Fine-scale farming features drive resource selection of a small carnivore of conservation concern

Canadian Journal of Zoology
By: , and 

Metrics

2
Crossref references
Web analytics dashboard Metrics definitions

Links

Abstract

Anthropogenic factors are accelerating species extinction, with small mammalian carnivores among the most affected. These species play vital ecological roles, yet their conservation needs are often overlooked. Our study focused on the plains spotted skunk (Spilogale interrupta (Rafinesque, 1820)), a small carnivore that has experienced population declines. We hypothesized that their resource selection was influenced by factors expected to influence prey availability, protection from predators, and human activity. We tracked 14 plains spotted skunks in east-central South Dakota, USA, over 2 years during spring and summer. Using mixed-effects logistic regression, we identified seasonal habitat associations. In spring, plains spotted skunks selected areas near farming structures and human development, avoiding high wetland density and crop cover. In summer, they continued to select areas near farming structures and low human development, but also high wetland density and pasture, while avoiding hay bales and crop cover. Our first analysis of the species’ resource use in the Great Plains indicates that plains spotted skunks select habitats with permanent small-scale agricultural features and varying levels of human development across seasons. Our findings suggest that species’ persistence in the region may depend on conservation strategies that account for seasonal planning, habitat heterogeneity, and key agricultural structures.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Fine-scale farming features drive resource selection of a small carnivore of conservation concern
Series title Canadian Journal of Zoology
DOI 10.1139/cjz-2024-0096
Volume 103
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Canadian Science Publishing
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 12 p.
First page 1
Last page 12
Additional publication details