Using stable isotope mixing models (SIMMs) as a tool to investigate the foraging ecology of animals is gaining popularity among researchers. As result, statistical methods are rapidly evolving and numerous have been produced estimate diets animals--each with their benefits limitations. Deciding which SIMM use contingent on factors such consumer interest, its food sources, sample size, familiarity user has particular framework for analysis, or level inference researcher desires make (e.g.,...

We believe that communication within and among agency personnel in the United States Canada about successes failures of their human–bear (Ursidae) management programs will increase effectiveness these bear research. To communicate more effectively, we suggest agencies clearly define terms concepts used use them a consistent manner. constructed lexicon using modified Delphi method to provide resource facilitates effective agencies. Specifically, defined 40 definitions based on discussions...

Using stable isotope mixing models (SIMMs) as a tool to investigate the foraging ecology of animals is gaining popularity among researchers.As result, statistical methods are rapidly evolving and numerous have been produced estimate diets animals-each with their benefits limitations.Deciding which SIMM use contingent on factors such consumer interest, its food sources, sample size, familiarity user has particular framework for analysis, or level inference researcher desires make (e.g.,...

Abstract We used genetic and stable isotope analysis of hair from free‐ranging black bears ( Ursus americanus ) in Yosemite National Park, California, USA to: 1) identify that consume human food, 2) estimate the diets these bears, 3) evaluate human–bear management program. Specifically, we analyzed isotopic composition known a priori to be food‐conditioned or non‐food‐conditioned data predict whether with an unknown status were (FC) (NFC). mixing model proportional contribution natural foods...

Investigating social learning in free-ranging mammals is gaining popularity among researchers. Natural experiments are ideal for studying learning, but rare compared to captive studies because of practical limitations and ethical concerns. Such often restricted or forbidden they require manipulation the environment, ecology, behavior species. As a result, developing new methods investigate field essential. The main goal this study was use genetic data testing framework determine if from...

We investigated the distribution and diet of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Upper Mustang Region (UMR) Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) Nepal by interviewing local residents (n = 166) collecting bear sign 109). Residents reported that predominantly used Dhalung Chungjung pastures Damodar Kunda Valley UMR from May to November, as well unprotected area between this region Shey–Phoksundo National Park. conducted dietary analyses on 56 scats; were predominately carnivorous UMR. Plant matter...

Similar to vehicles on roadways, trains frequently kill wildlife via collisions along railways. Despite the prevalence of this mortality worldwide, little is known about relative importance attractants associated with railways, including spilled agricultural products, enhanced vegetation, invertebrates, and carcasses rail-killed ungulates. We assessed several railway a provincially-threatened population grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in Banff Yoho National Parks, Canada, for which rail-caused...

Wildlife traffickers often claim that confiscated animals were captive-bred rather than wild-caught to launder wild and escape prosecution. We used stable isotopes (δ13C δ15N) derived from the claw tips of wood turtles Maine captive throughout eastern U.S. develop a predictive model classify as or captive. found (Glyptemys insculpta) isotopically distinct. Captive had significantly higher δ13C δ15N values turtles. Our correctly classified all (100%) nearly (94%). All but two 71 tested...

Human–wildlife conflict is a leading cause of adult mortality for large carnivores worldwide. Train collision the primary threatened grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in Banff National Park. We investigated use stable isotope analysis as tool identifying that railway Banff. Rail-associated had higher δ15N and δ34S values than sampled away from rail, but similar δ13C values. Because elevated are indicative animal protein consumption, rail-associated likely preyed on ungulates foraged along rail or...

Summary Stable isotope analysis is a powerful method for estimating the impacts animals have on their environment (resource use), revealing ecological niches. We demonstrated use of stable mixing model measuring niches consumers. In particular, we used IsotopeR to estimate resource two species with complex, omnivorous diets: invasive Norway rats from Aleutian Islands, AK , and American black bears Yosemite National Park, CA . Marginal posterior distributions major food sources (for...

Ethanol storage and lipid extraction can alter the isotopic composition of animal tissues, which bias dietary estimates calculated by stable isotope mixing models (SIMMs). We examined effects ethanol on δ13C, δ15N, δ34S values measured in brown bear (Ursus arctos) muscles livers. also used data from our experiment to understand effect contributions SIMMs. found that caused small increases δ13C for both (ethanol storage: +0.4 ± 0.5‰, extraction: 0.4‰) liver +0.6 0.3‰, +0.8 0.5‰). In contrast,...

Past research indicates that whitebark pine seeds are a critical food source for Threatened grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). In recent decades, forests have declined markedly due to beetle infestation, invasive blister rust, and landscape-level fires. To date, no study has reliably estimated contribution of diets grizzlies through time. We used stable isotope ratios (expressed as δ13C, δ15N, δ34S values) measured bear hair their major sources estimate...

Understanding the ecology and behaviour of endangered species is essential for developing effective management conservation strategies. We used stable isotope analysis to investigate foraging critically Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) in Greece. measured carbon nitrogen ratios (expressed as δ(13)C δ(15)N values, respectively) derived from hair deceased adult juvenile muscle their known prey quantify diets. tested hypothesis that primarily foraged occupy coastal habitats compared...

Wildlife management personnel often transport human food-conditioned (FC) bears (Ursidae) from developed areas (areas with high human-use) to undeveloped reduce the number of bear incidents and property damage in areas. Our goal was determine if American black (Ursus americanus) return after being transported Yosemite National Park. Using capture records (1992–2011) for 29 2006–08, we determined FC (n = 20) not (NFC; n 9) were equally likely following transport. We also reported fate these...

Abstract Although research supporting cerebral lateralization, or handedness, in non‐human vertebrates is expanding, reptiles represent one of the least studied. While assessing wood turtle shells, we noticed more dents, scrapes, chips, and other forms damage on right side turtles than left. Asymmetrical injury has been attributed to lateralization taxa, current supports handedness testudines. After creating a “scute index” catalog location, confirmed had their shells We offer four...

Stable isotopes derived from the claws of birds could be used to determine migratory origins if time periods represented in excised sections were known. We investigated new keratin growth adult female Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) by estimating equilibration rates stable (δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H) breeding grounds into 1 mm claw tips. sampled on their ground through found that it took approximately 3–3.5 months for isotope values most tips equilibrate reflected those present environment grounds....

Abstract Human population growth is a major threat to the biodiversity of mammals in China. Rapid development infrastructure, pollution, and poor enforcement environmental laws China have altered landscape accelerated extinction rates mammals. To maintain conserve China, it essential develop monitoring protocols for species concern that are efficient, cost-effective, current. It now common practice ecologists survey interest using noninvasive sampling methods. These techniques affordable,...

Abstract Both population abundances and chemical tracers are useful tools for studying consumer‐resource interactions. Food web models parameterized with often used to understand how interactions structure communities inform management decisions of complex ecological systems. Unfortunately, collecting abundance data parameterize these is expensive time‐consuming. Another approach use estimate the proportional diets consumers by relating in their tissues those found food sources. Although...

Mesocarnivores are major components of carnivore assemblages, and they play important roles in structuring communities regulating community dynamics. In Southwest China, many apex predators have been extirpated, this has potentially resulted the ecological release mesocarnivores. Estimating sizes mesocarnivore populations is challenging. We used DNA derived from hairs spatial capture–mark–recapture techniques to estimate population size masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) Laohegou Nature...