DOCSLIB.ORG

Mustelid Communication Communication in Mustelids Is Closely Related and Dependent on the Species’ Respective Social Christina A

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Mustelid Communication Communication in Mustelids Is Closely Related and Dependent on the Species’ Respective Social Christina A M Mustelid Communication Communication in mustelids is closely related and dependent on the species’ respective social Christina A. S. Mumm1 and Mirjam Knörnschild system and habitat (Buesching and Stankowich 1,2,3 2017). The social and spatial organization of 1Animal Behavior Lab, Free University of Berlin, mustelids is highly variable between species, but Berlin, Germany there may be also variation in different 2Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, populations of the same species (Kruuk 2006; Ancón, Panamá Newman et al. 2011). Divergence of a pure 3Museum für Naturkunde – Leibniz Institute for solitary lifestyle is induced by environmental fac- Evolution and Biodiversity Science, tors such as habitat, geographical distribution, Berlin, Germany ecomorphology, resource dispersion, or season (Johnson et al. 2000). The socio-spatial organiza- tion of mustelids is based on the “classical” system of one male territory encompassing Synonyms distinct female territories. Several variations of and exceptions from this basic pattern exist as Acoustic communication; Badgers; Communica- well (Kruuk 2006). tion; Martens; Modality; Multimodal; Mustelids; As knowledge on mustelids accumulates, sev- Olfaction; Otters; Scent; Sensory channel; Signal; eral species which formerly have been described Social organization; Sociality; Vision; Vocaliza- as purely solitary turn out to be more social, or tion; Weasels have at least a much more flexible social lifestyle (e.g., Newman et al. 2011). Each communication channel has its advan- Introduction tages and disadvantages. One may be more useful than the others, depending on when, where, and Mustelids are a large family, with 60 species which information needs to be transmitted. Com- found in Eurasia, Africa, Asia, North and South pared to acoustic signals, chemical markings per- America (Koepfli et al. 2008). As shown in sist for an elongated time, thereby allowing Table 1, the family contains eight subfamilies, conspecifics or co-occurring species to gather with many fascinating species like the European information even in the physical absence of badger (Meles meles), the sea otter (Enhydra the sender. In a habitat where olfactory cues can- lutris), and the wolverine (Gulo gulo), to name not be deposited, acoustic communication may be but a few. favored (Fig. 1). This is especially true for the # Springer International Publishing AG 2018 J. Vonk, T. K. Shackelford (eds.), Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_1191-1 2 Mustelid Communication Mustelid Communication, Fig. 1 Mustelid communication in three sensory channels. Olfactory communication: two examples of scent-marking postures; acoustic communication: spectrograms of vocalizations showing frequency over time; visual communication: throat patterns likely used for visual (Picture credits a, c, d, f, and g by Christina Mumm, b and j by Pia Weidenmüller (written license), e by Hannah Heither (written license), h by user 422737 on pixabay (CC0 license), i by user Ellis Lawrence on flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0 license). Recordings: c by Christina Mumm, d by Tierstimmenarchiv Berlin) Mustelid Communication 3 Mustelid Communication, Table 1 Subfamilies and number of genera and species in the family of mustelids. Each genus is shown with one exemplary species. The number of all genera and species is given in the subheadings for each subfamily (genera/species). All subfamilies are depicted with one representative species. Taxonomy following Koepfli et al. 2008 Subfamily: Galictinae (4/6) Galictis Greater grison (G. vitatta) Ictonyx Striped polecat (I. striatus) Poecilogale African striped weasel (P. albinucha) Vormela Marbled polecat (V. peregusna) Marbled polecat Subfamily: Helictidinae (1/5) Melogale Chinese ferret-badger (M. moschata) Chinese ferret-badger Subfamily: Lutrinae (6/13) Aonyx Asian small-clawed otter (A. cinerea) Enydra Sea otter (E. lutris) Lontra North American river otter (L. canadensis) Lutra European otter (L. lutra) Lutrogale Smooth-coated otter (L. perspicillata) Pteronura Giant otter (P. brasiliensis) Eurasian otter Subfamily: Martinae (3/10) Eira Tayra (E. barbara) Gulo Wolverine (G. gulo) Martes European pine marten (M. martes) European pine marten Subfamily: Melinae (2/4) Arctonyx Hog badger (A. collaris) Meles European badger (M. meles) European badger (continued) 4 Mustelid Communication Mustelid Communication, Table 1 (continued) Subfamily: Mellivorinae (1/1) Mellivora Honey badger (M. capensis) Honey badger Subfamily: Mustelinae (3/20) Lyncodon Patagonian weasel (L. patagonicus) Mustela Stoat (M. erminea) Neovison American mink (N. vison) Stoat Subfamily: Taxidiinae (1/1) Taxidea American badger (T. taxus) American badger Picture credits: Marbled polecat by Volker Röhl on Wikipedia; Chinese ferret-badger by Chien-Jen Wang; Eurasian otter by Gellinger on Pixabay; European pine marten by Maxmann on Pixabay; European badger by Chris Parfitt on Flickr; Honey badger by Derek Keats on Flickr; Stoat by Jo Garbutt on Flickr; American badger by Northwest Power and Conservation Council on Flickr subfamily of otters. With the exception of sea detailed information, the animals may vary fre- otters (see below), they show a semiaquatic quency and location of markings. lifestyle and only use scent-marking on land Territorial scent-marking can be done by the (Kruuk 2006). deposition of feces, urine, or a combination of both (i.e., excremental marking, see Fig. 1a), as well as through gland secretion (i.e., secretional Olfactory Communication marking). Secretion may be produced in anal, ventral, foot, or subcaudal glands and applied by Olfactory communication has a multipurpose body rubbing, anal drag, or scratching (see function. It is regarded as the most important Fig. 1b). Gland secretions can also be used to communication channel for mustelids, probably mark conspecifics. In some species, territorial because all mustelids are territorial and scent- scent-marking is enhanced by visually marking mark their territories to announce ownership. It the surroundings, e.g., by scratching the ground further allows mustelids to signal information on or trees (e.g., Hutchings and White 2000; reproductive state, as well as information on iden- Leuchtenberger and Mourão 2009). Otter spraints tity and food resources. To exchange more consist of feces, anal gland secretion, and often of Mustelid Communication 5 a third compound, the “jelly.” Not much is known in badgers. The use of different latrine sites about this slimy substance, the only available depends on population density and season. In information is that it “is secreted somewhere in high-density populations, European badgers the intestine itself” (Kruuk 2006). Chemical com- form social groups, whereas in low-density position varies among feces, urine, and gland populations, groups mainly consist of a pair and secretion, thereby allowing for the transmission their offspring. Larger groups have more latrines of differential information (Clapperton 1989). inside their home range, but space is limited in Deposition of scent is not random in time and high-density populations, so that these groups space (Kilshaw et al. 2009). For scent-marking, usually occupy smaller areas. They invest mainly the animals select prominent places, on stones, in boundary latrines; however, their function in under bridges, or on other landmarks, which are territorial defense is not fully understood frequently revisited (Hutchings and White 2000). (Buesching et al. 2016). Nevertheless, European Otters may even chose marking places which badgers can discriminate between feces from are relatively far and visit them repeatedly neighboring and alien groups and react more (Kruuk 2006). Furthermore, European badgers aggressively towards the scent of alien groups. do not only carefully select marking places, but Smaller badger groups in low-density populations also the positioning of scent inside each place may use larger areas, but their ability of marking is (Stewart et al. 2002). As badger territories contain limited by the number of individuals. Therefore, more than one latrine site, the animals systemati- small groups may neglect boundary latrines and cally revisit several places to refresh their scent the use of hinterland latrines peaks during mating marks (Kilshaw et al. 2009). time. Latrine use is even abandoned seasonally, Social species like European badgers and when home range size is enlarged. This shows a giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) make use of trade-off between group size and the area a group communal latrines – enlarged areas for the depo- is able to defend, either in terms of limited space sition of excremental and secretional marks from or in terms of limited number of individuals mark- all group members. Giant otters regularly clear ing the latrines (Buesching et al. 2016). Popula- off the vegetation at communal latrines. Otters tion density also affects the main information in general show an elaborate marking behavior provided at latrines: they likely function to signal because the deposition of excremental and territoriality in high-density populations, but secretional marks can be accompanied by a reproductive state and other individual informa- scent-marking “dance.” Giant otters, as well as tion in low-density populations (Zhou et al. 2015). spotted-necked otters (Lutra maculicollis), and In low-density populations of Japanese badgers North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) (Meles anakuma), information provided at both show dance-like
Load more

Recommended publications
  • MINNESOTA MUSTELIDS Young
    By Blane Klemek MINNESOTA MUSTELIDS Young Naturalists the Slinky,Stinky Weasel family ave you ever heard anyone call somebody a weasel? If you have, then you might think Hthat being called a weasel is bad. But weasels are good hunters, and they are cunning, curious, strong, and fierce. Weasels and their relatives are mammals. They belong to the order Carnivora (meat eaters) and the family Mustelidae, also known as the weasel family or mustelids. Mustela means weasel in Latin. With 65 species, mustelids are the largest family of carnivores in the world. Eight mustelid species currently make their homes in Minnesota: short-tailed weasel, long-tailed weasel, least weasel, mink, American marten, OTTERS BY DANIEL J. COX fisher, river otter, and American badger. Minnesota Conservation Volunteer May–June 2003 n e MARY CLAY, DEMBINSKY t PHOTO ASSOCIATES r mammals a WEASELS flexible m Here are two TOM AND PAT LEESON specialized mustelid feet. b One is for climb- ou can recognize a ing and the other for hort-tailed weasels (Mustela erminea), long- The long-tailed weasel d most mustelids g digging. Can you tell tailed weasels (M. frenata), and least weasels eats the most varied e food of all weasels. It by their tubelike r which is which? (M. nivalis) live throughout Minnesota. In also lives in the widest Ybodies and their short Stheir northern range, including Minnesota, weasels variety of habitats and legs. Some, such as badgers, hunting. Otters and minks turn white in winter. In autumn, white hairs begin climates across North are heavy and chunky. Some, are excellent swimmers that hunt to replace their brown summer coat.
    [Show full text]
  • Table 7: Species Changing IUCN Red List Status (2014-2015)
    IUCN Red List version 2015.4: Table 7 Last Updated: 19 November 2015 Table 7: Species changing IUCN Red List Status (2014-2015) Published listings of a species' status may change for a variety of reasons (genuine improvement or deterioration in status; new information being available that was not known at the time of the previous assessment; taxonomic changes; corrections to mistakes made in previous assessments, etc. To help Red List users interpret the changes between the Red List updates, a summary of species that have changed category between 2014 (IUCN Red List version 2014.3) and 2015 (IUCN Red List version 2015-4) and the reasons for these changes is provided in the table below. IUCN Red List Categories: EX - Extinct, EW - Extinct in the Wild, CR - Critically Endangered, EN - Endangered, VU - Vulnerable, LR/cd - Lower Risk/conservation dependent, NT - Near Threatened (includes LR/nt - Lower Risk/near threatened), DD - Data Deficient, LC - Least Concern (includes LR/lc - Lower Risk, least concern). Reasons for change: G - Genuine status change (genuine improvement or deterioration in the species' status); N - Non-genuine status change (i.e., status changes due to new information, improved knowledge of the criteria, incorrect data used previously, taxonomic revision, etc.); E - Previous listing was an Error. IUCN Red List IUCN Red Reason for Red List Scientific name Common name (2014) List (2015) change version Category Category MAMMALS Aonyx capensis African Clawless Otter LC NT N 2015-2 Ailurus fulgens Red Panda VU EN N 2015-4
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix E.14 Spotlight Surveys Report California Flats Solar Project Spotlight Surveys for San Joaquin Kit Fox and American Badger
    Appendix E.14 Spotlight Surveys Report California Flats Solar Project Spotlight Surveys for San Joaquin Kit Fox and American Badger Project # 3308 Prepared for: California Flats Solar, LLC 135 Main Street, 6th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 Prepared by: H. T. Harvey & Associates April 2014 Cal Poly Technology Park, Bldg. 83, Ste. 1B San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 Ph: 805.756.7400 F: 805.756.7441 Executive Summary The California Flats Solar Project (Project) is a 280-megawatt photovoltaic solar power plant proposed for development in southeastern Monterey County, California. When approved, the solar facility and related operations infrastructure will be built on approximately 1037 hectares (2562 acres) (Project site) of the 29,137-hectare (72,000-acre) Jack Ranch, which is a working cattle ranch. The overall development will include improvements to an existing access road and its connection to State Route 41 (access road/Hwy 41 improvement areas). Together, the Project site and access road/Hwy 41 improvement areas constitute the 1058-hectare (2615-acre) Project impact area (PIA), where all direct, Project-related impacts will occur. A biological study area (BSA) was delineated around the PIA, within which most Project-related biological surveys and assessments are being conducted. The Project site is located within a landscape dominated by gently rolling terrain and grasslands, interspersed with several, mostly ephemeral, riparian corridors and drainages. Numerous wildlife species are known to occur in the region, some of which have been identified as candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and/or U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Educator's Guide
    Educator’s Guide the jill and lewis bernard family Hall of north american mammals inside: • Suggestions to Help You come prepared • essential questions for Student Inquiry • Strategies for teaching in the exhibition • map of the Exhibition • online resources for the Classroom • Correlations to science framework • glossary amnh.org/namammals Essential QUESTIONS Who are — and who were — the North as tundra, winters are cold, long, and dark, the growing season American Mammals? is extremely short, and precipitation is low. In contrast, the abundant precipitation and year-round warmth of tropical All mammals on Earth share a common ancestor and and subtropical forests provide optimal growing conditions represent many millions of years of evolution. Most of those that support the greatest diversity of species worldwide. in this hall arose as distinct species in the relatively recent Florida and Mexico contain some subtropical forest. In the past. Their ancestors reached North America at different boreal forest that covers a huge expanse of the continent’s times. Some entered from the north along the Bering land northern latitudes, winters are dry and severe, summers moist bridge, which was intermittently exposed by low sea levels and short, and temperatures between the two range widely. during the Pleistocene (2,588,000 to 11,700 years ago). Desert and scrublands are dry and generally warm through- These migrants included relatives of New World cats (e.g. out the year, with temperatures that may exceed 100°F and dip sabertooth, jaguar), certain rodents, musk ox, at least two by 30 degrees at night. kinds of elephants (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Rio Grande National Forest Draft Assessment 5 At-Risk Species
    Rio Grande National Forest- Draft Assessment 5 Identifying and Assessing At-risk Species Rio Grande National Forest Draft Assessment 5 Identifying and Assessing At-risk Species Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 1 Information Sources and Gaps .............................................................................................................. 2 Existing Forest Plan Direction .............................................................................................................. 2 Scale of Analysis (Area of Influence) ................................................................................................... 4 Assessment 5 Development Process ..................................................................................................... 4 Federally Recognized Species .................................................................................................................. 6 Uncompahgre Fritillary Butterfly ......................................................................................................... 6 Black-footed Ferret ............................................................................................................................... 8 Canada Lynx ....................................................................................................................................... 11 New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse .............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • APROXIMACIÓN AL LENGUAJE REPERTORIAL DE LAS ESTEREOTIPIAS EN MAMIFEROS CARNIVOROS JAGUAR (Panthera Onca), GRISÓN (Galictis
    APROXIMACIÓN AL LENGUAJE REPERTORIAL DE LAS ESTEREOTIPIAS EN MAMIFEROS CARNIVOROS JAGUAR (Panthera onca), GRISÓN (Galictis vittata) Y OCELOTE (Leopardus pardalis) DEL ZOOLOGICO GUATIKA, BOYACA – TIBASOSA. Laura Inés Monsalve Zuleta CÓDIGO:2014101101 Trabajo de investigación presentado como requisito parcial para optar al título de: Médica veterinaria especialista en Medicina Homeopática veterinaria Director (a): Néstor Alberto Calderón Maldonado Médico Veterinario – Universidad de la Salle Certificado en Medicina Veterinaria Homeopática – FICH “Luis G. Páez” Especialista en Bioética – Universidad El Bosque Fundación Universitaria Escuela Colombiana de Medicina Homeopática “Luis G. Páez”. Programa de Medicina Homeopática Veterinaria Bogotá, Colombia 2016 2 DEDICATORIA A mi familia, amigos y doctores que me apoyaron en esta etapa de mi vida tanto profesional como personal. 3 AGRADECIMIENTOS Agradezco a mi familia, amigos y Doctores que me ayudaron a culminar esta etapa de mi vida. 4 TABLA DE CONTENIDO: 1. RESUMEN ...................................................................................................................................... 7 2. INTRODUCCIÓN ........................................................................................................................... 8 3. JUSTIFICACIÓN ........................................................................................................................... 9 4. ESTADO DEL ARTE .................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Otter News No. 124, July 2021
    www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 124, July 2021 www.loveotters.org Otter News No. 124, July 2021 Join our IOSF mailing list and receive our newsletters - Click on this link: http://tinyurl.com/p3lrsmx Please share our news Good News for Otters in Argentina Giant otters are classified as “extinct” in Argentina but there have been some positive signs of their return in recent months. The Ibera wetlands lie in the Corrientes region and are one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems. Rewilding Argentina is attempting to return the country’s rich biodiversity to the area with species such as jaguars, macaws and marsh deer. They have also been working to bring back giant otters and there have been some small successes and three cubs have recently been born as offspring of two otters that were reintroduced there. And there is more good news for the largest otter species. In May there was the first sighting of “wild” giant otters in Argentina for 40 years! Furthermore, there have been other success stories for otters across the south American nation. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southern-most province, has banned all open-net salmon farming. This ban will help protect the areas fragile marine ecosystems, which is home to half of Argentina’s kelp forests which support species such as the southern river otter. This also makes Argentina the first nation in the world to ban such farming practices. With so many problems for otter species it is encouraging to see some steps forward in their protection in Argentina.
    [Show full text]
  • Predicting Greater Grison Galictis Vittata Presence from Scarce Records in the Department of Cordoba, Colombia
    ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION Predicting Greater Grison Galictis vittata presence from scarce records in the department of Cordoba, Colombia José F. GONZÁLEZ-MAYA1*, Julio J. CHACÓN PACHECO2, Javier RACERO-CASARRUBIA2, Erika HUMANEZ-LÓPEZ2 & Andrés ARIAS-ALZATE3 1. Proyecto de Conservación de Aguas y Tierras, ProCAT Colombia/Internacional, Calle 97ª # 10-62, Of. 202, Bogotá, Abstract. Colombia. The Greater Grison, Galictis vittata, is a poorly known species in Colombia. Throughout 2. Grupo de Investigación its range major knowledge gaps exist regarding its ecology and conservation. To compile Biodiversidad Unicórdoba, and analyse information about the species´ distribution records in the department of Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Colombia and assess its presence probability according to landscape attributes, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia. we conducted a literature review of all wildlife studies in the region and compiled all possible direct presence records of the species in the department. We generated random 3.Grupo de Mastozoología, location points and characterized each distribution and random location by their distance to landscape attributes and land-cover type and modelled landscape presence using a Instituto de Biología, Multiple Logistic Regression approach. We found 33 records of the species in Cordoba Universidad de Antioquía. with most of the records distributed in the subregion of Alto Sinú (36%). Higher presence Medellín, Colombia. probabilities are localized in areas near forests mostly in the southern parts of the department, showing the species is still related with the largest forest blocks. Grisons Correspondence: appears to potentially tolerate some levels of disturbance but is still dependent to forest. The influence of natural habitats and abundance across the department and other areas José F.
    [Show full text]
  • Controlled Animals
    Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Fish and Wildlife Policy Division Controlled Animals Wildlife Regulation, Schedule 5, Part 1-4: Controlled Animals Subject to the Wildlife Act, a person must not be in possession of a wildlife or controlled animal unless authorized by a permit to do so, the animal was lawfully acquired, was lawfully exported from a jurisdiction outside of Alberta and was lawfully imported into Alberta. NOTES: 1 Animals listed in this Schedule, as a general rule, are described in the left hand column by reference to common or descriptive names and in the right hand column by reference to scientific names. But, in the event of any conflict as to the kind of animals that are listed, a scientific name in the right hand column prevails over the corresponding common or descriptive name in the left hand column. 2 Also included in this Schedule is any animal that is the hybrid offspring resulting from the crossing, whether before or after the commencement of this Schedule, of 2 animals at least one of which is or was an animal of a kind that is a controlled animal by virtue of this Schedule. 3 This Schedule excludes all wildlife animals, and therefore if a wildlife animal would, but for this Note, be included in this Schedule, it is hereby excluded from being a controlled animal. Part 1 Mammals (Class Mammalia) 1. AMERICAN OPOSSUMS (Family Didelphidae) Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana 2. SHREWS (Family Soricidae) Long-tailed Shrews Genus Sorex Arboreal Brown-toothed Shrew Episoriculus macrurus North American Least Shrew Cryptotis parva Old World Water Shrews Genus Neomys Ussuri White-toothed Shrew Crocidura lasiura Greater White-toothed Shrew Crocidura russula Siberian Shrew Crocidura sibirica Piebald Shrew Diplomesodon pulchellum 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Care of the Pet Ferret
    Care of the Pet Ferret What is a ferret? Ferrets are playful, friendly animals that can make excellent pets for the right person. • A ferret may not be the best pet for a family with young children. Interactions between ferrets (or any pet!) and a young child should always be monitored. • Ferrets also tend to get along well with most cats and dogs, however this predator species may not get along with birds, rabbits, rodents, or lizards. • Some states, counties, and cities carry restrictions on the ownership of ferrets or require permits. Be sure to research the law in your area! The ferret is a relative of the weasel, skunk, and otter. Most ferrets sold as pets in the United States come from a commercial breeding farm where young ferrets or “kits” are neutered and their anal musk glands are removed (descented). Two small blue tattoos are placed in the ear at the same time these procedures are performed. Although pet ferrets are descented, they still retain their natural musky odor. Ferrets live an average 6 to 8 years. Females typically weigh between 500 and 900 grams (1.1-2 lb) while males generally weigh 800 to 1200 grams (1.7-2.6 lb). Feeding your ferret The ferret is a strict carnivore that requires a diet rich in animal protein (30% to 40%) and fat (15% to 20%) plus approximately 2% fiber. Most ferret foods or a high-quality dry cat food (e.g. Science Diet, Iams) meet their nutritional requirements. Most ferrets eat many small meals in a day, so make food available at all times.
    [Show full text]
  • Mammalian Predators Appropriating the Refugia of Their Prey
    Mamm Res (2015) 60:285–292 DOI 10.1007/s13364-015-0236-y ORIGINAL PAPER When prey provide more than food: mammalian predators appropriating the refugia of their prey William J. Zielinski 1 Received: 30 September 2014 /Accepted: 20 July 2015 /Published online: 31 July 2015 # Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Białowieża, Poland (outside the USA) 2015 Abstract Some mammalian predators acquire both food and predators) may play disproportionately important roles in their shelter from their prey, by eating them and using the refugia communities. the prey construct. I searched the literature for examples of predators that exhibit this behavior and summarize their taxo- Keywords Predator–prey . Dens . Herbivore . Behavior . nomic affiliations, relative sizes, and distributions. I hypothe- Habitat . Resting . Foraging sized that size ratios of species involved in this dynamic would be near 1.0, and that most of these interactions would occur at intermediate and high latitudes. Seventeen species of Introduction Carnivorans exploited at least 23 species of herbivores as food and for their refugia. Most of them (76.4 %) were in the Mammals require food and most require shelter, either to pro- Mustelidae; several small species of canids and a few tect them from predators or from thermal stress. Carnivorous herpestids were exceptions. Surprisingly, the average mammals are unique in that they subsist on mobile food predator/prey weight ratio was 10.51, but few species of pred- sources which, particularly if these sources are vertebrates, ators were more than ten times the weight of the prey whose may build their own refuges to help regulate their body tem- refugia they exploit.
    [Show full text]
  • Small Carnivores of the Mt Rungwe–Kitulo Landscape, Southwest Tanzania: Presence, Distributions and Threats
    Small carnivores of the Mt Rungwe–Kitulo landscape, southwest Tanzania: presence, distributions and threats Daniela W. DE LUCA1 and Noah E. MPUNGA2 Abstract An ongoing multi-disciplinary research and conservation initiative examined the small carnivore community of the Mt Rung- we–Kitulo landscape in southwest Tanzania over an eight-year period. This key landscape’s two contiguous protected areas (Mt Rungwe Nature Reserve and Kitulo National Park) had not, at the study’s start, been formally managed for decades. We used sign survey, camera-trapping and interviews to assess small carnivore species richness and conservation status, and the causes of threat to each species, such as habitat degradation and hunting. Across the Mt Rungwe–Kitulo landscape 11 species of small car- nivores were sighted, camera-trapped and/or recorded by hunted remains and/or signs (faeces and/or footprints). Species found in Mt Rungwe were detected also in Kitulo except for Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon, which nevertheless is likely to in- habit the latter. Faeces records from 2003 to 2010 indicated broad distributions for genet(s) Genetta (at least some, Rusty-spotted Genet G. maculata), Zorilla Ictonyx striatus and African Striped Weasel Poecilogale albinucha, Genetta being the most commonly recorded ‘species’ in the landscape. Excepting Servaline Genet G. servalina, all species expected in the landscape were found. The recorded carnivore composition showed a prevalence of generalist species, probably resulting from the degraded habitat (and are therefore at risk from isolation. Interviews demonstrated the importance of human perception and cultural values in respons- consequent invasion of the forest edge as it fragments) and a long history of hunting within the forest.
    [Show full text]