conservation.arizona.edu - Natural History

Status and density of the threatened Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori in a woodland savanna

aburnett93 — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:41:43 +0000

Authors

Kathan Bandyopadhyay

Bogdan Cristescu

Jeffrey Beck

John Koprowski

Laurie Marker

Additional Information

Journal of African Ornithology

Date of publication:

2023

Topics

habitat loss

Research Categories

Natural History

Adaptive management in a conservation breeding program: Mimicking habitat complexities facilitates reproductive success in narrow-headed gartersnakes (Thamnophis rufipunctatus)

aburnett93 — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:46:47 +0000

Authors

Brian Blais

Stuart Wells

Bradley Poynter

John Koprowski

Michael Garner

Ruth Allard

Mimicking natural parameters and complexities in zoo conservation breeding programs can facilitate natural physiological and behavioral traits, which in turn can inform more effective species reintroduction efforts. To curtail population declines of threatened narrow-headed gartersnakes (Thamnophis rufipunctatus), the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo partnered with a multiagency conservation working group to develop an ex situ propagation-for-release program. Initially, Zoo staff followed common snake husbandry protocols of manually inducing brumation (i.e., winter dormancy). Copulation was observed during the first few years, but no births resulted. Also, some older individuals developed post-brumation health abnormalities, prompting a strategic reassessment. To facilitate propagation and improve health, Zoo staff applied ecological knowledge of T. rufipunctatus and an adaptive management strategy to implement key parameters for success: sociality, refugia, breeding and foraging behaviors, and natural brumation. Zoo staff developed a large multisnake enclosure that mimicked natural ecological and habitat complexities including a hibernaculum to stimulate natural brumation. Gartersnakes were left mostly unimpeded to conduct natural behaviors across seasons in the enriched environment. We referenced change in body mass after ten brumation periods as a proxy for health. Under natural brumation, gartersnakes did not lose body mass, and this shift resulted in fully ex situ parturition events—the first for this imperiled species. We highlight the efficacy of adaptive management and incorporation of natural parameters and environmental complexities into conservation breeding programs. These actions can improve the health and success of animals under managed care—processes applicable to a range of taxa targeted for conservation translocations.

Additional Information

Zoo Biology

Date of publication:

2022

Research Categories

Natural History Threatened and Endangered Species

Bridging conservation across the ex situ‐in situ spectrum: Insights into the reproductive ecology of the threatened narrow‐headed gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus)

aburnett93 — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:51:07 +0000

Authors

Brian Blais

Stuart Wells

Bradley Poynter

Tara Harris

Ruth Allard

John Koprowski

Zoo‐based (ex situ) conservation breeding programs provide invaluable opportunities to uncover enigmatic behaviors and traits of focal species under managed care, which can support research and conservation management efforts. A suite of factors and a limited range have yielded population declines in the threatened narrow‐headed gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus). Better understanding its cryptic ecology and life history (e.g., reproductive ecology) offers conservation benefits. We analyzed data on courtship behavior, parity and litter size, offspring size, and neonatal growth from an ex situ T. rufipunctatus population at the Phoenix Zoo from 2009 to 2018. Courtship behavior and parturition phenology are likely linked with the North American monsoon season, yet the courtship window may be wider than realized. We document the first instances of interannual iteroparity and multigenerational rearing of successful breeders at the ex situ level. Litter sizes varied but were relative to maternal body mass, suggesting that fecundity may be driven by intrinsic condition (e.g., age and size) of breeding females. Mean offspring body masses were equivalent between sexes, and neonate growth trends were quadratic during their first 9 months. Sexual dimorphism became apparent around 4–5 months age. Much of these data are novel for T. rufipunctatus and provide insight into their reproductive ecology. Phenology of reproductive ecology and body size metrics can guide field surveillance, age estimations, and population ecology monitoring, as well as inform ex situ adaptive management practices. Strategies spanning the ex situ‐in situ spectrum are applicable to other imperiled taxa to better inform conservation management decisions.

Additional Information

Zoo Biology

Date of publication:

2022

Research Categories

Natural History Threatened and Endangered Species

Antelope Jackrabbit (Lepus alleni) Habitat Characteristics in a Former Rangeland

aburnett93 — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 23:35:26 +0000

Authors

Maria M. Altemus

Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto

David E. Brown

John L. Koprowski

Lacrecia A Johnson

Semi-desert grasslands in the southwestern United States have undergone significant ecological changes as a result of anthropogenic activities beginning in the 1800s. As efforts to restore semi-desert grasslands continue, importance should be placed on understanding the habitat requirements of species, and their relationships with other plants and animals. We examined habitat characteristics of antelope jackrabbits (Lepus alleni Mearns 1890) at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Arizona. We examined antelope jackrabbit habitat in relation to endangered Pima pineapple cacti (Coryphantha scheeri Kuntz var. robustispina Schott) and available freshwater sources. Dominant vegetation type and cover were measured at 247 points in antelope jackrabbit home ranges between October 2015 and December 2015. Additionally, we documented the proximity of antelope jackrabbit locations to Pima pineapple cacti and available water sources to determine whether antelope jackrabbits have a spatial relationship with this endangered cactus or water availability.Antelope jackrabbits did not select for habitat based on the vegetation characteristics we measured, proximity to Pima pineapple cacti or based on water availability (P > 0.05).Some jackrabbit species have indicated habitat structure preferences, and while antelope jackrabbits are most commonly associated with tropic-subtropic savannas, our study did not show that antelope jackrabbits select for specific vegetation types or a specific vegetation density, nor native grasses over non-native grasses. Antelope jackrabbits may encounter and eat Pima pineapple cactus opportunistically, as opposed to selecting habitat where Pima pineapple cactus occur. Additionally, antelope jackrabbits did not choose habitat based on the location of freshwater sources which may be because they do not need to drink water to survive and instead get their water needs from their food. Little information exists on how antelope jackrabbits select habitat. This study concluded that there is no relation between vegetation factors previously thought to influence antelope jackrabbit habitat selection and habitat use. Future studies based on larger-scale variables, like topography or predator pressure, may help in understanding the factors that influence how this species uses man-altered landscapes.

Additional Information

Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science

Date of publication:

2022

Research Categories

Natural History Spatial Ecology

Habitat Determinants and Density of the Endemic Sicilian Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca whitakeri on Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy

aburnett93 — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 23:32:06 +0000

Authors

Stefano Anile

Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto

Mario Lo Valvo

The assessment of the conservation status of a species is the first step to prevent local extinction and to plan appropriate, effective and scientifically sound conservation actions, hence knowledge of the distribution, population trends and characteristics of preferred habitat is crucial for the conservation of a species. Galliformes are facing increasing threats related to overhunting, habitat loss and fragmentation, and human disturbance. The Sicilian Rock Partridge (hereafter Rock Partridge) Alectoris graeca whitakeri is a significant conservation unit endemic to Sicily (Italy) classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to a decreasing population. Few studies have been conducted on the occurrence and population density of this subspecies. Here, we estimated its population density and identified which habitat factors drive the occurrence of this species on Mt. Etna. We used a combination of sampling methods (species-specific play-back calls, distance sampling, camera-trapping) to collect count and presence/absence data, which were then integrated into a single habitat model (presence vs. absence). We obtained 24 responses from play-back calls (plus 8 individuals observed while performing the play-back calls), 8 sightings from distance sampling, 6 detections from camera-trapping. Probability of occurrence of Rock Partridge on Mt. Etna was positively driven by shrub and meadow vegetation, whereas its occurrence decreased with an increase in both woody areas (coniferous and deciduous) and elevation. Population density estimated using play-back call data resulted in 0.80 pairs/km² (95% CI: 0.17–2.22) over an area of 53.7 km². The density of Rock Partridge on Mt. Etna appeared to have slightly declined and its distribution undergone a contraction since the previous survey. Several potential threats to the Rock Partridge in Sicily are currently increasing and should be mitigated to ensure the long-term survival of this unique population on Mt. Etna, as well as in the whole island of Sicily.

Additional Information

Acta Ornithologica

Date of publication:

2022

Research Categories

Natural History Population Ecology Spatial Ecology

A Review of Non-Invasive Sampling in Wildlife Disease and Health Research: What’s New?

aburnett93 — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 17:25:04 +0000

Authors

Anna-Katarina Schilling

Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto

Claudia Romeo

The interest in wildlife research has increased in the last decades as more scientists work within a One Health framework that regards human, livestock and wildlife health as connected entities. To minimise the impact of research on wildlife, collecting samples with as little disturbance of the animals as possible is important. In our review, we assess the use of so-called non-invasive sampling and summarise which samples can be used successfully when carrying out research on wildlife diseases and health status. Our results show that interest in minimally invasive sampling has steadily increased since the 2010s. Topics able to employ these methods include disease research, but also stress and other hormone assessments, pollution studies, and dietary studies. At the moment, such methods are mainly used to collect samples from land mammals, however, they can also be used in a wide range of other animals. Ever more capable analytical methods will allow for an even wider use of such “animal-friendly” sampling methods.

Additional Information

Animals

Date of publication:

2022

Topics

Disease ecology

non-invasive methods

Research Categories

Natural History Population Ecology

What’s on the menu? A presumed attack of Andean bear on a Mountain tapir at the Puracé National Natural Park, Colombia

mmerrick — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:28:52 +0000

Authors

Gustavo Adolfo Pisso-Florez

Ignacio Gómez-Lora

I. Mauricio Vela-Vargas

Héctor Pizo

Isaac Bedoya Dorado

Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves

Two iconic and charismatic species that inhabit the northern Andes of South America are the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). Both species can be found sympatrically in several areas of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. Despite their overlap in distribution, little is known about interactions between both species, with few reported cases of Andean bear attacks on the Mountain tapir. Here, we report a possible attack by an Andean bear on a Mountain tapir in the northern part of Puracé National Natural Park, Colombia based on strong wounds and marks on a tapir’s back and rump. The wounds match typical attack patterns generated by Andean bears and corroborates previous camera traps records of bears attacking tapirs in this locality.

Additional Information

Neotropical Biology and Conservation

Date of publication:

2021

Topics

Neotropical mammals

Andean bear

Andean forest

mountain tapir

protected areas

Research Categories

Behavioral Ecology Natural History Threatened and Endangered Species

Challenging hibernation limits of hoary bats: the southernmost record of Lasiurus cinereus hibernating in North America

mmerrick — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 22:56:54 +0000

Authors

Ganesh Marín

Daniel Ramos‑H

Daniela Cafaggi

Cárol Sierra‑Durán

Alejandra Gallegos

Aarón Romero‑Ruiz

Rodrigo A. Medellín

It has been suggested that Lasiurus cinereus cinereus migrates from summer roosts at higher latitudes to the coastal regions and southern latitudes in the United States and Mexico to overwinter, where little is known about its winter ecology. We found a hoary bat in a shrub in a conifer forest at high elevation in central Mexico in November 2019. We installed a camera trap and recorded it was hibernating for at least 12.7 days. Our record is by far the most southern hibernation location of tree bats in North America and it shows L. cinereus is capable of hibernating in a non-typical roost. We also open the possibility that camera traps may provide an additional, practical, and easy-to-use tool to study bat hibernation. Our finding expands the ultimate questions of why and where hoary bats decide to hibernate, migrate or both.

Additional Information

Mammalian Biology

Date of publication:

2020

Topics

Camera-trap

Central Mexico

Hibernation

Hoary bat

Non-typical roost

Tropic

Research Categories

Behavioral Ecology Natural History

Black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) reintroduction can limit woody plant proliferation in grasslands

mmerrick — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 20:43:34 +0000

Authors

Sarah L. Hale

John L. Koprowski

Steven R. Archer

Tree and shrub proliferation has been widespread in grasslands worldwide, and has altered ecosystem function and wildlife habitat. Several causes have been proposed for the woody plant encroachment phenomenon. The widespread eradication of a native keystone herbivore in North American grasslands, the prairie dog (Cynomys spp.), is one potential contributing factor that has received relatively little attention. We hypothesized prairie dogs would have historically suppressed woody plants by creating “browse traps” through their systematic clipping of vegetation. We tested this hypothesis by conducting surveys and experimentally manipulating shrub accessibility via exclosures and artificial saplings on and around recently reestablished black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies in southeastern Arizona, United States. Shrubs were common on the nascent colonies (mean ± SE = 132 ± 32.7 plants ha–1), but at substantially reduced densities compared to off colonies (305 ± 94.9 plants ha–1). Among branches placed on colonies to simulate “saplings” 89% were damaged within 3 days of “planting,” whereas those placed off colonies were virtually untouched. This was true for both a deciduous, N2-fixing shrub (velvet mesquite, Prosopis velutina) and an evergreen non-N2-fixing shrub (creosote bush, Larrea tridentata). Prairie dogs on newly established colonies did not extirpate woody plants over the time-frame of our study, but reduced their abundance and suppressed their growth, which would ostensibly prevent them from achieving dominance. Implications for extending the longevity of widely practiced “brush management” grassland restoration treatments are discussed in the context of perceptions of prairie dogs as rangeland pests. Prairie dogs represent an enigma in keystone conservation. Whereas the reintroduction of large or charismatic keystone species [e.g., sea otters (Enhydra lutris)] are conducted to restore critical ecological function, reintroductions of other keystone species, such as gray wolves (Canis lupus) and in our case, prairie dogs, are highly controversial. Our findings suggest reintroductions of this negatively perceived small herbivore could function as a tool to locally suppress woody plant proliferation that is widely regarded as an impediment to livestock production. Accordingly, prairie dogs could promote restoration efforts to re-establish and maintain habitat for grassland endemics while promoting biological diversity and other ecosystem services.

Additional Information

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

Date of publication:

2020

Topics

keystone species

browse trap

grasslands

restoration ecology

Research Categories

Behavioral Ecology Human Wildlife Conflict Natural History Threatened and Endangered Species

Timing of resource availability drives divergent social systems and home range dynamics in ecologically similar tree squirrels

mmerrick — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 23:15:21 +0000

Authors

Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto

Melissa Merrick

Francesco Bisi

John Koprowski

Luc Wauters

Adriano Martinoli

Intraspecific variation in home range size has important implications for the distribution of animals across landscapes and the spatial structuring of population, community, and ecosystem processes. Among species of similar trophic guild and body mass, differences in home range size can reflect extrinsic variables that exert divergent selective forces upon spacing behavior and social organization. We tested predictions about how resource availability and timing influence social system, home range size, and territoriality in two tree squirrel species of similar size and ecological niches but that differ in foraging strategy and social organization. We estimated home range size and intraspecific home range core overlap in the Mt. Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus fremonti grahamensis; Arizona USA; MGRS) and the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris; Alps, Italy; ERS) as functions of species, sex, season, and individual’s body mass. However, body mass did not explain differences found between the two species. We found MGRS home ranges being three times smaller with higher core area exclusivity compared to ERS in all seasons. In fact, territorial MGRS evolved in a system of brief resource pulses and are larder hoarders, whereas ERS experience prolonged resource availability and are non-territorial. Only male MGRSs increased their home range during the breeding season, reflecting interspecific differences in social organization and mating behavior. Male ERS home ranges always overlap with several females to enhance mating success although male and female MGRS maintain nearly exclusive territories throughout the year. Only during spring and summer do males temporarily leave their food-based territory to increase mating opportunities with neighboring estrus females. Home range comparisons between ecologically similar species emphasize the importance of divergent extrinsic factors in shaping variability in body size–home range size scaling relationships. Timing in resource availability influenced the social structure and space use in tree squirrels of similar body size, highlighting how the coevolution of arboreal squirrels with conifer tree species has shaped their natural history.

Additional Information

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

Date of publication:

2020

Topics

seed predators

home range

Eurasian red squirrel

Mt. Graham red squirrel

forest ecosystems

Research Categories

Natural History Population Ecology Sky Islands Spatial Ecology Threatened and Endangered Species