Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jiawei Feng, Yifei Sun, Hailong Li, Yuqi Xiao, Dandan Zhang, James L. D. Smith, Jianping Ge, Tianming Wang
Summary: In temperate forests of Northeast Asia, both natural and anthropogenic factors have varying influences on mammalian species richness and occupancy, with livestock grazing being the primary human disturbance negatively impacting species occupancy and richness. Multispecies occupancy models help identify drivers of biodiversity declines and guide conservation strategies in human-dominated landscapes.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Amy E. Mayer, Laken S. Ganoe, Charles Brown, Brian D. Gerber
Summary: Anthropogenic developments can lead to changes in the environment and resources available to wildlife communities, causing species to adjust their spatial distribution and diel activity. This study used a multi-state diel occupancy modeling framework to examine how a community of mammals responds to anthropogenic development and forest cover, and found that species displayed heterogeneity in diel occupancy and detection in relation to these factors.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Aaron M. Grade, Paige S. Warren, Susannah B. Lerman
Summary: Increased urbanization leads to habitat loss, but residential land has potential for mammal habitat. This study investigates the variation in mammal community composition within residential lands across an urban gradient. The results show that land-use context and parcel habitat features both influence the mammal community, with different species associated with different sites. The findings highlight the importance of informed residential yard management for urban wildlife management.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Zoe Woodgate, Marine Drouilly, Greg Distiller, M. Justin O'Riain
Summary: It has been recognized that state-owned protected areas are not enough to preserve the world's diverse biodiversity. Private land conservation can be a significant contribution to national conservation goals without excessive use of state resources. In South Africa, legislation has been introduced to encourage private landowners to support national biodiversity goals. This study used camera traps and occupancy modeling to assess the impact of land-use on mammal diversity in the drylands of South Africa. Results showed that a land-use matrix incorporating statutory and private protected areas and well-managed rangelands can benefit wildlife conservation, as long as these land-uses are included in carefully developed regional conservation planning.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daniel Gorczynski, Chia Hsieh, Jorge Ahumada, Emmanuel Akampurira, Mahandry Hugues Andrianarisoa, Santiago Espinosa, Steig Johnson, Charles Kayijamahe, Marcela Guimaraes Moreira Lima, Badru Mugerwa, Francesco Rovero, Julia Salvador, Fernanda Santos, Douglas Sheil, Eustrate Uzabaho, Lydia Beaudrot
Summary: The relationship between spatial aggregation of species pairs and ecological similarity is affected by environmental conditions and anthropogenic activity. This study investigates the influences of habitat diversity, primary productivity, human population density, and functional trait similarity on spatial associations among tropical forest mammals. The results show that the association between ecological similarity and interspecific species associations depends on surrounding human density.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marco Salvatori, Valentina Oberosler, Margherita Rinaldi, Alessandro Franceschini, Stefania Truschi, Paolo Pedrini, Francesco Rovero
Summary: Outdoor recreation in natural areas is becoming more popular globally, but its long-term effects on wildlife are poorly understood. This study investigated whether tourism in the Dolomites, Italy, affected wild mammals in the long term and if it resulted in spatial or temporal avoidance. Camera trapping was used to detect mammal occurrences over seven summers at 60 consistently sampled sites. Overall, human presence increased over the 7-year period, but both community and species-level occurrences of mammals also increased. However, human activities caused temporal avoidance in the whole community and spatial avoidance in bigger-sized species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Justin P. Suraci, Kaitlyn M. Gaynor, Maximilian L. Allen, Peter Alexander, Justin S. Brashares, Sara Cendejas-Zarelli, Kevin Crooks, L. Mark Elbroch, Tavis Forrester, Austin M. Green, Jeffrey Haight, Nyeema C. Harris, Mark Hebblewhite, Forest Isbell, Barbara Johnston, Roland Kays, Patrick E. Lendrum, Jesse S. Lewis, Alex McInturff, William McShea, Thomas W. Murphy, Meredith S. Palmer, Arielle Parsons, Mitchell A. Parsons, Mary E. Pendergast, Charles Pekins, Laura R. Prugh, Kimberly A. Sager-Fradkin, Stephanie Schuttler, Cagan H. Sekercioglu, Brenda Shepherd, Laura Whipple, Jesse Whittington, George Wittemyer, Christopher C. Wilmers
Summary: A study on 24 mammal species in North America found that 33% of species showed reduced occurrence or activity in response to increasing human presence and footprint, while 58% of species were positively associated with increasing disturbance. The study also revealed that species traits such as size, diet, and reproductive rate were strong predictors of their responses to human footprint, with smaller, less carnivorous, and faster-reproducing species being favored. Differential responses to human presence and footprint highlight the importance of considering these two forms of human disturbance separately when estimating anthropogenic impacts on wildlife.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Kelsey M. Gump, Daniel H. Thornton
Summary: Outdoor recreation on public lands is increasing rapidly, which has potential consequences for wildlife communities. The type of recreation and proximity of wildlife to human disturbance both play important roles in understanding the impacts of recreation on wildlife. A camera-trapping survey in Washington revealed that wildlife responded differently to motorized and nonmotorized recreation, with nonmotorized recreation having a more significant effect. The study suggests that a better understanding of the landscape-scale impacts of recreation is needed, and quiet, nonconsumptive recreation should receive more attention for its potential influence on wildlife ecology.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mason Fidino, Travis Gallo, Elizabeth W. Lehrer, Maureen H. Murray, Cria A. M. Kay, Heather A. Sander, Brandon MacDougall, Carmen M. Salsbury, Travis J. Ryan, Julia L. Angstmann, J. Amy Belaire, Barbara Dugelby, Christopher J. Schell, Theodore Stankowich, Max Amaya, David Drake, Sheryl H. Hursh, Adam A. Ahlers, Jacque Williamson, Laurel M. Hartley, Amanda J. Zellmer, Kelly Simon, Seth B. Magle
Summary: The study found that the impact of urbanization on urban species diversity is related to landscape differences among cities. For example, in some cities, when the proportion of green space within a city exceeded 20%, some mammals' responses to urbanization changed from negative to positive; when the average housing density of a city exceeded about 700 housing units/km(2), some mammals' responses to urbanization also changed.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ye Htet Lwin, Lin Wang, Guogang Li, Rui-Chang Quan
Summary: Species responses to human presence and prioritization of conservation areas were examined in Northern Mountain Forest Complex (NMFC), Myanmar. Results showed that human presence had no significant impact on mammal occupancy at the individual level, but had a significant influence on mammal abundance at the community level. Variables such as distance to settlements, proximity to water sources, and forest cover shaped mammal habitat occupancy in NMFC. Priority analysis revealed that non-protected areas supported a significant proportion of high-priority areas, particularly in the southeast of NMFC. Conservation efforts should focus on both protected and non-protected areas to ensure effective management and biodiversity conservation in NMFC.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Yadav P. Ghimirey, William D. Tietje, Anne Y. Polyakov, James E. Hines, Madan K. Oli
Summary: The richness and composition of a small mammal community in semiarid California oak woodland may be changing due to climate change. The populations of certain species, such as the California mouse, brush mouse, and pinyon mouse, declined during the study period, while the big-eared woodrat was the most frequently captured species. The study also found variations in species richness and colonization dynamics over time, influenced by seasonal factors and rainfall.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Marcelo Magioli, Elildo A. R. Carvalho Jr, Ricardo Sampaio, Thomas Puttker, Svenja Arlt, Wedika Hanoeman, Rewie Mattai, Ariane Ooms, Anne -Maria Schweizer, Miriam Scriba, Michael Koehl, Joerg U. Ganzhorn
Summary: Increasing knowledge of species occurrence and assemblage composition is crucial to uncover the impacts of human activities on biodiversity. Here we investigate the effects of certified selective logging on assemblages of medium-and large-sized mammals in central Suriname. Using camera traps set in logged and unlogged parts of two logging concessions, we estimated mammal richness and assemblage composition within them and compared the results to other sites across Suriname obtained from a literature search. Then, using Bayesian multi-species occupancy models, we investigated if selective logging affects the richness, composition, and probabilities of habitat use and detection of mammals in the study sites. We recorded 27 mammal species in total, of which four are threatened globally. The study areas were amongst the richest concerning mammalian diversity throughout Suriname in response to the larger sampling effort employed. However, assemblage composition was overall similar to other sites previously sampled in the country, with variation in species richness mainly driven by sampling effort. Species richness and assemblage composition were similar concerning logged and unlogged parts of the concessions. At the species level, only a minor influence was observed in the probabilities of detection and habitat use of mammals. Most species presented positive responses to logging status, i.e., increasing their detection and habitat use probabilities in logged sites. Therefore, we conclude that selective logging to the extent practiced in the managed sites may fulfill the criteria of sustainability. Due to the continuous nature of Suriname's landscape, which allows for a constant flow of species from managed to un-managed sites, it may act as a buffer to hamper the secondary and indirect impacts of selective logging.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biology
Eden W. Tekwa, Matthew A. Whalen, Patrick T. Martone, Mary I. O'Connor
Summary: Species richness is a crucial indicator of ecosystem states and dynamics, but limited sampling effort and spatial aggregation of organisms hinder accurate observation of every species. In this study, we propose a non-parametric, asymptotic, and bias-minimized estimator called omega, which accounts for spatial abundance characteristics. Our simulation tests and real surveys demonstrate that omega consistently outperforms other estimators in balancing bias, precision, and difference detection accuracy. An R-package, Richness, is developed to facilitate the implementation of our proposed estimators. Our findings shed light on the impact of natural and observer-induced variations on species observation, and emphasize the importance of further improving biodiversity assessments.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Juliana Masseloux, Quy Tan Le, Jessica Burr, Brian D. Gerber
Summary: Tropical biodiversity is threatened by human activities, particularly forest degradation and overhunting. This study focused on the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on mesomammals in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam. The researchers found no negative effects of current anthropogenic factors on the mesomammal community, but highlighted the continued threat of hunting and snaring to native mesomammals.
Article
Ecology
Daniel Gorczynski, Francesco Rovero, Arafat Mtui, Steven Shinyambala, Joseph Martine, Chia Hsieh, Luke Frishkoff, Lydia Beaudrot
Summary: The habitat surface area of tropical forest floors plays an important role in promoting animal occupancy and functional diversity. Greater habitat surface area provides more resources and habitat space, leading to higher animal diversity.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
G. Cremonesi, F. Bisi, L. Gaffi, L. Loprete, T. Zaw, A. Gagliardi, L. A. Wauters, D. G. Preatoni, A. Martinoli
Summary: Human activities like illegal logging and hunting have a significant impact on the occurrence probabilities of both targeted species for the illegal wildlife trade and common species hunted for bushmeat consumption in tropical forest ecosystems. This study highlights the importance of protecting rainforest habitats and implementing law enforcement and local engagement activities to mitigate forest and species exploitation. Camera trapping has also been identified as a useful tool to identify areas where human presence affects species occupancy and aid in the development of more precise conservation plans by local authorities.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Francesca Santicchia, Lucas Armand Wauters, Claudia Tranquillo, Federica Villa, Ben Dantzer, Rupert Palme, Damiano Preatoni, Adriano Martinoli
Summary: Free-living animals use physiological and behavioural responses to cope with environmental stressors. These responses are integrated within a coping style, which may change when exposed to human-induced rapid environmental change. This study found that an invasive alien species disrupts the behavioural syndrome of a native species, but does not influence its coping style.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Zoology
A. Berlusconi, D. Preatoni, G. Assandri, F. Bisi, M. Brambilla, J. G. Cecere, S. Cioccarelli, N. Grattini, M. Gustin, A. Martinoli, D. Rubolini, A. Sbrilli, A. Zanichelli, A. Martinoli, M. Morganti
Summary: Climate warming and land-use change are causing shifts in the distribution of wild organisms worldwide. In the Po Plain of Northern Italy, three Eurasian small falcon species (common kestrel, lesser kestrel, red-footed falcon) have recently achieved sympatry, allowing for the investigation of spatial niche overlap. Environmental Niche Models (ENMs) were used to analyze the species' distribution based on breeding occurrence data, revealing similarities in the ecological determinants of lesser kestrel and red-footed falcon distribution and a high spatial correlation in their suitable habitat areas. This sympatry may promote ecological interactions and competition among the falcon species.
EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Anna-Katarina Schilling, Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto, Claudia Romeo
Summary: The interest in wildlife research has increased, particularly in non-invasive sampling methods, as researchers aim to minimize disturbance to animals and comply with ethical standards and regulations. This review assessed the use of non-invasive sampling in wildlife health and disease research, with a focus on different types of samples and their applications. The results show a growing trend in the use of these methods, especially in the study of stress, viruses, and bacterial infections.
Article
Zoology
Claudia Tranquillo, Lucas Armand Wauters, Francesca Santicchia, Damiano Preatoni, Adriano Martinoli
Summary: This study investigated the morphological differences and personality trait differences of Eurasian red squirrels in different habitats. The results showed that squirrels living in the marginal habitat were smaller and lighter, and they were more active, explorative, and social than squirrels in other habitats. However, the squirrels in the marginal habitat showed less behavioral plasticity.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Francesca Santicchia, Lucas Armand Wauters, Ben Dantzer, Rupert Palme, Claudia Tranquillo, Damiano Preatoni, Adriano Martinoli
Summary: Animals use the stress response to cope with environmental perturbations. In response to stress, vertebrate animals may release glucocorticoids (GCs) which can have both beneficial and detrimental effects. The study shows that native red squirrels can habituate to prolonged contact with invasive grey squirrels, reducing the potential harmful effects of chronic elevation in GCs.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Amanda M. Veals, John L. Koprowski, Kurt C. VerCauteren, David L. Bergman, Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto
Summary: This study used satellite collar data to analyze habitat use, movement patterns, and home range requirements of gray foxes in the southwestern United States. Preliminary results provide insights into their spatial use for zoonotic disease management.
SOUTHWESTERN NATURALIST
(2022)
Editorial Material
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maria V. Mazzamuto, Anna-Katarina Schilling, Claudia Romeo
Article
Zoology
Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto, Marina Morandini, William Lampman, Lucas Armand Wauters, Damiano Preatoni, John Lad Koprowski, Adriano Martinoli
Summary: This study used non-invasive infrared thermography to investigate the link between physiological and behavioral components expressed during an acute stress event by free-ranging Fremont's squirrels. However, the results showed that squirrels' body surface temperatures reflected more about their external environment rather than their thermal state following a stressful event. Further research is needed to improve the effectiveness and performance of infrared thermography in studying the relationships between physiology and personality in wildlife.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Clara Tattoni, Marco Galaverni, Antonio Pollutri, Damiano G. Preatoni, Adriano Martinoli, Jorge E. Arana
Summary: The unequal distribution of costs and benefits of living with wildlife is a cause of human-carnivore conflicts. The Apennine brown bear, endemic to central Italy, has both ecological value and the ability to attract nature-seeking tourists. The economic value of this flagship species as a destination image was calculated using the Advertising Value Equivalent of the bears' appearances in national media, which greatly exceeded the reimbursements the park received for managing the bear. This cultural value evaluation can help highlight the economic benefits provided by the bear and contribute to discussions with managers and stakeholders.
HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Claudia Tranquillo, Lucas A. Wauters, Francesca Santicchia, Mattia Panzeri, Damiano Preatoni, Adriano Martinoli, Francesco Bisi
Summary: In an urban environment, both native and invasive tree squirrels showed changes in body size and body mass. The invasive grey squirrels were slightly larger in urban areas compared to other regions, while both species were heavier in urban sites than in rural areas.
Article
Ornithology
Alessandro Berlusconi, Alessio Martinoli, Lucas A. Wauters, Giulia Tesoro, Stefania Martini, Erminio Clerici, Gualtiero Guenzani, Gabriele Pozzi, Diego Rubolini, Michelangelo Morganti, Adriano Martinoli
Summary: This study used a multi-scale approach to investigate the year-round habitat selection of Crested Tits in northern Italy. The findings revealed that these birds are strict habitat specialists, selecting specific coniferous woodland features. The study highlights the importance of considering multi-scale habitat selection in bird research.
Article
Zoology
M. Mazzamuto, H-J Su, G. Guidarelli, D. Preatoni, L. F. Russo, A. Loy, A. Martinoli
Summary: The study found significant variation in size and shape of mandible among introduced Pallas's squirrel populations in Italy, Belgium, and France. French squirrels showed the most distinct characteristics, while Italian and Belgian populations also exhibited differences, albeit to a lesser extent. Mandible size explained 15% of the total shape variation, with no significant differences in allometric trajectories among populations. Additionally, significantly high fluctuating and directional asymmetries were found in French and Italian squirrels.
EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2021)