Wildlife biology in practice (Online)最新文献

{"title":"Persistence of roe (Capreolus capreolus) and red (Cervus elaphus) deer pellet-groups in a Mediterranean mosaic landscape","authors":"R. Torres, J. Santos, C. Fonseca","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2013.IBEUN.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2013.IBEUN.2","url":null,"abstract":"The need to assess population size is central to any population monitoring program. Reliable estimations of the disappearance time of pellet groups are essential for converting pellet density into deer density. The disappearance time of pellet groups is highly variable and is considered to be habitat specific. Due to the increase of roe and red deer populations in Portugal, Forestry Authorities are requiring estimates of those species densities hence disappearance time is crucial to achieve this goal. In a Mediterranean ecosystem, roe and red deer pellet groups disappearance time was determined within six habitat types, over a 10-month period. The disappearance time (days) of pellet groups significantly differed between the habitats in each species. For both species, pellets persisted longer in coniferous and open areas, probably due to low levels of moisture. Pellet decomposition was faster in deciduous habitats for both species; in such habitats, the role of dung beetles and other saprophagus invertebrates is preponderant. In Portugal, deer surveys have been using decay rates from elsewhere in Europe. Consequently, we recommend the use of our results for future deer monitoring programs as more accurate for the Portuguese context.","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"129 2 1","pages":"7-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83653338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"On the Reliability of Expert Identification of Small-Medium Sized Mammals from Camera Trap Photos","authors":"P. Meek, K. Vernes, G. Falzon","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2013.9.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2013.9.4","url":null,"abstract":"Camera trapping in scientific research has captivated practitioners globally and is now widely used as a primary survey method. Using photos to identify some species, especially coexisting small species of similar appearance and niche is questionable and if incorrectly identified can lead to poor conservation and management outcomes. The aim of our investigation was to test how accurately mammalogists with expertise in mammal identification could identify a range of small-medium sized species recorded during camera trap surveys. This study presents the results of an Australian case study but the findings apply broadly and are relevant throughout the world's ecosystems. Using an internet survey, 58 questions were posed to assess practitioner expertise in mammal trapping, and their accuracy in identifying 21 photos of 10 small-medium sized Australian mammal species. Particular focus was placed on the identification of the rare and threatened Hastings River Mouse (Pseudomys oralis) but other rodent species such as the Black Rat (Rattus rattus), the Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes), and the Swamp Rat (Rattus lutreolus) were included. The survey indicated that the correct identification of some small mammals, in particular rodents, is highly variable between images of the same species, and that as a whole the professional wildlife community performs poorly at the identification of such species. Identification was more accurate where species were less likely to be confused with similar looking species, or where their identification was simple and/or obvious. Accurate identification of small-medium sized mammals, in particular rodents using camera trap imagery is difficult and this study highlights the potential discrepancies that may arise in wildlife research. Robust methods to assist in minimising errors and bias of animal identification need to be explored. In circumstances where similar looking species coexist, or in species rich ecosystems, a reliance on camera trapping alone may lead to mistaken identity.","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"2 1","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76565231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sampling Gear Efficiency and Selectivity for Juvenile Ladyfish Elops Saurus in Florida Waters (USA)","authors":"J. C. Levesque","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2013.9.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2013.9.3","url":null,"abstract":"At the foundation of managing wildlife is collecting accurate field data with appropriate sampling gears and methods under a strict experimental design and standardized protocols. To elucidate, monitor, and predict wildlife patterns in space and time requires the selection of specific sampling gears for the community or species of interest, especially for species that display spatial and temporal variability in distribution and abundance. Among the most challenging types of wildlife to examine in the field are marine fisheries resources given their expansive range, spatial and temporal distribution, and specific early life-history characteristics (e.g., habitat, environmental conditions, and recruitment patterns). Numerous studies have investigated the catch efficiency for various sampling gears and techniques; however, no information has ever been reported for ladyfish (Elops saurus), an economically valuable species in the southeastern United States and other world-wide regions. Given the importance of collecting ladyfish early life-history information, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate, for the first time, the efficiency and selectivity of various field-sampling gears used in Florida waters to collect juvenile ladyfish. The specific objectives were to examine the sampling gear efficiency and selectivity on juvenile ladyfish relative abundance and length-frequency distribution among different water bodies. This investigation found that juvenile ladyfish abundance, size, and length frequency distribution significantly varied by sampling gear. In addition, the findings revealed that the most efficient gear for sampling juvenile ladyfish smaller than 100 mm SL were seines with an offshore deployment method. Despite detecting length frequency differences among sampling gears, no clear pattern was evident among estuaries. In general, seine catch efficiency decreased and gillnet efficiency increased with ladyfish size. To alleviate gear or sampling bias, results demonstrated that researchers need to use a variety of sampling gears to sample ladyfish.","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"17 1","pages":"14-28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81840007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Field anesthesia of least weasels (Mustela nivalis nivalis) with isoflurane","authors":"Lucrezia Gorini, Sari J. Wedul, J. Arnemo, J. Linnell, L. Boitani, Erlend B. Nilsen","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2013.9.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2013.9.2","url":null,"abstract":"The aggressive and agile nature of weasels makes the use of inhalant anesthetics preferable to injectable agents because inhalant anesthetics generally reduce handling time, cause less stress and present no risk of delivering the drug into an unintended area. Here we report on the use of the inhalant anesthetic isoflurane in free ranging least weasels. We used a battery powered portable anesthesia unit (Uninventor 400 Anesthesia Unit, AgnTho’s AB, Sweden) to immobilize the animals in the field. The isoflurane liquid was filled in a syringe connected to a vaporizer where it mixed with air coming from an air pump. The animals inhaled the anesthetic first in a wooden chamber and then through a modified facial mask. Mean induction time in the anesthetic chamber was 4.8 minutes (± 0.3 SE) with a setting of 4% isoflurane. The anesthesia was maintained with the facial mask and a setting of 2% isoflurane. Mean recovery time was 16.4 minutes (± 2.1 SE) and mean recumbency time 40.7 minutes (± 2.9 SE). We anesthesized 9 animals, had no fatalities during anesthesia and all animals recovered quickly. One animal was found dead 11 days post-capture of undetermined cause. Isoflurane is safe and easy to use with the tested setting. However we were unsuccessful in monitoring the animals following their release and we therefore recommend further evaluation of the anesthetic. In addition, we recommend the use of a wooden anesthetic chamber with bedding to avoid the risk of hypothermia.","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"119 1","pages":"7-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73455502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"On the distribution and ecology of Leposternon octostegum: Putting a subterranean reptile species on the map","authors":"J. B. Filho, M. A. Freitas, T. S. Silva, Maria Celeste Costa Valverde, M. Loguercio, D. Veríssimo","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2013.9.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2013.9.1","url":null,"abstract":"Basic information on species distribution and ecology is essential for effective species conservation and management. However, several groups even within the vertebrates have received little attention. One of such groups is the subterranean herpetofauna which, although making up about 20% of all known reptile and amphibian species, includes many species for which virtually nothing is known. This situation is showcased by Leposternon octostegum, a worm lizard species from Brazil. In this study we present first verifiable fine scale distribution records for the species, which confirm the presence of the species in the Salvador Metropolitan region and enable the drawing of the first species distribution map. We furthermore present the first information on the species ecology, establishing its presence in a variety of habitats and soil types. Further research will need to be done to clarify aspects of the conservation biology of subterranean herpetofauna, especially as these species are likely to perform important ecosystem services. This will however be especially challenging in megadiverse countries like Brazil, which still harbor a myriad of undescribed and understudied species.","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"18 1","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75022862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alternative Methodology for Handling and Marking Meso-Mammals for Short-Term Research","authors":"I. D. Parker, R. Lopez, N. Silvy, D. Davis, J. C. Cathey","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2012.8.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2012.8.7","url":null,"abstract":"We evaluated squeeze cages and water-soluble inks and dyes as methods for handling and marking of meso-mammals in a short-term capturerecapture study. Study animals exhibited no adverse physiological impacts from capture or marking techniques. We also observed no negative impacts on trap success for the duration of the study. We found these methods quick (5 minutes maximum hold time), safe (no observed injuries of animals or researchers) and reliable (effective marking and mark retention for a minimum of 12 days). Handling and marking techniques may be inappropriate or cost prohibitive for short-term meso-mammal studies. These studies are often characterized by large numbers of simultaneous animal captures that must be documented and marked quickly with limited personnel, but do not require long-term or permanent markings (e.g., ear tags, branding). Meso-mammals are loosely defined as mammals larger than rodents (though sometimes including the largest rodents) up to roughly foxsized mammals (Vulpes spp.) [1]. Handling and marking meso-mammals is a time intensive, expensive, and potentially dangerous undertaking that requires solid justification and methodological scrutiny. Research has linked wildlife capture, handling, handling duration, and marking with increased mortality and behavioral changes in study subjects; thus highlighting the need for safe and simplified methods [2,3,4,5]. Accepted guidelines now mandate a well-structured protocol that places emphases on the welfare of the study species and the safety of the researcher [6,7]. Current and past researchers have followed a variety of methodologies to balance the needs of the project with the obligations of ethical research. Methodologies for handling and marking generally follow similar frameworks: 1) immobilization either through physical restraint or chemical immobilization, 2) internal marking (e.g., Passive Integrated Transponders [PIT]), and 3) external marking (temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent marking [8]). Many of these techniques are unnecessary or impractical for short-term meso-mammal studies. For example, chemical immobilization often requires large time investments (60120 minutes per animal is typical) as researchers must carefully monitor animals","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"51 1","pages":"20-25"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90619517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Incremental Investment Value of Waterfowl Impoundments in the Upstate of South Carolina, USA","authors":"R. Clardy, W. M. Smathers, T. Straka","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2012.8.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2012.8.8","url":null,"abstract":"Financial incentives and economic factors play a role in expansion and survival of waterfowl in the Upstate of South Carolina. Satisfying a basic biological need, waterfowl impoundments are an effective way to ensure that migrating ducks have a food source, cover, and water on their journey south during the winter months (duck hunting season), but also year-round to ensure these birds return annually. Development of the region’s rural areas has resulted in a decrease in total area of flooded wetlands designated to waterfowl and a decline in waterfowl populations. At the same time, the willingness to pay to hunt ducks has escalated. South Carolinians drive across the United States in search for duck hunting when the same hunting experience could be created in their own backyard. The incremental value of creating a waterfowl impoundment was determined on five different properties in the Upstate of South Carolina (the study area). A discounted cost flow analysis approach was used that considered initial costs (a pond leveler, site preparation work, and blind building), recurring costs, and hunter revenue. The model also considered the opportunity cost of foregoing the harvest of planted crops on the land. Realistic examples are provided with corresponding net present values and geographic information system generated maps illustrate the layout of these impoundments. Waterfowl impoundments were found to produce significant financial return.","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"582 1","pages":"9-19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77808257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Status of long tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosa) and Conservation of the recovery population in Great Nicobar Island, India","authors":"K. Narasimmarajan, C. Raghunathan","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2012.8.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2012.8.6","url":null,"abstract":"We assessed the present status, distribution and abundance of long tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosa) in Great Nicobar Island (India) during November 2011 and February 2012. A total of 34 groups, comprising 1,133 monkeys were sighted, group size varying from 8 to 127 animals (mean ± SD = 33.32 ± 4.82); we compare them with previous reports of 2003 and 2006. However there were no significant changes between groups sighted in interior forest (N=13; 0.12 groups/km), whilst significant changes noticed in the number of groups sighted in coastal forest of the Island (N=21; 0.19 groups/km) and the survey results revealed that after tsunami the coastal population slowly recovering. However male/female ratio (1: 2.14) and adult/immature ratio (1: 1) are indicates a healthy population turnover respectively. After tsunami several homeless families were relocated to towards town side and/or interior part of the Island. Therefore several monkey groups were seen in the abundant coconut farms near coastal area; which were planted by Islanders who lived there before tsunami. Comprehensive human–monkey conflict was observed in interior part of the Island where monkeys destroyed the coconut farms and dogs were used to control monkey menace. Improving farm management and providing adequate compensation schemes are critical for successfully implementing such conservation efforts.","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"27 1","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88776474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response of mule deer to habitat modification near natural gas development","authors":"F. Dyke, A. Fox, S. Harju, M. Dzialak, L. D. Hayden-Wing, J. B. Winstead","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2012.8.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2012.8.5","url":null,"abstract":"Mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) are known to shift habitat use in response to environmental modifications, including those associated with energy development. Their specific behavioral responses, however, and capacities to habituate to particular aspects of energy development have not been effectively studied. We examined mule deer response to habitat alteration near natural gas wells in Las Animas County, Colorado, USA in 2008—2010, an area experiencing development for extraction of natural gas. We created 10-1 ha openings in forests adjacent to 10 wells by removing standing trees in 2008, with concomitant establishment of 10 1-ha control sites adjacent to the same wells. On each site, we estimated deer use, indexed by pellet density, before and after tree removal. Concurrently, we measured plant production, cover, nutritional quality, species composition and biomass removed by deer and other large herbivores. Species richness and diversity and graminoid and forb cover and biomass increased on cut sites following tree removal. Use increased following tree removal on cut and control sites, but was greater on cut sites in 2010. Herbivores removed negligible quantities of vegetation on control sites in both years, suggesting that control sites may have been used primarily for concealment. Mule deer demonstrated the behavioral capacity to habituate to habitat modifications and other environmental changes associated with development for the extraction of energy. Managing forage and habitat availability appears to have the potential to affect the type of response and degree of habituation by mule deer to such development.","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"94 1","pages":"50-69"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79603757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Home ranges of Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris L.) in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, Central India","authors":"Aniruddha Majumder, S. Basu, K. Sankar, Q. Qureshi, Y. V. Jhala, P. Nigam, R. Gopal","doi":"10.2461/WBP.2012.8.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2461/WBP.2012.8.4","url":null,"abstract":"The home range size is an important parameter required for effective conservation and management of a species. Home ranges of three radio collared Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigirs) (one adult female or AF, one adult male or AM and one sub-adult male or SAM) were studied between March 2008 and December 2011 in Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Madhya Pradesh, Central India. Using 95% Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP), the estimated home range of AF (n= 750 locations) was 43 km², AM (n= 118 locations) was 55.1 km2 and SAM (n= 734 locations) was 52.2 km2. Using 95% Fixed Kernel (FK), the home range of AF was 32.1 km², AM was 64.1 km2 and SAM was 19.1 km2. The core area of activity for each tiger as determined by 50% Fixed Kernel (FK) method was 6.2 km² for AF, 13.4 km2 for AM and 4.1 km2 for SAM. The estimated overlap area between AM and AF using 95% FK was 19.2 km² (65 %), whereas it was 15.4 km² (48%) between AF and SAM. The AF recruited three, four and five cubs in her 1st, 2nd and 3rd litter respectively. Minimum 44% of the original natal area was used by AF at the time of raising her 2nd litter and 46% in her 3rd litter. Though there was a gradual increase of annual home range observed for first two years but the core activity area remained considerably same for AF over the study period. The study revealed that minimum of 25 to 30 km² area was required for a breeding female in PTR where wild prey density (348.2/km²) was found to be high with adequate ground cover for the successful raising of cubs up to dispersal stage. The findings highlight the need for developing a long term monitoring system for tigers in PTR and surrounding habitats to understand the survival and dispersal patterns.","PeriodicalId":89522,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife biology in practice (Online)","volume":"12 1","pages":"36-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75137720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}