Estimates of Toad Headed Agama Density in Three Steppe Habitats of Mongolia

The toad headed agama (Phrynocephalus versicolor) ranges across the arid steppe regions of southern and western Mongolia and represents one of the most common reptiles in the country. However, few details of the species’ population characteristics exist, which may be important for evaluating population trends and assessing its conservation status. We estimated toad headed agama density in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia based on surveys conducted in the summers (June-September) of 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009. We conducted surveys in three steppe habitats including tall grassland (n = 7), shrub-steppe (n = 7), and semi-shrub steppe (n = 8), and calculated density using Distance methods. Mean density across all surveys was 66 agamas/ha (95% C.I. = 48-92; range: 24/ha to 112/ha). Agamas occurred in highest density in shrub-steppe and lowest in semi-shrub across years. Density was similar between shrub-steppe and tall grassland. However, density in these habitats was significantly higher than in semishrub steppe. Our results provide baseline estimates of toad headed agama density, and indicate that agamas are capable of reaching higher density than previously recorded. Our results also suggest that agamas benefit from the cover afforded by more structurally complex vegetation communities like those found in shrub-steppe and tall grassland habitats

Estimates of Toad Headed Agama Density in Three Steppe Habitats of Mongolia

The toad headed agama (Phrynocephalus versicolor) ranges across the arid steppe regions of southern and western Mongolia and represents one of the most common reptiles in the country. However, few details of the species’ population characteristics exist, which may be important for evaluating population trends and assessing its conservation status. We estimated toad headed agama density in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia based on surveys conducted in the summers (June-September) of 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009. We conducted surveys in three steppe habitats including tall grassland (n = 7), shrub-steppe (n = 7), and semi-shrub steppe (n = 8), and calculated density using Distance methods. Mean density across all surveys was 66 agamas/ha (95% C.I. = 48-92; range: 24/ha to 112/ha). Agamas occurred in highest density in shrub-steppe and lowest in semi-shrub across years. Density was similar between shrub-steppe and tall grassland. However, density in these habitats was significantly higher than in semishrub steppe. Our results provide baseline estimates of toad headed agama density, and indicate that agamas are capable of reaching higher density than previously recorded. Our results also suggest that agamas benefit from the cover afforded by more structurally complex vegetation communities like those found in shrub-steppe and tall grassland habitats

Temporal Dynamics of Group Size and Sexual Segregation in Ibex

Group size is an important variable describing behavioral ecology of animals. A variety of factors such as habitat characteristics, life history, spatio-temporal resource dynamics, population density, predation risk, competition with kin, and social learning often determine group size in large mammals. We studied temporal dynamics of group size in Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) in a protected area in Mongolia. We measured monthly and yearly variations in typical group size and used the sexual segregation and aggregation statistic to assess sexual segregation. Ibex formed the largest groups in November and smallest groups in July. However, group sizes did not significantly differ between the sexes. There was marked sexual segregation during the summer months and within all years segregation increased with temperature. We show that grouping behavior is a complex phenomenon and is probably determined by a combination of factors, such as species’ life history, habitat and environmental characteristics, and behavioral strategy against predation risk

Comparative Morphology of Two Sympatric Species of Hedgehog in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia

Daurian hedgehog (Mesechinus dauuricus) and long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) inhabit Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia and both species appear to occupy similar niches. We gathered morphological measurements to test for differences between species and sexes. We hoped to gain insight into the mechanisms that allow the species to coexist. We collected morphometric data from 10 long-eared hedgehogs (6 male, 4 female) and 18 Daurian hedgehogs (10 male, 7 female, and 1 unknown sex). Only total body length in Daurian hedgehogs differed significantly between males and females. Otherwise, we found no significant differences between morphometric measures of male and female hedgehogs of either species. Daurian hedgehogs were larger than long-eared hedgehogs for every measurement except for ear length; however, only girth, weight, and length of ear differed significantly. A general linear model found that animal girth best differentiated the two species. Coexistence of species that occupy similar niches generally occurs through the differential use of resources and may be inferred from morphological differentiation. We plan continued research to better explore resource partitioning between the two species

Comparative Morphology of Two Sympatric Species of Hedgehog in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia

Daurian hedgehog (Mesechinus dauuricus) and long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) inhabit Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia and both species appear to occupy similar niches. We gathered morphological measurements to test for differences between species and sexes. We hoped to gain insight into the mechanisms that allow the species to coexist. We collected morphometric data from 10 long-eared hedgehogs (6 male, 4 female) and 18 Daurian hedgehogs (10 male, 7 female, and 1 unknown sex). Only total body length in Daurian hedgehogs differed significantly between males and females. Otherwise, we found no significant differences between morphometric measures of male and female hedgehogs of either species. Daurian hedgehogs were larger than long-eared hedgehogs for every measurement except for ear length; however, only girth, weight, and length of ear differed significantly. A general linear model found that animal girth best differentiated the two species. Coexistence of species that occupy similar niches generally occurs through the differential use of resources and may be inferred from morphological differentiation. We plan continued research to better explore resource partitioning between the two species

Wild Bactrian Camel Conservation

The wild Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus) is critically endangered throughout its range in China and Mongolia. Yet, wild camels remain poorly understood, with knowledge derived primarily from a few short studies and anecdotal information. We initiated a wild camel conservation project to determine the reasons for camel decline and to develop a program to address those problems. We are employing satellite telemetry to gather data on wild camel movement patterns, home ranges, habitat use, and sources of mortality. We are also collecting feces from camels and wolves to determine important forage plants and to begin to assess predation levels, respectively. In addition, steroid fecal analysis may help us evaluate wild camel reproductive physiology. Finally, we are directly observing wild camels to study their behavior. Thus far, we successfully collared two wild camels (one male, one female). We received one year’s data on the cow before her Doppler satellite collar failed and are receiving only sporadic data from the GPS satellite collar on the bull. Over one year, the cow covered a minimum distance of 4,527 km and her 100% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home range was 17,232 km2. Her kernel home range sizes covered 8,696 km2 for 95%, 4,031 km2 for 75%, 2,284 km2 for 55%, and 612 km2 for 25% kernels. We received only 20 GPS locations on our bull from October 10, 2003 to March 22, 2004. During that time, he travelled a minimum of 683 km and his 100% MCP home range extended over 9,191 km2. His kernel home ranges covered 7,255 km2 for the 95%, 3,741 km2 for the 75%, 1,346 km2 for the 50%, 585 km2 for the 25%, and 115 km2 for the 5% kernel. Over the past few autumns, mean group size was 10.07±1.82 wild camels/group. We are currently analyzing the behavioral data and plan to evaluate the fecal samples once we have sufficient samples. We hope to use the knowledge derived from our work to develop a proactive conservation program working in close cooperation with the Mongolian government and other scientists and conservationists

Comparing different types of patagial tags for use on vultures

Raptor research often requires identifying individuals. Researchers place patagial tags on raptors to facilitate such identification. Researchers in southern African use two main types of patagial tags: hard plastic ear tags originally designed for cattle and soft vinyl tags. We deployed both types of tags on vultures in Botswana.  Based on our observations, we recommend using soft vinyl tags as they appear to be more aerodynamic and  can be read from below when a raptor is soaring, as well as when the bird is perched. Cattle ear tags  sometimes flutter when raptors fly and can only be read when the dorsal surface of the wing is visible

Ecology of Argali in Ikh Nartiin Chuluu, Dornogobi Aymag

Argali sheep (Ovis ammon) are listed as threatened in both Mongolia and internationally. Yet, little is known about the biology and ecology of this species. Available data suggests that Argali in Mongolia are declining due to direct poaching and competition with domestic livestock. We initiated several research projects to better understand and conserve the species. In this report we discuss Argali ecology using radio telemetry. We captured and radio-collared 36 Argali using drive-nets, lamb captures, and dating from 2000–2004. Fifteen collared animals have died: 2 due to capture techniques, 8 from predation, 1 from starvation and exposure, 1 from disease, 1 due to maternal neglect, and 2 of unknown causes. In addition, 1 collar ceased working and 4 others dropped off prematurely. We have collected more than 1,040 locations through mid-May 2004. The majority of the Argali were captured in the northern portion of Ikh Nart. Animals have primarily restricted their movements to that area and have not exhibited seasonal movement patterns. Mean home range size for 17 animals with sufficient data (\u3e 45 days with locations) was 57±3.7 km2 (range = 30– 80 km2) using the 100% minimum convex polygon method, with areas of predicted occurrence of 76±5.3km2 for 95% kernel, 32±3.7 km2 for 75% kernel, 11±1.6 km2 for 50% kernel, and 3.8±0.5 km2 for 25% home ranges. Predation was the main cause (72.7%) of mortality in the collared animals for which cause of death could be determined (non-study related)

Ecology of Eurasian Black Vultures (\u3ci\u3eAegypius monachus\u3c/i\u3e) in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia

We studied the nesting ecology and movement patterns of Eurasian black vultures (Aegypius monachus) nesting in and near Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Dornogobi Aimag, Mongolia. From 2003 till 2009, we monitored nesting pairs from incubation to fledging and compared nesting success for pairs nesting on rocks and trees. We captured chicks just prior to fledging to apply leg bands and wing tags. We also captured adults in June and attached solar-powered global positioning system (GPS)/satellite telemetry units, leg bands, and wing tags. We collected resighting data on marked birds opportunistically and telemetry data on tagged birds. We monitored 363 nesting pairs from 2003 to 2009. Most nesting failures occurred during the ~ 55 day incubation period. Overall, 50.9 % of nesting pairs raised a chick to fledgling. Nesting substrate (i.e., rock or tree) did not influence nesting success. Between 2006 and 2009 we received reports of sightings for 21 individual birds and on 37 occasions (n = 1 – 6 sightings/bird). Thirty three sightings (89%) came from South Korea between November and March, with other sightings in Mongolia, China, and Russia. We placed five GPS/satellite telemetry units on adult vultures in 2008 and 2009, but one did not work. We received 2,767 locations from the other four units through 2009. Adult vultures used large foraging areas, covering a mean minimum convex polygon home range of 27,025 ±11,922 SE km2, a mean 95% kernel home range of 4,953 ±1,596 SE km2, and a mean core home range (i.e., 50% kernel) of 526 ±168 SE km2. Our data suggest that only fledgling and juvenile birds disperse from Mongolia in late autumn/early winter, while adults remain in near their nesting sites, but we require more data. We do not know if most of our tagged birds travel to Korea or the large number of reported re-sightings there result from the stronger bird watching tradition in that country compared with other areas