Search Results (66)

Roads impact medium- and large-sized mammal populations through both collisions and barrier effects. This study examined how landscape characteristics influence roadkill occurrences along the Dom Pedro I highway (SP-065), located in the Cantareira-Mantiqueira Corridor, São Paulo State, Brazil. The SP-065 crosses important remnants of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a global hotspot for biodiversity. Roadkill records were obtained from the Environmental Company of the State, and land use data were extracted from the MapBiomas platform. We analyzed seven landscape variables (in percentage): native forest, pasture, agriculture, forestry, urban areas, mosaic of uses, and water bodies, considering multiple spatial scales. Mammal species were grouped functionally by home range size and tolerance to anthropogenic environments. In total, 1418 roadkills of 24 species were recorded, including eight threatened species. Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) were the most frequently killed species. Generalized linear models showed that, for Group G1 (small home range, common in human-modified areas), roadkills were positively associated with native forest and pasture, and negatively with mosaic landscapes. For Group G3 (large home range, tolerant to anthropogenic areas), agriculture had a positive effect, especially within a 3000 m radius. For Group G5 (capybara), roadkills increased with pasture and agriculture, while mosaic uses had a negative effect. Since pasture and agriculture were frequently linked to higher roadkill rates, environmental impact assessments should consider these land-use types when planning mitigation actions. Ultimately, responsibility for roadkill extends beyond highway managers to rural landowners and local governments, as land-use patterns around roads strongly influence mammal movement and mortality. Full article

The feral goat, Capra hircus, is an important example of the feralisation of a domesticated species. The intentional abandonment of herds, escapes, rural depopulation and abandonment of livestock and traditional agriculture have led original domestic goats to freely occupy different habitats. The aim of this study was to review the current global knowledge of the feral goat, identify its gaps and provide insights into possible future research. The majority of publications focus on islands in the Mediterranean Basin and Oceania. The information is particularly encompassed in terms of population distribution, habitat use, monitoring methods, potential environmental impacts and management strategies. The feral goat is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species, especially on islands; thus, there are abundant studies supporting their eradication fundamentally due to their negative impact on vegetation. However, their role as a food supply for endangered fauna taxa is not sufficiently understood. Oceania is the main advocate for feral goat eradication, along with meat production exploitation. The most widespread management approach is eradication, notably favoured in insular ecosystems. There is still a lack of updated numerical data available on the efficacy of eradication interventions. The insights obtained from deeper research could benefit management and conservation decision-making. Full article

The Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) is a native semi-aquatic species of the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and North Africa, widely distributed across Mediterranean aquatic systems. Within these environments, M. leprosa inhabits a mosaic of lotic (flowing) and lentic (still) habitats, whose structure and connectivity may influence its spatial use, behavior, and ontogenetic development. How morphometry and age-class distribution differ between these habitat types, however, remains unclear. This study analyzed morphometric differences among individuals from both habitat types to explore potential ontogenic habitat preferences. Lotic habitats were primarily used for dispersal and breeding by adults, while lentic habitats served as foraging and residency areas for juveniles. Morphometric differences between habitat types support this functional differentiation. These findings highlight the ecological importance of habitat heterogeneity and underscore the need to preserve both habitat types to support the full life cycle of M. leprosa in Mediterranean ecosystems and suggest potential evolutionary and ecological consequences of habitat-related morphometric and demographic variation. Full article

We present WM-Classroom v1.0, a pedagogical multi-species agent-based model (ABM) designed for educational purposes in predator–prey–harvest systems. The model embeds a predator, two prey breeds, and human harvesters on a homogeneous 50 × 50 grid with weekly time steps, implementing random movement, abstract energetics, prey consumption, reproduction, legal harvest with species-specific cut-offs and seasons, optional predator control, and a poaching switch. After basic technical checks (energetic calibration, prey composition, herbivore viability), we explore the consistency of the model under illustrative scenarios including no hunting, single-prey harvest, hunter-density and season-length gradients, predator removal, and poaching. In the no-hunting baseline (n = 100), mean end-of-run abundances were 22 deer, 159 boar, and 45 wolves, with limited extinction events. Deer-only harvest often drove deer to very low end-of-run counts (mean 1–16) with extinctions in 2–7/10 replicates across cut-offs, whereas boar-only harvest showed higher persistence (mean 11–74) and boar extinctions occurred only at the lowest cut-off (3/10). Increasing hunter numbers or season length depressed prey and could indirectly reduce wolves via prey depletion. Legal predator control reduced predators as designed, while poaching had little effect under the implemented rules. Because interaction and prey-choice rules are simplified for transparency, outcomes should be interpreted as conditional on model assumptions. WM-Classroom v1.0 provides a didactic sandbox for courses, professional training, and outreach, with extensions (habitat heterogeneity, age/sex structure, probabilistic diet/kill success, and calibration/validation) outlined for future versions. Full article

Rewilding and ecosystem restoration approaches have focused strongly on the restoration of wildlife/biodiversity. However, the Convention on Biological Diversity defines an ecosystem as “a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit”. It follows, therefore, that ecosystem restoration must involve the restoration of both the living and the non-living components of the environment, including their dynamic interactions. This paper defines other aspects of the environment, including nature and natural capital. These involve both biotic and abiotic components, so “nature” should not be used as a synonym for wildlife/biodiversity. After describing how geodiversity is important in ecosystem functioning, several examples are presented of how geomorphology is a crucial aspect of rewilding or landscape/ecosystem restoration. By pursuing this integrated approach to biotic and abiotic restoration, stronger, more-resilient ecosystems can be achieved. Full article

Predation of sea turtles by jaguars (Panthera onca) in the Santa Rosa National Park (SRNP) has been well documented over the past decade. However, the factors that influence jaguar feeding behavior, including environmental factors or characteristics of the beaches and the adjacent forest, are poorly known. This study aimed to identify the relationship between vegetation density and human activity on the distribution of feeding sites of jaguar on sea turtles at nesting beaches in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. We sampled three beaches (Naranjo, Nancite, and Colorada), where we identified and registered sea turtle carcasses preyed on by jaguars between June and November 2019. Through systematic searches of the forest adjacent to the beach, we documented the species, geographic coordinates, carcass length and width, vegetation cover at the carcass site, and the average vegetation coverage corresponding to the date and beach of each sea turtle carcass. In total, we recorded 338 sea turtle carcasses preyed on by jaguars, 156 at Naranjo beach, 103 at Nancite beach, and 89 at Colorada beach. The beach with the highest average density of carcasses was Colorada (8.7 (SD = 5.42)/ha), followed by Nancite (6.06 (SD = 5.58)/ha) and Naranjo (2.64 (SD = 1.79)/ha). The dragging distance from the beach line to sea turtle carcasses was best explained by the interaction of nesting beach and canopy cover at the carcass. Our canopy cover results may reflect that jaguars select sites that better hide their prey, in the same way that green turtles (Chelonia mydas) usually prefer areas with good coverage to nest in, contrasting to the nesting behavior of olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea). On beaches, higher concentrations were observed where there was less human presence and this may reflect both turtle nesting and jaguar predation activity. Full article

Understanding the spatial structure of large mammals is critical for conservation planning, especially under increasing habitat fragmentation. This study applies an integrated spatial analysis combining the DBSCAN density-based clustering algorithm and the α-hull method to delineate non-convex geographic ranges of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) across South America. Using 454 occurrence records filtered for ecological reliability, we identified 11 geographically isolated α-populations distributed across five countries and multiple biomes, including the Cerrado, Chaco, and Atlantic Forest. The sensitivity analysis of the α parameter demonstrated that values below 2 failed to generate viable polygons, while α = 2 provided the best balance between geometric detail and ecological plausibility. Our results reveal a highly fragmented distribution, with α-populations varying in area from 43,077 km² to 566,154.7 km² and separated by distances up to 994.755 km. Smaller and peripheral α-populations are likely more vulnerable to stochastic processes, genetic drift, and inbreeding, while larger clusters remain functionally isolated due to anthropogenic barriers. We propose the concept of ‘α-population’ as an operational unit to describe geographically and functionally isolated groups identified through combined spatial clustering and non-convex hull analysis. This approach offers a reproducible and biologically meaningful framework for refining range estimates, identifying conservation units, and guiding targeted management actions. Overall, integrating α-hulls with density-based clustering improves our understanding of the species’ fragmented spatial structure and supports evidence-based conservation strategies aimed at maintaining habitat connectivity and long-term viability of C. brachyurus populations. Full article

Ruminant herbivores interact dynamically with their food resources, especially in deserts, where plant availability fluctuates sharply across seasons. We evaluated how seasonal food availability and the nutritional traits of preferred plants shape the diet and macronutrient niche of a desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) population in the buffer zone of the Médanos de Samalayuca protected area, northern Mexico. From 2021 to 2022 we quantified seasonal food plant availability and characterized mule deer diet using microhistological fecal analysis and the nutrient content by right-angled mixture triangles. Mule deer diets were consistently low in diversity and dominated by grass, but preferred species shifted seasonally among shrubs, succulents, and grasses. Deer strongly selected some plant species that were scarce in the landscape, particularly during the cold-dry season. Preferred plants generally had high carbohydrate and variable protein contents, with the highest protein proportions in the temperate-dry season. Mixture triangles showed a narrow, carbohydrate-biased macronutrient niche, with the broadest range of nutrient mixtures in the temperate-dry season. Overall, our results support an opportunistic foraging strategy in which mule deer consume what is seasonally available while selectively using key plant species to maintain a relatively constant nutritional balance under limited and variable food resources. Full article

Understanding seasonal patterns in mammals’ diversity and spatial distribution is vital for effective biodiversity conservation. This study examines seasonal variations in mammal diversity and distribution in the Pénéssoulou Classified Forest (northwest Benin). We hypothesized that (i) species richness and abundance are highest during the rainy season due to greater water and food availability; and (ii) small mammals exhibit spatial clustering, whereas large mammals are more spatially dispersed. We carried out negative binomial regression to analyze the effects of season, vegetation type, and proximity to waterholes on species richness. Spatial patterns were analyzed using Moran’s I index across size categories. We found lower species richness in the dry season (β = −0.812 ± 0.375, p = 0.030), which supports our hypothesis and is likely driven by increased resource availability. Contrary to our expectation, small mammals tended to be more dispersed during the rainy season, while larger mammals showed greater dispersion in the dry season. Significantly lower species richness was observed in gallery forests (β = −2.794 ± 1.144, p = 0.015), probably due to seasonal flooding, which limits access to resources. Our findings underscore the importance of incorporating seasonal and habitat-specific variables into wildlife monitoring and management. Full article

Understanding how land tenure and socio-economic pressures shape landscape transformation is critical for sustainable management in biodiversity-rich regions. This study examines three decades (1987–2017) of land use and land cover (LU&LC) change in the Ngerenyi area of the Taita Hills, Kenya, by integrating multispectral Landsat analysis with household survey data. Harmonized pre-processing and supervised classification of four LU&LC classes, agriculture, built-up areas, high-canopy vegetation, and low-canopy vegetation, achieved overall accuracies above 80% and Kappa values exceeding 0.75. Transition modeling using the Minimum Information Loss Transition Estimation (MILTE) approach, combined with net-versus-swap metrics, revealed persistent decline and fragmentation of high-canopy vegetation, cyclical transitions between agriculture and low-canopy vegetation, and the near-irreversible expansion of built-up areas. Low-canopy vegetation exhibited the highest dynamism, reflecting both degradation from canopy loss and natural regeneration from fallowed cropland. Household surveys (n = 141) identified agricultural expansion, charcoal production, fuelwood extraction, and population growth as the dominant perceived drivers, with significant variation across tenure categories. The population in Taita Taveta County increased from 205,334 in 2009 to 340,671 in 2019, reinforcing documented pressures on land resources and woody biomass. As part of the Eastern Arc biodiversity hotspot, the landscape’s diminishing high-canopy patches underscore the importance of conserving undisturbed vegetation remnants as ecological baselines and biodiversity refuges. The findings highlight the need for tenure-sensitive, landscape-scale planning that integrates private landowners, regulates subdivision, promotes agroforestry and alternative energy options, and safeguards remaining high-canopy vegetation to enhance ecological resilience while supporting local livelihoods. Full article

The Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) is a widespread meso-predator in Southern South America, present in grasslands, agroecosystems, and human-modified landscapes. Although numerous studies have examined its diet, parasites, distribution, and behaviour, knowledge remains fragmented without an integrative synthesis. This review compiles over 150 documents from Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia to unify dispersed information. Key findings highlight unresolved taxonomy, population structure, and biogeography (based on genetic, morphological, and phylogeographic data), the species’ ecological roles as a meso-predator, seed disperser, and scavenger, and major threats (including road mortality, hunting, persecution, and interactions with domestic dogs). The Pampas fox also harbours pathogens—including zoonotic agents and those threatening livestock and pets—and is frequently stigmatised as a pest, persecuted without substantiated evidence. By integrating ecological, health, and conflict perspectives, this review provides a regional baseline, reframing its importance and guiding more effective management. Full article

Reproductive seasonality in birds represents a key ecological adaptation that ensures synchronization between breeding activity and optimal environmental conditions for offspring survival and development. Photoperiod is the primary cue regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, through brain photoreceptors and pineal melatonin secretion. Increasing day length induces thyroid hormone activation by hypothalamic type 2 deiodinase (DIO2), stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, and promotes gonadal growth, whereas prolonged exposure to long days triggers photorefractoriness, which has been linked to increased hypothalamic type 3 deiodinase (DIO3) expression in several studies, although the causal role of this enzyme remains under investigation. Secondary environmental modulators, such as temperature, food supply, precipitation, and social interactions, also play crucial roles in fine-tuning reproductive timing. Moreover, anthropogenic factors like artificial light at night can disrupt circadian and seasonal regulation, causing mismatches between breeding and food availability. Evidence from diverse species, including passerines, galliforms, waterfowl, and raptors, demonstrates both conserved mechanisms and ecological plasticity, with tropical and urban species showing more opportunistic breeding strategies. These findings highlight the multifactorial and flexible nature of avian reproductive cycles, underlining their vulnerability to climate change and habitat anthropization. Considering this, this review aimed to understand the neuroendocrine and environmental control of seasonality and to offer an integrative perspective on how light, hormones, and environmental factors interact to shape seasonal reproduction in wild birds. Full article

Human–wildlife conflicts can be broadly categorized from the perspective of human activities into conflicts (a) caused by the expansion of human activities into wildlife habitats, and (b) resulting from the re-expansion of wildlife habitats due to the decline of human activities. The first type of conflict has been managed through the systematic training of wildlife managers, field specialists, and well-organized institutional frameworks. In Japan, Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) and brown bears (Ursus arctos) have increasingly come into human contact because of habitat re-expansion. Short-term measures to protect human life and property include the implementation of the 2024 and 2025 revisions of the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Act, which designated bears as “managed wildlife” and “dangerous wildlife” and permitted emergency culling in residential areas. However, Japan’s approach remains limited in scope and depth, relies on ad hoc responses by local hunters, and lacks adequate public education and effective long-term sustainability planning. This study highlights the necessity of a multi-layered policy framework that integrates human–wildlife conflict management, particularly human–bear conflict, by comparing U.S. laws and policies and incorporating them into medium- and long-term strategies for community resilience and national land conservation. This approach may serve as a model for countries and regions facing similar demographic and ecological challenges. Full article

As human activities such as urbanization encroach on natural areas, some wildlife species adapt to these changes and learn ways to utilize newly available resources. We monitored the use patterns of the Eurasian otter in three urban ponds in southern Spain (Málaga province). We compared weekly otter visits and relative spraint abundance between the urban ponds and two control ponds located in natural areas, testing for differences in use patterns between them using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and the Wald–Wolfowitz run test. We also estimated prey survival rates through Kaplan–Meier estimator curves. We also assessed problems of coexistence with human interests. Relative spraint abundance was not affected by pond type (urban or natural). However, the number of otter visits was lower for urban ponds, and the pattern was not random but concentrated over a short time until prey depletion, suggesting consistent use of the urban feeding patches. Available food resources in urban settings can become a viable option for otters, which appear to explore urban habitats when it suits them. However, in the monitored urban ponds, otters competed with human interests and generated a conservation problem that almost led to lethal measures. Full article

Assessing body condition in mammals is essential to understanding their nutritional status and health. Traditionally, fat content in femur bone marrow has been used as an indicator, but this study aims to improve assessment by expanding analysis to multiple long bones of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in the Alps. Marrow samples were collected from 14 animals, with 25 femur samples analyzed for dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), and color, the latter measured objectively using RGB values. The main innovation is the use of objective color quantification of marrow as a non-destructive proxy for fat content, showing strong correlations with DM and EE. Results reveal significant correlations between femur EE and tibia DM, as well as between femur and humerus DM, indicating consistent fat distribution across the analyzed bones. Metacarpus and metatarsus bones showed weaker correlations. This method represents a preliminary validation, especially for wildlife studies where full carcasses are often unavailable. The approach based on objective marrow color analysis improves reproducibility and standardization in body condition assessment, enhancing comparability across ecological and zoological studies worldwide. Full article