Article
Ecology
Sam Puls, Kristine J. Teichman, Corle Jansen, M. Justin O'Riain, Bogdan Cristescu
Summary: In Namaqualand, South Africa, African leopards were found to primarily be active at night, with high temporal overlap with aardvarks and lagomorphs, partial overlap with red hartebeest, and low overlap with goats. Despite low temporal overlap, goats comprised a significant portion of leopard diet. Leopards may prefer hunting at night when prey are resting and less vigilant.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Sergey Naidenko, Mariya Chistopolova, Jose Antonio Hernandez-Blanco, Mariya Erofeeva, Viatcheslav Rozhnov
Summary: The study showed that the new illuminated highway built in the Russian Far East has had an impact on the distribution and activity of wild mammals, acting as a barrier separating local populations of ungulates and carnivores.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Christen H. Fleming, Iman Deznabi, Shauhin Alavi, Margaret C. Crofoot, Ben T. Hirsch, E. Patricia Medici, Michael J. Noonan, Roland Kays, William F. Fagan, Daniel Sheldon, Justin M. Calabrese
Summary: This paper introduces a statistically and computationally efficient method for population-level analysis of home-range areas, based on autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE). The method can account for variable temporal autocorrelation and estimation uncertainty. By applying the method to empirical examples, the study quantifies differences between species, environments, and sexes. The approach allows researchers to accurately compare different populations while maintaining statistical precision and power.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Andreanne Beardsell, Dominique Berteaux, Frederic Dulude-De Broin, Gilles Gauthier, Jeanne Clermont, Dominique Gravel, Joel Bety
Summary: This study investigated whether the presence of one prey species affects the population growth rate of another prey species. By using predator-mediated multi-prey models and population matrix models, the researchers quantified the interaction strength. The study showed that the positive effect of geese on sandpipers' nesting success was outweighed by the negative effect of an increase in fox density, leading to the local exclusion of sandpipers.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mark H. Sorel, Richard W. Zabel, Devin S. Johnson, A. Michelle Wargo Rub, Sarah J. Converse
Summary: Recent success in marine mammal conservation has led to new management challenges, as conflicts with fisheries, particularly pinniped predation on threatened salmon, have arisen. A study in the Lower Columbia River found that increasing sea lion abundance led to lower survival rates for early-migrating Chinook salmon populations, highlighting the need for management actions to mitigate the impact of pinnipeds on salmon populations.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Juliette Seigle-Ferrand, Pascal Marchand, Nicolas Morellet, Jean-Michel Gaillard, A. J. Mark Hewison, Sonia Said, Yannick Chaval, Hugo Santacreu, Anne Loison, Glenn Yannic, Mathieu Garel
Summary: Understanding the impact of linear landscape features on animal movements is crucial, especially in fragmented habitats. Large herbivores primarily use linear features as landmarks to demarcate their home range, with different patterns observed in mountain species. In highly fragmented landscapes, the costs of memorizing key features and the need for sufficient area to meet vital needs constrain large herbivores. Linear features play a significant role in how these animals perceive and utilize the landscape, with consistent patterns observed across sexes and species.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiqiu Li, Ziyue Yu, Alan Warren, Xiaofeng Lin
Summary: The nonconsumptive effects of predation on antibiotic ecotoxicity were investigated in this study. The results showed that predation risk had a significant impact on the toxicity of one antibiotic but not the other. It also had additive or synergistic effects on antibiotic ecotoxicity depending on the antibiotic properties and exposure concentrations. This study highlights the importance of considering the nonconsumptive effects in the evaluation of environmental contaminants.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Frederic Dulude-de Broin, Jeanne Clermont, Andreanne Beardsell, Louis-Pierre Ouellet, Pierre Legagneux, Joel Bety, Dominique Berteaux
Summary: This study investigates the complex ecological relationships between seven prey species sharing a common predator. The results show that the abundance of clumped and spatially predictable prey leads to a reduction in predator home range size, an increase in local predator density, and a significant decrease in the nest survival rate of incidental prey. In contrast, the scattered cyclic prey has a weaker effect on predator space use and an overall positive impact on the survival rate of specific prey. The contrasting effects highlight the importance of studying predator behavioral responses in multiprey systems and explicitly integrating behavioral-numerical responses in multispecies predator-prey models.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Orjan Johansson, Charudutt Mishra, Guillaume Chapron, Gustaf Samelius, Purevjav Lkhagvajav, Tom McCarthy, Matthew Low
Summary: This study found that snow leopards are facultatively nocturnal and have seasonal shifts in activity patterns, while their prey have consistent diurnal activity. The reasons for these patterns include concealing in darkness, predatory ambush preference for low-intermediate light, and seasonal adjustments for thermoregulation in extreme environments.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lerato T. Maimela, Christian T. Chimimba, Tsungai A. Zengeya
Summary: The introduction of alien predatory fish, such as rainbow trout, can significantly impact indigenous fish communities by altering food web dynamics. This study in South Africa found that rainbow trout mainly compete with indigenous fish for resources rather than preying on them. The invasion of rainbow trout led to a decrease in indigenous fish abundance and disrupted the trophic relationships among fish species.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alexej Siren, Marketa Zimova, Chris S. Sutherland, John T. Finn, Jillian R. Kilborn, Rachel M. Cliche, Leighlan S. Prout, L. Scott Mills, Toni Lyn Morelli
Summary: This study focuses on the influence of resource availability on snowshoe hare populations along their trailing range edge. The results show that variability in resource availability affects population density and fluctuations, as well as survival rates. Hares living in resource-limited environments have lower population density but higher survival rates and lower parasite loads compared to populations in resource-rich environments.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Bogyeong Lee, Prakhar Mohan, Theodora Chaspari, Changbum Ryan Ahn
Summary: This study proposes a method for identifying older adults' activities of daily living (ADL) using unsupervised data segmentation process with high-dimensional sensor data. The proposed method considers both spatiotemporal and activity-oriented features to identify ADL routines without predefined rules or limited scope of features. The results show comparable accuracy to benchmark models and provide an efficient approach for assessing ADL routines.
JOURNAL OF COMPUTING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Anders Jarnemo, Lovisa Nilsson, Camilla Wikenros
Summary: This study examines the relationship between habitat composition and home range size for red deer in Sweden, comparing two regions with different management systems. Female red deer have three times larger home ranges in a mixed agricultural-forest landscape compared to a forest-dominated landscape. Core areas make up approximately 1/5 of the full annual and seasonal home ranges regardless of habitat composition. Home range size varies with season in the agricultural-forest landscape. Management needs to adapt to deer spatial use to achieve set goals. Rating: 8/10.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Hans W. Martin, Mark Hebblewhite, Evelyn H. Merrill
Summary: Migration is a common tactic used by animals to access resources in temporally heterogenous landscapes. In partially migratory populations, the proportion of migrants is thought to be maintained by either evolutionary stable state or individual state. This study tests the theory of Ideal Free Distribution (IFD) and finds that partial migration may be driven by tactic selection that follows the IFD.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xiao Min, Zijing Gao, Yuanfeng Lin, Chang-Hu Lu
Summary: The migration strategies and activity patterns of the Chinese Sparrowhawk were investigated by fitting the birds with GPS satellite positioning devices. Results showed the species used stop-over sites during long-distance migration, and displayed distinct summer, winter, and stop-over home ranges. Migration speed and stop-over duration also showed regular patterns.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ellen Cieraad, Roy H. A. van Grunsven, Florine van der Sman, Nienke Zwart, Kees J. M. Musters, Emily Strange, Frank van Langevelde, Krijn B. Trimbos
Summary: The study reveals that artificial light at night affects the feeding and calling behavior of Y. cagnagellus moths, but does not result in adaptation. Long-term exposure to artificial light has an impact on feeding behavior and marginally affects calling frequency in moth populations.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Nkoba Kiatoko, Maria Pozo, Annette Van Oystaeyen, Maurice Musonye, Junior Kika, Felix Wackers, Frank van Langevelde, Baerbel Hundt, Juliana Jaramillo
Summary: The current honey bee decline necessitates the use of alternative native pollinators. This study compared the pollination behavior and efficiency of African honey bees and six African endemic Meliponini species in cucumber pollination. The results showed that M. bocandei was the most efficient cucumber pollinator.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Nkoba Kiatoko, Maria Pozo, Annette Van Oystaeyen, Frank van Langevelde, Felix Wackers, Raina Suresh Kumar, Baerbel Hundt, Juliana Jaramillo
Summary: The study demonstrates that certain African endemic stingless bees are more efficient pollinators for sweet melons in greenhouse crops compared to honey bees. This suggests that these stingless bee species could be recommended for use in pollination services.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Frank van Langevelde, Lennart Suselbeek, Joel S. Brown
Summary: This study models the evolutionary stable strategies for the optimal level of vigilance in individuals within mixed-species groups, considering factors such as the influence of many eyes, dilution and attraction, and unequal costs and benefits. The findings show that associations with other species may facilitate reduced predation risk. This research is significant for empirical studies on mixed-species groups.
NATURAL RESOURCE MODELING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Devis Tuia, Benjamin Kellenberger, Sara Beery, Blair R. Costelloe, Silvia Zuffi, Benjamin Risse, Alexander Mathis, Mackenzie W. Mathis, Frank van Langevelde, Tilo Burghardt, Roland Kays, Holger Klinck, Martin Wikelski, Iain D. Couzin, Grant van Horn, Margaret C. Crofoot, Charles Stewart, Tanya Berger-Wolf
Summary: Inexpensive and accessible sensors are increasingly used in animal ecology to accelerate data acquisition. By combining machine learning with domain knowledge, ecologists can harness large datasets generated by modern sensors to improve ecological models and develop integrated hybrid modeling tools through interdisciplinary collaboration.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Martijn J. A. Weterings, Sanne Losekoot, Henry J. Kuipers, Herbert H. T. Prins, Frank Langevelde, Sipke E. Wieren
Summary: In this study, the authors assessed the impact of multiple predators on the body condition and fecundity of European hares in 13 areas in the Netherlands. They found that the sum of the field metabolic rate of predators was negatively correlated with body condition and the number of placental scars, while it was positively related to the weight of the adrenal glands. The total number of predators did not significantly affect the investigated risk responses. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the risk effects of multiple predators on prey fitness and identify a potential factor contributing to the decline of European hare populations.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Elke Wenting, Salome C. Y. Rinzema, Frank van Langevelde
Summary: Carcass decomposition is affected by vertebrate scavengers. Understanding the different functional roles of vertebrate species in the scavenging process helps us understand the impact of the vertebrate scavenger community on carcass decomposition.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Matthew F. Chersich, Fiona Scorgie, Veronique Filippi, Stanley Luchters
Summary: Anatomical, physiologic, and socio-cultural changes during pregnancy and childbirth increase vulnerability to high ambient temperatures in women and newborns. This can lead to various clinical consequences. To adapt to this situation, behavioral changes, health system interventions, building modifications, and climate financing are proposed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jonathan Turner, Norman Owen-Smith, Laurence Kruger, Corli Wigley-Coetsee, Timothy O'Gordon
Summary: This study investigated the regeneration dynamics of monospecific woodland groves in floodplains after the removal of human settlements, focusing on the impacts of elephants and medium-sized browsing animals. The research found that flood events and soil features played a significant role in the changes observed in the woodland mosaic. The browsing and destructive behavior of elephants and impalas contributed to the contraction or disappearance of certain groves, inhibiting the growth and establishment of saplings.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Bruno dos Santos Rabelo, Frank Van Langevelde, Kyle Tomlinson, Pedro Diniz, Dulce Alves da Silva, Eduardo R. M. Barbosa, Fabian Borghetti
Summary: Invasive grasses have invaded ancient savannas and had significant impacts on native landscapes. This study examined the effects of an invasive grass and a native grass on the survival and growth of native tree seedlings in neotropical savannas. Experimental manipulations of light, water supply, and fertilization were conducted to understand how these factors interact with grass species to affect tree seedlings. The results showed that both grass species reduced tree seedling survival and growth, and these effects were not mitigated by shade, irrigation, or fertilization. The impacts of the invasive grass were greater than those of the native grass, highlighting the need for management plans to control invasive grasses and conserve native biodiversity and ecosystem services.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Arista Botha, Andrea Fuller, Brianna R. Beechler, Hendrik J. Combrink, Anna E. Jolles, Shane K. Maloney, Robyn S. Hetem
Summary: Reduced energy intake can lead to heterothermy in large grazers. Poor body condition, low minimum temperature, and low serum leptin levels are the main factors contributing to the increase in the range of 24-hour body temperature rhythm.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jonathan Miquel, Laurent Latorre, Simon Chamaille-Jammes
Summary: Biologging refers to the use of animal-borne recording devices to study wildlife behavior, and the processing of the large amounts of audio data collected from these devices is a challenge. This paper explores different approaches, including traditional compression, deep-learning classification at the edge, and embedded pre-processing, to reduce the stored data in terms of dimension while maintaining classification accuracy. The results show that ADPCM encoding can save energy compared to uncompressed audio, and performing inline data-preparation can significantly reduce stored data with acceptable classification accuracy.
JOURNAL OF LOW POWER ELECTRONICS AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jason E. Donaldson, Ricardo M. Holdo, T. Michael Anderson, Thomas A. Morrison, J. Grant C. Hopcraft, Jennifer Mcintyre, Eileen Devaney, Gareth Hempson, Basil Senso, Aidan Trentinus, Vanessa O. Ezenwa
Summary: Fires in grassy ecosystems have direct and indirect effects on parasites. The indirect effects are caused by concentrated herbivory, which leads to the recolonization of parasite larvae and changes in larval densities due to grass biomass and ambient temperature. The fire and concentrated herbivory create distinct infection risks for local herbivores in burned and unburned areas.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Ma. Nina Regina M. Quibod, Uriel Gelin, Frank van Langevelde, Kyle W. Tomlinson
Summary: The skull traits of more than 70% of bovid and cervid species are associated with aridity, with different relationships across feeding guilds. For grazers, both muzzle width and masseteric fossa length increase towards wetter climates, while there are no changes for mixed feeders or browsers. These patterns suggest that grazer diets may change more dramatically with aridity gradients, possibly due to changes in grass architecture and toughness. However, when accounting for phylogeny, no changes in skull traits across aridity gradient were found, possibly due to subfamily differentiation.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Pim Lemmers, Mark Groen, Ben H. J. M. Crombaghs, Rob E. M. B. Gubbels, Thomas de Krom, Frank van Langevelde, Gerard van der Velde, Rob S. E. W. Leuven
Summary: The Rhine sculpin (Cottus rhenanus) is an endemic fish species in North-western Europe. Little is known about its occurrence and habitat characteristics. The core population of C. rhenanus in the Netherlands has been affected by water pollution. However, with water quality improvement, the population is recovering, making it a good indicator of stream ecosystem integrity.
KNOWLEDGE AND MANAGEMENT OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
(2023)