Dispersal Of Deer Research Articles

Kinship analysis reveals low dispersal in a hog deer (Axis porcinus) population in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Australia

Context A wild population of non-native hog deer has established in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia, and there is particular concern about its impact on native vegetation in Wilsons Promontory National Park (WPNP). Since 2015, there has been annual culling of hog deer at WPNP to reduce deer abundances and impacts. Aims The aims of this study were to use a kinship approach based on genotyping to assess contemporary dispersal of hog deer across WPNP, by identifying close kin, to determine whether dispersal of deer into culled sites from unculled sites may affect the long-term success of management there. Differences in the dispersal of male and female hog deer were also investigated. Methods In total, 91 hog deer tissue samples were collected across WPNP and surrounding sites. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were sequenced, and a final dataset comprising 8275 SNPs was used for analysis. First-order, second-order, and intermediate relative pairs were identified, and the geographic distance between these pairs was assessed to determine inter-pair distances to infer dispersal. Spatial autocorrelation between male and female samples was evaluated to measure the effects of sex-biased dispersal. Key results Only seven second-order relative pairs were found across different sites, with a 30 km distance between the furthest pair observed. However, most inter-pair distances across sites were ~5–10 km. Analyses of sex-biased dispersal showed that movement by deer was not strongly influenced by one sex. Conclusions Although hog deer in WPNP are genetically similar, most relatives that were sampled were not widely dispersed. This suggests that there is limited dispersal of hog deer across this park. Implications Recolonisation of hog deer at culled sites via dispersal is likely to be infrequent in WPNP. Kinship analysis provides an effective method of assessing contemporary dispersal and could be applied to other species to assess fine-scale movement across landscapes.

Agricultural land use shapes dispersal in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

BackgroundDispersal is a fundamental process to animal population dynamics and gene flow. In white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus), dispersal also presents an increasingly relevant risk for the spread of infectious diseases. Across their wide range, WTD dispersal is believed to be driven by a suite of landscape and host behavioral factors, but these can vary by region, season, and sex. Our objectives were to (1) identify dispersal events in Wisconsin WTD and determine drivers of dispersal rates and distances, and (2) determine how landscape features (e.g., rivers, roads) structure deer dispersal paths.MethodsWe developed an algorithmic approach to detect dispersal events from GPS collar data for 590 juvenile, yearling, and adult WTD. We used statistical models to identify host and landscape drivers of dispersal rates and distances, including the role of agricultural land use, the traversability of the landscape, and potential interactions between deer. We then performed a step selection analysis to determine how landscape features such as agricultural land use, elevation, rivers, and roads affected deer dispersal paths.ResultsDispersal predominantly occurred in juvenile males, of which 64.2% dispersed, with dispersal events uncommon in other sex and age classes. Juvenile male dispersal probability was positively associated with the proportion of the natal range that was classified as agricultural land use, but only during the spring. Dispersal distances were typically short (median 5.77 km, range: 1.3–68.3 km), especially in the fall. Further, dispersal distances were positively associated with agricultural land use in potential dispersal paths but negatively associated with the number of proximate deer in the natal range. Lastly, we found that, during dispersal, juvenile males typically avoided agricultural land use but selected for areas near rivers and streams.ConclusionLand use—particularly agricultural—was a key driver of dispersal rates, distances, and paths in Wisconsin WTD. In addition, our results support the importance of deer social environments in shaping dispersal behavior. Our findings reinforce knowledge of dispersal ecology in WTD and how landscape factors—including major rivers, roads, and land-use patterns—structure host gene flow and potential pathogen transmission.

Prediction of range expansion and estimation of dispersal routes of water deer (Hydropotes inermis) in the transboundary region between China, the Russian Far East and the Korean Peninsula.

Global changes may direct species expansion away from their current range. When such an expansion occurs, and the species colonizes a new region, it is important to monitor the habitat used by the species and utilize the information to updated management strategies. Water deer (Hydropotes inermis) is listed as Vulnerable species in IUCN Red List and is restricted to east central China and the Korean Peninsula. Since 2017, water deer has expanded its range towards northeast China and the Russian Far East. The objective of our study is to provide support for a better understanding of habitat use and provide suggestions for developing conservation strategy. We collected occurrence data in northeast China and the Russian Far East during 2017–2021. We used MaxEnt to predict habitat suitability for water deer and applied Circuitscape to determine possible dispersal routes for the species. We used seven environmental variables, viz., altitude, slope, aspect, distance to built-up area, distance to water source, distance to cropland and distance to roads for habitat suitability prediction. We chose the MaxEnt model (AICc = 2572.86) suitable for our data with the AUC value result of 0.935±0.014. There is good quality habitat for water deer in the boundary area of the Yalu and Tumen River estuaries between China, North Korea, and the Russian Far East, as well as the east and west regions of the Korean Peninsula. We identified three main suitable habitat patches, two of them located in east (NK2) and west (NK3) North Korea, and one in the newly colonized area downstream of the Tumen River along the border of China, Russia, and North Korea (TM1). Elevation, distance to cropland and water sources, and presence of wetlands were the variables that positively contributed to modelling the suitable habitats. Two possible dispersal routes were determined using the circuit theory, one was across the area from North Korea to the downstream Tumen transboundary region (Route B), and the other was across North Korea to the boundary region in China and along the tiger national park in northern China (Route A). A series of protected areas in North Korea, China, and Russia may support the dispersal of water deer. From the study on water deer dispersal, we can understand the existing ecological network in northeast Asia, which will benefit the whole landscape and biodiversity conservation. However, there are many threats present, and there is need for continued monitoring inside and outside the protected areas. Information sharing with stakeholders and carrying out local communities awareness activities are important. The establishment of a Northeast Asia landscape conservation network would help establish monitoring and conservation planning at a broad scale, and this study provides an example of the need for such a network.

大兴安岭南段马鹿生境适宜性分析与生态廊道构建

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 大兴安岭南段马鹿生境适宜性分析与生态廊道构建 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202109062517 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 赤峰市林业科技振兴计划项目 Habitat suitability analysis and ecological corridor designs for red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the southern Greater Khingan Mountains Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:构建生态廊道在缓解生境破碎化对生物多样性的影响、维持濒危物种的遗传多样性、维护自然生态系统结构完整与功能稳定方面具有重要作用。以内蒙古大兴安岭南段分布的马鹿（Cervus elaphus）种群为研究对象，利用MaxEnt模型对其生境适宜性进行分析，并利用最小累积阻力模型构建潜在生态扩散廊道，探讨大兴安岭南段区域隔离马鹿种群的栖息地连通方案。结果显示，马鹿栖息地呈破碎化状态，种群有明显的隔离分布趋势，现有适宜栖息地具有海拔较低（800-1200 m）、坡度较缓（<15°）、靠近水源、植被类型多为靠近山林的灌丛或草地等特点。所构建12条生态廊道具有经过河流浅水节段、远离村落等特点，便于落实栖息地生态恢复管理措施。研究从区域尺度综合分析了大兴安岭南段马鹿栖息地现状及连通性，有助于优化适宜栖息地格局，促进马鹿扩散和栖息地连通，为该物种隔离种群及其栖息地保护规划提供现实指导和基础资料。 Abstract:Effectively designed ecological corridors can eliminate the impact of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity, promote gene flow and the genetic diversity of endangered species, and maintain the structural integrity and functional stability of natural ecosystems. In this study, we used the MaxEnt model to analyze habitat suitability for red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the southern Greater Khingan Mountains, Inner Mongolia. We created a minimum cumulative resistance model to identify potentially ecological corridors for red deer. Results showed that red deer habitats in the study area were fragmented. The red deer population had an obvious trend of isolation distribution; the existing suitable habitats were characterized by low elevation (800-1200 m) and a gentle slope (<15°) close to a water source, and the suitable habitats mostly consisted of forest shrub or grassland vegetation close to woodland edges. The creation of 12 ecological corridors would encourage red deer dispersal and support habitat connectivity. Three main characteristics of the corridors that were conducive to habitat restoration management measures include-passing through shallow rivers, irregular topography, and being located far away from human residences. The comprehensive analysis of habitat suitability and ecological corridors from a large-scale perspective may help optimize red deer habitat distribution. The analysis can provide practical guidance and basic information for the conservation of the species in the southern Greater Khingan Mountains. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Karaca’nın (Capreolus capreolus L. 1758) yeni bir dağılım alanı: Karagüney Dağları, Kırıkkale

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L. 1758) is spread all over Europe, including in the west of Russia, and in the Anatolian and Caucasian regions. Roe deer is found in the Marmara, Black Sea regions, Hakkari, Izmir, and Amanos Region. The roe deer, which started to dispersal towards the center of Central Anatolia with the population increase, was never seen in the Kırıkkale Karagüney mountains until the last ten years. In this study, it is aimed to give information about how the roe deer dispersal to the Karagüney Mountain, its population size and habitat use. The study was conducted between 2013-2020 using direct (Point counting and line counting) and indirect (Foot print, photo trap, etc) observation methods. The population of roe deer in the area has reached up to 11-14 individuals in the last six years, and it is very likely that it will come from Eşekli mountain or Uğurludağ forests to the study area. Adapted to the area, roe deer is more common in areas where forests and agricultural areas intertwine, and it avoids highways and settlements. By means of steppe forests, The roe deer has spread to Central Anatolia between 40 and 100 km in the last decade. The adaptation of the roe deer to this area gives important clues about reintroduction and distribution of species, ecological connections between refuge areas.

Role of white-tailed deer in geographic spread of the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis : Analysis of a spatially nonlocal model.

yme disease is transmitted via blacklegged ticks, the spatial spread of which is believed to be primarily via transport on white-tailed deer. In this paper, we develop a mathematical model to describe the spatial spread of blacklegged ticks due to deer dispersal. The model turns out to be a system of differential equations with a spatially non-local term accounting for the phenomenon that a questing female adult tick that attaches to a deer at one location may later drop to the ground, fully fed, at another location having been transported by the deer. We first justify the well-posedness of the model and analyze the stability of its steady states. We then explore the existence of traveling wave fronts connecting the extinction equilibrium with the positive equilibrium for the system. We derive an algebraic equation that determines a critical value c* which is at least a lower bound for the wave speed in the sense that, if c<c*, there is no traveling wave front of speed c connecting the extinction steady state to the positive steady state. Numerical simulations of the wave equations suggest that c* is the minimum wave speed. We also carry out some numerical simulations for the original spatial model system and the results seem to confirm that the actual spread rate of the tick population coincides with c*. We also explore the dependence of c* on the dispersion rate of the white tailed deer, by which one may evaluate the role of the deer's dispersion in the geographical spread of the ticks.

Social and Environmental Influences on Female White-Tailed Deer Dispersal Behavior

Dispersal behavior is primarily a male-biased behavior in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) throughout the species range. However, in the agriculture-dominated lower Midwest and Great Plains, female dispersal also occurs. We examined the effects of the social and physical environment experienced by female fawns marked in central and northern Illinois, where dispersal rates were high (31%–61%) and forest cover occupied <5% of the county landscape. Dispersal probability was high for females born to subordinate mothers (25 of 26) and for fawns paired with a sibling that also dispersed (25 of 31). Females that dispersed came from populations with similar densities as those of females that remained sedentary. The lower dispersal rate for females born to dominant mothers suggests that the higher resource availability present within the home ranges of dominant mothers affects dispersal behavior. Subordinate mothers generally inhabit smaller, less secure ranges with fewer resources available to offspring. Resource availability appears to be one of the proximate factors influencing female fawn movement behavior.

Assessing landscape resistance to roe deer dispersal using fuzzy set theory and multicriteria analysis: a case study in Central Spain

The central Iberian Peninsula has one of the highest densities of roe deer populations in Spain. A new motorway is planned to pass through the middle of the distribution of roe deer, thus making it necessary to conduct a connectivity analysis. A map of resistance to roe deer dispersal movements was obtained based on the literature and expert judgment. Three factors were selected: land use (defined by the ability to hide movements, food source, and degree of naturalness), landforms, and influence due to proximity to elements that increase (such as roads and urban areas) or decrease (water resources and proximity to optimal habitat patches) resistance at the local level. Different combinations of factors derived using the analytical hierarchy and fuzzy logic processes were analysed and compared with the real distribution of the species. More realistic resistance (cost) values were obtained for gamma values close to 0.9. This highlights the greater predominance of the fuzzy sum over the fuzzy product in modelling the cost surface. Better results were obtained in scenarios where the predominant factors were either land use and landforms or land use and proximity to human-modified areas. This indicates that roe deer will readily range far from their optimal patches if the land use provides partial cover. These movements appear to be conditioned by steep terrain. Our case study offers a good example of building a cost resistance matrix to help locate areas where the expansion of the species may be curbed or encouraged.

Do relatives like to stay closer? Spatial organization and genetic relatedness in a mountain roe deer population

AbstractThe fine‐scale genetic structure of mammal populations arises from the social and spatial behaviour of individuals. In wild ungulates gene flow is usually mediated by males, being the dispersing sex. The roe deer Capreolus capreolus represents an exception: males and females disperse in similar proportions as juveniles, but are subsequently mostly sedentary as adults, while mechanisms for inbreeding avoidance are more complex and not fully known. We investigated the seasonal variation in the relationship between genetic relatedness and spatial behaviour in a sample of 69 roe deer, monitored from 2002 to 2010 in a high‐density population in Italy. Genetic and spatial analyses, based on individual positions, did not reveal any population structure, neither in the whole sample, nor in the two sexes separately. Our results are coherent with the absence of a sex bias in roe deer dispersal and suggest the existence of a high gene flow across a continuous forest habitat, thus preventing the onset of population structuring at a local scale. We found that genetic relatedness tended to increase with home range proximity, but mostly in winter. Nevertheless, when the extent of overlap between seasonal home ranges with respect to genetic relatedness was considered, males and females seemed to preferably share their home range with relatives of the same sex, reducing the overlap with relatives of the opposite sex during the rutting period. We conclude that home range rearrangements during the breeding season may afford a certain level of spatial segregation between closely related potential mates, thus reducing inbreeding risk.

Genetic assessment of environmental features that influence deer dispersal: implications for prion‐infected populations

AbstractThe landscape can influence host dispersal and density, which in turn, affect infectious disease transmission, spread, and persistence. Understanding how the landscape influences wildlife dispersal and pathogen epidemiology can enhance the efficacy of disease management in natural populations. We applied landscape genetics to examine relationships among landscape variables, dispersal of white‐tailed deer hosts and transmission/spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal prion encephalopathy. Our focus was on quantifying movements and population structure of host deer in infected areas as a means of predicting the spread of this pathology and promoting its adaptive management. We analyzed microsatellite genotypes of CWD‐infected and uninfected deer from two disease foci (Southern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois). We quantified gene flow and population structure using FST, assignment tests, and spatial autocorrelation analyses. Gene flow estimates were then contrasted against a suite of landscape variables that potentially mediate deer dispersal. Forest fragmentation and grassland connectivity promoted deer movements while rivers, agricultural fields and large urbanized areas impeded movement. Landscape variables, deer dispersal, and disease transmission covaried significantly and positively in our analyses. Habitats with elevated host gene flow supported the concept of dispersal‐mediated CWD transmission by reflecting a concomitant, rapid CWD expansion. Large, interrelated social groups isolated by movement barriers overlapped disease foci, suggesting that philopatry exacerbated CWD transmission. Our results promote adaptive management of CWD by predicting patterns of its spread and identifying habitats at risk for invasion. Further, our landscape genetics approach underscores the significance of topography and host behavior in wildlife disease transmission.

Correlations of Environmental Factors with the Roe Deer (Capreolus pygargus) Population Genetic Variability

Understanding the genetic variability within a species population is important for elucidating adaptive divergence and potential mechanisms involved in speciation. Excluding geographical limitations, historical events and human disturbance, complex environmental conditions also influence the amount of gene flow among populations. We investigated the relationship between the genetic variability of roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) and environmental factors using molecular techniques and mathematical statistical methods. We compared 460 base pairs from the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region of 88 faecal samples individuals across eight different geographic regions in Northeastern China. Concurrently, we correlated seven environmental factors: latitude, longitude, altitude, temperature, precipitation, frost-free period and vegetation types, with genetic variability within roe deer populations. Our study suggests that climatic conditions and genetic diversity of roe deer were more closely correlated than geographic location and habitat type, with a cumulative variance of 43.6%. From the point of view of climate change to analysis, climatically stable regions are expected to favor diversification processes and sustain genetically more diverse populations by comparison with areas that have experienced changeable climatic conditions. Simultaneously, we found that roe deer dispersal was associated with periods of reproduction in vegetation type influenced by seasonal change. So, we suggest that precipitation is the major factor that indirectly affects the genetic difference within roe deer populations.

White-tailed Deer Dispersal Behavior in an Agricultural Environment

ABSTRACT Dispersal behavior was examined for 119 male and 102 female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns marked in central and northern Illinois. Fawn movement behavior was recorded for 35 single, 78 pair and 10 triplet litters that survived intact beyond family breakup in late spring. Males (65%) dispersed at a higher rate than females (39%). Females dispersed Apr.–Jul., while males dispersed Apr.–Jul. and Sep.–Nov. The dam's and siblings movements most affected fawn movement behavior with most fawns of dispersing/migrating females and siblings leaving their natal range. As yearling-adult densities and forest cover increased on our study areas, female fawn dispersals decreased. Habitat scarcity in spring coupled with high fawn survival into the spring months promoted higher than expected female dispersal behavior. Distance traveled to a new range did not differ among study areas, years or month of dispersal for either sex. Single fawns were as likely to disperse as fawns from pairs or triple...

Effect of Population Demographics and Social Pressures on White-Tailed Deer Dispersal Ecology

Abstract Dispersal of yearling male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can have profound effects on population demographics and can adversely affect population estimates and management objectives. The relationship among population demographics, social pressures, and dispersal ecology is not clear and warrants scientific evaluation. The age structure and sex ratio of the white-tailed deer population at Chesapeake Farms, Maryland, USA, changed after implementation of quality deer management (QDM). Following Rosenberry's (1997) pre-QDM study on white-tailed deer dispersal, we conducted a post-QDM study on white-tailed deer dispersal at Chesapeake Farms. The objectives of our study were 1) to compare pre- and post-QDM emigration, immigration, survival, and behaviors of yearling males, 2) to evaluate inbreeding avoidance and sexual competition hypotheses as mechanisms of dispersal through behavioral comparisons of dispersers and nondispersers, and 3) to evaluate the maternal aggression hypothesis by co...

The role of dispersal in Florida Key deer metapopulation dynamics

Metapopulation dynamics of species that occur in patchy or island subpopulations are an important consideration in the conservation of endangered species. Key deer ( Odocoileus virginianus clavium) are endemic to the Florida Keys and occur on 11 island-complexes in the Lower Keys from Big Pine Key to Sugarloaf Key. While deer numbers have increased notably, the majority of the population occurs on two of the islands, Big Pine and No Name Keys. Deer dispersal between islands is possible due to short distances between islands and shallow water. Key deer have been documented to actively disperse between islands but at very low rates (11% males, 3% females). However, increased population densities could possibly increase dispersal rates as island populations on Big Pine and No Name Keys approach carrying capacity. We examined the probability of deer colonization of peripheral islands using a sex- and stage-structured metapopulation model. Our objectives were to (1) evaluate the effects of distance and dispersal rate on Key deer island subpopulations and (2) estimate the probability of Key deer colonizing surrounding islands with viable populations. Results suggest that over the next 20 years, the Key deer population could colonize 6 of the 11 island-complexes with viable populations. However, of the remaining five islands, three lack the resources to support a minimum viable population, and while Cudjoe and Sugarloaf Keys have the potential to support >200 deer each, they are not projected to increase to above 50 deer by 2021 regardless of dispersal rate due to distance from source population.

SOURCE–SINK DYNAMICS OF FLORIDA KEY DEER ON BIG PINE KEY, FLORIDA

The endangered Florida Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) is endemic to the Florida Keys, Florida, USA, with Big Pine Key (BPK) supporting most (approx 60%) of the population. Habitat loss and fragmentation have altered the amount of available habitat, creating areas of varying suitability; north BPK (NBPK) is believed to contain more optimal habitat than south BPK (SBPK), which is more developed and fragmented. We evaluated the source–sink dynamics of Key deer using a sex- and stage-structured, stochastic matrix model. Model results indicated that the NBPK population of Key deer was increasing (λ = 1.02), whereas the SBPK population was decreasing (λ = 0.87). Without dispersal from the north, the SBPK population has a 97% probability of falling below 25 individuals (quasi-extinction threshold) in the next 20 years. The higher risk to Key deer in SBPK can be explained by relative habitat-quality differences between the 2 areas. House density, amount of roads, number of fences, and amount of development were all greater in SBPK. Collectively, study results indicate that SBPK can be described as an ecological sink with a nonviable population supplemented by deer dispersal from NBPK (source). Care should be taken to preserve the source population and its habitat. Thus, we propose limiting future development in NBPK (high-quality source habitat). The US 1 highway corridor project has the potential to decrease Key deer mortality due to vehicle collisions, and we recommend that future management goals continue to address mortality factors on SBPK (low-quality sink habitat).

Contrasting dispersal patterns in two Scandinavian roe deer Capreolus capreolus populations

Yearling natal dispersal frequencies and distances in roe deer Capreolus capreolus were compared between two regions in Scandinavia, Västerbotten, on the northern edge of the expanding population, and Mälardalen, in the central continuous part. Data were collected using telemetry during 1987–1994. In Västerbotten 91% (n = 11) of the males and 100% (n = 9) of the females left their natal areas, and in Mälardalen 43% (n = 42) of the males and 48% (n = 50) of the females dispersed. No intra‐regional difference in distances dispersed was found between sexes. Average dispersal distance in Västerbotten was ca 120 km (n = 17), with only one disperser settling less than 39 km from its natal area. In Mälardalen, the average dispersal distance was around 4 km (n = 42), and only two animals moved further away than 15 km. One hypothesis accounting both for the almost complete dispersal of deer in Västerbotten, and for the existence of a few long‐distance dispersers in Mälardalen, is that two genotypically distinct morphs of roe deer exist, one ‘dispersive’ and one ‘stationary’. The predominance of the ‘dispersive’ type in Västerbotten could be explained by ‘stationaries’ not having had enough time to colonise this region since the last population bottleneck in the mid 19th century, when the Scandinavian population was restricted to the southernmost part of Sweden.

Home-Range Formation and Dispersal of Deer in Northeastern Minnesota

Eleven white-tailed ( Odocoileus virginianus ) does and their offspring (10 male and 6 female fawns) were radio-tracked for up to 56 months (2,725 total deer locations) in Minnesota's Superior National Forest from November 1974 through August 1983. All fawns wintered in yards with their does and migrated in spring to their does' summer ranges where they then separated from the does. By 17 months of age, seven males had established new summer ranges up to 9.6 km away, whereas the other three used the same summer ranges as their does, up to at least 29 months of age. One male established a new winter range, but six others continued to use the winter ranges of their does. The female fawns used the same summer range as their does, or areas immediately adjacent, and migrated to and from the same winter ranges, some with their does, for up to 3 years of age. The one female that we followed beyond this age migrated separately to and from the same winter yard during her fifth year. The data fit a hypothesis that non-incestuous inbreeding is common in vertebrates.

Dispersal of Deer from Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Dispersal of Deer from Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Factors Affecting Dispersal of Deer Released in Indiana

Factors Affecting Dispersal of Deer Released in Indiana