Search

Cognitive skills, such as innovative problem-solving, are hypothesized to aid animals in urban environments. However, the significance of innovation in wild populations, and its expression across individuals and socio-ecological conditions, is poorly understood. To identify how and when innovation arises in urban-dwelling species, we used advanced technologies and new testing and analytical methods to evaluate innovative problem-solving abilities of wild raccoons (Procyon lotor). We deployed multi-compartment puzzle boxes with either one or multiple solution types and identified raccoons using radio frequency identification. Raccoons solved these novel extractive foraging tasks, and their success was influenced by age and exploratory diversity. Successful raccoons always discovered multiple different solution types, highlighting flexible problem-solving. Using a unique, comparative sequence analysis approach, we found that variation in raccoon solving techniques was greater between individuals than within individuals, and this self-similarity intensified during times of competition. Finally, the inclusion of an easier solution in the multi-solution trials enabled previously unsuccessful raccoons to bootstrap their learning and successfully open multiple difficult solutions. Our study suggests that innovative problem-solving is probably influenced by many factors and has provided novel field and analytical methods, as well as new insights on the socio-ecological dynamics of urban populations.

Human-wildlife interactions are increasing in severity due to climate change and proliferating urbanization. Regions where human infrastructure and activity are rapidly densifying or newly appearing constitute novel environments in which wildlife must learn to coexist with people, thereby serving as ideal case studies with which to infer future human-wildlife interactions in shared landscapes. As a widely reviled and behaviorally plastic apex predator, the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is a model species for understanding how large carnivores navigate these human-caused landscapes of fear in a changing world. Using high-resolution GPS collar data, we applied resource selection functions and step selection functions to assess spotted hyena landscape navigation and fine-scale movement decisions in relation to social-ecological features in a rapidly developing region comprising two protected areas: Lake Nakuru National Park and Soysambu Conservancy, Kenya. We then used camera trap imagery and Barrier Behavior Analysis (BaBA) to further examine hyena interactions with barriers. Our results show that environmental factors, linear infrastructure, human-carnivore conflict hotspots, and human tolerance were all important predictors for landscape-scale resource selection by hyenas, while human experience elements were less important for fine-scale hyena movement decisions. Hyena selection for these characteristics also changed seasonally and across land management types. Camera traps documented an exceptionally high number of individual spotted hyenas (234) approaching the national park fence at 16 sites during the study period, and BaBA results suggested that hyenas perceive protected area boundaries semi-permeable electric fences as risky but may cross them out of necessity. Our findings highlight that the ability of carnivores to flexibly respond within human-caused landscapes of fear may be expressed differently depending on context, scale, and climatic factors. These results also point to the need to incorporate societal factors into multiscale analyses of wildlife movement to effectively plan for human-wildlife coexistence.

Large carnivores (order Carnivora) are among the world's most threatened mammals due to a confluence of ecological and social forces that have unfolded over centuries. Combining specimens from natural history collections with documents from archival records, we reconstructed the factors surrounding the extinction of the California grizzly bear (Ursus arctos californicus), a once-abundant brown bear subspecies last seen in 1924. Historical documents portrayed California grizzlies as massive hypercarnivores that endangered public safety. Yet, morphological measurements on skulls and teeth generate smaller body size estimates in alignment with extant North American grizzly populations (approx. 200 kg). Stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N) of pelts and bones (n = 57) revealed that grizzlies derived less than 10% of their nutrition from terrestrial animal sources and were therefore largely herbivorous for millennia prior to the first European arrival in this region in 1542. Later colonial land uses, beginning in 1769 with the Mission era, led grizzlies to moderately increase animal protein consumption (up to 26% of diet), but grizzlies still consumed far less livestock than otherwise claimed by contemporary accounts. We show how human activities can provoke short-term behavioural shifts, such as heightened levels of carnivory, that in turn can lead to exaggerated predation narratives and incentivize persecution, triggering rapid loss of an otherwise widespread and ecologically flexible animal.

Fluralaner is a recent external parasiticide, first of a new class of drugs (isoxazoline parasiticides). It is widely used in companion animals both for its wide spectrum (fleas, ticks and other mites) but also for its ease of use (oral tablets given once for 1 to three months). It is known to be eliminated primarily via the feces (>90%) as the unchanged compound. In zoo carnivores, controlling external parasites is also important and there are no specific products with a marketing authorization to control them. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of fluralaner in zoo carnivores. The second objective was to demonstrate that fluralaner can be eliminated over a prolonged period of time, thereby raising questions about its potential impact on non-target species such as arthropods. After adjusting the oral dose using allometric equations, animals were dosed and fecal samples were collected on a regular basis for up to three months to determine the fecal elimination curve of fluralaner as a surrogate of plasma kinetics (for ethical and safety reasons, plasma samples were not considered). All samples were analyzed with a validated LC-MSMS technique. Our results show that, despite limitations and a limited number of animals included, most carnivores eliminate fluralaner in their feces for several weeks to months (in Lions, fluralaner was still detectable after 89 days). To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating such a long elimination period in animals. Further studies would be required to investigate the risk associated with the presence of active residues in other carnivore feces for the environment, especially in dogs and cats, considering the large use of this class of compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Uganda Carnivore Program (UCP), located in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), has--among other large carnivore research and conservation measures--engaged in human-carnivore conflict mitigation and prevention efforts since 2015. UCP's experiential lion tourism program funds compensation to local communities for livestock losses to promote carnivore tolerance and conservation. But while UCP's conflict mitigation and prevention trials--through direct payments in response to forensically determined cases of livestock depredation by lion (Panthera leo)--may be aiding in the goal of maintaining lion viability in QENP and the greater Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area (QECA), compensation does not preclude ongoing challenges. These include unsustainable resource uses from human population growth and illegal expansions, subsequent land use changes, illegal livestock grazing and related husbandry practices, and compensation financing shortages. Of note regarding compensation is assessing whether claims of livestock depredation are genuine or not. Nevertheless, disruption to UCP's experiential lion tourism and compensation programs could result in increased retaliatory killings of lions, thus further reducing an already low lion population. As compensation includes the area's large carnivore guild, disruption could also mean further reductions in leopard (Panthera pardus) andspottedhyena (Crocuta crocuta) populations from retaliatory killings. Based on a perspective of UCP's compensation trials and related challenges, several recommendations, including the introduction of compensation percentage rates based on rewards-based frameworks, would strengthen human-carnivore conflict mitigation as part of lion and other large carnivore conservation. This would benefit QENP, greater QECA, and other protected areas where people, livestock, and large carnivores share space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions among predators can have cascading impacts on communities and ecosystems. These interactions often occur around carrion, where the carrion provides a food reward, but also a risk of encountering other, potentially dominant, predators. Understanding how predators balance risk and reward at carrion, and how perceived risk changes in response to carcass origins and conditions, provides valuable insight into intraguild interactions. We investigated Coyote (Canis latrans) behavior at carrion simulated as cache sites treated with Cougar (Puma concolor) scent versus carrion used as control sites to better understand how Coyotes assess risk while feeding on carrion. Coyotes displayed similar behavior between sites treated and untreated with Cougar scent, suggesting that the presence of Cougar scent did not alter perceived risk by Coyotes in our study. Instead, Coyote behavior responded to carcass age, elevation, and whether avian scavengers had visited the carcass. Coyotes spent more time feeding, more time on camera, and touched carcasses quicker as carcass age increased. Avian scavengers appeared to compete with Coyotes, and while the presence of avian scavengers reduced time to carcass detection by Coyotes, it also decreased time spent feeding. These results suggest that carcass condition is a more important indicator of risk and reward than the presence of dominant predator scent to Coyotes. Predator scent may be an unreliable cue of immediate predator presence. Alternatively, all carcasses may be risky because dominant predators also scavenge carrion, creating similar risk regardless of previous visitation by dominant predators. These results provide insights into predator interactions and can also inform the use of scent cues in wildlife management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Old-growth forests harbor a large amount of complex structural features that result in a wide array of wildlife habitats. However, intensive forest management is gradually converting old-growth forest into younger, even-aged stands, reducing structural complexity and threatening the persistence of old-growth-dependent species. Maintaining elements of complex stand structure is critical to the conservation of old-growth forest specialists that use different habitat components at different periods of their annual cycle, and it requires a comprehensive understanding of seasonal variation in the habitat needs of these species. However, difficulties in observing free-ranging animals have sometimes limited our ability to assess such variations in habitat requirements, especially for small, elusive species. To address this, we used GPS telemetry collars to describe fine-scale habitat selection patterns of 6 male American Martens (Martes americana) during 2 contrasting periods of the year (snow-free, from mid-April to mid-November; snow-covered, from mid-November to mid-April), an objective formerly hard to achieve using conventional VHF telemetry. We used resource selection functions conducted at the fourth order of selection to compare habitat characteristics found at the sites used by martens (GPS locations, n = 100) to those found on an equal number of available sites (random points, n = 100) within each individual seasonal home range. We conducted vegetation surveys on these 200 sites to describe habitat and built candidate models representing different concurrent hypotheses. Our results showed that proxies of prey availability, predator avoidance, and thermal constraints were the primary factors influencing marten habitat selection during both periods, although their respective importance differed between periods. Martens selected sites with a high density of large-diameter snags (≥30·ha−1), high conifer canopy closure (≥53%), and a dense lateral cover (≥81%) during the snow-free period, but selected sites with a high volume of coarse woody debris (≥64 m3·ha−1) and high conifer canopy closure (≥48%) during the snow-covered period. Our results highlight the importance of contrasting seasonal changes in habitat selection patterns of small carnivores and may help maintain structural attributes in the landscape that are suitable for male American Martens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Human activities are reducing the amount and quality of natural landscapes. Understanding how such changes affect the spatial and temporal ecology of mammal populations will enable us to foresee how communities will be structured in the Anthropocene. Objectives: Here, we evaluated how the occupancy, intensity of use, and activity patterns of the mesopredator canid Cerdocyon thous are affected by topographic variation, habitat amount, fragmentation and chronic anthropogenic disturbances. Methods: Camera trapping data were obtained between May and September 2014 in 179 sampling points within ten priority areas for conservation in a seasonally dry tropical forest (Caatinga) in Brazil, totaling an effort of 6,701 camera.days. We use occupancy models for analyzed occupancy, generalized linear models (GLM) for the intensity of use and kernel density curve for activity pattern. Results: Cerdoyon thous benefited from human disturbance, showing greater occupancy and intensity of use near anthropogenic habitats, fragmentation, human density and cattle density. Moreover, temporal analyses showed that it modulates its daily activity according to habitat amount, human density, cattle density and altitude. However, C. thous tends to avoid areas with excess of fire, logging and infrastructures. Conclusions: These results allow us to understand the mechanisms that contribute to the dominance of generalist mesocarnivores in human-dominated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large carnivores are globally threatened due to habitat fragmentation and loss, prey depletion and human exploitation. Human exploitation includes both legal and illegal hunting and trapping. Protected areas can create refugia from hunting and trapping; however, hunting can still threaten wide‐ranging large carnivores when they leave these areas. Large carnivore reintroductions to protected areas are often motivated to restore ecological processes, including wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Determining if harvest is compensatory or additive is essential for informed conservation strategies, as it influences the overall impact on wolf populations and their ecosystems. If harvest was compensatory, then increasing harvest pressure outside YNP should not decrease overall survival for transboundary wolves. Alternatively, if increasing harvest was additive, then increasing harvest pressure outside YNP should decrease overall survival for transboundary wolves. We tested the effects of variable harvest pressure following delisting on the survival of YNP grey wolves (Canis lupus) from 1995 to 2022. We defined three harvest levels: no harvest, harvest with limited quotas and unlimited harvest. We used Cox‐proportional hazards models and cumulative incidence functions to estimate survival rates, factors affecting survival and cause‐specific mortality between these three harvest periods to test predictions of the additive mortality hypothesis. Most harvested wolves that primarily lived in YNP were killed adjacent to the park border. Cox‐proportional hazards models revealed that mortality was highest during years of unlimited harvest during winter outside YNP. Cause‐specific mortality analyses showed that natural mortality from other wolves and harvest were the two leading causes of death, but that harvest mortality had additive effects on wolf mortality. Wolf survival decreased with increased harvest mortality, while natural mortality remained relatively unchanged. Synthesis and applications. High rates of additive harvest mortality of wolves could negatively impact wolf survival in YNP. Harvest mortality of transboundary wolves is additive possibly due to source‐sink dynamics of uneven spatial susceptibility of wolves to harvest mortality across protected area borders, as well as effects of harvest on complex social dynamics of wolves in YNP. Transboundary management of large carnivores is challenging, yet cooperation between agencies is vital for wolf management in and around YNP. Our results support the use of small quota zones surrounding protected areas, that minimize transboundary mortality impacts on large carnivores living primarily inside protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spatial behavior, including home-ranging behaviors, habitat selection, and movement, can be extremely informative in estimating how animals respond to landscape heterogeneity. Responses in these spatial behaviors to features such as human land modification and resources can highlight a species' spatial strategy to maximize fitness and minimize mortality. These strategies can vary on spatial, temporal, and individual scales, and the combination of behaviors on these scales can lead to very different strategies among species. Methods: Harnessing the variation present at these scales, we characterized how species may respond to stimuli in their environments ranging from broad- to fine-scale spatial responses to human modification in their environment. Using 15 bobcat-years and 31 coyote-years of GPS data from individuals inhabiting a landscape encompassing a range of human land modification, we evaluated the complexity of both species' responses to human modification on the landscape through their home range size, habitat selection, and functional response behaviors, accounting for annual, seasonal, and diel variation. Results: Bobcats and coyotes used different strategies in response to human modification in their home ranges, with bobcats broadly expanding their home range with increases in human modification and displaying temporal consistency in functional response in habitat selection across both season and time of day. Meanwhile, coyotes did not expand their home ranges with increased human modification, but instead demonstrated fine-scale responses to human modification with habitat selection strategies that sometimes varied by time of day and season, paired with functional responses in selection behaviors. Conclusions: These differences in response to habitat, resources, and human modification between the two species highlighted the variation in spatial behaviors animals can use to exist in anthropogenic environments. Categorizing animal spatial behavior based on these spatiotemporal responses and individual variation can help in predicting how a species will respond to future change based on their current spatial behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otocolobus manul (Pallas, 1776) is a small, solitary, terrestrial felid commonly called the Manul and is the sole species of its genus. It occurs in Afghanistan, Armenia, Bhutan, China, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan. Otocolobus manul might still occur in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan but might be extinct in Azerbaijan. As assessed in 2020, O. manul is listed as "Least Concern" (LC) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List of Threatened Species, with an estimate of 58,000 adults, although the population might be decreasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth's most imperiled and iconic wildlife are facing tough decisions under increasing human pressure and limited resources. Swimming across rivers and water bodies filled with high densities of predators may be one such example. In African lions Panthera leo, previous water crossings (recorded in the peer‐reviewed and gray literature, on film, and found using Google Search, and YouTube) have recorded distances ranging from <10 to 100 m, with some resulting in mortality by Nile Crocodiles Crocodylis niloticus. However, we observed a coalition of male lions swimming >1 km across Uganda's Kazinga channel located in the Queen Elizabeth National Park six times, and recorded this behavior on film on February 1st 2024. We speculate that three factors could be driving these lions to take long‐distance swims with a high density of crocodiles and hippos Hippopotamus amphibius, namely (1) the lack of lionesses in this ecosystem, (2) intraspecific fights over territory with other male coalitions, and (3) the only other land connection giving lions access to the peninsula is a small road bridge with a strong human presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonbreeding helpers can greatly improve the survival of young and the reproductive fitness of breeders in many cooperatively breeding species. Breeder turnover, in turn, can have profound effects on dispersal decisions made by helpers. Despite its importance in explaining group size and predicting the population demography of cooperative breeders, our current understanding of how individual traits influence animal behavior after disruptions to social structure is incomplete particularly for terrestrial mammals. We used 12 yr of genetic sampling and group pedigrees of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Idaho, USA, to ask questions about how breeder turnover affected the apparent decisions by mature helpers (≥2-yr-old) to stay or leave a group over a 1-yr time interval. We found that helpers showed plasticity in their responses to breeder turnover. Most notably, helpers varied by sex and appeared to base dispersal decisions on the sex of the breeder that was lost as well. Male and female helpers stayed in a group slightly more often when there was breeder turnover of the same sex, although males that stayed were often recent adoptees in the group. Males, however, appeared to remain in a group less often when there was breeding female turnover likely because such vacancies were typically filled by related females from the males' natal group (i.e. inbreeding avoidance). We show that helpers exploit instability in the breeding pair to secure future breeding opportunities for themselves. The confluence of breeder turnover, helper sex, and dispersal and breeding strategies merge to influence group composition in gray wolves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color mutations are a common phenomenon in vertebrates. Among these anomalies, albinism is the most common in wild mammals. We deployed 78 camera traps across the Yoko Council Forest (YCF) to inventory medium to large-sized terrestrial mammals and we obtained a total effort of 17,981 operational camera trap days, giving 169 detections of long-nosed mongoose. During this study, we obtained two independent detections of albino long-nosed mongooses (Xenogale naso). To our knowledge, this is the first report of albinism in this taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large terrestrial mammals increasingly rely on human‐modified landscapes as anthropogenic footprints expand. Land management activities such as timber harvest, agriculture, and roads can influence prey population dynamics by altering forage resources and predation risk via changes in habitat, but these effects are not well understood in regions with diverse and changing predator guilds. In northeastern Washington state, USA, white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are vulnerable to multiple carnivores, including recently returned gray wolves (Canis lupus), within a highly human‐modified landscape. To understand the factors governing predator–prey dynamics in a human context, we radio‐collared 280 white‐tailed deer, 33 bobcats (Lynx rufus), 50 cougars (Puma concolor), 28 coyotes (C. latrans), and 14 wolves between 2016 and 2021. We first estimated deer vital rates and used a stage‐structured matrix model to estimate their population growth rate. During the study, we observed a stable to declining deer population (lambda = 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.88, 1.05), with 74% of Monte Carlo simulations indicating population decrease and 26% of simulations indicating population increase. We then fit Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate how predator exposure, use of human‐modified landscapes, and winter severity influenced deer survival and used these relationships to evaluate impacts on overall population growth. We found that the population growth rate was dually influenced by a negative direct effect of apex predators and a positive effect of timber harvest and agricultural areas. Cougars had a stronger effect on deer population dynamics than wolves, and mesopredators had little influence on the deer population growth rate. Areas of recent timber harvest had 55% more forage biomass than older forests, but horizontal visibility did not differ, suggesting that timber harvest did not influence predation risk. Although proximity to roads did not affect the overall population growth rate, vehicle collisions caused a substantial proportion of deer mortalities, and reducing these collisions could be a win–win for deer and humans. The influence of apex predators and forage indicates a dual limitation by top‐down and bottom‐up factors in this highly human‐modified system, suggesting that a reduction in apex predators would intensify density‐dependent regulation of the deer population owing to limited forage availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global change is increasing the frequency and severity of human-wildlife interactions by pushing people and wildlife into increasingly resource-limited shared spaces. To understand the dynamics of human-wildlife interactions and what may constitute human-wildlife coexistence in the Anthropocene, there is a critical need to explore the spatial, temporal, sociocultural and ecological variables that contribute to human-wildlife conflicts in urban areas. Due to their opportunistic foraging and behavioural flexibility, coyotes (Canis latrans) frequently interact with people in urban environments. San Francisco, California, USA hosts a very high density of coyotes, making it an excellent region for analysing urban human-coyote interactions and attitudes toward coyotes over time and space. We used a community-curated long-term data source from San Francisco Animal Care and Control to summarise a decade of coyote sightings and human-coyote interactions in San Francisco and to characterise spatiotemporal patterns of attitudes and interaction types in relation to housing density, socioeconomics, pollution and human vulnerability metrics, and green space availability. We found that human-coyote conflict reports have been significantly increasing over the past 5 years and that there were more conflicts during the coyote pup-rearing season (April–June), the dry season (June–September) and the COVID-19 pandemic. Conflict reports were also more likely to involve dogs and occur inside of parks, despite more overall sightings occurring outside of parks. Generalised linear mixed models revealed that conflicts were more likely to occur in places with higher vegetation greenness and median income. Meanwhile reported coyote boldness, hazing and human attitudes toward coyotes were also correlated with pollution burden and human population vulnerability indices. Synthesis and applications: Our results provide compelling evidence suggesting that human-coyote conflicts are intimately associated with social-ecological heterogeneities and time, emphasizing that the road to coexistence will require socially informed strategies. Additional long-term research articulating how the social-ecological drivers of conflict (e.g. human food subsidies, interactions with domestic species, climate-induced droughts, socioeconomic disparities, etc.) change over time will be essential in building adaptive management efforts that effectively mitigate future conflicts from occurring. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

This study represents the first report of the complete mitochondrial genome of a carnivorous stag beetle, Figulus punctatus. The genome is 17,664 bp long with a total of 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA, and 2 rRNA. The nucleotide composition is 37.25% A, 31.71% T, 10.00% G, and 20.99% C (GC contents 30.99%). Our molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the maximum-likelihood method recognizes Figulini and Nigidiini as a monophyletic clade, with a robust support value, and suggests that their carnivorous feeding trait may have evolved once within the family.

Abstract Background Spatial behavior, including home-ranging behaviors, habitat selection, and movement, can be extremely informative in estimating how animals respond to landscape heterogeneity. Responses in these spatial behaviors to features such as human land modification and resources can highlight a species’ spatial strategy to maximize fitness and minimize mortality. These strategies can vary on spatial, temporal, and individual scales, and the combination of behaviors on these scales can lead to very different strategies among species. Methods Harnessing the variation present at these scales, we characterized how species may respond to stimuli in their environments ranging from broad- to fine-scale spatial responses to human modification in their environment. Using 15 bobcat-years and 31 coyote-years of GPS data from individuals inhabiting a landscape encompassing a range of human land modification, we evaluated the complexity of both species’ responses to human modification on the landscape through their home range size, habitat selection, and functional response behaviors, accounting for annual, seasonal, and diel variation. Results Bobcats and coyotes used different strategies in response to human modification in their home ranges, with bobcats broadly expanding their home range with increases in human modification and displaying temporal consistency in functional response in habitat selection across both season and time of day. Meanwhile, coyotes did not expand their home ranges with increased human modification, but instead demonstrated fine-scale responses to human modification with habitat selection strategies that sometimes varied by time of day and season, paired with functional responses in selection behaviors. Conclusions These differences in response to habitat, resources, and human modification between the two species highlighted the variation in spatial behaviors animals can use to exist in anthropogenic environments. Categorizing animal spatial behavior based on these spatiotemporal responses and individual variation can help in predicting how a species will respond to future change based on their current spatial behavior.

The Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr is categorized as Critically Endangered, with < 200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Historically the species ranged over an extensive area of western Saudi Arabia but, with no confirmed sightings since 2014, investigating potential continued presence and distribution is of critical conservation importance. We present the results of a comprehensive survey designed to detect any remaining Arabian leopard populations in Saudi Arabia. We conducted 14 surveys, deploying 586 camera-trap stations at 13 sites, totalling 82,075 trap-nights. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with 843 members of local communities across the Arabian leopard's historical range to assess the presence of leopards, other predators and prey species. Predator scats were collected ad hoc by field teams and we used mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify the originating species. We obtained 62,948 independent photographs of animals and people, but none were of Arabian leopards. Other carnivores appeared widespread and domestic animals were numerous, but wild prey were comparatively scarce. Three questionnaire respondents reported sightings of leopards within the previous year, but targeted camera-trap surveys in these areas did not yield evidence of leopards. Of the 143 scats sent for analysis, no DNA was conclusively identified as that of the leopard. From this extensive study, we conclude there are probably no surviving, sustainable populations of Arabian leopards in Saudi Arabia. Individual leopards might be present but were not confirmed. Any future Arabian leopard conservation in Saudi Arabia will probably require reintroduction of captive-bred leopards.

Most herbivores must balance demands to meet nutritional requirements, maintain stable thermoregulation and avoid predation. Species‐specific predator and prey characteristics determine the ability of prey to avoid predation and the ability of predators to maximize hunting success. Using GPS collar data from African wild dogs, lions, impala, tsessebes, wildebeest and zebra in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, we studied proactive predation risk avoidance by herbivores. We considered predator activity level in relation to prey movement, predator and prey habitat selection, and preferential use of areas by prey. We compared herbivore behaviour to lion and wild dog activity patterns and determined the effect of seasonal resource availability and prey body mass on anti‐predator behaviour. Herbivore movement patterns were more strongly correlated with lion than wild dog activity. Habitat selection by predators was not activity level dependent and, while prey and predators differed to some extent in their habitat selection, there were also overlaps, probably caused by predators seeking habitats with high prey abundance. Areas favoured by lions were used by herbivores more when lions were less active, whereas wild dog activity level was not correlated with prey use. Prey body mass was not a strong predictor of the strength of proactive predation avoidance behaviour. Herbivores showed stronger anti‐predator behaviours during the rainy season when resources were abundant. Reducing movement when top predators are most active and avoiding areas with a high likelihood of predator use during the same periods appear to be common strategies to minimize predation risk. Such valuable insights into predator–prey dynamics are only possible when using similar data from multiple sympatric species of predator and prey, an approach that should become more prevalent given the ongoing integration of technological methods into ecological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas are essential tools for reducing loss of global biodiversity. To fulfill their ecological functions, protected areas must be connected to their surroundings, a requirement that is difficult to meet in landscapes intensively disturbed by anthropogenic activities. Therefore, protecting movement corridors at the edges of protected areas is crucial, especially for species with broad habitat needs, such as the American marten (Martes americana). However, habitat selection and space use patterns are dynamic processes, so we could expect that functional connectivity would vary temporally in response to changing environmental conditions and levels of human activities. In this study, we aimed at predicting the location of movement corridors for the American marten in Forillon National Park and its periphery during two contrasted periods (snow‐free: May–November; snow‐covered: December–April). We used "seasonal" resource selection functions to identify core areas (interpreted as circuit "nodes") and CircuitScape to delineate movement corridors between them based on the electrical circuit theory. Habitat selection patterns differed between periods, with martens avoiding open areas, high elevations and road proximity during the snow‐free period, while avoiding areas closer to secondary roads but selecting areas closer to primary roads and housing structures during the snow‐covered period. Consequently, the location of movement corridors differed partially between periods. Functional connectivity was favored by the presence of forest patches for both periods, while being constrained by open environments, especially during the snow‐free period. Our study highlights the importance of modeling functional connectivity at fine temporal scales in order to provide movement corridors that fulfill the requirements of a species at each period of its annual cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delineating wildlife population boundaries is important for effective population monitoring and management. The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a highly mobile generalist carnivore that is ecologically and economically important. We sampled 1225 bobcats harvested in South Dakota, USA (2014–2019), of which 878 were retained to assess genetic diversity and infer population genetic structure using 17 microsatellite loci. We assigned individuals to genetic clusters (K) using spatial and nonspatial Bayesian clustering algorithms and quantified differentiation (FST and GST″$$ {G}_{\mathrm{ST}}^{{\prime\prime} } $$) among clusters. We found support for population genetic structure at K = 2 and K = 4, with pairwise FST and GST″$$ {G}_{\mathrm{ST}}^{{\prime\prime} } $$ values indicating weak to moderate differentiation, respectively, among clusters. For K = 2, eastern and western clusters aligned closely with historical bobcat management units and were consistent with a longitudinal suture zone for bobcats previously identified in the Great Plains. We did not observe patterns of population genetic structure aligning with major rivers or highways. Genetic divergence observed at K = 4 aligned roughly with ecoregion breaks and may be associated with environmental gradients, but additional sampling with more precise locational data may be necessary to validate these patterns. Our findings reveal that cryptic population structure may occur in highly mobile and broadly distributed generalist carnivores, highlighting the importance of considering population structure when establishing population monitoring programs or harvest regulations. Our study further demonstrates that for elusive furbearers, harvest can provide an efficient, broad‐scale sampling approach for genetic population assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canid species are highly adaptable, including to urban and peri‐urban areas, where they can come into close contact with people. Understanding the mechanisms of wild canid population persistence in these areas is key to managing any negative impacts. The resource dispersion hypothesis predicts that animal density increases and home range size decreases as resource concentration increases, and may help to explain how canids are distributed in environments with an urban‐natural gradient. In Australia, dingoes have adapted to human presence, sometimes living in close proximity to towns. Using a targeted camera trap survey and spatial capture‐recapture models, we estimated spatial variation in the population density and detection rates of dingoes on Worimi Country in the Great Lakes region of the NSW coast. We tested whether dingo home range and population densities varied across a gradient of human population density, in a mixed‐use landscape including, urban, peri‐urban, and National Park environs. We found human population density to be a strong driver of dingo density (ranging from 0.025 to 0.433 dingoes/km2 across the natural‐urban gradient), and to have a negative effect on dingo home range size. The spatial scale parameter changed depending on survey period, being smaller in the peak tourism period, when human population increases in the area, than in adjacent survey periods, potentially indicating reduced home range size when additional resources are available. Our study highlights the potential value of managing anthropogenic resource availability to manage carnivore densities and potential risk of human‐carnivore interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic pressure, such as urbanization and habitat loss, can wield many effects on wildlife that radiate through ecosystems. Large carnivores tend to experience these effects more severely than other species, diminishing their viability and altering ecosystem function by suppressing their role as an apex predator. Yet opportunistic carnivores that rely on an omnivorous diet can sometimes take advantage of anthropogenic food and improve their fitness prospects. We quantified the effect of phenotypic and ecological factors on female body mass of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) in New Jersey, USA. Habitat and reliable mast crops in New Jersey keep adult female black bear body mass and reproduction higher than many parts of the United States, and historically, female black bears in the mid‐Atlantic states tend to be larger than in other parts of their range. We used data collected from den surveys (n = 317) in northern New Jersey from 1984 to 2019 to examine the shared roles of climate, anthropogenic pressure (human food subsidies, harvest), habitat composition and configuration, natural food availability (hard mast production), and bear characteristics (age, history of human–black bear conflict) on female black bear body mass using generalized linear mixed models. Adult female body mass was heaviest with increased availability of cultivated crop and within low‐intensity developed land covers, suggesting anthropogenic food subsidies found in these 2 land cover types are contributing to female overall body mass. A history of conflict with humans explained heavier females, and a quadratic effect of age on body mass supported a senescent decline in adult female body mass later in life. Our results suggest that access to specific land cover types (i.e., crops, low‐intensity developments) that provide a diversity of food (e.g., corn, soft and hard mast) and support low human densities, explains female black bear body mass in a fragmented landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr is categorized as Critically Endangered, with < 200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Historically the species ranged over an extensive area of western Saudi Arabia but, with no confirmed sightings since 2014, investigating potential continued presence and distribution is of critical conservation importance. We present the results of a comprehensive survey designed to detect any remaining Arabian leopard populations in Saudi Arabia. We conducted 14 surveys, deploying 586 camera-trap stations at 13 sites, totalling 82,075 trap-nights. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with 843 members of local communities across the Arabian leopard's historical range to assess the presence of leopards, other predators and prey species. Predator scats were collected ad hoc by field teams and we used mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify the originating species. We obtained 62,948 independent photographs of animals and people, but none were of Arabian leopards. Other carnivores appeared widespread and domestic animals were numerous, but wild prey were comparatively scarce. Three questionnaire respondents reported sightings of leopards within the previous year, but targeted camera-trap surveys in these areas did not yield evidence of leopards. Of the 143 scats sent for analysis, no DNA was conclusively identified as that of the leopard. From this extensive study, we conclude there are probably no surviving, sustainable populations of Arabian leopards in Saudi Arabia. Individual leopards might be present but were not confirmed. Any future Arabian leopard conservation in Saudi Arabia will probably require reintroduction of captive-bred leopards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote monitoring of communal marking sites, or latrines, provides a unique opportunity to observe undisturbed scent marking behaviour of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). We used remote camera trap observations in a natural experiment to test behavioural scent mark responses to rivals (either familiar neighbours or unfamiliar strangers), to determine whether wild dogs exhibit the "dear enemy" or "nasty neighbour" response. Given that larger groups of wild dogs represent a greater threat to smaller groups, including for established residents, we predicted that the overarching categories "dear enemy" vs. "nasty neighbour" may be confounded by varying social statuses that exists between individual dyads interacting. Using the number of overmarks as a metric, results revealed an interaction between sender and receiver group size irrespective of familiarity consistent with this prediction: in general, individuals from large resident packs overmarked large groups more than they overmarked smaller groups, whereas individuals from smaller packs avoided overmarking larger groups, possibly to avoid detection. Monitoring a natural system highlights variables such as pack size that may be either overlooked or controlled during scent presentation experiments, influencing our ability to gain insights into the factors determining territorial responses to rivals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To manage predation risk, prey navigate a dynamic landscape of fear, or spatiotemporal variation in risk perception, reflecting predator distributions, traits, and activity cycles. Prey may seek to reduce risk across this landscape using habitat at times and in places when predators are less active. In multipredator landscapes, avoiding one predator could increase vulnerability to another, making the landscape of fear difficult to predict and navigate. Additionally, humans may shape interactions between predators and prey, and induce new sources of risk. Humans can function as a shield, providing a refuge for prey from human‐averse carnivores, and as a predator, causing mortality through hunting and vehicle collisions and eliciting a fear response that can exceed that of carnivores. We used telemetry data collected between 2017 and 2021 from 63 Global Positioning System‐collared elk (Cervus canadensis), 42 cougars (Puma concolor), and 16 wolves (Canis lupus) to examine how elk habitat selection changed in relation to carnivores and humans in northeastern Washington, USA. Using step selection functions, we evaluated elk habitat use in relation to cougars, wolves, and humans, diel period (daytime vs. nighttime), season (summer calving season vs. fall hunting season), and habitat structure (open vs. closed habitat). The diel cycle was critical to understanding elk movement, allowing elk to reduce encounters with predators where and when they would be the largest threat. Elk strongly avoided cougars at night but had a near‐neutral response to cougars during the day, whereas elk avoided wolves at all times of day. Elk generally used more open habitats where cougars and wolves were most active, rather than altering the use of habitat structure depending on the predator species. Elk avoided humans during the day and ~80% of adult female mortality was human caused, suggesting that humans functioned as a "super predator" in this system. Simultaneously, elk leveraged the human shield against wolves but not cougars at night, and no elk were confirmed to have been killed by wolves. Our results add to the mounting evidence that humans profoundly affect predator–prey interactions, highlighting the importance of studying these dynamics in anthropogenic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nocturnal activity of tropical otters is rarely reported. To date no studies have documented den use by sympatric giant (Pteronura brasiliensis) and neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis). We used camera-traps to monitor den use by sympatric otters along an equatorial Amazonian river. Camera-traps provided evidence that giant otters were more nocturnal around dens than sympatric neotropical otters. Nocturnal activity was recorded in 11% of giant otter photos (n = 14 of 125 photos), but was recorded only once for neotropical otters. Den use by giant and neotropical otters overlapped spatially and temporally but not concurrently. We hypothesize that previously reported nocturnal activity in neotropical otters is facilitated by the absence or low density of giant otters. Our results also underscore the need to use complementary techniques together with den counts for monitoring otters as sympatric species can use the same dens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichinella is a nematode that are spread by the consumption of parasitized meat. Carnivora, a mammalian order, serve as key hosts for this parasite. However, evidence of Trichinella in wildlife from the Neotropics is extremely scarce, with reports documenting its presence only for five carnivore species: two Felidae, one Otariidae and two Mustelidae. Other widely distributed species that are consumed as bushmeat, such as Procyonidae, have not been studied in this context. A long-term study was performed for antibodies against Trichinella in coatis (Nasua narica) and common raccoons (Procyon lotor) in southeastern Mexico. Between the summer of 2009 to the winter 2013, a total of 291 coati samples and 125 raccoon samples were collected from a tropical green area located within an urban zone. An Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies against the excretory and secretory products of Trichinella spiralis muscle larva. ELISA-positive samples were further confirmed by Western Blot analysis. Results showed no evidence of antibodies during the first two years of study. However, in 2011, a sudden appearance of anti-Trichinella occurred. The seroprevalence reached its highest peak of 43% for coatis during winter 2013 and 53% for raccoons in summer 2013. This is the first study that provides evidence of Trichinella circulation within a neotropical procyonid community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coyotes (Canis latrans) may be important seed dispersal vectors in urban areas, given their omnivorous diet and wide-ranging movement patterns potentially able to bypass fragmentation. Yet, fragmentation itself, anthropogenic food sources, and human activity can limit their natural movement patterns. Previous research has found urbanization limits movement range across mammals; however, it remains unclear the degree to which this may cascade into seed dispersal as seed retention time also plays an important role in seed dispersal distance. Additionally, social and temporal changes in behavior influence coyote movement patterns, likely interacting with the effect of urbanization on net displacement and, consequently, seed dispersal. We used GPS telemetry data to analyze the effect of urbanization on coyote net displacement (n = 94 individuals), in interaction with social and temporal factors, for a series of seed retention timeframes. We found that urbanization led to overall shorter net displacement in comparison to rural areas. The effect of urbanization increased with increasing seed retention timeframe and disproportionately affected long-distance seed dispersal. Seasonality influenced the effect of urbanization to a smaller extent than social status. Social status had a strong interaction effect, as urbanization negatively impacted the net displacement of transient and dispersing coyotes but had a negligible influence on resident coyotes. Territoriality was likely the main limiting factor for the latter, whereas the former, which were wider ranging, were likely most affected by landscape configuration. In terms of seasonality, climate seasons explained variability in the data better than biological seasons, where net displacement remained more stable across climate seasons in urban areas, as opposed to rural areas, where net displacement increased during winter and decreased during summer. Interestingly, despite the urban effect, coyote net displacement varied across social statuses and seasons in both landscape types, suggesting coyotes can provide a heterogenous seed dispersal contribution within and across plant species. Future research on fine-scale movement patterns and scat analysis is needed to better understand the cascading effects of decreased long-distance net displacements on urban plant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prey depletion poses a threat to large carnivores worldwide. The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), the last remaining apex predator on the Indonesian island of Java, is facing numerous threats from human activities including poaching, habitat loss and prey depletion. Despite the fact that the Javan leopard is an adaptable and opportunistic predator capable of surviving in various environments, our understanding of its prey and predator-prey interactions is still limited, which is crucial for their conservation. Using camera trap data collected from four national parks (i.e., Ujung Kulon, Gunung Gede Pangrango, Meru Betiri, Alas Purwo) that represent four distinct terrestrial ecoregions across the island of Java, we investigated the species richness, relative abundance, and spatial-temporal overlap in activity patterns between the Javan leopard and other animals that coexist in the same location. Our analysis of 7461 independent photos, covering 12,983 camera trap days, revealed that areas with the presence of Javan leopards exhibited higher species richness and abundance compared to those without the presence of Javan leopards. In addition, we found that the activities of banteng (Bos javanicus), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Javan deer (Rusa timorensis), Javan mousedeer (Tragulus javanicus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), junglefowl (Gallus spp.), spangled ebony langur (Trachypithecus auratus), Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and dhole (Cuon alpinus) were highly overlapping with those of Javan leopards in space and time, suggesting that these species are potential candidate prey for Javan leopards. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive investigation of potential prey for the Javan leopard that utilizes camera traps from all four types of terrestrial ecoregions on Java Island. The findings of this study may serve as essential information for the conservation of this critically endangered species.

Fluralaner is a recent external parasiticide, first of a new class of drugs (isoxazoline parasiticides). It is widely used in companion animals both for its wide spectrum (fleas, ticks and other mites) but also for its ease of use (oral tablets given once for 1 to three months). It is known to be eliminated primarily via the feces (>90%) as the unchanged compound. In zoo carnivores, controlling external parasites is also important and there are no specific products with a marketing authorization to control them. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of fluralaner in zoo carnivores. The second objective was to demonstrate that fluralaner can be eliminated over a prolonged period of time, thereby raising questions about its potential impact on non-target species such as arthropods. After adjusting the oral dose using allometric equations, animals were dosed and fecal samples were collected on a regular basis for up to three months to determine the fecal elimination curve of fluralaner as a surrogate of plasma kinetics (for ethical and safety reasons, plasma samples were not considered). All samples were analyzed with a validated LC-MSMS technique. Our results show that, despite limitations and a limited number of animals included, most carnivores eliminate fluralaner in their feces for several weeks to months (in Lions, fluralaner was still detectable after 89 days). To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating such a long elimination period in animals. Further studies would be required to investigate the risk associated with the presence of active residues in other carnivore feces for the environment, especially in dogs and cats, considering the large use of this class of compounds.

Our knowledge of parasites in wildlife remains limited, primarily due to restricted access to samples, especially of parasites from protected species. This present study contributes to the comprehension of the enigmatic world of helminths of African wild mammals and cestode biodiversity by combining both molecular and morphological analysis. Cestode samples were opportunistically collected from 77 individual definitive hosts in South Africa, Namibia and Ethiopia, encompassing 15 different species of wild African carnivores and additionally domestic cats. The analysis revealed 32 different cyclophyllidean species of which 21 (65.6 %) represent previously unknown genetic entities. They belong to the families Mesocestoididae, Hymenolepididae, Dipylidiidae and Taeniidae. Here we cover the non-taeniid cestodes, while the taeniids will be addressed in a separate publication. Three of the non-taeniid species uncovered in this study could be assigned to the genus Mesocestoides and were isolated from servals and domestic cats. The white-tailed mongoose was found to be a suitable host for a species belonging to the Hymenolepididae, which was identified as Pseudandrya cf. mkuzii. Both feline and canine genotypes of Dipylidium caninum were detected in domestic cats, the canine genotype also in an African wolf. In addition to these, a novel species of Dipylidium was discovered in an aardwolf. Lastly, four distinct species of Joyeuxiella were found in this study, revealing a cryptic species complex and emphasizing the need for a taxonomic reassessment of this genus. Despite the limited scope of our study in terms of geography and sample size, the results highlight that biodiversity of cestodes in African wild mammals is grossly under-researched and follow-up studies are urgently required, in particular linking morphology to gene sequences.

The elevated levels of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock manure represent a significant threat to both the environment and human health. Composting has been recognized as an effective strategy to mitigate the abundance of ARGs in manure. However, notable rebounds in ARGs abundance have been observed during this process. This study explored the changes in ARGs abundance and the underlying influencing factors during the composting of carnivore (chicken and pig) and herbivore (sheep and cow) manures, along with mushroom residues. The findings revealed that the total relative abundance of ARGs increased by 6.96 and 10.94 folds in chicken and pig manure composts, respectively, whereas it decreased by a remarkable 91.72% and 98.37% in sheep and cow manure composts. Nitrogen content emerged as the primary physicochemical factors governing the abundance of ARGs in chicken and pig manure composts. Conversely, carbon content played a pivotal role in determining ARGs abundance in chicken and pig manure composts. Furthermore, the presence of dominant hosts, such as Corynebacterium, Bacillus, and Clostridium, along with emerging bacteria like Thermobifida, Saccharomonospora, and Actinomadura, contributed significantly to the enrichment of total ARGs, including tetG, tetO, tetX, and sul2, in chicken and pig manure composts. The coexistence of these genes with mobile genetic elements and a plethora of host bacteria, coupled with their high abundance, renders them particularly high-risk ARGs. On the other hand, the observed decrease in the abundance of total ARGs in sheep and cow manure composts can be attributed to the decline in the population of host bacteria, specifically Atopostipes, Psychrobacter, and Corynebacterium. Collectively, these results provide crucial insights into the management of ARGs risks and offer essential theoretical support for enhancing the safe utilization of organic fertilizer in agriculture.

Abstract Earth's most imperiled and iconic wildlife are facing tough decisions under increasing human pressure and limited resources. Swimming across rivers and water bodies filled with high densities of predators may be one such example. In African lions Panthera leo, previous water crossings (recorded in the peer‐reviewed and gray literature, on film, and found using Google Search, and YouTube) have recorded distances ranging from 1 km across Uganda's Kazinga channel located in the Queen Elizabeth National Park six times, and recorded this behavior on film on February 1st 2024. We speculate that three factors could be driving these lions to take long‐distance swims with a high density of crocodiles and hippos Hippopotamus amphibius, namely (1) the lack of lionesses in this ecosystem, (2) intraspecific fights over territory with other male coalitions, and (3) the only other land connection giving lions access to the peninsula is a small road bridge with a strong human presence.

Spatial and temporal associations between sympatric species underpin biotic interactions, structure ecological assemblages, and sustain ecosystem functioning and stability. However, the resilience of interspecific spatiotemporal associations to human activity remains poorly understood, particularly in mountain forests where anthropogenic impacts are often pervasive. Here, we applied context-dependent Joint Species Distribution Models to a systematic camera-trap survey dataset from a global biodiversity hotspot in eastern Himalayas to understand how prominent human activities in mountain forests influence species associations within terrestrial mammal communities. We obtained 10,388 independent detections of 17 focal species (12 carnivores and five ungulates) from 322 stations over 43,163 camera days of effort. We identified a higher incidence of positive associations in habitats with higher levels of human modification (87%) and human presence (83%) compared to those located in habitats with lower human modification (64%) and human presence (65%) levels. We also detected a significant reduction of pairwise encounter time at increasing levels of human disturbance, corresponding to more frequent encounters between pairs of species. Our findings indicate that human activities can push mammals together into more frequent encounters and associations, which likely influences the coexistence and persistence of wildlife, with potential far-ranging ecological consequences.

Predator–prey relationships can influence community processes, and a rich prey spectrum is important to favour carnivore conservation, as well as to buffer single prey towards intensive predation. Antipredator behavioural responses can occur and can be dynamic in time and space, which may generate counter‐responses in predators. However, data are scarce on their role in modulating carnivore diet and behaviour. Data are especially needed for European landscapes that are largely anthropized and have been recently recolonized by large carnivores. In a protected area in central Italy recently recolonized by the wolf and hosting a rich community of wild ungulates, we studied the interactions between this predator and three ungulate species. At the initial stage of wolf recovery, the fallow deer and the wild boar were the main prey, while the roe deer was a minor food item. Through camera‐trapping and predator food habits, we assessed temporal changes in wolf–prey relationships throughout 5 years (2017–2022). Wolf detection rates were spatially associated with those of fallow deer and wild boar, but shrub cover was positively related to predator and negatively to prey, suggesting possible prey avoidance of sites with lower visibility and greater predation risk. Throughout the years, the fallow deer increased its diurnal activity, with a decreasing temporal overlap with the predator. The wolf showed crepuscular/nocturnal activity, with an increased synchronization with the wild boar, which replaced the fallow deer as first prey. No support for major spatiotemporal responses was reported for wild boar and roe deer. With the ongoing recovery of carnivores across Europe, conservation priorities may emphasize the need to maintain an efficient ecological role of predators. Our results support the role of antipredator responses in modulating predator behaviour and diet and emphasize the importance of a diverse spectrum of wild prey to ensure the conservation of the ecological role of carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) are keystone predators. However, contact with congenerics, like the bobcat (Lynx rufus), could alter lynx trophic ecology and destabilize boreal food webs. We set out to describe the trophic niches of these species in allopatry and sympatry to assess how resources are partitioned among them and project whether the northward expansion of the bobcats’ range will lead to the displacement of lynx. To quantify the trophic niche, we measured stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in muscle and liver samples of bobcat and lynx. Our results indicate that both bobcat and lynx consumed snowshoe hare as their primary prey. However, lynx specialized on hare throughout our study, whereas bobcats foraged as generalists in sympatry with lynx and hare-specialists in allopatry. Our results highlight the contrasting ecological strategies of two congeneric felids and underscore the potential relevance of foraging efficiency in shaping the trophic niche of consumers in competitive environments.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is a very understudied complex of the Western Ghats landscape of India. The presence of diverse and heterogenous habitats supports a diverse species assembly. Here, we report on the occurrence and breeding of Asian Smallclawed Otters in the tiger reserve through opportunistic camera trapping conducted from November 2021–March 2022 at sampled locations along streams. Asian Small-clawed Otters were recorded from five locations with a photographic capture rate of 0.94 (± 0.57 SE) and in group sizes of 1–5 individuals, including pups. However, extensive surveys are necessary to generate reliable abundance estimates and to clearly understand otter distribution patterns in this landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There have only been a few molecular studies conducted on the detection of T. gondii in tissues of carnivores in South Africa, with no data on the genetic diversity of this parasite. That is why the aim of this study was to detect and genotype T. gondii DNA in tissues of selected wild and domestic carnivores in South Africa. Methods: Samples were collected from 80 animals of 20 species (mainly roadkilled) in the four provinces of Limpopo (n=57), Mpumalanga (n=21), Gauteng (n=1) and Free State (n=1) during the period 2014--2018. Samples of brain (n=31), heart (n=4), liver (n=40), spleen (n=2) and lung (n=3) were used to detect T. gondii by real-time PCR targeting a 529 bp repeating fragment of T. gondii DNA. Samples that were positive in real-time PCR were genotyped using 15 microsatellite markers. Results: T. gondii DNA was detected in 4 (5 %) samples: in the brain from a Blackbacked Jackal (Canis mesomelas), in the liver from a African Wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) and in the liver and heart of two Rusty-spotted Genets (Genetta maculata) respectively. The DNA sample from Black-backed Jackal was genotyped and characterized as belonging to the type Africa 4 lineage (equivalent to RFLP genotype ToxoDB#20), that is a widespread lineage in Africa. Discussion: This is the first genetic characterization of T. gondii isolated from a wild carnivore on the African continent and the first report of T. gondii in Blackbacked Jackal. The Africa 4 lineage was also confirmed in the region of Southern Africa for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relatively recent rediscovery of an American marten (Martes americana) population that was reintroduced over 30 years ago in southern Vermont provides an opportunity to investigate the relative importance of other mesocarnivores, and forest stand (e.g., DBH, downed logs, vertical structure) and habitat variables to their presence on the Green Mountain National Forest. Marten are state‐listed as an endangered species in Vermont and occur there at the southern extent of their range in the eastern United States. We collected detection data from camera surveys in 5 km2 units between 2019 and 2021 (December–April; n = 40 units, 238 cameras). We examined activity patterns and applied an occupancy modeling framework to the detection data to assess the relative importance of covariates at unit and camera levels and assess interactions of marten with other mesocarnivores. We did not find any unit‐level occupancy models with significant covariates that were better supported than the base model in the single‐season unit‐level analysis. Distance to the nearest release site was the covariate most supported for detectability at both spatial scales, and marten occupancy at the camera level was positively influenced by the amount of canopy cover. Two species interaction models did not indicate any positive or negative association beyond random with other mesocarnivores and activity patterns among mesocarnivores had substantial overlap. Marten recovery since the time of the reintroduction appears slow, and even 30 years later, the marten distribution is limited and suggests that dispersal is restricted at some level. We recommend a further investigation of the possible impact of other mesocarnivores to juvenile survival or other vital demographic rate (e.g., recruitment) in marten that were not explicitly measured in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golden jackal (Canis aureus) is one of the most common canid in Iran and can be found in habitats from Southeast Asia to Europe. Its rapid range expansion into Europe is indicated by the single haplotype (H1) of the mtDNA control region. H1 is the pioneer haplotype that expanded its range to Europe. Haplotypes from Turkey to Europe (western dispersal) and India (eastern dispersal) were identified before, while Iranian haplotypes are not known. Here, we completed its haplotype distribution from India to Europe by collecting samples from Iran. Results show that H1 is the most frequent Iranian haplotype compared to the five other haplotypes, and its most eastern distribution is in northeastern Iran. The phylogenetic tree and median-joining network indicate that all haplotypes are monophyletic, but Indian and Eurasian haplotypes are almost exclusive. We considered Oriental (Indian haplotypes + H13 from southeastern Iran) and Palearctic (others) haplogroups to explain haplotype distribution based on a median-joining network. The Oriental haplogroup is probably adapted to India towards southeastern Iran, while the Palearctic haplogroup is responsible for the current range expansion from Iran to Europe. The distribution and frequency of haplotypes indicate the rapid large-scale expansion, and unique haplotypes for specific geographic regions might be related to local adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of gold-standard experiments, specifically randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with crossover designs, to deter predators from attacking farm animals. The authors challenge the belief that RCTs are impossible in wild ecosystems with working livestock and highlight the effectiveness of non-lethal methods in preventing carnivore approaches and attacks on farm animals. They discuss the limitations of lethal methods of predator control and the potential benefits of non-lethal methods for wildlife, domestic animals, and livelihoods. The article presents the experiences and design recommendations from several RCTs conducted in different countries to protect farm animals from wild carnivores. The authors emphasize the need for further research and monitoring to improve the understanding of non-lethal methods and their effectiveness in mitigating human-wildlife conflict. [Extracted from the article]

Carnivore community dynamics are governed by a complex set of often interacting biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors that are increasingly volatile as a result of global change. Understanding how these changing conditions influence carnivore communities is urgent because of the important role carnivores play within ecosystems at multiple trophic levels, and the conservation threats that many carnivores face globally.While a great deal of research attention has historically been focused on large carnivores within ecosystems, the size‐mediated sensitivity hypothesis has recently been proposed where the smallest carnivore in a system is likely to be the most responsive to the diverse suite of ongoing environmental and anthropogenic changes within ecological communities.We deployed camera traps at 197 sites over 4 years to monitor a diverse suite of mammalian carnivores within the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and then used a two‐step occupancy modelling–structural equation modelling framework to investigate the relative support for four primary hypothesized drivers (interspecific competition/predation, habitat complexity, food availability and anthropogenic disturbance) on carnivore occurrence.We found that each of the 10 carnivores in our system responded differently to conditions associated with each of these four hypothesized drivers, but that small and medium‐sized carnivores had a greater number of significant (p < 0.05) pathways by which these conditions were influencing occupancy relative to large carnivores. In particular, the smallest carnivore observed in our study was the only species for which we found support for each of the four hypothesized drivers influencing occupancy.Collectively, our study supports the size‐mediated sensitivity hypothesis and suggests that small carnivores are ideal sentinel species for global change. We echo recent calls for adopting a middle‐out approach to investigations into carnivore community dynamics by refocusing sustained monitoring and research efforts on smaller carnivores within systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual patterns of scent marking can aid our understanding of the function of animal latrines. African wild dogs are pack-living social carnivores that regularly visit latrines, called shared marking sites, used by multiple neighbouring packs. Here we analysed scent marking by individual African wild dogs video captured at continuously monitored marking sites. Scent marking differed by sex and dominance status depending on social context (interpack versus intrapack exchanges). Dominants marked more frequently than subdominants, and patterns, particularly the order of overmarking, differed between the sexes. Dominant females were more likely than dominant males to overmark when the previous scent mark had been left by an individual from a different pack. Dominant males were more likely to leave the final, or top mark, regardless of social context or origin. Results are consistent with a resource defence advertisement function for wild dog latrines. However, sex-specific scent marking suggests the resource defended may differ between dominant females, which are more attentive to interpack scent marks, and dominant males, which are focused on overmarking a mate. The pattern of dominant male scent marking indicates that unambiguous advertisement of a bonded reproductive pair may be a critical component of communicating with neighbours about pack residence and territoriality. • African wild dog interpack communication occurs at sites shared by multiple packs. • Individual marking patterns differ by sex, status and social context. • Patterns suggest sex differences in the specific resources being defended. • Dominant males overmark females more, supporting a focus on mate defence. • Dominant females overmark other packs more, suggesting a territorial defence role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large transboundary protected areas such as the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA), improve mammal conservation by addressing biodiversity threats on regional and international levels, but an adequate understanding of mammal space use and richness within protected areas is critical for effective management planning. This information has however been missing from the Angolan component of the KAZA-TFCA, such as areas of Luengue-Luiana National Park (LLNP), especially compared with neighbouring countries. We used camera trap data from 2021 to 2023 to investigate species richness of medium- and large-sized mammals in two hotspot areas of LLNP, as well as assess the space use patterns of 9 carnivore and 16 herbivore species. A total of 48 species were recorded over 10,781 camera trapping nights, with African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and small antelope (e.g. common duiker Sylvicapra grimmia and steenbok Raphicerus campestris) being the most common. Species composition differed significantly between sites, with 21 species more relatively abundant at Ndunjuru, including cheetah (Acinonyxjubatus) and African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), and eight species more relatively abundant at Bico, including lion (Panthera leo) and hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). The detection probability of 22 species were affected by one or more ecological (e.g. proximity to rivers) or anthropogenic (e.g. human settlement) covariate. These results are intended to act as a baseline to monitor conservation effort and aid habitat management in LLNP, as well as similar protected areas within the KAZA-TFCA and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Adding an attractant to remote camera traps has become a popular method to increase detections of cryptic carnivores. However, there is ongoing debate about whether this practice can biasthe behaviour and activity patterns of these species. Aims. Our aim wasto determine how using a popular attractant at camera traps could affect carnivore detection probabilities and temporal activity. Methods. We used an experimental design in which we randomly set half of our camera traps on arrays at two sites in western North Carolina with an attractant: canned sardines in oil. Halfway through the survey season, we switched which camera traps had sardines and which did not. We estimated detection probability for each carnivore species observed using occupancy models, and we used kernel density estimations to evaluate changes in diel activity patterns between camera traps with and without an attractant. Key results. We found that when sardines were used at camera traps, detectability of bobcats (Lynx rufus), coyotes (Canis latrans), northern raccoons (Procyon lotor), Virginia opossums(Didelphisvirginiana), and eastern spotted skunks(Spilogale putorius) more than doubled, but there waslittle or no effect on striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) detectability. Of the species we most frequently detected (coyotes, raccoons, and opossums), activity patterns between camera traps with and without a sardine attractant overlapped moderately to highly, and a significant effect on diel activity patterns was observed only for raccoons. Conclusions. Use of attractants can greatly increase the probability of detecting nearly all carnivores at camera traps. The effects of attractants on diel activity patterns are species-specific, with two of our three most-detected species unaffected by their use, suggesting that attractants can be used to effectively study these behaviours in some carnivore species. Implications. A sardine attractant can increase the detection of many carnivore species, using camera traps, without causing a significant deviation of diel activity patterns, thus allowing for unbiased investigations into most species’ spatio–temporal behaviour in the Appalachian Mountains – and likely other systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Most herbivores must balance demands to meet nutritional requirements, maintain stable thermoregulation and avoid predation. Species‐specific predator and prey characteristics determine the ability of prey to avoid predation and the ability of predators to maximize hunting success. Using GPS collar data from African wild dogs, lions, impala, tsessebes, wildebeest and zebra in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, we studied proactive predation risk avoidance by herbivores. We considered predator activity level in relation to prey movement, predator and prey habitat selection, and preferential use of areas by prey. We compared herbivore behaviour to lion and wild dog activity patterns and determined the effect of seasonal resource availability and prey body mass on anti‐predator behaviour. Herbivore movement patterns were more strongly correlated with lion than wild dog activity. Habitat selection by predators was not activity level dependent and, while prey and predators differed to some extent in their habitat selection, there were also overlaps, probably caused by predators seeking habitats with high prey abundance. Areas favoured by lions were used by herbivores more when lions were less active, whereas wild dog activity level was not correlated with prey use. Prey body mass was not a strong predictor of the strength of proactive predation avoidance behaviour. Herbivores showed stronger anti‐predator behaviours during the rainy season when resources were abundant. Reducing movement when top predators are most active and avoiding areas with a high likelihood of predator use during the same periods appear to be common strategies to minimize predation risk. Such valuable insights into predator–prey dynamics are only possible when using similar data from multiple sympatric species of predator and prey, an approach that should become more prevalent given the ongoing integration of technological methods into ecological studies.

Abstract Protected areas are essential tools for reducing loss of global biodiversity. To fulfill their ecological functions, protected areas must be connected to their surroundings, a requirement that is difficult to meet in landscapes intensively disturbed by anthropogenic activities. Therefore, protecting movement corridors at the edges of protected areas is crucial, especially for species with broad habitat needs, such as the American marten (Martes americana). However, habitat selection and space use patterns are dynamic processes, so we could expect that functional connectivity would vary temporally in response to changing environmental conditions and levels of human activities. In this study, we aimed at predicting the location of movement corridors for the American marten in Forillon National Park and its periphery during two contrasted periods (snow‐free: May–November; snow‐covered: December–April). We used “seasonal” resource selection functions to identify core areas (interpreted as circuit “nodes”) and CircuitScape to delineate movement corridors between them based on the electrical circuit theory. Habitat selection patterns differed between periods, with martens avoiding open areas, high elevations and road proximity during the snow‐free period, while avoiding areas closer to secondary roads but selecting areas closer to primary roads and housing structures during the snow‐covered period. Consequently, the location of movement corridors differed partially between periods. Functional connectivity was favored by the presence of forest patches for both periods, while being constrained by open environments, especially during the snow‐free period. Our study highlights the importance of modeling functional connectivity at fine temporal scales in order to provide movement corridors that fulfill the requirements of a species at each period of its annual cycle.