60 research outputs found
Spatial properties of a forest buffalo herd and individual positioning as a response to environmental cues and social behaviour
No full textMany animals aggregate into organized temporary or stable groups under the influence of biotic and abiotic factors, and some studies have shown the influence of habitat features on animal aggregation. This study, conducted from 2002 to 2004 in the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, Central African Republic, studied a herd of forest buffaloes (Syncerus caffer nanus) to determine whether spatial aggregation patterns varied by season and habitat. Our results show that both habitat structure and season influenced spatial aggregation patterns. In particular, in open habitats such as clearings, the group covered a larger area when resting and was more rounded in shape compared to group properties noted in forest during the wet season. Moreover, forest buffaloes had a more aggregated spatial distribution when resting in clearings than when in the forest, and individual positions within the herd in the clearing habitat varied with age and sex. In the clearings, the adult male (n = 24) was generally, on most occasions, located in the centre of the herd (n = 20), and he was observed at the border only four times. In contrast, females (n = 80) occupied intermediate (n = 57), peripheral (n = 14) and central positions (n = 9) within the group. Juveniles (n = 77) also occurred in intermediate (n = 64) and peripheral positions (n = 13). Based on these results, we concluded that habitat characteristics and social behaviour can have relevant effects on the spatial distribution of animals within a group
Bears in Human-Modified Landscapes: The Case Studies of the Cantabrian, Apennine, and Pindos Mountains
No full textEdited by Vincenzo Penteriani and Mario Melletti.-- Part III - Human–Bear Coexistence.-- This material has been published in "Bears of the World. Ecology, Conservation and Management" by / edited by Vincenzo Penteriani and Mario Melletti / Cambridge University Press. This version is free to view and download for personal use only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works.Brown bears Ursus arctos were historically persecuted and almost eradicated from southern Europe in the twentieth century as a result of hunting and direct persecution. The effects of human-induced mortality were exacerbated by other threats, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, due to the expansion of human populations. As a result, nowadays there are only small fragmented populations of bears in southern Europe. Brown bears in the Cantabrian (north-western Spain), Apennine (central Italy), and Pindos (north-western Greece) mountains represent three examples of small and threatened bear populations in human-modified landscapes. Most of their range is characterized by high human densities, widespread agricultural activities, livestock raising and urban development, connected by dense networks of transport infrastructures. This has resulted in a reduction of continuous habitat suitable for the species. Here, we summarize the past and present histories and fates of these three populations as examples on how the coexistence of bears and people in human-modified landscapes can take different turns depending on human attitudes
Systematic, evolution and genetic of bears
No full textBears have fascinated people since ancient times. The relationship between bears and humans dates back thousands of years, during which time we have also competed with bears for shelter and food. In modern times, bears have come under pressure through encroachment on their habitats, climate change, and illegal trade in their body parts, including the Asian bile bear market. The IUCN lists six bears as vulnerable or endangered, and even the least concern species, such as the brown bear, are at risk of extirpation in certain countries. The poaching and international trade of these most threatened populations are prohibited, but still ongoing. Covering all bears species worldwide, this beautifully illustrated volume brings together the contributions of 200 international bear experts on the ecology, conservation status, and management of the Ursidae family. It reveals the fascinating long history of interactions between humans and bears and the threats affecting these charismatic species
Southern pudu<i>, Pudu puda </i>(G.I. Molina, 1782)
No full textThis comprehensive chapter covers various aspects of the biology and natural history of the Southern pudu (Pudu puda), including names, taxonomy, subspecies and distribution, descriptive notes, habitat, movements and home range, activity patterns, feeding ecology, reproduction and growth, behaviour and status in the wild and in captivity. The chapter includes a distribution map, several photos of the species and a list of key literature
Potential Ecological Corridors for Remnant Asiatic Black Bear Populations and its Subpopulations Linked to Management Units in Japan
No full textTwo case studies are introduced. First, a quantitative method for assessing the need for ecological networks through modeling the potential geographic distributions of species based on a case study of local populations of Asiatic black bear is presented. Second, genetic variation of Asiatic black bear in Tohoku region, Japan, are reported. To determine how population subdivision relates to management units proposed by the Ministry of the Environment, genetic variation in the mitochondrial DNA control region and seven autosomal microsatellite loci was assessed in bears captured in northern Japan. Geographic distribution of the subpopulations was assessed using landscape analyses to find the best-fit model based on maximum entropy prediction and cost of movement. Finally, how human–bear conflicts, nuisance control, and traditional hunting may affect conservation and management of Asiatic black bears in southern Tohoku area, where large suitable habitats for this species exist, are also shown
Genetic structure of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) at continental and population scales: an evolutionary and conservation approach.
No full textCovering all 13 species of wild cattle, Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour of Wild Cattle brings together the contributions of international leading experts on the biology, evolution, conservation status and management of the tribe Bovini, providing: A comprehensive review of current knowledge on systematic, anatomy and ecology of all wild cattle species (chapters 1 to 8); A clear understanding of the conservation status of each species and the gaps in our current knowledge (chapters 9 to 20); A number of case studies on conservation activities and an investigation of some of the most threatened and poorly understood species (chapters 21 to 27). An invaluable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology, this beautifully illustrated reference work reveals the extraordinary link between wild cattle and humans, the benefits some of these species have brought us, and their key roles in their natural ecosystems. The first comprehensive guide of its kind, this volume is essential for any study of wild cattle Gathers the results from a three-year study involving 70 world leading experts from 21 countries Features numerous illustrations, including 32 colour plate
Bears in Human-Modified Landscapes: The Case Studies of the Cantabrian, Apennine, and Pindos Mountains
No full textBrown bears Ursus arctos were historically persecuted and almost eradicated from Southern Europe in the 20th century as a result of hunting and direct persecution (Zedrosser et al. 2011; Martínez Cano et al. 2016). The effects of human induced mortality were exacerbated by other threats, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, due to the expansion of human populations (Swenson et al.
2000). As a result, nowadays there are only small fragmented populations of bears in Southern Europe, where brown bears frequently inhabit human modified landscapes. These areas are characterised by the widespread presence of people and infrastructures, which potentially have ecological impacts on bears. The close coexistence of brown bears and humans generates multiple human-driven disturbances (Ordiz et al. 2017) and causes bear mortality (Bischof et al. 2009), affecting the distribution, demography, behaviour and
viability of bear populations (Penteriani et al. 2018a; Zarzo-Arias et al. 2018). Brown bears in the Cantabrian (north-western Spain), Apennine (central Italy) and Pindos (north-western Greece) mountains (Figure 19.1) represent three examples of small and threatened bear populations in human-modified landscapes (Figure 19.2). Most of their range is characterised by high human densities, widespread agricultural activities, livestock raising and urban development, connected by dense networks of transport infrastructures
(Penteriani et al. submitted; Mateo-Sánchez et al. 2016). This has resulted in a reduction of continuous habitat suitable for the species (Martínez Cano et al. 2016). Here, we summarise the past and present histories and fates of these three populations as examples on how the coexistence of bears and people in human-modified landscapes can take different turns depending on human
attitudes
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