Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point, 2009. / Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree Master of Science in Natural Resources (Wildlife), College of Natural Resources. Includes bibliographical references.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1953. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 30-32). Also available via the Internet.

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M.S.

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CHRISTOPHER R. BOTTOM, for the MASTER OF SCIENCE degree in ZOOLOGY, presented on XXXX at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: HABITAT OVERLAP AMONG MESOCARNIVORES AND WILD TURKEYS IN AN AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE MAJOR PROFESSOR: Clayton K. Nielsen Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations have grown considerably in the agricultural Midwest during the past few decades, as have mesocarnivores such as coyotes (Canis latrans) and bobcats (Lunx rufus) which may impact turkey populations. However, few studies have assessed habitat overlap between mesocarnivores and turkeys with a goal to understand potential impacts of mesocarnivores on turkeys. To address these gaps in the literature, my objectives were to (1) create single-species models of habitat use for bobcats, coyotes, and wild turkeys; (2) model habitat overlap among species; and (3) determine the influence of mesocarnivore habitat use on wild turkey nest success and mortality. I captured and radiomarked 14 adult bobcats (10 M, 4 F), 19 adult coyotes (11 M, 8 F), and 44 wild turkey hens (9 J, 34 A) during 2011-2013 in a complex agricultural landscape in southern Illinois. I developed single-species resource selection function models of habitat use for all 3 focal species and also developed habitat overlap models. In the single species models, wild turkey and bobcat use was concentrated largely in forested areas whereas coyote use was highest in agricultural areas. Overlap among species was common and occurred mostly in forested areas. I then used locations of 107 wild turkeys nests and 28 hen mortalities and modeled the effect of bobcat, coyote, and wild turkey use on turkey nest success and mortalities. Coyote presence was the best predictor of nest success, with increased coyote use associated with higher nest success. Wild turkey use was important in determining location of wild turkey hen mortalities, with increased turkey use associated with higher probability of mortality occurrence. My findings suggest that top predators may be important and beneficial for ground nesting avian species (e.g., wild turkey). Coyotes utilize many habitat types for foraging including forest edges, grasslands, and wetlands. These are abundant in a fragmented landscapes and also represent areas preferred by ground nesting bird species and other mesocarnivores. With coyotes acting as the top predator throughout much of the Midwest, they are likely reducing densities of other important turkey nest predator species, thereby increasing nest success. Although the study is not conclusive on its own, it is consistent with the predictions of the mesopredator release hypothesis.

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are generalist carnivores with an expansive range from southern Canada to northern Mexico, in which 11 - 12 subspecies have been described. Since European settlement, bobcat habitat has become increasingly fragmented due to urbanization and development of agricultural land. Presently, there is little information on the genetic structure of bobcat populations at large spatial scales. Furthermore, it is unknown whether the current isolation of bobcat populations is a historic feature or whether recent landscape alterations have disrupted dispersal among previously connected populations. To address these questions, microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA data were used for relatedness measurements, spatial autocorrelation examinations, Bayesian assignment testing and sequence analysis of bobcats across their range. These analyses showed that, within southern Illinois, females were closely related to one another and males tended to disperse from their natal area. On a regional scale, microsatellite data revealed several distinct genetic groups within the midwest, notably eastern and western bobcat populations. In contrast, mitochondrial DNA analyses resolved little differentiation among bobcat populations, elucidating two-three phylogeographic groups. Taken together, these data reveal that bobcats have not historically, experienced large barriers to dispersal. Rather, recent habitat alterations may be disrupting dispersal over large scales. Genetically defined groups are potential conservation units and should be used for regional management of bobcats.

A group of four captive bobcats (Felis rufus), two males and two females, was observed for 102.67 hours over the period of one year. A pilot study was conducted consisting of a minimum of three separate observations for each daylight hour. The remaining observations were concentrated during the early morning hours immediately after feeding, the time of maximum activity and social interaction.

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