽  
Selection Of

Seasonal spacing patterns, home ranges, and movements of river otters (Lontra canadensis) were studied in boreal Alberta by means of radiotelemetry. Adult males occupied significantly larger annual home ranges than adult females. Males' ranges overlapped those of females and also each other's. In winter, home ranges of males shrank and showed less overlap. Otters often associated in groups, the core members typically being adult females with young, or adult males. Otters tended to be more solitary in winter. In winter, movement rates of all sex and age classes were similar, and much reduced for males compared with those in other seasons. These data indicated a strong limiting effect of winter ice on behaviour and dispersion. We tested the hypothesis that otters select water bodies in winter on the basis of the suitability of shoreline substrate and morphology for dens with access both to air and to water under ice. Intensity of selection was greatest in winter, with avoidance of gradually sloping shorelines of sand or gravel. Adults selected bog lakes with banked shores containing semi-aquatic mammal burrows, and lakes with beaver lodges. Subadults selected beaver-impounded streams. Apart from human harvest, winter habitats and food availability in such habitats are likely the two factors most strongly limiting otter density in boreal Alberta.

scholarly journals The home-range concept: are traditional estimators still relevant with modern telemetry technology?

2010 ◽  
Vol 365 (1550) ◽  
pp. 2221-2231 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Kie ◽  
Jason Matthiopoulos ◽  
John Fieberg ◽  
Roger A. Powell ◽  
Francesca Cagnacci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Animal Movement ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Data Intensive ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Location Data ◽  
Utilization Distributions

Recent advances in animal tracking and telemetry technology have allowed the collection of location data at an ever-increasing rate and accuracy, and these advances have been accompanied by the development of new methods of data analysis for portraying space use, home ranges and utilization distributions. New statistical approaches include data-intensive techniques such as kriging and nonlinear generalized regression models for habitat use. In addition, mechanistic home-range models, derived from models of animal movement behaviour, promise to offer new insights into how home ranges emerge as the result of specific patterns of movements by individuals in response to their environment. Traditional methods such as kernel density estimators are likely to remain popular because of their ease of use. Large datasets make it possible to apply these methods over relatively short periods of time such as weeks or months, and these estimates may be analysed using mixed effects models, offering another approach to studying temporal variation in space-use patterns. Although new technologies open new avenues in ecological research, our knowledge of why animals use space in the ways we observe will only advance by researchers using these new technologies and asking new and innovative questions about the empirical patterns they observe.

scholarly journals ctmmweb: A graphical user interface for autocorrelation-informed home range estimation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin M. Calabrese ◽  
Christen H. Fleming ◽  
Michael J. Noonan ◽  
Xianghui Dong
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Kernel Density ◽  
R Package ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Tracking Data ◽  
Sampled Data ◽  
Convex Polygons ◽  
Range Estimation ◽  
Empirical Reality ◽  
Range Overlap

ABSTRACTEstimating animal home ranges is a primary purpose of collecting tracking data. All conventional home range estimators in widespread usage, including minimum convex polygons and kernel density estimators, assume independently sampled data. In stark contrast, modern GPS animal tracking datasets are almost always strongly autocorrelated. This incongruence between estimator assumptions and empirical reality leads to systematically underestimated home ranges. Autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE) resolves this conflict by modeling the observed autocorrelation structure of tracking data during home range estimation, and has been shown to perform accurately across a broad range of tracking datasets. However, compared to conventional estimators, AKDE requires additional modeling steps and has heretofore only been accessible via the command-line ctmm R package. Here, we introduce ctmmweb, which provides a point-and-click graphical interface to ctmm, and streamlines AKDE, its prerequisite autocorrelation modeling steps, and a number of additional movement analyses. We demonstrate ctmmweb’s capabilities, including AKDE home range estimation and subsequent home range overlap analysis, on a dataset of four jaguars from the Brazilian Pantanal. We intend ctmmweb to open AKDE and related autocorrelation-explicit analyses to a wider audience of wildlife and conservation professionals.

scholarly journals Movements of Subadult Male Grizzly Bears, Ursus arctos, in the Central Canadian Arctic

2004 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Gau ◽  
Philip D. McLoughlin ◽  
Ray Case ◽  
H. Dean Cluff ◽  
Robert Mulders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Grizzly Bears ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Subadult Male ◽  
Daily Movement

Between May 1995 and June 1999, we equipped eight subadult male (3-5 yrs old) Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos) with satellite radio-collars within a study area of 235,000 km2, centred 400 km northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Subadult male annual home ranges were extraordinarily large (average = 11,407 km2, SE = 3849) due, in part, to their movement's occasional linear directionality. We believe their long-range linear movements may reflect some individuals tracking the migration of Caribou (Rangifer tarandus). Seasonal daily movement patterns were similar to adult males that were previously reported. The areas used by these bears are the largest ranges reported for any Grizzly Bears and the scale of their movements may put individual bears in contact with humans even when developments are hundreds of kilometres from the central home range of an animal.

Investigating uneven recovery of repatriated bobcats (Lynx rufus) in a mined landscape: space use, habitat use and condition in coal country

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
I. Suzanne Prange ◽  
Christa Rose
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Core Area ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Relative Population ◽  
Eastern Area ◽  
Southern Area ◽  
Condition Indices

Abstract ContextBobcats (Lynx rufus) were extirpated from Ohio, USA, during the mid-1800s. Genetic evidence indicates that they recolonised from neighbouring states. Initial re-establishment occurred almost simultaneously in two spatially distinct areas of a coal-mined landscape in the 1980s. Relative population growth was apparently higher in the eastern than in the southern area. AimsUnderstanding the reasons for the disparity in population dynamics and sustainability is essential for proper bobcat management. It also addresses substantial knowledge gaps in vertebrate carnivore ecology on mined land. We hypothesised that the characteristics of mined land in the eastern Ohio area provided bobcats with greater resources, enabling a more rapid recovery. MethodsWe trapped bobcats and took body measurements and weights to determine condition indices. We attached GPS radio-collars and used locations to determine annual home-range and core-area sizes, home-range and core-area overlap, and habitat selection using remotely sensed land cover data and mine permit records. We compared factors between the two bobcat population areas. Key resultsBody condition indices were higher, and home ranges and core areas of males and females were smaller, for eastern Ohio bobcats. Home-range overlap did not differ for any dyad type. Selection of mined land by habitat type differed at the home-range level, with eastern bobcats selecting more mined habitats and southern bobcats showing an opposite tendency. ConclusionsAn interaction may exist between landscape features of former surface mines and bobcat recovery. Results suggest more favourable habitat conditions in the eastern area, which featured more mined land and more older, less regulated mines, than in the southern area. These conditions may support a higher bobcat reproductive success. ImplicationsThe first bobcat harvest season in Ohio is under development by authorities. We recommend the regulation of eastern and southern Ohio as separate bobcat management units; the southern population should remain protected, and the eastern population should be managed conservatively as a source population to further colonise southern Ohio. Our data suggest that surface-mined land can be conducive to the restoration and conservation of species.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document