- Dean Cluff, M.Sc., is the regional biologist for the North Slave Region, Department of Environment and Natural Resour... moreDean Cluff, M.Sc., is the regional biologist for the North Slave Region, Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Dean graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Guelph (Ontario) and a Master of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Alberta. Dean began his work with the GNWT in 1993 as a polar bear biologist based in Yellowknife. In 1995, Dean became the first regional biologist for the North Slave Region. Dean’s initial project involved studying of wolves and eskers and that lead to a continuing interest in these predators. Dean has also been involved research and management of caribou, moose, bison, muskoxen, grizzly bears, and black bears.edit
Research Interests:
The presence of many pathogens varies in a predictable manner with latitude, with infections decreasing from the equator towards the poles. We investigated the geographic trends of pathogens infecting a widely distributed carnivore: the... more
The presence of many pathogens varies in a predictable manner with latitude, with infections decreasing from the equator towards the poles. We investigated the geographic trends of pathogens infecting a widely distributed carnivore: the gray wolf (Canis lupus). Specifically, we investigated which variables best explain and predict geographic trends in seroprevalence across North American wolf populations and the implications of the underlying mechanisms. We compiled a large serological dataset of nearly 2000 wolves from 17 study areas, spanning 80° longitude and 50° latitude. Generalized linear mixed models were constructed to predict the probability of seropositivity of four important pathogens: canine adenovirus, herpesvirus, parvovirus, and distemper virus—and two parasites: Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. Canine adenovirus and herpesvirus were the most widely distributed pathogens, whereas N. caninum was relatively uncommon. Canine parvovirus and distemper had high annua...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Due to concerns about the appearance of portions of liver from a harvested adult, male barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus), samples were submitted for diagnostic investigation. The gross and histologic findings were... more
Due to concerns about the appearance of portions of liver from a harvested adult, male barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus), samples were submitted for diagnostic investigation. The gross and histologic findings were consistent with severe hepatic fibrosis and mineralization. Concentrations of vitamin E in the liver were also deficient. Disease investigations in wildlife of detectable abnormalities such as this provide important information for understanding the role of disease as populations change, as well as for safety of human food sources.
Research Interests:
Genetic diversity is theorized to decrease in populations closer to a species' range edge, where habitat may be suboptimal. Generalist species capable of long‐range dispersal may maintain sufficient gene flow to counteract this,... more
Genetic diversity is theorized to decrease in populations closer to a species' range edge, where habitat may be suboptimal. Generalist species capable of long‐range dispersal may maintain sufficient gene flow to counteract this, though the presence of significant barriers to dispersal (e.g., large water bodies, human‐dominated landscapes) may still lead to, and exacerbate, the edge effect. We used microsatellite data for 2421 gray wolves (Canis lupus) from 24 subpopulations (groups) to model how allelic richness and expected heterozygosity varied with mainland–island position and two measures of range edge (latitude and distance from range center) across >7.3 million km2 of northern North America. We expected low genetic diversity both at high latitudes, due to harsh environmental conditions, and on islands, but no change in diversity with distance to the range center due to the species' exceptional dispersal ability and favorable conditions in far eastern and western habitats. We found that allelic richness and expected heterozygosity of island groups were measurably less than that of mainland groups, and that these differences increased with the island's distance to the species' range center in the study area. Our results demonstrate how multiple axes of geographic isolation (distance from range center and island habitation) can act synergistically to erode the genetic diversity of wide‐ranging terrestrial vertebrate populations despite the counteracting influence of long‐range dispersal ability. These findings emphasize how geographic isolation is a potential threat to the genetic diversity and viability of terrestrial vertebrate populations even among species capable of long‐range dispersal.
Research Interests:
The ability to track animals with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars opened an enormous potential for studying animal movements and behaviour in their natural environment. One such endeavour is to identify clusters of GPS locations... more
The ability to track animals with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars opened an enormous potential for studying animal movements and behaviour in their natural environment. One such endeavour is to identify clusters of GPS locations as a way to estimate predator kill rate. Clapp et al. (2021) developed an R package (GPSeqClus) to assess a location dataset based on user‐defined parameters to identify clusters and their characteristics. These characteristics can then help to distinguish resting‐site clusters from kill sites of their large (>50 kg) prey. We identified location clusters of an adult male wolf Canis lupus on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada in July 2009 and tracked him until he died in April 2010. Identifying location clusters was challenging because the collar only obtained two GPS locations per day (12 h apart). In July 2010, we searched 30 of 52 location‐clusters we identified as kill/scavenge sites and found 17 of them as such, given they had muskox Ovibos moschatus or caribou Rangifer tarandus pearyi remains nearby. We also documented five wolf rendezvous sites, two den sites, and the wolf's death site to total 60 location‐clusters in all. We used a two‐step process in testing the R Package GPSeqClus (hereafter GPSeqClus): (1) compare the number of clusters our method discerned with the number identified by the new algorithm, and (2) compare the number of biologically significant clusters (e.g. den sites, kill/feeding sites) we found with the number the new algorithm located. We made these tests with GPSeqClus by varying the search radius, number of days at a site, and minimum number of locations required for a cluster. GPSeqClus compared well to our technique, with the best sub‐algorithm among the 25 we tested only missing three of our identified clusters and yielding six additional clusters. GPSeqClus identified 16 of the 17 confirmed sites of remains, all wolf home sites, and the wolf's carcass site. Identifying clusters using a 500‐m search radius, a 1.5‐day window, and a minimum of two GPS locations per cluster was suitable for a coarse GPS acquisition rate of two locations per day when prey are large, such as muskox or caribou. Given that GPSeqClus performed well with our coarse location dataset, we expect it will also perform even better with a collar acquiring more than two locations per day. Having a field‐tested utility such as GPSeqClus will enhance carnivore predation studies elsewhere.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
We compared four nonlinear growth functions in modeling body length and mass size-at-age data for the brown bear ( Ursus arctos L., 1758) in northern Canada of wide-ranging body sizes and ages. Then, we analyzed the sex differences in... more
We compared four nonlinear growth functions in modeling body length and mass size-at-age data for the brown bear ( Ursus arctos L., 1758) in northern Canada of wide-ranging body sizes and ages. Then, we analyzed the sex differences in patterns of growth and ontogeny of sexual dimorphism in this species revealed by the best model from these alternatives. The von Bertalanffy function proved to be the most parsimonious model because it was easy to fit, with higher fitting degrees, lower root mean squared standard deviation of data points about fitted growth curve, larger Akaike weight, and fewer parameters derived directly from metabolic laws that accurately estimated the observed body length and mass growth profiles. Our growth models indicated an association between sexual growth divergence and the onset of reproduction in females, together with more rapid and prolonged male growth. These findings suggest that sexual size dimorphism develops in part by constraints on female growth from high energetic costs of reproduction. In contrast, males do not experience a comparable energetic trade-off after reaching sexual maturity and apparently allocate available energetic resources to growing faster and longer to produce larger body size, which benefits more competitive males in terms of increased reproductive success.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Geography, Ecology, Foraging, Travel, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and 7 moreNunavut, Canis lupus, Canis, Wolf, Den, Movements, and Ellesmere Island
Several viruses can infect wild carnivores but their impact on wildlife health is poorly understood. We investigated the presence, diversity, and distribution of various DNA viruses in 303 wolves inhabiting a vast area of the Northwest... more
Several viruses can infect wild carnivores but their impact on wildlife health is poorly understood. We investigated the presence, diversity, and distribution of various DNA viruses in 303 wolves inhabiting a vast area of the Northwest Territories, Canada, over a period of 13 years. We found evidence for the presence of canine bufavirus (CBuV, 42.6%), canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2, 34.0%), canine bocavirus 2 (CBoV-2, 5.0%), cachavirus (CachaV-1, 2.6%), canine adenovirus 1 (CAdV-1, 1%), and minute virus of canines (MVC, 0.3%). To our knowledge, this is the first detection of CBoV-2, MVC, and CachV-1 in wild animals. We also demonstrate that CBuV and CachaV-1 were already circulating among wild animals at least 11 and 10 years, respectively, before their discoveries. Although CBuV prevalence was higher, CPV-2 was the most prevalent virus among juveniles, while CBuV infection was associated with poor nutrition conditions. Even if its prevalence was low, CachaV-1 had the highest multiple infection rate (87.5%). CadV-1 and MVC sequences were highly identical to reference strains, but we observed a high diversity among the other viruses and detected three new variants. One CPV-2 variant and one CBuV variant were endemic since the beginning of the 2000s in the entire investigated region, whereas one CBuV variant and two CBoV-2 variants were found in a more restricted area over multiple years and CachaV-1 was found only in one region. Two CPV-2 variants and one CachaV-1 variant were observed only once, indicating sporadic introductions or limited circulation. Different patterns of endemicity might indicate that viruses were introduced in the wolf population at different timepoints and that mixing between wolf packs may not be constant. Different epidemiological behaviors depend on viral factors like infectivity, transmission routes, pathogenicity, and tissue-tropism, and on host factors like proximity to densely populated areas, carnivory, and pack density and mixing. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Research Interests:
Analysis of wildlife radio tracking data WHITE Gary C., GARROTT Robert A.
Research Interests:
We used the Qamanirjuaq, Bathurst, and George River barren-ground caribou sine cycles to project numbers (Nt), calculate subpopulation annual growth rates (λt) and calculate logistic carrying capacity (Kt). Maximum annual growth rate was... more
We used the Qamanirjuaq, Bathurst, and George River barren-ground caribou sine cycles to project numbers (Nt), calculate subpopulation annual growth rates (λt) and calculate logistic carrying capacity (Kt). Maximum annual growth rate was 1.196 and maximum annual rate of decline was 0.836 for the harvested Qamanirjuaq subpopulation sine cycle. However, the maximum annual subpopulation growth rates for both the harvested Bathurst and George River subpopulation sine cycles were greater than the biologically possible maximum intrinsic rate of increase during the eruption phase. Subpopulation numbers for Qamanirjuaq, Bathurst and George River barren-ground caribou subpopulations all closely tracked carrying capacity for one complete cycle with lag times between Nt and Kt ranging from < 1-year to approximately 5-years. The short lag times observed indicates that Qamanirjuaq, Bathurst and George River barren-ground caribou subpopulations closely track their range condition. Range condition drives barren-ground caribou subpopulation cycles, but range condition also cycles; presumably because annual barren-ground caribou grazing rates are proportional to barren-ground caribou numbers and eventually exceed range annual growth rates. Immigration from adjacent subpopulations plays a role in the initiation and acceleration of the eruption period in some subpopulations, but not all of them. Numerical synchrony and asynchrony with adjacent subpopulation cycles can affect the timing of the eruption phase through mediation of immigration. Once subpopulation range has recovered, the rapid recovery of subpopulation numbers suggest that subpopulations are not restricted by other factors. The regularity and symmetry of both the increase and decline phases of these cycles suggests that the barren-ground caribou cycle is both stable and resilient. Continuation of barren-ground caribou cycles at historical levels is likely if habitat conservation measures are adopted so that annual migration patterns are not disrupted, summer and winter range remain undisturbed and common-sense harvest management policies are adopted when caribou are at low numbers.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
1. The ability to track animals with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars opened an enormous potential for studying animal movements and behaviour in their natural environment. One such endeavour is to identify clusters of GPS... more
1. The ability to track animals with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars opened an enormous potential for studying animal movements and behaviour in their natural environment. One such endeavour is to identify clusters of GPS locations as a way to estimate predator kill rate. Clapp et al. (2021) developed an R pack-age (GPSEQCLUS) to assess a location dataset based on user- defined parameters to identify clusters and their characteristics. These characteristics can then help to distinguish resting- site clusters from kill sites of their large (>50 kg) prey.
2. We identified location clusters of an adult male wolf Canis lupus on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada in July 2009 and tracked him until he died in April 2010. Identifying location clusters was challenging because the collar only obtained two GPS locations per day (12 h apart). In July 2010, we searched 30 of 52 location- clusters we identified as kill/scavenge sites and found 17 of them as such, given they had muskox Ovibos moschatus or caribou Rangifer tarandus pearyi remains nearby. We also documented five wolf rendezvous sites, two den sites, and the wolf's death site to total 60 location- clusters in all.
3. We used a two- step process in testing the R Package GPSEQCLUS (hereafter GPSEQCLUS): (1) compare the number of clusters our method discerned with the number identified by the new algorithm, and (2) compare the number of biologi-cally significant clusters (e.g. den sites, kill/feeding sites) we found with the num-ber the new algorithm located. We made these tests with GPSEQCLUS by varying the search radius, number of days at a site, and minimum number of locations required for a cluster.
4. GPSEQCLUS compared well to our technique, with the best sub- algorithm among the 25 we tested only missing three of our identified clusters and yielding six ad-ditional clusters. GPSEQCLUS identified 16 of the 17 confirmed sites of remains, all wolf home sites, and the wolf's carcass site. Identifying clusters using a 500- m search radius, a 1.5- day window, and a minimum of two GPS locations per cluster was suitable for a coarse GPS acquisition rate of two locations per day when prey are large, such as muskox or caribou.
2. We identified location clusters of an adult male wolf Canis lupus on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada in July 2009 and tracked him until he died in April 2010. Identifying location clusters was challenging because the collar only obtained two GPS locations per day (12 h apart). In July 2010, we searched 30 of 52 location- clusters we identified as kill/scavenge sites and found 17 of them as such, given they had muskox Ovibos moschatus or caribou Rangifer tarandus pearyi remains nearby. We also documented five wolf rendezvous sites, two den sites, and the wolf's death site to total 60 location- clusters in all.
3. We used a two- step process in testing the R Package GPSEQCLUS (hereafter GPSEQCLUS): (1) compare the number of clusters our method discerned with the number identified by the new algorithm, and (2) compare the number of biologi-cally significant clusters (e.g. den sites, kill/feeding sites) we found with the num-ber the new algorithm located. We made these tests with GPSEQCLUS by varying the search radius, number of days at a site, and minimum number of locations required for a cluster.
4. GPSEQCLUS compared well to our technique, with the best sub- algorithm among the 25 we tested only missing three of our identified clusters and yielding six ad-ditional clusters. GPSEQCLUS identified 16 of the 17 confirmed sites of remains, all wolf home sites, and the wolf's carcass site. Identifying clusters using a 500- m search radius, a 1.5- day window, and a minimum of two GPS locations per cluster was suitable for a coarse GPS acquisition rate of two locations per day when prey are large, such as muskox or caribou.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
We used the Qamanirjuaq, Bathurst, and George River barren-ground caribou sine cycles to project numbers (Nt), calculate subpopulation annual growth rates (λt) and calculate logistic carrying capacity (Kt). Maximum annual growth rate was... more
We used the Qamanirjuaq, Bathurst, and George River barren-ground caribou sine cycles to project numbers (Nt), calculate subpopulation annual growth rates (λt) and calculate logistic carrying capacity (Kt). Maximum annual growth rate was 1.196 and maximum annual rate of decline was 0.836 for the harvested Qamanirjuaq subpopulation sine cycle. However, the maximum annual subpopulation growth rates for both the harvested Bathurst and George River subpopulation sine cycles were greater than the biologically possible maximum intrinsic rate of increase during the eruption phase. Subpopulation numbers for Qamanirjuaq, Bathurst and George River barren-ground caribou subpopulations all closely tracked carrying capacity for one complete cycle with lag times between Nt and Kt ranging from < 1-year to approximately 5-years. The short lag times observed indicates that Qamanirjuaq, Bathurst and George River barren-ground caribou subpopulations closely track their range condition. Range condit...
Research Interests:
We conducted a calving ground photo survey of the Bathurst barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) herd from June 2-9, 2015. The main objective was to obtain an estimate of breeding females that could be compared to... more
We conducted a calving ground photo survey of the Bathurst barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) herd from June 2-9, 2015. The main objective was to obtain an estimate of breeding females that could be compared to estimates from previous similar surveys that have been conducted since 1986. Of particular interest was whether the herd had changed in size since the 2012 survey. Consistent with previous calving ground photographic surveys, data from collared caribou and systematic reconnaissance surveys at 5-10 km intervals within the core area were used to delineate the core calving areas, to assess calving status, to allocate sampling to geographic strata of similar caribou density, and to time the photographic survey plane to coincide with the peak of calving. Reconnaissance surveys revealed that the majority of breeding caribou were congregated in a relatively small (1,492 km2) area with non-breeding caribou distributed in lower densities to the south. Based on collar movements and observed proportions of calves, it was determined that the peak of calving began around June 4th and the photo plane survey was conducted on June 6th. A single photo survey stratum was sampled with the highest coverage (54%) in addition to three lower density visual survey strata. The survey was conducted in a single day before a major weather system moved in to the survey area. Helicopter-based composition surveys were conducted from June 6-9th to estimate the proportion of breeding caribou in each of the strata. The estimate of 1+ year old caribou on the core calving ground was 15,369 (SE=2,615.9, CI=9,913-20,826) caribou. Using the ground composition survey results to adjust this number for breeding females only, the estimate of breeding females was 8,075 (SE=1,650.3, CI=4,608-11,542). Comparison of this estimate with the previous estimate of breeding females from 2012 of 15,935 (SE=1,407.1, 95% CI=13,009-18,861) suggests that the breeding female segment of the herd declined significantly, however, the degree of decline was affected by lower pregnancy rates in 2014-2015 and subsequent higher proportions of non-breeding adult females on the calving ground. The annual rate of decline for breeding females between 2012 and 2015 was 20% (CI=8-31%) whereas the rate of decline of adult females (which includes non-breeding adult females) was 13% (CI=1-23%). The extrapolated herd size estimate (using direct estimates of adult females) was 19,769 (CI=12,349-27,189) 1.5+ year old caribou. Results from a data-driven demographic modeling exercise suggest that the adult female survival rate was 0.78 (CI=0.76-0.80) from 2009-2015, which is still below levels needed for a stable herd. The low adult female survival rate in addition to low productivity of the herd (after 2011) has been the primary drivers for the observed decline in the herd. Switching of female caribou to adjacent calving grounds has been very low and is unlikely to account for the declining trend. Recent low calf productivity and continuing low cow survival suggest that further decline is likely, even with no harvest, and a very careful approach to management is needed.
Movement patterns of highly mobile animals can reveal life history strategies and ecological relationships. We hypothesized that wolves (Canis lupus) would display similar movement patterns as their prey, barrenground caribou (Rangifer... more
Movement patterns of highly mobile animals can reveal life history strategies and ecological relationships. We hypothesized that wolves (Canis lupus) would display similar movement patterns as their prey, barrenground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus), and that movements of the two species would co-vary with season. We tested for interspecific movement dynamics using animal locations from wolves and caribou monitored concurrently from mid-October to June, across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada. We used a correlated random walk as a null model to test for pattern in movements and the bearing procedure to detect whether movements were consistently directional. There was a statistical difference between the movements of caribou and wolves (F 1,9 = 13.232, P = 0.005), when compared to a correlated random walk, and a significant interaction effect between season and species (F 1,9 = 6.815, P = 0.028). During winter, the movements of caribou were strongly correlated ...
Research Interests:
Quantifying patch distribution at multiple spatial scales: applications to
Research Interests:
Abstract: Within their circumpolar range, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are not subject to absolute barriers. However, physiographic features do cause discontinuities in their movements. These discontinuities in distribution can be used... more
Abstract: Within their circumpolar range, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are not subject to absolute barriers. However, physiographic features do cause discontinuities in their movements. These discontinuities in distribution can be used to delineate population units. Based on satellite ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Coyotes (Canis latrans) have resided in the Northwest Territories for several decades but have only rarely been sighted north of Great Slave Lake (>62° N. latitude) in the Taiga Shield ecozone. Records show Coyotes have been seen since... more
Coyotes (Canis latrans) have resided in the Northwest Territories for several decades but have only rarely been sighted north of Great Slave Lake (>62° N. latitude) in the Taiga Shield ecozone. Records show Coyotes have been seen since the 1960s. Prior to 2000, evidence of Coyotes breeding in the Taiga Shield has been anecdotal. In 2000, a Coyote was repeatedly seen at the Yellowknife airport and in 2001, a pair of Coyotes was observed with two pups. Since then, Coyote pups have been observed annually at the airport and adult Coyotes are seen regularly within the city of Yellowknife, an urban island within the Taiga Shield ecozone. Unlike in most regions occupied by Coyotes, medium-sized prey are rarely seen. Recently, Coyotes have become a potential hazard to aircraft at the Yellowknife airport. Although Coyotes appear to have established themselves within the city of Yellowknife, maintaining a presence beyond the urbanized area remains uncertain.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Gray wolves (Canis lupus L., 1758) are mobile opportunistic predators that can be infected by a wide range of parasites, with many acquired via predator–prey relationships. Historically, many of these parasites were identified only to... more
Gray wolves (Canis lupus L., 1758) are mobile opportunistic predators that can be infected by a wide range of parasites, with many acquired via predator–prey relationships. Historically, many of these parasites were identified only to genus or family, but genetic tools now enable identification of parasite fauna to species and beyond. We examined 191 intestines from wolves harvested for other purposes from regions in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Adult helminths were collected from intestinal contents for morphological and molecular identification, and for a subset of wolves, fecal samples were also analyzed to detect helminth eggs and protozoan (oo)cysts. Using both detection methods, we found that 83% of 191 intestines contained one or more parasite species, including cestodes (Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Diphyllobothrium sp.), nematodes (Uncinaria stenocephala Railliet, 1884, Trichuris spp., Physaloptera spp., and Toxascaris leon...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
... 35, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. HARRIS, RB, SG FANCY, DC DOUGLAS, GW GARNER, SC AMSTRUP, T. R MCCABE, SMD L F. PANK. 1990. ... Paul C. Paquet received a BA in philosophy of science from Santa Clara Uni-versity, California, in 1970. ...
Research Interests:
We compared four nonlinear growth functions in modeling body length and mass size-at-age data for the brown bear ( Ursus arctos L., 1758) in northern Canada of wide-ranging body sizes and ages. Then, we analyzed the sex differences in... more
We compared four nonlinear growth functions in modeling body length and mass size-at-age data for the brown bear ( Ursus arctos L., 1758) in northern Canada of wide-ranging body sizes and ages. Then, we analyzed the sex differences in patterns of growth and ontogeny of sexual dimorphism in this species revealed by the best model from these alternatives. The von Bertalanffy function proved to be the most parsimonious model because it was easy to fit, with higher fitting degrees, lower root mean squared standard deviation of data points about fitted growth curve, larger Akaike weight, and fewer parameters derived directly from metabolic laws that accurately estimated the observed body length and mass growth profiles. Our growth models indicated an association between sexual growth divergence and the onset of reproduction in females, together with more rapid and prolonged male growth. These findings suggest that sexual size dimorphism develops in part by constraints on female growth fr...
Research Interests:
... Address for Philip D. McLoughlin and Fran?ois Messier: Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada; present address for McLoughlin: Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405... more
... Address for Philip D. McLoughlin and Fran?ois Messier: Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada; present address for McLoughlin: Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Risk Management, Risk assessment, Reproductive Biology, Risk Analysis, Elephants, and 12 moreDensity dependence, Wolves, Population Trend, Exponential Growth, Risk Assessment, Relative Abundance, Life Table, Age Structure, Simulation Model, Population dynamic, Variance Estimation, and Population Growth Rate
... CHRIS J. JOHNSON 1, 2 ... HUMANO SOBRE FAUNA DE LAS ZONAS ARTICAS Resumen: Los descubrimientos recientes de depositos de kimberlite diamondiferous en el Artico Central Canadiense, han llevado a niveles de exploracion mineral y... more
... CHRIS J. JOHNSON 1, 2 ... HUMANO SOBRE FAUNA DE LAS ZONAS ARTICAS Resumen: Los descubrimientos recientes de depositos de kimberlite diamondiferous en el Artico Central Canadiense, han llevado a niveles de exploracion mineral y desarrollo sin precedentes. ...
Research Interests:
Large carnivores can be found in different scenarios of cohabitation with humans. Behavioral adaptations to minimize risk from humans are expected to be exacerbated where large carnivores are most vulnerable, such as at breeding sites.... more
Large carnivores can be found in different scenarios of cohabitation with humans. Behavioral adaptations to minimize risk from humans are expected to be exacerbated where large carnivores are most vulnerable, such as at breeding sites. Using wolves as a model species, along with data from 26 study areas across the species' worldwide range, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the role of humans in breeding site selection by a large car-nivore. Some of the patterns previously observed at the local scale become extrapolatable to the entire species range provided that important sources of variation are taken into account. Generally, wolves minimised the risk of exposure at breeding sites by avoiding human-made structures, selecting shelter from vegetation and avoiding agricultural lands. Our results suggest a scaled hierarchical habitat selection process across selection orders by which wolves compensate higher exposure risk to humans within their territories via a stronger selection at breeding sites. Dissimilar patterns between continents suggest that adaptations to cope with human-associated risks are modulated by the history of coexistence and persecution. Although many large carnivores persisting in human-dominated landscapes do not require large-scale habitat preservation, habitat selection at levels below occupancy and territory should be regarded in management and conservation strategies aiming to preserve these species in such contexts. In this case, we recommend providing shelter from human interference at least in small portions of land in order to fulfill the requirements of the species to locate their breeding sites.