The movements, activity patterns, habitat use, and range size of 36 (25F:11M) radio-marked white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari), all members of a single herd, were monitored in relation to seasonal fruit availability in part of Corcovado National Park (CNP) during 1996–1998. Fruit availability varied seasonally and by forest type: peccaries more frequently used Primary forest during February–May (medium fruit abundance), Secondary and Coastal forest during June–September (high fruit) and Yolillal (swamp forest) during October–January (low fruit). Annually the peccaries ranged over about 40 km2, but use of the area shifted seasonally and was significantly less when fruit was most abundant. Peccary movements are likely reduced and thus density likely increases in areas where the interspersion of seasonally important habitats is high. The spatial and temporal movements of jaguars (Panthera onca ) were monitored in relation to the distribution of nesting marine turtles and white-lipped peccaries in part of CNP during 1996–1998. One radio-marked adult female jaguar was monitored for 3 years to assess home range location and size, activity patterns, and food habits. Jaguar tracks also were recorded on 5-km beach surveys for nesting turtles, on 20-km forest trail transects, and when following 36 radio-marked adult peccaries that lived as part of a single herd. Jaguars regularly ate turtles and peccaries, but spent more time on the beach during last quarter and new moon (LQ/NM) phases when turtles were more abundant. Jaguar home range size did not vary by season or year, but was more restricted during LQ/NM phases, as well. Jaguars were more nocturnal during LQ/NM phases (turtles nested only at night), and more diurnal otherwise (peccaries were diurnal). An “El Niño” weather event was reflected in lower abundance of nesting turtles at all phases of the moon, and increased activity of jaguars in the forest. Jaguar hunting behavior in CNP is strongly related to the abundance of nesting marine turtles and thus moon phase. Reproduction-related observations made on the radio-marked adult female jaguar included when she traveled with an adult male, her approximate denning dates, cub productivity (1/litter), and the length of time between pregnancies (22 months).

The effects of four forest management options on habitat quality for six bird species were predicted over time and through space in a commercial forestry region in Colombia. A forest growth model for Pinus patula plantations in Colombia was developed to simulate dynamics of seven parameters during a rotation, and evaluate changes in structure under the proposed forest management options. Habitat suitability index (HSI) models were created for six bird species that represent different life histories and habitat requirements. The species selected were Chamaepetes goudoutii (Sickled-Winged Guan), Colibri coruscans (Sparkling Violetar), Myioborus miniatus (Slate-Throated Whitestart), Trogon collaris (Collared Trogon), Piculus rivolii (Crimson-Mantled Woodpecker), and Cyanocorax yncas (Inca Jay). These bird species were present in the pAtula pine plantations and surrounding natural forest in the forest management area. Evaluation of habitat quality for each bird species was assessed over a rotation based on Geographic Information System (GIS), allowed temporal and spatial results. Intensive forest management options included prunings, thinnings and extended rotation, provide the best pulpwood and sawtimber pine quality for economic benefits, as well the best habitat quality for the selected species. The results show that HSI models for the selected bird species are sensitive in order of importance to changes in vertical stratification (VST), diameter at breast height (DBH), and height (HGT). The HSI models were not sensitive to changes in pines per hectare (PPH). The selected bird species are more likely to have better habitat suitability in forestry commercial areas that are composed of several small stands with the minimal area required for the specie, than in commercial areas composed of a few large stands.

Nest predation on dabbling duck nests is an important problem in the prairie pothole region of North Dakota. There are many factors that contribute to the high predation rates. One of them is landscape composition and physiognomy. Many authors have reported that different landscape attributes such as patch size and cover density affect predation rates. However, the data often conflict as to what landscape attributes are important and when. I created MOAB, a generalizable model of animal behavior to examine the interaction of predator foraging behavior and landscape attributes. MOAB is a spatially explicit individual-based model. MOAB is generalizable because it uses the artificial intelligence technology of expert systems to create the rule sets animals use to determine their behavior. To change the behavior of a species or create a new species you change the rules and use the graphical user interface to change the species parameters. MOAB has been tested on both the Macintosh and Windows computer platforms. MOAB can import and export habitat type and food distribution files. Of the many nest predators in the prairie pothole region, red foxes are considered the most damaging. MOAB was used to simulate red fox nest depredation with a variety of food densities and distributions and various habitat configurations. Results of red fox nest predation revealed the following: (1) Nest predation is most strongly affected by, and is inversely proportional to, alternative food density. (2) Nest predation is inversely proportional to nest density. (3) Patch size or patches laid out in long habitat strips do not significantly affect predation. (4) Predation is higher in predator preferred habitat. (5) Predation rate is affected by habitat configuration. When habitat is laid out in such a way as to block animal movement, predation rates are lower. (6) Animal home range size is affected by habitat configuration as well as food density. (7) Observed habitat preference may be affected by food density. The higher the food density the less habitat preference is observed. The expert system approach will be especially useful for the creation of multispecies models.