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The postbreeding period in migratory bird species is an important, but often neglected,area of knowledge. From May-October of 1993-95, I studied the breeding andpostbreeding ecology of 61 adults and postfledging movement of 43 juveniles in aradio-tagged population of Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) on the U. S. MarineCorps Base, Quantico, Virginia (38 30' N, 77 25' W). Fledglings became independent 0 0from their parents at 28-36 days post hatching and dispersed 307-5300 m from their natalsites to join flocks of conspecifics. About half (46%) of the young birds stayed in onedispersal site until migrating, but the rest visited other sites. In 40 instances, 15fledglings moved up to 6 km out of the dispersal site and, after 1-5 days, returned to thelocality occupied before initiating the movement. After dispersal, fledglings' positions(n = 556) occurred in (1) second growth and sapling stage sites at the edge of forested areas [52%], (2) gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) damaged deciduous forest [21.8%], (3)Virginia pine (Pinus virginianus) forest that had a heavy understory of young deciduous trees and an open canopy [15.6%], and (4) mature mixed forest [10.6%]. Most fledglings(73%) left the Marine Base in September at the mean age of 81 days. After finishing breeding, adult Wood Thrushes underwent molt that extended from late July to early October. Flight-feather molt lasted on average 38 days and may have impaired flight efficiency in some individuals. Of 30 observed adults, 15 molted in the same area where they nested, and 15 moved 545 to 7290 m from their nesting sites. Molting sites were located in areas with a larger number of pines, less canopy cover, fewer trees with dbh>38 cm, and a denser understory strata than nesting sites (P < 0.1). My data suggest that a conservation strategy that focuses on identifying and protecting nesting habitat in the temperate region, although important, is incomplete at best if the events and needs during the post reproductive and post fledging periods are not considered. / Ph. D.

Signal crayfish are an internationally widespread invasive species that can have important detrimental ecological impacts. This thesis aims to determine whether signal crayfish have the potential to also impact the physical environment in rivers. A series of experiments were undertaken in purpose-built still-water aquaria using a laser scanner to obtain Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) of narrowly-graded gravel surfaces before and after exposure to crayfish. The difference between DEMs was used to quantify volumetric changes in surface topography due to crayfish activity. Two distinct types of topographic change were identified. The first was the construction of pits and mounds which resulted in an increase in surface roughness and grain exposure. The second was the rearrangement of surface material caused by crayfish brushing past grains when walking and foraging, reorientating grains and altering friction angles. A series of 80 flume runs were undertaken to quantify alterations made by crayfish to water-worked, as well as loose, gravel substrates at low velocity flows. Crayfish significantly altered the structure of water-worked substrates, reversing the imbrication of surface grains to a more random arrangement. Surfaces were entrained at a relatively high velocity flow subsequent to crayfish activity in order to directly link topographic and structural alterations to substrate stability. Nearly twice as many grains were mobilised from surfaces which had been disturbed by crayfish in comparison to control surfaces that were not exposed to crayfish. A field investigation aimed to determine the potential significance of the geomorphic impact of crayfish in rivers. Signal crayfish were tracked through a 20 m reach of a small, lowland alluvial river for 150 days using a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) system. Crayfish were active throughout the channel, although their activity became limited as water temperature dropped and flow stage increased. Substrate was not an important determinant of crayfish activity at this scale. Instead, crayfish tended to be found along the inner bank of a meander bend where there was a substantial cover of macrophytes. Consequently, signal crayfish were active for extended periods on substrates of a similar size to those that they could disturb in flume experiments. These results suggest that signal crayfish could have important geomorphic effects in rivers, disturbing bed structures and increasing the mobility of coarse material. This may have important implications for both the management of some rivers and benthic organisms that reside on the river bed.

In this thesis the demography, home range and habitat selection of a reintroduced population of Anatolian mouflon (Ovis gmelinii anatolica), which had a single remaining population, was studied to evaluate the reintroduction success and determine the conservation management interventions. For this purpose among 104 individuals reintroduced in Sariyar Wildlife Protection Area (Ankara, Turkey), 40 adults were radio-collared and 28 juvenile were ear-tagged and monitored from 2005 to 2009. The survival of the population according to the age groups (females, 0: 0.5423, 1: 0.60, 2: 0.5316, 3: 0.6637, 3+: 0.6728) and the fecundity of adult females (2: 0.2260, 3: 0.2034, 3+: 0.2034) are estimated. A population viability analysis was performed and the persistence of the population within the next 20 years was estimated. Increasing the survival rate of adult female through conservation or restocking the population with at least six adult females every year decreased the risk of extinction in the near future considerably. The year-round home ranges of the individuals ranged between 805 &ndash / 3435 ha. (Mean &plusmn / SE: 1934 &plusmn / 140 ha). The movements of the tracked individuals followed seasonal patterns: centers of activities changed according to seasons in 80% of the adult mouflon. Reintroduced mouflon selected southern aspects (p=0.001), increasing slopes &ndash / especially medium to high slope terrain &ndash / (slope &gt / 30&deg / , p=0.002), and distant locations to villages and roads. Results indicate that appropriate protective measures should be implemented immediately to mitigate the causes of juvenile mortality. Restocking the population for the next 10 years with adult females would have a stabilizing effect on the declining population and will act as a buffering mechanism during the adaptation period to the new area.

Human-caused destruction of xeric habitats in Florida that support gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus Daudin) is occurring at a rapid rate. One conservation strategy that has been used for numerous taxa is translocation. The effects of translocation on the health, reproductive activity, and movements of translocated and resident telemetered individuals was evaluated for a population of gopher tortoises in central-Florida from 2001 to 2004. Only one of the 13 individuals released left the site during the study. The home range estimates of resident individuals were not significantly different before and after the release of the translocated individuals on the site, and all mean home ranges fit within the range of estimates reported in the literature for natural populations of gopher tortoises. Habitat use of several individual resident gopher tortoises was significantly different after the translocation events. The degree that the home ranges of the residents were overlapped by other individuals in the study was not significantly different. The spatial locations of the home ranges of resident and translocated individuals were significantly different. There was evidence of reproduction for both resident and translocated females a year after the release of the translocates. The body condition of the resident individuals was higher at the end of the study relative to the start, although this may be explained by other factors. This study illustrates some of the problems associated with studies designed to assess translocation success, namely the lack adequate baseline data for the population and the challenge of balancing the sample sizes necessary for acceptable statistical power with the mechanics of translocation. The results of this study suggest that translocation is a potentially useful conservation strategy, although there are other potential consequences of translocation that need to be considered prior to its implementation.

A construção de Usinas Hidrelétricas (UHE) altera o regime hídrico natural do rio através da transformação de um ambiente lótico para lêntico (reservatório), podendo prejudicar o movimento dos peixes migradores. Portanto, o conhecimento dos movimentos e distribuição destes organismos em reservatórios é importante para o manejo de peixes migradores. Entretanto, não existem estudos que avaliem as diferenças sazonais nos deslocamentos e distribuição de peixes migradores neotropicais em pequenos reservatórios. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar os padrões de deslocamento e distribuição, bem como a relação com as variáveis ambientais e biométricas de Salminus brasiliensis usando a biotelemetria. O estudo foi desenvolvido entre janeiro e dezembro de 2012, na barragem Monjolinho (UHE Monjolinho), rio Passo Fundo (tributário do alto rio Uruguai, Brasil). Os indivíduos foram capturados, marcados a jusante e soltos a 900 metros a montante do eixo da barragem. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente através de rastreamentos móveis realizados de barco. Estações fixas (uma a jusante e outra a montante do reservatório) detectavam os sinais dos peixes marcados com os transmissores individualmente codificados. Mais da metade dos peixes (N = 15) conseguiram se deslocar para montante do reservatório. Dois indivíduos realizaram movimento descendente, 10 meses pós-soltura. Um indivíduo apresentou velocidade máxima de 2,4 km/h. Os maiores deslocamentos foram na época da atividade reprodutiva, entretanto os deslocamentos não mostraram um padrão claramente sazonal. A distribuição e área de vida apresentaram um padrão sazonal: no verão e primavera os indivíduos localizavam-se em ambientes distantes da barragem, no outono e inverno os indivíduos localizavam-se em trechos mais próximos da barragem. Os deslocamentos e a área de vida linear apresentaram forte relação com a vazão e precipitação. A distribuição foi influenciada pela temperatura, vazão, precipitação e nível de água. O monitoramento pela biotelemetria para espécies migradoras ameaçadas pela construção de hidrelétricas pode ser considerado em futuros esforços de conservação, como, por exemplo, nas indicações de áreas prioritárias para a fiscalização intensiva da pesca dos peixes migradores de alto valor comercial em reservatórios neotropicais. / The construction of hydropower plants (UHE) alters the natural flow dynamics of rivers by transforming them from lontic to lentic environments (reservoirs), and by hampering the movement of migratory fishes. Therefore, knowing the movements and distribution of organisms in reservoirs is important for the management of migratory fish species. However, there are no studies evaluating differences in seasonal movements and distribution of neotropical migratory fishes in small reservoirs. This study aimed to characterize the displacement and distribution patterns, and their relations with environmental variables of Salminus brasiliensis using biotelemetry. The study was conducted between January and December 2012, at Monjolinho Dam (UHE Monjolinho), in the Passo Fundo river (tributary of the upper Uruguay river). Individual fishes were captured and marked downstream from the Monjolinho dam and released 900 meters upstream of dam axis. Data were monthly collected by mobile tracking from a small boat. Fixed stations (one downstream the dam and other at upstream from the upper reservoir) detected signals from fish marked with individually encoded transmitters. More than half fishes (N = 15) were able to move upstream the reservoir. Two individuals were detected downstream the dam 10 months after released. One individual had maximum speed of 2.4 km /h (64.8 km/day). The largest displacements were in the period of reproductive activity, but movements did not show a clear seasonal pattern. Distribution in the reservoir and linear home range showed a seasonal pattern: in summer and spring individuals were located far from the dam, while in fall and winter they were located close to the dam. The displacement and linear home range showed a strong relationship with inflow and precipitation. The distribution was influenced by temperature, inflow, precipitation and water level. Biotelemetry monitoring of migratory species that are threatened by hydropower plants can be considered in future conservation efforts, for example, to assess priority areas for intensive monitoring of the fishing of migratory species.

Aspectos da ecologia populacional do tuco-tuco-das-dunas (Ctenomys flamarioni) foram estudados na região costeira da Estação Ecológica do Taim, com o objetivo de determinar características ecológicas, como a estrutura populacional e o tamanho e a forma da área de vida (home-range), utilizando a radiotelemetria numa população de Ctenomys flamarioni. O estudo foi desenvolvido entre dezembro de 2011 a março de 2013, foram realizadas 06 campanhas a cada trimestre de acordo com as estações sazonais com duração de quatro dias consecutivos. A extensão da área de estudo definida abrangeu uma área de 6 ha. O tamanho da área de vida foi calculado pelo software Biotas 2.0, utilizando o estimador de Kernel (95%) e o estimador MCP (100%). Foram capturados 56 indivíduos de Ctenomys flamarioni, 18 machos e 38 fêmeas. Foram realizadas 59 recapturas. A estimativa do tamanho populacional indicou uma pequena oscilação na taxa populacional entre as campanhas de amostragens sazonais. O valor da densidade demográfica média encontrada foi de 3,92 ± 0,5 indivíduos por hectare. No estudo de rádio-telemetria obteve-se 169 localizações dos indivíduos monitorados. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram uma nítida diferença entre estes dois métodos. O tamanho médio de área da vida obtido em Kernel (95%) foi de 1.860,3 m2 ± 832,0 para as fêmeas e 2.168,3 m2 ± 2.597,5 para os machos. Já os resultados obtidos pelo método MCP foram de 707,1 m2 ± 230,1 nos para as fêmeas e 3.334,5 m2 ± 2.632,1 para os indivíduos machos. A utilização da ferramenta de rádio-telemetria se mostrou uma grande aliada para responder algumas questões encontradas no programa de marcação e recaptura, como a taxa de deslocamento, aspectos comportamentais e mortalidade. / I studied aspects of population ecology of the Tuco-tuco of the dunes (Ctenomys flamarioni), such as population structure and home-range size and shape, in the coastal region of the Taim Ecological Station. The study was conducted from December 2011 to March 2013, in six campaigns of four consecutive days. Sampling was stratified along the annual seasons. My study site comprised a strip of sand dunes of 500 X 120 meters, totaling an area of 6 ha. I captured 56 individuals of Ctenomys flamarioni, 18 males and 38 females, and registered 59 recapture events. Population size estimates indicated short term population oscillations between seasons, but a long term equilibrium, with population sizes similar at the beginning and at the end of my study. The average population density was 3.92 ± 0.5 individuals per hectare. Using radio-telemetry, I obtained 169 locations. The results showed a clear difference between the two methods used to estimate home-range. The average home-range obtained with Kernel (95%) was 1860.3 ± 832.0 m2 for females and 2168.3 ± 2597.5 m2 for males. Home-ranges estimated by the MCP were 707.1 ± 230.1 m2 for females and 3334.5 ± 2632.1 m2 for males. The use of radio telemetry proved to be a great ally to answer some questions raised with mark-recapture analyses, such as, the rate of displacement, mortality and behavioral aspects.

A construção de Usinas Hidrelétricas (UHE) altera o regime hídrico natural do rio através da transformação de um ambiente lótico para lêntico (reservatório), podendo prejudicar o movimento dos peixes migradores. Portanto, o conhecimento dos movimentos e distribuição destes organismos em reservatórios é importante para o manejo de peixes migradores. Entretanto, não existem estudos que avaliem as diferenças sazonais nos deslocamentos e distribuição de peixes migradores neotropicais em pequenos reservatórios. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar os padrões de deslocamento e distribuição, bem como a relação com as variáveis ambientais e biométricas de Salminus brasiliensis usando a biotelemetria. O estudo foi desenvolvido entre janeiro e dezembro de 2012, na barragem Monjolinho (UHE Monjolinho), rio Passo Fundo (tributário do alto rio Uruguai, Brasil). Os indivíduos foram capturados, marcados a jusante e soltos a 900 metros a montante do eixo da barragem. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente através de rastreamentos móveis realizados de barco. Estações fixas (uma a jusante e outra a montante do reservatório) detectavam os sinais dos peixes marcados com os transmissores individualmente codificados. Mais da metade dos peixes (N = 15) conseguiram se deslocar para montante do reservatório. Dois indivíduos realizaram movimento descendente, 10 meses pós-soltura. Um indivíduo apresentou velocidade máxima de 2,4 km/h. Os maiores deslocamentos foram na época da atividade reprodutiva, entretanto os deslocamentos não mostraram um padrão claramente sazonal. A distribuição e área de vida apresentaram um padrão sazonal: no verão e primavera os indivíduos localizavam-se em ambientes distantes da barragem, no outono e inverno os indivíduos localizavam-se em trechos mais próximos da barragem. Os deslocamentos e a área de vida linear apresentaram forte relação com a vazão e precipitação. A distribuição foi influenciada pela temperatura, vazão, precipitação e nível de água. O monitoramento pela biotelemetria para espécies migradoras ameaçadas pela construção de hidrelétricas pode ser considerado em futuros esforços de conservação, como, por exemplo, nas indicações de áreas prioritárias para a fiscalização intensiva da pesca dos peixes migradores de alto valor comercial em reservatórios neotropicais. / The construction of hydropower plants (UHE) alters the natural flow dynamics of rivers by transforming them from lontic to lentic environments (reservoirs), and by hampering the movement of migratory fishes. Therefore, knowing the movements and distribution of organisms in reservoirs is important for the management of migratory fish species. However, there are no studies evaluating differences in seasonal movements and distribution of neotropical migratory fishes in small reservoirs. This study aimed to characterize the displacement and distribution patterns, and their relations with environmental variables of Salminus brasiliensis using biotelemetry. The study was conducted between January and December 2012, at Monjolinho Dam (UHE Monjolinho), in the Passo Fundo river (tributary of the upper Uruguay river). Individual fishes were captured and marked downstream from the Monjolinho dam and released 900 meters upstream of dam axis. Data were monthly collected by mobile tracking from a small boat. Fixed stations (one downstream the dam and other at upstream from the upper reservoir) detected signals from fish marked with individually encoded transmitters. More than half fishes (N = 15) were able to move upstream the reservoir. Two individuals were detected downstream the dam 10 months after released. One individual had maximum speed of 2.4 km /h (64.8 km/day). The largest displacements were in the period of reproductive activity, but movements did not show a clear seasonal pattern. Distribution in the reservoir and linear home range showed a seasonal pattern: in summer and spring individuals were located far from the dam, while in fall and winter they were located close to the dam. The displacement and linear home range showed a strong relationship with inflow and precipitation. The distribution was influenced by temperature, inflow, precipitation and water level. Biotelemetry monitoring of migratory species that are threatened by hydropower plants can be considered in future conservation efforts, for example, to assess priority areas for intensive monitoring of the fishing of migratory species.

Aspectos da ecologia populacional do tuco-tuco-das-dunas (Ctenomys flamarioni) foram estudados na região costeira da Estação Ecológica do Taim, com o objetivo de determinar características ecológicas, como a estrutura populacional e o tamanho e a forma da área de vida (home-range), utilizando a radiotelemetria numa população de Ctenomys flamarioni. O estudo foi desenvolvido entre dezembro de 2011 a março de 2013, foram realizadas 06 campanhas a cada trimestre de acordo com as estações sazonais com duração de quatro dias consecutivos. A extensão da área de estudo definida abrangeu uma área de 6 ha. O tamanho da área de vida foi calculado pelo software Biotas 2.0, utilizando o estimador de Kernel (95%) e o estimador MCP (100%). Foram capturados 56 indivíduos de Ctenomys flamarioni, 18 machos e 38 fêmeas. Foram realizadas 59 recapturas. A estimativa do tamanho populacional indicou uma pequena oscilação na taxa populacional entre as campanhas de amostragens sazonais. O valor da densidade demográfica média encontrada foi de 3,92 ± 0,5 indivíduos por hectare. No estudo de rádio-telemetria obteve-se 169 localizações dos indivíduos monitorados. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram uma nítida diferença entre estes dois métodos. O tamanho médio de área da vida obtido em Kernel (95%) foi de 1.860,3 m2 ± 832,0 para as fêmeas e 2.168,3 m2 ± 2.597,5 para os machos. Já os resultados obtidos pelo método MCP foram de 707,1 m2 ± 230,1 nos para as fêmeas e 3.334,5 m2 ± 2.632,1 para os indivíduos machos. A utilização da ferramenta de rádio-telemetria se mostrou uma grande aliada para responder algumas questões encontradas no programa de marcação e recaptura, como a taxa de deslocamento, aspectos comportamentais e mortalidade. / I studied aspects of population ecology of the Tuco-tuco of the dunes (Ctenomys flamarioni), such as population structure and home-range size and shape, in the coastal region of the Taim Ecological Station. The study was conducted from December 2011 to March 2013, in six campaigns of four consecutive days. Sampling was stratified along the annual seasons. My study site comprised a strip of sand dunes of 500 X 120 meters, totaling an area of 6 ha. I captured 56 individuals of Ctenomys flamarioni, 18 males and 38 females, and registered 59 recapture events. Population size estimates indicated short term population oscillations between seasons, but a long term equilibrium, with population sizes similar at the beginning and at the end of my study. The average population density was 3.92 ± 0.5 individuals per hectare. Using radio-telemetry, I obtained 169 locations. The results showed a clear difference between the two methods used to estimate home-range. The average home-range obtained with Kernel (95%) was 1860.3 ± 832.0 m2 for females and 2168.3 ± 2597.5 m2 for males. Home-ranges estimated by the MCP were 707.1 ± 230.1 m2 for females and 3334.5 ± 2632.1 m2 for males. The use of radio telemetry proved to be a great ally to answer some questions raised with mark-recapture analyses, such as, the rate of displacement, mortality and behavioral aspects.

A construção de Usinas Hidrelétricas (UHE) altera o regime hídrico natural do rio através da transformação de um ambiente lótico para lêntico (reservatório), podendo prejudicar o movimento dos peixes migradores. Portanto, o conhecimento dos movimentos e distribuição destes organismos em reservatórios é importante para o manejo de peixes migradores. Entretanto, não existem estudos que avaliem as diferenças sazonais nos deslocamentos e distribuição de peixes migradores neotropicais em pequenos reservatórios. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar os padrões de deslocamento e distribuição, bem como a relação com as variáveis ambientais e biométricas de Salminus brasiliensis usando a biotelemetria. O estudo foi desenvolvido entre janeiro e dezembro de 2012, na barragem Monjolinho (UHE Monjolinho), rio Passo Fundo (tributário do alto rio Uruguai, Brasil). Os indivíduos foram capturados, marcados a jusante e soltos a 900 metros a montante do eixo da barragem. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente através de rastreamentos móveis realizados de barco. Estações fixas (uma a jusante e outra a montante do reservatório) detectavam os sinais dos peixes marcados com os transmissores individualmente codificados. Mais da metade dos peixes (N = 15) conseguiram se deslocar para montante do reservatório. Dois indivíduos realizaram movimento descendente, 10 meses pós-soltura. Um indivíduo apresentou velocidade máxima de 2,4 km/h. Os maiores deslocamentos foram na época da atividade reprodutiva, entretanto os deslocamentos não mostraram um padrão claramente sazonal. A distribuição e área de vida apresentaram um padrão sazonal: no verão e primavera os indivíduos localizavam-se em ambientes distantes da barragem, no outono e inverno os indivíduos localizavam-se em trechos mais próximos da barragem. Os deslocamentos e a área de vida linear apresentaram forte relação com a vazão e precipitação. A distribuição foi influenciada pela temperatura, vazão, precipitação e nível de água. O monitoramento pela biotelemetria para espécies migradoras ameaçadas pela construção de hidrelétricas pode ser considerado em futuros esforços de conservação, como, por exemplo, nas indicações de áreas prioritárias para a fiscalização intensiva da pesca dos peixes migradores de alto valor comercial em reservatórios neotropicais. / The construction of hydropower plants (UHE) alters the natural flow dynamics of rivers by transforming them from lontic to lentic environments (reservoirs), and by hampering the movement of migratory fishes. Therefore, knowing the movements and distribution of organisms in reservoirs is important for the management of migratory fish species. However, there are no studies evaluating differences in seasonal movements and distribution of neotropical migratory fishes in small reservoirs. This study aimed to characterize the displacement and distribution patterns, and their relations with environmental variables of Salminus brasiliensis using biotelemetry. The study was conducted between January and December 2012, at Monjolinho Dam (UHE Monjolinho), in the Passo Fundo river (tributary of the upper Uruguay river). Individual fishes were captured and marked downstream from the Monjolinho dam and released 900 meters upstream of dam axis. Data were monthly collected by mobile tracking from a small boat. Fixed stations (one downstream the dam and other at upstream from the upper reservoir) detected signals from fish marked with individually encoded transmitters. More than half fishes (N = 15) were able to move upstream the reservoir. Two individuals were detected downstream the dam 10 months after released. One individual had maximum speed of 2.4 km /h (64.8 km/day). The largest displacements were in the period of reproductive activity, but movements did not show a clear seasonal pattern. Distribution in the reservoir and linear home range showed a seasonal pattern: in summer and spring individuals were located far from the dam, while in fall and winter they were located close to the dam. The displacement and linear home range showed a strong relationship with inflow and precipitation. The distribution was influenced by temperature, inflow, precipitation and water level. Biotelemetry monitoring of migratory species that are threatened by hydropower plants can be considered in future conservation efforts, for example, to assess priority areas for intensive monitoring of the fishing of migratory species.