Joaquim Gosálbez
University of Barcelona
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Featured researches published by Joaquim Gosálbez.
Acta Theriologica | 2008
Yolanda Melero; Santiago Palazón; Laura Bonesi; Joaquim Gosálbez
Diet composition, niche measures, and prey consumption of three sympatric species of carnivores, one non-native and introduced, the American minkNeovison vison Schreber, 1777, and two native, the spotted genetGenetta genetta Linnaeus, 1758 and the Eurasian otterLutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758, were studied in a Spanish Mediterranean area. The study was based on the analysis of prey remains in the faeces of the predators. Faeces of mink (n = 444), genet (n = 310), and otter (n = 108) were collected all year round for four years along the Llobregat (21 km) and Gavarresa rivers (12 km). Simultaneously, and in the same area, prey species density and weight were estimated by means of trapping. The diet of mink and genet was dominated by the American crayfishProcambarus clarkii, while the otter fed almost exclusively on fish. Compared to the mink, the genet seemed to specialise more on small mammals while the mink specialised more on aquatic birds, especially in autumn-winter. Niche overlap was higher between mink and genet than between either of them and the otter.
BMC Evolutionary Biology | 2013
Javier Igea; Pere Aymerich; Angel Fernández-González; Jorge González-Esteban; Asunción Gómez; Rocío Alonso; Joaquim Gosálbez; Jose Castresana
BackgroundSpecies with strict ecological requirements may provide new insights into the forces that shaped the geographic variation of genetic diversity. The Pyrenean desman, Galemys pyrenaicus, is a small semi-aquatic mammal that inhabits clean streams of the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula and is endangered in most of its geographic range, but its genetic structure is currently unknown. While the stringent ecological demands derived from its aquatic habitat might have caused a partition of the genetic diversity among river basins, Pleistocene glaciations would have generated a genetic pattern related to glacial refugia.ResultsTo study the relative importance of historical and ecological factors in the genetic structure of G. pyrenaicus, we used mitochondrial and intronic sequences of specimens covering most of the species range. We show, first, that the Pyrenean desman has very low levels of genetic diversity compared to other mammals. In addition, phylogenetic and dating analyses of the mitochondrial sequences reveal a strong phylogeographic structure of a Middle Pleistocene origin, suggesting that the main lineages arose during periods of glacial isolation. Furthermore, both the spatial distribution of nuclear and mitochondrial diversity and the results of species distribution modeling suggest the existence of a major glacial refugium in the northwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Finally, the main mitochondrial lineages show a striking parapatric distribution without any apparent exchange of mitochondrial haplotypes between the lineages that came into secondary contact (although with certain permeability to nuclear genes), indicating incomplete mixing after the post-glacial recolonization. On the other hand, when we analyzed the partition of the genetic diversity among river basins, the Pyrenean desman showed a lower than expected genetic differentiation among main rivers.ConclusionsThe analysis of mitochondrial and intronic markers in G. pyrenaicus showed the predominant effects of Pleistocene glaciations on the genetic structure of this species, while the distribution of the genetic diversity was not greatly influenced by the main river systems. These results and, particularly, the discovery of a marked phylogeographic structure, may have important implications for the conservation of the Pyrenean desman.
Animal Behaviour | 2001
Juan J. Luque‐Larena; Pilar López; Joaquim Gosálbez
Abstract The ‘scent-matching’ hypothesis predicts that competitors could identify resource holders by investigating scent marks from a given area and matching these with the owners odour when they meet. Previous studies on small rodents have supported the use of scent matching among males with mutually exclusive ranges. We designed an experiment to evaluate the potential role of scent matching in the snow vole, a species in which males have largely overlapping ranges but individually use specific locations within shared areas. Initial exploration of enclosures containing a choice between a scent-marked and an unmarked area established that males were more attracted to recently occupied areas. During a subsequent social encounter with either the donor of the scent marks present in the enclosure (matching opponent) or another male (nonmatching opponent), males were less aggressive towards matching than nonmatching opponents. Furthermore, during exploration of enclosures after encounters, males spent significantly less time at the scent-marked side after meeting a matching male but not after meeting another male. These results suggest that male snow voles may use scent matching to identify potential opponents and to respond differentially to occupied areas. By modifying their behaviour after assessing the identity of their opponents, males may be able to minimize current and prospective costly encounters with resource holders. Our findings show that the mechanism of scent matching is also compatible with spatial systems in which competing conspecifics possess overlapping ranges.
European Journal of Wildlife Research | 2012
Yolanda Melero; Pere Aymerich; Juan José Luque-Larena; Joaquim Gosálbez
We describe novel aspects of the social organisation of the Pyrenean desman, Galemys pyrenaicus, by studying home range and shelter use behaviour in a local population. A total of 45 individuals were trapped of which 20 provided informative radiotracking data. In contrast to the currently accepted hypothesis [Stone RD. The social organization of the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) as revealed by radiotelemetry. J Zool 212:117–129; 1987b; Stone RD, Gorman ML. Social organization of the European mole (Talpa europaea) and the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus). Mammal Rev 15 (1):35–42; 1985] individuals were not strictly territorial. Notably, there was no aggression between conspecifics, with simultaneous use of resting sites (shelters used for more than one hour). Resting sites were not permanent or exclusive for any individual. Individuals shared resting sites simultaneously, regardless of sex or age. Our observations recall for a new evaluation of the social structure and organisation of this species based on the new evidence that reveals higher frequency of social interactions than previously described. Resting sites may play an important role in the social organisation of the species, for instance by allowing direct and indirect communicative interactions among neighbouring individuals. This finding is of significance for the management (e.g. census and population monitoring) and conservation (e.g. habitat suitability to allow social interactions) of this endemic and seriously threatened unique mammal.
Biological Invasions | 2010
Yolanda Melero; Santiago Palazón; Laura Bonesi; Joaquim Gosálbez
The effectiveness of culling campaigns to eradicate or limit populations of the alien, invasive American mink in Catalonia was studied by comparing the annual relative abundance of culled versus non-culled populations. We selected three populations that were culled under government campaigns and a fourth that served as a control and hence was left undisturbed (not culled). The study took place between 2002 and 2006 and annual relative abundances were estimated from trapping with bankside traps. The abundance of all four populations remained relatively stable throughout the study period. However, the annual relative abundance of the culled populations was lower than that of the non-culled population, which indicates that culling may have lowered the densities of mink, although eradication was not achieved. We also determined the potential distribution of the American mink in Catalonia by means of a habitat suitability model. The final aim was to assist in planning this species’ management. Almost all watercourses in Catalonia were identified as suitable for the American mink, with preferred areas located in the northeast. We recommend that the government and administrations promote culling campaigns focused on limiting the spread of the American mink as eradication is likely to be difficult to be achieved under the current situation. Target areas should be located on the edges of the American mink’s range and should be prioritized to limit the spread of this species to areas in which there are endangered native species.
Biodiversity and Conservation | 2012
Yolanda Melero; Mireia Plaza; Giulia Santulli; Deli Saavedra; Joaquim Gosálbez; Jordi Ruiz-Olmo; Santiago Palazón
Loss of biodiversity due to biological invasions is one of the most critical issues our society is facing. American mink is one of the most nefarious invasive non-native species and has major consequences for diversity, ecosystems and economics. A project to evaluate the impact of American mink has been carried out in Catalonia since 2000 under the aegis of regional and national government and a European LIFE programme. In this study, we tested whether temporal variations in the relative abundance of native species were related to American mink. In addition, we compared the abundance of natives before and after mink arrival. Among the competitors spotted genet and European polecat, mink abundance and arrival had a significant negative effect on their populations. However, among black rat and fish prey only three native fish species had a negative temporal relation with the abundance of mink and three fish species showed a significant difference in their abundance before and after mink arrival. The effect of mink was significant among species with a higher niche overlap (polecat and genet versus mink). The persistence and coexistence of the alien and native species seems to depend on heterogeneity, in terms of the based on niche segregation among these species.
Ecological Research | 2012
Jorge G. Casanovas; Joan Barrull; Isabel Mate; Juan M. Zorrilla; Jordi Ruiz-Olmo; Joaquim Gosálbez; Miquel Salicrú
The traditional way to deal with hunting interests is often focused on predator control. This approach requires a detailed understanding of predator responses to game management. Control methods can be non-selective and, consequently, can potentially have a negative impact on non-target predator species, affecting carnivore guild. In order to assess the potential risks associated with non-selective predator control in the presence of intraguild competition, the classical Lotka–Volterra competition model was used, but with two additional factors: a linear factor for capture mortality (mortality caused by predator control) and a factor for vacated niche occupancy associated with immigration. Simulation in a scenario with three species revealed that one of them, the red fox Vulpes vulpes, which presented the highest intrinsic growth rate, can show population increases even under moderate control, whereas the population of European badger Meles meles, with a lower intrinsic growth rate, was reduced and, in some cases, may even become extinct. Lastly, the stone marten Martes foina presented a differential response, depending on the removal intensity and strategy employed. This behaviour is compatible with the results observed in a Mediterranean environment subjected to two types of game management: non-selective predator control (culling) and no control. In areas with non-selective control and moderate predator removal, the red fox population remained stable, while the stone marten and the European badger populations reduced markedly or disappeared.
Acta Theriologica | 2002
Jorge González-Esteban; Idoia Villate; Enrique Castién; Isabel Rey; Joaquim Gosálbez
This paper provides a criterion to determine the age of live Pyrenean desmansGalemys pyrenaicus (E. Geoffroy, 1811) by observing dental wear. The criterion is based on the comparison of the estimated age by examining the growth rings on dental sections and the wear observed on the upper canine tooth. Bone matter from different areas in the north of Spain was studied. This species has a high life expectancy. In its natural environment, the desman may live to be over 5 years old.
Acta Theriologica | 2013
Isabel Mate; Joan Barrull; Miquel Salicrú; Jordi Ruiz-Olmo; Joaquim Gosálbez
The Southern water vole, Arvicola sapidus, is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and France. Despite being catalogued as vulnerable, our current knowledge of this species is not sufficient to establish measures for its conservation and recovery, particularly in riparian zones of Mediterranean mountain areas. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to habitat configuration that determine the presence or absence of the species in the Montsant River. Specifically, we associated the presence/absence of this arvicolid rodent with composition of vegetation, river bank morphology, and watercourse characteristics. The results suggest that, in this area, the most favorable places for the species are those with a high degree of cover of herbaceous plants (mainly helophytes) and moderate to low levels of tree and shrub cover; gently sloping banks and a soft substrate; and the presence of water, with moderate to high stream widths and depths. In addition, we developed a classification method which allowed us to classify and characterize habitat conditions: the optimal scenario (preferential for arvicoline establishment), the suboptimal scenario (whose use is related to opportunities to find best scenarios), and the hostile scenario (not acceptable for use). In such riparian areas, the results revealed that the Southern water vole is a specialist in terms of habitat selection, but behaves as a generalist in terms of occupancy. Its ability to adapt to suboptimal conditions widens the options for managing Southern water vole populations, and indicates that the maintenance and rehabilitation of habitat along continuous stretches of river is the most effective approach to achieving self-sustaining populations.
Oryx | 2012
Santiago Palazón; Yolanda Melero; Asun Gómez; Javier López de Luzuriaga; Madis Põdra; Joaquim Gosálbez
Human intervention is the main cause of the decline of the Critically Endangered European mink Mustela lutreola . In this study we analysed the main causes of direct human-caused mortality of the species in Spain. A total of 47 mortality records were obtained for the period 1950–1989, and 145 for 1990–2008. There was temporal variation in the cause of death, with trapping and shooting being the most common causes of mortality in 1950–1989 and road-kills in 1990–2008. In the case of road-kills there was variation related to road type. Males were more affected by road-kills than females, especially during the mating season when they range more widely. Our results indicate that there has been a change in human social behaviour and in peoples awareness of the species, with a reduction in European mink captured and shot but an increase in mortality on roads.