Lifetime Movements Research Articles

Variation in lifetime movements of an Ariidae species in an eastern Australian river revealed by otolith microchemistry

Ariids, or sea catfishes, inhabit marine, estuarine, and occasionally freshwater habitats circumtropically. They are most often locally abundant and are important in artisanal and commercial fisheries, particularly in developing countries. Detailed information on the ecology and habitat preferences of many of the genera within the family is lacking. We analysed the otolith of 57 blue catfish, Neoarius graeffei, collected from the lower reaches of the Clarence River, NSW, Australia with the aim of better understanding the species movement ecology, including its ability to respond to environmental change. Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to quantify Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr ratios in otoliths and infer lifetime movement patterns. Otolith microchemistry revealed inter-individual variation in the movement patterns of N. graeffei. A strong affinity for estuarine waters was evident among most individuals, with movement into upstream freshwater habitats for extended periods discernible in some individuals. Variation in movement patterns was identified by changes in Ba:Ca, Sr:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr otolith profiles, although Sr:Ca lacked clear patterns. Furthermore, both Ba:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr otolith transects revealed estuarine residence by juveniles, as well as multiple movements among chemically distinct areas throughout the lifetime of some individuals. Otolith microchemistry enabled elucidation of long-term movement patterns of N. graeffei in our study. Uncovering the variable movement patterns of a single species identifies the potential adaptable nature of other species within the Ariidae family and indicates N. graeffei is resilient to environmental changes and anthropogenic impacts.

A female woolly mammoth's lifetime movements end in an ancient Alaskan hunter-gatherer camp.

Woolly mammoths in mainland Alaska overlapped with the region's first people for at least a millennium. However, it is unclear how mammoths used the space shared with people. Here, we use detailed isotopic analyses of a female mammoth tusk found in a 14,000-year-old archaeological site to show that she moved ~1000 kilometers from northwestern Canada to inhabit an area with the highest density of early archaeological sites in interior Alaska until her death. DNA from the tusk and other local contemporaneous archaeological mammoth remains revealed that multiple mammoth herds congregated in this region. Early Alaskans seem to have structured their settlements partly based on mammoth prevalence and made use of mammoths for raw materials and likely food.

Otolith δ18O Composition as a Tracer of Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) Origin in the Indian Ocean

Yellowfin tuna of the Indian Ocean is overfished, and a better understanding of the stock structure is needed to enable sustainable management. Here, otolith δ18O values of young-of-the-year fish from known nursery areas of the equatorial Indian Ocean (West, Central and East) were used to establish a reference isotopic signature to predict the origin of sub-adult and adult individuals. Sub-adult tuna otolith δ18O values from Reunion Island were similar to the West nursery signature, but otolith δ18O values of sub-adults from Pakistan were unlike any of the nurseries sampled. Therefore, δ18O values from the Pakistan area samples were considered an additional nursery source for predicting the origin of adult tuna, using a multinomial logistic regression classification method. The western equatorial area was the most productive nursery for three fishing grounds sampled, with a minor contribution of Pakistan-like origin fish. Contribution of Central or East nurseries to the adult population was negligible. One adult otolith was analysed by secondary ion mass spectrometry along the otolith growth transect and results were compared with an isoscape approach to infer lifetime movements. This study is an important first step towards understanding the spatial structure and connectivity of the species.

Contrasting natal origin and movement history informs recovery pathways for three lowland river species following a mass fish kill

Understanding the spatial and temporal scales over which key population processes occur is fundamental to effective fisheries management, especially when informing recovery actions following extreme events. In 2018–19, hypoxia-induced fish kills occurred in the lower Darling River, south-eastern Australia. We collected carcasses of three potamodromous species that perished during these events to reconstruct their lifetime movements and identify potential recovery mechanisms. Golden perch Macquaria ambigua, Murray cod Maccullochella peelii and silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus otolith 87Sr/86Sr profiles were compared with water 87Sr/86Sr ratios to better understand natal provenance and movement history, and to identify the scale at which migration influences population processes. Golden perch were predominantly locally spawned (Darling River), although we found some evidence of emigration into the nearby Murray River early in life and return movements into the Darling River. Murray cod were mainly locally spawned and thereafter lifelong residents, with some evidence of stocking supplementing populations. Silver perch were mostly immigrants, with the Murray River (>500 km away) the principal source of fish. For recovery of native fish populations to be effective in the Darling River, recovery actions are required that incorporate knowledge on the relevant spatial and temporal scales over which life history processes occur.

Utility of statolith elemental chemistry as a proxy for temperature to elucidate the movements of the Irukandji jellyfish species Alatina alata

Movements undertaken by marine organisms occur for varying reasons and knowledge surrounding them is critically important for understanding population structures, ecology and for effective management and conservation of species. The objective of this study was to test a hypothesis that the cubozoan jellyfishAlatina alataspends a large part of its life at great depths by utilising the recently validated technique of statolith elemental chemistry. The approach was to ground-truth estimates of temperature based on a previous manipulative laboratory-based experiment, determine Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios in the statoliths ofA. alataat different life-history stages and use elemental chemistry as an environmental marker to estimate their life-time movements. High Sr:Ca values in the core and edge of the statoliths were found which corresponded with the time jellyfish were in shallow waters. Ambient water temperatures estimated for the end period of the jellyfish's lives closely matched known sea surface temperatures in Hawaii, hence supporting a correlation between statolith Sr:Ca and temperature. For the middle section of the statoliths, strong evidence from both Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios suggested that the jellyfish reached depths of at least 200-400 m. Ba:Sr maxima further supported this as Ba concentrations are usually higher below the thermocline. Individual Sr:Ca tracks also suggested that individuals moved over a depth range of tens to hundreds of meters through undertaking regular vertical movements. This study demonstrates that the use of elemental chemistry within cubozoan statoliths has the potential to determine vertical and horizontal movements where temperature gradients are strong.

Shedding light on the migratory patterns of the Amazonian goliath catfish, Brachyplatystoma platynemum, using otolith 87Sr/86Sr analyses

Abstract In the Amazon, migratory catfishes of the genus Brachyplatystoma are apex predators that are important for fisheries and conservation. The life cycle of Brachyplatystoma platynemum Boulenger, 1898 is poorly known, although it has been hypothesized to be very similar to that of Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii Castelnau, 1855, which uses the entire length of the Amazon basin to complete its life cycle (from the Andes to the estuary). This study provides the first data on the migratory patterns of B. platynemum at the individual level using otolith microchemistry. In total, 94 individuals were sampled close to major breeding areas in the Amazon basin (78 fish from the middle and upper Madeira River and 14 fish from the upper Amazon), and their lifetime movements were assessed by measuring variations in 87Sr/86Sr along transverse sections of their otoliths (ear stones), using laser ablation multi‐collector mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS). The migrations of B. platynemum are not as extensive as those of B. rousseauxii, and do not involve natal homing. Furthermore, the estuary is not a nursery area, at least for fish hatched in the Madeira. Nevertheless, B. platynemum migrates several thousand kilometres within the Amazon basin, with transboundary displacements between at least Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru. Current and planned hydroelectric development in the Amazon basin will severely disrupt both migration and access to breeding grounds, ultimately affecting the recruitment and population dynamics of these apex predators. The conservation of B. platynemum is crucial for the stability of the Amazonian aquatic food webs. This requires building effective fish passage on the two existing Madeira dams and considering alternative options to the large‐scale hydropower development in the Amazon basin.

Study of Convective Cloud Lifetime and Movement Using Radar Image and ECMWF Model

Clouds as actors in the atmospheric dynamics, it is important to learn especially the convective cloud. Utilization of numerical weather models is expected to interpret weather conditions, particularly to identify lifetime and convective cloud movements with ECMWF Model. Radar data is used to show the characteristic of convective clouds that producing hail and heavy rain with digitization method and life history method. Maximum VIL value of hail case studies in Bogor is 45 kg/m2; maximum reflectivity is 65 dBz reaches a height of 9 km at 08.12 UTC. Three Body Scatter Spike (TBSS) appear as a mark will occur hail process. The growth of convective clouds that producing hail on July 5 2016, in Bogor, occurred for 140 minutes. The cumulus stage takes 33 minutes, the mature stage takes 80 minutes, and the dissipation stage takes 27 minutes. The convective clouds move from southeast-south is caused by regional factors, with speed of 12-18 knots. Relative Humidity (RH) 85-90% is present in layers 840 mbar to 810 mbar. Maximum VIL value of heavy rain case studies is 5 kg/m2, and maximum reflectivity is 58 dBz. The growth of convective clouds that producing heavy rain on February 16 2016 occurred for 220 minutes. The cumulus stage takes 30 minutes, the mature stage takes 150 minutes, and the dissipation stage takes 40 minutes. The convective clouds move from the northwest is caused by regional factors, with speed of 5-10 knots. Relative Humidity (RH) is more than 95% is present in layers 400 mbar to 200 mbar.

Site fidelity and movements of an amphidromous goby revealed by otolith multi‐elemental signatures along a tropical watershed

AbstractOtolith microchemistry can provide crucial information to address gaps of knowledge in spatio‐temporal ecology of fish species. However, understanding the seasonal variability of water chemistry and its effect on otolith signatures is needed to interpret fish movements. Otolith multi‐elemental signatures were used to examine the diadromous migration and small‐scale movements of a tropical goby (Sicyopterus lagocephalus) within a watershed in La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean. The elemental ratios Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca and Sr:Ba recorded monthly in the water of nine sampling sites varied between localities and were correlated with otolith signatures, whereas the Mg:Ca signature was not. The incorporation of some trace elements in otoliths was influenced by the size of fish and site where they were caught, reflecting an effect of endogenous and exogenous factors. Despite these sources of variation, the elemental signatures did not overlap for three river sections distributed along the 26‐km‐long watershed. The diadromous migration and fish lifetime movements between these river sections were reconstructed using an original process based on random forest analysis. This approach revealed distinct migratory behaviours after fish entered in the river, with some individuals progressing slowly in the watershed whereas other rapidly reached the upper localities. As adults, S. lagocephalus showed a restricted exploratory behaviour and a strong site fidelity to a particular part of the watershed. The detection of adult movement was typically only between adjacent locations and is possibly explained by shifts in local intraspecific hierarchies and/or displacement during extreme discharge caused by cyclones.

Role of breeding and natal movements in lifetime dispersal of a forest-dwelling rodent.

The lifetime movements of an individual determine the gene flow and invasion potential of the species. However, sex dependence of dispersal and selective pressures driving dispersal have gained much more attention than dispersal at different life and age stages. Natal dispersal is more common than dispersal between breeding attempts, but breeding dispersal may be promoted by resource availability and competition. Here, we utilize mark–recapture data on the nest‐box population of Siberian flying squirrels to analyze lifetime dispersal patterns. Natal dispersal means the distance between the natal nest and the nest used the following year, whereas breeding movements refer to the nest site changes between breeding attempts. The movement distances observed here were comparable to distances reported earlier from radio‐telemetry studies. Breeding movements did not contribute to lifetime dispersal distance and were not related to variation in food abundance or habitat patch size. Breeding movements of males were negatively, albeit not strongly, related to male population size. In females, breeding movement activity was low and was not related to previous breeding success or to competition between females for territories. Natal philopatry was linked to apparent death of a mother; that is, we did not find evidence for mothers bequeathing territories for offspring, like observed in some other rodent species. Our results give an example of a species in which breeding movements are not driven by environmental variability or nest site quality. Different evolutionary forces often operate in natal and breeding movements, and our study supports the view that juveniles are responsible for redistributing individuals within and between populations. This emphasizes the importance of knowledge on natal dispersal, if we want to understand consequences of movement ecology of the species at the population level.

Trans‐Amazonian natal homing in giant catfish

Summary Knowledge of fish migration is a prerequisite to sustainable fisheries management and preservation, especially in large international river basins. In particular, understanding whether a migratory lifestyle is compulsory or facultative, and whether adults home to their natal geographic area is paramount to fully appraise disruptions of longitudinal connectivity resulting from damming. In the Amazon, the large migratory catfishes of the Brachyplatystoma genus are apex predators of considerable interest for fisheries. They are believed to use the entire length of the basin to perform their life cycle, with hypothesized homing behaviours. Here, we tested these hypotheses, using the emblematic B. rousseauxii as a model species. We sampled adults close to major breeding areas in the Amazon basin (upper Madeira and upper Amazonas) and assessed their lifetime movements by measuring variations in 87Sr/86Sr along transverse sections of their otoliths (ear stones) using laser ablation multicollector mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICPMS). We demonstrate that larvae migrate downstream from the Andean piedmont to the lower Amazon, where they grow over a protracted period before migrating upstream as adults. Contrary to prevailing inferences, not all fish spend their nursery stages in the Amazon estuary. By contrast, the passage in the lower or central Amazon seems an obligate part of the life cycle. We further evidence that most adults home to their natal geographic area within the Madeira sub‐basin. Such long‐distance natal homing is exceptional in purely freshwater fishes. Synthesis and applications. By using otolith microchemistry, we were able to demonstrate a seemingly compulsory basin‐wide migratory life cycle of large Amazonian catfishes. This makes them the organisms performing the longest migrations (>8000 km) in fresh waters. This exceptional life history is already jeopardized by two dams recently built in the Madeira River, which block a major migration route and access to a substantial part of their spawning grounds. Major impacts can be anticipated from the current and forthcoming hydroelectric development in the Amazon basin, not only on the populations and fisheries of this apex predator, but also on Amazonian food webs through trophic cascades.

Predicting global population connectivity and targeting conservation action for snow leopard across its range

Movements of individuals within and among populations help to maintain genetic variability and population viability. Therefore, understanding landscape connectivity is vital for effective species conservation. The snow leopard is endemic to mountainous areas of central Asia and occurs within 12 countries. We assess potential connectivity across the species’ range to highlight corridors for dispersal and genetic flow between populations, prioritizing research and conservation action for this wide‐ranging, endangered top‐predator.We used resistant kernel modeling to assess snow leopard population connectivity across its global range. We developed an expert‐based resistance surface that predicted cost of movement as functions of topographical complexity and land cover. The distribution of individuals was simulated as a uniform density of points throughout the currently accepted global range. We modeled population connectivity from these source points across the resistance surface using three different dispersal scenarios that likely bracket the lifetime movements of individual snow leopard: 100 km, 500 km and 1000 km.The resistant kernel models produced predictive surfaces of dispersal frequency across the snow leopard range for each distance scenario. We evaluated the pattern of connectivity in each of these scenarios and identified potentially important movement corridors and areas where connectivity might be impeded. The models predicted two regional populations, in the north and south of the species range respectively, and revealed a number of potentially important connecting areas. Discrepancies between model outputs and observations highlight unsurveyed areas of connected habitat that urgently require surveying to improve understanding of the global distribution and ecology of snow leopard, and target land management actions to prevent population isolation. The connectivity maps provide a strong basis for directed research and conservation action, and usefully direct the attention of policy makers.

Mark-recapture on large spatial scale reveals long distance dispersal in the Marsh Fritillary, Euphydryas aurinia

1. Long distance dispersal (LDD), or movements far beyond the occupied habitat borders, maintains the integrity of metapopulations in fragmented landscapes. Recent studies on butterflies increasingly reveal that LDD exists even in species that were long regarded as sedentary. Mark–recapture (MR) studies covering larger study areas typically reveal movements among distant colonies. 2. We studied dispersal of the EU-protected, regionally endangered Euphydryas aurinia Rottemburg butterfly in the Czech Republic, using two complementary MR approaches. The single system study was carried out for eight seasons within 30 habitat patches covering 28 ha. The multiple populations study was carried out for a single season, but covering almost all Czech colonies of the species (82 colonies, 110 distinct patches, total area 324 ha within ca 1500 km2). 3. Single system mean lifetime movements were consistently higher for males, but slopes of dispersal kernel power functions were shallower for females, implying that higher proportions of females crossed distances of several kilometres. 4. The multiple populations study allowed detection of 51 lifetime movements exceeding 5 km (41 males, 10 females) and 14 movements exceeding 10 km (13 males, 1 female). Both mean lifetime movements and slopes of the dispersal kernels varied among systems, with no consistent pattern between sexes. All Czech Republic populations are within 0.1% movement probability of both sexes, whereas 1% movement probability delimits three separate management units. 5. Dispersal predictions from local data underestimate total mobility, warning against the use of local MR data for extrapolating long-distance movements. Local dispersal data, however, remain useful for analysing finer details of insect mobility.

Generation-scale movement patterns of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus) in a stream network

Movements by stream fishes have long been the subject of study and controversy. Although much discussion has focused on what proportion of fish adopt mobility within particular life stages, a larger issue involves the lifetime movements of individuals. I evaluated movements of different sizes and ages of Colorado River cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus ) using a variety of sampling methods from 1996 to 2001 in a 40 km network of main-stem and tributary segments of the North Fork Little Snake River, Wyoming, USA. The probability of movement was related to the period of observation, initial location, and possibly individual growth rate, whereas distance moved was related to fish size and initial location. Furthermore, it appeared that movements by juveniles were mostly downstream, whereas those of older fish were largely upstream. Movement of cutthroat trout in this basin appeared to be driven by ontogenetic changes in habitat use and variation in habitat productivity. Given that this stream network exemplifies the complexity typical of many mountain watersheds, movement as a life history tactic in fishes may be more common than is sometimes recognized.

Strontium isotope evidence of Neanderthal mobility at the site of Lakonis, Greece using laser-ablation PIMMS

We report here direct evidence for Neanderthal mobility through the measurement of strontium isotope ratios in tooth enamel using laser-ablation, which allows us to use much smaller samples than traditional methods. There has been a long-standing debate over the extent of Neanderthal mobility, with some arguing for Neanderthals having a very limited geographic range and others for more substantial, and even seasonal, lifetime movements. We sampled across the enamel of a Neanderthal third molar from the site of Lakonis, Greece, dating to ca. 40,000 years ago. The tooth was found in a coastal limestone cave, yet the strontium isotope values indicate the enamel was formed while the individual resided in a region with bedrock consisting of older (more radiogenic) volcanic bedrock. Therefore, this individual must have lived in a different (more radiogenic) location during this period of third molar crown formation (likely to be between the ages of 7 and 9 years) than where the tooth was found. This strontium isotope evidence therefore indicates that this Neanderthal moved over a relatively wide (i.e. at least 20 km) geographical range in their lifetime.

Fish otolith trace element maps: new approaches with synchrotron microbeam x‐ray fluorescence

AbstractOtoliths, the carbonate earstones of fishes, take up minor and trace amounts of elements as they accrete through a fish's life. We apply synchrotron microbeam x‐ray fluorescence methods to establish a breakthrough in high‐resolution, simultaneous area mapping of multiple trace elements in otoliths, with spatial resolution down to 20 µm and trace element detection down into the part per million range for multiple elements. Concentration maps of Ca, Sr, Zn and, for the first time, Ba, Mn, and Se are obtained simultaneously. Combinations of these elemental maps provide new insights into the environmental history of fishes and their lifetime movements, illustrated by several case studies. This method helps pave the way toward improved spatial analysis of otolith microchemistry. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Movement patterns of American eels (Anguilla rostrata) between salt- and freshwater in a coastal watershed, based on otolith microchemistry

Otolith strontium:calcium ratios were used to trace lifetime movements of American eels (Anguilla rostrata) captured in salt-water bays and adjoining freshwater ponds in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Eels were classified into migratory contingents based on their movement patterns. A pond with a pool-and-weir salmonid fishway and a pond drained by a low-gradient channel contained eels that had entered freshwater at all ages, but a pond with a 2.2 m vertical spillway contained only eels that had entered freshwater in the elver year. Salt-water residents were the dominant migratory contingent in salt-water bays (85% of 39), which overturns the paradigm of obligate catadromy for this species. Freshwater residency was the sole pattern found in the pond with the vertical spillway (100% of 12) and the majority contingent in the pond with the low-gradient channel (54% of 24). Inter-habitat shifting was the dominant migratory contingent in eels sampled from the pond with the pool-and-weir fishway (85% of 20). Resident eels were established in salt- and freshwater habitats by the year after their arrival in continental waters. Eels that shifted between habitats increased their rate of inter-habitat shifting with age. The high degree of plasticity in habitat use found in this study is consistent with worldwide Anguillid patterns as revealed by Sr:Ca.

On animal distributions in dynamic landscapes

Few landscapes are static and patterns of resource distribution can vary markedly in time and space. Patterns of movement and dispersal in response to environmental change are equally diverse and occur on a broad range of temporal scales. For patterns of movement and dispersal that vary spatially and temporally throughout the life-time of an individual, the concepts of home range and geographic range alone do not adequately describe the observed patterns of distribution of individuals, populations or species. Here we further simplify Gauthreaux (1982) classification of movement types into a simple bipartite system and link movements (or lack thereof) to a similarly simple classification of ranges. In addition, we introduce two new indices that describe the relationship of an individual's life-time movements to its distribution as described by home and geographic range. Our interest in this subject arose from endeavouring to interpret local changes in waterbird abundance in the arid interior of the Australian continent and to understand these changes in relation to patterns of resource distribution and movement. In this discussion we focus on terrestrial vertebrates capable of multiple breeding events throughout an extended life-time.

Reconstructing the lifetime movements of ancient people: a Neolithic case study from southern England

A new procedure is described in which combined lead and strontium isotope analysis of archaeological human dental tissues can be used to comment on the lifetime movements of individuals. A case study is presented of four Neolithic burials – an adult female and three juveniles – from a shared burial pit excavated at Monkton-up-Wimbourne, Dorset. It is demonstrated that the adult's place of origin was at least 80km to the north-west in the area of the Mendips. It is also shown that all three juveniles moved over significant distances during their lives.

Reconstructing the Lifetime Movements of Ancient People: A Neolithic Case Study from Southern England

A new procedure is described in which combined lead and strontium isotope analysis of archaeological human dental tissues can be used to comment on the lifetime movements of individuals. A case study is presented of four Neolithic burials – an adult female and three juveniles – from a shared burial pit excavated at Monkton-up-Wimbourne, Dorset. It is demonstrated that the adult's place of origin was at least 80km to the north-west in the area of the Mendips. It is also shown that all three juveniles moved over significant distances during their lives.

Reconstructing the lifetime movements of ancient people: A Neolithic case study from southern England

A new procedure is described in which combined lead and strontium isotope analysis of archaeological human dental tissues can be used to comment on the lifetime movements of individuals. A case study is presented of four Neolithic burials – an adult female and three juveniles – from a shared burial pit excavated at Monkton-up-Wimbourne, Dorset. It is demonstrated that the adult's place of origin was at least 80km to the north-west in the area of the Mendips. It is also shown that all three juveniles moved over significant distances during their lives.