A multiscale analysis of gene flow for the <scp>N</scp>ew <scp>E</scp>ngland cottontail, an imperiled habitat specialist in a fragmented landscape

Fenderson, Lindsey E.; Kovach, Adrienne I.; Litvaitis, John A.; O’Brien, Kathleen; Boland, Kelly; Jakubas, Walter J.

doi:10.1002/ece3.1068

Cited by 40 publications

(64 citation statements)

References 119 publications

(199 reference statements)

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“…) or population genetic evaluations (Fenderson et al. ) are inferred. Surveys are ideally conducted in winter, following snowfall events, as the snow facilitates detection of lagomorph tracks and pellets, and the cold temperatures preserve the DNA in pellet samples (Kovach et al.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatially explicit abundance estimation of a rare habitat specialist: implications for SECR study design

Kristensen

Kovach

2018

Ecosphere

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Abstract. Estimating abundance is an essential component of monitoring and recovery of rare species, and spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models provide the means for robust density estimation. Previous work has elucidated principles of SECR study design for large, generalist carnivores, but less attention has been paid to study design considerations for smaller species, with less extensive home ranges. Here, we integrated data from an intensive pilot study with simulation modeling to evaluate the influence of survey sampling intensity on precision and accuracy in SECR abundance estimation for a rare lagomorph that specializes on patchily distributed early-successional habitats. Doing so, we obtained the first mark-recapture density estimates for the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis). Capture probability and density on the landscape both impacted the required intensity of the sampling design. The optimal study design for robust estimation also required a greater number of traps relative to home range size or spatial extent than those recommended in prior SECR studies. This divergence emphasizes that SECR study design considerations will differ among organisms with varying spatial extent and habitat use. Demonstrating the appropriate sampling design for a study system is important prior to embarking in a SECR study. Integrating pilot empirical data with simulations provides a powerful means for optimizing SECR study design and for facilitating applicability of SECR approaches to a wider array of organisms with varying habitat and space use. This methodology may be employed in planning a monitoring program that maximizes effectiveness while minimizing cost and effort, as part of the adaptive management approach to monitor and recover rare or endangered species.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatially explicit abundance estimation of a rare habitat specialist: implications for SECR study design

Kristensen

Kovach

2018

Ecosphere

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“…On the other hand, the simultaneous use of genetic approaches and landscape analyses has also shown that linear infrastructures can, in some cases, increase connectivity. For instance, the use of microsatellites enabled Fenderson et al (2014) to identify railways, powerlines, or even road sides as dispersal facilitators of New England cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis), but their approach was limited as they did not evaluate the relative importance of each of these infrastructures to the observed increase in connectivity. Such an increase in the landscape connectivity can be detrimental in some cases, such as that of invasive species, a theme that is discussed at length in Chap.…”

Section: Indirect Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For instance, as mowed railway rights-of-way have been found to restore population connectivity the for New England cottontail, an early successional habitat specialist of conservation concern, a management recommendation to reduce the isolation of their populations is not to allow vegetation development beyond shrub stratum (Fenderson et al 2014). …”

Section: Identify Landscape Features Enhancing Connectivitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Railways as Barriers for Wildlife: Current Knowledge

Barrientos

Borda‐de‐Água

2017

Railway Ecology

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In this chapter we provide practical suggestions, together with examples, to identify, monitor and mitigate railway barrier effects on wildlife, as this is considered one of the railways' greatest impacts. Railways can be both physical and behavioral barriers to wildlife movement, as well as disturbance to populations living close to them. Also, mortality is recognized as an important contribution to the barrier effect. However, the consequences of habitat loss, and fragmentation due to railways alone remain largely unexplored. Barrier effects have mainly been mitigated with wildlife passes, with the effectiveness of this tool being one of the most-studied topics in Railway Ecology. Methods formerly employed to monitor pass usage, such as track beds or video-surveillance, are now being replaced by molecular ones. Among the latter methods, genetic fingerprinting allows individual-based approaches, opening the door to population-scale studies. In fact, genetic sampling allows for the assessment of functional connectivity, which is closely linked to successful reproduction and population viability, variables not necessarily coupled with crossing rates. There is strong evidence that railway verges offer new habitats for generalist species and for opportunistic individuals, a point that deserves to be experimentally explored in order to find wildlife-friendly policies. Preventing animals from crossing (e.g., by fencing), should be reserved for collision hotspots, as it increases barrier effects. Instead, it has been shown that warning signals or pole barriers effectively reduce collisions without increasing barrier effects. In this respect, we argue that computer simulations are a promising field to investigate potential impact scenarios. Finally, we present a protocol to guide planners and managers when assessing barrier effects, with emphasis on monitoring and mitigation strategies.

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“…In Canada, Tremblay and St. Clair (2009) showed that railways were more permeable to forest song bird movements than were roads, likely due to their narrower width and lower traffic. Indeed, the authors found that the gap size in the vegetation was the most important factor constraining forest bird movement, especially when the gap was larger than 30 m. As a final example, in their study of New England cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis) in the USA, Fenderson et al (2014) concluded that major highways limited dispersal, whereas railways and power lines corridors acted as dispersal facilitators.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Railway Ecology

Borda‐de‐Água¹,

Barrientos²,

Beja³

et al. 2017

Railway Ecology

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Railways play a major role in the global transportation system. Furthermore, railways are presently being promoted by several governments thanks to their economic and environmental advantages relative to other means of transportation. Although railways have clear advantages, they are not free of environmental problems. The objective of this book is to review, assess, and provide solutions to the impacts of railways on wildlife. We have divided the impacts of railways on biodiversity into four main topics: mortality, barrier effects, species invasions, and environmental disturbances, with the latter ranging from noise to chemical pollution. Railways share several characteristics with roads and with power lines when the trains are electric. Therefore, much can be learned from studies on the impacts of roads and power lines, taking into account, however, that in railways, the two are often combined. Besides the similarities with roads and power lines, railways have specific characteristics. For instance, railways have lower traffic intensity but trains usually have much higher speeds than road vehicles, and the electric structures in railways are typically lower than in most power lines. Thus, railways pose specific challenges and require specific mitigation measures, justifying calling the study of its impacts on biodiversity "railway ecology."

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A multiscale analysis of gene flow for the New England cottontail, an imperiled habitat specialist in a fragmented landscape

Cited by 40 publications

References 119 publications

Spatially explicit abundance estimation of a rare habitat specialist: implications for SECR study design

Spatially explicit abundance estimation of a rare habitat specialist: implications for SECR study design

Railways as Barriers for Wildlife: Current Knowledge

Railway Ecology

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