Knowledge of bat migration routes and phenology is still incomplete, especially for small-bodied species. Here we report on autumn migration over a mountain barrier (1200 - 1400 m a.s.l.) and analyse differences between short- and long-distance migrants based on acoustic monitoring of the number and direction of bat flights. The number of flights over the mountain passes peaked in September and then slowly declined. This pattern occurred for both long-distance and shortdistance migrants, but long-distance migrants had a longer migration season. All bats migrated preferentially during milder weather (relatively dry, high temperature and low wind). As the migration season progressed, the proportion of southerly flights increased, and this tendency was stronger for long-distance migrants than for short-distance migrants. It appears that a proportion of the movements of short-distance migrants were associated with individuals commuting across the ridge to swarming and wintering sites on either side of the ridge. We conclude that long-distance migrants differ from other species only quantitatively: they have a longer migratory season and their migratory direction to the south is more defined. We hypothesise that the migration strategy of long-distance migrants depends on maximising the use of good weather windows rather than on persistent migration regardless of conditions.
Predators can indirectly stimulate the development of anti-predator strategies in prey species. Within populations, these behavioral responses may vary according to sex and age classes of individuals, although the existing literature presents conflicting results. Using camera trapping, spatiotemporal responses to the wolf Canis lupus were assessed in relation to sex and age classes in two prey species, the fallow deer Dama dama and the roe deer Capreolus capreolus, within a Mediterranean area recently recolonized by this canid. In fallow deer, results suggest stronger temporal avoidance in females than in adult males, increasing their diurnal activity as the wolf detection rate increased and reducing their temporal overlap with the predator. In roe deer, the avoidance responses were less marked, but females, particularly during the warm period, exhibited different activity patterns compared to males. Smaller body size (fallow deer) and presence of offspring are expected to make females more vulnerable to predation, which would emphasize the perceived predation risk in these individuals, in turn promoting a stronger response to predators compared to males. Females of both species may adopt different activity patterns from males to minimize temporal overlap with the wolf and reduce the risk of direct predator encounters. By providing support to sexual differences in antipredator responses, our results provide a novel contribution to increasing knowledge on the indirect effects of recolonizing predators in human-dominated landscapes of Europe.
Suncus murinus, a widespread Soricidae, has been introduced to several islands, strongly impacting endemic species. Its dietary habits, especially at its introduction sites, are poorly understood and the level of impact on native taxa remains unknown. Obtaining dietary samples from shrews is challenging because of their high metabolic rates and rapid digestion. We tested the effectiveness of stomach swabs in analysing the diet of S. murinus using DNA metabarcoding on 300 individuals from R & eacute;union Island (Western Indian Ocean). Non-target DNA amplification was substantial. We identified five preys belonging to three classes of Arthropoda (Arachnida, Insecta and Malacostraca) and one class of Annelida (Clitellata), with two of them assigned to species level, Amynthas rodericensis and Pycnoscelus surinamensis. Lycosidae and Malacostraca were the most frequent groups, each with a 50% frequency of occurrence. Stomach swabs provide insights into the dietary composition of S. murinus, but low DNA yield and purity limited detailed resolution. We highlight the importance of reducing the time lag between trapping and sample extraction and the use of blocking primers to prevent non-target amplification to enhance resolution of S. murinus' diet composition.
Understanding how genetic variations and environmental constraints influence morphological differences is crucial to interpreting phenotypic diversity. The mandible is a key structure widely used to make inferences about feeding ecology and habitat conditions in early ungulate growth. However, most studies focus on interspecific comparisons, and few address mandibular plasticity and variations at inter- and intrapopulation scales. In this study, we used a 2D geometric-morphometric approach to analyse how these factors shape the mandibles of two Cervini species characterised by different contexts, populations and belonging to distinct lineages: the red deer (Cervus elaphus) and the rusa deer (Rusa timorensis).For the European red deer, we found clear variations in mandibular morphology along a north-south transect from Norway to southern Spain. These variations are related to the need for different biomechanical forces to masticate vegetal resources with distinct physical properties, under contrasting climates. The mandibles of red deer in southern Europe are more robust, probably due to the higher proportion of highly fibrous, tough herbaceous monocotyledons in their diet. In contrast, northern populations have slender mandibles, reflecting the consumption of a softer diet. The American population of red deer from Argentina shows a different trend, both in size and shape. A recent study showed that New Caledonian rusa deer constituted a single genetic population. Here, we identified significant intrapopulation differences between contrasting local habitats. Gouaro-D & eacute;va rusa deer are significantly smaller, which we interpret as the consequence of greater stress, impacting the growth and ontogenic development of these animals. Deer from tropical forests have a more robust mandible than in grassy areas, aligning with the biomechanical needs of their respective diets. Morphological variations in deer jaws at intraspecific and interspecific scales provide insights into the ecology and environment of these animals, and offer potential for future (paleo)ecological research using geometric morphometric approaches.
Mitochondrial DNA sequences can be used to infer haplotype diversity in range-expanding species. The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber is experiencing a remarkable recovery in Europe following centuries of exploitation and local extinctions. The species has recently recolonized also Central Italy, likely due to unauthorized releases, whereas the first individuals occurring in North-Eastern Italy may be the results of natural range expansion from neighboring countries. Since the last months of 2023, presence signs were also observed in North-Western Italy, near the border with Switzerland. To assess the genetic diversity and origin of Italian beaver populations, we conducted mitochondrial DNA analysis on samples from this newly colonized area, revealing the occurrence of two mtDNA haplotypes belonging to the western mitochondrial lineage of the Eurasian beaver. Molecular sexing also confirmed the occurrence of both males and females. Therefore, monitoring this population should be urgently established following European laws. Future genetic investigations using nuclear DNA markers will be crucial for understanding the origin of these new populations and informing effective conservation strategies.
The Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi), a small native carnivore in Japan, faces increasing threats to its survival from urbanization and competition from invasive species, yet its activity patterns remain poorly understood, particularly in urban environments. This study investigated Japanese weasel seasonal activity patterns and their temporal niche overlaps with sympatric carnivores in the Tama River Ecosystem Preservation Area in Tokyo. Using 12 camera traps across woodland, grassland, gravel and Sasa bamboo shrub habitat types, we monitored mammal activities from March 2021 to March 2022. Analysis of 121 independent detection events revealed the distinct seasonal activity pattern of Japanese weasels, namely diurnal activity during the warm season and cathemeral activity during the cold season. From temporal overlap analysis, temporal avoidance of larger caras a strategy to minimize competitive interactions while maintaining access to resources. Temporal overlap between Japanese weasels and other sympatric carnivores was highest with red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) during the cold season and with raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) during the warm season, and consistently lowest with raccoons (Procyon lotor) across both seasons. Reduced winter vegetation may increase Japanese weasel exposure to predation risk, potentially driving nocturnal activity shifts, although empirical validation is needed. Seasonal shifts in Japanese weasel activity may reflect established changes in its dietary preferences. We also deduce that multiple environmental drivers shape Japanese weasel activity patterns, including temperature, vegetation cover, and prey availability. Our findings suggest that temporal partitioning may serve as a crucial mechanism enabling Japanese weasels to coexist with other carnivores along urbanized river corridors, providing important insights for urban wildlife management and conservation strategies in increasingly urbanized landscapes.
The European bison (Bison bonasus L.) is a keystone megaherbivore whose growing population in Central Europe raises new conservation and management challenges, particularly in forested and agricultural landscapes. In Slovakia's Poloniny National Park, the only region in the country with a free-ranging European bison population, concerns over forest damage prompted an investigation into the species' trophic preferences. We assessed browsing pressure across five forest sites, analysing damage to seven common tree species using a generalized linear mixed model. Our results reveal strong species-specific preferences, with Norway spruce and silver fir showing the highest probabilities of bison-induced damage, while European beech and hornbeam were least affected. These findings suggest that European bison browsing is non-random and may influence forest composition over time. The study highlights the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate negative impacts on forestry while supporting the continued conservation of this emblematic species.
Road infrastructure significantly impacts ecosystems, with road-associated environmental changes posing challenges to biodiversity conservation. However, certain elements of road infrastructure may offer unintended ecological benefits. In this study, we assessed the role of stormwater ponds located along motorways and expressways in eastern Poland as habitats for bats. We compared bat species richness and echolocation activity between sites with (38) and without (33) these artificial water bodies. Bats were detected at 83.1 % of the surveyed sites, with six species recorded, the most common being Cnephaeus serotinus and Nyctalus noctula. Species richness and echolocation activity were both positively associated with pond surface area, while other habitat variables had no significant effect. The results suggest that stormwater ponds may enhance bat presence by providing drinking water, increased insect abundance, and open foraging space. Nevertheless, such ponds may also pose risks due to their proximity to roads, potentially creating ecological traps and increasing the likelihood of bat-vehicle collisions. Future research should evaluate mortality rates, seasonal dynamics, insect availability, and water quality to better understand the dual role of stormwater ponds as both resources and potential hazards. Our study highlights the importance of integrating artificial water bodies into conservation planning to enhance biodiversity within road-dominated landscapes.
Anthropogenic activities and rapid urbanisation strongly influence natural ecosystems and their biodiversity. Natural areas on the border of expanding cities are particularly affected by anthropogenic pressures, possibly leading to a decrease or local extinction of animal species. The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, is now hosting half of the entire country's population and is rapidly expanding, impacting one of the oldest protected areas in the world, the adjacent Bogd Khan Mountain. Considering small mammals' key role in the ecosystems, and the scarce knowledge of Mongolian rodent ecology, we investigated the ground-dwelling small mammals on Bogd Khan Mountain, and assessed species assemblage and occurrence, essential for planning future conservation actions. We live-trapped rodents in two valleys (4 sites) between May and July 2023. We recorded five ground-dwelling rodents: Apodemus peninsulae, Craseomys rufocanus, Clethrionomys rutilus, Cricetulus barabensis, and Eutamias sibiricus. Historical records, however, showed a much higher species richness than the one recorded in this study. We discussed our findings in light of species ecology and potential threats to these populations. Our findings highlight the gaps in the understanding of small mammal ecology in Mongolia, emphasizing the need of further studies to ensure the conservation and protection of Bogd Khan Mountain and its wildlife.
The brown bear (herein, bear) Ursus arctos has been exhibiting an increasing population trend in Slovakia. This rise in population has led to human-bear conflicts (HBCs), mainly in the form of livestock predation and agricultural damage. In this study, we provide one of the first assessments of public attitudes toward the presence of bears in Slovakia to suggest management and conservation strategies. From January to March 2022, we randomly distributed 1,000 anonymous electronic questionnaires among people living in areas with either bear presence or absence within Slovakia. Data were subsequently analyzed using Cumulative Link Models. Women, despite showing greater fear of bears than men, were more sensitive to the need for mitigating HBCs. Older and less-educated respondents predominantly exhibited a negative attitude toward the presence of bears compared to younger and more-educated individuals. Respondents living in areas with bear occurrence exhibited lower trust in organizations responsible for bear management, demonstrated more negative attitudes toward bear presence, and were more in favor of lethal control or translocation of problematic individuals. Educational activities that explain the important role carnivores play in maintaining ecosystem functionality, as well as their economic benefits through tourism, should be emphasized to enhance bear acceptance, particularly among individuals residing in areas with permanent bear populations. Furthermore, the engagement of scientists on social media is crucial to prevent negative portrayals of bears, which could influence human attitudes toward their presence. Conservation campaigns should provide guidance on recommended human behaviors (e.g., proper waste disposal) to minimize the attraction of bears to urban areas and strategies for reducing the risk of human-bear encounters in natural settings.
Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) inhabit the major open habitats of South America, running from the Brazilian Cerrado to the subtropical grasslands of Uruguay and Argentina. In Brazil, the major population of this species is found in the Pantanal region, with several fragmented populations from the central to the southern regions. However, no information is available, regarding the abundance of Pampas deer in southern Brazilian Pampas or their connectivity with Pampas deer populations in other occurrence areas. Therefore, the Pampas deer population of Brazilian Pampas has not been included in the assessments made by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature thus far. In this study, we aimed to estimate the population density and abundance of the last known population of Pampas deer in Brazilian Pampas combining data from road surveys and aerial counts. Transect line estimates indicated a density of 1.50 individuals/km(2 )(95 7o CI = 1.05-2.15 ). The average aerial count was 1.55 individuals/km(2 ). Based on these density estimates, we further estimated that 243 Pampas deer (95 7o CI = [170-348]) inhabit the area effectively occupied by the spotted individuals. Our study shows that drones can be used to survey the Pampas deer population in Brazilian Pampas and presents the first population data for this species in southern Brazil. The findings of this study highlight the importance of conserving this population of O. bezoarticus along the southern border of Brazil.
The wolf Canis lupus is recolonizing the Po plain with variable intensity and patterns depending on the areas; in the province of Lodi, colonization by wolves seems to occur very quickly due to the proximity of the Trebbia and Nure valleys, whose wolf packs fuel the species dispersal. Between 2019 to 2024, we collected 109 observations for a total of 183 wolves, which settled in the central-southern part of the province, selecting the hilly areas and the banks of the Po, Adda and Lambro rivers. Intensive monitoring has provided useful data to estimate some population parameters; the average litter size was 4.8 pups and the pack size was 8-9 wolves, data in agreement with literature, while the average density, 0.9 ind /km(2) (range = 0.73-1.09), was lower than that of several European protected populations and close to the densities of culled ones. Roads, urban areas and meadows have a negative influence on the predator presence, which is favoured by green areas close to urban settlements and, though not significantly, by wetlands. On the other hand, a stable presence is favoured both by tree cover surrounded by extensive crops and by the presence of wetlands and water basins, which can provide prey such as the Myocastor coypus and perhaps make access to dens more difficult, thus reducing disturbance during reproduction. The road network has a negative effect on the presence of the wolf, but not on the stability of its settlement, despite the high mortality rate from vehicle collisions which can remove up to 75 % of the annual litter produced by some pairs. The low density observed so far makes a population increase likely in the next few years, but the speed of recolonisation throughout the territory may slowed down by the high mortality rate that hinders post-reproductive dispersal.
Ecological corridors are essential for maintaining ecosystem functionality, as they facilitate the movement of species between protected areas. In the Central Italian Apennines, five corridors have been identified to enhance habitat connectivity for the critically endangered Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus). This study focuses on two of these corridors to investigate their support of other mammal species populations. We collected data from camera traps over four months, and applied a Random Encounter Model to estimate the population densities of eight meso-and macro-mammal species. We compared the densities we estimated with those reported in the literature for different locations across Europe. The results indicated higher-than-average densities for several species compared to published data, especially for ungulates. These findings underscore the broader importance of Marsican bear corridors, providing important habitats for several mammal species. This type of analysis can be replicated in the same area at different times, or in other coexistence corridors for large carnivores, to support management strategies. Effective management of these corridors, with a focus on reducing human disturbance and improving habitat connectivity, will be critical for the long-term survival of both the Marsican bear and its coexisting species.
Diet has a profound impact on the relationship between body mass and reproductive strategy in mammals, and the implications have been of particular interest in recent years. Previous studies have indicated that diet strongly shapes the way that body mass drives reproductive strategy in herbivores and omnivores, but not in carnivores. One suggested explanation for this result is that the differences in resource distribution between invertebrate feeding carnivores (hypocarnivores) and vertebrate feeding carnivores (hypercarnivores) combine to produce a non-significant result when they are analysed as a single unit. In this study, we investigate how dietary and locomotor differences in carnivores influence the relationship between body mass and reproductive strategy within the context of phylogeny, using a reproductive strategy index and performing a phylogenetically informed analysis of covariance (PANCOVA) on 101 evolutionary trees. We examine this question in two distinct ways. First, we separate carnivores by diet (hypocarnivores, mesocarnivores, and hypercarnivores). Second, we separate carnivores based on their mode of locomotion to determine how ecology may affect this relationship irrespective of diet. For all diet categories we find that the effect of diet is significant when taken individually but is not significant when carnivores are investigated as a single unit. When examining locomotion categories individually, we find that statistically significant trends exist for all groups but volant carnivores. When analysed as a single unit the effect is significant. These results suggest future work should investigate ecological differences to understand the variation in reproductive strategies among carnivores. In the end, the aspects of diet investigated here do not influence the relationship between body mass and reproductive strategy in carnivorous mammals, while ecology does. This suggests that evolution in carnivore reproductive strategy is driven by distinctly different factors than those in omnivorous or herbivorous mammals.
The European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus comprises O. c. algirus, endemic to southwestern Iberia, and O. c. cuniculus, which inhabits northeastern Iberia and southwestern France, and it is considered as the source of all introduced populations worldwide. Rabbit populations have long been established for hunting purposes and/or subjected to supplementation with individuals from intensely marketed stocks, with Italy being not an exception. We genotyped 42 fecal samples and 23 specimens (1877-2022) resident in museum collections at the mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome-b gene to infer to which subspecies belong the rabbits from the islands of Gorgona, Capraia, Montecristo, Giglio, and Giannutri (Tuscan archipelago). The Wildlife Refuge Padule di Bolgheri was selected as nearby mainland counterpart, and its population (n = 10) investigated along with 45 GenBank sequences of individuals (also domestic) from different continents. All modern and ancient Tuscan specimens were assigned to O. c. cuniculus, an unexpected result for Capraia and Montecristo that were assumed to host O. c. algirus on the base of the available literature. The network and the Bayesian clustering defined three groups. Modern rabbits from northern Capraia and most of those from Gorgona, which hosted (1873-1986) or still host (since 1869) an agricultural penal colony, respectively, belonged to a line disclosed in all ancient specimens from Capraia and that was new for the subspecies. The remaining rabbits from Capraia and Gorgona and all those from Montecristo and Giglio were related to European conspecifics while those from Giannutri were close to all the domestic individuals, with Bolgheri representing a mix of these two groups. Overall, the restrictions due to the presence of the penitentiaries likely prevented Capraia and Gorgona from an extended genetic homogenization associated to restocking practices. More broadly, we provided further evidence that the human-mediated rabbit colonization across the Mediterranean was based on O. c. cuniculus only.
The golden jackal is currently expanding in Europe, but little is known about its movement ecology and space utilisation in these newly colonised areas. The species high adaptability to different diets and habitats, together with the absence of large predators are often considered the main drivers of its great success in recent decades. Immense human-caused habitat alteration is expected to further exacerbate this process. Understanding what factors drive changes in movement patterns and space use is of crucial importance for the establishment of adequate management policies. Here, we analysed temporal variations in the movement patterns and home range sizes of 14 jackals (7 males and 7 females) fitted with GPS collars from 2017 to 2022, in an area characterised by high human impact. Our results showed that movement patterns varied not only between sexes, but also between daytime periods and throughout the year. Both males and females moved significantly more during the night, with males traveling greater distances compared to females. In addition, jackals exhibited notable variations in movement patterns across the year, with movement rates possibly influenced by reproductive phases and other environmental factors such as food availability and cold weather. Jackals' home ranges were significantly influenced by sex, daytime period and time of year. In addition, night ranges were consistently larger than day ranges, for both males and females. These results provide insight into movement ecology of jackals in an area with high anthropogenic pressure and can serve as a basis for developing appropriate population management strategies.
New records of Middendorf's vole (Alexandromys middendorffii) in the Russian and Mongolian parts of the Eastern Sayan are reported. Species identification was based on genetic (nucleotide sequence of the cytochrome b) and morphological (configuration of the occlusal surfaces of the M3 and m1 molars) analyses. Middendorf's vole has persisted since the Pleistocene in a small area of the alpine tundra of the Eastern Sayan and Khamar-Daban, and possibly also in the adjacent ridges of the Altai-Sayan and Baikal mountain regions. The discovery of Middendorf's vole near Lake Khuvsgul adds a new species to the list of mammals in Mongolia and simultaneously removes this species from the list of animals endemic to the Russian Federation.
The value of craniometrics in classifying brocket deer has been a topic of debate, with its effectiveness within this genus being unclear. This study addressed this uncertainty by examining craniometric data from sympatric species of brocket deer. We present a dataset integrating both published and original data, to elucidate the potential species differentiation by analyzing the inter- and intraspecific variation. Leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) yielded >95 % accuracy in species classification. We observed that variation in skull size primarily involves overall size changes rather than specific variation in skull shape among the species. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of multivariate craniometric data for taxonomic classifications and offer valuable insights into the evolutionary dynamics of brocket deer species. The observed multidimensional distinction among brocket deer skulls suggests that disruptive selection plays a key role in driving differences in body size across species, while latitude might be an additional important confound factor.
Oligoryzomys is a widespread and speciose genus of Neotropical rodents of the subfamily Sigmodontinae, including several species that are natural reservoirs of hantavirus and other zoonotic pathogens. Although Sigmodontinae species are generally considered to be species-specific reservoirs of Orthohantavirus, Oligoryzomys microtis is an exception, as it is the reservoir of four different genotypes of the Rio Mamore orthohantavirus: RIOMV, HTN-007, RIOMV-3, and RIOMV-4. Here we demonstrate, based on comparative morphology, karyology, and phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome band the intron 7 of the beta-fibrinogen nuclear gene, that O. microtis is a cryptic species complex with three geographically structured lineages and two different karyotypes. The lineages are parapatric, with one occurring in western Amazonia and north of the Amazonas-Solim & otilde;es River, the second in transitional areas (ecotones) from central Amazonia with the Cerrado of central Brazil, and the third in eastern Amazonia south of Amazonas River. We establish that one lineage of O. microtis is the reservoir of the Rio Mamore orthohantavirus genotypes RIOMV, HTN-007, and RIOMV-3 from Peru, Bolivia, and the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Acre. The second lineage is the reservoir of orthohantavirus Rio Mamore genotype RIOMV-4 from the Brazilian state of Rond & ocirc;nia, whereas no orthohantavirus has been associated with the third lineage. The second and third lineages differ from O. microtis sensu stricto in chromosomal fundamental numbers (64 versus 66). The three lineages form monophyletic units in the cytochrome b tree, each supported by several synapomorphies. However, the three forms are morphologically very similar regarding external, cranial, and dental traits. Based on these karyological, molecular, and morphological results, we describe a new species of Oligoryzomys with two subspecies, and discuss the implications of our taxonomic revision for the evolutionary history of Rio Mamore orthohantavirus.
To complement contemporary techniques for understanding the dynamics that allow the coexistence of species in both conserved and changing environments, the analysis of time intervals (time between records of species) is gaining attention. This study aims to propose a method to measure the time intervals between species, visualise such spatiotemporal co-occurrences in different ecological networks, and compare their topology with seven network measures. We applied the method to 1) two simulated datasets of predator and prey in scenarios varying in their frequencies and day of expected co-occurrences, and 2) detections of mammals from four landscapes differing in the anthropogenic disturbance in tropical southern Mexico. Overall, the method accurately identified the time interval of co-occurrence expected according to simulated data. In the study case, we found prey species occurred several days after predators, suggesting an avoidance behaviour. We found that conventional network measures distinguished small differences between the landscapes because of the similarity in the species composition, but prey-predator relationships differed among landscapes. This approach complements the study of mechanisms in the coexistence patterns of species and can be applied to co-occurrence studies to measure changes within communities. The measures in co-occurrence networks could describe and differentiate behaviour interaction patterns of prey and predators, whilst also displaying the effects of human disturbances on natural habitats.
