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Human Impact on Space Use, Activity Patterns, and Prey Abundance of Madagascar's Largest Natural Predator, Cryptoprocta ferox

Wyza, Eileen M.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493735268792364

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Environmental Studies (Voinovich).
Madagascar is home to a broad array of intriguing, endemic, and increasingly endangered species. The fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox) is the largest living (non-introduced) mammalian carnivore on the island and is considered a keystone species for maintaining ecosystem complexity in a broad range of Madagascar’s forested habitats. Sadly, the fosa is threatened, with viable populations remaining in only two protected areas. In this context, complex interactions among fosa, prey, and myriad introduced species, reveal a dynamic that is increasingly sensitive to human pressures (e.g., hunting, deforestation for agriculture and fuel wood). This project assembles detailed geographic information to augment long-term data collection and help inform the fosa conservation effort. Research was conducted in Ankarafantsika National Park, a dry deciduous forest in the northwest region of the country, and one of the two places where viable fosa populations still exist. Species encounters and trap rates, roadkill patterns, and the spatial and activity patterns of GPS-collared fosas were analyzed to gather a comprehensive assessment on habitat pressures experienced by the fosa. Species encounter and trap rates documented a shift in prey item encounters over time. Roadkill surveys, together with the roadkill death of one of the GPS-collared study animals, demonstrated failure of current mitigation efforts in addressing roadkill dangers. Fosa space use and activity patterns clearly reveal that they rely almost exclusively upon forested habitats, and that they avoid human settlements. Interestingly, although fosa do rely heavily on forest habitat, their ability to use forest edges and narrow forested strips suggests that corridors may be a viable method to enhance habitat connectivity and promote positive conservation outcomes.
Nancy Stevens (Advisor)
Geoffrey Dabelko (Committee Member)
Viorel Popescu (Committee Member)
93 p.
Environmental Studies; Wildlife Conservation
fosa; cryptoprocta ferox; home range; gps; radiotrack; habitat; activity pattern; fossa; space use; Ankarafantsika; Madagascar; prey; roadkill; speed bumps

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wyza, E. M. (2017). Human Impact on Space Use, Activity Patterns, and Prey Abundance of Madagascar's Largest Natural Predator, Cryptoprocta ferox [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493735268792364

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wyza, Eileen. Human Impact on Space Use, Activity Patterns, and Prey Abundance of Madagascar's Largest Natural Predator, Cryptoprocta ferox. 2017. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493735268792364.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wyza, Eileen. "Human Impact on Space Use, Activity Patterns, and Prey Abundance of Madagascar's Largest Natural Predator, Cryptoprocta ferox." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493735268792364

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.