Summary Resource selection estimated by logistic regression is used increasingly in studies to identify critical resources for animal populations and predict species occurrence. Most frequently, individual animals are monitored pooled estimate population‐level effects without regard group or individual‐level variation. Pooling assumes that both observations their errors independent, resource constant given variation availability. Although researchers have identified ways minimize...

Applications of logistic regression in a used–unused design wildlife habitat studies often suffer from asymmetry errors: used resource units (landscape locations) are known with certainty, whereas unused might be observed to greater sampling intensity. More appropriate use estimate selection function (RSF) tied use–availability based on independent samples drawn and available units. We review the theoretical motivation for RSFs show that sample "contamination" exponential form commonly...

The velocity of climate change is an elegant analytical concept that can be used to evaluate the exposure organisms change. In essence, one divides rate by spatial variability obtain a speed at which species must migrate over surface earth maintain constant conditions. However, apply algorithm for conservation and management purposes, additional information needed improve realism local scales. For example, destination ensure vectors describing direction required migration do not point toward...

Significance The persistence of large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes will become increasingly challenging as the human footprint expands. Here, we bring together long-term demographic and behavioral data on one worlds’ most conflict-prone species, brown bear, to quantify mechanisms facilitating human–carnivore coexistence. We found that are highly lethal, especially young bears, until they learn adapt people. As bears age, avoid times when people active but do not strongly where...

Summary Compared to traditional radio‐collars, global positioning system (GPS) collars provide finer spatial resolution and collect locations across a broader range of temporal conditions. However, data from GPS are biased because vegetation terrain interfere with the satellite signals necessary acquire location. Analyses habitat selection generally proceed without correcting for this known sampling bias. We documented effects bias in resource functions (RSF) compared effectiveness two...

Seasonal food habits and activity patterns were examined for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in west-central Alberta, Canada, to better understand habitat requirements a threatened population. Food based on an analysis of 665 feces collected from 18 between April October 2001–2003. Trends the use foods comparable those other central Rocky Mountain populations, with minor differences likely reflecting regional forage availability. Five activities (bedding, sweet vetch digging, insect feeding,...

Understanding patterns of species occurrence and abundance is a central theme ecology, natural resource management, conservation. Although models have been widely used for describing distribution, particularly rare species, are less common, despite greater information conservation management. Because presence‐absence data easier expensive to collect, predictions from could prove useful. We examined the relationship between two with very different life histories: bracken fern Pteridium...

ABSTRACT Aim Greater sage‐grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ), a shrub‐steppe obligate species of western North America, currently occupies only half its historical range. Here we examine how broad‐scale, long‐term trends in landscape condition have affected range contraction. Location Sagebrush biome the USA. Methods Logistic regression was used to assess persistence and extirpation greater based on conditions measured by human population (density change), vegetation (percentage sagebrush...

Abstract Aim Presence‐only datasets represent an important source of information on species' distributions. Collections presence‐only data, however, are often spatially biased, particularly along roads and near urban populations. These biases can lead to inaccurate inferences predicted We demonstrate a new approach accounting for effort bias in data by explicitly incorporating sample species distribution modelling. Location Alberta, Canada. Methods First, we used logistic regression model...

Abstract Climate‐induced vegetation change may be delayed in the absence of disturbance catalysts. However, increases wildfire activity accelerate these transitions many areas, including western boreal region Canada. To better understand factors influencing decadal‐scale changes upland forest vegetation, we developed a hybrid modeling approach that constrains projections climate‐driven based on topo‐edaphic conditions coupled with weather‐ and fuel‐based simulations future wildfires using...

Summary Habitat choice is an evolutionary product of animals experiencing increased fitness when preferentially occupying high‐quality habitat. However, ecological trap (ET) can occur animal presented with novel conditions and the animal's assessment habitat quality poorly matched to its resulting fitness. We tested for ET grizzly (brown) bears using demographic movement data collected in area rich food resources concentrated human settlement. derived measures attractiveness from occurrence...

As most regions of the earth transition to altered climatic conditions, new methods are needed identify refugia and other areas whose conservation would facilitate persistence biodiversity under climate change. We compared several common approaches planning focused on resilience over a broad range ecological settings across North America evaluated how commonalities in priority identified by different varied with regional context spatial scale. Our results indicate that based environmental...

Mapping of oil reserves involves the use seismic lines (linear disturbances) to determine both their location and extent. Conventional clearing techniques for assessment have left a legacy linear disturbances that cause habitat fragmentation. Little is known, however, about how local landscape factors affect natural regeneration patterns trees shrubs on facilitate mapping future projections patterns. To understand affecting early forest predict trends in we used LiDAR, stand databases...

Summary Climate and land‐use change are expected to substantially alter future plant species distributions leading higher extinction rates. However, little is known about how ranges, richness phylogenetic diversity of continents will be affected by these dynamics. We address this gap here examining the patterns species' relationships for 7465 seed taxa in North America. An ensemble distribution models was used estimate potential suitable habitat under different sets climate, dispersal...

ABSTRACT Fragmentation is a growing threat to wildlife worldwide and managers need solutions reverse its impacts on species' populations. Populations of grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos ), often considered an umbrella focal species for large mammal conservation, are fragmented by human settlement major highways in the trans‐border region southern British Columbia, northern Montana, Idaho, northeastern Washington. To improve prospects bear movement among 5 small subpopulations, we asked 2...

Nutrient balance is a strong determinant of animal fitness and demography. It therefore important to understand how the compositions available foods relate required nutrients habitat suitability for animals in wild. These relationships are, however, complex, particularly omnivores that often need compose balanced diets by combining their intake from diverse nutritionally complementary foods. Here we apply geometric models nutritional an omnivorous member order Carnivora, grizzly bear (Ursus...

Future changes in climate are widely anticipated to increase fire frequency, particularly boreal forests where extreme warming is expected occur. Feedbacks between vegetation and may modify the direct effects of on activity shape ecological responses changing frequency. We investigate these interactions using extensive field data from Boreal Shield Saskatchewan, Canada, a region >40% forest has burned past 30 years. use geospatial assess resistance resilience eight common states frequent by...