Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Natasha Peters, Corinne J. Kendall, Jacob G. Davies, Claire Bracebridge, Aaron Nicholas, Msafiri P. Mgumba, Colin M. Beale
Summary: Medium and large scavengers face considerable risk from geographically dispersed threats as they often have to travel long distances to find sufficient foraging areas, including buffer zones of protected areas. Using GPS tracking and a novel capture-recapture model, researchers assessed the exposure, threat, and risk of poisoning to vultures in southern Tanzania. They found that the highest risk of poisoning was within 20 km of protected areas, but also identified additional hotspots outside of nearby buffers. This risk assessment method allows for more precise identification of localized high-risk areas, aiding in conservation prioritization and resource allocation.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
P. Dupont, C. Milleret, M. Tourani, H. Broseth, R. Bischof
Summary: Integrating dead recoveries into open-population spatial capture-recapture models can significantly improve the precision of demographic parameters and increase the probability of model convergence, especially for the inter-annual movement parameter in case of sparse data. This approach can enhance population parameter estimation by leveraging the demographic and spatial information contained in dead-recovery data.
Article
Ecology
Gates Dupont, J. Andrew Royle, Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Chris Sutherland
Summary: The study proposes using a genetic algorithm to optimize sampling designs and compares the performance of designs based on different model-based criteria, finding that these designs outperform existing recommendations in terms of bias, precision, and accuracy in population size estimation.
Article
Ecology
Gates Dupont, Daniel W. Linden, Chris Sutherland
Summary: Understanding how individual-level processes influence patterns in animal populations is a challenge in ecology, with recent focus on integrated modeling driven by ecological theory and data-integration opportunities. However, advancements in this area may be hindered by data requirements for quantifying individual-level processes.
Article
Ecology
Corey I. Mitchell, Kevin T. Shoemaker, Todd C. Esque, Amy G. Vandergast, Steven J. Hromada, Kirsten E. Dutcher, Jill S. Heaton, Kenneth E. Nussear
Summary: Accurate population estimates are crucial for monitoring and managing wildlife populations. Spatial capture-recapture models can help correct biases in density estimates and demonstrate the importance of considering spatial information when dealing with collected data.
Article
Ecology
Tyler R. Bonnell, Robert Michaud, Angelique Dupuch, Veronique Lesage, Clement Chion
Summary: Understanding the habitat-use patterns of individuals within a population is crucial for estimating the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of multilevel binomial models in generating spatial networks and estimating structured habitat use in St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) beluga population using capture-recapture data.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pierre Dupont, Dominique Allaine, Mariona Ferrandiz-Rovira, Roger Pradel
Summary: Studying natal dispersal in natural populations using capture-recapture data is challenging due to individuals leaving the study area and never being recaptured. The study presents a spatially explicit multi-state capture-recapture model to accurately estimate natal dispersal and survival probabilities in territorial mammals. The model was validated through simulation studies and applied to Alpine marmots, yielding more accurate results compared to non-spatial models.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jill Fleming, Evan H. Campbell Grant, Sean C. Sterrett, Chris Sutherland
Summary: A principal challenge in analyzing wild populations is the lack of robust and long-term data sets, but recent advancements in analytical tools may increase statistical power. Spatial capture-recapture (SCR) methods can equate multiple study designs, but their effects have not been evaluated in wild populations.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Daniel Turek, Cyril Milleret, Torbjorn Ergon, Henrik Broseth, Pierre Dupont, Richard Bischof, Perry De Valpine
Summary: Utilizing a series of methods to improve the estimation efficiency of spatial capture-recapture models, such as eliminating unnecessary computations, integrating latent states, vectorizing declarations, and restricting calculations to individual locality. In the examples, significant enhancements in MCMC efficiency were demonstrated, with a notable reduction in computing time.
Article
Ecology
Ian Durbach, David Borchers, Chris Sutherland, Koustubh Sharma
Summary: SCR methods estimate animal density using detector locations and spatial capture histories. Recent research shows that precision can be approximated based on the expected number of detected individuals and recapture events. Optimizing detector placement can increase the number of detected individuals and recaptures, but may not always lead to more precise density estimations.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Beth Gardner, Brett T. McClintock, Sarah J. Converse, Nathan J. Hostetter
Summary: Spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models have been widely used to estimate demographic parameters in ecological studies. However, the existing models often make unrealistic assumptions about animal movement and space use. We developed SCR models that integrate more complex movement processes inferred from telemetry data, and demonstrated their ability to address ecological questions related to animal space use, habitat selection, and behavior.
Article
Ecology
Robert L. Emmet, Ben C. Augustine, Briana Abrahms, Lindsey N. Rich, Beth Gardner
Summary: Group living in species can have complex consequences for individuals, populations, and ecosystems. Estimating group density and size is crucial for understanding population dynamics and conservation needs. The cluster SCR model, through clustered point processes, provides a method to estimate group density, individual density, and group size, outperforming standard SCR models in various scenarios. This model offers opportunities to investigate ecological hypotheses related to group size and population dynamics while considering cohesive movement behaviors in group-living species.
Article
Zoology
Manon Dalibard, Laetitia Buisson, Aurelien Besnard, Alexandre Riberon, Pascal Laffaille
Summary: Population size and space-use of Pyrenean brook newt were studied using spatially explicit capture-recapture modeling. The study found variation in population densities and home range sizes, as well as the significant influence of water temperature and flow on the newts' activity.
Article
Ecology
Brett T. McClintock, Briana Abrahms, Richard B. Chandler, Paul B. Conn, Sarah J. Converse, Robert L. Emmet, Beth Gardner, Nathan J. Hostetter, Devin S. Johnson
Summary: Ecologists and conservation biologists increasingly rely on spatial capture-recapture (SCR) and movement modeling to study animal populations. Historically, SCR has focused on population-level processes, while animal movement modeling has focused on individual behavior. Integrating SCR and animal movement modeling has the potential to scale up from individuals to populations, advancing types of inferences and improving population-level parameter estimations critical for species conservation and management.
Article
Ecology
Ehsan M. Moqanaki, Cyril Milleret, Mahdieh Tourani, Pierre Dupont, Richard Bischof
Summary: Spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models are useful for analyzing wildlife monitoring data, but unmodeled spatial heterogeneity in detection probability can lead to biases and reduced precision in parameter estimates. Practitioners should consider the impact of spatial autocorrelation in detectability on their inferences and develop SCR methods that account for unknown spatial variability in detection probability.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Nachiket Vartak, Georgia Guenther, Florian Joly, Amruta Damle-Vartak, Gudrun Wibbelt, Joerns Fickel, Simone Joers, Brigitte Begher-Tibbe, Adrian Friebel, Kasimir Wansing, Ahmed Ghallab, Marie Rosselin, Noemie Boissier, Irene Vignon-Clementel, Christian Hedberg, Fabian Geisler, Heribert Hofer, Peter Jansen, Stefan Hoehme, Dirk Drasdo, Jan G. Hengstler
Summary: The study challenges the current theory of bile flow in the liver by showing that diffusion mainly drives the flux in the canalicular domain, while regulated advection enhances diffusion flux only in the interlobular ducts.
Article
Ecology
Eve Davidian, Bettina Wachter, Ilja Heckmann, Martin Dehnhard, Heribert Hofer, Oliver P. Hoener
Summary: The study demonstrates that physiological costs of intrasexual competition in male spotted hyenas vary with social rank, shaping behavioral trade-offs between social integration, reproduction, and self-maintenance. This suggests that physiological and social constraints play a key role in the emergence of rank-related male reproductive success.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ximena A. Olarte-Castillo, Joana F. dos Remedios, Felix Heeger, Heribert Hofer, Stephan Karl, Alex D. Greenwood, Marion L. East
Summary: The study, based on long-term data and molecular analysis, revealed two outbreaks of Alphacoronavirus-1 infection in spotted hyenas associated with genetically distinct canine coronavirus type II variants. The residues directly binding to the APN receptor within the S protein receptor binding domain were conserved in all studied variants, even infecting phylogenetically diverse host taxa.
Article
Ecology
Susana C. M. Ferreira, Miguel M. Veiga, Heribert Hofer, Marion L. East, Gabor a. Czirjak
Summary: Research using noninvasive methods can enhance understanding of the complex relationship between gastrointestinal parasites and local immune responses in wild large mammals and reveal fitness-relevant effects of these responses. Concentrations of immunoglobulins and mucin in spotted hyena feces were associated with hookworm load, with higher concentrations in juveniles than adults, and more mucin in females than males.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Lucile Marescot, Mathias Franz, Sarah Benhaiem, Heribert Hofer, Cedric Scherer, Marion L. East, Stephanie Kramer-Schadt
Summary: The study indicates that in populations with communal nurseries, the probability of epidemic fade-out is higher for highly contagious pathogens, and communal nurseries can effectively counteract infection risk and play a key role in controlling pathogen transmission.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Deniz Mengulluoglu, Huseyin Ambarli, Axel Barlow, Johanna L. A. Paijmans, Ali Onur Sayar, Hasan Emir, Irfan Kandemir, Heribert Hofer, Joerns Fickel, Daniel W. Foerster
Summary: The study conducted a systematic analysis of the mtDNA of Eurasian lynx, revealing three major clades and at least five lineages, indicating an earlier diversification of the species than previously estimated. The results suggest that the Anatolian peninsula served as a glacial refugium for the Eurasian lynx, with previously unconsidered implications for the species' colonization of Europe.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
S. Benhaiem, S. Kaidatzi, H. Hofer, M. L. East
Summary: Extensive bushmeat hunting poses a major threat to wildlife conservation. The use of wire snares can result in sublethal snare injuries and potential reproductive costs for the affected individuals.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Montan M. Kalyahe, Heribert Hofer, Marion L. East
Summary: The study investigates the relationship between livestock waste and predation on cattle, sheep, and goats by wild carnivores. The findings show that the likelihood of predation increases with the increase of waste from diseased and slaughtered cattle, and sheep deaths from starvation. However, the predation on goats is more likely in medium-sized villages, indicating a trade-off for predators between increased benefits of more livestock waste and the costs of higher human disturbance and diminishing natural prey abundance as village size category increases.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Walter Jetz, Grigori Tertitski, Roland Kays, Uschi Mueller, Martin Wikelski
Summary: Space-based tracking technology using low-cost miniature tags is providing fine-scale animal movement data at near-global scale. When combined with remotely sensed environmental data, it offers valuable insights into habitat integrity and connectivity for conservation and human health, creating a global network of animal sentinels for environmental change.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Marion L. East, Dagmar Thierer, Sarah Benhaiem, Sonja Metzger, Heribert Hofer
Summary: Infanticide by adult females significantly affects male reproductive success and generates sexual conflict. In spotted hyenas, female infanticide occurs through violent attacks and maternal neglect, and males do not have effective counterstrategies.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Morgane Gicquel, Marion L. East, Heribert Hofer, Sarah Benhaiem
Summary: Studies have shown that encountering multiple sources of adversity in childhood increases the risk of poor long-term health and premature death. This study focuses on the spotted hyena and examines the cumulative effects of adversity during early life, including ecological, maternal, social, and demographic factors, on its performance and fitness. The results suggest that the combination of specific conditions in early life may matter more than the accumulation of adverse conditions as such.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Dime Melovski, Miha Krofel, Vasko Avukatov, Ursa Flezar, Andrej Gonev, Lan Hocevar, Gjorge Ivanov, Lisa Leschinski, Aleksandar Pavlov, Aleksandar Stojanov, Ekrem Veapi, Deniz Menguellueoglu
Summary: The selection of appropriate candidates for genetic rescue in Eurasian lynx populations in Central and Western Europe requires considering ecological and behavioral traits. The study compared the Balkan lynx with two neighboring populations and found that the Dinaric population originating from the Carpathian subspecies is better suited for genetic rescue in the southwestern Balkans.
Article
Ecology
Jenny Mattisson, John D. C. Linnell, Ole Anders, Elisa Belotti, Christine Breitenmoser-Wursten, Ludek Bufka, Christian Fuxjaeger, Marco Heurich, Gjorge Ivanov, Wlodzimierz Jedrzejewski, Radio Kont, Rafal Kowalczyk, Miha Krofel, Dime Melovski, Deniz Mengulluoglu, Tomma Lilli Middelhoff, Anja Molinari-Jobin, John Odden, Janis Ozolins, Henryk Okarma, Jens Persson, Krzysztof Schmidt, Kristina Vogt, Fridolin Zimmermann, Henrik Andren
Summary: This study investigates the reproductive phenology of the Eurasian lynx in Europe and finds that birth timing varies across regions and is influenced by temperature. The Eurasian lynx shows a degree of adaptability to different environmental conditions and may adjust its reproductive timing in response to climate change.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Michaela Wetzel, Alexandre Courtiol, Heribert Hofer, Susanne Holtze, Thomas B. B. Hildebrandt
Summary: The study investigates the determinants of early offspring survival in the naked mole-rat, a eusocial mammal. Factors such as pup body mass, maternal number of mammae, maternal body mass, and colony size significantly influence early pup survival. The influence of social factors on offspring survival in eusocial mammals is different from eusocial insects due to the level of sociality. The study contributes to a better understanding of the origin and maintenance of eusociality in mammals.
