Large-scale study finds coyotes are thriving despite pressure from humans and predators

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire surveyed coyotes in multiple different habitats using data from more than 4,500 camera traps and found that human hunting does not reduce populations, but rather reduces reproductive and migration rates. found that the coyote population had increased due to this. Credit: Snapshot US
A study led by the University of New Hampshire reveals how coyotes, North America’s most successful predator, respond to a variety of environmental pressures, including human development, hunting, and competition from large carnivores. . Surprisingly, the results of this study suggest that human hunting may actually be contributing to the increase in coyote numbers.
Remington Mohr, assistant professor of natural resources and environment and lead author, said, “While intensive coyote removal clearly can reduce populations in the short term, removals keep coyote populations young and reduce reproductive rates. “There is also the possibility that the migration rate will increase.”
“In our study, more coyotes were detected where hunting was allowed. This trend occurred over several years, and on average, hunting did not reduce coyote populations, likely in specific areas. This suggests that there may have been a local increase.
The study, published in the journal Ecography, is one of the largest studies of coyote populations to date and explores the complexities that make up coyote populations across a wide range of diverse habitats, from rural to suburban. The mechanics were investigated. The study used data from more than 4,500 cameras installed across the country by the Snapshot US project. The project is a national project that collects wildlife data from a coordinated camera array across the continental United States.
The data were combined with satellite-derived habitat indicators and analyzed using a variety of advanced modeling techniques. This allowed the team to assess the effects of habitat type, competition from large carnivores, hunting habits, and suburban expansion on coyote populations, giving researchers a clearer understanding. It’s done. Describe how coyotes respond to various environmental pressures.
“Our research shows that promoting the recovery of large carnivores, especially in specific habitats, is better than having people directly hunt them,” said Roland Kayes, a research professor in North Carolina State University’s College of Natural Resources and co-author of the study. “This suggests that it is likely to reduce coyote numbers.” -author.
“Using this data, we are now able to map coyotes across the country and provide the first population map of our nation’s most important predator. This effort will help both conservation and coyote management. It may be helpful.”
Coyotes are the continent’s most successful carnivores. Coyotes, which are widespread throughout the eastern United States, come into regular contact with humans. But until now, the factors that influence coyote numbers in suburban, rural, and wild landscapes have remained largely unknown.
Other important findings include that the presence of large carnivores, such as black bears and mountain lions, affected coyote numbers depending on habitat. For example, black bears had stronger limiting effects on coyotes in wooded areas, whereas mountain lions had similar effects in more open environments. Areas with the highest coyote populations were grasslands and agricultural areas that provided abundant prey and cover.
Additionally, the effects of urbanization on coyote populations vary by scale. At a small local scale, urban development tended to decrease coyote numbers due to increased human presence and habitat fragmentation. However, in larger suburbs, coyote populations have flourished, benefiting from fragmented habitat and edges that provide access to both natural and human-altered resources.
The study also highlights that coyote populations vary widely by region across the United States, with particularly high numbers in the southwestern United States and low numbers in the northeast, which is a result of a diverse ecological and reflects the influence of geographic factors.
Other co-authors include Austin Green of the University of Utah Science Research Initiative and Maximilian Allen of the University of Illinois Prairie Institute.
Further information: Remington J. Moll et al., Humans or Predators? Comparing the habitat-dependent effects of hunting and large carnivores on the populations of North America’s top mesocarnivores, Ecography (2024). DOI: 10.1111/ecog.07390
Provided by University of New Hampshire
Citation: Coyotes are thriving despite human and predator pressure, large study finds (November 6, 2024) https://phys.org/news/2024-11-coyotes-human-predator Retrieved November 6, 2024 from -pressures-large.html
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