Microscale and landscape-level human disturbance affects wildlife nocturnality
H.A. Merrill, H.N. Sherbert, C.H. Smith, E.K. Prince, E.A. McDonald
Increased nocturnal activity by wildlife taxa in response to human disturbance is an increasingly well-documented phenomenon; however, identifying the causes of these changes, and whether these causes vary at different spatial scales, is less well studied. Because human activity is so widespread, it is important to understand how wildlife species alter their behavior in response to different types and intensities of human disturbance. We examined the impacts of such disturbances on mammal activity patterns at the micro scale within five sites in Upstate South Carolina using camera traps. In addition, we used GIS to analyze larger, landscape-scale disturbances at 3 km from our camera trap sites to develop models and identify predictors of increased nocturnality. Significant increases in nocturnal behavior were detected for all taxa observed as well as for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and raccoons (Procyon lotor). At the micro scale, open habitats, increased human presence, and proximity to man-made structures and surfaces predicted increased nocturnality. However, at the 3 km landscape scale, increased road density, more agricultural land, and higher concentrations of low-level human developments predicted increased nocturnality. In an environment that humans will continue to disturb, understanding how anthropogenic perturbations can affect wildlife behavior at different spatial scales will remain crucial to making informed land management decisions.
Hunter Merrell is a senior biology major from Beaufort in his second year doing faculty-guided research. Hunter received a research grant from the TriBeta Research Scholarship Foundation; he plans on pursuing graduate education and a career in conservation or wildlife management.Haley Sherbert is a junior biology major with a psychology minor. She is planning to attend physical therapy school after finishing at Lander. Haley is a member TriBeta, ESSO, and Rotaract Club.Cayla Smith is currently a junior biology major with minors in chemistry and psychology. She is part of the Rotaract Club and the TriBeta Honor Society. She plans to attend medical school after graduating from Lander.