Presence-only data, pseudo-absences, and other lies about habitat selection
In: Ideas in ecology and evolution
ISSN: 1918-3178
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In: Ideas in ecology and evolution
ISSN: 1918-3178
In: Ecology and society: E&S ; a journal of integrative science for resilience and sustainability, Volume 22, Issue 3
ISSN: 1708-3087
In: American review of public administration: ARPA, Volume 32, Issue 1, p. 100
ISSN: 0275-0740
In: Environmental management: an international journal for decision makers, scientists, and environmental auditors, Volume 61, Issue 5, p. 719-731
ISSN: 1432-1009
Global biodiversity is decreasing rapidly. Parks and protected lands, while designed to conserve wildlife, often cannot provide the habitat protection needed for wide‐ranging animals such as the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Conversely, private lands are often working landscapes (e.g., farming) that have high human footprints relative to protected lands. In southwestern Alberta, road densities are highest on private lands and black bears can be hunted year‐round. On protected lands, road densities are lowest, and hunting is prohibited. On public lands under the jurisdiction of the provincial government (Crown lands), seasonal hunting is permitted. Population estimates are needed to calculate sustainable harvest levels and to monitor population trends. In our study area, there has never been a robust estimate of black bear density and spatial drivers of black bear density are poorly understood. We used non‐invasive genetic sampling and indices of habitat productivity and human disturbance to estimate density and abundance for male and female black bears in 2013 and 2014 using two methods: spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) and resource‐selection functions (RSF). Land tenure best explained spatial variation in black bear density. Black bear densities for females and males were highest on parkland and lowest on Crown lands. Sex ratios were female‐biased on private lands, likely a result of lower harvests and movement of females out of areas with high male density. Synthesis and application: Both SECR and RSF methods clearly indicate spatial structuring of black bear density, with a strong influence based on how lands are managed. Land tenure influences the distribution of available foods and risk from humans. We emphasize the need for improved harvest reporting, particularly for non‐licensed hunting on private land, to estimate the extent of black bear harvest mortality.
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In: Wildlife research, Volume 40, Issue 3, p. 250
ISSN: 1448-5494, 1035-3712
Context Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations have declined across most of North America. Wolf (Canis lupus) predation on adults is partially responsible for declines; however, caribou declines also can be attributed to low calf survival. Wolves and invading coyotes (C. latrans) may contribute to mortality of calves. Aim We assessed wolf and coyote food habits and population and individual level selection for caribou-preferred habitats (bogs and fens) during the caribou calving season (15 April to 30 June) in north-eastern Alberta, Canada, to determine what role these predators might play as a mortality factor for caribou calves. Methods We deployed global positioning system and very high-frequency (VHF) radio-collars on 32 wolves and nine coyotes in January 2006 – January 2008, and VHF collars on 42 adult female caribou individuals in 2003–08. We assessed wolf and coyote habitat selection using used-available resource-selection functions, and spatial overlap of wolves and coyotes with caribou using logistic regression to estimate coefficients for latent selection-difference functions. We collected and analysed scats to assess wolf and coyote food habits. Key results Wolves generally avoided caribou-preferred habitats, particularly bogs. Most coyotes selected caribou-preferred habitats (bogs and/or fens); however, relative to caribou, they were found closer to upland forests. Hair from adult and calf caribou was uncommon in wolf and coyote diet and caribou is likely to be an uncommon alternative prey for these predators. Conclusions We found that >25% of wolf packs and most coyotes selected caribou-preferred habitats during the calving season. Although caribou was not an important prey, limited secondary predation, by these predators and black bears (Ursus americanus), on adult and calf caribou is likely to be contributing to caribou population declines. Implications We caution that predation on caribou is likely to escalate as coyotes expand into this region and increasing human disturbance continues to create habitat for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), which is an important prey for both wolves and coyotes.
In: Phase C, Big game investigations study no. C-XI
Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are associated with sagebrush-steppe ecosystems of the Great Plains of North America. At the northern edge of their range in North Dakota, pronghorn have been exposed to a suite of changing conditions including severe winter weather, drought, predation, harvest, and rapid oil and gas development. Adult pronghorn counts in North Dakota have fluctuated over the past 40 years, with an increasing trend from 1974-2007, followed by a rapid decline from 2008-2012. This decline coincided with significant oil and gas development in pronghorn range, and several severe winters with cold temperatures and/or deep snow. Our primary objectives were to determine what factors were responsible for fluctuations in pronghorn abundance, and to identify key habitat features selected by adult female pronghorn. We were interested in whether increasing densities of well pads resulted in declines in abundance, and whether pronghorn avoided roads or well pads
In: Encyclopedias of the Natural World 4
This major reference is an overview of the current state of theoretical ecology through a series of topical entries centered on both ecological and statistical themes. Coverage ranges across scales—from the physiological, to populations, landscapes, and ecosystems. Entries provide an introduction to broad fields such as Applied Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Computational Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, Epidemiology and Epidemic Modeling, Population Ecology, Spatial Ecology and Statistics in Ecology. Others provide greater specificity and depth, including discussions on the Allee effect, ordinary differential equations, and ecosystem services. Descriptions of modern statistical and modeling approaches and how they contributed to advances in theoretical ecology are also included. Succinct, uncompromising, and authoritative—a "must have" for those interested in the use of theory in the ecological sciences