Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2020, Environmental Studies (Voinovich)

Forest ecosystems across Madagascar have become increasingly fragmented due to human activities, including ever-expanding surface modifications associated with agriculture. Additional anthropogenic influences such as the introduction of exotic and domestic species, persecution, and hunting have been observed to directly influence occupancy and encounter rates of endemic euplerid carnivores. Combined anthropogenic disturbances have documented impacts upon the distribution, reproduction and survival of a range of species, and human encroachment upon natural areas further increases the potential for human-wildlife conflict. Carnivorans can be particularly sensitive to anthropogenic effects when they exhibit large home ranges, low population density, long generation time/low recruitment, and/or specialized dietary habits. Currently the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified each of the ten extant Madagascan carnivoran species as either vulnerable or endangered, with a declining population trend across the family. Quantifying behavioral responses, such as habitat occupancy, in response to anthropogenic disturbances can contribute to developing cogent management plans involving endemic carnivoran populations, but requires data in relation to habitat requirements and understanding of how different species respond to alterations of habitat. This study offers novel evidence regarding habitat associations and pattern of response to human habitat alteration in Cryptoprocta ferox and Eupleres major, the two native carnivores occupying the largest protected seasonal dry forest in northern Madagascar, Ankarafantsika National Park (ANP).

Committee: Nancy Stevens (Committee Chair); Viorel Popescu (Committee Member); Donald Miles (Committee Member) Subjects: Conservation; Ecology; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2017, 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.

Committee: Nancy Stevens (Advisor); Geoffrey Dabelko (Committee Member); Viorel Popescu (Committee Member) Subjects: Environmental Studies; Wildlife Conservation