conservation.arizona.edu - conservation

Rushton, S. P., D. J. A. Wood, P. W. W. Lurz, and J. L. Koprowski. 2006. Modelling the population dynamics of the Mt. Graham red squirrel: Can we predict its future in a changing environment with multiple threats? Biological Conservation 131: 121-131.

thackerk1 — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:34:52 +0000

Authors

S.P. Rushton

D.J.A. Wood

P.W.W. Lurz

J.L. Koprowski

The Mt. Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis; MGRS) is among the most critically endangered mammals in the United States and is isolated on the periphery of the species’ range, potentially increasing its conservation priority. To investigate potential threats to the population and provide a tool for land managers, we developed a spatially explicit population dynamics model. We tested model predictions using available range-wide data from the literature and field work specific to the MGRS. A general model input data set using mean life history values overpredicted MGRS abundance. However, we found significant correlation with known squirrel abundance using a general data set with curtailed fecundity and survival. A model with MGRS-specific data provided the best fit to observed population size. We investigated potential impacts of two major threats to the MGRS: competition from introduced Abert’s squirrels (Sciurus aberti) and increased levels of predation. Predation and particularly competition could have significant effects on the future population of the MGRS. Careful attention must be used to model the viability of fringe populations as peripheral populations can have a different life history than populations found in the range core

Additional Information

Modelling the population dynamics of the Mt. Graham red squirrel: Can we predict its future in a changing environment with multi

Date of publication:

2006

Topics

conservation

Mount Graham Red Squirrel

introduced species

Abert’s squirrel

Influence of time and flood on diurnal mammal diversity and story level use in Igapó forest in the Peruvian Amazon.

thackerk1 — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 22:10:48 +0000

Authors

Rosa R. Palmer

John L. Koprowski

Rainforests support the highest biodiversity on Earth but are one of the most threatened ecosystems due to forest destruction and predicted effects of climate change. Mammals are an important component of rainforest ecosystems, and mammal diversity cannot be explained by forest type alone, but also by considering vertical stratification of the forest. We conducted surveys during a wet year and a dry year to estimate diversity of diurnal mammals that inhabit seasonally flooded forest in the Peruvian Amazon. We considered the vertical stratification of the forest to assess whether diversity varied by story level, and estimated alpha, beta, and gamma diversity. Mammal diversity did not differ between wet and dry years, although species richness was marginally higher in the wet year and evenness slightly low in both years. Mammal diversity differed by story level between years, but was the highest in the canopy in each year. Alpha diversity was higher in the dry year compared to the wet, and beta and gamma diversity were higher in the wet compared to the dry year. During the wet and dry year, the frequency of sightings of species was influenced by time of day and varied by story level. Protection of continuous, mature forests with large canopies has important conservation implications as these areas most likely protect the greatest diversity of mammals, while also providing shelter and food for other taxa.

Additional Information

Myster R. (eds) Igapó (Black-water flooded forests) of the Amazon Basin. Springer, Cham.

Date of publication:

2018

Topics

rainforest

threatened ecosystem

deforestation

climate change

conservation

management

Research Categories

Natural History

Should we consider individual behavior differences in applied wildlife conservation studies?

thackerk1 — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 23:14:47 +0000

Authors

Melissa J. Merrick

John L. Koprowski

Individually distinctive behavioral traits, or personalities, contribute to population-level processes and ecological interactions important in applied wildlife conservation research. Inter-individual variation in behavioral traits (personality) and correlation among behavioral traits (behavioral syndromes), can influence empirical estimates of population size and structure, models of resource selection and population dynamics, harvest and control in wildlife and fisheries populations, population response to disturbance and novel environments, and the success of reintroductions. Despite the important role that personality and behavioral syndromes play in the ecology and dynamics of wildlife populations, a disconnect between basic and applied research realms continues. While the concept of animal personalities and their role in ecology and evolution is increasingly embraced in the animal behavior, ecology, and evolutionary biology literature, it is less represented in applied wildlife management and conservation literature. We identify 10 research foci, often considered the domain of applied wildlife management and conservation, summarize examples of how these research domains may be influenced by personality and behavioral syndromes, and outline potential implications. We suggest that a focus on individuals in wildlife conservation study can bridge the gap between basic and applied research and incorporate knowledge from both realms towards more effective management, conservation, and recovery of populations.

Additional Information

Biological Conservation

Date of publication:

2017

Topics

animal personality

wildlife ecology

conservation

behavioral phenotype

Research Categories

Behavioral Ecology Population Ecology

Koprowski, J. L., S. R. B. King, and M. J. Merrick. 2008. Expanded home ranges in a peripheral population: space use by endangered Mt. Graham red squirrels. Endangered Species Research, 4:227-232.

thackerk1 — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 23:04:35 +0000

Authors

John L. Koprowski

Sarah R. B. King

Melissa J. Merrick

Peripheral populations are often of increased conservation value; however, knowledge of the ecological and evolutionary consequences of a peripheral location is poor. Spatial dynamics are often interpreted as strategies to maximize access to fitness-limiting resources. Red squirrels Tamiasciurus hudsonicus are territorial in western portions of their range and exhibit overlapping home ranges in eastern forests. Endangered Mt. Graham red squirrels T. hudsonicus grahamensis represent the southernmost extension of the species. We used radiotelemetry to assess space use and interindividual overlap of endangered Mt. Graham red squirrels. Squirrels maintained nearly exclusive 50% core areas; however, 95% ranges overlapped considerably, especially between males and females. Home ranges increased in summer for both males and females and may be related to sex-specific reproductive strategies. Ranges of Mt. Graham red squirrels in this peripheral population were nearly 10 times the size of red squirrels from other locations. The space use of this limital population suggests that resource availability may be substantially different than in other portions of the range.

Additional Information

Expanded home ranges in a peripheral population: space use by endangered Mt. Graham red squirrels

Date of publication:

2008

Topics

limital population

geographic range

Arizona

conservation

Mount Graham Red Squirrel

red squirrel

Mammals of Korea

mmerrick — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 18:57:45 +0000

Authors

Jo, Y.S.

Baccus, J. T.

Koprowski, J. L.

This book presents 127 species of Korean mammals describing their taxonomy, natural history, distribution, conservation, and management. Also, the book introduces hotspots for mammal watching, history of Korean mammalogy, and mammalian zoogeography of Korea.

Additional Information

IUCN Library

Date of publication:

2018

Topics

Korea

Mammals

International Wildlife

conservation

Research Categories

Natural History

International Wildlife Management

mmerrick — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 18:52:32 +0000

Authors

Koprowski, J. L.

Krausman, P. R.

Habitat loss, disease management, predator-human conflict, illegal trade—these are among the many conservation challenges faced by wildlife experts around the world. But how wildlife professionals approach these issues has historically been geographically fragmented. By providing a broad perspective on issues faced by wildlife on an international scale, the authors of International Wildlife Management make vital connections, drawing attention to underlying causes and strategies for mitigation that may look surprisingly similar from Montana to Zimbabwe.

Bringing together wildlife professionals from around the globe to discuss shared challenges, International Wildlife Management

• examines widespread patterns of wildlife loss
• covers key conservation strategies, including species reintroduction, community engagement, and wildlife commerce
• explores the urgent concerns of climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and poaching
• reviews major organizations involved in wildlife management at an international level, highlighting examples of cooperation among groups and nations in effective wildlife management efforts
• features stories of success and struggle from authors across 17 countries on 6 continents

This timely and thorough overview thinks big, assessing threats to wildlife on a global scale. Wild creatures don't recognize artificial geographic borders. This useful compendium demonstrates that researchers and scientists should follow their lead.

Contributors: Marissa C. G. Altmann, Walt Anderson, Victoria L. Atkin Dahm, Karen Bailey, Gabrielle Beca, Delwin E. Benson, Sandro Bertolino, Hsiang Ling Chen, Amar N. Choudhary, David Christianson, Colman O Criodan, Thomas Frazer, Mauro Galetti, José F. González-Maya, S. P. Goyal, Deborah M. Hahn, Menna Jones, Marta A. Jarzyna, Joseph M. Kiesecker, John L. Koprowski, Paul R. Krausman, Yves Lecocq, Shane P. Mahoney, Adriano Martinoli, Robert McCleery, Shekhar K. Niraj, David E. Naugle, John F. Organ, Shambhu Paudel, William F. Porter, Ronald J. Regan, Carlos Ruiz-Miranda, Andrea Santangeli, Shreya Sethi, Julie Shapiro, Uday Sharma, Craig Spencer, Ron Swaisgood, Chiachun Tsai, Bob van den Brink, Basile van Havre, Wouter van Hoven, Gonzalo Medina Vogel, Dun Wang, Lucas A. Wauters, Samantha Wisely, Wei Hua Xu, Tsuyoshi Yoshida, Diego A. Zárrate-Charry, Jing Jing Zhang, Patrick Zollner, Benjamin Zuckerberg

Additional Information

https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/title/international-wildlife-management

Date of publication:

2019

Topics

International wildlife management

conservation