Patterns Of Landscape Use Research Articles

Landscape use by prey: Bottom‐up regulation prevails under reduced predation risk

AbstractResource specialist herbivores may suppress antipredator strategies to access scarcely available key resources, while proactive antipredator behaviors should be favored by generalists or when resources are abundant. We quantified the relative effects of predation‐ (top‐down) and resource‐driven (bottom‐up) constraints on spatiotemporal patterns of landscape use by a prey community in a dynamic system under low predator abundance, and investigated how prey manage the risk posed by predators with different hunting strategies. We fitted Royle–Nichols co‐abundance models to camera‐trapping data collected between 2017 and 2019 in Bicuar National Park (Angola), to assess spatial association/segregation across predator–prey dyads, while accounting for the effects of water and food availability during dry and wet seasons. We further estimated pairwise seasonal differences in diel activity overlap between predator and prey. We failed to detect spatiotemporal proactive antipredator responses either toward the cursorial or ambush predator. The community‐wide predator–prey association patterns we found support that predation pressure is insufficient to displace prey from their preferred habitats or to adjust their endogenous clock, and support predominantly bottom‐up regulated behaviors. We suggest that, in landscapes where predator density is low, limited perception of risk may prevent the employment of proactive antipredator behavior.

Differential landscape use by forest owls two years after a mixed‐severity wildfire

AbstractOwls are important avian predators in forested systems, but little is known about landscape use by most forest‐adapted owl species in environments impacted by mixed‐severity wildfire. To better understand species‐specific patterns of post‐wildfire landscape use within an owl guild, we used passive acoustic monitoring using autonomous recording units. The technology is effective for multi‐species surveys, especially if some species are rare, nocturnal, or difficult to detect by traditional means. In 2017, we surveyed the interior and adjacent unburned areas of a 10,700‐ha mixed‐severity wildfire that burned in 2015 in southwest Oregon. We used occupancy modeling to identify patterns of landscape use by five species of forest owls: barred owls (Strix varia), great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), western screech‐owls (Megascops kennicottii), northern pygmy‐owls (Glaucidium gnoma), and northern saw‐whet owls (Aegolius acadicus). Our results showed a positive relationship between increasing fire severity and probability of use by western screech‐owls and a similar but somewhat weaker relationship for northern pygmy‐owls. Barred owls were rarely detected in severely burned areas and their use decreased with increased fire severity. We observed generally low landscape use for great horned owls, which decreased with increased fire severity and at higher elevations. Thus, four out of the five species appeared to use recently burned forests at different levels, with only northern saw‐whet owls showing near‐complete avoidance of the burned area. These findings increase our understanding of the basic ecology of each species and highlight the varied use of burned areas within this community. These previously undocumented patterns of landscape use in burned landscapes should provide insights to managers and policymakers in the Pacific Northwest as climate shifts, and fires may increase in size, frequency, and severity.

Vegetation Height and Diurnal Period Influenced the Landscape-Use Pattern of Small Ruminants in Woodlands around Summer

Despite the huge potential of using woodlands for small ruminant grazing in the southeast US, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimize the utilization of such vegetation. This study aimed to determine the effect of vegetation height and diurnal period on the behavior and distribution patterns of goats and sheep in woodlands around summer. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4 ha each) comprising southern pines and non-pine (non-target) plant species. Non-pine plants in each study plot were assigned to four treatments: cut to 0 m, 0.9 m, or 1.5 m from the ground level or left uncut (control). Cut plant stubs were allowed to regrow to full canopy before stocking animals. Eight Kiko wethers and five Katahdin rams were rotationally stocked in separate plots, and their diurnal (dawn–dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns were monitored when they were in each plot (three plots per animal species) around the summer of 2018. Animal behavior data were analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure with multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in SAS, while animal distribution pattern and weather data were analyzed in SAS using a GLM procedure and the distribution evenness index (DEI) using the Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test in R. Level of significance was set at 5%. Both animal species visited the control area the least. Wethers browsed predominantly in areas where non-pine plants were cut to 0.9 m from the ground level, and rams grazed mostly in areas where non-pine plants were cut to the ground level, mostly during the post-midday period. Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was a predominant diurnal behavior in both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), mostly during the midday period. Wethers had a higher value for DEI than rams during the morning and post-midday periods. This study established that (1) the utilization of woodland understory foliage by small ruminants can be increased by lowering plant height, and (2) both vegetation characteristics and diurnal period are important factors for influencing small ruminants’ behavior while stocked in woodlands around summer.

234 Woodlands for Expanding the Grazing Opportunity for Small Ruminants in the Southeast: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract Woodlands account for around 60 percent of the land cover in the Southeast and offer a great potential for expanding the grazing opportunity for small ruminants. However, such opportunities and challenges associated with woodland grazing have not been documented well. The objectives of this study were to 1) develop strategies for increasing understory-vegetation biomass and its utilization by small ruminants and 2) identify challenges associated with the use of small ruminants in woodland plots. The study was initiated in 2017 using six woodland plots (0.4-ha each) that consisted of southern pines, as the main timber species, and numerous non-pine species. Each plot was virtually divided into four sections, and each section was randomly allocated to one of the cutting treatments or control. Treatments included the cutting of non-pine species into one of the three heights from the ground surface: 0 m, 0.9 m, or 1.5 m, and the control section did not receive any cut. Samples of understory vegetation were collected during the production period of 2018 and 2019, dried, and weighed. Small ruminants were rotationally stocked in the plots and their behavior (feeding: grazing, browsing; non-feeding: loafing, lying, and debarking) and landscape-use pattern (time spent by animals in different treatments or control in performing various behaviors) monitored. The understory-vegetation biomass increased tremendously in treatments compared to the control (33%-160%), with maximum increment (100%-160%) occurring in the section that received 0-m cut. Animals spent much of their feeding time in sections that received 0-m and 0.9-m cut consuming much of the vegetation available within their reach (goats or goats-sheep mixed: 0–1.5 m; sheep: 0–1.1 m from the ground). They selected dry and less vegetated areas containing shelters and tree shade for resting, visited the least to the control, and did not impose any damage to timber trees.

10 Behavior and Landscape-Use Pattern of Small Ruminants Co-grazed in Woodlands with different Vegetation Characteristics

Abstract Woodland is the major landcover in Alabama (69%) and other states of the Southeast (≈60%). The understory vegetation present in woodlands can be a great feed resource for small ruminants when woodland grazing is practiced well, for which the understanding of animals’ landscape-use pattern is important. The study objective was to determine the diurnal behavior and landscape-use pattern of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams co-stocked in woodlands. Eight Kiko wethers (77±2.5 kg. LW) and five Katahdin rams (92±4.6 kg. LW) were co-stocked rotationally in three woodland plots (0.4-ha. each) during May–August 2019 in Atkins Agroforestry Research and Demonstration site, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama. Each study plot contained four treatments, where the average canopy height were 0.82 m, 1.34 m, 1.67 m and 1.73 m. The diurnal behavior (grazing, browsing, loafing, lying) and landscape-use pattern of animals were monitored from dawn to dusk when they were in each study plot at each rotation. Diurnal period was categorized into morning (dawn–11:00 am), midday (11:00 am–3:00 pm), and post-midday (3:00 pm–dusk) for the analysis and diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of animals were analyzed in SAS 9.4, GLM procedure with MANOVA option. Animal species differed in their feeding behavior (P < 0.0001), with wethers mostly browsing and rams grazing. Significant interaction effects of animal species and diurnal period occurred on all behavior categories, except loafing and lying (P < 0.0001). Wethers spent less time grazing (84–88%), but more time browsing (90%) during morning and post-midday vs. rams. Animals were actively feeding when the weather was nice and cool, and resting when it was hot. Feeding behavior was dominant during the post-midday period (3 PM–dusk) and lying during midday (11 AM–3 PM). The specific behavior and landscape-use pattern observed in this study can be useful to design and utilize woodland resources more efficiently.

Climate change and landscape-use patterns influence recent past distribution of giant pandas.

Climate change is one of the most pervasive threats to biodiversity globally, yet the influence of climate relative to other drivers of species depletion and range contraction remain difficult to disentangle. Here, we examine climatic and non-climatic correlates of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) distribution using a large-scale 30 year dataset to evaluate whether a changing climate has already influenced panda distribution. We document several climatic patterns, including increasing temperatures, and alterations to seasonal temperature and precipitation. We found that while climatic factors were the most influential predictors of panda distribution, their importance diminished over time, while landscape variables have become relatively more influential. We conclude that the panda's distribution has been influenced by changing climate, but conservation intervention to manage habitat is working to increasingly offset these negative consequences.

PSIV-21 Landscape-use pattern and performance of small ruminants in woodlands with altering understory vegetation heights

Abstract The vast coverage of woodlands (>60%) in Alabama and other Southeast states presents a great potential for increasing grazing opportunity for small ruminants. Canopy height and openness may influence the utilization of woodland vegetation by small ruminants. However, such information is least explored and reported. The study objectives were to 1) determine the browsing height and preference of small ruminants for woodland vegetation present at different heights and 2) evaluate animal performance while stocked in woodlands. Study plots (6; 0.4-ha each) comprised southern pines [longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly (Pinus taeda L.)], hardwood trees, and numerous understory vegetation. The non-pine (non-target) species were either cut to one of the heights from the ground level (0-m, 0.91-m, 1.52-m) or left uncut (control). Kiko wethers (n = 8, 73±2.6 kg LW) and Katahdin rams (n = 5, 98±4.6 kg LW) were rotationally stocked (3 plots/species). Browsing height was measured at ten random points in each treatment and control, and animals’ preference for different plant species (0–5: 0-not preferred, 5-highly preferred) was recorded after moving animals out of each plot at each rotation. Animal performance data (LW; body condition score, BCS; and FAMACHA score) were collected fortnightly. Data were analyzed in SAS 9.4 (Mixed and GLM procedures). Goats browsed from higher heights than sheep in 0.9-m (1.3-m vs. 1-m) and 1.52-m (1.6-m vs. 1.1-m) treatments and control (1.3-m vs. 1-m) (P < 0.0001). Numerous plant species present in 0-m and 0.91-m treatments were consumed more by both species versus the same plant species present in the control (P < 0.0001). Both animal species performed well while grazing in woodlands, maintaining the desirable BCS (goats: 2.6–2.8; sheep: 3.7–4.0) and FAMACHA (goats: 1.6–2.1; sheep: 1.0–1.6) scores. Results show that lowering the height of non-target vegetation in woodlands is very useful to increase vegetation utilization and achieve desired animal performance.

134 Vegetation characteristics and diurnal periods influenced the landscape-use pattern of goats and sheep in woodlands

Abstract Woodlands dominate the landcover in the Southeast and offer great opportunities for expanding small-ruminant grazing. However, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimizes the utilization of such vegetation. Managing the understory shrubs and non-target trees to lower heights may increase animals’ access to woodland vegetation and alter the landscape-use patterns of animals. The study objective was to determine the effect of vegetation height on the behavior and distribution of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams in woodlands. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4-ha each) containing southern pine and hardwood trees and numerous understory vegetation. The non-pine species were either cut to one of the heights from the ground level (0 m, 0.91 m, 1.52 m) or left uncut (control). Once the cut vegetation grew back and attained the full canopy, Kiko wethers (8, 48–50 months old, 72.8 ± 2.29 kg live weight) and Katahdin rams (5, 29–32 months old, 95.5 ± 4.31 kg live weight) were rotationally stocked in separate plots (3 plots each species), and their diurnal (dawn-dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns monitored when they were in each plot during the summer of 2018. Data were analyzed in Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test in R. Both wethers and rams visited the control treatment the least, rams grazed mostly in areas with short vegetation (0 m), and wethers visited more to areas with higher vegetation (1.52 m) than rams for feeding (P < 0.001), which was predominant during the post-midday period (3:00-dusk) (P < 0.0001). Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was the dominant diurnal behavior of both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), and predominant during the midday period (11 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) (P <0.05). Vegetation heights and diurnal period highly influenced animals’ behavior.

2 Vegetation characteristics and diurnal periods influenced the landscape-use pattern of goats and sheep in woodlands

Abstract Woodlands dominates the landcover in the Southeast and offer great opportunities for expanding small-ruminant grazing. However, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimizes the utilization of such vegetation. Managing the understory shrubs and non-target trees to lower heights may increase animals’ access to woodland vegetation and alter the landscape-use patterns of animals. The study objective was to determine the effect of vegetation height on the behavior and distribution of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams in woodlands. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4-ha each) containing southern pine and hardwood trees and numerous understory vegetation. The non-pine species were either cut to one of the heights from the ground level (0 m, 0.91 m, 1.52 m) or left uncut (control). Once the cut vegetation grew back and attained the full canopy, Kiko wethers (8, 48–50 months old, 72.8 ± 2.29 kg live weight) and Katahdin rams (5, 29–32 months old, 95.5 ± 4.31 kg live weight) were rotationally stocked in separate plots (3 plots each species), and their diurnal (dawn-dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns monitored when they were in each plot during the summer of 2018. Data were analyzed in Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test in R. Both wethers and rams visited the control treatment the least, rams grazed mostly in areas with short vegetation (0 m), and wethers visited more to areas with higher vegetation (1.52 m) than rams for feeding (P < 0.001), which was predominant during the post-midday period (3:00-dusk) (P < 0.0001). Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was the dominant diurnal behavior of both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), and predominant during the midday period (11 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) (P < 0.05). Vegetation heights and diurnal period highly influenced animals’ behavior.

Overlapping landscape utilization by elephants and people in the Western Okavango Panhandle: implications for conflict and conservation

Many wildlife populations exist outside of protected areas, and it is necessary to understand how these animals use a landscape mosaic that includes humans. Patterns of landscape use in space and time can help inform strategies to mitigate negative interactions between people and wildlife. We aimed to estimate the landscape utilization of elephants where they ranged through a mosaic of human-modified land-use and undisturbed habitat to better understand spatial implications for human-wildlife interactions. We studied locations and utilization distributions of ten bull elephants in the Western Okavango Panhandle region of Botswana. We calculated utilization distributions, patterns of landscape use, and daily movement relative to permanent water and human land-use. The annual distributions of the monitored elephants ranged from 1220 to 3446 km2 and showed seasonal variation, with wet season distributions being significantly larger than dry season distributions. On average 49.4% of elephants’ core distributions in the dry season and 12.3% in the wet season fell within 5 km of human land-use. Elephants ranged increasingly farther from permanent water sources as the wet season progressed, while in the same time frame elephants moved closer on average to human land-use. Elephants were more likely to be near human land-use during the night than they were during the day. Diel patterns of elephant proximity to human land-use did not match patterns of proximity to water. Conservation and management efforts must consider the diel and seasonal patterns of elephant movement in order to fully address the issue of human-elephant interactions.

Influence of body size, topography, food availability and tree-fall gaps on space use by yellow-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis denticulatus) in Central Amazonia.

Habitat selection and extension of the area used by a given species may vary during different phases of its life and are often determined by the distribution and availability of resources throughout the landscape, such as food, breeding sites, and shelters. In this study, we assessed the influence of body size on the areas used by 21 individuals of the yellow-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis denticulatus) from January to June 2017 in a dense rain forest area in Central Amazonia. We also investigated whether individuals selected different ranges of terrain slope, elevation, areas with high food availability, or areas with treefall gaps that could be used for shelter or thermoregulation. We monitored tortoise movements using thread-bobbins, and sampled terrain characteristics, availability of potential food resources and forest gaps along the routes used by the tortoises. We also measured the same variables in plots distributed systematically throughout the study area to evaluate resource availability. Tortoises used an average area of 1.56 ha (SD = 1.51, min = 0.03, max = 6.44). The size of the area used was positively associated with the individual body size, but did not vary between sexes. Small individuals selected higher and flatter areas where the availability of fallen flowers was higher, whereas the area used by larger individuals did not differ from the natural availability of topographic traits and food in the region. Although tortoises did not select areas according to availability of tree-fall gaps, most larger tortoises were found sheltered under fallen trees (85%). Conversely, small individuals were mainly found hidden under litter (66%). Body size determined the patterns of landscape use by tortoises; larger individuals were mainly generalists, but small individuals occupied high and flat areas. The yellow-footed tortoise is endangered by hunting, illegal collection for the pet trade, habitat destruction and effects of climate change. Size-related differences in habitat selection should be taken into account in species-distribution models for the identification of suitable areas for reintroduction and the development of management plans in protected areas.

Isotopic Evidence for Landscape use and the Role of Causewayed Enclosures During the Earlier Neolithic in Southern Britain

The nature of landscape use and residence patterns during the British earlier Neolithic has often been debated. Here we use strontium and oxygen isotope analysis of tooth enamel, from individuals buried at the Hambledon Hill causewayed enclosure monument complex in Dorset, England to evaluate patterns of landscape use during the earlier Neolithic. Previous analysis suggests that a significant proportion of the artefacts found at the site may originate from lithology of Eocene and Upper to Middle Jurassic age that the enclosures overlook to the immediate west and south. The excavators therefore argued that the sector of landscape visible from Hambledon Hill provides an approximate index for the catchment occupied by the communities that it served. Most of the burial population exhibit isotope ratios that could be consistent with this argument. Connections between Hambledon Hill and regions much further afield are also hypothesised, based on the presence of artefacts within the assemblage that could have been sourced from lithology in Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall in south-west England. However, few of the sampled individuals have strontium isotope ratios consistent with having obtained the majority of their diet from such areas during childhood. The individuals who exhibit the highest strontium isotope ratios are all adult males, whom the excavators suggest to have died during one or more episodes of conflict, following the burning and destruction of surrounding defensive outworks built during the 36th centurybc. At least one of these individuals, who was found with an arrowhead amongst his ribs, did not obtain his childhood diet locally and has87Sr/86Sr values that could be comparable to those bioavailable in the south-west peninsula.

Effects of landscape structure and temporal habitat dynamics on wintering mallard abundance

Management of wintering waterfowl in North America requires adaptability because constant landscape and environmental change challenges existing management strategies regarding waterfowl habitat use at large spatial scales. Migratory waterfowl including mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) use the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) for wintering habitat, making this an important area of emphasis for improving wetland conservation strategies, while enhancing the understanding of landscape-use patterns. We used aerial survey data collected in the Arkansas portion of the MAV (ARMAV) to explain the abundance and distribution of mallards in relation to variable landscape conditions. We used two-stage, hierarchical spatio-temporal models with a random spatial effect to identify covariates related to changes in mallard abundance and distribution within and among years. We found distinct spatio-temporal patterns existed for mallard distributions across the ARMAV and these distributions are dependent on the surrounding landscape structure and changing environmental conditions. Models performing best indicated seasonal surface water extent, rice field, wetland and fallow (uncultivated) fields positively influenced mallard presence. Rice fields, surface water and weather were found to influence mallard abundance. Additionally, the results suggest weather and changing surface water affects mallard presence and abundance throughout the winter. Using novel datasets to identify which environmental factors drive changes in regional wildlife distribution and abundance can improve management by providing managers additional information to manage land over landscapes spanning private and public lands. We suggest our analytical approach may be informative in other areas and for other wildlife species.

Assessing the contribution of integrated geoarchaeological approaches to understand the formation and function of burnt mounds: the example of Hoppenwood Bank, North Northumberland

ABSTRACT Burnt mounds are detrital mounds of fire-cracked rock and charcoal, deposited as the result of a prehistoric process for heating water. They are the most numerous prehistoric monument found across Britain and Ireland and have traditionally been difficult to study due to their apparent homogeneity and lack of distinguishing features. This study seeks to change the discussion surrounding burnt mounds and evaluates a large early- to mid-Bronze Age burnt mound at Hoppenwood Bank in Northumberland using an integrated microarchaeological methodology, the contribution of which is assessed. A combination of micromorphology and silicic microfossil analyses indicates that these deposits are complex and multifaceted, showing variability in their depositional sequences, microcomponents, and taphonomy. The identification of hiatuses in deposition and desiccation of surfaces beneath the burnt mound indicate that the accumulation of material may have been periodic or seasonal, and dating suggests that sequential deposition may have spanned 500–700 years. Taphonomic issues identified at the microscale highlight concerns for the interpretation of microfossils. This paper considers the implications of these observations and argues that burnt mounds should be viewed as caches of environmental and sediment-based data, indicative of sequences within landscape use-patterns and human-environment interactions.

Factors affecting presence of vervet monkey troops in a suburban matrix in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Globally with increased urban development, understanding spatial habitat requirements of urban-dwelling wildlife is increasingly important for conservation management. Consequently, we determined the factors that influence the presence of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in urban landscapes. Firstly, we hypothesized that troop size is influenced by seasonality, residence type, proximity to water sources and food provisioning. Secondly, we hypothesized that the resting behaviour of vervet troops is influenced by natural factors, including the presence/absence of raptor nest(s)) and man-made structures including the distance to the nearest main road. Thirdly, we hypothesized that resting by vervet monkey troops would be influenced by the seasons, the distance to the nearest main road (due to the relative openness) and the residence type. Fourthly, we hypothesized that foraging by vervet monkey troops is influenced by food provisioning and bird feeders. Finally, we hypothesized that playing by vervet monkey troops are influenced by the presence/absence of a raptor nest(s), a dog(s) and the residency type. From June 2013 through May 2014 observations were conducted on vervet monkey troops in 20 suburban gardens in the Ethekwini and Msunduzi municipalities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, following a standardized group scan sample method. The observation data were analyzed to determine population-level patterns of landscape use and key suburban landscape features influencing seasonal behaviour, troop size and sex ratios of vervet monkey troops. Mean troop size (29±3.4 (SE) individuals) was influenced by female and juvenile numbers and sex ratio varied across study sites. Behavioural observations (foraging, grooming, playing) were more frequent during winter in gardens with high tree density, and a preference for visitation was found in gardens closer to roads, and where food was provisioned. Probability of foraging, grooming and playing was higher in gardens with greater canopy cover, however this decreased with increasing troop size. Probability of resting decreased with increasing distance from indigenous forest patches and roads. Gardens experienced high levels of raiding. Understanding vervet monkey spatial ecology within a transformed landscape contributes to determining sustainable ways to mitigate conflict and manage their populations in suburbia.

THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF PASTORALIST LANDSCAPES IN THE NORTHWESTERN PLAINS

This article examines the extent to which the adoption of the horse created a transition in modes of production from hunting and gathering to nomadic pastoralism by tracing the horse's impact on Blackfoot settlement patterns and landscape use during the Precontact and Postcontact periods on the Northwestern Plains. While changes in hunting techniques, raiding frequencies, and certain social implications such as status and wealth differentiation have been studied from an ethnohistoric perspective, less work has been done to trace the subtle changes to patterns of landscape use that may have directly resulted from the adoption of horse husbandry by the Blackfoot people. This study applies Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology to broadly distributed Precontact- and Contact-period archaeological sites of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana to reveal the role of horse husbandry on landscape use in the Northwestern Plains. This research expands on previous ethnohistorical work, while also contributing a new, material dimension to the dynamics of this transition at various spatial scales.

Paleochannels and Patches: A Geoarchaeological Assessment of Silcrete Sources in the Cumberland Plain, Eastern Australia

Although Aboriginal occupation dates to the Pleistocene, silcrete artifacts only begin to dominate archaeological sites found in the Cumberland Plain of western Sydney, eastern Australia, during the mid‐late Holocene. These assemblages routinely include large numbers of backed artifacts. A geoarchaeological survey of five potential silcrete source areas found that silcrete is irregularly distributed along ridgelines within gravel patches that represent paleochannel remnants. Thus, particular parts of the landscape, dictated by the geological history, were more likely to be targeted for stone procurement. The quality of silcrete differs between and within the sources due to variations in grain‐size, degree of silicification, and presence of inclusions/fractures, as well as the destructive influence of bush fires on exposed cobbles, resulting in an overall low abundance of high‐quality silcrete across the Cumberland Plain. Furthermore, a rind or chalky weathering cortex on many cobbles means that testing was required to assess the internal raw material quality. The difficulty in locating suitable raw material for artifact manufacture meant that when good silcrete sources were found, they were heavily targeted. This contextual information provides an essential backdrop in which to understand the archaeology of the Cumberland Plain and broader patterns of landscape use.

Exploring fall migratory patterns of American black ducks using eight decades of band-recovery data

As regions of habitat used by migratory waterfowl are subjected to rising anthropogenic pressures, establishing patterns of landscape use during migratory cycles is becoming increasingly important for managing and maintaining populations. Although data collection strategies such as global positioning system (GPS) telemetry promise high-resolution insight on geographic use of contemporary populations, decades of available band recovery records on many species can provide a low-cost, multi-generational alternative for defining broad, historically informed patterns of landscape use. We used nearly a century of band-recovery data to reconstruct patterns of fall migratory landscape use for American black ducks in the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways. We partitioned band recovery positions by month from September to February and spatially analyzed positions using kernel density estimates (KDEs) to delineate geographic regions used by American black ducks and track changes in landscape use during migration. Additionally, we considered the appropriateness of current management strategies, which treat American black ducks as a single population, by testing for differences in month-specific landscape use between ducks banded in the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways, and between international management units (ducks banded in Canada or the U.S.). We found that geographic distributions during peak migration faithfully recovered regions previously hypothesized as migratory corridors. Furthermore, regardless of banding origin, we found highly similar distributions and strong flyway fidelity in Atlantic flyway American black ducks. Conversely, American black ducks banded in the Mississippi flyway displayed differences in landscape use between Canadian and U.S. populations, with Canadian ducks significantly more likely to winter in areas within the Atlantic flyway (i.e., migrate between flyways). Flyway- and population-specific patterns of black duck landscape use indicate populations behave more independently than currently treated by management models (including the Adaptive Harvest Management plan), and that population maintenance may be advanced by managing stocks separately. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.

Bats of the Chilean temperate rainforest: patterns of landscape use in a mosaic of native forests, eucalyptus plantations and grasslands within a South American biodiversity hotspot

Forestry plantations represent about 4 % of the global land cover and demand for wood is steadily increasing worldwide. Impacts of forest plantations on biodiversity are controversial; forest plantations could positively influence biodiversity by producing a buffer zone between native forests and agriculture, while replacement of native forests with plantations could reduce biodiversity. Chile is one of the main producers of wood worldwide, and production is largely based on intensively managed monocultures of exotic tree species. Only a few studies have looked at the effects of forestry plantations on biodiversity in Chile, mainly focusing on pine plantations. The aim of this study was to characterize habitat use and richness of bats between native forests, eucalyptus plantations and grasslands in a biodiversity hotspot in southern Chile to determine how land use affects an important mammalian taxa. We found no difference in use or richness of bats in eucalyptus plantations versus native forests. Regional context within the larger Valdivian watershed (Andes, central valley, coastal range) had a stronger influence on bat activity and richness than land use type (native forest, plantation, grassland), with the Andean region being the most diverse and where most bat activity is concentrated. Our results suggest that the composition and structure of the surrounding landscape mosaic may be fundamental to determine the impacts of forestry and human land use on biodiversity.

The archaeology of culturally modified trees: Indigenous economic diversification within colonial intercultural settings in Cape York Peninsula, northeastern Australia

Developing holistic accounts of indigenous peoples’ lifeways in colonial intercultural settings requires data that provide insights into patterns of landscape use and variations in social, economic, and cultural practices away from nodes of colonial activity. However, the mobile settlement patterns of some indigenous peoples mean that the data necessary for such investigations can be rare. In western Cape York Peninsula of northeastern Australia, culturally modified trees (CMTs) associated with the collection of wild honey or “sugarbag” provide opportunities to investigate indigenous patterns of landscape use and processes of economic change within colonial settings. Here we use CMT data to suggest that increased engagement with invader-settlers resulted in intensification of indigenous wild food production. This study exemplifies the complexity of socioeconomic shifts that accompanied European colonization worldwide, and illustrates how landscape-level data can provide information on the broader histories of indigenous peoples within colonial settings.