conservation.arizona.edu - Spatial Ecology

Modeling a hot, dry future: Substantial range reductions in suitable environment projected under climate change for a semiarid riparian predator guild

aburnett93 — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 21:50:00 +0000

Authors

Brian R. Blais

John L. Koprowski

Additional Information

Plos One

Date of publication:

2024

Topics

climate change

Research Categories

Disturbance Ecology Spatial Ecology Threatened and Endangered Species

The high cost of movement in an arid working landscape for an endangered amphibian

aburnett93 — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 21:47:49 +0000

Authors

Colin W. Brocka

Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto

John L. Koprowski

Additional Information

Ecology and Evolution

Date of publication:

2024

Research Categories

Spatial Ecology Threatened and Endangered Species

Movement response of small mammals to burn severity reveals importance of microhabitat features

aburnett93 — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 21:36:28 +0000

Authors

Sandy A. Slovikosky

Melissa J. Merrick

Marina Morandini

John L. Koprowski

Additional Information

Journal of Mammalogy

Date of publication:

2024

Topics

wildfire

fire intensity

habitat selection

Research Categories

Disturbance Ecology Spatial Ecology

Shrub avoidance by an open-adapted ground squirrel in a shrub-encroached environment

aburnett93 — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 21:29:42 +0000

Authors

Alexandra D. Burnett

John L. Koprowski

Additional Information

Plos One

Date of publication:

2024

Topics

shrub encroachment

habitat selection

Research Categories

Behavioral Ecology Disturbance Ecology Spatial Ecology

Use of drone technology to monitor and map endangered marmot populations in Mongolian grasslands.

aburnett93 — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 17:24:28 +0000

Authors

Enkhmaa Enkhbat

Ulam-Urnukh Bayanmunkh

Altanbagana Yunden

Sukhchuluun Gansukh

Adiya Yansanjav

John L. Koprowski

Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto

Additional Information

Hystrix

Date of publication:

2023

Research Categories

Spatial Ecology Threatened and Endangered Species

Effects of disturbances and environmental changes on an aridland riparian generalist

aburnett93 — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 18:31:19 +0000

Authors

Brian Blais

Samantha Johnson

John Koprowski

Additional Information

PeerJ

Date of publication:

2023

Topics

climate change

Research Categories

Behavioral Ecology Disturbance Ecology Spatial Ecology

Antelope Jackrabbit (Lepus alleni) Habitat Characteristics in a Former Rangeland

aburnett93 — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 23:35:26 +0000

Authors

Maria M. Altemus

Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto

David E. Brown

John L. Koprowski

Lacrecia A Johnson

Semi-desert grasslands in the southwestern United States have undergone significant ecological changes as a result of anthropogenic activities beginning in the 1800s. As efforts to restore semi-desert grasslands continue, importance should be placed on understanding the habitat requirements of species, and their relationships with other plants and animals. We examined habitat characteristics of antelope jackrabbits (Lepus alleni Mearns 1890) at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Arizona. We examined antelope jackrabbit habitat in relation to endangered Pima pineapple cacti (Coryphantha scheeri Kuntz var. robustispina Schott) and available freshwater sources. Dominant vegetation type and cover were measured at 247 points in antelope jackrabbit home ranges between October 2015 and December 2015. Additionally, we documented the proximity of antelope jackrabbit locations to Pima pineapple cacti and available water sources to determine whether antelope jackrabbits have a spatial relationship with this endangered cactus or water availability.Antelope jackrabbits did not select for habitat based on the vegetation characteristics we measured, proximity to Pima pineapple cacti or based on water availability (P > 0.05).Some jackrabbit species have indicated habitat structure preferences, and while antelope jackrabbits are most commonly associated with tropic-subtropic savannas, our study did not show that antelope jackrabbits select for specific vegetation types or a specific vegetation density, nor native grasses over non-native grasses. Antelope jackrabbits may encounter and eat Pima pineapple cactus opportunistically, as opposed to selecting habitat where Pima pineapple cactus occur. Additionally, antelope jackrabbits did not choose habitat based on the location of freshwater sources which may be because they do not need to drink water to survive and instead get their water needs from their food. Little information exists on how antelope jackrabbits select habitat. This study concluded that there is no relation between vegetation factors previously thought to influence antelope jackrabbit habitat selection and habitat use. Future studies based on larger-scale variables, like topography or predator pressure, may help in understanding the factors that influence how this species uses man-altered landscapes.

Additional Information

Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science

Date of publication:

2022

Research Categories

Natural History Spatial Ecology

Habitat Determinants and Density of the Endemic Sicilian Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca whitakeri on Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy

aburnett93 — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 23:32:06 +0000

Authors

Stefano Anile

Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto

Mario Lo Valvo

The assessment of the conservation status of a species is the first step to prevent local extinction and to plan appropriate, effective and scientifically sound conservation actions, hence knowledge of the distribution, population trends and characteristics of preferred habitat is crucial for the conservation of a species. Galliformes are facing increasing threats related to overhunting, habitat loss and fragmentation, and human disturbance. The Sicilian Rock Partridge (hereafter Rock Partridge) Alectoris graeca whitakeri is a significant conservation unit endemic to Sicily (Italy) classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to a decreasing population. Few studies have been conducted on the occurrence and population density of this subspecies. Here, we estimated its population density and identified which habitat factors drive the occurrence of this species on Mt. Etna. We used a combination of sampling methods (species-specific play-back calls, distance sampling, camera-trapping) to collect count and presence/absence data, which were then integrated into a single habitat model (presence vs. absence). We obtained 24 responses from play-back calls (plus 8 individuals observed while performing the play-back calls), 8 sightings from distance sampling, 6 detections from camera-trapping. Probability of occurrence of Rock Partridge on Mt. Etna was positively driven by shrub and meadow vegetation, whereas its occurrence decreased with an increase in both woody areas (coniferous and deciduous) and elevation. Population density estimated using play-back call data resulted in 0.80 pairs/km² (95% CI: 0.17–2.22) over an area of 53.7 km². The density of Rock Partridge on Mt. Etna appeared to have slightly declined and its distribution undergone a contraction since the previous survey. Several potential threats to the Rock Partridge in Sicily are currently increasing and should be mitigated to ensure the long-term survival of this unique population on Mt. Etna, as well as in the whole island of Sicily.

Additional Information

Acta Ornithologica

Date of publication:

2022

Research Categories

Natural History Population Ecology Spatial Ecology

Multiscale effects of habitat loss and degradation on occurrence and landscape connectivity of a threatened subspecies

aburnett93 — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 21:47:19 +0000

Authors

Kira Hefty

John Koprowski

Land use change can result in complex environments of varying habitat quality and permeability that directly and indirectly influence the effectiveness of natural areas for wildlife conservation. To assess how isolation and degradation of protected natural areas may affect long-term conservation efforts across the range of a sensitive subspecies, we used multiscale occupancy analysis, species distribution modeling, and circuit theory to identify hotspot areas of occurrence and potential landscape connectivity among areas of high quality habitat within and between protected natural areas. Big Cypress fox squirrels (Sciurus niger avicennia: BCFS) are state-threatened subspecies of fox squirrel endemic to forested wetlands in southwest Florida, which have been highly altered by human activities. Probability of occupancy of BCFS among conservation areas varied widely due to differences in environmental features (Hedge's g = 1.4705, 95% CI: 1.074–1.763). Fine-scale features indicative of habitat degradation, such as increasing midstory vegetation cover and decreasing bromeliad cover, negatively influenced BCFS occurrence. Home-range-level tree canopy cover differentially affected probability of occupancy dependent on proximity to urban areas. Additionally, home-range-level high summer temperature differentially affected probability of occupancy dependent on proximity to cypress domes. Habitat was distributed patchily both within and among conservation areas, separated by large areas of unsuitable vegetation communities and urbanized features that were barriers to movement. Considering the threat of increasing isolation of conservation areas due to continued development as well as current and impending degradation caused by land use and climate change within conservation area boundaries, we suggest a strong need for interagency coordination to improve, maintain, and acquire rights for protection of additional remaining habitat.

Additional Information

Conservation Science and Practice

Date of publication:

2021

Topics

small mammal

Research Categories

Disturbance Ecology Spatial Ecology Threatened and Endangered Species

Endemic population response to increasingly severe fire: A cascade of endangerment for the Mt. Graham red squirrel

mmerrick — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:50:11 +0000

Authors

Melissa J. Merrick

Marina Morandini

Vicki L. Greer

John L. Koprowski

Drought, past fire suppression, insect invasion, and high-severity fire represent a disturbance cascade characteristic of forests in the western United States. The result is altered forest ecosystems diminished in their function and capacity to support biodiversity. Small habitat specialists are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of disturbances because of their limited movement capacity and high site fidelity. Research suggests that small mammals suffer limited direct mortality from fire but are increasingly vulnerable to local extirpation because of secondary impacts that include habitat loss and reduced food availability, survival, and reproduction. We examine the direct and secondary impacts of increasingly severe fire events on the endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel—a model system to demonstrate how disturbances can threaten the persistence of range-limited species. We document survival, space use, and displacement prior to and following fires and discuss implications for conservation. We suggest that management plans address future threats, including disturbance-related habitat loss.

Additional Information

BioScience

Date of publication:

2021

Topics

Mt. Graham red squirrel

wildfire

disturbance cascade

spatial habitat take

disturbance displacement

Research Categories

Behavioral Ecology Disturbance Ecology Sky Islands Spatial Ecology Threatened and Endangered Species