Melissa M. Grigione

Diet of Florida coyotes in a protected wildland and suburban habitat

Coyotes (Canis latrans) arrived to Florida (USA) in the 1960s and are currently found throughout most of the state. The purpose of this study was to determine if the diet of Florida coyotes differed between suburban and wildland habitat types or across seasons. Fresh coyote fecal samples were collected from wildland and suburban habitats in Pinellas County, Florida (USA; 27°54′N, 82°41′W) from May 2005 to March 2007. Diet items in the 49 wildland and 71 suburban samples were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level by gross morphological characteristics and medullary configurations of dorsal guard hairs. A Poisson regression was utilized to determine the main and interactive effects of habitat and season on the number of different food items per sample. Coyotes in the wildland habitat had greater diet diversity than suburban coyotes. In addition, anthropogenic waste was recovered over twice as often from coyote fecal samples collected in the suburban habitat. In the wildland habitat, vegetative matter (96%), Insecta (53%), and Rodentia (45%) were recovered most often, as opposed to berries (56%) and Lagomorpha (32%) in the suburban habitat. In both habitats, vegetative matter, berries, and Lagomorpha were recovered most often from coyote fecal samples, whereas Odocoileus virginianus, Lagomorpha, and berries varied the most between wet and dry seasons. This study suggests that as urbanization increases, diet diversity for the coyote will likely decrease and consumption of anthropogenic items will likely increase. As a result of this, human–coyote conflicts may become more common—particularly in counties, like Pinellas, that are undergoing urbanization.

A comparative study between enteric parasites of Coyotes in a protected and suburban habitat

Coyotes (Canis latrans) have inhabited Florida (USA) since the 1960s and are currently found throughout the state. Our objective was to obtain information on enteric parasites of coyotes from two different habitats. Fresh coyote fecal samples were collected from protected and suburban habitats in Pinellas County, Florida, USA (27o54′ N, 82o41′W) from May 2005 to March 2007. A standard fecal flotation examination and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation protocol were utilized on fecal samples from both habitats. Five newly documented coyote parasites were documented: one cestode (Hymenolepis spp.), one nematode (Ascaris spp.), and three protozoa (Balantidium coli, Blastocystis spp., and Entamoeba histolytica). Nine hitherto unreported parasites for FL coyotes were also discovered: two cestodes (Diphyllobothrium latum and Dipylidium caninum), two nematodes (Toxocara canis and Uncinaria stenocephala), one trematode (Paragonimus spp.), and four protozoa (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia canis, Cystoisospora spp., and Sarcocystis cruzi). The protected area supported significantly more undocumented (i.e., newly identified) parasites for FL coyotes, and Protozoa as compared to the suburban area. Florida coyotes are likely more susceptible to infection by novel parasites because of their rapid range expansion and lack of acquired immunity. In addition, rapid habitat loss and urbanization in Florida may increase the probability of disease transmission between wild and domestic canids. We suggest preventative measures that may lower the risk of parasitic infection and promote co-existence with coyotes in urban landscapes.

Effects of artificial night lighting on endangered ocelots (Leopardus paradalis) and nocturnal prey along the United States-Mexico border: A literature review and hypotheses of potential impacts

Artificial night lighting is one of the least studied outcomes of urbanization. While the effects of night lighting on mammals and their habitats seem obvious, they remain difficult to quantify. By reviewing laboratory and field studies conducted on mammals since 1943, this paper summarizes the most salient effects of artificial night lighting on activity patterns and behavior. These studies assist us in generating hypotheses regarding the effects of lights, erected across the militarized U.S.-Mexico border, on the endangered Ocelot and its nocturnal prey. We predict that activity patterns for Ocelots and their nocturnal prey would be altered under artificial night lighting conditions. Specifically, evening activity levels would either be reduced or redirected towards areas with dense vegetation. In addition, Ocelot foraging success would likely be altered as a result of turning night into day. Recommendations are made for Ocelot recovery and future research on surrogate species.

Exploratory Use of Track and Camera Surveys of Mammalian Carnivores in the Peloncillo and Chiricahua Mountains of Southeastern Arizona

Abstract We explored use of non-invasive track and camera surveys to provide baseline information on distribution, activity, and habitat associations of mammalian carnivores within the Chiricahua and Peloncillo mountains of southeastern Arizona. In total, track and camera stations recorded 241 and 149 detections, respectively, of carnivores and other vertebrates in both mountain ranges. In order of frequency of detections, we recorded gray foxes (112 track and camera detections), white-nosed coatis (33), large skunks (25), ringtails (13), domestic dogs (13), coyotes (9), cougars (7), bobcats (3), and western spotted skunks (2) in both the Chiricahua and Peloncillo mountains, and one American black bear was photographed in the Chiricahua mountains. Other vertebrates detected included cattle (12), deer (10), and a variety of small rodents (83), birds (33), lizards (22), and lagomorphs (12). The combination of track and camera data were effective at detecting a variety of species in a range of habitat types, and emphasized the importance of deciduous riparian habitat for carnivores as well as other vertebrates.

Lack of response of an open-habitat ungulate to the presence of predator urine

La respuesta conductual de ungulados a la presencia de olores asociados a depredadores ha recibido algo de atencion, pero aun se sabe poco sobre cuan predominantemente los ungulados de habitat abiertos reaccionan a la presencia de olores de depredadores. Examinamos las respuestas conductuales del guanaco, Lama guanicoe, cuando estos animales estaban expuestos a orina de varios depredadores. Los guanacos solo reaccionaron a la presencia de la orina del puma en uno de los ensayos. La ausencia de respuesta registrada podria indicar que los guanacos utilizan mas la vision que el olfato para detectar a sus depredadores

Trailing hounds vs foot snares: comparing injuries to pumas Puma concolor captured in Chilean Patagonia

We compared injuries resulting from two different capture methods, i.e. trailing hounds and foot snares, for pumas Puma concolor in a mixed landscape with open grasslands and limited ‘retreat’ habitat in southern Chilean Patagonia. Injury scores were not significantly different for the two methods, although the small sample size for captures made with snares likely influenced our findings. Based on a potential range of 0-400, the mean injury score for pumas caught using hounds was 56.3 ± 132.9 (SD). The mean puma injury score for five animals caught in snares was 3.8 ± 1.1. Pumas were injured and/or killed in 86% of captures using trailing hounds. The number of hounds used in a capture attempt did not predict the likelihood of successfully catching a puma (P = 0.35), whereas there was a strong relationship between the number of dogs and the likelihood of a fight with the puma (P < 0.0001). The odds ratio calculation predicted a 14.7% increase in the likelihood of a fight between puma and hounds with the addition of each dog to the chase. Our results highlight the potential risks associated with trailing hounds in open landscapes. We suggest guidelines for the use of hounds in predominantly open landscapes, and that alternative capture methods such as foot snares should be considered as a potentially safer alternative. Lastly, we make recommendations for the development of injury assessment systems more relevant to catch-and-release research.

A Comparison of Available Prey and Diet of Florida Burrowing Owls in Urban and Rural Environments: A First Study

Abstract. The distribution of the Florida Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia floridana) has expanded from primarily rural areas in south-central Florida to include urban/suburban areas to the north, northwest, south, and southeast. While Florida Burrowing Owls still reside in rural areas, the majority of previous research and current management strategies focus on urban/ suburban populations. Determining differences in the owls ecology between rural and urban/suburban areas can aid in creating effective statewide management strategies for this species. We compared the available prey and diet of Burrowing Owls in a rural and urban environment. Although, on the basis of analysis of pellets, insects and arachnids were the two most frequent food items at both the rural and urban sites, the diets at the two sites differed, largely because of greater consumption of avian prey in the urban habitat. This study is the first comparison of dietary and prey-availability differences between rural and urban Burrowing Owl populations.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE FLORIDA BURROWING OWL: THE POTENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF NONURBAN AREAS

DISTRIBUCION DE ATHENE CUNICULARIA FLORIDANA: IMPORTANCIA POTENCIAL DE AREAS NO URBANAS Se conoce relativamente poco sobre las caracteristicas ecologicas criticas para Athene cunicularia floridana, particularmente para las poblaciones de areas remotas no urbanas. Investigamos la distribucion actual a nivel del estado de Florida y el estatus de las poblaciones no urbanas de A. c. floridana. Recopilamos y evaluamos varias bases de datos de observaciones historicas y realizamos visitas de campo a 19 condados para investigar los informes de presencia de la especie y actualizar las bases de datos historicas. Detectamos actividad reproductiva en 12 condados, y documentamos nuevos lugares reproductivos en ambientes no urbanos en cinco de estos. La baja cantidad o la mala calidad de los datos historicos para ambientes no urbanos restringieron su utilidad. El acceso restringido a las propiedades privadas fue otra limitacion. Sugerimos que dichos problemas pueden ser solucionados promoviendo la cooperacion con los ...

Nonurban Habitat Use of Florida Burrowing Owls: Identifying Areas of Conservation Importance

Abstract Statewide distribution and habitat use of the Florida Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia floridana), currently state-listed as a “Species of Special Concern,” is not well-understood, particularly in remote, nonurban areas. Its status as a protected species is currently being reevaluated and information is needed to help state wildlife managers better understand habitat usage in nonurban areas. To help address this need, we visited Burrowing Owl sites from historical databases to verify and update them while also documenting new locations. We quantified land cover within empirically-derived distances around burrows with confirmed or probable breeding activity, then compared observed and available proportions of habitat, calculated selection indices, and determined selection/avoidance for each land-cover class. These empirical results were used in combination with literature review and field observations to select land-cover criteria for suitable habitat. The final results appear to correlate well with the overall distribution of known nonurban Burrowing Owl records, and demonstrate that a substantial amount of potentially suitable breeding habitat exists throughout Floridas central interior, but only a small proportion of it occurs inside conservation-managed areas. Improved pasture, the most prevalent land-cover class, was the most strongly selected in our study and may be of high importance to nonurban breeding Burrowing Owls. These results may assist wildlife managers in both management actions and species status decisions. We recommend increasing surveys and conservation efforts in nonurban areas and enhancing cooperation with landowners, particularly ranchers, as success on private lands seems crucial to the long-term persistence of this species in Florida.

The Sustainability of Vicuña Conservation in Bolivia

The economics of vicuna capture and commercialization of vicuna fiber with a focus on the communities in the Apolobamba Reserve of Bolivia was evaluated in this case study. Socio-economic data were collected via a series of workshops and interviews with families living within the Apolobamba Reserve. Additional data on vicuna population numbers and markets for other fine fibers and wools were also collected and analyzed. Despite high vicuna population density within Apolobamba, low capture and shearing rates have resulted in decreased harvest of fiber quantity per animal in comparison to more aggressively managed areas of Bolivia and important vicuna fiber harvesting regions of Peru. We conclude that in order for sustainable conservation of vicunas in the Apolobamba Reserve and elsewhere, the economic value of the species must be maximized.