Mustela Frenata Research Articles

An Addition to the Mammalian Fauna of Saskatchewan: The Western Harvest Mouse, <em>Reithrodontomys megalotis</em>

The Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) is rare in Canada, and its distribution is believed to be restricted to south-central British Columbia and southeastern Alberta. Between 2008 and 2010, we identified Western Harvest Mouse hairs in 71 of 1424 scats (5%) of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Coyote (Canis latrans), American Badger (Taxidea taxus), and Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) collected in southwestern Saskatchewan. The presence of Western Harvest Mouse was confirmed at the same latitude as populations reported in Alberta and British Columbia, in scats collected in or nearby grasslands. This is the first time that the presence of the Western Harvest Mouse has been confirmed in Saskatchewan.

Out of the tropics: a phylogeographic history of the long-tailed weasel,Mustela frenata

The long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) has the largest distribution of any mustelid in the Western Hemisphere, yet little is known of its genetic history. As a result of its broad distribution, the species provides an excellent model for identifying potential barriers influencing general phylogeographic patterns shared across multiple taxa. Here we used mitochondrial DNA with phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and molecular dating techniques to investigate molecular and geographical structure, as well as demographic history of M. frenata. Samples encompass 38 of the 42 recognized subspecies ranging from southern Canada to Bolivia. Our results suggest that long-tailed weasels are divided into distinct genetic clades, with eastern and western groups present in North America, 2 distinct lineages in Mexico and Central America separated by the trans-Mexican volcanic belt, and 1 clade in South America. Unlike other Mustela in North America, long-tailed weasels appear to have originated in the tropical areas of Mexico and Central America prior to dispersing 1st to the south before also expanding north in the Pleistocene.

Effects of urbanization on carnivore species distribution and richness

Urban development can have multiple effects on mammalian carnivore communities. We conducted a meta-analysis of 7,929 photographs from 217 localities in 11 camera-trap studies across coastal southern California to describe habitat use and determine the effects of urban proximity (distance to urban edge) and intensity (percentage of area urbanized) on carnivore occurrence and species richness in natural habitats close to the urban boundary. Coyotes (Canis latrans) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) were distributed widely across the region. Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), mountain lions (Puma concolor), and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) were detected less frequently, and long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata), American badgers (Taxidea taxus), western spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis), and domestic cats (Felis catus) were detected rarely. Habitat use generally reflected availability for most species. Coyote and raccoon occurrence increased with both proximity to and intensity of urbanization, whereas bobcat, gray fox, and mountain lion occurrence decreased with urban proximity and intensity. Domestic dogs and Virginia opossums exhibited positive and weak negative relationships, respectively, with urban intensity but were unaffected by urban proximity. Striped skunk occurrence increased with urban proximity but decreased with urban intensity. Native species richness was negatively associated with urban intensity but not urban proximity, probably because of the stronger negative response of individual species to urban intensity.

Camera trap survey of medium and large mammals in a montane rainforest of northern Peru

Camera traps are a powerful tool for inventorying elusive and rare species and very useful to obtain ecologi- cal data for plans that involve wildlife conservation. In Peru, several surveys have been carried out in lowland Amazonia especially in the southeastern part of the country, but none in montane cloud forests or Yungas. We present the first camera trap studies produced in Peruvian Yungas at the locality of Querocoto village (Chota, Cajamarca), based on 2002 (dry season) and 1264 (wet season) camera traps-days (CTD). Two localities were surveyed in wet and dry season: The Pagaibamba Protection Forest and the San Lorenzo Forest. The wet season study was carried out in October and November, and the dry season in July to September of 2008. Eight mammalian species were recorded in both seasons. Some 66 (91.7%) independent records were obtained in the dry season, but only six (8.3%) in the wet one, suggesting a seasonality effect. The Mountain Paca Cunicu- lus taczanowskii was the most commonly photographed species, with 17.0 and 1.6 capture frequencies (dry and wet season respectively), whereas the Long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata (0.5 capture frequency in the dry season) was the most rare species. Activity patterns suggest that Mountain Paca C. taczanowskii and the Andean Skunk C. chinga are nocturnal, while Spectacled Bear T. ornatus and Tayra E. barbara are diurnal in the study area. Our records of the Ocelot Leopardus pardalis and the Tayra E. barbara are among the highest altitudinal records known for each species. In addition, the Anta Tapirus pinchaque was also identified by its tracks, representing one of the first record known south of the Huancabamba Depression.

Mustela or Vison? Evidence for the taxonomic status of the American mink and a distinct biogeographic radiation of American weasels

The American mink’s relationship to the weasels in Mustela has been uncertain. Karyological, morphological, and phylogenetic comparisons to Eurasian Mustela support placing the mink outside the genus as Neovison vison. However, genetic comparisons that incorporate other endemic American Mustela suggest the interpretation of N. vison’s position to Mustela has been handicapped by biased geographic sampling. Here, we analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome- b from all weasels endemic to the Americas, including two poorly known South American species ( M. felipei, M. africana), weasels native to North America ( M. vison, M. frenata, M. nigripes), Mustela migrant to North America ( M. erminea, M. nivalis), palearctic Mustela, and other American members of Mustelidae. Bayesian and likelihood inference methods were used to construct a phylogeny of Mustela, and relaxed Bayesian phylogenetic techniques estimated ages of divergence within the genus using priors calibrated by fossil ages. Our analyses show that the American mink and the smaller Mustela endemic to the Americas represent a distinct phylogenetic heritage apart from their Eurasian cousins, and biogeographic barriers like the Bering and Panamanian land bridges have influenced the evolutionary history of Mustela in the Americas.

Major volatile compounds from the anal gland of the long-tailed weasel, Mustela frenata

1. Subject and sourceThe anal gland secretion was obtained from a single, adult male, long-tailed weasel, Mustela frenata, collected inHumboldt County, California. Michael King, Manager of the Vertebrate Museum at Humboldt State University,verified the species identification.2. Previous workVolatilecompoundshavebeendescribedfromtheanalglandsecretionofmanymembersofthegenus,Mustela,butthis is the first report on the secretion from the long-tailed weasel, M. frenata. Previous work on this genus include:American mink, Mustela vison (Brinck et al., 1978, 1983; Schildknecht et al., 1976, 1981); ferret, Mustela putorius(Crump, 1980b; Crump and Moors, 1985; Schildknecht et al., 1976; Schildknecht and Birkner, 1983); Siberian wea-sel, Mustela sibirica (Zhang et al., 2002, 2003); steppe polecat, Mustela eversmanni (Zhang et al., 2002, 2003); stoat,Mustela erminea (Brinck et al., 1983; Crump, 1978, 1980a; Crump and Moors, 1985; Schildknecht and Birkner,1983); and least weasel, Mustela nivalis (Brinck et al., 1983; Buglass et al., 1991; Schildknecht and Birkner, 1983).3. Present studyGas chromatographemass spectral (GCeMS) analysis of a CH

Predation as a Cause of Neurologic Signs and Acute Mortality in a Pheasant Flock

A flock of approximately 15,000 ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) was evaluated for a sudden increase in mortality and acute neurological signs after having been previously diagnosed 3 wk earlier with a chronic respiratory disease of undetermined etiology. Approximately 25 live birds were displaying neurological signs including circling, ataxia, and obtunded behavior and 50 birds were dead. Three birds with neurological signs were submitted for evaluation. Extensive subcutaneous hemorrhage over the head and penetrating puncture wounds through the skull and into the brain were found. Trauma from a wild predatory mammal, most likely the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) that had invaded the pheasant house and expressed surplus killing behavior was determined to be the cause of the acute neurological signs and mortality. The relationship of the chronic respiratory disease to the predation episode was not determined but it is possible that pheasants with severe respiratory disease may have had increased susceptibility to predation.

Morphological and Molecular Discrimination of Mustela erminea (Ermines) and M. frenata (Long-tailed Weasels) in Eastern Canada

Abstract Unambiguous species identification is fundamental, especially when attempting to study species-specific interactions or management and conservation issues. Current weasel identification methods are based on external and cranial morphology, yet North American weasels show significant geographic variation in size and considerable overlap occurs in measurements of Mustela erminea and M. frenata. As a result, these species can easily be confused. Our objectives were to : (1) develop a simple method based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses to classify Mustela spp. in eastern Quebec, Canada; (2) validate existing external and cranial morphological criteria in the literature for weasel identification; and (3) calculate discriminant functions based on genetically identified specimens to aid in Mustela identification where genetic laboratory facilities are not readily available. Skeletal and external measurements were taken on adult male Mustela specimens (n = 28) that had been co...

Influence of Mammal Activity on Nesting Success of Passerines

For many avian species, predation is the leading cause of nest failure. However, relationships between predator abundance and nest predation often differ across spatial scales. We examined the relationship between environmental characteristics in meadows and mammalian predator activity, the relationship between predator activity at 2 spatial scales, and the probability of nest predation of willow flycatchers (Empidonax traillii), dusky flycatchers (Empidonax oberholseri), and yellow warblers (Dendroica petechia) in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA. Environmental characteristics associated with the detection of nest predators varied depending on species. Douglas's squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) and chipmunks (Tamias spp.) were associated with characteristics common along edges of meadows; short-tailed weasels (Mustela erminea) were associated with willows, whereas mice (Peromyscus maniculatus, Reithrodontomys megalotis, and Microtus spp.) and long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata) were distributed throughout the meadows. The probability of predation of willow and dusky flycatcher nests increased with increasing short-tailed weasel activity, and the probability of predation of yellow warbler nests increased with increasing activity of chipmunks and short-tailed weasels. Variation in the occurrence of predator species in different areas of the meadows likely influences the probability of nest predation by each species and the nesting success of birds. Identifying factors that influence the distribution and abundance of common nest predators will likely be integral to the development of conservation efforts to increase the reproductive success of some bird species.

FLEAS (SIPHONAPTERA) AND TICKS (ARACHNIDA: ACARI: IXODIDA) PARASITIZING SMALL MAMMALS IN THE SIERRA SAN ANTONIO PEÑA NEVADA, STATE OF NUEVO LEÓN, MEXICO

The region of the Sierra San Antonio Pena Nevada is considered a priority terrestrial area for conservation. Studies of its flora and fauna are scarce, especially with regard to host-parasite relationships. The aim of this study was to determine the host-parasite relationship between small mammals and fleas and ticks, because of the lack of taxonomic studies of this relationship. Small mammals were collected with Sherman type traps during a period since February 2000 to December 2002. These animals were anesthetized with chloroform and then ectoparasites were separated. A total of nine species of small mammals were collected Liomys irroratus, Neotoma goldmani, Neotoma mexicana, Peromyscus boylii, Peromyscus maniculatus, Microtus mexicanus; Mustela frenata; Cratogeomys castanops, and Thomomys umbrinus; on which six species of ectoparasites were found, corresponding Dermacentor albipictus, Ixodes sp., Argas sp., Hoplopsyllus affinis, Stenoponia americana and Nosopsyllus fasciatus. The present is the first study in SSAPN about the host-parasite relationship.

THE ROLE OF FERAL MAMMALS ON WILDLIFE INFECTIOUS DISEASE PREVALENCE IN TWO NATURE RESERVES WITHIN MEXICO CITY LIMITS

Wild and feral medium-sized mammals were live trapped at two natural protected areas within the Mexico City limits to determine antibody prevalence for the most common infectious diseases (rabies, toxoplasmosis, and canine parvovirus) in dogs and cats. Mammals were trapped during the dry (March-April) and rainy seasons (July-August) of 1996 and 1997. A total of 68 individuals were captured, representing 8 species: opossums (Didelphis virginiana), ringtails (Bassariscus astutus), spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis), weasels (Mustela frenata), rock squirrels (Spermophilus variegatus), Mexican gray squirrels (Sciurus aureogaster), feral cats (Felis catus), and feral dogs (Canis familiaris). There was marked seroprevalence for parvovirus (86.6%) and lower seroprevalences for both toxoplasma (23.9%) and rabies (17.9%). There were no significant prevalence differences among mammals in both protected areas, which were of contrasting size and isolation (i.e., small and isolated versus large and nonisolated). We suggest that high seroprevalence of these three infectious agents in wild mammals is a result of the high densities of feral dogs and cats in the two areas sampled. Feral dogs are able to maintain the infectious agents in these localities regardless of the protected area size and isolation. However, the native mammals of the small and isolated reserve are more vulnerable to infectious diseases because of small population size and genetic bottlenecks. Our results indicate that natural areas in and around Mexico City are a refugium for latent infectious agents, several of which are zoonotic. These findings suggest that conservation measures, such as eradication of feral mammals and vaccination programs, in the protected areas and surrounding areas could be beneficial.

Ten new polymorphic microsatellite loci for North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) and their utility in related mustelids

AbstractWe describe 10 novel North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) polymorphic microsatellite loci. Individuals from two river drainages in New York were sampled, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 12 (Drainage 1) and two to 10 (Drainage 2). Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.21 to 0.83 (Drainage 1) and 0.20 to 0.80 (Drainage 2). Preliminary screening revealed that loci amplified in five other mustelids [Martes pennanti (n = 6), Martes fiona (n = 8), Mustela frenata (n = 8), Mustela erminea (n = 8) and Mustela vison (n = 5)].

Reproduction, foraging and the negative density–area relationship of a generalist rodent

While many species show positive relationships between population density and habitat patch area, some species consistently show higher densities in smaller patches. Few studies have examined mechanisms that may cause species to have negative density-area relationships. We tested the hypothesis that greater reproduction in edge versus interior habitats and small versus large fragments contributes to higher densities of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in small versus large forest fragments. We also examined vegetation structure and foraging tray utilization to evaluate if greater reproduction was a result of higher food availability. There were greater number of litters and proportion of females producing litters in the edge versus interior of forest fragments, which may have contributed to greater population growth rates and higher densities in edge versus interior and small versus large fragments. Data on vegetation structure and giving-up densities of seeds in artificial patches suggest that food availability may be higher in edge versus interior habitats and small versus large fragments. These results, in an area with few or no long-tailed weasels, provide a distinct contrast to the findings of Morris and Davidson (Ecology 81:2061, 2000) who observed lower reproduction in forest edge habitat as a result of high weasel predation, suggesting that specialist predators may be important in affecting the quality of edge habitat. While we cannot exclude the potential contributions of immigration, emigration, and mortality, our data suggest that greater reproduction in edge versus interior habitat is an important factor contributing to higher densities of P. leucopus in small fragments.

Long-tailed Weasel, <em>Mustela frenata</em>, Movements and Diggings in Alfalfa Fields Inhabited by Northern Pocket Gophers, <em>Thomomys talpoides</em>

Little is known about the movements of Long-tailed Weasels (Mustela frenata) in alfalfa (Medicago spp.) fields inhabited by Northern Pocket Gophers (Thomomys talpoides). In central Alberta, I intermittently followed the movements of Long-tailed Weasels during two consecutive winters. Three types of movements were observed: straight-line movements across the fields; sinuous movements along the edges of the field; and arc movements within the field, over concentrations of Northern Pocket Gopher burrow systems. Arc movements were 0.6-28-m-wide at their base, and extended from 6 to 45 m into the field. Movements of Long-tailed Weasels into the fields were accompanied by fresh diggings in Northern Pocket Gopher burrow systems, which became inactive thereafter. This study suggests that Long-tailed Weasels may have a cognitive map of the distribution of Northern Pocket Gophers in their home range.

Identification and palaeoenvironmental significance of late-Quaternary ermine (Mustela erminea) in the central Columbia Basin, Washington, northwestern USA

Distinguishing late-quaternary remains of long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) from those of ermine (M. erininea) usually depends on size as the former species tends to be larger than the latter. Clinal variation and character displacement among these two taxa make comparative data taken from modern specimens of similar location to prehistoric holocene-age specimens mandatory for valid identifications. Taxonomically diagnostic criteria for modern long-tailed weasels and ermines in eastern Washington indcate that the smallest remains of Mustela represent ermines, mid-size remains cannot be identified to spcies, and the largest remains represent long-tailed weasel. Re-evaluation of small late-Quaternary Mvustela specimens originally identified as ermine suggests that all but two of them cannot be assigned to species. The original identification of one of the remaining specimens as ermine is confirmed. The latto middlHolocene age of the confirmed ermine specimen corresponds to a period of cooler and moister climates, and this accounts for its recovery from modern warm-dry areas in eastern Washington where ermine do not occur today.

Home Range and Movements of Long-tailed Weasels in a Landscape Fragmented by Agriculture

Quantitative assessments of home-range dynamics and movements of long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata) are lacking, in spite of the importance of these data to understanding how habitat fragmentation influences behavior, ecology, and interspecific interactions. During autumn to late winter 1998‐2000, we monitored 11 long-tailed weasels (7 male, 4 female) via radiotelemetry to examine home-range dynamics and movement rates in an Indiana landscape fragmented by agriculture. Mean (6 SE) 95% adaptive kernel contour area for adult females and adult males was 51.8 6 8.1 ha and 180.3 6 60.3 ha, respectively, and differed significantly. Hourly rate of movement for male long-tailed weasels (130.5 6 12.7 m) was greater than that of females (79.2 6 13.5 m). Weasels demonstrated greater hourly rates of movement during the fallow season (138.2 6 12.8 m) compared with the preharvest season (63.0 6 11.2 m). Mean hourly rates of movement were lower in corridors, forest patches, and grassland patches compared to crop fields. Mean hourly rate of movement was positively related with home-range size (P , 0.001) with the greatest rates of movement in the largest home ranges. Mean hourly rate of movement varied inversely with prey biomass (P ¼ 0.07). Our results are consistent with the notion that long-tailed weasels may be sensitive to agriculturally induced fragmentation of habitat and the importance of maintaining landscape connectivity for species conservation.

ECTOPARASITES OF SMALL MAMMALS FROM THE NEWPORT CHEMICAL DEPOT, VERMILLION COUNTY, INDIANA

Ectoparasites of various species of bats, carnivores, insectivores, and rodents were examined from the Newport Chemical Depot in Vermillion County, Indiana. A total of 16 species of hosts was examined for ectoparasites, including Blarina brevicauda, Eptesicus fuscus, Microtus ochrogaster, Microtus pennsylvanicus, Mus musculus, Mustela frenata, Mustela vison, Myotis lucifugus, Myotis septentrionalis, Peromyscus leucopus, Peromyscus maniculatus, Reithrodontomys megalotis, Sorex cinereus, Synaptomys cooperi, Tamias striatus, and Zapus hudsonius. The 49 species of ectoparasites recovered included four fleas, four sucking lice, one true bug, two ticks, and 38 mites. Thirty-two new ectoparasitic host records are reported for Indiana, of which 16 are new records for respective hosts throughout their entire range.

Observations of Long-tailed Weasel, <em>Mustela frenata</em>, Hunting Behavior in Central West Virginia

Using infrared video-surveillance systems during 1999–2000, we observed attempts by two individual Long-tailed Weasels (Mustela frenata) to depredate female Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) and their clutch of eggs. Neither female was captured despite Long-tailed Weasel attacks on multiple nights, but all eggs from one nest were either consumed or cached over a two-night period. Although Long-tailed Weasels have been shown to return quickly to areas of abundant prey, return visit behavior to locations where weasels were unsuccessful or only partially successful are poorly described.

Food Habits of Ermine, <em>Mustela erminea</em>, in a Forested Landscape

Most research pertaining to the diet of North American weasels has been conducted in agricultural areas and may not be representative of diets in forested regions. Ermine carcasses (N = 155) collected from trappers during a two-week harvest (16-30 November 1996) in forested New Brunswick were analyzed for food habits. The contents of 81 stomachs and 98 gastrointestinal tracts (N = 179) were considered as separate eating events and used in the calculation of the percent frequency of occurrence. Results suggest that soricids (28.0%), arvicolines (24.6%), and cricetines (17.3%) comprised two-thirds of their autumn diet. At a species or genus level, the Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) (17.3%) and shrews (Sorex spp.) (28.0%) were shown to have the highest percent occurrence. Squirrels, including the Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and the Eastern Chipmunk (Tamius striatus), comprised 11.2% of the Ermine’s diet; a value higher than has previously been reported.

Body size, niche breadth, and ecologically scaled responses to habitat fragmentation: mammalian predators in an agricultural landscape

The ability to make a priori assessments of a species' response to fragmentation, based on its distribution in the landscape, would serve as a valuable conservation and management tool. During 1997–1999, we monitored 717 scent stations to examine seasonal use of forest patches, corridors, and crop fields by coyotes ( Canis latrans), domestic cats ( Felis catus), foxes ( Vulpes vulpes and Urocyon cinereoargenteus), raccoons ( Procyon lotor), striped skunks ( Mephitis mephitis), opossums ( Didelphis virginiana), and long-tailed weasels ( Mustela frenata). For each species we developed landscape-based ecologically scaled landscape indices (ELSI), and we modeled species spatial distribution across three spatial scales (landscape-level, element-level, and local habitat-level). Our results suggest that these predators view landscape fragmentation at different spatial scales and demonstrate strong interspecific differences in their response to elements of the landscape. All species except coyotes and domestic cats avoided agricultural fields. In general, predator species that were more mobile (i.e. high ESLI for landscape connectivity; coyotes) were characterized by landscape- and element-based logistic models. In contrast, models including local habitat features generally were most appropriate for less mobile or more stenophagous predators (e.g. long-tailed weasels). Our analysis extends the application of the ESLI concept to species assemblages that do not appear to function as metapopulations, and it highlights the importance of examining spatial scale and species-specific responses to habitat fragmentation. We discuss the relevance of these findings for defining ecological landscapes, understanding predator–prey interactions at multiple spatial scales, and conserving predator and prey populations in fragmented landscapes.