Nesting activity of the loggerhead turtle caretta caretta in South Carolina, II. protection of nests from raccoon predation by transplantation

Stancyk, Stephen E.; Talbert, O R; Dean, John Mark

doi:10.1016/0006-3207(80)90005-1

Cited by 38 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…In many coastal areas high raccoon densities correlate with high levels of nest failure in shorebirds and sea turtles (e.g., Stancyk et al 1980, Ratnaswamy et al 1997, Erwin et al 2001, Schulte 2012. In many coastal areas high raccoon densities correlate with high levels of nest failure in shorebirds and sea turtles (e.g., Stancyk et al 1980, Ratnaswamy et al 1997, Erwin et al 2001, Schulte 2012.…”

Section: Applicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A spatial mark–resight model augmented with telemetry data

Sollmann

Gardner

Parsons

et al. 2013

Ecology

132

194

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Abundance and population density are fundamental pieces of information for population ecology and species conservation, but they are difficult to estimate for rare and elusive species. Mark--resight models are popular for estimating population abundance because they are less invasive and expensive than traditional mark-recapture. However, density estimation using mark-resight is difficult because the area sampled must be explicitly defined, historically using ad hoc approaches. We developed a spatial mark--resight model for estimating population density that combines spatial resighting data and telemetry data. Incorporating telemetry data allows us to inform model parameters related to movement and individual location. Our model also allows <100% individual identification of marked individuals. We implemented the model in a Bayesian framework, using a custom-made Metropolis-within-Gibbs Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. As an example, we applied this model to a mark--resight study of raccoons (Procyon lotor) on South Core Banks, a barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina, USA. We estimated a population of 186.71 +/- 14.81 individuals, which translated to a density of 8.29 +/- 0.66 individuals/km2 (mean +/- SD). The model presented here will have widespread utility in future applications, especially for species that are not naturally marked.

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Section: Applicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A spatial mark–resight model augmented with telemetry data

Sollmann

Gardner

Parsons

et al. 2013

Ecology

132

194

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Both actions had been performed successfully with the sea turtle (Stancyk et al 1980;Butler and Graham 1995;Kiviat et al 2000;Dutton et al 2005), but they may have limited application with the Hermann's tortoise Albera population because of low current densities and the low probability of finding a laying female. On the other hand, local habitat management can also be implemented (Marchand and Litvaitis 2003).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Predator identification and effects of habitat management and fencing on depredation rates of simulated nests of an endangered population of Hermann’s tortoises

Vilardell

Capalleras²,

Budó³

et al. 2012

Eur J Wildl Res

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Nest predation has been identified as the main threat behind the negative population dynamics in chelonian species and in particular in the native Iberian population of the Western Hermann's tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni. This endangered subspecies is found within the Albera Nature Reserve, where this study was performed. We selected three formerly high-density tortoise areas to carry out different trials whose aims were to: (1) identify nest predator species, (2) test the success of reducing the shrub cover to reduce nest predation in potential new nesting areas, and (3) assess fencing efficiency to exclude predators. For the first objective, camera-trapping was used to identify nest predators, with sardines and artificial tortoise nests as lures. We obtained 825 pictures of possible predators and demonstrated that the beech marten was the most abundant predator in the study areas, followed by the badger and the wild boar. For the second objective, predation of artificial nests was compared between plots managed for shrub reduction (27 plots of 4, 25, and 100 m 2 ) and a natural nesting area (nine control plots of 100 m 2 ). Predation was strong in the managed plots (43.6% after 48 h and 99.6% after 144 h) but highest in the control area (100% after 48 h). Surprisingly, predation occurred at an even faster pace when we repeated the trial with a single artificial nest (in order to reduce odor intensity). Finally, we compared predation rates between eight fenced and eight unfenced plots of 100 m 2 . Fencing was partially effective to control nest predation because it excluded all the main predator species except the beech marten, which learned to go through it. Since the nest predation threat to this endangered population is critical, new strategies are needed to control nest predation by taking into account the ability of predators to learn nest location.

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“…Several investigators have argued that high densities of raccoons on islands or in coastal environments correlate with high levels of nest failures in ground-nesting birds and sea turtles (Stancyk et al 1980, Ratnaswamy and Warren 1998, Davis et al 2001, Erwin et al 2001 . 2006 ); however, most of this evidence is anecdotal.…”

Section: Density Linear Home Range and Activity Patternsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Raccoons now inhabit a number of environments, such as coastal islands, where their role as predators can be amplified (Hartman et al 1997, Ellis et al 2007. Raccoons in the Atlantic coastal zone have been linked with low productivity of American oystercatchers (Davis et al 2001, Martin et al 2010, sea turtles (Stancyk et al 1980, Ratnaswamy and Warren 1998, Engeman et al 2006, black skimmers, and least terns (Erwin et al 2001 ). Raccoon popu lations along the Atlantic seaboard can reach high densities owing to human activities that provide shelter and food, and the absence of large predators ( Ratnaswamy et al 1997, Smith and Engeman 2002, Barton and Roth 2007.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Demographics, diet, movements, and survival of an isolated, unmanaged raccoon Procyon lotor (Procyonidae, Carnivora) population on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

et al. 2013

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Raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) are highly adaptable meso-carnivores that inhabit many environments, including the Atlantic barrier islands, where their role as predators of declining, beach-nesting bird and turtle species is of particular interest. Population models that improve our understanding of predator-prey dynamics are receiving increasing attention in the literature; however, their effective application requires site-specific information on population parameters. We studied an unharvested raccoon population on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and evaluated spatial and seasonal differences in a number of population/demographic factors of raccoons inhabiting areas of high and low human activity. Raccoons denned and foraged primarily in salt marsh habitats but shifted their movements in response to changes in seasonal resource conditions. The population was skewed toward older animals and exhibited delayed breeding, typical of populations at high density with few sources of mortality. Diet and movement analysis indicated shorebird and turtle predation was attributed to a small number of individual raccoons. Although seasonal resources appeared adequate to sustain a high population density of raccoons, poor body condition and low recruitment suggested a population near carrying capacity.

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Nesting activity of the loggerhead turtle caretta caretta in South Carolina, II. protection of nests from raccoon predation by transplantation

Cited by 38 publications

References 3 publications

A spatial mark–resight model augmented with telemetry data

A spatial mark–resight model augmented with telemetry data

Predator identification and effects of habitat management and fencing on depredation rates of simulated nests of an endangered population of Hermann’s tortoises

Demographics, diet, movements, and survival of an isolated, unmanaged raccoon Procyon lotor (Procyonidae, Carnivora) population on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

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