Effects of urbanization on the behaviour of a keystone species

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation and urbanization not only cause extirpation of species, but also alter the behaviour of species in human modified areas. We evaluated behavioural characteristics of the black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), a keystone species, in the urban landscape of Denver, CO, USA. Specifically, we investigated the proportion of vigilance, foraging, and social behaviour within a system of urban colonies that varied in area, degree of connectivity, and time since isolation. Overall, rates of vigilance were lower than are typically reported for black-tailed prairie dogs in grassland habitats. Colonies that were more isolated exhibited higher levels of vigilance, but colonies isolated for a longer period of time exhibited reduced vigilance. Thus, while urban stimuli may increase alertness in the most isolated colonies, we suggest that black-tailed prairie dogs might eventually adjust to these stimuli and relax their vigilance responses. Because behaviour varies based on age of fragments, we provide evidence that black-tailed prairie dog populations are responding to urbanization through behavioural changes that may be adaptive. The ability to understand how landscape-level factors influence black-tailed prairie dog behaviour provides important information about the response of keystone species to urban settings and can aid conservation and management efforts in fragmented systems.

Hamsters in the city: A study on the behaviour of a population of common hamsters (Cricetus cricetus) in urban environment

“…This result is consistent with reports of burrows located along main streets that are high-traffic roads in Simferopol, Ukraine [11,16]. Moreover, the studied population has lived near this hospital for many generations and is probably accustomed to these repetitive disturbances [44], which are similar to a background noise, whatever their intensity. Francis and Barber (2013) [45] suggested the possibility of a long-term decrease in sensory capacities in urban species, which could also explain why this stable urban population no longer reacts to urban noises.…”

perspective: The keystone species concept: a critical appraisal

“…Nonetheless, researchers continue to apply the concept to an ever-growing number of species and scenarios. and a squid (Loligo plei) were all described as keystone species (Ashton 2010, Gasalla et al 2010, Konsinski et al 2010, Moloney 2010, Delibes-Mateos et al 2011, Evans et al 2011, Magle & Angeloni 2011, Tsuyama et al 2011, Ucarli 2011. While the high number of species identified as keystones does not mean they are inaccurate, different definitions are being applied, resulting in a lack of consistency in the criteria used to assign keystone status.…”

Residential development alters behavior, movement, and energetics in an apex predator, the puma

“…Habitat conversion is a primary driver of species extinctions and increases exposure of wildlife to anthropogenic disturbances [ 1 ]. These disturbances influence many integral animal behaviors (e.g., foraging, mating, and movement) [ 2 ] and transform species interactions [ 3 – 4 ]. Conversion to low-density development at the wildland-urban interface is the fastest growing type of land use change in the continental United States [ 5 ] and is expected to continue expanding in the coming decades [ 6 ].…”