Depredation Patterns of Northern Bobwhite Nest Predators in Virginia

Little information exists that can be used to accurately identify predator species responsible for destruction of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) nests. We used remotely-tripped cameras to photograph nest predators at 25 wild bobwhite nests that were continually filled with eggs from pen-raised quail. Data describing depredation events were collected to characterize species-specific damage patterns. Seven species of nest predators were photographed 1,797 times from June to October 1996. We describe depredation patterns for opossums (Didelphis marsupialis), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). These descriptions should help researchers identify the predator species responsible for destroyed bobwhite nests

Breeding Season Movements and Dispersal of Northern Bobwhites in Fragmented Habitats of Virginia

To better understand dispersal patterns of northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) in fragmented habitats, we measured breeding season movements of 198 radiomarked bobwhites in central and eastern Virginia during 1994–1996. Mean distance between arithmetic centers of winter (1 Feb–15 Apr) and early breeding season (16 Apr–30 Jun) activity areas was 1,194 +- 137 m. Distance between centers of winter and late breeding season (1 Jul–15 Sep) activity areas averaged 1,644 +- 209 m and was greater for juveniles than adults (P = 0.04). Maximum distances moved between winter and breeding season locations (early, late, and combined) was also greater for juveniles than adults (P \u3c= 0.05). Forty-nine of 198 (25%) bobwhites dispersed more than 2 km. A greater proportion of juveniles (28%) than adults (10%) dispersed \u3e 2 km. Juvenile males were more likely to disperse than any other sex/age group (P = 0.02). Adult males were least likely to disperse (P \u3c 0.01). We suggest that breeding season movements of bobwhites may be greater in fragmented landscapes than in areas with large blocks of suitable habitat. We recommend that researchers utilize dispersal information to help define the spatial distribution of habitat patches necessary to perpetuate bobwhite populations at a regional level

Sex-specific effects of reproductive season on bobcat space use, movement, and resource selection in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Across taxa, sex-specific demands vary temporally in accordance with reproductive investments. In solitary carnivores, females must provision and protect young independently while meeting increased energetic demands. Males seek to monopolize access to females by maintaining large territories and defending them from other males. For many species, it is poorly understood how these demands relate to broad-scale animal movements. To investigate predictions surrounding the reproductive strategies of solitary carnivores and effects of local conditions on bobcat (Lynx rufus) spatial ecology, we examined the effects of sex and reproductive season on home range size, movement rate, and resource selection of bobcats in the central Appalachian Mountains. Male seasonal home ranges were approximately 3 times larger than those of females (33.9 ± 2.6 vs. 12.1 ± 2.4 km2, x±SE), and male movement rates were 1.4 times greater than females (212.6 ± 3.6 vs. 155 ± 8.2 m/hr), likely reflecting male efforts to maximize access to females. Both sexes appear to maintain relatively stable seasonal home ranges despite temporally varying reproductive investments, instead adjusting movements within home ranges. Males increased movements during the dispersal period, potentially reflecting increased territoriality prior to breeding. Females increased movements during the kitten-rearing period, when foraging more intensively, and frequently returning to den sites. Both sexes selected home ranges at higher elevations. However, females selected deciduous forest and avoided fields, whereas males selected fields and avoided deciduous forest, perhaps explained by male pressure to access multiple females across several mountain ridges and higher risk tolerance. Seasonal changes in home range selection likely reflect changes in home range shape. Increased female avoidance of fields during kitten rearing may indicate female avoidance of presumably resource rich, yet risky, fields at the time when kittens are most vulnerable. Our results indicate that while reproductive chronology influences the spatial ecology of solitary carnivores, effects may be constrained by territoriality