The world's domestic cats carry patterns of sequence variation in their genome that reflect a history domestication and breed development. A genetic assessment 979 wild progenitors-Felis silvestris (European wildcat), F. s. lybica (Near Eastern ornata (central Asian cafra (southern African bieti (Chinese desert cat)-indicated each group represents distinctive subspecies Felis silvestris. Further analysis revealed were domesticated the Near East, probably coincident with agricultural village...

Habitat sinks can attract dispersing animals if high mortality or breeding failure are difficult to detect (e.g., when due human hunting pollution). Using a simple deterministic model, we explore the dynamics of such source-sink systems considering three scenarios: an avoided sink, no habitat preference, and attractive sink. In second two scenarios, there is threshold proportion sink above which whole population decreases extinction, but this extinction varies with preference relative...

Top predators have often been persecuted because of their supposed negative effects on species economic concern which they feed. In some cases, however, may actually benefit prey through intraguild predation other smaller that share the prey. each two representative situations, in one lynx were present and absent, we (1) estimated gross number rabbits taken by Egyptian mongooses (smaller are themselves preyed upon lynx; (2) simulated size‐structured rabbit populations different densities,...

Mounting theoretical and empirical evidence shows that matrix heterogeneity may have contrasting effects on metapopulation dynamics by contributing to patch isolation in nontrivial ways. We analyze the movement properties during interpatch dispersal a of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). On daily temporal scale, habitat selection defines two types habitats where individuals move: open (avoided used as available, respectively). There was strong complex impact at several scales (hourly...

Abstract: We developed a conceptual framework for classifying habitat quality that requires the construction of separate models each key demographic feature; can be applied when factors determine different processes differ substantially. For example, survival large carnivores is mainly determined by human‐induced mortality, whereas nutritional condition determines reproductive rate. Hence, two‐dimensional model built reproduction and yields five hypothetical categories: matrix , with no...

Seventeen culverts and pathway passages across a high speed railway were monitored for one year in order to determine factors influencing their use by terrestrial vertebrates. Carnivores, lagomorphs, small mammals reptiles used the passages. Crossing rates generally reflected spatiotemporal variation vertebrate abundance activity, suggesting that could be valuable allowing movement railway. Wild ungulates known present did not passages, probably due combination of unsuitable dimensions...

Large carnivores inhabiting human-dominated landscapes often interact with people and their properties, leading to conflict scenarios that can mislead carnivore management and, ultimately, jeopardize conservation. In northwest Spain, brown bears Ursus arctos are strictly protected, whereas sympatric wolves Canis lupus subject lethal control. We explored ecological, economic societal components of involving large damages human properties. analyzed the relation between complaints depredations...

1. Spatial relationships between Iberian lynx and other carnivores were studied by radio-tracking and/or track censusing in two adjacent areas of Donana (south-western Spain). 2. Both showed that restricted to an undisturbed area Pistacia lentiscus shrubs called Matasgordas. Minimum maximum density Matasgordas estimated as 0.55 0.75 ind. km -2 . 3. Egyptian mongoose tracks mainly detected outside (83% tracks), European badger most often inside (76% red fox frequently both (54%) (46%) Surveys...

Abstract Aim To analyse the geographical patterns in composition and diversity of otter's ( Lutra lutra L.) diet their relationship with climatic characteristics. Location European freshwater habitats under Mediterranean temperate regimes. Methods Thirty‐seven otter studies were reviewed, twenty‐one from sixteen areas. All based on spraint analysis results expressed as relative frequency occurrence seven main prey categories. Principal Component Analysis was performed to extract gradients...

Abstract: Applied conservation biology must provide solutions for the of species in modern landscapes, where prime habitats are being continuously fragmented and altered animals restricted to small, nonviable populations. We studied habitat selection a population endangered Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardinus ) by examining 14 years radiotracking data obtained from trapped two different source areas. Habitat was independently predispersal areas, dispersing individuals through region, postdispersing...

The use of metapopulation models in conservation biology is growing exponentially, but there a need for empirical studies that support theoretical approaches, especially species with large and long-lived individuals. In this paper we explore the viability dynamics real an endangered mammal by combining field work modeling order to decisions evaluate approaches. Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), considered most vulnerable felid world, restricted Peninsula southwestern Europe. persistence...

The use of protective cover by prey animals is commonly associated with high predation risk. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in southern Spain vegetated patches daylight but open prairie during the night, although rates are both periods. Hiding under vegetation may be adaptive for rabbits day because they suffer visually oriented birds prey, dangerous when hunted carnivorous mammals that need to stalk. Therefore, heavily predated Spanish leave dense nighttime and exploit rich food.

Brown bear (Ursus arctos) food habits were examined from 1,500 fecal samples collected between 1974 and 2004 in the Cantabrian Mountains of northern Spain. The most important items graminoids forbs spring, fleshy fruits (especially bilberries) summer, hard mast autumn winter acorns). Animal matter also was consumed throughout year. We found differences 3 brown population nuclei within population, which could be enormous interest for habitat management. investigated how much interannual...

Fruit–frugivore interactions are crucial for the dynamics and regeneration of most forested ecosystems. Still, we lack an understanding potential variation in sign strength such relation to variations spatial temporal ecological context. Here, evaluated (three sites) (two fruiting seasons) local (seed predation versus dispersal) (frequency quantity) among six frugivorous mammals a community Mediterranean fleshy‐fruited shrubs. We examined mammal faecal samples quantified frequency seed...

Summary Ubiquitous linear developments, such as dirt tracks and firebreaks, termed ‘soft’ developments ( SLD ), represent weaker landscape modifications than paved roads highways but still could strongly affect populations communities. Many animals avoid , some terrestrial mammals seem to select them for faecal marking. Faeces often contain many viable seeds; therefore, may receive a substantial amount diversity of seeds, which have important overlooked consequences plant recruitment. To...

Abstract Understanding the factors underlying species coexistence is a major focus in community ecology. When dealing with competition between native and exotic species, competitive exclusion of ‘weaker’ can have consequences for biodiversity conservation. We examined interspecific interactions during foraging black vultures Coragyps atratus Andean condors Vultur gryphus Southern Argentina. Previous studies suggest facilitatory them. However, most parts their distribution ranges, these did...

The Cantabrian brown bear Ursus arctos population can be seen as a paradigm in conservation biology due to its endangerment status and genetic uniqueness. Therefore, the need obtain basic demographic data inform management actions for is imperative. Despite this, empirical on size trends of are scarce. Here we present first estimates (N c ) effective e whole population. We genotyped 270 non‐invasive samples collected during 2006 throughout entire range subsequently identified 130...