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The Effects of Landscape, Habitat, and Community Composition on Canid Occupancy

Schoen, Jacob Charles
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1699302678955632

Abstract Details

2023, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Biological Sciences.
North American canid species have experienced major shifts in distribution and abundance since European settlement. These changes are often attributed to anthropogenic landscape modifications and associated habitat loss and fragmentation. Here we determine the response of coyotes (Canis latrans) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to the altered landscape within the Oak Openings Region of northwestern Ohio. We identify occurrence patterns of local canids and their correlation with both fine-scale habitat variables and landscape-scale landcover data. A rapid assessment survey was conducted using scent-baited camera traps to generate coarse canid occurrence maps and identify optimal sites for the long-term monitoring phase of the study. Non-baited camera trap arrays that comprised the long-term monitoring portion of the study revealed widespread sympatry of red foxes and coyotes across the study area. This is in striking contrast to previous research that observed strong patterns of spatial partitioning in other regions. Fine-scale habitat variables were weakly associated with occurrence of either species, with the only significant correlation a positive relationship between coyote occurrence and percent bare ground. Landscape-scale variables, in contrast, were more predictive of canid occurrence. Red foxes were negatively associated with sand barrens and upland prairies, both open habitats where coyotes are known to be dominant. Both species demonstrated a negative association with dense urban landcover, which contrasts with other studies that suggest positive associations for both species at different scales. These findings suggest that reducing or strategically locating unsuitable habitats, such as upland prairies and sand barrens, and promoting forested refugia may help to conserve local red fox populations despite widespread coyote occurrence.
Karen Root, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Matthew Cross, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Jeffrey Miner, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
54 p.
Conservation; Ecology; Wildlife Conservation
Red Fox; Vulpes vulpes; Coyote; Canis latrans; Landcover; Oak Openings Region;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Schoen, J. C. (2023). The Effects of Landscape, Habitat, and Community Composition on Canid Occupancy [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1699302678955632

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Schoen, Jacob. The Effects of Landscape, Habitat, and Community Composition on Canid Occupancy. 2023. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1699302678955632.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Schoen, Jacob. "The Effects of Landscape, Habitat, and Community Composition on Canid Occupancy." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1699302678955632

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1699302678955632
156
© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.