Biology ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-11-2024

Abstract

Studying activity patterns of animals can provide vital information about how different species react to environmental changes, yet camera trap studies typically neglect the temporal aspect of the data. Using a 10-year camera trap dataset on Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, NM, we explored daily activity patterns when visiting water of five large mammal species. The species of study were mule deer, pronghorn, elk, oryx, and coyote. All species showed significant variability in activity patterns from site to site across the refuge. Within a site, differences in activity across years and seasons were less pronounced. Mule deer and coyote showed very dynamic activity patterns while pronghorn temporal activity was much more rigid. Behavioral rigidity may be maladaptive with sudden environmental changes brought on by climate change in the coming years. Land managers may need to take steps to assist species that struggle with environmental changes due to their rigid behavior.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Scott Collins

Second Committee Member

Alesia Hallmark

Third Committee Member

Lisa Barrow

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