Showing papers in "European Journal of Wildlife Research in 2010"

Do intensive drive hunts affect wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) spatial behaviour in Italy? Some evidences and management implications

Abstract: Wild boar have been increasing in numbers all over Western Europe in the last 30 years. The species is a major pest for agriculture, but it has a high value as a game species, and in Italy, as in several other countries, it is traditionally hunted in drive hunts by hunting teams with several dogs. This hunting method can have disruptive effects on the demography and spatial behaviour of wild boar, especially family groups. We conducted a 2-year study (2003 and 2004) to determine the effects of drive hunt disturbance on the spatial behaviour of wild boar family groups in the Northern Apennines (central Italy). Twenty wild boar belonging to ten family groups were ear tagged with a radio device. We located resting sites daily and used intensive tracking sessions during drive hunts. Three seasons were determined: pre-hunting, hunting and post-hunting. A general pattern of increased spatial instability during the hunting season was shown. Resting ranges were larger, and resting sites were more interspersed. Distances between consecutive resting sites were greater during the hunting season and, especially, on hunting days. The displacement of family groups caused by drive hunts was generally short lived except for those groups that were repeatedly hunted and so abandoned their pre-hunt (native) range. During drive hunts, wild boar showed a moderate tolerance to hunting disturbance, and only family groups which were directly chased by dogs escaped or altered their behaviour. The response of wild boar to hunting disturbance seemed to be highly related to the degree of hunting pressure combined with individual variability. The impact on wild boar behaviour should be reduced, above all by avoiding repeated hunts in the same areas within a short period and by employing well-trained hounds.

Influence of multi-scale landscape structure on the occurrence of carnivorous mammals in a human-modified savanna, Brazil

Abstract: Sao Paulo is the most developed state in Brazil and contains few fragments of native ecosystems, generally surrounded by intensive agriculture lands. Despite this, some areas still shelter large native animals. We aimed at understanding how medium and large carnivores use a mosaic landscape of forest/savanna and agroecosystems, and how the species respond to different landscape parameters (percentage of landcover and edge density), in a multi-scale perspective. The response variables were: species richness, carnivore frequency and frequency for the three most recorded species (Puma concolor, Chrysocyon brachyurus and Leopardus pardalis). We compared 11 competing models using Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and assessed model support using weight of AIC. Concurrent models were combinations of landcover types (native vegetation, "cerrado" formations, "cerradao" and eucalypt plantation), landscape feature (percentage of land- cover and edge density) and spatial scale. Herein, spatial scale refers to the radius around a sampling point defining a circular landscape. The scales analyzed were 250 (fine), 1,000 (medium) and 2,000 m (coarse). The shape of curves for response variables (linear, exponential and power) was also assessed. Our results indicate that species with high mobility,P. concolor and C. brachyurus, were best explained by edge density of the native vegetation at a coarse scale (2,000 m). The relationship between P. concolor and C. brachyurus frequency had a negative power-shaped response to explanatory variables. This general trend was also observed for species richness and carnivore frequency. Species richness and P. concolor frequency were also well explained by a second concurrent model: edge density of cerradao at the fine (250 m) scale. A different response was recorded for L. pardalis, as the frequency was best explained for the amount of cerradao at the fine (250 m) scale. The curve of response was linearly positive. The contrasting results (P. concolor and C. brachyurus vs L. pardalis )m ay be due to the much higher mobility of the two first species, in comparison with the third. Still, L. pardalis requires habitat with higher quality when compared with other two species. This study highlights the importance of considering multiple spatial scales when evaluating species responses to different habitats. An important and new finding was the prevalence of edge density over the habitat extension to explain overall carnivore distribution, a key information for planning and management of protected areas.

Dietary shifts in two vultures after the demise of supplementary feeding stations: consequences of the EU sanitary legislation

Abstract: Among vertebrates, specialization in scavenging has appeared only in “true” Gyps vultures, which usually base their diet almost exclusively on carcasses of medium and large-sized mammals, whereas all other scavengers rely on broader ranges of prey. The availability of food for scavengers in Western Europe has not been limited during recent decades permitting the existence and growth of huge vulture populations. From 2000 onwards, however, EU sanitary legislation has progressively limited the abandonment of dead animals in the field resulting in a sudden reduction of food availability with unknown ecological and conservation consequences. Here, we examine the dietary response of a tandem of carrion eaters, the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) and the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), showing different degrees of dietary specialization. Our results showed that after the reduction in numbers of supplementary feeding stations (vulture restaurants) the niche breadth of the griffon vulture has broadened and now includes significant amounts of wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and garbage. The diet of the Egyptian vulture, on the contrary, did not vary substantially. The diet overlap showed patterns probably conditioned by interspecific competition and the progressive exploitation of unpredictable carcasses. On a short-term scale, consequences for smaller scavengers could be negative due to the monopolization of resources by the dominant and much more abundant griffon vulture, however in the long-term all guild species would benefit from the exploitation of unpredictable carcasses, which could enhance the possibilities of coexistence.

Agricultural ponds as alternative habitat for waterbirds: spatial and temporal patterns of abundance and management strategies

Abstract: The progressive lost of natural wetlands as a consequence of human activities has lead to the use of new habitats by the species linked to water presence. In Southeast Spain, thousands of irrigation ponds have been lately constructed to store water for agriculture and are used by waterbirds as an alternative habitat. For this study, breeding and wintering waterbirds were counted in a subset of irrigation ponds between 2002 and 2007. Breeding communities were more abundant than wintering communities, but they presented a similar richness and diversity. The ponds were selected by waterbirds according to their characteristics, and breeding communities were more selective than wintering communities. Our results enhance the importance of pond size (area), connectivity (distance to the nearest wetland) and habitat quality (resource offer and construction material) in the pond selection process. The presence and design of these impoundments could be playing a crucial role for some waterbirds species. Therefore, the long-term information provided here can be useful for establishing management strategies for these artificial wetlands.

Hunter feedback of individually marked wild boar Sus scrofa L.: dispersal and efficiency of hunting in northeastern Germany

Abstract: Increasing wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) population densities all over Europe cause severe economic problems. For understanding mechanisms of epidemics, the knowledge of dispersal is required. Thus, we investigated dispersal rates and distances with regard to sex and age of wild boar in southwestern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. From 152 marked wild boar, 105 have been registered as dead, of which, 51% were males and 49% females. Forty-five percent were shot as piglets, 41% as yearlings, and 14% as adults. The distance between capture site and site of death ranged between 184 m and 41.5 km. Piglets were shot closer to their capture site (mean distance 1 km) than older animals (mean 4 km), although this difference was only significant for males. In general, males tended to disperse further before being shot (3.8 km) than females (1.6 km). Only 3.8% of all animals were shot at distances larger than 10 km. As most animals (84.6%) were shot inside their natal home range, only a small proportion (15.4%) did actually disperse (shot outside mothers home range), which is 32% of all animals surviving to the age of yearlings. Of those dispersed animals, 25% were females. The low dispersal rate is biased by female philopatry and allows actual dispersal only at very high population densities or in sparsely populated regions. In consideration for the low natural mortality proved by radio-tagged animals, the harvest rate is lower than the net reproduction. We did not detect any sex-biased hunting. The dominating hunting method was single hunt at bait, although drive hunts are highly effective. However, hunting rates on piglets and females were too low for regulating the population.

Mortality of bats at wind turbines links to nocturnal insect migration

Abstract: This note is based on a literature search and a recent review of bat mortality data from wind farms in Europe (published elsewhere). We suggest that mortality of bats at wind turbines may be linked to high-altitude feeding on migrating insects that accumulate at the turbine towers. Modern wind turbines seem to reach high enough into the airspace to interfere with the migratory movements of insects. The hypothesis is consistent with recent observations of bats at wind turbines. It is supported by the observation that mortality of bats at wind turbines is highly seasonal (August–September) and typically peaks during nights with weather conditions known to trigger large-scale migratory movements of insects (and songbirds). We also discuss other current hypotheses concerning the mortality of bats at wind turbines.

Moose summer and winter diets along a large scale gradient of forage availability in southern Norway

Abstract: Studies on dietary functional responses in large herbivores are traditionally conducted by following individual animals. The method is very time-consuming, and hence, typically provides only a narrow array of forage species compositions. Here we use a range level approach to look at moose (Alces alces) selectivity for and utilization of forage species in relation to availability in both summer and winter. We compare 12 Norwegian ranges representing a large scale gradient in plant communities. The most important forage species in the diet were birches (Betula spp., comprising 43% of all trees browsed in summer and 27% in winter), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia, 25% of trees browsed in summer, 37% in winter), and bilberry (Vaccinum myrtillus, 42% of herbaceous epidermal fragments in summer feces). Selectivity for birches was positively related to its availability and negatively related to availability of rowan, Salix spp., and aspen (Populus tremula) together (all more selected for than birches). Multiple regression models including availability of several forage species were thus superior to single-species models in explaining the diet content of main forage plants. Selectivity for birches was also stronger in summer than in winter, while the opposite pattern was found for rowan. The finding is relevant for our evaluation of the quality of summer and winter ranges, and hence, their relative influence on population productivity. Our study underlines the need to incorporate species composition of available forage when quantifying dietary functional responses in selective herbivores such as moose. Furthermore, care should be taken when extrapolating data on moose diet across ranges or seasons.

The good bad wolf—wolf evaluation reveals the roots of the Finnish wolf conflict

Abstract: This article focuses on the roots of the Finnish wolf conflict by using stakeholder evaluations of the wolf as a tool. The recent growth of the wolf population has highlighted stakeholders’ contradictory objectives and revealed a conflict between the two main stakeholders, conservationists and hunters, in wolf management. The question of hunting emerges as the core of the conflict. The negative evaluation of the wolf by hunters reflects a competitive situation, which is typical of the historical development of wolf management in Finland. In areas with the most abundant wolf populations, hunters view the wolf most negatively. This study clearly demonstrates that the Finnish wolf conflict is rooted in the values of modern society and carries a long historical, practical and ecological background in which humans and wolves compete over resources, mainly the moose. The conflict between hunters and conservationists in wolf management is connected to the appreciation of moose as game and stems from competition between humans and wolves over their prey and the historical presence or absence of the wolf.

The accuracy of scat identification in distribution surveys: American mink, Neovison vison, in the northern highlands of Scotland

Abstract: Distribution data for elusive species are often based on detection of field signs rather than of the animal itself. However, identifying field signs can be problematic. We present here the results of a survey for American mink, Neovison vison, in the northern highlands of Scotland to demonstrate the importance of verifying field sign identification. Three experienced surveyors located scats, which they identified as mink scats, at seven of 147 sites surveyed and “possible” mink scats at a further 50 sites. Mitochondrial DNA was successfully extracted from 45 of 75 (60%) scats, collected from 31 of the 57 “positive” sites; sequencing of amplified DNA fragments showed that none of these scats was actually of mink origin. We consider the implications of erroneous survey data and the potential waste of resources and misdirection of conservation/management actions. We discuss potential methods that may be useful to verify field sign identification, including the use of DNA analysis, and stress that verification is crucial to ensure rigorous and reliable survey data.

Noninvasive genetic studies of brown bears using power poles

Abstract: One difficulty in the conservation of endangered wildlife is the lack of reliable information on its status. This lack of knowledge can often be attributed to financial and logistic constraints as well as the lack of trained personnel to collect data. We test a simple method to study bears in the southern Balkans by inspecting power poles, which are used by bears for marking and rubbing purposes. We created a network of barbed-wire fitted poles for the collection of hair samples, evenly distributed throughout six study areas. During 87 sampling sessions in the main study area, we collected 191 samples and identified six microsatellite loci that were variable enough for individual bear identification. The most and best-quality hair samples were collected during the mating period, and DNA was most successfully extracted from samples remaining <4 weeks in the field. In the six study areas, we identified 47 bears. An advantage of using power poles for hair sampling is their availability and accessibility; no bait is required, and the network can be easily set up. A drawback may be an unequal capture probability of sex and age classes of bears. Despite this limitation, using power poles proved to be a simple and cheap method for the noninvasive genetic study of bears that did not require any prior knowledge on habitat use and activity patterns. The method is suitable for large-scale surveys to estimate distribution and relative densities of bears and could also be applied for studying other species.

Ecological succession and habitat attributes affect the postfire response of a Mediterranean reptile community

Abstract: Wildfires are recognized as natural disturbances that have shaped landscape structure and ecosystem composition in many regions of the world. As ectotherms, many Mediterranean reptiles are expected to benefit from the thermal quality of open areas created by fires. However, not all the reptile species respond positively to this pattern. We have explored the response to fire of a Mediterranean reptile community in a protected area of the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. We visually searched for reptiles at 102 sites, including unburnt, recently burnt (2003), and old burnt (1985–1986) localities. The number of reptiles and species richness was higher at burnt sites, and both were related to several variables of the habitat structure. Accordingly, between the two most common species in recently burnt sites, Podarcis hispanica declined in old fire habitats whereas Psammodromus algirus did not. Snakes did not differ between burnt and unburnt areas, although the ambush predator viper Vipera latastei was found more frequently in unburnt habitats. Our results imply that there are different succession trajectories for Mediterranean reptile species according to their habitat preferences, life history traits, and dietary specialization. The study area has been drastically human-altered in the last 100 years by agriculture, pine reforestation, agricultural abandonment, and wildfires. These land use changes drastically alter the vegetation cover, favoring some reptiles and damaging others, and finally can promote local extinctions of sensitive species to habitat shifts.

Space use and territoriality of wolverines (Gulo gulo) in northern Scandinavia

Abstract: Space use and territoriality influence population structure and dynamics and is therefore an important aspect in understanding the ecology of animals. We investigated spatial and temporal space use of wolverines (Gulo gulo) in northern Scandinavia. We estimated home ranges of 24 radio-marked individuals (17 females and seven males). Male home ranges (mean 669 km2; SE = 211) were significantly larger than female home ranges (mean 170 km2; Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney; P = 0.001) and encompassed or included parts of up to five different females. Home range sizes of reproducing (170 km2; SE = 51) and barren (171 km2; SE = 63) adult females did not differ. Wolverines in Scandinavia exhibit intrasexual territoriality, with male home ranges totally exclusive and female home ranges either exclusive or with little home range overlap. Overlap between wolverine territories is most likely explained by intrasexual tolerance and kinship.

Satellite telemetry reveals individual variation in juvenile Bonelli’s eagle dispersal areas

Abstract: Natal dispersal is the time elapsed between departing from the natal site and settling to attempt breeding for the first time. In long-lived species with deferred sexual maturity this period may last several years, making this process crucial for their survival and conservation. Here we present a large-scale outline of juvenile Bonelli’s eagle’s dispersal areas in the Iberian Peninsula. We describe the ranging and movement patterns of 14 juvenile Bonelli’s eagles during their dispersal period, studied by satellite telemetry. Three distinct phases during the juveniles’ first year of life were detected, namely, the dependence period, the departure from the parental territory, and the settlement in dispersal areas. In general, between-sex differences in relation to ranging behavior were not significant. Interestingly, there seems not to be a few, clearly delimited, overlapping Bonelli’s eagle’s juvenile dispersal areas within the Iberian Peninsula. A total of 17 dispersal areas were detected, with some animals using more than one. These areas were located in eight autonomous communities (Spanish administrative units), being the most important Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucia. Juveniles were more frequently located in cultivated man-managed areas, with non-irrigated herbaceous crops. This is probably due to higher prey availability and higher efficiency in prey capture in these open areas, as well as to the absence of breeding pairs. This has important management implications, suggesting that conservation efforts should focus on the whole landscape matrix of man-managed ecosystems rather than in a few clearly delimited geographic areas.

Stone marten (Martes foina) habitat in a Mediterranean ecosystem: effects of scale, sex, and interspecific interactions

Abstract: Mediterranean ecosystems are inherently patchy, challenging habitat-use behavior. Certain mammalian carnivores take advantage of this patchiness by a strategy of habitat complementation/supplementation, which is invariant to the scale of analysis. To test if the same behavior is adopted by the stone marten, we used a combined data set of capture and radio-tracking data at three scales of analysis (1-m, 25-m, and 452-m radius plots). We used compositional analysis to test if there were sex-specific differences in foraging and resting habitat use of stone martens and if these patterns were affected by the presence of other mesocarnivores. Our results showed that stone martens are found both in rural and forested landscapes. Foraging and resting activities occurred far from roads in large and complex patches of cork oak woodlands, riparian vegetation, orchards, and pastureland. Use varied with the scale of analysis and the sex. At smaller scales, females use pastures for foraging and orchards for resting, whereas riparian vegetation and sparse cork oak forests influenced this use at larger scales. Males, on the other hand, were more consistent across scales, using riparian areas and dense cork oak woodlands for foraging and pastures for resting. Stone martens shared the same areas with other coexisting mesocarnivores. Stone martens use cork oak woodlands and complement/supplement this use with other land cover types. The consistent use of cork oak woodlands across scales emphasizes the importance of this land cover to the preservation of functional Mediterranean ecosystems in southern Portugal.

Parasites of European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus ) in Britain: epidemiological study and coprological test evaluation

Abstract: Seventy-four European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) that had died in wildlife rehabilitation centres were dissected and their parasite burdens documented. Overall parasite prevalence was 91%, and a total of six helminth species were isolated: five nematodes (Crenosoma striatum, Eucoleus aerophilus, Capillaria erinacei, Capillaria ovoreticulata and Capillaria spp.), one trematode (Brachylaemus erinacei) and one acanthocephalan (Oliganthorhynchus erinacei). The tick Ixodes hexagonus and flea Archeopsylla erinacei were also collected. The effect of parasite infection on body condition was assessed by correlation of burdens with the residuals of weight–skeletal length regression. Tick presence was positively related to body condition; for other parasites, no significant relationship was found. Faecal egg or larval count was closely correlated with adult parasite burden for C. striatum and Capillaria/Eucoleus spp., but not for other species. Coprological analysis should therefore be useful for in vivo studies of nematode parasite infection in hedgehogs. The epidemiology of parasites in hedgehogs and their possible role in recent population declines are discussed.

When hunting benefits raptors: a case study of game species and vultures

Abstract: Management of hunting activity to serve as a tool for sustainable development has become a key issue in conservation biology. However, little evidence is available showing positive impacts of hunting on ecosystem conservation, limiting its capability to be used as a conservation tool. We analysed hunting and its positive influence on the ecology and conservation of the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), a scavenger with a relevant function in the ecosystem, in the Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain. Use of the area by vultures was addressed by looking for cliffs used as roosts or colonies, and consumption of game species by vultures was evaluated through field surveys and questionnaires to hunters. Results revealed a strong spatiotemporal adjustment in the use of the area by vultures and hunting events, especially of red deer and wild boar. Vultures occupied roosting sites very close to the main hunting sectors of these game species and often were seen consuming their carcasses. The spatiotemporal pattern of roost use by vultures strongly overlapped with hunting of red deer. The numbers of both red deer and wild boar hunting episodes within 3.5 km around the roosts were the best predictors of vulture occurrence and number. Our estimates show that hunting could feed around 1,800 vultures/6 months. Hunting can thus influence species at the top of the ecosystem (scavengers) and could aid sustainable management of griffon vulture populations, reconciling hunting and conservation. However, negative and positive impacts should be taken into account simultaneously for an overall evaluation of hunting on ecosystem conservation.

The consequences of predator control for brown hares (Lepus europaeus) on UK farmland

Abstract: The brown hare Lepus europaeus is a valued game species but also a species of conservation concern owing to its severe decline in abundance on farmland throughout Europe during the twentieth century. Changes in the farmland habitat and predation have both been cited as causative factors. Their relative roles have been unclear, but most conservation action has focused on improving habitat. We analyse data from a sequence of three unique studies (one experiment and two demonstrations) covering the period 1985–2006 in which control of several common predator species was undertaken to increase densities of wild game on farmland in England. Across the three studies, regression modelling of the proportional change in hare numbers between successive years showed that—after site, year differences and harvesting were accounted for—predator control was a significant determinant of hare population change. Where habitat improvement also took place, hares reached autumn densities that were exceptional for the UK and which could sustain substantial harvests. When predation control was stopped, hare densities fell, even where habitat improvements remained in place. This analysis demonstrates that even where farmland habitat is greatly improved, uncontrolled predation prevents hares making full use of its carrying capacity. This helps explain the mixed—and at best modest—success of agri-environment schemes in the UK and elsewhere in Europe to increase hare densities. Game-shooting estates, on which effective predator control takes place, probably have a special significance within the landscape as source areas for brown hares.

A note on meat quality traits of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

Abstract: Meat yield, proximate composition, pH and drip loss of breast and thigh muscles were studied in 29 hunted male and 32 slaughtered female pheasants. In the breast muscles of additional 14 hunted male pheasants, colour, cooking loss and shear force were measured. Weight of muscles of hunted male pheasants was higher than that of slaughtered females, but the percentages of breast and thigh muscles relative to the dressed carcass did not differ. Average protein concentrations in lean muscles were above 22%, and average fat was below 1.2%. In breast muscles, pH24 was lower than in thigh (ca. 5.6 vs. 6.0), and, consequently, drip loss was higher (2.2-3.0% vs. 1.0-1.5%). Colour of breast muscles was characterised by L*a*b* values of about 55, 4 and 8-9, respectively. The shear force of breast muscles was about 30 N/cm2.

Remotely plucked hair genotyping: a reliable and non-invasive method for censusing pine marten (Martes martes, L. 1758) populations

Abstract: We investigated the feasibility of using genetic techniques to census pine marten (Martes martes) populations by genotyping non-invasively collected samples (plucked hair and scats), with particular reference to the genetically depauperate Irish population. Novel real-time polymerase chain reaction methods were developed for species and sex identification, targeting short DNA sequences. Background genetic variation at 17 microsatellite loci was very low in the Irish population, with an average of 2.29 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity of 0.35. Despite such low polymorphism, a panel of eight loci with a sibling probability of identity of 0.011 reliably identified individual pine marten and their gender, as determined by reference to genotypes of live trapped individuals. With high nuclear DNA amplification success rates (93.8%) and low genotyping error rates (1.8%), plucked hairs may represent a more reliable and cost-effective DNA source than scats for monitoring populations of this elusive carnivore, and similar taxa such as the sympatric stone marten Martes foina.

White Storks, Ciconia ciconia, forage on rubbish dumps in Poland—a novel behaviour in population

Abstract: Information on the foraging of White Storks on rubbish dumps, a novel behaviour in Central European populations, is presented. Observations were first made in 1999 and to date; they have been recorded on sixteen locations in Poland. From one to 348 White Storks (median = 2, N = 116) were observed on rubbish dumps, and most of the records (86%) were of 1–3 birds. Birds foraging on rubbish dumps were recorded from late March to early September, but the highest numbers were seen during the summer months. Most of the birds (77%, N = 171) were recorded foraging directly on an area where rubbish had been thrown, while a minor fraction (16%) was seen on neighbouring recultivated grassy areas. Dumps were used as an additional food source probably in areas where natural foraging grounds are limited. The increased frequency of observations during the summer months probably resulted from the greater nutritional needs of large nestlings which force the adults to find alternative food sources or foraging habitat shift by non-breeding birds.

Going west—invasion genetics of the alien raccoon dog Nyctereutes procynoides in Europe

Abstract: The raccoon dog, a medium-sized carnivore, has long been recognised as a prominent example of an invasive alien species in Europe with a wide distribution, significant ecological impact and remarkable dynamics of spread at both national and continental scales. We conducted a study of genetic diversity of 73 individuals collected at 20 sites across North and Central Europe to (1) identify major phylogenetic lineages and (2) elucidate spatial patterns of population genetic structure. Reconstructed phylogenies reveal two major clades differing on average by Tamura–Nei corrected distance of 3.4% for a 599-bp segment of the mitochondrial control region corresponding to a coalescence time of approximately 457,800 years ago (95% CI, 223,300–773,900). Many expectations based on introduction history, such as the presence of signatures of repeated founder effects and subsequently rapid population expansion, were not confirmed by our demographic analyses, probably due to an insufficient amount of time since translocations. Nevertheless, global F ST = 13.9% and landscape approaches provided evidence for weak population genetic structure that followed a pattern of isolation by distance. Finally, we found no congruence between previously reported morphological differentiation and the sorting of mtDNA variation. We therefore conclude that an exceptional combination of factors including multiple translocations, secondary contact and admixture of divergent matrilineages, as well as natural processes of colonisation associated with a wide ecological tolerance, promoted the successful spread of the raccoon dog into Europe.

Habitat selection and abundance of common genets Genetta genetta using camera capture-mark-recapture data

Abstract: Using camera-trapping techniques, the present study, conducted from 2005 to 2007, provides common genet abundance estimates in Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve (central-eastern Portugal). We estimated genet abundance using the software CAPTURE. It was possible to obtain a capture success of 1.49 captures/100 trap-nights. Considering the heterogeneity model (Mh), which presents higher biological significance, the estimated density varied between 0.50 (95% CI = 0.43–0.56 genets/km2) to 0.92 (95% CI = 0.87–0.97 genets/km2) genets/km2 with an average density value of 0.70 genets/km2 (95% CI = 0.58–0.82 genets/km2). These estimates emphasized this technique as a reliable method for assessing average genet density over large spatial scales and for monitoring future changes in genet numbers. In terms of habitat selection, genets selected Quercus rotundifolia and Arbutus unedo woodlands and avoided Erica spp. and Cistus ladanifer scrubland and Eucalyptus stands. Considering the landscape heterogeneity outside the reserve, our study emphasizes the importance of the protected area for small carnivore conservation.

Effects of fire and cattle grazing on amphibians and lizards in northeastern Argentina (Humid Chaco)

Abstract: Richness, diversity and abundance of amphibians and lizards were compared in four sites subjected to different fire and grazing regimes in Mburucuya National Park (Corrientes, Argentina). The surveys were performed using drift fence-pitfall traps randomly distributed in four sites subjected to the following prescribed fire and grazing regimes: (A) no fire or grazing for the last 12 years (control), (B) 3 years since the last prescribed fire, (C) annual prescribed fire and (D) annual prescribed fire and grazing. Fourteen species of amphibians and six species of lizards were captured during the study period (80 days). The lowest values of amphibian richness and abundance were found in sites C and D. The amphibian species Leptodactylus ocellatus and Leptodactylus podicipinus were most abundant in the control site (A). In lizards, no significant differences were found among sites, although Kentropyx viridistriga and Teius oculatus were more abundant in annually burnt sites (C and D). Vegetation variables were correlated with amphibian and lizard species composition. The species differed in their preference for the differently managed sites. The combination of fire and grazing had a negative effect on diversity of amphibians and lizards, with a greater effect on amphibians. Also, fire favoured the presence of some lizard species.

Flow simulation along a seal: the impact of an external device

Abstract: An increasing number of marine mammal studies on physiology, behaviour and ecology rely on data, which have been collected from back-mounted devices, such as bio-logging tags and satellite transmitters. However, external devices may influence an animal’s hydrodynamics, behaviour and energy expenditure and, therefore, can impede the individual animal. To investigate the influence of external devices on seals, the water flow along a grey seal was simulated using computational fluid dynamics calculations. The simulations revealed several changes in forces and moments and thus balance, due to this device. The investigated satellite transmitter creates an average 12% increase of the drag coefficient. Additionally, there are significant relative transmitter-induced increases in pitching moment (32%) and lift (240%). The simulations also showed that the transmitter generates areas of decreased wall shear stress on the seal’s back. The results of this study demonstrate that external devices can change the hydrodynamics of the seal, which is expected to alter the seal’s physiology and behaviour and its use of the ecosystem. Long-term attachment may have adverse effects on the animal’s welfare. It is important to take these effects into consideration when studying tagged seals; otherwise, the value of the data obtained will be poor. Therefore, interpretations and extrapolations regarding ‘natural behaviour’ of animals in their ‘natural environment’ should only be made with great caution.

Muskrat ( Ondatra zibethicus ) decline after the expansion of American mink ( Neovison vison ) in Poland

Abstract: Field survey data in Central Poland revealed that the proportion of sites inhabited by muskrats decreased from 44% to 7% over one decade. This corresponded to the decline in hunting bags of muskrat over the whole of Poland. The largest hunting harvest of muskrat was recorded in 1987/1988 (66,416 individuals), the smallest in 2007/2008 (4,567 individuals). The decline in hunting bags occurred in all regions analysed; however, it was most rapid in the north and north-east. Before the expansion of mink, which started in northern Poland at the beginning of the 1980s, muskrat densities in particular regions depended on the availability of aquatic habitats. A comparison of hunting bags of muskrat and American mink in years 2002-2008 indicated a signifi- cant negative correlation between the numbers of these two species harvested in seven regions of Poland. The negative correlation between numbers of muskrat and mink suggests that mink predation is one of the most important factors in the decline of the muskrat population in Poland.

Analysis of callouts made in relation to wild urban marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) and their implications for urban species management

Abstract: In this study, we investigated what problems urban marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) face in a city environment through the analysis of responses to callouts (N = 348) made by the environmental police of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the period from 2002 to 2007. Our objective was to characterise the problems faced by the marmosets and human city dwellers. The environmental police responded to two types of callouts: (1) solicitation whereby a person called them to report a problem (N = 218); and (2) the report of a hurt or injured animal (N = 127). On average, one callout per week was made in relation to urban marmosets. We found no time of year effects in relation to callouts, or any effect of gender or age of the person making the callout (P > 0.05). Furthermore, we found no environmental (e.g. percentage of “green area”) or socioeconomical variables (e.g. salary levels) of the city’s administrative regions associated with callouts (P > 0.05). The majority of callouts resulted in the attempt to capture marmosets (N = 345), and usually, only one animal was captured (N = 309). Many of these animals were released into city forest fragments (N = 146). Some sick animals were sent to veterinary clinics (N = 25) whereas others or confiscated animals were sent to the government’s wildlife processing centre (N = 143). From this data, we were able to make a series of recommendation about how the management of urban marmosets could be improved.

Does wild boar rooting affect livestock grazing areas in alpine grasslands

Abstract: Interactions between traditional livestock management practices and wildlife activities are important in the conservation of many mountain ecosystems including the summer rangelands in the Spanish Central Pyrenees, where rooting by wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a large disturbance that can reduce the amount of area available to grazing livestock. This study explored the likely impact of wild boar rooting on Pyrenean grasslands. It quantified the extent of wild boar rooting in livestock grazing areas and determined whether wild boars selected or avoided areas depending on the type of livestock and stocking rates. Wild boar rooting affected 16% of livestock grazing area and occurred in sites that were grazed by cattle, rather than by sheep. In addition, a preference for areas that had intermediate stocking rates was found. The relationship between the increase in the number of wild boars and trends in livestock management suggests that the extent of wild boar rooting will increase especially in cattle grazing areas, and therefore, the area available for cattle grazing in Pyrenean mountain rangelands would decrease significantly.

Population genetic structure of the Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii) in western Europe and the associated occurrence of rabies

Abstract: The Daubenton’s bat is widespread and common in the UK and countries bordering the English Channel and North Sea. European bat lyssavirus 2 (EBLV-2), a rabies virus, has been detected in Daubenton’s bats in the UK and continental Europe. Investigating the relatedness of colonies and gene flow between these regions would allow regional estimates of the movement of Daubenton’s bats and thus the potential for disease transmission. The genetic structure of the Daubenton’s bat in western Europe was investigated by analysing variability at eight microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity was found to be high at all sites (H E = 0.73–0.84), with little differentiation between bats sampled in the UK and continental Europe. Mantel tests indicated a significant correlation between geographic distance and pair-wise F ST (P = 0.000), between colonies sampled in Scotland and northern England. However, this was not continuous throughout the sampled range, with evidence of panmixia within the area sampled in continental Europe. Assignment tests show no evidence that the (potential) EBLV-2 sero-positive and virus positive bats were more likely to have originated from the continental rather than UK populations. There is no sufficient significant genetic differentiation amongst most UK and continental colonies to conclude that EBLV-2 is maintained in the UK by immigration. Results show that it is likely to be maintained at a low endemic level within the UK. The relative genetic uniformity of UK and continental populations implies that there is no migration barrier to EBLV-2, between these regions.

Small game water troughs in a Spanish agrarian pseudo steppe: visits and water site choice by wild fauna

Abstract: This paper studies the visits of wild fauna, the influence of vegetal cover and fencing at water site election, and consumption tendency in water troughs designed for small game species distributed in an agricultural Mediterranean area during the summers from 2002 to 2005 Red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa), lagomorphs (Oryctolagus cuniculus, Lepus granatensis), and other autochthonous species (birds and wild canids) visited water sources throughout the study The number of visits by target species was higher than non-game Lagomorphs preferred protected troughs (with surrounding vegetal cover) while partridges opted for open ones (without cover) Fencing had no effect on the visits of birds and lagomorphs, but it did reduce the visits of wild canids Harsh climatic conditions determined an increase in water consumption in summer Before designing a water trough device for this fauna, managers should consider that (1) target and non-target species could try to make use of it, (2) water points should be adapted to target species self protection, (3) fencing can prevent undesirable visitors (particularly predators), and (4) water requirements increase in the harsh moments of the dry season

An audio/video surveillance system for wildlife

Abstract: We report 7 years of experience with an inexpensive and reliable continuous audio/video recording system. The main components of the system are commercial, infrared illuminator surveillance cameras, mini microphones and portable digital video recorders, powered by deep cycle lead-acid batteries. We used the system for monitoring 41 broods of four endemic bird species in tropical rainforests of New Caledonia. We recorded for over 22,000 h in total. We kept the system at nests for a maximum period of 7 months, and the longest time we continuously recorded for was 58 days. We watched the recordings at 24–36 times speed and were able to recognise individuals, quantify their behaviour and document visits of predators. The system proved its applicability in behavioural studies of nesting birds, but we believe it is appropriate for continuous monitoring of any site frequently visited by wildlife.