One‐Sided Barrier Impact of an International Railroad on Mongolian Gazelles

Ito, Yoichi; Okada, Ayumi; Buuveibaatar, Bayarbaatar; Lhagvasuren, Badamjav; Takatsuki, Seiki; Tsunekawa, Atsushi

doi:10.2193/2007-188

Cited by 25 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Carcass densities differed not only between regions but also between the southwestern and northeastern sides of the railway ( Fig. 14.8; Ito et al 2008). A similar carcass survey was conducted in summer 2011, and 393 b Carcass numbers of Mongolian gazelles on the southwestern and northeastern sides of the Ulaanbaatar-Beijing Railway in each zone.…”

Section: Influences Of the Barrier Effect On Wild Ungulatesmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…A similar carcass survey was conducted in summer 2011, and 393 b Carcass numbers of Mongolian gazelles on the southwestern and northeastern sides of the Ulaanbaatar-Beijing Railway in each zone. We categorized carcasses according to whether we found them outside or inside railway fences (from Ito et al 2008) carcasses were recorded (Olson 2012). Although the carcass distribution patterns in different years were similar, there were also some differences.…”

Section: Influences Of the Barrier Effect On Wild Ungulatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Habitat Fragmentation by Railways as a Barrier to Great Migrations of Ungulates in Mongolia

et al. 2017

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Mongolia's Gobi-Steppe Ecosystem is the largest grassland in the world and the habitat of long-distance movement ungulates, such as the Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) and the Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus). The international railway between Russia and China bisects this habitat, and there has been concern that it may impede the movements of wild ungulates. We tracked ungulate movements on both sides of the Ulaanbaatar-Beijing Railway, and found that most of the tracked animals never crossed the railway. The construction of additional railways to permit mining projects in the area is therefore a further threat to maintaining the great migrations of ungulates across Mongolia.

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Section: Influences Of the Barrier Effect On Wild Ungulatesmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Influences Of the Barrier Effect On Wild Ungulatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Habitat Fragmentation by Railways as a Barrier to Great Migrations of Ungulates in Mongolia

et al. 2017

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“…These can reduce WTCs but, on the other hand, they can increase barrier effects (e.g., Ito et al 2005Ito et al , 2008Ito et al , 2013; see also Chap. 14).…”

Section: Effectiveness Of Mitigation Measuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…16). Mongolian gazelles (Procapra gutturosa) are able to cross fenced railways in Mongolia (Ito et al 2008), but they usually do not do so (Ito et al 2005(Ito et al , 2013, and see Chap. 14).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…14). Therefore, these fenced railways represented a barrier effect affecting population dynamics as it caused disruptions in long-distance gazelle migrations (Ito et al 2005(Ito et al , 2008(Ito et al , 2013. Stopping migration routes prevents gazelles from reaching their traditional food-rich winter quarters, potentially increasing their winter mortality due to starvation (Ito et al 2005(Ito et al , 2008(Ito et al , 2013.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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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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Alternative foraging strategies enable a mountain ungulate to persist after migration loss

et al. 2017

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Abstract. The persistence of many migratory ungulate populations worldwide is threatened due to anthropogenic impacts to seasonal ranges and migration routes. While many studies have linked migratory ungulate declines to migration disruption or loss, very few have explored the underlying factors that determine whether a population perishes or persists. In some cases, populations undergo severe declines and extirpation after migration loss; however, others appear able to persist as residents. We predict that to persist, populations must replace the traditional benefits of migration by altering the foraging strategies they employ as residents within one seasonal range. We propose the alternative foraging strategies (AFS) hypothesis as a framework for identifying various behavioral strategies that populations may use to cope with migration loss. We tested the hypothesis using the formerly migratory Teton bighorn sheep population in northwest Wyoming, which ceased migrating over 60 yr ago, but has persisted as a resident population. We used global positioning system data to evaluate winter and summer habitat selection and seasonal elevational movements for 28 adult female bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) from 2008 to 2010. Resource selection functions revealed that bighorn sheep employ winter foraging strategies to survive as residents by seeking out rugged, high-elevation, windswept ridgelines. Seasonal movement analyses indicated that bighorn sheep undergo a newly documented "abbreviated migration" strategy that is closely synchronized with vegetation green-up patterns within their one range. Bighorn sheep descend 500 m in elevation and travel up to 10 km in spring, gaining access to newly emergent forage approximately 30 d before it appears on their high-elevation winter and summer ranges. Our findings indicate that the Teton bighorn sheep population has persisted due to its habitat selection, AFS, and unique movement patterns, which allow migration loss to be mediated to some extent. The identification of AFS and the habitats that support them can help reveal the underlying benefits of migration and conserve populations in the face of future migration loss.

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One‐Sided Barrier Impact of an International Railroad on Mongolian Gazelles

Cited by 25 publications

References 16 publications

Habitat Fragmentation by Railways as a Barrier to Great Migrations of Ungulates in Mongolia

Habitat Fragmentation by Railways as a Barrier to Great Migrations of Ungulates in Mongolia

Railways as Barriers for Wildlife: Current Knowledge

Alternative foraging strategies enable a mountain ungulate to persist after migration loss

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