PS 35-257 - CANCELLED - Describing marten (Martes caurina) activity patterns using accelerometers and remote cameras

Abstract: Background &

Methods:
Studying species’ activity patterns (diurnal, crepuscular) is key to understanding ecological and evolutionary processes, such as habitat use and species interactions. Collecting activity data for elusive or rare species is difficult, often with studies lacking appropriate sample sizes or being unable to correlate findings with individual fitness. We deployed micro-GPS collars fitted with activity sensors (accelerometers) on adult Pacific Martens (Martes caurina) in Lassen National Forest, California (n = 6 females, 11 males, 2010-2013) and Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (n = 1 female, 3 males, 2015). Accelerometers collected an index of activity every 2 minutes, providing consistent and continuous activity data. We evaluated individual activity types in relation to season (snowfree, snow) and sex.

Results &

Conclusions:
Martens were poly-phasic and active for relatively short periods of time followed by rest. Nonetheless, martens were often active during periods that best matched available prey, especially in Lassen during snow-on periods. We posit adults may forage most during peak prey activity (e.g., diurnal in summer maximizing ground squirrel overlap) and subordinate animals (juveniles, subadults) may offset activity times to avoid dominant individuals. We further compared patterns with extensive remote camera data and found accelerometer-derived patterns were not well represented in remote camera data. Although the relatively short battery life of micro-GPS collars currently presents some limitations, our data suggest that accelerometers are a promising research tool that can provide valuable insights into animal activity and ecology.