DOCSLIB.ORG

Wild Felid Monitor

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Wild Felid Monitor WILD FELID MONITOR Newsletter of the Wild Felid Research and Management Association (WFA) Winter 2007-2008, Volume 1, Issue 1. Introducing the WFA WILD CATS AND CLI M ATE CHANGE Linda Sweanor Interim Board President John Seidensticker, Senior Scientist, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, [email protected] [email protected] I am excited to present the first he 1,300 km² lowland, secondary, tropi- surrounded by human settlement and cultiva- issue of the Wild Felid Monitor. cal forest in Way Kambas National Park tion; options for connecting it through corridors Over the past year, a highly mo- on Sumatra’s (Indonesia) southeast coast with other protected areas such as Berbak, Tessi tivated group of 10 people with a Tnormally receives 286 mm of rain per month. Nilo, or Bukit Barisan are no longer available. mix of experience in felid research, But during the 1997 El Nino, the park received For now, Way Kambas continues to limp along. management, and conservation less than 10% of normal. Neil Franklin (2002) A new El Nino event will again threaten, or even has been working to create a new observed seawater intrud- overwhelm, the small pop- organization—the Wild Felid ing in the waterways 16 “... depending on the species of ulations of Sumatran tiger, Research and Management Asso- km inland from the coast; wild cat there will be loss of critical rhino, elephant, clouded ciation, or WFA. This newsletter fires burned over 55% of habitats and range fragmentations, leopards, flat-headed cat, is the first fruit of that labor. You the park; poaching pres- contractions, and expansion result- golden cat, and fishing might ask, “Why and how was sure increased; and the to- ing from climate change.” cat, and the multitude of this organization started? Do we tal estimated tiger density other plants and animals need this organization? How is it was 4.6/100 km² in 1997, 2.6 in 1998, 1.1 in 1999, that live is this tiny vestige of what was once the different from other felid organi- then 2.6 in 2000. While some tigers died in great lowland rainforest of Sumatra. Way Kam- zations? What can this organiza- the fires, the results of the fires on prey popula- bas is set up for a catastrophic event and there tion do for me – or for the animals tions and direct mortality from poaching could isn’t much anyone can do about it. I may be trying to study, manage not be separated. The park is a habitat island (continued on p.6) or conserve?” Finally, you might just wonder, “What’s in this news- letter, and how can I contribute?” Establishing the WFA An interest in the formation of a new professional association on wild felids was first expressed by participants at the Eighth Moun- tain Lion Workshop held in Leav- enworth, Washington, USA in May, 2005. A survey of 56 U.S. and Canadian participants indicated that improved communication (continued on p.3) Join the WFA and receive future issues of the Wild Felid Monitor Application page 25 © Susan C. Morse www.wildfelid.org; [email protected] The Wild Felid Research and Management Association The Wild Felid Research and Management Association (WFA) is a professional association open to researchers, wildlife managers, educators and others dedicated to the conservation of all wild felid species, with an emphasis on those species in the western hemisphere. The WFA acts in an advisory capacity to facilitate wild felid conservation, management, research, and public education, and functions among various governments, agencies, councils, universities and organizations responsible or interested in wild felids and their habitats. In This Issue Board News Notes from the Field 1 Welcome to the WFA 14 Predicting the effects of forest management on Canada 4 Dedication lynx 5 In Memory 15 Projeto Puma: Studying and conserving puma and jaguar 7 Contribute to the Wild Felid Monitor in Brazil 7 WFA at the 9th Mountain Lion Workshop 16 Project CAT: An experiment in science and education 7 Graduate scholarship opportunity 17 The Borderlands Jaguar Detection Project: An intro 8 Wild felids of the western hemisphere 18 Cougar research in Alberta 24 Future wild felid events 25-26 WFA member application and survey Tools of the Trade 27 Board of Directors contact information 19 Noninvasive sampling techniques for wild felids Voices Research Highlights 1 Wild cats and climate change 20 Studying effects of urbanization on disease dynamics in 9 Prioritizing conservation action and funding bobcats, pumas and domestic cats for the Felidae 20 Novel spatial tools for connectivity conservation: Cougars in southern California Conference Reports 20 Paraguay jaguar study 10 Felid biology and conservation conference 21 Canadian lynx cycles and barriers to dispersal 11 Canada lynx on the border: Biological and political 21 Ecology and conservation of cougars in the eastern realities for conservation planning Great Basin 21 Examining the habitat and prey selection of an Management News isolated cougar population 11 Trapping in Maine restricted to protect Canada lynx 12 Mountain lion management and hunter education in Recent Publications Colorado 22-23 Recent publications 13 Update on Canada lynx reintroduction in Colorado Cover and back photo credits: Susan Morse, [email protected] WFA logo designed by Ben Wright, [email protected] The Wild Felid Monitor is the biannual newsletter of the Wild Felid Research and Management Association (WFA) Editor: Chris Papouchis Newsletter Committee: Linda Sweanor, Gary Koehler, Sharon Negri, Hugh Robinson PO Box 3335, Montrose CO 81402 USA E-mail: [email protected], Websites: www.wildfelid.org & www.wildfelid.com Editorial Policy The Wild Felid Monitor encourages submission of articles, information and letters on ecology, research, management and conservation of wild felid species, and particularly of those species native to the western hemisphere. Preferred length of submissions is about 750 words. Submissions of photos, drawings and charts are encouraged. Electronic submissions to [email protected] are preferred; otherwise mail to the address above. The WFA reserves the right to accept, reject and edit submissions. Deadline for the Summer 2008 issue is March 5, 2008 Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue. The artwork is copyrighted – Please do not reproduce without permission. Membership Use the form on page 25 to order memberships and/or make donations. 2 Wild Felid Monitor: Winter 2007-08: Vol 1, Issue 1 WFA Board News (From the President, from page 1) and networking was needed to help bring people of similar inter- also incorporate the diverse public values towards felids into man- ests together, provide opportunities to pool resources and build on agement and conservation policy (see Jerry Apker’s article, page 12, current knowledge, and advance the fields of research, management, on changes in mountain lion hunter education requirements and and conservation. Specific areas of interest indicated by participants management policy in Colorado prompted by both hunter and ad- were, ranked from highest to lowest, science/research, management, vocacy groups). Reducing the risks felids may pose to people and conservation, education, and policy and socioeconomic impacts property, as well as understanding their positive economic impacts (tied). Most respondents favored the creation of a group that would (e.g., through hunting and tourism) and other possible negative focus on all wild cats in the western hemisphere, not just mountain impacts (e.g., their effects on endangered or isolated prey popula- lions (Puma concolor). Respondents stressed a broader focus because tions) are also important concerns. it allowed for greater exposure to topics on related species that might provide strategies and ideas not otherwise considered. As a consequence, continued viability of wild felid populations and mitigation of human-wild felid conflicts demand interdisciplin- After the workshop and armed with these positive survey responses, ary cooperation and communication among researchers, managers, two Mountain Lion Workshop participants initiated a search for land-use planners, educators, conservationists, and members of the experienced individuals willing to participate in the establishment public. Because no professional association in the Western Hemi- of this new, professional association. In August 2006, the found- sphere provides a conduit for such cooperation and communica- ing WFA board met in Bainbridge, Washington, USA to begin tion, we formed the WFA to fill this role. developing the structure of the WFA. The interim WFA board members have varied backgrounds that include wildlife research, What the WFA offers present or former employment in state or federal wildlife agencies, The WFA’s objectives are to facilitate communication and col- and conservation NGOs (see picture). Together, we have struc- laboration across scientific disciplines and among agencies, non- tured the WFA to be a professional, non-advocacy organization of governmental organizations, universities, and other interested par- biologists, wildlife managers, wildlife educators, and others who ties. We promote research of the highest scientific and professional are dedicated to the management and conservation of wild felids in standards; sound stewardship of wild felids through science-based the Western Hemisphere through science-based management and knowledge of their populations and habitat; and public awareness education. The interim board developed a WFA mission statement and understanding of the status, ecology, conservation, and manage- and bylaws that are similar in structure to those of another pro- ment of wild felids. Through our newsletter, and increasingly our fessional organization, the International Bear Research and Man- website, we will offer venues where researchers and managers can agement Association (IBA). Our bylaws can be found on our new website, www.wildfelid.org. The need for the WFA To the question, “Do we need this organiza- tion?” our answer is a resounding “Yes!” Those involved in felid research, management, or con- servation are already aware of the important structural and functional roles felids play in wild ecosystems.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 3Rd INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE SYMPOSIUM
    3rd INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE SYMPOSIUM “Conserving Sumatran Wildlife Heritage for Sustainable Livelihood” PROCEEDING ISBN: 978-602-0860-13-8 Organized by: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF ENVIRONMENT INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY SERVICE UNIVERSITY OF LAMPUNG 2016 i PROCEEDING IWS 2016 Person in charge: Warsono, Ph.D. Steering Committee: Dr. Hartoyo, M.Si. Organizing Commettee: Dr. Erdi Suroso, M.T.A. Editors: Dr. Endang Nurcahyani, M.Si. Dr. Ir. Sumaryo Gs, M.Si. Published by: Research and Development Center of Environment Institute for Research and Community Service University of Lampung Jl. Sumantri Brojonegoro No. 1, Bandar Lampung 35145 Phone: +62-721-705173, Fax. +621-721-773798 E-mail: [email protected] ISBN: 978-602-0860-13-8 All right reserved (including those of translation into other languages). No part of this book may be reproduced in any form – by photoprinting, microfilm, or any other means – nor transmitted or translated into a machine language without written permission from the publishers. Registered names, trademarks, etc. Used in this book, even when not specially marked as such, are nor to be considered unpropected by law. ii WELCOMING SPEECH FROM CHAIR PERSON OF THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Distinguished guests, - Minister of Environment and Forestry Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Siti Nurbaya or representing, - Rector University of Lampung, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hasriadi Mat Akin, M.P. - Honorable Keynote Speaker, Invited Speakers, participants, sponshorships, ladies and gentlemen Assalamu’alaikum warohmatullohi wabarokatuh. May God bless all of us. Tabik pun. It gives me great pleasure to extend to you all a very warm welcome to the 3rd International Wildlife Symposium (IWS 2016), here in Bandar Lampung.
    [Show full text]
  • Asrsg Action Plan
    IUCN/Species Survival Commission Conservation Communications Fund Contributors In 1992, IUCN’s Species Survival Commission (SSC) established the Conservation Communications Fund to garner support for its expansive Publications Programme which promotes conservation by: (1) providing objective scientific information about biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystems; (2) identifying high priority actions for conservation; and (3) delivering the information and recommendations to natural resource managers, decision-makers, and others whose actions affect the conservation of biodiversity. The SSC’s Action Plans, occasional papers, news magazine Species, Membership Directory, and other publications are supported by a wide variety of generous donors including: The Sultanate of Oman established the Peter Scott IUCN/SSC Action Plan Fund in 1990. The Fund supports Action Plan development and implementation; to date, more than 80 grants have been made from the Fund to Specialist Groups. As a result, the Action Plan Programme has progressed at an accelerated level and the network has grown and matured significantly. The SSC is grateful to the Sultanate of Oman for its confidence in and support for species conservation worldwide. The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) provides significant in-kind and cash support to the SSC, including grants for special projects, editorial and design services, staff secondments and related support services. The mission of CZS is to help people develop a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. The Zoo carries out its mission by informing and inspiring 2,000,000 annual visitors, serving as a refuge for species threatened with extinction, developing scientific approaches to manage species successfully in zoos and the wild, and working with other zoos, agencies, and protected areas around the world to conserve habitats and wildlife.
    [Show full text]
  • Pygmy Hog – 1 Southern Ningaul – 16 Kowari – 9 Finlayson's Squirrel
    Pygmy Hog – 1 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Southern Ningaul – 16 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Kowari – 9 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Finlayson’s Squirrel – 8 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Kodkod – 5 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Least Chipmunk – 12 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Tree Hyrax – 4 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Bank Vole – 13 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Island Fox – 6 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Gray-bellied Caenolestid – 11 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Raccoon Dog – 3 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Northern Short-Tailed Shrew – 14 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Southern African Hedgehog - 7 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Collard Pika - 10 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Pudu – 2 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Seba’s Short-tailed Bat – 15 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Pygmy Spotted Skunk - 16 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Grandidier’s “Mongoose” - 16 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Sloth Bear - 1 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Spotted Linsing - 9 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Red Panda - 8 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size European Badger – 5 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Giant Forest Genet – 12 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size African Civet – 4 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Kinkajou – 13 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense: Size Fossa – 6 Habitat: Diurnal/Nocturnal Defense:
    [Show full text]
  • Wildlife; Threatened and Endangered Species
    2009 SNF Monitoring and Evaluation Report Wildlife; Threatened and Endangered Species Introduction The data described in this report outlines the history, actions, procedures, and direction that the Superior National Forest (aka the Forest or SNF) has implemented in support of the Gray Wolf Recovery Plan and Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy (LCAS). The Forest contributes towards the conservation and recovery of the two federally listed threatened and endangered species: Canada lynx and gray wolf, through habitat and access management practices, collaboration with other federal and state agencies, as well as researchers, tribal bands and non-governmental partners. Canada lynx On 24 March 2000, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the Canada lynx a “Threatened” species in the lower 48 states. From 2004-2009 the main sources of information about Canada lynx for the SNF included the following: • Since 2003 the Canada lynx study has been investigating key questions needed to contribute to the recovery and conservation of Canada lynx in the Western Great Lakes. Study methods are described in detail in the annual study progress report available online at the following address: http://www.nrri.umn.edu/lynx/ . These methods have included collecting information on distribution, snow tracking lynx, tracking on the ground and in the air radio-collared lynx, studying habitat use, collecting and analyzing genetic samples (for example, from hair or scat) and conducting pellet counts of snowshoe hare (the primary prey). • In 2006 permanent snow tracking routes were established across the Forest. The main objective is to maintain a standardized, repeatable survey to monitor lynx population indices and trends.
    [Show full text]
  • Eurasian Lynx – Your Essential Brief
    Eurasian lynx – Your essential brief Background Q: Are lynx native to Britain? A: Based on archaeological evidence, the range of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) included Britain until at least 1,300 years ago. It is difficult to be precise about when or why lynx became extinct here, but it was almost certainly related to human activity – deforestation removed their preferred habitat, and also that of their prey, thus reducing prey availability. These declines in prey species may have been exacerbated by human hunting. Q: Where do they live now? A: Across Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, northern China and Southeast Asia. The range used to include other areas of Western Europe, including Britain, where they are no longer present. Q: How many are there? A: There are thought to be around 50,000 in the world, of which 9,000 – 10,000 live in Europe. They are considered to be a species of least concern by the IUCN. Modern range of the Eurasian lynx Q: How big are they? A: Lynx are on average around 1m in length, 75cm tall and around 20kg, with the males being slightly larger than the females. They can live to 15 years old, but this is rare in the wild. Q: What do they eat? A: The preferred prey of the lynx are the smaller deer species, primarily the roe deer. Lynx may also prey upon other deer species, including chamois, sika deer, smaller red deer, muntjac and fallow deer. Q: Do they eat other things? A: Yes. Lynx prey on many other species when their preferred prey is scarce, including rabbits, hares, foxes, wildcats, squirrel, pine marten, domestic pets, sheep, goats and reared gamebirds.
    [Show full text]
  • Costa Rica: National Parks & Tropical Forests January 19 - 31, 2019 (13 Days) with Hamilton Professor of Biology Emeritus Dr
    Costa Rica: National Parks & Tropical Forests January 19 - 31, 2019 (13 Days) with Hamilton Professor of Biology Emeritus Dr. Ernest H. Williams An exclusive Hamilton Global Adventure for 16 alumni, parents, and friends. © by Don Mezzi © T R Shankar Raman © by Steve © by Lars0001 3 San Carlos Rio Frio Costa Rica Altamira Village Dear Hamilton Alumni, Parents, and Friends, Lake Arenal I am delighted to invite you to join me in January 2019 for Monteverde Tortuguero 3 Cloud Forest National Park a wonderful trip to Costa Rica. As we travel from volcanic Reserve Doka Estate mountain ranges to misty cloud forests and bountiful jungles, San José our small group of no more than sixteen travelers, plus an Hacienda 2 Nosavar Santa Ana expert local Trip Leader and me, will explore these habitats up- close. Quepos San Gerardo 2 The biodiversity found in Costa Rica is astonishing for a country with Manuel de Dota 2 Antonio an area of just 20,000 square miles (approximately four times the size of National Park Finca don Connecticut): more than 12,000 species of plants, including a dazzling variety Tavo of trees and orchids; 237 species of mammals, including jaguars and four Main Tour species of monkeys; more species of birds (800!) than in all of North America; Optional Extensions more species of butterflies than on the entire continent of Africa; and five # of Hotel Nights genera of sea turtles as well as the endangered American crocodile. Corcovado Airport Arrival/ National Park Our travels will merge daily nature observations with visits to Costa Rican Departure national parks, farms, villages, beaches, cloud forest, and the capital city, San Jose.
    [Show full text]
  • Status of Large Carnivores in Serbia
    Status of large carnivores in Serbia Duško Ćirović Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade, Belgrade Status and threats of large carnivores in Serbia LC have differend distribution, status and population trends Gray wolf Eurasian Linx Brown Bear (Canis lupus) (Lynx lynx ) (Ursus arctos) Distribution of Brown Bear in Serbia Carpathian Dinaric-Pindos East Balkan Population status of Brown Bear in Serbia Dinaric-Pindos: Distribution 10000 km2 N=100-120 Population increase Range expansion Carpathian East Balkan: Distribution 1400 km2 Dinaric-Pindos N= a few East Balkan Population trend: unknown Carpathian: Distribution 8200 km2 N=8±2 Population stable Legal status of Brown Bear in Serbia According Law on Protection of Nature and the Law on Game and Hunting brown bear in Serbia is strictly protected species. He is under the centralized jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environmental Protection Treats of Brown Bear in Serbia Intensive forestry practice and infrastructure development . Illegal killing Low acceptance due to fear for personal safety Distribution of Gray wolf in Serbia Carpathian Dinaric-Pindos East Balkan Population status of Gray wolf in Serbia Dinaric-Balkan: 2 Carpathian Distribution cca 43500 km N=800-900 Population - stabile/slight increasingly Dinaric Range - slight expansion Carpathian: Distribution 480 km2 (was) Population – a few Population status of Gray wolf in Serbia Carpathian population is still undefined Carpathian Peri-Carpathian Legal status of Gray wolf in Serbia According the Law on Game and Hunting the gray wolf in majority pars of its distribution (south from Sava and Danube rivers) is game species with closing season from April 15th to July 1st.
    [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]
  • COSTA RICA JAGUAR CONSERVATION PROJECT a 21-Day Wildlife Conservation Program
    COSTA RICA JAGUAR CONSERVATION PROJECT A 21-Day Wildlife Conservation Program PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Assist Scientists with Jaguar Research in the Rainforests • Zipline Through the Monteverde Cloud Forest • Work Alongside Biologists Patrolling Beaches During a Sea Turtle Conservation Project • Hike to the Active Poás Volcano, the Second Largest Volcanic Crater in the World • Snorkel Through Vibrant Coral Reefs and Watch for Humpback Whales at Isla del Caño • Look For Rarely-Seen Nocturnal Animals During a Guided Rainforest Night Hike • 30 Hours of Community Service SPOTLIGHT PROJECT: JAGUAR RESEARCH IN CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK Costa Rica is home to many beautiful national parks, but Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula is one of the country’s most pristine. Barely disturbed by human presence, Cocorvado is home to many endangered animals, including jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. Here we work on a wildlife monitoring project led by local researchers who are committed to protecting jaguars and their rainforest home. We meet with a former hunter who shows us the tracking skills he now uses to find rare animals for conservation purposes instead of for food. During our time here we learn how to monitor and estimate jaguar populations and we help biologists set up and check motion-sensing cameras for footage of these iconic jungle felines. The data we collect will help scientists better understand the behavior of these secretive cats, and create more impactful conservation and management practices that benefit not just the jaguars, but all the unique animals that call the rainforest home. SAMPLE ITINERARY DAY 1 TRAVEL DAY AND POAS VOLCANO Participants are met by their leaders in either Miami or San Jose, Costa Rica on the first day of the program (students have an option to take a group flight out of Miami).
    [Show full text]
  • MPCP-Q3-Report-Webversion.Pdf
    MARA PREDATOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMME QUARTERLY REPORT JULY - SEPT 2018 MARA PREDATOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMME Q3 REPORT 2018 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY During this quarter we started our second lion & cheetah survey of 2018, making it our 9th consecutive time (2x3 months per year) we conduct such surveys. We have now included Enoonkishu Conservancy to our study area. It is only when repeat surveys are conducted over a longer period of time that we will be able to analyse population trends. The methodology we use to estimate densities, which was originally designed by our scientific associate Dr. Nic Elliot, has been accepted and adopted by the Kenya Wildlife Service and will be used to estimate lion densities at a national level. We have started an African Wild Dog baseline study, which will determine how many active dens we have in the Mara, number of wild dogs using them, their demographics, and hopefully their activity patterns and spatial ecology. A paper detailing the identification of key wildlife areas that fall outside protected areas was recently published. Contributors: Niels Mogensen, Michael Kaelo, Kelvin Koinet, Kosiom Keiwua, Cyrus Kavwele, Dr Irene Amoke, Dominic Sakat. Layout and design: David Mbugua Cover photo: Kelvin Koinet Printed in October 2018 by the Mara Predator Conservation Programme Maasai Mara, Kenya www.marapredatorconservation.org 2 MARA PREDATOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMME Q3 REPORT 2018 MARA PREDATOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMME Q3 REPORT 2018 3 CONTENTS FIELD UPDATES .......................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Threats from Human Land Use and Climate Change to the Kodkod Leopardus Guigna
    Assessing the distribution of a Vulnerable felid species: threats from human land use and climate change to the kodkod Leopardus guigna G RIET A.E. CUYCKENS,MIRIAM M. MORALES and M ARCELO F. TOGNELLI Abstract Climate change and habitat fragmentation are Introduction considered key pressures on biodiversity, and mammalian carnivores with a limited geographical distribution are limate change and destruction of natural habitats particularly vulnerable. The kodkod Leopardus guigna,a Cthrough human activities are major threats to terres- small felid endemic to the temperate forests of southern trial biodiversity. These pressures have led to substantial ’ Chile and Argentina, has the smallest geographical range range contractions and species extinctions (Parmesan & 2003 2003 2004 of any New World felid. Although the species occurs in Yohe, ; Root et al., ; Opdam & Wascher, ), 2008 protected areas in both countries, it is not known how well including for mammals (Schipper et al., ), and species 1991 these areas protect the kodkod either currently or under at high altitudes are particularly vulnerable (Innes, ; 1997 2003 climate change scenarios. We used species distribution Diaz & Bradley, ; Burns et al., ; Thomas et al., 2004 models and spatial analyses to assess the distribution of the ). Knowledge of the geographical distribution of species 2000 kodkod, examining the effects of changes in human land use is essential to assess these threats (Regan et al., ; Conrad 2006 and future climate change. We also assessed the species’ et al., ) but data on the distribution of rare species is 2006 2009 present representation in protected areas and in light of limited (Hernandez et al., ; Thorn et al., ).
    [Show full text]
  • Lynx, Felis Lynx, Predation on Red Foxes, Vulpes Vulpes, Caribou
    Lynx, Fe/is lynx, predation on Red Foxes, Vulpes vulpes, Caribou, Rangifer tarandus, and Dall Sheep, Ovis dalli, in Alaska ROBERT 0. STEPHENSON, 1 DANIEL V. GRANGAARD,2 and JOHN BURCH3 1Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99701 2Alaska Department of Fish and Game, P.O. Box 305, Tok, Alaska 99780 JNational Park Service, P.O. Box 9, Denali National Park, Alaska 99755 Stephenson, Robert 0., Daniel Y. Grangaard, and John Burch. 1991. Lynx, Fe/is lynx, predation on Red Foxes, Vulpes vulpes, Caribou, Rangifer tarandus, and Dall Sheep, Ovis dalli, in Alaska. Canadian Field-Naturalist 105(2): 255- 262. Observations of Canada Lynx (Fe/is lynx) predation on Red Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) and medium-sized ungulates during winter are reviewed. Characteristics of I 3 successful attacks on Red Foxes and 16 cases of predation on Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) and Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli) suggest that Lynx are capable of killing even adults of these species, with foxes being killed most easily. The occurrence of Lynx predation on these relatively large prey appears to be greatest when Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) are scarce. Key Words: Canada Lynx, Fe/is lynx, Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes, Caribou, Rangifer tarandus, Dall Sheep, Ovis dalli, predation, Alaska. Although the European Lynx (Felis lynx lynx) quently reach 25° C in summer and -10 to -40° C in regularly kills large prey (Haglund 1966; Pullianen winter. Snow depths are generally below 80 cm, 1981), the Canada Lynx (Felis lynx canadensis) and snow usually remains loosely packed except at relies largely on small game, primarily Snowshoe high elevations.
    [Show full text]