Wyniki wyszukiwania

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Home ranges of brown hares in a natural salt marsh: comparisons with agricultural systems

100%

Kunst P. J. G., Van der Wal R., Van Wieren S.

Acta Theriologica

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2001

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tom 46

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nr 3

This is the first study on spatial behaviour of brown hares Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778 based on radio-telemetry in a natural system, which we contrast with data from agricultural systems. Radio tracking took place in a Dutch salt marsh over a 10-month period, with intensive tracking sessions during April/May and December/January. Six hares could be followed in both periods and in total 1224 fixes were collected. Average home range size was calculated as 28.7 ± 8.5 ha when using Adaptive Kernell method (Mimimum Convex Polygon: 27.3 ± 9.0 ha) on 90% of all fixes. Such values are in the lower end of the range of those obtained for agricultural systems. Home range size did not differ between sexes, day and night, or across seasons. However, the size of the core range (50% of fixes) was twice as large in May compared to the winter period, and thus inversely related to food availability. Unlike in agricultural systems, use of space by hares did not change over the course of the season. This probably reflects the patchy nature of the natural habitat which provides food and shelter throughout the year in a confined area.

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Do male roe deer clump together during the rut?

100%

Melis C., Cagnacci F., Lovari S.

Acta Theriologica

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2005

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tom 50

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nr 2

Movement s an d habitat use of 7 male and 7 female roe deerCapreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758) were studied by radioteleme try from March 1999 to February 2001. Annual and bimonthly home ranges of males were small (ca 10 ha, 95% kernel), with large overlap among individuals throughout the year. Exclusive core areas (ca 0.4 ha, 25% kernel) were concentrated in the forest, a limited and sought-after resource in the study area. The difference in overlap between male exclusive core areas and female home ranges in the pre-rut and rut periods suggested that females made excursions to search for territorial males during the rut Our results support the mating strategy hypothesis of territorial behaviour Different space use patterns occurred between the sexes, with females apparently playing an active role in mate choice by visiting males at clumps of core areas in the forest.

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Population dynamics and spatial behaviour of Microtus tatricus [Arvicolinae, Rodentia]

84%

Ruda M., Kocian L., Martinkova N., Ziak D.

Acta Theriologica

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2010

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tom 55

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nr 1

81-88

The population dynamics of the Tatra vole Microtus tatricus (Kratochvíl, 1952) (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) was monitored as part of a long-term study (1996–2008) of demography of small mammals conducted in Western Tatra Mountains—Roháče, Slovakia. We observed low abundance and population densities and a balanced sex ratio but slightly more frequent captures of females. Reproductively active Tatra voles were significantly larger and heavier than reproductively inactive voles. Reproduction in both sexes tended to begin in early spring, and females moved less than males. Individuals start to reproduce after overwintering. Spatial characteristics differed between sexes, with home range size, distance travelled, and observed range length being non-significantly greater in males than in females, suggesting greater male mobility. Females remained longer on the site than did males. Mature individuals of both sexes exhibited territoriality during the peak of breeding season in spring. Home range overlap occurred more often within females, and mainly in summer and autumn.

4

Calibration of remotely collected acceleration data with behavioral observations of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)

84%

Heurich M., Traube M., Stache A., Lottker P.

Acta Theriologica

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2012

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tom 57

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nr 3

Long-term, remote monitoring of animals under natural conditions is essential for obtaining information on animal activity. Advances in biotelemetry have led to the construction of low-power accelerometers placed on Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. Such acceleration data from roe deer have not yet been classified to the various behavioral categories. Here, we determined the threshold values of such data for different behavioral categories. We equipped captive roe deer with Global Positioning System–Global System for Mobile Communications/dual-axis acceleration sensor neck collars and simultaneously measured their movement and observed their behavior. The difference between feeding and slow locomotion was significant on the x- but not the y-axis, and both of these two behavioral categories differed significantly from resting and fast locomotion. Specific thresholds for the behavioral categories—resting, feeding, and slow and fast locomotion—were established by recursive partitioning. We compared the behavior determined by these threshold values with observed behavior and found that 92% of the behavioral categories were correctly assigned. A comparison of our results with those of earlier studies showed that thresholds derived for one species cannot be directly applied to another species. We provide recommendations for the further development of acceleration sensors based on the results obtained in this study.

5

Seasonal range use by European mouflon rams in medium altitude mountains

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Dubois M., Quenette P. Y., Bideau E., Magnac M. P.

Acta Theriologica

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1993

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tom 38

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nr 2

The dynamics of spatial distribution was followed in 18 radio-collared male mouflons Ovis ammon musimon (Pallas 1811) belonging to a population living in low mediterranean mountains. It was greatly modified with age and a marked interindividual variability was observed in young males. The modification of spatial behaviour appeared to be based on the process of progressive segregation of the sexes outside the rutting period. Spatial distribution by adult males seems to be more structured. However, ceHain males of at least 4 years of age were seen to be sedentary throughout the annua] cycle which suggests that the social segregation of the sexes does not necessarly involve spatial segregation. The hypothesis of neotenization in males of the genus Ovis is supported. The rut gTound is used with fidelity, being a site of particular spatial attachment, which could be related to the fact that it seems to bo the birth site. Nevertheless, with age, fréquentation of the birth site steadily become reduced to functional use related to rutting activities.

6

Chemical information, scent trails and spatial behaviour of small forest rodents. A review

84%

Kozakiewicz M., Kozakiewicz A.

Electronic Journal of Polish Agricultural Universities. Series Biology

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2004

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tom 07

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nr 2

Numerous authors indicate a significant role of chemical information (scent) left in the environment in communication between individuals in natural mammal populations. The basic functions of olfactory signals in small forest rodents are believed to include information related to reproduction: identification of sex, age, sexual status and social position of prospective sexual partners. It seems that scent-marking of movement routes thus creating a network of scent trails in the environment, channelling animal movements and making finding the way easier (particularly in case of long-distance movements) is another very important function of scent marking. Some examples of field experiments that confirmed the concept of scent trails are presented and discussed. However, some experiments suggest that besides the use of olfactory information animals have also other possibilities of finding the way in unknown space.

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Spatial behaviour of European mink Mustela lutreola and polecat Mustela putorius in southwestern France

84%

Fournier P., Maizeret C., Fournier-Chambrillon C., Ilbert N., Aulagnier S., Spitz F.

Acta Theriologica

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2008

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tom 53

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nr 4

The European minkMustela lutreola Linnaeus, 1761 and the European polecatMustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758 are sympatric in southwestern France. They are related species but the former is highly threatened whereas the latter maintains good populations. Nine European mink and 14 polecats were radiotracked in the Landes de Gascogne region to compare their space use and to identify appropriate conservation measures for the European mink. Resting animals were located once a day and active animals were tracked by continuous monitoring. European mink had linear home ranges whose sizes were larger than predicted by Johnson’s model (mean±SD=2971±1888 ha in males and 257±113 ha in females). They travelled long inter-day distances (1.4±1.9 km in males and 0.4±0.6 km in females). Polecats had home ranges of various shapes (linear, circular or combined) and their sizes were consistent with Johnson’s model (707±779 ha in males and 51±58 ha in females). They also had shorter inter-day distances than mink (0.7±0.9 km in males and 0.2±0.4 km in females). However male polecats had longer activity bouts than male mink. Thus European mink exhibit large movements between small and distant activity areas while polecats compensate for their smaller range by a higher activity in restricted areas. The behaviour of the European mink appears to be an adaptation to habitats scattered over linear ranges. This extensive use of space suggests that conservation of this endangered species cannot be achieved in the confinement of Europe’s natural reserves. Conservation plans should aim at maintaining high quality habitats along entire river networks and ensuring safe movements for the animals, preventing particularly the risk of collisions with vehicles.

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Foraging ecology and spatial behaviour of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a wet grassland ecosystem

67%

Meisner K., Sunde P., Clausen K. K., Clausen P., Faelled C. C., Hoelgaard M.

Acta Theriologica

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2014

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tom 59

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nr 3

We investigated diet composition, habitat selection and spatial behaviour of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in relation to the availability of wader nests in a coastal polder area in southwest Denmark. The predatory role of the red fox in wet grassland ecosystems has profound implications for conservation status of declining populations of grassland breeding waders. However, few studies have focussed on the foraging ecology and behaviour of the red fox in these landscapes. Faecal analyses revealed that fox diet consisted of birds (43 % of prey remains / 32 % of biomass), rodents (39 % / 21 %), sheep (mainly as carrion, 14 % / 41 %) and lagomorphs (4 % / 7 %). Charadriiformes (including waders) comprised 3–12 % of prey remains throughout the year. Telemetry data and spotlight counts indicated that foxes did not select areas with high densities of breeding waders, suggesting that foxes did not target wader nests while foraging. Foxes maintained stable home ranges throughout their lives, indicating that the area sustained a permanent fox population all year round. The population densities, estimated from spotlight surveys, were 0.74 visible foxes km−2 (95 % CI; 0.34–1.61) on the preferred breeding habitat for waders and 1.21 km−2 in other open habitats such as cultivated fields. Our results indicate that red fox predation on wader nests is incidental, consistent with the notion that red foxes are generalist predators that opportunistically subsist on many prey groups.

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Effect of fox hunting with small hound packs on spatial behaviour of brown hares

67%

Zaccaroni M., Biliotti N., Caroli M., Sereni E., Dessì-Fulgheri F.

Acta Theriologica

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2012

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tom 57

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nr 3

Control of red fox Vulpes vulpes populations is a fundamental game management tool used by hunters interested in increasing prey populations. In Italy, a popular method to control fox populations is hunting with small hound packs. The effects of this hunting technique on non-target species such as the brown hare Lepus europaeus, are unknown. In this study, we analysed for the first time the effects of fox hunting with hound packs on brown hares tagged with VHF collars. Our results showed that hunting with four trained hounds did not significantly modify the spatial behaviour of the brown hare.

10

Spatial behaviour and population dynamics of woodland rodents

67%

Mazurkiewicz M., Rajska-Jurgiel E.

Acta Theriologica

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1998

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tom 43

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nr 2

Population dynamics and spatial behaviour of the vole Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber, 1780) and the yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis (Melchior, 1834) were studied for 7 years in woodland of Kampinos National Park, Poland. Mice were more mobile and less site-tenacious than voles. Annual peaks ranged from 9 to 104 voles and from 4 to 62 mice per ha. The highest densities of both species were preceded by winter breeding. The greatest movement range and the longest distance moved were observed in the years of low density, whereas in the high density year both species were least mobile and most site-tenacious. Intensive movements in the low density years led to early maturation, high turnover rates, and probably increased mortality. Low mobility and high site tenacity in the high density year enhanced population growth and suppressed maturation. Increasing density and cessation of breeding accounted for declining juvenile recruitment. Differences in movement patterns between years of low and high density were coupled with differences in the autumn age structure and winter mortality of both species.

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Spatial behaviour of adult male Alpine ibex Capra ibex ibex in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

67%

Parrini F., Grignolio S., Luccarini S., Bassano B., Apollonio M.

Acta Theriologica

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2003

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tom 48

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nr 3

During a two year preliminary study, the spatial organization of a group of male Alpine ibex Capra ibex ibex Linnaeus, 1758 was examined in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Western Italian Alps, Italy. From December 1995 to January 1998 we measured annual, seasonal home range and home range during the rut, plus altitudinal migration of 13 radio-collared adult Alpine ibex. The small annual home range size showed a traditional use of space, confirmed by the high overlapping values between home ranges of consecutive years: the ibex used the same places from year to year. This was also true during periods of rut. Home ranges closely overlapped in consecutive ruts, while their size changed from winter to winter. Snow cover limited the movements of the ibex; winter and spring home ranges were smaller than those in summer and autumn. Mean vertical movement patterns were similar in the two years, showing the highest values in summer and the lowest in spring. Space use was never proportional to availability for each altitudinal range.

12

Habitat selection and home range size of field voles Microtus agrestis in Slowinski National Park, Poland

67%

Borowski Z.

Acta Theriologica

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2003

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tom 48

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nr 3

Habitat preference, home range size and intra-specific overlap were investigated in summer 1998 among field voles Microtus agrestis (Linnaeus, 1761) in Słowiński National Park (N Poland). Eight individuals (2 females, 6 males) were radio-tracked for one week in August. Field voles were shown to exhibit a marked preference for meadow and the ecotone between grassland and habitats with common reed, while avoiding alder forest and proper reedbeds. No significant differences between night and day in habitat-use of voles were noted. The results suggest that, at the end of the breeding season, it was food resources, rather than the risk of predation, played an important role in the voles' utilisation of space. The home ranges of males were larger and more diverse than those of females; their sizes being correlated with body mass, such that heavier males had larger home ranges. This further suggests that intra-sexual competition exists between males for females. The low number of females influenced their spatial behaviour, as females had completely exclusive home ranges. Four males (out of six) had overlapping home ranges with other males; three of the overlaps were of less than 20%. Attributes of promiscuity (such as a 3.5:1 operational sex ratio of males to females, intra-sexual competition between males and the territorial exclusivity of females) influenced the social system. However, the period of radio-tracking during this study was too short to define accurately the social system in the field vole population.

Ograniczanie wyników

Home ranges of brown hares in a natural salt marsh: comparisons with agricultural systems

Do male roe deer clump together during the rut?

Population dynamics and spatial behaviour of Microtus tatricus [Arvicolinae, Rodentia]

Calibration of remotely collected acceleration data with behavioral observations of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)

Seasonal range use by European mouflon rams in medium altitude mountains

Chemical information, scent trails and spatial behaviour of small forest rodents. A review

Spatial behaviour of European mink Mustela lutreola and polecat Mustela putorius in southwestern France

Foraging ecology and spatial behaviour of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a wet grassland ecosystem

Effect of fox hunting with small hound packs on spatial behaviour of brown hares

Spatial behaviour and population dynamics of woodland rodents

Spatial behaviour of adult male Alpine ibex Capra ibex ibex in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

Habitat selection and home range size of field voles Microtus agrestis in Slowinski National Park, Poland