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Published 29 September 2023
© 2023 Wildlife Ecology Institute
https://doi.org/10.59438/VSXF6852
© 2023 Wildlife Ecology Institute
https://doi.org/10.59438/VSXF6852
INTRODUCTION
Furbearers are a group of wildlife species that ranges across taxonomic classification, including marsupials and rodents, but the group is comprised primarily of carnivores. Life history varies widely, including species of herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores; species that are promiscuous breeders compared to species with well-developed social structure; and mean life span (MLS) ranging from a rodent with MLS of <1 year to large carnivores which have MLS >20 years. Many species of furbearers are managed for harvest primarily for valuable furs, but also other reasons (e.g., food), and some are not harvested, but rather managed as threatened or endangered species.
In this chapter, we review principles of population ecology, concentrating on common models that have been the foundation of understanding population dynamics and that have potential to contribute to population management. Although the basic models of population dynamics will have to be modified or expanded to capture the variation in life history of this diverse group of wildlife, modeling changes in population size can assist managers with selecting appropriate management actions. Our review is not exhaustive, although as much as possible we have used examples that highlight population dynamics of furbearers. In the interest of brevity, in some cases we refer the reader to basic texts such as Rockwood (2006) and Gotelli (2009), or more detailed references such as Williams et al. (2002). With respect to application of basic ecology to wildlife management, our context is the framework described as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (Organ et al. 2012, Batcheller and Organ 2024 [Chapter 3]). However, it should be noted that traditional ecological knowledge (Berkes et al. 2000, Voirin et al. 2024 [Chapter 4]) has an important influence on management practices in North America, particularly Canada, and elsewhere in the world.
Furbearers are a group of wildlife species that ranges across taxonomic classification, including marsupials and rodents, but the group is comprised primarily of carnivores. Life history varies widely, including species of herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores; species that are promiscuous breeders compared to species with well-developed social structure; and mean life span (MLS) ranging from a rodent with MLS of <1 year to large carnivores which have MLS >20 years. Many species of furbearers are managed for harvest primarily for valuable furs, but also other reasons (e.g., food), and some are not harvested, but rather managed as threatened or endangered species.
In this chapter, we review principles of population ecology, concentrating on common models that have been the foundation of understanding population dynamics and that have potential to contribute to population management. Although the basic models of population dynamics will have to be modified or expanded to capture the variation in life history of this diverse group of wildlife, modeling changes in population size can assist managers with selecting appropriate management actions. Our review is not exhaustive, although as much as possible we have used examples that highlight population dynamics of furbearers. In the interest of brevity, in some cases we refer the reader to basic texts such as Rockwood (2006) and Gotelli (2009), or more detailed references such as Williams et al. (2002). With respect to application of basic ecology to wildlife management, our context is the framework described as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (Organ et al. 2012, Batcheller and Organ 2024 [Chapter 3]). However, it should be noted that traditional ecological knowledge (Berkes et al. 2000, Voirin et al. 2024 [Chapter 4]) has an important influence on management practices in North America, particularly Canada, and elsewhere in the world.
Citation:
Clark, W. R., and L. A. Powell. 2023. Population ecology of furbearers. Pages 5.1–5.17 in T. L. Hiller, R. D. Applegate, R. D. Bluett, S. N. Frey, E. M. Gese, and J. F. Organ, editors. Wild furbearer management and conservation in North America. Wildlife Ecology Institute, Helena, Montana, USA. https://doi.org/10.59438/VSXF6852
Citation:
Clark, W. R., and L. A. Powell. 2023. Population ecology of furbearers. Pages 5.1–5.17 in T. L. Hiller, R. D. Applegate, R. D. Bluett, S. N. Frey, E. M. Gese, and J. F. Organ, editors. Wild furbearer management and conservation in North America. Wildlife Ecology Institute, Helena, Montana, USA. https://doi.org/10.59438/VSXF6852
Copyright 2024 Wildlife Ecology Institute