Habitat Preferences Research Articles

Fine-scale habitat selection in tree-dwelling spiders: an experimental approach.

Habitat selection by spiders is strongly influenced by biotic factors such as the availability and diversity of prey and abiotic factors such as temperature, humidity, and the structural complexity of the habitat. Structural complexity is an aspect that intensely affects species persistence, population stability, and the coexistence of interacting species. Trees comprise a complex set of microhabitats due to their large biomass and heterogeneity of the architectural components of their trunk surface and branches. Spider species that live on trunks have diversified physiological or morphological adaptations that confer advantages in this environment. In this study, we experimentally examined the habitat choice by the tree-dwelling spiders Selenops cocheleti (Selenopidae), Corinna rubripes (Corinnidae), and Loxosceles gaucho (Sicariidae). We found that microhabitat specialization was restricted to trunk architectural characteristics rather than plant taxonomy. Selenops cocheleti and C. rubripes significantly preferred loose barks and holes in the trunks, respectively, showing that both spider species can evaluate the physical structure of the microhabitat on a fine scale. On the other hand, L. gaucho selected crevices and holes near the base of the trunk without giving much importance to the physical characteristics of the microhabitat per se (e.g., depth, height, length). Our findings indicate that for generalist predators like spiders, coexistence relies heavily on spatial segregation driven by distinct habitat preferences, irrespective of their method for capturing prey.

Implementation of an Intelligent Trap for Effective Monitoring and Control of the Aedes aegypti Mosquito.

Aedes aegypti is a mosquito species known for its role in transmitting dengue fever, a viral disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Recognizable by its white markings and preference for urban habitats, this mosquito breeds in standing water near human dwellings. A promising approach to combat the proliferation of mosquitoes is the use of smart traps, equipped with advanced technologies to attract, capture, and monitor them. The most significant results include 97% accuracy in detecting Aedes aegypti, 100% accuracy in identifying bees, and 90.1% accuracy in classifying butterflies in the laboratory. Field trials successfully validated and identified areas for continued improvement. The integration of technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize pest control, significantly improving mosquito monitoring and control. The application of machine learning (ML) algorithms and computer vision for the identification and classification of Aedes aegypti is a crucial part of this process. This article proposes the development of a smart trap for selective control of winged insects, combining IoT devices, high-resolution cameras, and advanced ML algorithms for insect detection and classification. The intelligent system features the YOLOv7 algorithm (You Only Look Once v7) that is capable of detecting and counting insects in real time, combined with LoRa/LoRaWan connectivity and IoT system intelligence. This adaptive approach is effective in combating Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in real time.

×Gymnigritella suaveolens (Orchidaceae), a New Natural Hybrid to the Flora of Serbia

×Gymnigritella suaveolens (Orchidaceae), a natural hybrid between Gymnadenia conopsea and Nigritella rhellicani, was found at Mt Kopaonik for the first time in Serbia, representing its single known locality in the Central Balkans. Morphological characteristics, distribution data, habitat and ecological preferences are indicated. The hybrid was found at 1552 m a.s.l., on sericite schists, as a member of the Festuco-Deschampsietum flexuosae grassland community. Two hybrid specimens were recorded at the site where the two parental species grow in sympatry, and where the population size of G. conopsea was larger than the population size of N. rhellicani.

Additions to the genus Kirschsteiniothelia (Dothideomycetes); Three novel species and a new host record, based on morphology and phylogeny.

During a survey of microfungi associated with forest plants, four specimens related to Kirschsteiniothelia were collected from decaying wood in Guizhou, Hainan and Yunnan Provinces, China. Kirschsteiniothelia species have sexual and asexual forms. They are commonly found as saprophytes on decaying wood and have been reported as disease-causing pathogens in humans as well. In this study, we introduce three novel Kirschsteiniothelia species (K.bulbosapicalis, K.dendryphioides and K.longirostrata) and describe a new host record for K.atra, based on morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated ITS, LSU and SSU rDNA sequence data. These taxa produced a dendryphiopsis- or sporidesmium-like asexual morph and detailed descriptions and micromorphological illustrations are provided. Furthermore, we provide a checklist for the accepted Kirschsteiniothelia species, including detailed host information, habitat preferences, molecular data, existing morphological type, country of origin and corresponding references.

Ecological but Not Biological Traits of European Riverine Invertebrates Respond Consistently to Anthropogenic Impacts

ABSTRACTAimTo determine which riverine invertebrate traits respond consistently to anthropogenic impacts across multiple biogeographic regions.LocationEurope.Time Period1981–2021.Major Taxa StudiedRiverine invertebrates.MethodsWe compiled a database of riverine invertebrate community time series for 673 sites across six European countries spanning six freshwater ecoregions. We compared trait responses to anthropogenic impacts (quantified as changes in ‘ecological quality’) among regions for seven ‘ecological’ traits, which reflect habitat preferences, and nine ‘biological’ traits (e.g., morphology or life history), which represent taxon‐specific attributes that can influence ecosystem processes.ResultsFour ecological traits (current, microhabitat, salinity and trophic preferences) and one biological trait (dispersal mode) responded consistently across regions. These responses were primarily driven by spatial differences among poorer to better quality sites. Responses to temporal changes in quality were comparable but less pronounced.Main ConclusionsConsistent responses to anthropogenic impacts across multiple ecological traits indicate these traits may improve broader scale measurements, comparisons and predictions of community responses. However, we could not use ecological traits to identify the actions of specific stressors because multiple traits always responded as a group. Inconsistent responses across almost all biological traits indicated that these traits may be less predictive of impacts across regions. Predictions of how biological traits, and associated ecosystem processes, respond to anthropogenic impacts may be most effective at regional scales where responses are more consistent.

Assessing the impacts of land use and climate change on the distribution patterns of Ulex europaeus L. (Fabaceae) in the Canary Islands

AbstractBiological invasions are one of the major threats to biodiversity, but their impact is particularly detrimental on oceanic islands like the Canary Archipelago. The common gorse (Ulex europaeus L. (Fabaceae)) is a highly invasive shrub with established populations in Tenerife, the sole island of the archipelago where it is present. Understanding the habitat preferences of U. europaeus is essential for predicting its current and potential future distribution across Tenerife and other Canary Islands, guiding effective local management practices. In 2019 and 2020, we surveyed different populations of U. europaeus in Tenerife, retrieving information on its abundance, presence of other invasive species and most frequent natural and anthropogenic characteristics of the landscape. We used this information to build explanatory and predictive models to identify the key natural and anthropogenic drivers of U. europaeus abundance in Tenerife and estimate the potential distribution of the species across the whole archipelago under current and future climatic conditions. Our findings showed that U. europaeus thrives in humid areas impacted by human activities where other invasive species persist. Both current and future climatic conditions do not support the presence of the species in the more arid islands of the archipelago (i.e., Fuerteventura and Lanzarote), rather highlight that the windwards, and thus more humid, areas of the other islands might support the species also under future warmer climatic scenarios. These findings deepen our understanding of U. europaeus local dynamics and are crucial to inform targeted management strategies to mitigate its impact across the Canary Archipelago and, ultimately, oceanic islands.

Genomic and Acoustic Biogeography of the Iconic Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo Clarifies Species Limits and Patterns of Intraspecific Diversity.

Many highly recognisable species lack genetic data important for conservation due to neglect over their hyperabundance. This likely applies to the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), one of the world's most iconic parrots. The species is native to Australia, New Guinea and some surrounding Melanesian islands. Four subspecies are currently recognised based on morphology. Australian subspecies and populations are abundant, but several factors threaten those in New Guinea and Melanesia. Genetic data from natural populations are scarce - information that is vital to identifying evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) important for modern conservation planning. We used whole-genome resequencing to investigate patterns of differentiation, evolutionary affinities and demographic history across C. galerita's range to assess whether currently recognised subspecies represent ESUs. We complement this with an assessment of bioacoustic variation across the species' distribution range. Our results point to C. galerita sensu lato (s.l.) comprising two species. We restrict C. galerita sensu stricto (s.s.) to populations in Australia and the Trans-Fly ecodomain of southern New Guinea. The second species, recognised here as Cacatua triton, likely occurs over much of the rest of New Guinea. Restricting further discussion of intraspecific diversity in C. triton, we show that within C. galerita s.s. two ESUs exist, which align to Cacatua galerita galerita in eastern Australia and southern New Guinea and Cacatua galerita fitzroyi in northern and north-western Australia. We suggest that the evolution of these species and ESUs are linked to Middle and Late Pleistocene glacial cycles and their effects on sea level and preferential habitats. We argue that conservation assessments need updating, protection of preferential forest and woodland habitats are important and reintroductions require careful management to avoid possible negative hybridization effects of non-complementary lineages.

Herbarium specimens reveal a cryptic invasion of polyploid Centaurea stoebe in Europe.

Numerous plant species are expanding their native ranges due to anthropogenic environmental change. Because cytotypes of polyploid complexes often show similar morphologies, there may be unnoticed range expansions (i.e. cryptic invasions) of one cytotype into regions where only the other cytotype is native. We critically revised herbarium specimens of diploid and tetraploid Centaurea stoebe, collected across Europe between 1790 and 2023. Based on their distribution in natural and relict habitats and phylogeographic data, we estimated the native ranges of both cytotypes. Diploids are native across their entire European range, whereas tetraploids are native only to South-Eastern Europe and have recently expanded their range toward Central Europe. The proportion of tetraploids has exponentially increased over time in their expanded but not in their native range. This cryptic invasion predominantly occurred in ruderal habitats and enlarged the climatic niche of tetraploids toward a more oceanic climate. We conclude that spatio-temporally explicit assessments of range shifts, habitat preferences and niche evolution can improve our understanding of cryptic invasions. We also emphasize the value of herbarium specimens for accurate estimation of species´ native ranges, with fundamental implications for the design of research studies and the assessment of biodiversity trends.

<i>Cercidospora parva</i> new for Poland and some other noteworthy records of lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi from the Karkonosze Mountains

Three noteworthy epilithic lichens species,<i> Porpidia flavocruenta</i>, <i>P. thomsonii</i> and <i>Rhizocarpon cinereovirens</i>, and two lichenicolous fungi, <i>Cercidospora parva</i> and <i>Abrothallus</i> aff. <i>caerulescens</i> were recently recorded in the Polish part of the Karkonosze Mountains. <i>Cercidospora parva</i> is reported from Poland for the first time. <i>Abrothallus</i> aff. <i>caerulescens</i> and <i>Porpidia thomsonii</i> are new for the Western Sudetes. <i>Rhizocarpon cinereovirens</i> has been rediscovered in the Karkonosze Mountains afer over a century. <i>Porpidia flavocruenta</i> is known in Poland only from the Karkonosze Mountains, it is reported here from a new substrate, hornfels. Descriptions, notes on similar species, habitat preferences, and distribution of each species are provided.

An annotated checklist of Syzygium subgenus Sequestratum (Myrtaceae)

We present an annotated checklist of the 29 species comprising Syzygium subg. Sequestratum. Species in the subgenus were identified through a comprehensive review of herbarium specimens and relevant literature, including both historic taxonomic and regional revisions of Syzygium, and recent molecular phylogenetic analyses. No single character is diagnostic of subg. Sequestratum; instead, a combination of commonly occurring characters is used, including glaucescence in the hypanthium, funnel-shaped flowers <10 mm long and coriaceous leaves with dark drying petioles in contrast to a paler lamina. Species are distributed across East Asia, Malesia and Eastern Australia, with an apparent preference for nutrient-poor habitats. This checklist provides a foundation for future taxonomic revision of this clade, from an early branching node in the tree of life of the world’s largest tropical tree genus.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic evidence reveal two new Volvariella species (Agaricales, Volvariellaceae) from Denmark

Two new species of Volvariella from Denmark, V. similis and V. sulcata, are described with phylogenetic inference based on multiple loci (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and 28S). Volvariella similis is characterized by its brownish pileus, grey stipe without caulocystidia, clavate to broadly subutriform pleurocystidia, and cylindrical, tapering pileipellis elements. Volvariella sulcata is distinguished by its smaller basidiomata with a short stipe, sulcate-striate pileus margin, 35–45 lamellae, lageniform pleurocystidia with a long neck and pedicel, and a preference for man-made habitats. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, line drawings, and comparisons with morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are provided.

Spatiotemporal variations and driving factors of fine-scale habitat use by the Yangtze finless porpoise population in the Yangtze River.

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) is critically endangered and has suffered from extensive habitat loss and fragmentation. Knowledge of its habitat preference could assist the conservation of the species and associated ecosystem. In the present study, spatiotemporal variations and driving factors of habitat use of a Yangtze finless porpoise population were studied in a 30-km section of the Yangtze mainstream. Seasonal variation in porpoise occurrences was observed based on visual surveys conducted from 2022 to 2023, with five surveys during the dry season and seven surveys during the wet season. Biological and environmental factors were synchronously sampled in both seasons. The maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) was applied to get the effects of biological and environmental variables on porpoise habitat preference. Within the study area, high-suitability habitats of the finless porpoises accounted for 19.0% and 15.4% of the area during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The high-suitability habitat shifted from the mainstream in the dry season to the sandbar head and tributary area in the wet season. In the dry season, variables influencing the distribution were phytoplankton biomass, water velocity, and zooplankton biomass, which contributed 97.05% variation in the MaxEnt modeling. In the wet season, water depth, surface water temperature, and zooplankton biomass accounted for 97.69% variation of the distribution. Above results highlight that food availability plays an important role in porpoises distribution regardless of seasons, particularly in the dry season. This is because plankton is the primary food source for filter-feeding and omnivorous fish, especially those in the upper-middle layer which are frequently preyed on by finless porpoises. Suitable areas for finless porpoises, particularly those with high suitability, differed significantly across seasons at a fine-scale in the Yangtze mainstream. Seasonal variations in habitat were driven by different factors. But food availability plays an important role in porpoises distribution regardless of seasons, particularly in the dry season. These results suggest prioritizing conservation of the finless porpoise in the dry season when fish resources are relatively scarce. Measures including monitoring and evaluating prey resources should be considered. More attention should also be paid on management of shipping in the dry season given that the high-suitability habitat of the finless porpoises shifts to the mainstream.

Drivers of nest site selection and breeding success in an Alpine ground-nesting songbird

AbstractBirds breeding in high-Alpine habitats must select a suitable breeding site and achieve successful reproduction within a restricted time. During four breeding seasons, we monitored nest sites of the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), a high-Alpine long-distance migrant. We investigated how ecological factors predicted the selection of a site for nesting within the home range, using conditional logistic regression. Birds preferred south-exposed productive pastures on gentle slopes, interspersed with non-vegetated ground and human-made rockpiles. The direct vicinity of conspecific nests was avoided, as were shrubby or north-exposed areas. We investigated if habitat also influenced breeding success. We analysed the impact of environmental factors on breeding success, which was primarily driven by predation. The probability of the brood fledging successfully decreased on north-exposed slopes or on areas with low coverage of non-vegetated ground. The vicinity of conspecific nests did not have a clear effect. Further, we describe how breeding success varied within and between years. Within years, replacement broods had a higher breeding success. The apparent absence of variation in breeding success between years and a delay of the breeding period in the year with late spring onset suggest a high level of tolerance with respect to inter-annual variation of meteorological conditions. Since the preferred habitat is still widely available in the Alps and given the negative population trends in Western Europe, the Alpine range might serve as a refuge for the Northern Wheatear, as long as low-intensity management and heterogenous habitats are maintained.

Review of Neoleptastacus Nicholls, 1945 (Harpacticoida, Arenopontiidae), including an updated key to species and proposal of Phreatipontia gen. nov.

A revision of the genus Neoleptastacus Nicholls, 1945 (Harpacticoida, Arenopontiidae) is presented, resulting in the recognition of 24 valid species. The genus is divided in five species groups based on shared morphological character states, i.e. the acanthus-, australis-, speluncae-, trisetosus- and spinicaudatus-groups with the acanthus-group being further fragmented in three subgroups (acanthus, gussoae, ornamentus). The two members of the speluncae-group, Neoleptastacus phreatica (Cottarelli, Bruno & Venanzetti, 1994) and N. speluncae (Cottarelli, Bruno & Venanzetti, 1994), are redescribed and transferred to a new genus, Phreatipontia gen. nov., that appears to have a preference for low salinity habitats. The Mediterranean N. acanthus (Chappuis, 1954) is redescribed based on material from Türkiye and considered potentially conspecific with N. huysi (Karanovic, 2000). The male specimen illustrated in the original description of N. longiremis (Chappuis, 1955) is designated as the lectotype to define the nominal taxon objectively in the likely event that females and males assigned to this inadequately described species turn out to be non-conspecific. Detailed morphological comparison of species currently allocated to the gussoae-complex revealed three new cryptic taxa from Central and South America which are accorded specific rank (N. abbreviatus sp. nov., N. chilensis sp. nov., and N. rectus sp. nov.). The taxonomic status of Arenopontia (Neoleptastacus) acantha accraensis Lang, 1965 sensu Kunz (1971) is reassessed based on material from Angola and described as N. emendatus sp. nov. The Panamanian material previously identified as N. trisetosus (Mielke, 1982) is considered to represent a distinct species, N. panamensis sp. nov. while N. pseudishikarianus sp. nov. is proposed for the Chilean “population” of N. ishikarianus (Itô, 1968). Neoleptastacus supersetosus sp. nov. is described from Kuwait, representing the first arenopontiid record from the Arabian Peninsula. Neoleptastacus secundus Krishnaswamy, 1957 and N. accraensis (Lang, 1965) are treated as species inquirendae while Arenopontia breviarticulata Mielke, 1975 is removed from its provisional position in Neoleptastacus and placed as species incertae sedis in the Arenopontiidae. Distribution data are summarized for each species and the previously assumed amphi-Panamanian and amphi-Pacific distribution patterns of N. gussoae (Cottarelli, 1973) and N. ishikarianus, respectively, are rejected. Updated keys to the 24 valid species of Neoleptastacus and the six genera currently recognized in the family are provided.

The Effect of Climate Change on Indicator Wetland Insects: Predicting the Current and Future Distribution of Two Giant Water Bugs (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae) in South Korea.

Giant water bugs (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae) are top predators in wetland ecosystems, serving as biological indicators of the health of lentic ecosystems and as effective biological control agents for freshwater snails and mosquitoes. This study aimed to predict the current and future distribution of two Korean giant water bugs, Appasus japonicus and Diplonychus esakii, under three climate change scenarios, contributing to the sustainable management of wetland ecosystems in South Korea. Using MaxEnt models, we employed seven climatic and three non-climatic variables to investigate the habitat preferences and distribution patterns of the species. The results revealed that A. japonicus is likely to experience a northward range contraction due to climate change, while D. esakii is predicted to expand its distribution northward without losing its current range. These responses may lead to occupancy turnover between the two species, potentially driving reassembly in aquatic organism community. Elevation was the primary factor influencing the distribution of A. japonicus, whereas annual mean temperature was the most informative variable for D. esakii, both factors derived under the current climate conditions. These findings suggest that both species are highly sensitive to climate change, with potential range shifts toward higher latitudes and elevations. This study provides insights into how climate change could impact two giant water bugs, thereby supporting future efforts to manage and conserve wetland ecosystems in this country.

Impacts of Various Insecticide Forms on Avian Health and Mortality: A Comprehensive Review

Since the time of its synthesis and application, insecticides have prevented millions of deaths in humans, animals and avian lives. They have significantly contributed to the revolution in agriculture and human health by reducing agricultural pests and vector-borne illnesses. The chance of birds being exposed to insecticides is increased by a number of factors, including farming methods, insect and crop kinds, pesticide form, food, and habitat preferences. Granular insecticides, often used in agriculture, are highly concentrated and attractive to songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Liquid sprays, particularly those used for locust control, can affect bird species beyond agricultural areas due to wide-range applications. Treated seeds can poison birds depending on various factors like toxicity and seed availability. Despite the known dangers, many pesticide-related bird deaths go unreported, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies to understand and mitigate these effects. Insecticides have a variety of sub lethal effects on birds, such as deformed embryos, smaller broods, less vigilant parenting, weakened territorial defence, anorexia and weight loss, weakened immune response, lethargic behaviour, increased susceptibility to predators, disruption of the endocrine system, interference with thermoregulation, and inability to orient in the correct direction for migration. Therefore, exposure to pesticides lowers the likelihood of survival and successful reproduction, which eventually interferes with the growth of a robust bird population.

An Integrated Approach for Development of a Decision Support System for Early Surveillance of Japanese Encephalitis: a Remote Sensing-based study in Conjunction with Epidemiological Scenario in Assam, India

Abstract. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is one of the serious mosquito borne viral diseases mostly prevalent in India and many of the South Asian countries. A comprehensive study was conducted in Dibrugarh, a JE endemic district of Assam taking into the account of the environmental and social factors that determine the outbreak of the disease. Effect of environmental and climatic factors on mosquito vector densities was investigated using geospatial tools and techniques. Wetlands were found to be the most preferred habitat type for most of the JE-transmitting mosquitoes followed by paddy-growing areas and ponds. The villages abundant with these habitats or located nearby were found to be more vulnerable to JE risk. Based on the spatial distribution of habitat types, villages in the district were divided into three categories of vector abundance and hence the risk of JE. It is found that rainfall (intensity as well as duration) is the most significant determinant in the modulation of mosquito density followed by temperature. It is also observed that the derived models could explain about 61% to 73% variation in mosquito density due to change in weather variables as indicated by R2 values of the Models. Among socio-economic determinants, pig rearing habit of the villagers was found to be most significant. JE risk map was prepared by integrating vector abundance map with the map of host abundance in GIS domain. Attempts were also made to forecast the intensity of JE cases based on a time series analysis of historical morbidity pattern, whereas forecast for onset of the disease was based on the modulation of weather variables in the study area. A web-based decision support system (DSS) developed by integrating the forecasts of JE onset, intensity and JE prone villages has been provided to the concerned health authorities to take timely intervention measures. The JE early warning system developed for Dibrugarh district was extended to two more JE prone districts viz, Sibsagar and Tinsukia as validation sites and observed that the accuracy of forecast was within the range of 69% to 77%. DSS on JE has opened up new opportunities to study similar vector-borne diseases of the JE serogroup viz., West Nile.

Niche divergence mechanisms of closely related hybridising bird species. Modeling approach based on remote sensing data of forest habitats

Describing mechanisms that ensure stable co-occurrence of sympatric species is fundamental to understanding the complexity of ecological community dynamics. In this study, the Pied flycatcher and the Collared flycatcher were used as model species for the analysis of co-occurrence patterns of closely related hybridising species that inhabit overlapping forest habitats. I hypothesise that spatial niche partitioning between species emerges as a vital adaptive response to interspecific competition and manifests itself in significant shifts in habitat preferences in syntopic areas but not in the allotopic ones. The study leverages a comprehensive dataset that includes species density in 372 randomly selected 1 km² grid cells across the territory of Poland. The analysis of habitat preferences was performed with linear mixed-effect modeling, whereas a contrast analysis was used to investigate changes in habitat preferences resulting from the presence of a competitor. The findings indicate that both species modify their habitat preferences when transitioning between syntopic and allotopic sites. Remarkably, in regions without competitors, such shifts are significantly less pronounced, as demonstrated by the Pied flycatcher that prefers the same habitats both in allopatric regions and allotopic sites. When these results are compared with other studies on closely related hybridising and non-hybridising species, it turns out that what influences the degree and number of niches subjected to competition is the time that passes from species divergence. This study highlights the imperative need to incorporate co-occurrence parameters of closely related species into niche and species distribution models to enhance their ecological realism.

Ámbito de hogar, preferencia de hábitat y patrones de actividad del zorro de Sechura Lycalopex sechurae (Mammalia: Canidae) en el Desierto de Sechura, noroeste del Perú

The Sechura fox (Lycalopex sechurae) is a little-studied species despite being common in northwestern Peru and listed as Near Threatened internationally. This study presents the home range, habitat preference, and activity patterns of L. sechurae in two locations of the Sechura Desert: The Mangroves of San Pedro de Vice (MSPV) and the Illescas National Reserve (RNI). Using GPS collars, the minimum convex polygon method, and the Kernel estimator (KE), the home range of four female individuals (two from each site) was calculated. Additionally, the GPS location data were used to estimate activity patterns and habitat preferences for each individual. The home range of females from MSPV was 0.6 and 1 km² (95% KE), whereas, for the RNI, it was 3.5 and 25.1 km² (95% KE). Females from MSPV preferred dry forest (54.8% and 76.1%), while those from RNI favored desert scrub (64.3% and 64.5%). All individuals exhibited cathemeral behavior, with increased nocturnal activity. Our results demonstrate variability in home range sizes, similarity in activity patterns compared to other studies, and highlight the importance of dry forest and desert scrub as resource-rich habitats for Lycalopex sechurae.

The Distribution, Population Size, and Habitat Preferences of a Newly Established Population of the Oriental Magpie Pica serica in Tomakomai City, Hokkaido, Northern Japan

The Distribution, Population Size, and Habitat Preferences of a Newly Established Population of the Oriental Magpie Pica serica in Tomakomai City, Hokkaido, Northern Japan