Does the resource availability determine mammal distribution in the landscape?
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Resource Availability and Mammal Distribution in the Landscape
Influence of Resource Pulses on Mammal Diversity
Resource availability plays a significant role in determining the distribution and diversity of mammals across various landscapes. In the Araucaria Forest of South America, the diversity of mammals that feed on seeds and fruits is influenced by the availability of these resources. Pulses in forest productivity, driven by climatic and environmental factors, lead to fluctuations in mammal diversity over time. These resource pulses can cause delayed responses and asynchronous oscillations in mammal populations, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems to support mammal-mediated ecological processes.
Trade-offs Between Resource Availability and Human Disturbance
In human-dominated landscapes, large mammals such as African elephants must balance the availability of food and water with the need to avoid human disturbances. Studies in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area show that elephants adjust their distribution based on the trade-offs between resource availability and human activities. This indicates that while resources are crucial, the presence of human disturbances can significantly alter mammal distribution patterns.
Impact of Land-Use Changes on Small Mammal Communities
Land-use changes, such as the conversion of forests into agricultural areas, have profound effects on small mammal abundance and diversity. In south-eastern Norway, abandoned meadows, despite their low availability, support the highest abundance and diversity of small mammals. Conversely, intensively managed forest monocultures and cultivated fields sustain lower small mammal populations. This suggests that landscape heterogeneity, including the presence of varied habitats, is essential for maintaining small mammal communities in agricultural landscapes.
Habitat Heterogeneity and Species Richness
The species richness-energy hypothesis, which posits that higher energy availability supports greater species richness, is applicable only in low-energy regions. In high-energy regions, such as most of the continental United States, mammal species richness is better predicted by topographic heterogeneity and local variations in energy availability. This underscores the importance of habitat heterogeneity in supporting diverse mammal populations.
Urban Wildlife and Anthropogenic Resources
Urban environments, despite contributing to biodiversity loss, can support diverse and abundant wildlife populations due to the availability of anthropogenic resources. In residential areas, features such as animal feeding stations, vegetable gardens, and water sources significantly increase the relative abundance of various mammal species. This suggests that the use of supplemental food resources in urban areas can explain the high abundance of urban wildlife.
Carnivore Patch Use in Fragmented Landscapes
In fragmented landscapes, the distribution of carnivores like the beech marten and badger is influenced not only by landscape structure but also by the availability of food resources. Studies in central Italy show that food resources can enhance the suitability of smaller or isolated patches, although there are thresholds beyond which additional resources do not significantly increase the probability of carnivore presence. This highlights the complex interplay between resource availability and landscape structure in determining carnivore distribution.
Risk Sensitivity and Resource Allocation
For large mammals such as mule deer, extreme environmental conditions can shift resource allocation strategies. Following severe winters, deer prioritize fat accumulation over reproduction to enhance survival prospects. This risk-sensitive allocation of resources demonstrates how changes in resource availability and environmental severity can influence mammal behavior and distribution.
Search Behavior and Resource Abundance
The search behavior of terrestrial mammals is shaped by the need to balance resource acquisition with predator avoidance. Predators maintain directed motion longer than prey, which must risk higher predator encounter rates when resources are scarce. This dynamic illustrates how resource abundance influences mammalian movement strategies and distribution patterns.
Conclusion
Resource availability is a critical determinant of mammal distribution across various landscapes. From the influence of resource pulses in forests to the trade-offs between resource availability and human disturbance in conservation areas, and the impact of land-use changes on small mammal communities, the availability and distribution of resources play a pivotal role in shaping mammal populations. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective conservation and management of mammal species in diverse and changing environments.
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