Den-site selection is critical for Pallas’s cats (Otocolobus manul)

Abstract

We evaluated the habitat selection of 101 den sites used by 21 individual Pallas’s cats ( Otocolobus manul (Pallas, 1776) = Felis manul Pallas, 1776) in summer, winter, and the maternal period in central Mongolia using generalized linear mixed models. Pallas’s cats used rock crevices and marmot burrows as dens for giving birth, raising young, thermoregulation, feeding, mating, and as important cover from predators. Den sites were selected with higher proportions of rocky and ravine habitats in the surroundings, and in winter Pallas’s cats avoided the presence of humans. Habitat and structural features suggested that dens were selected to minimize predation risk. Selection of dens in shade in summer and the use of insulated dens of Siberian marmots ( Marmota sibirica (Radde, 1862)) in winter indicated that thermal properties may also be important. We contend that dens are a critical habitat for Pallas’s cats and the availability of suitable den sites is critical for the conservation of the species. Repeated use of maternal dens suggested they may be a limiting resource. Although marmot dens are unlikely to be limiting at present, over hunting of marmots is likely to reduce burrow availability in the future.

State‐space modeling reveals habitat perception of a small terrestrial mammal in a fragmented landscape

“…Previous studies exploring the responses of eastern bettongs to fragmentation and habitat characteristics highlighted the importance of habitat amount and quality in determining their occurrence (Gardiner et al, 2018) Previous studies of habitat preferences in eastern bettongs suggested a lack of preference for particular floristics and vegetation structure (Johnson, 1994a); however, our study highlights behavioral responses to the understorey density of vegetation at ground level and to tree-canopy cover. Finding appropriate shelter is important for the survival of species, as this can include concealment from predators, rearing young and resting during inactive periods as seen across species such as hyenas (Singh, Gopalaswamy, & Karanth, 2010), lobsters (Heldt, 2013), and Pallas' cats (Ross, Kamnitzer, Munkhtsog, & Harris, 2010). Bettongs den in nests that they construct from material such as grass, fibrous bark, and bracken ferns.…”

Drivers of diurnal rest site selection by spotted hyaenas

“…Anderson, 1998;Li et al, 2015), refuges (Emsens et al, 2013), daytime shelters (Kowalczyk, Zalewski & Jêdrzejewska, 2004;Mysłajek, Nowak & Je z drzejewska, 2012) and daytime rest burrows (Endries & Adler, 2005). Rest sites are places of rest and not linked to reproduction unlike den sites (see Ruggiero, Pearson & Henry, 1998;Ye et al, 2007;Ross et al, 2010;P eriquet et al, 2016 for den site characteristics). Rest sites are also key locations for many animals as they influence the risks of predation and/or parasitism (Emsens et al, 2013;Li et al, 2015), maintain social bonds or territories (Anderson, 1998;Endries & Adler, 2005) and maximize access to food or water resources (Li et al, 2015).…”

A description of nesting behaviors, including factors impacting nest site selection, in black‐and‐white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata)

“…But in some, rare cases, breeders build multiple nests from which to choose for reproduction (e.g., marsh wren: Verner & Engelsen, 1970;European wren: Garson, 1980; Australian reed warblers: Berg, Beintema, Welbergen, & Komdeur, 2006;raptors: Ontiveros, Caro, & Pleguezuelos, 2008;Pallas's cats: Ross, Kamnitzer, Munkhtsog, & Harris, 2010). Whether nests are used once and abandoned, used repeatedly within and across breeding seasons (i.e., high nest site fidelity), and/or are used singly or by multiple nesting individuals is equally variable (e.g., Ross et al, 2010;Lovich et al, 2014;Robert et al, 2014).…”

“…In most vertebrates, one or both parents invest in a single nest per breeding attempt, such that unless the nest is disturbed (e.g., Beckmann, Biro, & Martin, ; Flegeltaub, Biro, & Beckmann, ), whether it is used goes more or less without question. But in some, rare cases, breeders build multiple nests from which to choose for reproduction (e.g., marsh wren: Verner & Engelsen, ; European wren: Garson, ; Australian reed warblers: Berg, Beintema, Welbergen, & Komdeur, ; raptors: Ontiveros, Caro, & Pleguezuelos, ; Pallas's cats: Ross, Kamnitzer, Munkhtsog, & Harris, ). Whether nests are used once and abandoned, used repeatedly within and across breeding seasons (i.e., high nest site fidelity), and/or are used singly or by multiple nesting individuals is equally variable (e.g., Ross et al, ; Lovich et al, ; Robert et al, ).…”