Using seasonal landscape models to predict space use and migratory patterns of an arctic ungulate

Baltensperger, Andrew P.; Joly, Kyle

doi:10.1186/s40462-019-0162-8

Cited by 24 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 73 publications

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“…Notably, pregnant females selected calving sites that were characterized by high-quality forage at the average time of peak calving. High fidelity is particularly impressive considering the highly variable winter ranges of individuals in this and other herds (Schaefer et al, 2000;Faille et al, 2010;Peignier et al, 2019), and thus females must routinely travel different routes between winter ranges and the calving area (Kelsall, 1968;Nicholson et al, 2016;Baltensperger and Joly, 2019). Spring FIGURE 5 | Predictive map of high-quality calving habitat for caribou of the Western Arctic Herd, Alaska.…”

Section: Land Covermentioning

confidence: 99%

Pronounced Fidelity and Selection for Average Conditions of Calving Area Suggestive of Spatial Memory in a Highly Migratory Ungulate

et al. 2020

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A distinguishing characteristic of many migratory animals is their annual return to distinct calving (birthing) areas in the spring, yet the navigational mechanisms employed during migration that result in this pattern are poorly understood. Effective conservation of these species requires reliable delineation of such areas, quantifying the factors that influence their selection, and understanding the underlying mechanisms resulting in use of calving areas. We used barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) as a study species and identified calving sites of the Western Arctic Herd in Alaska using GPS collar data from 2010–2017. We assessed variability in calving areas by comparing spatial delineations across all combinations of years. To understand calving area selection at a landscape scale, we performed a resource selection analysis comparing calving sites to available locations across the herd’s range and incorporated time-varying, remotely sensed metrics of vegetation quality and quantity. We found that whereas calving areas varied from year to year, this annual variation was centered on an area of recurring attraction consistent with previous studies covering the last six decades. Calving sites were characterized by high-quality forage at the average time of calving, but not peak calving that year, and by a narrow range of distinct physiographic factors. Each year, calving sites were located on areas of above-average conditions based on our predictive model. Our findings indicate that the pattern of spring migration for pregnant females was to migrate to areas that consistently provide high-quality forage when averaged across years, and then upon arriving at this calving ground, refine selection using their perception of annually varying conditions that are driven by environmental stochasticity. We suggest that the well-documented and widespread pattern of fidelity to calving grounds by caribou is supportive of a navigational mechanism based on spatial memory at a broad scale to optimize foraging and energy acquisition at a critical life-history stage. The extent to which migrants depend on memory to reach their spring destinations has implications for the adaptability of populations to changing climate and human impacts.

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Section: Land Covermentioning

confidence: 99%

Pronounced Fidelity and Selection for Average Conditions of Calving Area Suggestive of Spatial Memory in a Highly Migratory Ungulate

et al. 2020

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“…These types of movements can now be examined with more accuracy in paleoecological specimens and used to augment biological models (e.g. Baltensperger and Joly, 2019). Furthermore, major cultural zones of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, the Interior and Arctic Alaska have very distinct 87 Sr/ 86 Sr signals that could be meaningful for understanding trade connection in cultural and archeological materials (Potter et al, 2017(Potter et al, , 2013).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A bio‐available strontium isoscape for eastern Beringia: a tool for tracking landscape use of Pleistocene megafauna

Funck

Bataille

Rasic

et al. 2020

J Quaternary Science

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Numerous paleoecological questions concern the mobility of ancient fauna in eastern Beringia. Strontium (Sr) isotope ratio (87 Sr/ 86 Sr) analysis has emerged as a powerful tracer for determining the provenance of ancient biological materials. However, it is important to characterize 87 Sr/ 86 Sr variation across a landscape. We measured the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr composition of teeth from present-day, herbivorous rodents (n = 162) sampled from across eastern Beringia to estimate bio-available 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values. We compiled these data with the very limited number of previously published 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values from the region. We then used this dataset and a machine learning, randomforest regression to predict bio-available 87 Sr/ 86 Sr variations across eastern Beringia. As a case study using our new 87 Sr/ 86 Sr map (isoscape), we measured the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and oxygen stable isotope values (δ 18 O) of five radiocarbondated steppe bison from eastern Beringia and compared these to our 87 Sr/ 86 Sr isoscape and a δ 18 O isoscape to estimate the probable landscape use of these ancient fauna. Our model and isoscape provide important foundations for a wide range of additional applications, including studies of the paleo-mobility of other fauna, ancient people and present-day fauna in eastern Beringia.

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“…Selection of areas farther from existing roads was clearly indicated across both seasons, despite the paucity of roads in the study area. Multiple studies have found that caribou and reindeer may show avoidance or altered movement behavior in proximity to roads (Leblond et al 2013, Panzacchi et al 2013, Wilson et al 2016, Baltensperger and Joly 2019) and that road effects may extend beyond their physical footprint due to noise, dust, human activity, and other factors (Myers‐Smith et al 2006, Shannon et al 2014, Paton et al 2017). While our study finds a negative response to roads during migration, this does not imply that roads pose an absolute barrier.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mapping potential effects of proposed roads on migratory connectivity for a highly mobile herbivore using circuit theory

Fullman¹,

Wilson²,

Joly

et al. 2020

Ecological Applications

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Migration is common worldwide as species access spatiotemporally varying resources and avoid predators and parasites. However, long‐distance migrations are increasingly imperiled due to development and habitat fragmentation. Improved understanding of migratory behavior has implications for conservation and management of migratory species, allowing identification and protection of seasonal ranges and migration corridors. We present a technique that applies circuit theory to predict future effects of development by analyzing season‐specific resistance to movement from anthropogenic and natural environmental features across an entire migratory path. We demonstrate the utility of our approach by examining potential effects of a proposed road system on barren ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) and subsistence hunters in northern Alaska. Resource selection functions revealed migratory selection by caribou. We tested five scenarios relating habitat selection to landscape resistance using Circuitscape and GPS telemetry data. To examine the effect of potential roads on connectivity of migrating animals and human hunters, we compared current flow values near communities in the presence of proposed roads. Caribou avoided dense vegetation, rugged terrain, major rivers, and existing roads in both spring and fall. A negative linear relationship between resource selection and landscape resistance was strongly supported for fall migration while spring migration featured a negative logarithmic relationship. Overall patterns of caribou connectivity remained similar in the presence of proposed roads, though reduced current flow was predicted for communities near the center of current migration areas. Such data can inform decisions to allow or disallow projects or to select among alternative development proposals and mitigation measures, though consideration of cumulative effects of development is needed. Our approach is flexible and can easily be adapted to other species, locations and development scenarios to expand understanding of movement behavior and to evaluate proposed developments. Such information is vital to inform policy decisions that balance new development, resource user needs, and preservation of ecosystem function.

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Using seasonal landscape models to predict space use and migratory patterns of an arctic ungulate

Cited by 24 publications

References 73 publications

Pronounced Fidelity and Selection for Average Conditions of Calving Area Suggestive of Spatial Memory in a Highly Migratory Ungulate

Pronounced Fidelity and Selection for Average Conditions of Calving Area Suggestive of Spatial Memory in a Highly Migratory Ungulate

A bio‐available strontium isoscape for eastern Beringia: a tool for tracking landscape use of Pleistocene megafauna

Mapping potential effects of proposed roads on migratory connectivity for a highly mobile herbivore using circuit theory

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