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Simple Summary: Using GPS technology, we investigated the spatial ecology of seven male tawny owls in the heterogeneous landscape of Western Serbia during the non-breeding season. Our main goals were to measure home range and core area sizes, understand their habitat choice, and describe roost site characteristics. We caught the owl males and fitted them with lightweight transmitters, which allowed us to track their movements. We found that home ranges varied significantly, with an average size of around 2.2 km2. Males with larger body mass exhibited smaller home ranges. Also, we observed minimal overlap in space use between individuals, indicating quite strong territoriality. In terms of habitat selection, increased area of cultivated land substantially reduced the probability of tawny owl presence, while suburban, built-up areas increased it. Our findings provide a better understanding of the home range and habitat selection of tawny owls on the central Balkan Peninsula. This knowledge could have a considerable implication for land-use practices and effective conservation strategies. Describing home range and resource selection is crucial for understanding ecological needs and creating conservation programs. Still, our knowledge of spatial and behavioural ecology for most species remains limited. Here, we used satellite transmitters to investigate core and home range sizes, habitat selection, and roost characteristics in seven tawny owl males in Western Serbia during the autumn–winter period 2023. Using minimum convex polygon (MCP) and autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE), we found clear variability in core area and home range sizes. Also, adult and heavier males have smaller core area and home ranges than juvenile and lightweight individuals. The Bhattacharyya coefficient showed minor home range overlap in tagged males. The final model for evaluation of habitat selection suggests that the likelihood of owl occurrence was positively correlated with the share of anthropogenic infrastructure and negatively associated with the increase in the proportion of cultivated land within the home range. However, scores of model performance metrics showed moderate predictive accuracy, implying that other unmeasured variables may dictate species presence. Our study illustrates the ecological plasticity and ability of the tawny owl to adapt to a human-modified environment while providing new information about the spatial ecology of this widespread predator in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home range and home range overlap can be used to describe use of space and movement of wildlife. During the last years, advancements in technology have greatly improved our understanding of animal movement, especially among large herbivores. Wild ungulate abundance and distribution have increased in temperate areas. Moreover, their diseases—including sarcoptic mange in the Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica)—have become a cause of concern for livestock, public health, and wildlife conservation. In this study, we first reviewed existing literature on the home range of species in the genus Capra. We then analyzed data from 52 GPS-GSM-collared Iberian ibexes, of which 33 were healthy and 19 were affected by sarcoptic mange from 3 different populations in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula to analyze: (1) differences in size and characteristics of home ranges obtained by the 3 most commonly used methodologies—minimum convex polygon, kernel density estimation, and Brownian bridges movement models (BBMMs); and (2) the impact of endemic sarcoptic mange on Iberian Ibex home range. The literature review revealed that available information on spatial behavior of Capra spp. was based only on 3 species, including the Iberian Ibex, estimated through a diversity of methods which made it difficult to compare results. We found positive correlations among the different home range estimation methods in the Iberian Ibex, with BBMMs proving to be the most accurate. This study is the first to use BBMMs for estimating home range in this species, and it revealed a marked seasonal behavior in spatial use, although sarcoptic mange smoothed such seasonal pattern. The seasonal overlaps obtained suggest that core areas of the Iberian Ibex change within wider home range areas, which are ecological parameters relevant to identifying key areas for species management and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greater knowledge of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors of animal home range (HR) formation can help us to understand the fundamental biological issues underlying, for instance, movement patterns, habitat selection and survival. However, very little is known about the HRs of birds of prey fledglings, even though the post-fledging phase is recognised as crucial due to the high mortality of juvenile birds. We radio-tracked 138 Tengmalm's owl (Aegolius funereus) fledglings from 43 broods to determine their HRs during the post-fledging dependence period and to investigate the factors affecting their sizes. The study was conducted during four breeding seasons in Czechia and two seasons in Finland. The mean fledglings' HR size calculated according to the 95% IID Kernel Density Estimation method was 63.7 ± 43.9 ha (± SD; n = 71) during nocturnal activity and 52.0 ± 46.1 ha (n = 63) during diurnal roosting. The sizes of both nocturnal activity and diurnal roosting HRs increased with the longer individual duration of the post-fledging dependence period and also the higher rank of hatching within a brood. Diurnal roosting HRs were two times smaller in the Czech site, probably because of the very limited number of dense forest patches suitable for roosting as a legacy of the air pollution calamity in the 1970s, during which most coniferous stands died out. There was no difference in the size of nocturnal activity HR between the two study areas, although they differed markedly in terms of night length, altitude, weather, and forest age, structure and composition. This suggests that environmental factors are not decisive in determining the size of nocturnal activity HRs of Tengmalm's owl fledglings. Since the diurnal HRs always occurred within the area of the nocturnal HRs, we suggest that conservation of the densest and preferably oldest forest stands within the areas of the study species occurrence may offer straightforward conservation tasks for protecting Tengmalm's owl fledglings and also other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic cats (Felis catus) play a dual role in society as both companion animals and predators. When provided with unsupervised outdoor access, cats can negatively impact native wildlife and create public health and animal welfare challenges. The effective implementation of management strategies, such as buffer zones or curfews, requires an understanding of home range size, the factors that influence their movement, and the types of habitats they use. Here, we used a community/citizen scientist approach to collect movement and habitat use data using GPS collars on owned outdoor cats in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph region, southwestern Ontario, Canada. Mean (± SD) 100% minimum convex polygon home range size was 8 ± 8 ha (range: 0.34-38 ha) and was positively associated with road density but not with intrinsic factors such as boldness, sex, or age. With regards to habitat selection, cats used greenspaces, roads, and agricultural land less often than predicted but strongly selected for impervious surfaces (urban areas other than greenspaces or roads). Our results suggest that wildlife near buildings and residential areas are likely at the greatest risk of cat predation and that a buffer size of 840mwould be needed to restrict cats from entering areas of conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most assessments of the conservation status of Brazilian turtles use the IUCN geographic range criteria performed by the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP). This technique often leads to over- or under-estimating the geographic distribution of rare, vulnerable, or endangered species. We aimed to demonstrate that using Species Distribution Models (SDM) on the geographic range assessment of turtles could be more accurate than using the minimum polygon convex. We reduced overestimation of species' extent of occurrence by adding dispersal constraints, which avoids under- or over-estimating the impact of threatening events. The extent of occurrence derived from MCP was 31% higher than SDM on average, ranging from 4 to 311% higher. Using remaining habitat variables, we found that habitat loss within the predicted extent of occurrence increased by 79% from 1985 to 2019, and inferred population fragmentation increased by 161%. The distribution of turtles Acanthochelys radiolata, Acanthochelys spixii, Hydromedusa maximiliani, Hydromedusa tectifera, Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei, Phrynops williamsi, and Ranacephala hogei is severely fragmented, with most of their extent of occurrence being split into patches that are unavailable to the species persistence. Our findings highlight the importance of using SDM combined with dispersal constraints, which may further benefit from future information about the dispersal capacity of turtles. Furthermore, adding environmental layers to this combination makes it possible to discuss processes affected by habitat fragmentation, such as the fragmentation of species populations, an aspect essential to evaluate population viability and local extinctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we explored the territorial displays of Little Owls in urban and rural areas. Specifically, we compared the size of territories between urban and rural landscapes, investigating the main characteristics (e.g., land use composition, altitude) that characterize territories of the species in both types of landscapes. Overall, territories were smaller in urban than in rural areas, with a relatively different land use composition. Finally, even though the rate of territorial displays was similar between urban and rural territories, individuals used various types of structures differentially. Our findings provide new insight concerning the conservation of Little Owls in anthropized areas. Urbanization is a major land use change across the globe with vast effects on wildlife. In this paper, we studied (1) the territorial displays of Little Owls in urban and rural landscapes, analyzing also (2) the size and habitat composition of the territories, and (3) the factors affecting territory size in both landscapes. To do that, we used t-tests, Principal Components Analysis, and General Linear mixed model procedures. The territory size was smaller in urban than in rural landscapes. Urban territories of Little Owls are characterized by a lower cover of grassland, tall crops, short crops, gardens, and orchards, as well as a higher cover of built-up areas than territories in rural landscapes. Territory size in rural landscapes was negatively correlated with seasonal progress and positively correlated with altitude. The rate of territorial displays was similar between urban and rural territories; however, birds differentially utilized various structures. In urban territories, birds mostly used buildings, whereas in rural territories, birds used electric pylons and trees. The compositional differences between territories in the two landscapes may have important consequences for other behavior types and possibly reproductive output in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greater knowledge of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors of animal home range (HR) formation can help us to understand the fundamental biological issues underlying, for instance, movement patterns, habitat selection and survival. However, very little is known about the HRs of birds of prey fledglings, even though the post-fledging phase is recognised as crucial due to the high mortality of juvenile birds. We radio-tracked 138 Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus) fledglings from 43 broods to determine their HRs during the post-fledging dependence period and to investigate the factors affecting their sizes. The study was conducted during four breeding seasons in Czechia and two seasons in Finland. The mean fledglings’ HR size calculated according to the 95% IID Kernel Density Estimation method was 63.7 ± 43.9 ha (± SD; n = 71) during nocturnal activity and 52.0 ± 46.1 ha (n = 63) during diurnal roosting. The sizes of both nocturnal activity and diurnal roosting HRs increased with the longer individual duration of the post-fledging dependence period and also the higher rank of hatching within a brood. Diurnal roosting HRs were two times smaller in the Czech site, probably because of the very limited number of dense forest patches suitable for roosting as a legacy of the air pollution calamity in the 1970s, during which most coniferous stands died out. There was no difference in the size of nocturnal activity HR between the two study areas, although they differed markedly in terms of night length, altitude, weather, and forest age, structure and composition. This suggests that environmental factors are not decisive in determining the size of nocturnal activity HRs of Tengmalm’s owl fledglings. Since the diurnal HRs always occurred within the area of the nocturnal HRs, we suggest that conservation of the densest and preferably oldest forest stands within the areas of the study species occurrence may offer straightforward conservation tasks for protecting Tengmalm’s owl fledglings and also other species.

Estimating home range size is an important aspect of ecological studies that helps in understanding species biology. The myrmecophagous sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is one of the least studied large carnivores and is found in the Indian subcontinent with India being its stronghold. Despite its wide distribution in India, only one study has estimated its home range. In this study, we estimate the home range of a sloth bear using location data obtained through camera-trapping in Bannerghatta National Park in southern India during 2019 and 2020. A sloth bear was identified based on a unique marking on its pelage that was possibly caused by a wire snare. Using the minimum convex polygon and 40 camera-trap encounters, we estimated its home range to be ∼58 km2. Although camera-trapping was conducted to understand the population dynamics of leopards (Panthera pardus pardus), the data provided opportunistic information on nontarget species. Such byproduct data should be utilized to enhance our knowledge on various aspects of species biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Punggualas lies in the western part of Sebangau National Park (SNP). It is a logged-over forest, yet it is one of the major strongholds for the P. p. wurmbii population in the SNP. The range size, as well as the ranging pattern for Punggualas, has never been conducted. The study aimed to estimate orangutan ranging size and pattern as well as their distribution over the Punggualas forest. Ranging data within the area of interest (AOI) was collected from Feb 2015 – Dec 2019 (P1), and Mar 2020 – May 2022 (P2). Minimum convex polygon (MCP), range size of orangutan individual was calculated using adehabitatHR package in RStudio 4.1.1 for Windows. We visualized the distribution in ArcGIS 10.5 with Kernel Density (KD) tool. The range size of Mother-Infant is the greatest (259,6 Ha) among all individuals being studied within the study periods. Moreover, the size estimation was found greater in Mother-Infant sex class compared to other orangutan studies areas, such as Peat Natural Laboratory, and CIMTROP-UPR which reported a flanged male HR Size reaching 250 Ha per annum. We have found that the ranging pattern significantly changes over the study period. However, during P1, the distribution area was located within the northern of AOI, while in the P2 have changed to the south-eastern part of the AOI. We concluded that the ranging pattern indeed follows the fruit availability as well as fine-scale habitat quality.

The common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is the second-most bycaught species in Korean waters. To provide key information about their habitat boundaries and hotspots for spatial conservation and management, the spatial use of this species was examined using data obtained from sighting and bycatch surveys of cetaceans in the past 20 years. The 95% minimum convex polygon and 95% density contour of fixed-kernel analysis suggested that the boundary of the home range of common dolphins is limited to the coastal region (Busan–Sokcho) of the East Sea/Sea of Japan. From 50% density contours drawn by kernel density estimation, it was suggested that their hotspots are around the coast of Ulsan–Pohang, Doghae, and Sokcho within the home range. Common dolphins were not observed in the Yellow Sea. Hence, shallow waters in the geographic area of the coastal region of the Yellow Sea are likely not a suitable habitat for common dolphins in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: Home range is a common measure of use of space by animals because it provides ecological information that is useful for conservation applications. In macroecological studies, values are typically aggregated to species means to examine general patterns of use of space by animals. However, this ignores the environmental context in which the home range was estimated and does not account for intraspecific variation in home range size. In addition, the focus of macroecological studies on home ranges has historically been biased towards terrestrial mammals. The use of aggregated numbers and the terrestrial focus limit our ability to examine home‐range patterns across different environments, their variation in time and variation between different levels of organization. Here, we introduce HomeRange, a global database with 75,611 home‐range values across 960 different species of mammals, including terrestrial, aquatic and aerial species. Main types of variables contained: The dataset contains estimates of home ranges of mammals, species names, methodological information on data collection, method of home‐range estimation, period of data collection, study coordinates and name of location, in addition to species traits derived from the studies, such as body mass, life stage, reproductive status and locomotor habit. Spatial location and grain: The collected data are distributed globally. Across studies, the spatial accuracy varies, with the coarsest resolution being 1°. Time period and grain: The data represent information published between 1939 and 2022. Across studies, the temporal accuracy varies; some studies report start and end dates specific to the day, whereas for other studies only the month or year is reported. Major taxa and level of measurement: Mammalian species from 24 of the 27 different taxonomic orders. Home‐range estimates range from individual‐level values to population‐level averages. Software format: Data are supplied as a comma‐delimited text file (.csv) and can be loaded directly into R using the "HomeRange" R package (https://github.com/SHoeks/HomeRange). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) are increasing in numbers and distribution in peri-urban eastern Australia. To effectively manage rusa deer, land managers need to know the extent of their movements to determine the appropriate scale of control through trapping and shooting. We found that in a subtropical peri-urban environment in South East Queensland, four rusa deer (three male, one female) with GPS collars annually ranged over areas of <400 ha with core areas of ~100 ha over a period of 10–17 months. Our limited data indicated their relatively small home ranges varied little in size and location from season-to-season, suggesting that these deer can be effectively managed at the local level. Pest managers need data on the ranging behaviour of wild rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in eastern Australia to improve planning as published information is scarce. We found that rusa deer in peri-urban environments north of Brisbane had relatively small annual and seasonal home ranges and displayed strong seasonal site fidelity. This information will assist local land managers determine the scale at which to undertake control to reduce impacts from this pest species. Co‐author (M. Brennan) with collared rusa deer prior to release. Photograph credit: M. Amos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocelot is an important Neotropical mesopredator and information on its spatial ecology remains scarce. Here we estimated the ocelot home range in a remnant of Lowland Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil. The data were collected by camera traps installed at eight known ocelot latrines. We estimated the home range both based on the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and the 95% adaptive Kernel density estimator (95%K) to compare with other published studies. We identified 22 ocelots (adult males = 8; adult females = 12; cubs = 2). Six males were recorded at more than one latrine, while all females were recorded at only one sampling point. In addition to male ocelots being recorded at a large number of points, they showed greater intrasexual spatial overlap as they used the same latrines, suggesting larger home ranges than females. The mean home range size for males was 12.1 ± SE 4.4 km² (range = 6.2 to 20.8 km²) using MCP, and 19.9 ± SE 9.5 km² (range = 10.1 to 38.9 km²) applying 95%K. Despite our estimates representing an approximation of the total area used by males, both values are consistent with those reported from other locations. Our data complemented the gradient of vegetation type sampled for ocelots in Atlantic Forest and support the suggestion that this environmental variable and, consequently, its effect on prey availability, influence the home range size of ocelot. Information on population ecology and other spatial ecology data are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is the second-most bycaught species in Korean waters. To provide key information about their habitat boundaries and hotspots for spatial conservation and management, the spatial use of this species was examined using data obtained from sighting and bycatch surveys of cetaceans in the past 20 years. The 95% minimum convex polygon and 95% density contour of fixed-kernel analysis suggested that the boundary of the home range of common dolphins is limited to the coastal region (Busan–Sokcho) of the East Sea/Sea of Japan. From 50% density contours drawn by kernel density estimation, it was suggested that their hotspots are around the coast of Ulsan–Pohang, Doghae, and Sokcho within the home range. Common dolphins were not observed in the Yellow Sea. Hence, shallow waters in the geographic area of the coastal region of the Yellow Sea are likely not a suitable habitat for common dolphins in this region.

Archaeological applications of stable isotope data have become increasingly prevalent, and the use of these data continues to expand rapidly. Researchers are starting to find that recovering data for multiple elements provides additional insight and quantitative data for answering questions about past human activities and behaviors. Many stable isotope studies in archaeology, however, rarely move beyond comparisons of descriptive statistics such as mean, median, and standard deviation. Over the last decade, ecologists have formalized the concept of isotopic niche space, and corresponding isotopic niche overlap, to incorporate data from two or more isotopic systems into a single analysis. Additionally, several methods for quantifying isotopic niche space and overlap are now available. Here, I describe the evolution of the isotopic niche space concept and demonstrate the usefulness of it for archaeological research through three case studies using the recently developed rKIN package that allows for a comparison of different methods of isotopic niche space and overlap estimations. Two case studies apply these new measures to previously published studies, while a third case study illustrates its applicability to exploring new hypotheses and research directions. The benefits and limitations of quantifying isotopic niche space and overlap are discussed, as well as suggestions for data reporting and transparency when using these methods. Isotopic niche space and overlap metrics will allow archaeologists to extract more nuanced information from stable isotope datasets in their drive to understand more fully the histories of the human conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on mortality rates and their causes in raptors and owls during the post-fledging dependency period (PFDP) and subsequent dispersal is essential for their more effective protection, including more efficient use of funds. Despite the importance of the above data, these data are not yet available for most birds of prey. The study aimed to provide and expand the knowledge in this field for saker falcon. We used satellite telemetry to monitor a total of six young birds since they left the nest boxes. All young birds survived the PFDP, but none survived to adulthood and died during the period of dispersal movements. The PFDP lasted 47 days (median value hereinafter), and the distance of individuals from the nest boxes during this period was 3.2 km (maximum distance 9 km). The area of the home range of the PFDP calculated by the 100% minimum convex polygon (MCP) method was 81 km2. During the period of dispersal movements, the monitored individuals set up five temporary settlement areas with an area of 422 km2 according to 100% MCP, where they stayed for 37 days. All individuals’ mean length of movement routes throughout the monitoring period was 3862 km. The main finding of the present study is the fact that none of the monitored individuals survived the dispersal period. At least half of them died due to human activity (electrocution, hunting), which is probably unbearable in the long term for wild populations of most animal species. This shows the need to start eliminating all types of artificial traps (e.g., electrocution, hunting, poisoning, etc.) without delay, thus helping to prevent the decline of populations of many species in the shorter or longer time horizon.

There is increasing evidence that occasional utilization area (peripheral sites), in addition to typical utilization area (home range), is important for wildlife conservation and management. Here we estimated the maximum utilization area (MUA), including both typical and occasional utilization areas, based on asymptotic curves of utilization area plotted against sample size. In previous studies, these curves have conventionally been plots of cumulative utilization area versus sample size, but this cumulative method is sensitive to stochastic effects. We propose a new method based on simulation studies where outcomes of replicated simulations are averaged to reduce stochastic effects. In this averaged method, possible combinations of sample size with the same number of location data replicated from a dataset were averaged and applied to the curves of utilization area. The cumulative method resulted in a large variation of MUA estimates, depending on the start date as well as total sample size of the dataset. In the averaged method, MUA estimates were robust against changes in the start date and total sample size. The large variation of MUA estimates arose because location data on any day including the start date are affected by unpredictable effects associated with animal activity and environmental conditions. In the averaged method, replicates of sample size resulted in a reduction of temporal stochasticity, suggesting that the method stably provides reliable estimates for MUA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Animal movement expressed through home ranges or space-use can offer insights into spatial and habitat requirements. However, different classes of estimation methods are currently instinctively applied to answer home range, space-use or movement-based research questions regardless of their widely varying outputs, directly impacting conclusions. Recent technological advances in animal tracking (GPS and satellite tags), have enabled new methods to quantify animal space-use and movement pathways, but so far have primarily targeted mammal and avian species. Methods Most reptile spatial ecology studies only make use of two older home range estimation methods: Minimum Convex Polygons (MCP) and Kernel Density Estimators (KDE), particularly with the Least Squares Cross Validation (LSCV) and reference (h ref ) bandwidth selection algorithms. These methods are frequently applied to answer space-use and movement-based questions. Reptile movement patterns are unique (e.g., low movement frequency, long stop-over periods), prompting investigation into whether newer movement-based methods –such as dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models (dBBMMs)– apply to Very High Frequency (VHF) radio-telemetry tracking data. We simulated movement data for three archetypical reptile species: a highly mobile active hunter, an ambush predator with long-distance moves and long-term sheltering periods, and an ambush predator with short-distance moves and short-term sheltering periods. We compared traditionally used estimators, MCP and KDE, with dBBMMs, across eight feasible VHF field sampling regimes for reptiles, varying from one data point every four daylight hours, to once per month. Results Although originally designed for GPS tracking studies, dBBMMs outperformed MCPs and KDE h ref across all tracking regimes in accurately revealing movement pathways, with only KDE LSCV performing comparably at some higher frequency sampling regimes. However, the LSCV algorithm failed to converge with these high-frequency regimes due to high site fidelity, and was unstable across sampling regimes, making its use problematic for species exhibiting long-term sheltering behaviours. We found that dBBMMs minimized the effect of individual variation, maintained low error rates balanced between omission (false negative) and commission (false positive), and performed comparatively well even under low frequency sampling regimes (e.g., once a month). Conclusions We recommend dBBMMs as a valuable alternative to MCP and KDE methods for reptile VHF telemetry data, for research questions associated with space-use and movement behaviours within the study period: they work under contemporary tracking protocols and provide more stable estimates. We demonstrate for the first time that dBBMMs can be applied confidently to low-resolution tracking data, while improving comparisons across regimes, individuals, and species.

Interspecific aggression has important fitness consequences across the animal kingdom and can be especially important during species invasions, where asymmetric interactions between native and invasive species can lead to native species declines. We investigated the immediate behavioural consequences of interspecific interactions for a native species, the green anole lizard, Anolis carolinensis , after an invasion by a closely related invasive species, the Cuban brown anole, Anolis sagrei. We housed captive populations of green anoles (6 males, 6 females) in large outdoor enclosures and recorded their display behaviours (displays/min), activity levels (movements/min) and habitat use (2D and 3D home range size, perch height) for 10 days. We then introduced brown anoles and recorded the green anoles' behaviours for another 10 days, seeking differences between pre- and post-invasion behaviours. We recorded behavioural interactions between individuals (i.e. headbob and dewlap displays, chases, mating attempts, fights and copulations) throughout the study. To serve as a density control, we duplicated the experiment in a second enclosure using green anoles as 'invaders'. We performed the experiment eight times with two densities of invaders: high (4 males, 4 females) and low (2 males, 2 females). We found that green anoles have smaller two-dimensional and three-dimensional home ranges and higher average perch heights after invasions but that these changes resulted from increased population densities rather than aggression from brown anole invaders. Furthermore, although green and brown anoles did display to each other, both species preferentially interacted with conspecifics and escalated aggressive behaviours between the two species (e.g. lock-jawed fights) rarely occurred. Taken together, these findings indicate that high brown anole population densities, rather than direct interference competition, could be driving green anole displacement across the brown anole's invasive range. • Invasive brown anoles are thought to be aggressive towards native green anoles. • We 'invaded' captive populations of green anoles with brown anoles. • Changes in green anole behaviours after invasions were linked to invader density. • Green and brown anoles engaged in few escalated aggressive interactions. • High brown anole densities, not aggression, may be driving green anole declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flores Hawk-Eagle (FHE, Nisaetus floris) is one of the endemic and keystone species that was rarely studied among other eagles. The study on the FHE is currently experiencing limited information for estimating their distribution area. Therefore, the FHE habitat distribution is required as the essential information for developing the strategies and conservation action. The objectives of this study were to identify the spatial habitat distribution and analyze the characteristics of the habitat. Minimum convex polygon (MCP) and kernel-density estimation (KDE) 95% was combined with the land cover map for delineating the patch habitat of FHE. Slope, elevation, and land cover were used as environmental variables. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) combine with GIS were used for characterizing the landscape habitat. The results showed that there were eight habitat patches with a total area of 1.132 km2. Six principal components were retained from PCA analysis which explained 71.96% of data variance. Habitat characteristics of FHE describe its requirement for nesting and hunting activities for principal components 1 to 4, while for flight activity related to principal components 5 and 6. Forests and savannahs become the main habitat preference for both nesting and hunting activities. Results of this study will be supported as baseline information for developing conservation strategies and action for FHE.

Ecological (isotopic) niche refers to a surface in a two-dimensional space, where the axes correspond to environmental variables that reflect values of stable isotopes incorporated in an animal's tissues. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ13C-δ15N) notably provide precious information about trophic ecology, resource and habitat use, and population dynamics. Various metrics allow for isotopic niche size and overlap assessment. In this paper, we advocate α-minimum convex polygons (MCP) - that have long been used for home range estimation – as a relevant tool for isotopic niche size, overlap, and characteristics. The method allows for outlier rejection while being suited to data that are not Gaussian in the bivariate isotopic (δ13C-δ15N) space. The proposed indicators are compared to other existing approaches and are shown to be complementary. Notably an indicator of divergence within the niche is introduced, and allows for comparisons at low (n > 6) and different sample sizes. The R code is made publicly available and will enable ecologists to perform isotopic niche comparison, contraction and expansion assessment, and overlap, based on various methods.

Aim: Animal movement determines home range patterns, which in turn affect individual fitness, population dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Using temperate bats, a group of particular conservation concern, we investigated how morphological traits, habitat specialization and environmental variables affect home range sizes and daily foraging movements, using a compilation of 30 years of published bat telemetry data. Location: Northern America and Europe. Time period: 1988–2016. Major taxa studied: Bats. Methods: We compiled data on home range size and mean daily distance between roosts and foraging areas at both colony and individual levels from 166 studies of 3,129 radiotracked individuals of 49 bat species. We calculated multi‐scale habitat composition and configuration in the surrounding landscapes of the 165 studied roosts. Using mixed models, we examined the effects of habitat availability and spatial arrangement on bat movements, while accounting for body mass, aspect ratio, wing loading and habitat specialization. Results: We found a significant effect of landscape composition on home range size and mean daily distance at both colony and individual levels. On average, home ranges were up to 42% smaller in the most habitat‐diversified landscapes while mean daily distances were up to 30% shorter in the most forested landscapes. Bat home range size significantly increased with body mass, wing aspect ratio and wing loading, and decreased with habitat specialization. Main conclusions: Promoting bat movements through the landscape surrounding roosts at large spatial scales is crucial for bat conservation. Forest loss and overall landscape homogenization lead temperate bats to fly further to meet their ecological requirements, by increasing home range sizes and daily foraging distances. Both processes might be more detrimental for smaller, habitat‐specialized bats, less able to travel increasingly longer distances to meet their diverse needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding egg-laying behaviour of brood parasites in space and time can improve our knowledge of interactions between hosts and parasites. However, no studies have combined information on the laying activity of an obligate brood parasite with detailed information on the distribution of host nests within an area and time period. Here, we used molecular methods and analysis of egg phenotypes to determine maternal identity of common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus , eggs and chicks found in the nests of four species of Acrocephalus warblers in consecutive years. The median size of a cuckoo female laying area (calculated as a minimum convex polygon) was correlated negatively with the density of host nests and positively with the number of eggs assigned to a particular female. Cuckoo female laying areas overlapped to a large extent and their size and location did not change between years. Cuckoo females preferentially parasitized host nests located close to their previously parasitized nests and were mostly host specific except for two that parasitized two host species. Future studies should focus on sympatric host and parasite communities with variable densities across different brood-parasitic systems to investigate how population density of hosts affects fitness and evolution of brood parasites. For instance, it remains unknown whether female parasites moving to new sites need to meet a threshold density of a potential host. In addition, young females may be more limited in their egg laying, particularly with respect to the activity of other parasites and hosts, than older females. • Cuckoo egg-laying areas varied in size and overlapped to a large extent. • Cuckoo egg-laying areas were smaller when density of host nests was higher. • Size and location of laying areas remained similar between years. • Cuckoos laid eggs in host nests closest to previously parasitized nests. • Majority of cuckoos parasitized only one host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Understanding the spatial ecology of an invasive species is critical for designing effective control programs. Determining and quantifying home range estimates and habitat associations can streamline targeted removal efforts for wide‐ranging, cryptic animals. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is a large‐bodied constrictor snake with an established and expanding invasive population in southern Florida. This apex predator has severely impacted native wildlife across the Greater Everglades ecosystem. However, limited ecological information exists on this invasive species at the landscape level. Here, we present results from a study using radiotelemetry to quantify movements and habitat use patterns of 25 adult Burmese pythons in southwestern Florida, USA, for average periods of 814 d (range: 288–1809). Our objective was to quantify home range size, movement rates, and second‐ and third‐order habitat selection. Mean annual home range size was 7.5 km2 ± 2.9 km2 (95% kernel density estimate), and pythons moved at a maximum mean daily rate of 0.52 km/d. Burmese pythons selected agriculture, freshwater wetland, saline wetland, and upland land cover classes but avoided open water and urban land cover classes. Nest site selection was highest for pythons at an elevation of 1.7 m with nesting hotspots concentrated on the borders of urban and agricultural areas or in sandy forested upland habitats. A broader understanding of the spatial utilization of Burmese pythons will enhance the utility of emerging control strategies across their invaded range.

A detailed understanding of the spatial ecology and habitat requirements of endangered species is critical for population restoration and conservation. Home ranges and movements of the endangered Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) were investigated in the Yellow River, northwestern China, from October 2016 to July 2018. We monitored 9 adult turtles (5 females and 4 males) with radio transmitters. Mean linear range size was 440 ± 161 m SD, mean river channel area was 1.98 ± 0.72 ha SD, the average minimum convex polygon was 1.36 ± 0.65 ha SD, average 95% kernel density estimator measured 0.84 ± 0.51 ha SD, with a core area (50% kernel density estimator) of 0.30 ± 0.20 ha SD. Home range values were not significantly different between the sexes nor were they related to straight-line carapace length or mass. Daily movements of P. sinensis averaged 35 ± 18 m SD for males and 43 ± 18 m SD for females, and there was no significant difference between sexes or significant correlation between movement patterns and body size. However, during the nesting season, there was a significant difference between sexes. Turtle activity was highest in May (average daily movement 59 ± 6 m SD) and lowest in January (0.4 ± 0.6 m SD). Given that P. sinensis individuals have small home ranges and are capable of existing in small rivers, management efforts should protect smaller rivers that may be easily overlooked. Results from this study provide the first assessment of home range requirements for P. sinensis, which may be used in future population modeling efforts and are important for establishing conservation strategies for this vulnerable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the spatial ecology of an invasive species is critical for designing effective control programs. Determining and quantifying home range estimates and habitat associations can streamline targeted removal efforts for wide‐ranging, cryptic animals. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is a large‐bodied constrictor snake with an established and expanding invasive population in southern Florida. This apex predator has severely impacted native wildlife across the Greater Everglades ecosystem. However, limited ecological information exists on this invasive species at the landscape level. Here, we present results from a study using radiotelemetry to quantify movements and habitat use patterns of 25 adult Burmese pythons in southwestern Florida, USA, for average periods of 814 d (range: 288–1809). Our objective was to quantify home range size, movement rates, and second‐ and third‐order habitat selection. Mean annual home range size was 7.5 km2 ± 2.9 km2 (95% kernel density estimate), and pythons moved at a maximum mean daily rate of 0.52 km/d. Burmese pythons selected agriculture, freshwater wetland, saline wetland, and upland land cover classes but avoided open water and urban land cover classes. Nest site selection was highest for pythons at an elevation of 1.7 m with nesting hotspots concentrated on the borders of urban and agricultural areas or in sandy forested upland habitats. A broader understanding of the spatial utilization of Burmese pythons will enhance the utility of emerging control strategies across their invaded range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative contribution of extrinsic and intrinsic factors affecting lizard movement patterns have rarely been examined. We were interested in understanding the effects of extrinsic factors such as seasonality and forest cover, along with the intrinsic factor of body length on home range size, coarse-scale movement patterns and habitat selection of the endangered Guatemalan Beaded Lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti). We predict that home ranges, core areas and movement patterns will be reduced in the dry season compared to those of the wet season. Twelve individuals (five males and seven females) were radio tracked for 4–9 months from April 2007 to April 2008. We used minimum convex polygon for home range comparison with other helodermatid studies. Guatemalan Beaded Lizards showed larger home ranges than other helodermatids. We determined annual and seasonal home range size and core areas using kernel density estimators. Turning angles and step lengths were also determined to assess the effect of the extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the movement patterns of the lizards. Dry season home ranges and core areas were substantially smaller and its associated lizard movement patterns showed shorter step lengths and smaller turning angles than those of the wet season. Larger lizards also presented larger home ranges. When estimating dry forest selection within their home ranges, lizards with larger annual home range size and more forest cover within their home range showed higher selection for dry forest habitat. These findings showed the differential response of Guatemalan Beaded Lizards to seasonality and highlights the relevance of the conservation of the remnants of well-preserved dry forest on the ability of this species to cope with drought and habitat destruction.

The conservation of rarely encountered species is notoriously difficult mainly because of the lack of information about their natural history. This is definitely the case for the spot-tailed earless lizards (Holbrookia lacerata and H. subcaudalis). Sparse distributional records and infrequent observations at known sites were used as evidence to petition these species for protection under the Endangered Species Act. For this study, we did surveys in historic and new areas to determine the current distribution of both species. We also radio-tracked individuals from two populations to estimate movement potential and home range sizes, as well as understand habitat use. Distribution surveys indicate that H. lacerata has undergone range contraction (39%); however, H. subcaudalis was historically found in 21 counties but we only observed them in five. We found home ranges to be relatively large compared to similarly sized insectivores and at least four times larger than the similar H. maculata. Both species are inhabitants of historic grasslands, but within this habitat type they used sites that were more open compared to what was available, including areas such as row-crop agriculture and frequently mowed fields. Frequent habitat disturbance seems to be important for both species. Urbanisation, invasive woody vegetation and invasive grasses are all considered threats that may have already caused declines to both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sharks play important functional roles in coral reef ecosystems. Studying reef shark populations' spatial ecology also contributes important data for effective conservation planning. The purpose of this study was to define the home range of neonatal blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) around Moorea, French Polynesia, and compare estimates using both mark-recapture surveys and active acoustic telemetry. Mark-recapture surveys produced a minimum convex polygon (MCP) of 0.07 km2 that was significantly larger than the MCP derived from acoustic telemetry (0.02 km2). Acoustic telemetry produced 50 and 95% kernel utilization densities that were smaller (0.02 km2) and larger (0.14 km2) than home range estimates from mark-recapture surveys, respectively. Home range estimates from this study are the smallest that have been documented for neonatal blacktip reef sharks, possibly owing to the study sites' proximity to deep channels. Mark-recapture and active acoustic telemetry are complementary approaches worthy of consideration where passive telemetry is impractical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracking studies are often used to inform conservation plans and actions. However, species have frequently only been tracked in one or a few localities, whereas space use can be remarkably flexible, especially in long‐lived species with advanced learning abilities. We assessed variability in space use in the Critically Endangered Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus by pooling movement data from three populations across the species' sub‐Saharan range (in South Africa, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, The Gambia and Mozambique). We estimated minimum convex polygons and kernel density estimators (KDEs) and compared monthly home‐range sizes between breeding and non‐breeding seasons, age‐classes and subspecies, accounting for uneven sampling within groups. Mean (± sd) monthly home‐range sizes (95% KDEs) for adult Hooded Vultures from southern (12 453 ± 21 188 km2, n = 82) and eastern Africa (3735 ± 3652 km2, n = 24) were 103 and 31 times larger than those of conspecifics from western Africa (121 ± 98 km2, n = 48). This may relate partly to subspecific differences, and individuals with small home‐ranges in western Africa and Ethiopia were trapped in urban environments. Regional variation in space use by Hooded Vultures may be linked to flexibility in feeding behaviour (degree of commensalism) which may arise in response to resource availability and persecution in different areas. Age‐class also affected monthly home‐range sizes, with immature birds generally having larger monthly home‐range size estimates than adults. Our results highlight the flexibility of Hooded Vultures in terms of their home‐range sizes and suggest that home‐range sizes differ between populations and individuals, depending on the extent of human commensalism. Our results also reaffirm the importance of international co‐operation in conservation efforts aimed at protecting this wide‐ranging, non‐migratory species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Phylogenetic endemism (PE), which combines phylogenetic diversity (PD) and range size distributions of co‐occurring taxa, has become a useful approach for the identification of geographical hotspots using evolutionary history in conservation. However, potential limitations could preclude a general assessment of PE, especially in the presence of incongruent phylogenetic signals and the use of different estimates of species distribution at fine spatial scales. Here, we assess the utility of using PE in a recently diversified plant tribe. Location: Atacama Desert, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Taxon: Schizopetalae tribe from the mustard plant family of Brassicaceae. Methods: We assessed PD and PE to determine whether incongruent phylogenetic trees derived from nuclear and chloroplast DNA and different estimates of species distribution based on species distribution modelling (SDM) and minimum convex polygons (MCP) impact the location of PE hotspots. Results: Results show negligible influence from discordant phylogenetic signal between gene trees on PE estimates. Instead, the choice of the summary of species' range (i.e. SDM or MCP) has greater influence on the location of PE hotspots. Main conclusions: Despite the observed discrepancies, results of PE are sufficiently congruent to support the use of this index in conservation‐related analyses for the Atacama Desert flora. Nonetheless, further analyses are recommended to determine and contextualize the impacts of phylogenetic incongruence and species distributional estimates on PE, especially when other scenarios involving larger spatial and taxonomic sampling scales remain unexplored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elephant populations are in decline across the African continent, but recent aerial surveys show that populations in Uganda are increasing. However, threats such as poaching and habitat disturbance remain. Having a comprehensive knowledge of the ranging behaviour of Ugandan elephants is crucial to understanding where critical habitat for the species occurs. We investigated various aspects of ranging behaviour of 45 radio‐collared elephants (Loxodonta africana) in three areas—Queen Elizabeth Protected Area (QEPA), Murchison Falls (MFPA) Protected Area and Kidepo Valley (KVCA) Conservation Area. We also set Ugandan analyses in a continental context by comparison with home ranges reported in published literature. Elephants within KVCA had larger core ranges than elephants in QEPA or MFPA. Wet season ranges in KVCA were much larger than dry season ranges. The most important core areas in all three national parks were centred around water resources. Home range size was negatively correlated with net primary productivity (NPP) at Ugandan (N = 39 individuals) and continental (N = 17 sites) scales. This study indicates that, at a local scale, factors such as water source location are important in shaping elephant ranging behaviour. At larger scales, factors such as NPP are good predictors of elephant home range size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over a two-year period (2013–2015), we trapped and radio-tracked 20 Tawny Owls at two study sites in northern Spain. We obtained 4257 radio-tracking locations, 328 of which were associated with vocal activity. Home ranges were significantly different between the two study sites (95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) = 125.79 ha vs. 95% MCP = 50.96 ha). Territory size was significantly less than 95% MCP home ranges and not significantly different from 70% MCP home ranges at both study sites, but was significantly larger than 50% MCP home ranges in the second site. Locations with vocal activity tended to be significantly closer to the home range border than random non-vocal locations. However, Tawny Owls focused vocal activity over the 50% MCP and close to the border of 70% MCP at both study sites. Home ranges were not significantly different between sexes for any of the three spatial scales, but male territories were significantly larger than female territories. The vocal behaviours of some owls, mainly females, were negligible or anecdotal (less than five vocalizations detected during the study period), and female territories were significantly smaller than male territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged and complex courtship behaviors, involving tactile, acoustic, and visual signals, are common in Neotropical poison frogs (Dendrobatidae). Courtship is an important precursor to mating, but courtship components vary across species. In Brilliant-Thighed Poison Frogs (Allobates femoralis [Boulenger 1883]), males guide females to oviposition sites in a so-called "courtship march." The courtship duration in A. femoralis is among the longest known in poison frogs. To gain insights into the functions of courtship, we observed 29 courtship events in an A. femoralis population in French Guiana. In addition, we observed multiple courtships of 7 males to assess intra- and interindividual variations in courtship behavior. We recorded temporal, spatial, and behavioral characteristics of courtship and searched for previously deposited clutches in the males' territories. Courtships started in the afternoon and ended on the following morning. During courtship, pairs moved an average of 19 m within an area of about 6 m2. Twenty-seven out of 29 courtships (93.1%) resulted in successful oviposition, indicating that females rarely reject males once engaged in courtship. Contrary to previous studies of A. femoralis, the spatial and temporal extent of the courtship march did not correlate with the size of a male's territory. Our results indicate that females do not evaluate male quality during courtship but might need an extended courtship phase to verify territory ownership of the courting male and to stimulate ovulation. The prolonged courtship might also be beneficial for spatial learning by females, allowing them to find clutches again in cases of mate loss. Temporal and spatial characteristics vary considerably within and among individuals, and males do not use the same routes in consecutive courtships. However, they probably show females previous clutches. Several courtship traits in our study population differ from A. femoralis courtship previously described from Peru and Brazil, indicating that dendrobatid courtship is variable among populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several habitats may be required for an animal's persistence, and movements within and among these habitats characterise an animal's home range. For species of lizards, variation in home range size is typically best explained by either sit-and-wait or active foraging styles. In this study, we explore movements, home range size, and territoriality of Reticulate Collared Lizards (Crotaphytus reticulatus) from the typically sit-and-wait foraging subfamily Crotaphytinae. Over three years, we tracked 10 adult males and four adult females using GPS telemetry and found male C. reticulatus moved significantly longer distances and maintained significantly larger home ranges and core areas than females. We observed no home range overlap in females and one case of overlap in males, although all females maintained home ranges overlapped by a single male home range. The one-to-one pattern of a male home range overlapping just a single female home range is consistent with male mate guarding observed in active foragers. Moreover, compared to classic sit-and-wait foraging Common Collared Lizards (C. collaris), C. reticulatus moves more frequently, maintains a larger home range, is less territorial, and exhibits less sexual dimorphism; all traits of active foraging lizards. Indeed, C. reticulatus was observed actively stalking prey throughout its larger home range similar to G. wislizenii, which supports previous predictions regarding convergence in active foraging predatory behaviours between the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Highlights • GPS-data can be used to identify specific behaviors from movement patterns. • Movement patterns can distinguish reproductive events such as parturition. • Utilizing these tools can increase precision in population growth estimations. Abstract Quantifying a fundamental life history event like parturition for any species is important both for wildlife management and research purposes. Surveys to estimate reproductive success for large mammals are typically done by visual observations on the ground or from the air and are time consuming, expensive and labor intensive particularly when conducted in remote locations. An alternative to visual verification is remote monitoring of animal movement and locations which can identify and link movement behavior to different types of life history events, such as parturition. We used GPS locations of a large ungulate (moose) to identify a specific behavioral change in the movement pattern that would indicate a calving event. From these data we applied three methods, one of which is a novel technique, to search for localized movement patterns that characterize a calving event for female moose in Sweden (n = 60 moose-years, ground observations) and Alaska (n = 49 moose-years, aerial observations). The three methods include a computerized visual method using Tracking Analyst® (TA), a rolling window minimum convex polygon (rMCP), and behavioral change point analysis (BCPA), all of which provided nearly identical results. BCPA confirmed lack of a parturition date for 100% of the animals that were never observed with a calf, whereas the rMCP method yielded 1 false positive. For Sweden, parturition dates inferred using rMCP agreed exactly or ±1 day with the dates inferred using BCPA for 98% moose-years whereas TA vs BCPA and rMCP agreed 98% and 100% respectively; for Alaska parturition dates estimated from rMCP and BCPA agreed equally at 94%. In this study we showed that evaluation of wildlife movement patterns from remote monitoring can lead to increased precision and understanding of parturition with minimal bias from neonatal mortality, in addition to understanding spatiotemporal distribution, resource selection, and other behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus populations have declined dramatically in recent years, but we know little about their ecology. We radio-tagged four vultures in northern Botswana to gather data on animal movement and home-range patterns. Hooded Vultures were primarily sedentary at night. Hooded Vultures moved similar distances and speeds during the wet and dry season, and travelled over similar home ranges as measured using minimum convex polygons (MCP), but used much smaller core areas during the dry (breeding) season. We found significant differences in mean distances and speeds moved among different birds, and when comparing day to night, but not between the wet (non-breeding) and dry (breeding) season or by year. All of the variables we tested, including individual vulture differences, season, year and number of fixes, significantly influenced 95% MCP and kernel density estimate (KDE) home-range sizes. Hooded Vultures used significantly smaller KDE home-range sizes during the dry (breeding season) than in the wet (non-breeding) season. Hooded Vultures travelled smaller daily distances over smaller home ranges than most other vulture species for which data exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic, biotic and human influences are factors that can affect animal home ranges. We calculated home range sizes of adult giraffes in the Tarangire-Manyara region of northern Tanzania (N = 132 giraffes with data collected over 6 years), and investigated correlations between home range sizes and environmental and anthropogenic factors (for a subset of N = 71 giraffes). We used a 95% kernel utilization distribution to define home ranges and modelled home range size as a function of environmental and anthropogenic predictors using multiple linear regression and model selection. We also computed home range sizes of giraffes using 100% minimum convex polygons to compare with estimates from previously published studies, and tested the relationship between rainfall and home range sizes of giraffes across Africa. Average kernel home range sizes were 114.6 km2 for females (N = 109) and 157.2 km2 for males (N = 23). Adult female giraffe home range sizes (N = 67) were negatively correlated with distance to densely populated towns. Females living closer to towns had significantly larger home ranges, suggesting a need to range farther to avoid human-impacted areas while obtaining critical resources. No such relationship was evident with bomas, which are homesteads built by indigenous pastoralist people, suggesting that female giraffes are tolerant of traditional land uses. Mean annual rainfall explained 74% of the variation in home range sizes of giraffes across the African continent, with smaller home ranges in regions with higher rainfall and thus greater productivity, providing additional evidence that access to critical resources mediates home range size of this megaherbivore. Quantifying home range sizes and identifying ecological and anthropogenic factors affecting space use can provide insights into mechanisms driving use of space and help wildlife managers make informed decisions that improve conservation plans for at-risk species such as giraffes. Highlights • Home ranges of giraffes near populated towns were larger than those farther away. • Dense human areas may force giraffes to range farther to obtain resources. • No such negative relationship was evident with indigenous pastoralist homesteads. • Rainfall explained 74% of the variation in giraffe home range size across Africa. • Home ranges were smaller in regions with higher rainfall and greater productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To conserve imperiled marine species, an understanding of high-density use zones is necessary prior to designing and evaluating management strategies that improve their survival. We satellite-tracked turtles captured after nesting at Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM), St. Croix, US Virgin Islands to determine habitat-use patterns of endangered adult female hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata). For 31 turtles captured between 2011 and 2014, switching state-space modeling and home range analyses showed that inter-nesting (IN) core-use areas (i.e., 50% kernel density estimates [KDEs]) were 9.6 to 77.7 km2 in area, occupied for 21 to 85 days, and in shallow water (21 of 26 centroids > −10 m). The IN zones overlapped with areas both within the protected borders of BIRNM, and outside BIRNM (32% of turtle-tracking days outside during IN). Turtles migrated to their foraging grounds between July and October with path lengths ranging from 52 to 3524 km; foraging areas included 14 countries. Core-use foraging areas (50% KDEs) where turtles took up residence were 6.3 to 95.4 km2, occupied for 22 to 490 days, with mean centroid depth − 66 m. Our results show previously unknown habitat-use patterns and highlight concentrated areas of use both within and adjacent to a US protected area during the breeding season. Further, our results clearly demonstrate the need for international conservation to protect hawksbills, as migrating turtles crossed between two and eight different jurisdictions. Our results provide critical spatial and temporal information for managers charged with designing strategies to minimize human impact to and maximize survival for this globally imperiled species. Highlights • Satellite-tracking 31 adult female hawksbills revealed key habitat-use information. • Inter-nesting home ranges (47.3–440.9 km2) were occupied for 21–85 days. • Migration paths were up to 3524 km. • Foraging sites were located in 14 different countries. • Detailed temporal and spatial hawksbill habitat-use data are critical for managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of space in mammals may vary according to sexual dimorphism, mating system and territorial behavior in order to ensure optimization of the reproductive success of each sex and the interactions with other species. In the present study, the determinants of home range (HR) size of males and females of Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister 1854) were evaluated in a savanna remnant in central-western Brazil. We used live traps and capture-mark-recapture to estimate HR size. Using the method of minimum convex polygon, we estimated the HR of 24 individuals. The species showed sexual dimorphism, with males showing larger body size. The HR estimated was 0.38 ± 0.41 ha and the highest estimated HR was for a male, with 2.08 ha. Females' HR sizes varied according to body mass, food availability and number of captures. The more important predictor for males was the number of females found within their HRs. The overlapping areas between pairs of males were larger than those between pairs of females, suggesting that females have territorial behavior as they had mostly exclusive HRs. Considering that food availability was an important predictor for female HR size, we hypothesize that the territorial behavior in females is related to food resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tambu is a well respected concept in Melanesian societies and represents a periodic cultural restriction on harvesting for the purpose of fulfilling customary obligations and restocking resources. As a result it has been suggested as the basis for conservation and sustainability in Melanesia. One species subject to tambu management is the Admiralty cuscus (Spilocuscus kraemeri), an arboreal marsupial endemic to Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, where it is a major source of terrestrial protein for forest-dwelling villagers. We investigated the denning home range and movement patterns of 10 cuscus using radio-telemetry in and around a 21-ha forested tambu area over a 28-day period. Home-range sizes were estimated using a 95% minimum convex polygon method and possible contributing factors to home-range size were assessed through model selection. Home-range size was highly variable, log-normally distributed (back-transformed mean = 2.9 ha, mean ±1 s.d.: 0.6–13.8 ha, n = 8), and was not associated with body mass, age or sex. Additional telemetry data collected from three S. kraemeri over 74 days appeared to support the stable nature of the home ranges. Through application of Laplace’s extension of the Buffon’s needle problem we conclude that, despite potentially high growth rates and short juvenile dispersal distances, tambu areas are unlikely to be self-sustaining. We hypothesise that the apparent efficacy of tambu areas is a consequence of forest connectivity that allows the immigration of adult founders to offset losses in reproductive stock coming as a result of periodic harvest and juvenile dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stag beetle, Lucanus cervus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), is a flagship species for the conservation of European old-growth forests. Despite its popularity and many studies conducted, the lack of knowledge of its habits and ecological requirements leads to difficulties in locating the species in the field and to provide information for suitable planning conservation actions suitable for the species., In order to gather information on dispersal ability and space use, a radio-telemetry study was conducted in a relict floodplain forest surrounded by intensively cultivated land. During 2014 and 2015, from May to July, 55 beetles (34 males, 21 females) were radio-tagged, and 9 of these (7 males, 2 females) were telemetered immediately after the emergence from their development sites, by means of emergence traps., The use of radio-telemetry allowed to detect the oviposition sites and to study the first part of the adult life, when they resulted to be more active. Males were more prone to disperse than females but the home range size did not differ between the sexes. Dividing the season in three intervals, the most active individuals were recorded during the first and the second ones (first and second half of June). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the negative impacts of urbanisation, some species adapt to pressures of habitat loss and fragmentation. Trumpeter HornbillsBycanistes bucinatorare a large avian forest frugivore that uses urban environments in South Africa. Consequently, we used GPS/UHF transmitters to study their home range size, movement and habitat use in an urban–forest mosaic in Eshowe, South Africa from March to October 2014. We estimated the home range size using three methods: minimum convex polygon (MCP), kernel density estimation (KDE) and local convex hull (LoCoH). Our results showed that overall monthly home range size was 5.1 ± 1.28 km2(mean ± SE; 95% MCP), 4.6 ± 1.14 km2(95% KDE) and 1.9 ± 0. 46 km2(95% LoCoH). However, individual home range sizes varied monthly and seasonally. We found that all individuals tagged used mostly the indigenous forest and frequently utilised urban residential areas (gardens) with little or no use of cultivated land. Observed individual variations in monthly and seasonal home ranges could be a response to variations in availability of key fruit resources in the urban residential and indigenous forest mosaic. This study supports the use of more than one method of home range estimation for insight regarding home range and habitat use in urban–forest mosaics for this large forest frugivore. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) display fidelity to large geographic regions, and their movements are influenced by sea ice distribution. Polar bear subpopulations are moderately distinct from one another, and long-distance movements between subpopulations are rare. We describe and analyze the movements of a female polar bear tracked by satellite telemetry from spring 2009 for 798 days. This female traveled an exceptionally long distance (totaling 11 686 km) from the sea ice off the Yukon Territory, Canada (Southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation) to Wrangel Island, Russia (Chukchi Sea subpopulation). In comparison to other polar bears in this study, this bear traveled farther, moved faster, and had a much larger home range in the first year. Furthermore, the calculation of the home range size by two different methods demonstrated that the commonly used minimum convex polygon method overestimated the home range compared to the less biased Brownian bridge movement model. This female's long-distance movement was unusual and provides additional evidence for gene flow between subpopulations. Monitoring polar bear movements is useful to track such events, which is especially important at present because sea ice loss due to climate change can affect subpopulation boundaries and influence management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An individual's home range, or how much space it requires to obtain resources and meet its needs for survival and reproduction, affects the scale of many fundamental processes in ecology and can inform the management of species. Although home range size has been described for many taxa in two dimensions (2D), for species that also have a strong vertical component to their movement, such representations can miss core components of their ecology, including the size of their home ranges and the amount of overlap, and thus competition, between individuals. Measuring three-dimensional (3D) home ranges for small-bodied life history stages and species can be particularly difficult, as they cannot tolerate high resolution tracking technologies like GPS collars. In this study, we used Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to measure the 2D and 3D home ranges of two species of fossorial juvenile salamander: the ringed salamander ( Ambystoma annulatum) and the spotted salamander ( A. maculatum). We also tested whether individuals modified their habitat selection or movement behavior in response to environmental variation. Salamanders in our study frequently used subterranean habitats. However, we rarely detected them more than 5 cm below ground. Additionally, the overlap among 2D and 3D home ranges, respectively, were similar. These findings indicate that these salamanders may move vertically through their habitat less than previously thought. Alternatively, salamanders may have moved into soil strata beyond the detection range of PIT telemetry. We conclude that PIT telemetry can be a suitable technique for determining the 3D home range of fossorial life-stages or species for which other tracking technologies are unsuitable. Significance statement: When animal behavior includes movements with a vertical component, simplifying assumptions of 2D home ranges can affect ecological inferences by overestimating competition between individuals and underestimating home range size. We used Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to describe the home range of fossorial juvenile salamanders in 3D. The juvenile salamanders in this study modulated their habitat selection in response to weather, but in general remained close to the soil surface. As a result, juveniles may be more susceptible than previously thought to habitat management practices that alter the local microclimate. Because individuals moved vertically less than predicted, 2D and 3D home ranges had similar patterns. We demonstrate that PIT telemetry can facilitate subterranean tracking of a cryptic life stage. However, this technology is limited in its subterranean detection depth, and until antenna strength is improved, the resolution of 3D home ranges may be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liolaemus melanops es un lagarto de mediano tamaño (hasta 90 mm LHC), que habita zonas arenosas bajas y dunas costeras en las provincias argentinas de Río Negro y Chubut. En este estudio se analizó el ámbito de hogar de una población de L. melanops en el centro de Chubut, durante el período febrero a mayo de 2005. En una cuadrícula de 100 x 100 m, todos los individuos observados fueron capturados, sexados, medidos, marcados y liberados en el mismo sitio. Mediante transectas de rumbo fijo, realizadas a intervalos regulares entre las 8:00 y las 19:00 h, fue registrada la posición de todos los individuos observados. El ámbito de hogar de cada ejemplar fue calculado utilizando el método del polígono convexo mínimo. El área promedio para los machos no fue significativamente diferente al de las hembras. No se encontró correlación entre el tamaño corporal y el tamaño del ámbito de hogar. Se observó un gran solapamiento en el ámbito de hogar en machos pero no en hembras. Estos resultados se discuten a la luz de la teoría actual.Liolaemus melanops is a medium sized lizard (up to 90 mm SVL) that inhabits sandy lowlands and coastal dunes in Río Negro and Chubut Provinces. We studied the home range of a population of Liolaemus melanops from central Chubut Province between February and May, 2005. In a grid of 100 x 100 m all observed individuals were captured, sexed, measured, marked and released. We made regular transects between 08:00 and 19:00 h and registered the position of all observed lizards. Home range was calculated using the Minimum Convex Polygon method. No differences in Home range between males and females were found. There was no correlation between body size and home range. Home range overlap was low in females but high in males. These results are discussed at the light of current theory.