Foraging ecology of Eurasian lynx populations in southwest Asia: Conservation implications for a diet specialist

Intraspecific variation in key traits of widespread species can be hard to predict, if populations have been very little studied in most of the distribution range. Asian populations of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), one of the most widespread felids worldwide, are such a case in point. We investigated the diet of Eurasian lynx from feces collected Mediterranean, mixed forest‐steppe, and subalpine ecosystems of Turkey. We studied prey preferences and functional responses using prey densities obtained from Random Encounter Modelling. Our analysis revealed that the main prey was brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in all three areas (78%–99% of biomass consumed) and lynx showed a strong preference for brown hare (Chesson's selectivity index, α = 0.90–0.99). Cannibalism contributed at least 5% in two study areas. The type II functional response of lynx populations in Turkey was similar to the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and daily food intake in grams per lynx matched that of Canada lynx and Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), both lagomorph specialists, rather than those of Eurasian lynx from Europe. Therefore, lynx in Turkey may be better described as a lagomorph specialist even though it coexists with ungulate prey. We suggest that ungulate‐based foraging ecology of Eurasian lynx in Europe may be a recent adjustment to the availability of high densities of ungulates and cannot be representative for other regions like Turkey. The status of lagomorphs should become an essential component of conservation activities targeted at Eurasian lynx or when using this species as a flagship species for landscape preservation

Mammal responses to global changes in human activity vary by trophic group and landscape

Wildlife must adapt to human presence to survive in the Anthropocene, so it is critical to understand species responses to humans in different contexts. We used camera trapping as a lens to view mammal responses to changes in human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across 163 species sampled in 102 projects around the world, changes in the amount and timing of animal activity varied widely. Under higher human activity, mammals were less active in undeveloped areas but unexpectedly more active in developed areas while exhibiting greater nocturnality. Carnivores were most sensitive, showing the strongest decreases in activity and greatest increases in nocturnality. Wildlife managers must consider how habituation and uneven sensitivity across species may cause fundamental differences in human–wildlife interactions along gradients of human influence.Peer reviewe

Wild boar density data generated by camera trapping in nineteen European areas

This report presents the results of field activities in relation to the generation of reliable wild boar density values by camera trapping (CT) in 19 areas in Europe, mainly in East Europe. Random Encounter Model (REM) densities ranged from 0.35±0.24 to 15.25±2.41 (SE) individuals/km2. No statistical differences in density among bioregions were found. The number of contacts was the component of the trapping rate that determined the coefficient of variation (CV) the most. The daily range (DR) significantly varied as a function of management; the higher values were detected in hunting grounds compared to protected areas, indicating that movement parameters are population specific, and confirming the potential role of hunting activities in increasing wild boar movement and contact rates among individual or groups. The results presented in this report illustrate that a harmonized approach to actual wildlife density estimation (namely for terrestrial mammals) is possible at a European scale, sharing the same protocols, collaboratively designing the study, processing, and analysing the data. This report adds reliable wild boar density values that have the potential to be used for wild boar abundance spatial modelling, both directly or to calibrate outputs of model based on abundance (such as hunting bags) or occurrence data. Future REM developments should focus on improving the precision of estimates (probably through increased survey effort). Next steps require an exhaustive and representative design of a monitoring network to estimate reliable trends of wild boar populations as a function of different factors in Europe. In this regard, the newly created European Observatory of Wildlife will be a network of observation points provided by collaborators from all European countries capable to monitor wildlife population at European level.EFSA-Q-2020-00677Peer reviewe

A common statement on anthropogenic hybridization of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris)

Preserving natural genetic diversity and ecological function of wild species is a central goal in conservation biology. As such, anthropogenic hybridization is considered a threat to wild populations, as it can lead to changes in the genetic makeup of wild species and even to the extinction of wild genomes. In European wildcats, the genetic and ecological impacts of gene flow from domestic cats are mostly unknown at the species scale. However, in small and isolated populations, it is known to include genetic swamping of wild genomes. In this context, it is crucial to better understand the dynamics of hybridization across the species range, to inform and implement management measures that maintain the genetic diversity and integrity of the European wildcat. In the present paper, we aim to provide an overview of the current scientific understanding of anthropogenic hybridization in European wildcats, to clarify important aspects regarding the evaluation of hybridization given the available methodologies, and to propose guidelines for management and research priorities

Örgütsel politika algısı ve örgütsel sessizlik arasındaki ilişkide psikolojik dayanıklılığın düzenleyici rolü

Bu çalışmanın amacı örgütsel politika algısı ve örgütsel sessizlik arasındaki ilişkide psikolojik dayanıklılığın düzenleyici rolünü araştırmaktır. Bu çalışmanın örneklemini Manisa’nın Alaşehir ilçesindeki belediye idari kadrosunda çalışan ve kolayda örneklem yöntemiyle ulaşılan 211 işgören oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmanın sonuçları, algılanan örgütsel politika ile çalışanın örgütsel sessizlik düzeyi arasında olumlu ve anlamlı bir ilişki bulunduğunu göstermiştir. Ancak çalışanın psikolojik dayanıklılık düzeyinin örgütsel politika ile çalışanın örgütsel sessizlik düzeyi arasındaki pozitif ilişki üzerinde düzenleyici bir etkiye sahip olmadığı bulunmuştur.The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived organizational politics and organizational silence and the moderating role of psychological resilience on that relationship. The sample of this study consists of 211 employees from Alaşehir Municipality (Manisa, Turkey) chosen by random method. Results of the study revealed that perceived organizational politics was positively and significantly related to organizational silence. In addition, it was not found that psychological resilience had a moderating effect on the positive relationship between perceived organizational politics and organizational silenc

Relative Habitat Use by The Red Fox (Vulpes Vulpes) in Koprulu Canyon National Park, Southern Abnatolia

Habitat use by the red fox was investigated by the scent-station method in Koprulu Canyon National Park, southern Anatolia. Compositional analysis showed that, out of four main habitat types, Anatolian black pine forests were the most used one by red foxes. However no significant relation could be detected between the number of red fox visits and vegetation structure and elevation, conforming the generalist behaviour of the species.Wo

Seasonal habitat-use patterns of large mammals in a human-dominated landscape

Large mammals in temperate climates typically display seasonal patterns of habitat use. However, these patterns are often overlooked because large mammals are usually surveyed at annual intervals. In addition, most studies focus on a single species and ignore other species with which the focal species could interact. Knowing seasonal patterns of habitat use in multiple species and understanding factors that cause these patterns can provide further detail on population dynamics and guide effective conservation planning. Here, using dynamic occupancy modeling, we analyze 11 years of camera-trap data collected in northwestern Anatolia, Turkey, to investigate seasonal habitat use of 8 large-mammal species: Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), Gray Wolf (Canis lupus), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), European Hare (Lepus europaeus), and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus). For each species, we study the strength of seasonality in habitat use and its dependence on human population density and elevation, which have been shown to affect distributions of species in the region. Although all species exhibited seasonality in habitat use, the strength of this seasonality varied among species; it was strongest in Wild Boar, Roe Deer, and Brown Bear. Moreover, except for Brown Bear, all species tended to avoid sites close to humans. The species responded differently to changing elevation; increasing elevation had both positive and negative effects on species-specific colonization and desertion probabilities, and these effects were likely related to either feeding habits or tendency to avoid humans. These results indicate that seasonality should be taken into consideration in population studies. However, because species differ, seasonality patterns should be identified separately for each species of interest, as differences in these patterns can explain the underlying dynamics of habitat-use patterns more accurately

Current Status, Distribution, And Conservation Of Brown Bear (Ursidae) And Wild Canids (Gray Wolf, Golden Jackal, And Red Fox; Canidae) In Turkey

Turkey has viable populations of many carnivore species of the Western Palearctic. Among those, ursids and canids are represented by brown bear (Ursus arctos) and 3 canid species, gray wolf (Canis lupus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes), respectively. Those species occur in major ecosystems of Turkey and experience a wide range of threats, and they are at the center of human-wildlife conflicts. However, due to a limited number of studies about their ecology and taxonomy, their current distributions, population sizes, and statuses are vague. In this study, we document the 4 species' known data in terms of distribution range, population biology, phylogeography, threats and conflicts with people, and National Red List status in Turkey by reviewing the recent literature and national news about carnivores, data collection in field surveys, and interviews with local people, personnel of the Ministry of Forestry, and hunters in more than 50 provinces. Additionally, we also provide information about rabies cases in consideration with carnivore conservation. We finally recommend further studies to fill information gaps for wildlife conservation and management based on scientific evidence.WoSScopu

The mediation role of positive and negative emotions in the relationship between emotional contamination and empathy faciliation

Bu araştırmanın amacı, duygusal bulaşma ile empati yorgunluğu arasındaki ilişkide pozitif ve negatif duyguların aracılık rolü olup olmadığını incelemektir. Araştırmanın örneklemini, Türkiye'deki sağlık çalışanları oluşturmaktadır (n=404). Çalışmada veri toplama amacıyla anket tekniği kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışmada Doherty (1997) tarafından geliştirilmiş 15 maddeden oluşan duygusal bulaşma ölçeği, Adams vd. (2006) tarafından geliştirilmiş 5 maddeden oluşan örgütsel merhamet yorgunluğu ölçeği ve Watson vd. (1988) tarafından geliştirilmiş 20 maddeden oluşan pozitif ve negatif duygular ölçeği araştırmada kullanılmıştır. Toplanan veriler, SPSS 26 ve AMOS 26 istatistik programlarıyla analiz edilmiştir. Yapılan analizler sonucunda; duygusal bulaşma ile empati yorgunluğu arasında pozitif yönlü ilişki söz konusudur. Buna karşın, duygusal bulaşma ve empati yorgunluğu arasındaki ilişkisinde pozitif duyguların aracılık etkisine saptanamamıştır. Benzer biçimde duygusal bulaşma ve empati yorgunluğu arasındaki ilişkide negatif duyguların aracılık etkisine saptanamamıştır. Son olarak, bu çalışmada, bazı kısıtlılıklar bulunmaktadır. Ayrıca gelecekte benzer konularda çalışma yapacak araştırmacılar için bazı önerilerde bulunulmuştur.The aim of this research is to examine whether positive and negative emotions play a mediating role in the relationship between emotional contagion and empathy fatigue. The sample of the study is composed of health workers in Turkey (n=404). Survey technique was used for data collection in the study. Emotional contagion scale consisting of 15 items developed by Doherty (1997), the organizational compassion fatigue scale consisting of 5 items developed by Adams et al. (2006), and thenegative and positive emotions scale consisting of 20 items developed by Watson et al. (1988) were used in the study. The data collected was analyzed with SPSS 26 and Amos 26 statistical programs. As a result of the analysis, there is a positive relationship between emotional contagion and empathy fatigue. However, there was no mediating roles of both positive and negative emotions on the relationship between emotional contagion and empathy fatigue. Finally, in this study, there are some limitations. In addition, some recommendations have been made for researchers who will study similar topics in the future

Does fire-shaped habitat mosaic support large mammal community in Mediterranean pine forest?

Habitat diversity is maintained by fires in fire-prone ecosystems of the Mediterranean Basin, and fire is a significant driver of plant and animal diversity in such ecosystems. We studied large mammal species in a Mediterranean habitat mosaic generated by recent fires. We performed a camera-trapping survey in Pinus brutia forests in southwestern Turkey between May 2009 and February 2010. The study area was structured by recently-burned and unburned habitat patches. A total of 2047 camera-trap days were obtained with 33 camera-trap stations which were established in three replicate study sites (each ~12 km2 in size) comprised both of burned (within the last 15 years) and unburned habitat patches. During the study period, we detected eight large mammal species including brown bear (Ursus arctos), caracal (Caracal caracal), and wild goat (Capra aegagrus), which are of conservation importance. Among these species, six were present both in recently-burned and unburned habitats; except the brown bear (only in burned sites) and the wild goat (only in unburned sites). A permutation test revealed that there is no significant difference in relative abundance of target species except the wild boar (Sus scrofa) which was observed in significantly higher abundances in burned sites than unburned ones (z = -2.3, P = 0.01). Our results suggest that habitat mosaics shaped by fire disturbance in Mediterranean pine forests support large mammal occurrence, and have important implications for the conservation of large mammals in frequently-burned Mediterranean ecosystems.peerReviewe